Monday, November 29, 2010

Managing Stress and Enjoying the Christmas Season

If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there'd be a shortage of fishing poles.  -Doug Larson

Well, here we are in what may be the most stressful season of the year.  Christmas is a wonderful time of year, and I know from personal experience that I used to dread the coming of the season due to the stress it somehow creates.  This stress stems from everything that happens this time of year from trying to attend all of the Christmas parties, family gatherings, shopping, and having to handle the crowds and traffic around town.  Part of the challenge involves somehow being able to actually stop and enjoy the season without feeling overwhelmed and burdened.  If I didn’t think this was possible I wouldn’t be writing this blog.   

Try these strategies for handling stress during the Christmas season:
  • Limit the amount of time spent with problem relatives.  If you have a relative who seems to go out of his / her way to create a scene around the family Christmas visit, then begin planning how to manage the situation.  Resolve that you will not be drawn into an argument, debate, or whatever else this person typically brings up.  Decide to be the bigger person and take the high road.  Someone has to act like a mature adult; be that person. 
  • Don’t wait until December 23rd to do all of your shopping.  I know that I said in my last blog that we do well to limit how much we spend this year, and I am standing by that.  Try streamlining your gift list, resolve to spend less on those you do buy for, and get busy.  We have less than a month to get all this done.
  • Get creative in your gift-giving.  A couple of years ago Andrea and I decided to do something different for all of our extended family for Christmas.  We made a list of who would get a gift, and we then made everyone on the list a “goodie bag.” The goodie bag contained homemade caramel corn, chocolate covered pretzels, hot chocolate mix, and party mix (this is a combination of chex-mix, pretzels, cheese goldfish, and oyster crackers all seasoned and baked together).  Andrea and I had a wonderful time making the items and the goodie bags were a huge success.  The family raved about the treats and ate them with great relish. 
  • Remember that this is all about giving.  The Christmas season is based the belief that God gave to us a wonderful gift in the coming of Jesus Christ into the world.  We do well to take that spirit with us wherever we go.  It’s not about me or you, but rather Christmas is about sharing with others the spirit of giving, loving, and graciousness.  Be kind, compassionate, patient, and more concerned with giving than getting gifts.  That in itself carries a tremendous reward. 

So, what are you waiting for?  Make the list and get going. 

It’s going to be a great Christmas!  

Friday, November 26, 2010

Managing Diet and Stress During the Holidays

There cannot be a stressful crisis next week. My schedule is already full.  -Henry Kissinger 

Most people that try to observe some healthy eating habits will sometimes throw it all out the window during Thanksgiving and Christmas.  In many cases we may be doing okay in terms of our eating habits, but the holidays come and we somehow forget that doubling out calorie and sugar intake is a bad idea.  Believe me when I say that I understand perfectly how difficult it is to resist all those delicious treats that appear before us, as if by magic, during this time of year.  Consider these strategies for adhering to a healthy diet, avoiding weight gain, and managing stress during the holidays: 
  • Continue with your normal exercise routine.  During these cold and bleak winter months it is extremely easy to get out of the habit of exercising.  Even on cold winter days you can bundle up and go for a brisk walk.  The fresh, crisp air is invigorating and if the sun is shining you will be energized emotionally as well.  I know a man from our church that is approaching the age of 70, and rain or shine he walks twice a day at a local park.  This gentleman is fit, relaxed, calm, and I never find him in a bad mood.  Clearly there is a connection between his exercise regiment and his overall outlook and good health. 
  • Resolve to eat smaller portions during the holidays.  When you go to someone’s home for a Christmas dinner, there will be benevolent and concerned people who will try to make sure that your plate is piled high with rich foods and desserts.  You must be the one to take charge of your eating habits and insist on smaller portions.  Someone may even tease you about it, and if that happens then use it as an opportunity to practice grace and patience.   
  • Remember that you do not have to attend each and every Christmas party and dinner to which you are invited.  We are all extremely stressed out this time of year anyway.  Why add to this by overloading our schedules?  Sit down and look at your calendar for the rest of the year.  Make a conscious decision about what you will and will not do for the rest of the year and stick with that plan.  We cannot be more than one place at a time; stop trying to do everything, for this will quickly wear us out. 
  • Scale back on your shopping budget this year.  Uncle Ed out in Sacramento probably doesn’t care one way or another if he receives a Christmas gift from you this year.  Send him a nice card with a recent photo.  That’s a lot less expensive than a new toaster and will be just as appreciated.   

