Daily Motivation--Be Kind to Yourself for a Change

By Althea DeBrule

“How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these.” --George Washington Carver

The word kindness is made up of two syllables—KIND and NESS. KIND means forgiving, warm-hearted, friendly, of a sympathetic or helpful nature, gentle, merciful, and tender. NESS is a suffix that means a state, condition, quality or degree. When the two syllables are combined they result in the following definition: KINDNESS: The quality or state of being warm-hearted, considerate, humane and sympathetic.

Numerous scientific studies have shown that being kind results in significant physical, mental and emotional health benefits:

• It maintains good health and diminishes the effect of disease.
• Endorphins or natural pain-killers are released as well as a physical sensation of euphoria, which leads to improved emotional well-being.
• Stress related problems including depression tend to improve after performing kind acts.
• Self-esteem is enhanced as well as feelings of optimism and happiness.
• The immune system is strengthened and physical pain decreases.
• Wouldn’t you like to reap these physical, mental and emotional benefits? If so, be kind to yourself!
  

How to Be Kind to Yourself

A very dear friend of mine is fond of saying, “A change is as good as a rest.” She does little things to be kind to herself like changing her shoes after a long day at work, putting on a pair of slippers or walking shoes and then starting the next activity with renewed energy and enthusiasm. Imagine my surprise when I decided to give this piece of home-grown wisdom a try. She was right! I began to change my shoes or clothing-- particularly after very intense or stressful activities--and became energized and renewed too!

Doing things differently for a change is as good as a rest. So here are 25 ways you can be kind to yourself, make small changes in your life, and rest in the process:

1. Celebrate your accomplishments and any small successes you achieve this week. Buy a birthday cake, light the candles and have a solo party, even if it’s not your birthday.

2. Don’t overly dwell on your failure moments. We all have them. They make us grow stronger.

3. Learn from them to increase your opportunities for success in the future.

4. Send yourself some flowers, a card, or buy a small inexpensive gift. Don’t forget to wrap the gift. When you unwrap it, express your delight and pleasure vocally as you savor the moment.

5. Each week, plan a special meal. Set the table with your fine linens, good china, stemware and utensils (instead of paper plates, cups, napkins and plastic forks).

6. Take a REAL vacation—you know, the old fashion kind where cell phones, emails, wireless connections, etc. are banned!

7. Pop some popcorn, relax in your favorite chair with your feet up, and watch your favorite TV show or DVD.

8. Take a long relaxing walk. Reflect on the scenery and environment around you. Notice the little things like a blade of grass or the shape of a leaf.

9. Carve out at least 10-15 minutes each day to spend on yourself—any way you choose. Put it on your calendar to ensure that it gets done.

10. Make a cup of herbal or green tea and sit quietly thinking about the fun things you would like to do. Put these ideas on paper and take action.

11. Bring a CD player to work and softly play classical music in the background while you work on reports, presentations or read the volumes of paperwork you receive each day.

12. Get plenty of sleep (whatever amount is appropriate for you).

13. Take a bicycle ride through a field or park.

14. Go to the spa for a manicure, pedicure, or massage.

15. Read for fun—a novel, poetry, short story. Avoid business books or academic treatises.

16. Laugh a lot—especially if you have a hard time doing so. See the good humor in nature—two squirrels fighting over an acorn, a duck as it waddles to a pond, etc.

17. Start writing in a personal journal. Record as many positive thoughts, actions—whatsoever is lovely about you.

18. Re-start your hobbies. Pull out old unfinished projects or just simply start a new one.

19. Get a checkup and physical exam. Implement whatever strategies are needed to promote good health. Take vitamins and other supplements to keep your energy at its most productive level.

20. Get a new haircut or style.

21. Organize your closet or drawers. Tackle a sock or lingerie drawer; hold a tag sale, or donate your materials, furniture, and clothes that are in good condition.

22. Take a different route to work. Take yourself off auto-pilot and watch the cars and people around you.

23. Build a new relationship with a co-worker, acquaintance or someone who shares your interests.

24. Go all out to do something kind and compassionate for yourself. Respect yourself. Refuse to berate, put-down or belittle yourself.