Start practicing right now: “No thank you, I’m full.”  “Thank you, no; I’ve had plenty of cake.” 

It’s going to be a great Christmas!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Getting Enough Sleep?

A ruffled mind makes a restless pillow.  -Charlotte Brontë 

Most of us understand that proper sleep is necessary to maintaining good health, but we don’t always get the sleep and rest we need.  Part of the problem stems from the busy, hectic, and overwhelmed lives we lead.  I have joked before that if I didn’t have to sleep I could get so much more accomplished!  However, getting the right amount of sleep each night is a vital part of an overall approach to good health and like or not, I have to sleep like everyone else. 

I have read that a good night’s sleep should be around eight hours, but I typically average around six or seven.  Most nights I go to bed around 12:30 AM and am up between 6:30 or 7:00 AM.  I have not given up on that elusive eight hours, but these days six or so seem to be working for me.  However, you may need more than that to keep up with your daily schedule.  If so, there is nothing wrong with that and this should merit keeping your schedule adjusted accordingly.   

I also have conversations with people who have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep.  Obviously, the first person you should talk with about this problem is your doctor, as he or she can advise you on what the problem may be.  In the meantime, consider these simple strategies for getting a better night’s sleep:
  • Cut back on caffeine, especially later in the day.  If you are drinking regular coffee or caffeinated drinks late into the day there is a good chance this will affect your sleep.  Try cutting back on your caffeine intake; you may find a better night’s sleep as a result. 
  • Begin or continue with a regular exercise routine.  I have found that over the last year as I have been pursuing a daily exercise routine that my sleep patterns have improved dramatically.  I fall asleep faster, sleep more deeply, and awake feeling more rested – and that with my typical six hours.  I know that I keep pounding on this point, but if you aren’t getting proper exercise, then now is the time to start.  See some of my past blogs for suggestions for getting more exercise.
  • Avoid eating right before bedtime.  If you are eating late into the evening and having trouble sleeping there may well be a connection.  Try eating your last meal of the day before 6:00 PM and avoid heavy, fatty foods late into the evening.  You may also want to avoid drinking too much fluids right before bedtime as this can affect sleep as well.
  • Practice a form of relaxation before going to bed.  Few people can go from 60 to 0 miles per hour in terms of our schedules and then go right to sleep.  Have an “unwind” period before bed.  Read a calming story or reflect on pleasant thoughts and memories. 

I was once told that sometimes the most productive thing we can do is get some rest.  That’s still good advice. 

It’s going to be a great day!

Monday, November 22, 2010

Properly Managing a Hectic Schedule

I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live up to what light I have. -Abraham Lincoln
   
I find that people with good intentions often say yes when asked to take on more responsibility and activities in addition to their regular schedules.  In many instances we are already stressed out and over burdened, so why are we so quick to take on more?  The answer lies in our need to be involved, be a part of something larger than ourselves, and the desire to succeed.  If that describes you, then understand that such motivation can be extremely positive.  However, we can easily over extend ourselves to the point that we are busy, but not getting much of anything accomplished.   

Do you sometimes feel that you are forever trying to keep your house clean, yet the work is never done?  The fact is, the work is never done, but rather has to be managed.  When we begin to view our schedules in a similar light we begin to see that our responsibilities are never quite through, but rather must be managed from day-to-day.  There will come a time when all my responsibilities are finished, and that should be when someone is saying a few kind words, hopefully, at my funeral.  Until then it’s up to me to properly manage my schedule.   