25. Forgive yourself. Accept the fact that you are not perfect. Choose to move forward instead of remaining stuck in the past or replaying a mistake you made over and over again in your mind.

Have some fun with this. There are many more things you can do to be kind to yourself. Make your own list and when you complete every item on it, start a new one. The point is that you must plan to do something kind for yourself, and then stick to that plan. Our lives are much too busy these days to let it fall to chance or when you get around to it. You never will, you know. In any event, enjoy the items on this list and begin to experience better health and increased vitality. Being kind to yourself will ultimately result in your being kind to others.

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Althea DeBrule, entrepreneur and seasoned human resources executive, has focused for more than 30 years on helping people achieve their career goals. Creator of The Extreme-Career-Makeover™ and a founding partner of RADSGroup Organizational Consultants, she is recognized for her bottom line and practical application of career development and management strategies in a way that penetrates hearts and compels action. She speaks and teaches with inspired talent, humor and contagious zeal at management conferences and leadership retreats nationwide, and has been featured in CFO Magazine, Strategy@Work, Human Resource Executive Magazine. Althea is the author of Bosses & Orchards, a compelling and candid book about how to make your work relationship with your boss succeed. To discover how you can take your career to a new level, visit http://www.extreme-career-makeover.com/

A Lesson in Plants

My brother gave me some bamboo from a trip to L.A. a few years ago. Two moves later and we still have the bamboo. However, it still hasn't grown very much. I've always been told that when a plant's leaves start to yellow, you should trim them off because it affects the growth of the plant. Well, in all these years I hardly trimmed the yellow leaves off. I thought that if I cut off the leaves, I would hurt the plant in some way.

Today I finally trimmed the yellow leaves off. To me it symbolized the act of finally letting go of the past and the people in my life that have passed. As soon as I was done I felt a small weight release from my shoulders. I'm finally ready to move on with life. It's time for the leaves to grow...

We can't dwell on the past. I didn't realize until recently just how much I think about what happened to my mother and all the what if's that I kept asking. What if she still was alive? What if all my grandparents were still here? It's ok to be sad over people who have passed on, but know that EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON. I've realized that there is no reason to be sad because I will be seeing all of them again someday. They just went away for awhile....now resting in peace.

Abundant Blessings by Barbara Shanahan

What have you been thankful for lately?

Out walking the dog this morning I was feeling sorry for myself. It seems it has been a season on being unwell. "What am I thankful for this morning?" is part of my usual morning musings as we walk. "I am thankful that I do not usually have all these health problems! I am thankful that because I am normally healthy and pain free this seems bad but it is a short-term problem - many deal with much worse on a daily basis. I am thankful that there are researchers and scientists that have dedicated their lives to developing medications and treatments for so many different ailments.

The sky is blue and the sun is warming the earth where a couple of weeks ago the excessive rain caused flooding and heartache. Now the area is greener than green and the scent of flowers blooming and freshly mowed lawns fills my head with warm summer memories.

As my exuberant dog tugs on his leash I am grateful for his not-so- gentle urging to get out and walk. Without him I could have, and likely would have, curled up on the couch with my book or newspaper. But, due to his yearning big brown eyes we are out on this glorious summer morning receiving smiles and waves from neighbours as they start off on their daily pilgrimage to work. We hear the morning songs of the birds as they busily flit overhead. The squirrels chatter and teasingly scamper up and down trees and run along the overhead wires. A couple of rabbits hop along a safe distance ahead checking over their shoulders occasionally to see whether we have given chase. The air is still cool and crisp but has the promise of warmth in every breath. So much to be thankful for.

Gratitude is miraculously infectious. The more you think about it the grander it becomes. The more you recognize the things you are thankful for the more thankful you become for the things you have.

Challenge yourself today to list ten things you are especially grateful for. Share your list with others, especially if they are on your list of gratitudes! Imagine if we were all able to change our focus daily from what we don't want, to being thankful for what we have and are working toward... Think of the potential.

By living in gratitude and joy everyday you will inspire others.

What have you been thankful for lately?