You will see from previous blogs that staying active is positive and encouraged.  However, know where to draw the line between being too involved and trying to do too much.  Only you know where that line is, and you will certainly know when it’s crossed.  You begin to feel tired, exhausted, overwhelmed, and stressed out all of the time. Consider these strategies for properly managing your schedule:
  • Get organized.  Schedule what you need to do on a calendar and stick with it.  This includes spending time with family, taking time off, and pursuing a hobby. 
  • Set priorities.  Determine what is most important and how you will achieve the goals you have set for yourself.  For me, each day begins with a time of prayer and Bible reading.  That is a priority that I strive to practice on daily basis.  Consider also that if our relationships with family suffers then so does everything else.  Learn the value of nurturing our most vital relationships 
  • Know your own limitations.  There are some pursuits that simply aren’t in the cards for us.  We do well to accept that.  However, there are worlds of opportunities that are well with within our grasp.  Learn to tell the difference between these areas. 
  • Learn to say no.  We can spread ourselves so thin that not much is getting accomplished because we are so frazzled all of the time.  You are only one person.  If you already have a full and perhaps overloaded schedule then it’s okay to say no once in a while.  Don’t beat yourself up over it. 

Remember that you are a wonderfully unique individual with unlimited worth and potential.   

It’s going to be a great day!

Friday, November 19, 2010

Happiness in the Midst of Problems

Little minds are tamed and subdued by misfortune, but great minds rise above them.  -Washington Irving 

As we grow older we come to understand that adversity is a part of life.  Trouble, problems, frustrations, and disappointments come to us all.  Understanding this truth is not being cynical, but rather it’s confronting a cold, hard, reality.  Our common tendency is to be surprised and sometimes even shocked that something bad has happened to us, as if those trials should never come at all.  Do you ever feel this way?  If so you are in good company.  Most people, me included, are surprised when trouble finds us. 

The inability to come to terms with life’s struggles can create some serious obstacles to our happiness and peace of mind.  We can feel overwhelmed, distracted, worried, and fearful to the point that the simplest pleasures lose their appeal.  Our sleep is disrupted, food loses its taste, and we have trouble enjoying ourselves because we are always thinking about our problems.  The challenge is to confront our problems while at the same time maintain a level of peace, joy, and happiness.  That is a challenge, to be sure, but it can be accomplished.  Consider these strategies for maintaining peace and happiness in the midst of problems:
  • Do something out of the ordinary.  Often we get so bogged down in our day-to-day routines that we forget that we are allowed to do something different.  Seek out a park in your area where you rarely go or have never been and take a long walk.  Bring along your dog; he or she will love it!  Pack a lunch and make an afternoon of it.  Visit an art museum in your town.  Visit your public library and check out some books by an author you have never read.  Such experiences expand our horizons and help us to see our problems in a more positive light.
  • Take a break from your problems.  You may not be able to take a vacation from your problems, but you can surely find time to take a break from them.  Resolve that while you are at the park, the movies, out to dinner, walking the dog, reading a new novel, or visiting your grandkids, that you will not think about your problems during that time.   
  • Learn to think in “big picture” terms.  The present problem may look bleak, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the world.  Try to see beyond the problem to a time when it has past.  Resolve to confront the problem, whatever it may by, in a mature fashion.  Take a deep breath and envision a brighter day that is surely coming.
  • Learn to count your blessings every day.  We all have problems, but we also have blessings.  Take time to think about these and be thankful for them all over again. 

Life is hard, but it doesn’t have to defeat us.  We can have happiness in the midst of our troubles. 

It’s going to be a great day!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Another Look at the Power of Attitude

If you aren't fired with enthusiasm, you will be fired with enthusiasm.  -Vince Lombardi 

I have heard all of my life about the importance of attitude, but it’s only been in the last decade that this subject has become deeply personal to me.  A bad attitude not only affects how we navigate through problems, but it also influences how we relate to other people.  I have had to go back in recent years and apologize to my wife and sons for those times when my bad attitude adversely affected our relationship.  Fortunately, I have learned some useful strategies for obtaining and keeping a more positive attitude even during those times when I am not feeling well or am going through some problem. 

How will we respond to problems?  Will we lie down in defeat, or will we rise up and confront the challenges head-on?  The choice is absolutely ours to make.  Every one of us has the power to stand firm and tackle the frustrations, irritations, problems, and crises that life throws at us on a regular basis.  Anyone can give up without a fight, which explains why so many people choose this course.  However, we can make a decision to rise up and meet the challenge and not give up.  The latter approach leads to personal growth, and it begins with a right attitude.  Consider these strategies for developing and keeping a better attitude each day:
  • Make a conscious decision to practice self-control.  Nothing gets accomplished when we blow all our circuits and start ranting, raving, and cursing like a lunatic.  Resolve that come what may you will handle conflicts and problems in an adult-like manner.  We expect little children to throw temper tantrums and scream like banshees, but mature adults are supposed to handle problems more responsibly. 
  • Develop and maintain a healthy sense of humor.  I heard a comedian once say, “My life is a sitcom and I am the star.” I feel that way a lot.  I am not suggesting that we downplay serious problems, but I am suggesting that we learn to keep our sense of humor.  Laughter is a wonderful tool for relieving stress and seeing the world in a more positive light.  Watch a good comedy, read funny stories, spend time with friends who make you laugh.  Laughter is a gift from God; use it daily.
  • Resolve to smile and be kind to everyone every day.  This is a tall order, I know, for many people we encounter each day will not reciprocate our kindness.  Decide to be the bigger person. Take the high road.  Demonstrate for the less mature how a person with a good attitude handles daily life.   
  • Find a healthy outlet for stress.  Try exercise, a new hobby, or learn some new skill.
  • Learn to appreciate life’s small, free blessings.  Sunrises and sunsets are the most beautiful shows on earth.  A daily walk can be utter joy.  A sunny day can be a most wonderful experience. 
 
Change your attitude and change your life – for the better. 

It’s going to be a great day!

Monday, November 15, 2010

Distinguishing Between Problems and Inconveniences

A real patriot is the fellow who gets a parking ticket and rejoices that the system works.  -Bill Vaughan 

Whenever I tell people that I am from Ohio, the typical response is, “So, getting a lot of snow doesn’t bother you, right?”  The answer to this question is tricky.  You see, I am from Dayton, which is in the southwest corner of Ohio.  We had some serious snows when I was a boy, but nothing like places such as Cleveland, Toledo, or some of the regions further north.  They get the lake effect snow off Lake Erie and often they get absolutely pounded with heavy snows.  Further south in Dayton we used to have some heavy snow, but our neighbors to the north have always had it worse.  Of course, if you head further north to places such as Buffalo and Rochester, New York, those folks get even heavier snows than their Buckeye neighbors.  How bad the snow actually is can be a matter of perspective, really. 

I am pointing this out because I find myself these days frequently placing problems in some form of perspective.  Some might argue that this isn’t a good idea as it skews our view of the problems we are facing and downplays their significance.  That’s possible, but I have found that placing problems in their proper perspective can empower us to see whatever we are facing in a more positive light and they somehow no longer seem as large and overwhelming.  

As a pastor, I make frequent hospital visits.  Whenever I am having a bad day or feeling discouraged, I sometimes think about all the people I have visited who were confined to a hospital bed and in terrible suffering.  That could just as easily be me.  Yet, here I am enjoying reasonably good health.  I am still healthy, energetic, active, busy, and able to be out enjoying my day – life is good!  Such perspective causes me to realize that I honestly have no reason to be having a bad day.  A good exercise that merits serious consideration is determining the difference between problems and inconveniences.  Here are some examples:
  • You start to leave for work one morning and your car will not start.  The steak you ordered at the restaurant is overcooked.  The line in front of you at the store is moving slowly.  It’s raining and you forgot your umbrella.  You are simply not having a good day.  
 All of these are nothing more than inconveniences and do not merit getting upset over.  Now, consider some of the following scenarios:
  • You find yourself facing a life-threatening illness.  A close family member is going through a personal crisis.  The plant where you have worked the last 28 years is closing down. 
 In light of these genuine problems those smaller inconveniences lose their power over us. 

What sorts of problems are you facing today?  Try placing them in proper perspective by distinguishing between problems and inconveniences.  The results are wonderfully positive and liberating.  Life probably isn’t as bad as you think it is and will soon get better. 