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Barb Shanahan is a Registered Nurse and Personal Life Coach Her passion is working with women who are seeking balance between their work and personal lives, and who have a desire to find and fulfill their spiritual life purpose. Sign up for one of her free teleseminars or find out more about Her Activate Your Inner Coach program at YourBestLife@shaw.ca

A Lesson Learned From Oprah

On Oprah's show today, Tracey Gold talked about her drunk driving experience. Towards the end of the interview, Oprah said something that really hit home. We all have our issues in life. It starts off as a whisper and we push it away. It comes back in another form, but yet we still push it away. We ignore it until something major or even catastrophic happens which finally wakes us up to reality. For Tracey, it was the need to satisfy everybody else except herself. She didn't listen to her inner voice telling her not to drive when her husband insisted that she drive.

In my life I've had issues of cheating boyfriends. My ex-boyfriend cheated on me left and right. I saw signs of it, but chose to ignore them. I didn't think that I could find anybody better. My self-esteem and self-worth were at an all time low. I stayed with him even after finding him in bed with another woman! The last straw was when I overheard him talking to another and telling her that I meant nothing to him. I finally had my wakeup call.

So now I have this issue with trust in my current relationship. Ultimately I'm working towards putting all my trust in the Universe and letting Him handle the situation. There's absolutely nothing I could say or do to change my boyfriend's path in life. He has his own issues and tests to live out. I feel very empowered knowing that whether or not I choose to stay, I'll be ok. Love will always be in my life.

Seven Tips on Budget Decorating

Today I want to share an article I wrote awhile back which has been published in a Las Vegas decorating magazine as well as several websites across the internet. Enjoy! Who knew I'd ever become a published author??

Seven Tips on Budget Decorating

Decorating on a budget is the ultimate adventure in decorating. It requires a little bit of planning, creativity, and patience. If you are like me, sometimes you wish you could be a genie and wiggle your nose and **poof** it's done. However, that takes away from all the fun! Follow these tips and you'll have a home that looks like a page out of your favorite magazine!

Tip #1: Visit Furniture Showrooms
Make notes of styles of furniture you like. Also, take note of colors and fabrics that create a "warm" feeling inside of you. By visiting showrooms you can get an idea of the new trends and styles.

Tip #2: Browse Through Decorating Magazines
Magazines are a source of inspirational ideas. Create a scrapbook of magazine clippings and refer to your book when shopping for your home.

Tip #3: Shop Second-Hand Stores
One person's trash is another person's treasure can never be so true. One place to look is the classifieds in your local newspaper. I have found great deals on furniture in thrift stores and auctions. Don't worry if an item is not in the best of shape. A coat of paint will work wonders for some furniture. Slipcovers can update an old couch or chair.

Tip #4: Color! Color! Color!
To create a dramatic, inexpensive change to your home, paint the walls a new color or buy new curtains. Keep in mind the moods that colors can create.

Tip #5: Create Your Own Art
For me, one of the best parts of decorating is creating my own original works of art to hang on the walls. It could be as simple as collecting leaves when they have turned colors and creating a picture collage. A nice frame makes any work of art look classy. Take a drawing, photography or painting class at your local community college. Gain inspiration by browsing through art books at your local library or bookstore. If you're into black and white photos, but do not want to pay the high price for this type of art, buy a book or calendar of your favorite photographer and frame the pictures.

Tip #6: Shop Discount Stores
Thank God for discount stores! This place will save you a ton of money on accessories. You will find little treasures such as candle holders, candles, potpourri, and knick knacks for very little money. Who will ever know?

Tip #7: Be Patient!
Take your time and shop during sales. Remember, Rome was not built in a day!

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Visit my website to read more articles on home decorating!

Do you have a dream?

If you could do anything today, what would you be doing? If you're not doing what you love right now, why not? I can already hear your excuses - "My job takes up alot of my time." "I can't make any money doing what I want to do." "I have great benefits at my job." "I have to wait for such and such to happen."

You stay with your current job, yet look at your watch every ten minutes just waiting for the small hand to hit five. Is this the way you want to live your life until it's time to retire?