It’s going to be a great day!

Friday, November 12, 2010

The Power of Being Connected

A good friend is cheaper than therapy.  -Author Unknown 

Many of us can recall what life was like before we had computers.  If we wanted to correspond with someone we had to find paper, a pen, an envelope, the person’s address, a postage stamp, and then actually sit down and write the letter by hand.  Most of the people I know have computers, so we simply email one another, but I still miss those handwritten letters. 

Why would I bring this up?  The reason is that I have these fond memories of writing someone a letter, mailing it, and then picturing the person’s response when he or she read my letter.  Perhaps you would you agree that when we had to write letters by hand, we were more thoughtful, more careful with our words, and more likely to properly communicate our thoughts and feelings.  Firing off an email in a state of anger is an all too common occurrence.  Back in the day when we had to sit down and write that letter by hand, we were less likely to be guided by anger.

When I consider all those pleasant memories of writing letters to people and imagining their responses, I realize that what brought the positive feelings was the act of being connected with others.  Isolation is a self-imposed exile in which we cut ourselves off from interaction and contact with other people.  Unfortunately, when someone is battling depression, sorrow, or the blues, it’s easy to believe that avoiding people is the right course.  However, doing so will only cause increased feelings of hopelessness and despair.  No matter how badly you may feel staying connected to others in some positive way is always the right choice.  Consider these strategies for staying connected to other people: 
  • Write a letter to an old friend.  This person may have started to believe that you had forgotten him or her.  Receiving a handwritten letter can be a wonderful way to reconnect.  Include some recent family photos so your old friend can see how you look these days.  Don’t worry about looking older, because your friend will have aged too!
  • Pick up the phone and call someone you have not spoken to in a long time.  Who knows but this individual may be in desperate need of a kind, friendly, and caring voice.  You may be just the one to provide it.
  • Take the initiative and invite a friend out for lunch or simply for coffee.  I run into fellow pastors around town and we often say that we need to get together sometime for lunch.  Typically, that get-together rarely transpires.  Someone has to take the initiative, make the call, and make it happen. 
  • Resolve to be a more kind, caring, and compassionate person.  The best way to have friends is to be a friend. 
Don’t just sit there; someone is need of a friend today.  A new friendship is waiting to be formed.
 
It’s going to be a great day!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Managing Depression, Sorrow, and the Blues Through Exercise

Early in my career, I decided I never wanted to get out of shape.  -Cal Ripken Jr. 

If your dog is fat, you're not getting enough exercise.  -Author Unknown 

I was having a conversation recently with someone who, like me, has battled depression.  The term that came up in our conversation was “dealing” with depression.  I suggested that a better approach is to think in terms of “managing” depression.  Do not think in terms of getting cured, but instead learn to manage your depressive symptoms.  I know from personal experience that developing strategies for combating depression is imperative to enjoying life, being happy, and finding fulfillment despite feeling depressed.   
 
I remain convinced that exercise and staying active are vital defenses against depression, sorrow, or a case of the blues.  Sitting inside the house all day with the shades drawn, or simply ignoring the warning signs, are a guarantee that depressive symptoms will begin to take hold.  What follows is a vicious cycle of sorrow, fatigue, and hopelessness.  The cycle can only be broken when we resolve that with God’s help we will rise up and unshackle ourselves from the debilitating chains of sorrow.  Are you reading this and thinking that those chains can never be broken?  Do you equate breaking those chains with climbing a mountain?  If so, I want to encourage you to take heart.  A brighter and better day is coming, but you must resolve to stand up and fight.