Proclaim your dream to God and He will create the path for you to live out your dream. Five years ago I would have never guessed that I would have my own art & jewelry business as well as a real estate business. When you're doing what you are passionate about and helping other people in the process, it won't feel like work. You are on this journey called life and fulfilling your purpose. Focus on what you love and the money will come. Don't focus on your bills and how they'll be paid. Just know that you have a Partner taking care of all your needs every step of the way.

It's a hard step to take. If not now, when?

Barbara Lewis on her annual journey to Ghana West Africa to the Osu Children’s Orphanage….

This will be my fourth journey to Ghana, Africa taking needed supplies to the Osu Children’s Orphanage. The number of children has increased to 150 ages 0 to teens. Sad to say Papa Joe has died from HIV last year. He was 9 yrs of age. The other children are doing fairly well.

This year donations are scarce on monetary and supplies for the orphanage. This is such a worthy annual project for the children. I’m making another plea for your support for the Osu Children’s Orphanage. I’m a full pledge non-profit organization 501 3c. All monetary donations are tax-deductible. There are 50 babies from 0 to 2 years badly needing Lactose milk which is very expensive in Africa. If you know of a pharmacy that would donate vitamins to the children, let me know. The playground equipment needs to be replaced. The children are in need of soccer balls and jump ropes. There are well over 100 children sharing maybe 6 soccer balls. I was there – I saw the need at the orphanage. These children truly need our support.

I’m making a mercy plea for your help in this Mission endeavor. When a person is willing to travel halfway around the world taking needed supplies to the children in Africa, we should make a conscious effort to give support to that person or persons going. I’m asking you to give up one or two days lunch or entertainment for this worthy project. I’m challenging my church New Creation to sacrifice. Sacrifice to this worthy mission to the children’s home. I’m only one person doing a small part. With the help and support of a community, we can make a difference. I ask for your prayers and good wishes for a safe trip to and from Mother Africa.

Time is of the essence. I leave next Thurs., July 21st. Contact Barb @ 619-263-5490 or email: bbcjb41@pacbell.net
http://www.lifetracks.org

Things that I'm thankful for...

Five things that I'm thankful for today:

*Relaxing lunch by the pond

*Thoughts of peace and tranquility

*A roof over my head

*The love that grows stronger between me and Cory

*Freedom from the shackles of society

View more of my paintings

Life Begins Now

We’ve all heard that saying, “Patience is a virtue”. I just recently noticed how impatient I used to be when I was younger. I literally lived by the clock. I had my day planned out hour by hour. I had to. With a full time job and going to school full time, I never had time for anything else. And I was busy chasing a dream…

Now I don’t believe in living by the clock. It took a long time for me to get to this point. In an age where most people are in a rush to get somewhere, I may be considered too laid back, or even “abnormal”. And so I wonder, how has most of society become so impatient? Some people over schedule themselves and then there are people who are just simply impatient. Then there are people who are in a rush to get to the life that they have dreamed of. They won’t be happy until such and such happens. Having “the good life” is contingent upon our dreams being fulfilled. I used to be that person…

What some of us don’t realize is that life begins now. The life that we dream of living is already in the making. It is now. Somehow we get caught up in what is missing in our lives. There is usually one aspect of our lives that we don’t particularly care for. Whether it be your job, where you live, or your mate, we wish things could be different. It may be that you are in that particular situation because it is preparation for the next level of life. If you are in a rush to get to that next level, you may be missing something that is happening right now. It’s good to have goals in life and dream of a great future, however, don’t get so caught up in the dream that you lose the opportunity now to make memories for the future.

Here are some exercises to use when you feel that you are not living in the “now”:

Close your eyes and take three deep, long breaths. Focus on freeing your mind of any thoughts. If a thought comes to mind, imagine yourself blowing the thought away and it disappearing like a puff of smoke. When you open your eyes you’ll feel more relaxed and able to focus.

Another exercise is to be used whenever you are in line at the grocery store, bank, or wherever. When you feel yourself starting to become impatient, stop and look around you. Usually there’s someone with a baby or small child in front or back of you. Just imagine yourself as that child who is just living in the moment – taking in all the surroundings and happy to just be.

You should spend no more than 20 minutes a day thinking about your future, and you should never dwell on the past. Take your life back and enjoy what it has to offer now. Life begins now…