I have discussed the positive effects of a healthy diet in a previous blog, so allow me to share some benefits of exercise.  Whatever form of exercise you choose can work wonders.  What is important is discovering what works best for you.  The possibilities include a daily walk, bike riding, handball, tennis, aerobics, calisthenics (my personal favorite), walking a treadmill, weight lifting, or swimming.  As the old Nike ad used to say, “Just do it!”  Consider some of the benefits of exercise and an active lifestyle: 
  • Increased energy.  Exercise will add to our energy levels and give us more focus throughout the day. 
  • Improved confidence.  I cannot fully explain it, but daily exercise increases confidence.  When we are staying active and engaging in some form of regular exercise, we simply feel better about ourselves, which leads to improved confidence as we go about our every day routines. 
  • Better self-esteem.  Nothing makes us feel worse about ourselves than sitting around wallowing in self-pity.  Daily exercise keeps such negativity from taking hold in our lives.  When we are exercising regularly we have this wonderfully fulfilling experience that we are doing something positive.  Rather than lying there and feeling sorry for ourselves, we are up, moving, and taking charge of our health.  The personal rewards from this are tremendous.  You won’t have to tell anyone or brag about it, because you will begin to feel better with each passing day. 

So, have you begun your exercise routine yet?  Now is the time and today is the day.  You are the one who can make it happen.  Are you a person of faith?  If so, begin praying for strength as God is more than willing to help. 

It’s going to be a great day!

Monday, November 8, 2010

Should I Keep Exercising? Yes!

Exercise…the poor person’s plastic surgery.  -Seen on a t-shirt 

The other morning I heard a news report about some Danish researchers who conducted a study on the effects of exercise on depression.  Their study suggested that people suffering from depression showed little to no improvement in their depressive symptoms following an extended regimen of exercise.  The study did find that those who have an exercise routine decreased their risks of heart disease, which is comforting, but I was certainly counting on some positive effects on the symptoms of depression. Bear with me on this because I am hoping to convince you to keep on exercising and staying active.   

You may recall back in the 1980’s that there was a great deal of talk about the dangers of caffeine.  As a result, people everywhere gave up coffee or turned to decaf.  Then came the 1990’s during which we started hearing about how that caffeine, in small doses, probably isn’t going to hurt us.  And in recent years we have the astonishing claim by the experts that coffee contains certain anti-oxidants which can do us great good, such as decreasing the risks of certain cancers.   

Through all of this I have steadfastly remained a coffee drinker.  I probably average two-three cups in the morning with an occasional cup or two in the afternoon.  That’s probably moderate by most standards.  Keep drinking your coffee in moderation and you should be just fine.  The point is that a study such as this does not necessarily dictate for you, me, or anyone else, the long term effects of something as innocuous as drinking a couple of cups of coffee every day.  The same can be said of the exercise / depression study.  A few years from now some new researchers will probably come out with another study refuting the Danish one and claim that exercise does in fact help with the symptoms of depression.  In the meantime what should we do to combat depression, sorrow, and the blues?  Consider these strategies for keeping fit both physically and spiritually:
 
  • Continue with your exercise program, especially during the cold winter months.  On cold, gray, and dreary days do not sit inside thinking about what a rotten day it is.  Instead, bundle up and go for a brisk walk.  The cold air can be invigorating.   
  • Consider light therapy.  This involves sitting for a while each morning next to a lamp designed to mimic the effects of sunshine.  They are fairly expensive, but reports on their effectiveness are positive.  I am researching this and will try to provide more information in upcoming blogs.
  • Keep moving and keep your sense of humor.  Laughter is a wonderful medicine.   

What sort of morning are you looking out at today?  Is it bitterly cold, with dark and leaden skies?  No problem!  Get up, get going, and make it the best day ever. 

It’s going to be a great day!

Friday, November 5, 2010

Keeping Life Interesting

I never was on the dull, tame shore, But I loved the great sea more and more. -Barry Cornwall

Life can sometimes become dull and uninteresting, but if that happens, then who is at fault?  The responsibility of finding interesting pursuits, new experiences, and happiness itself rests with each of us as individuals.  To put it bluntly, there is one person in the world responsible for your happiness: You.  When we begin to see life as dull, boring, and uninteresting, the results can only be negative.  Sadness, sorrow, the blues, and major depression can set in leaving us feeling even more disinterested and detached.  The challenge is to somehow rise up and resolve to find enjoyment in life.  Believe when I say that this can be accomplished.

My father retired from Chrysler Corporation in the late 1970’s and he decided to get busy.  Dad’s first order of business was to find something interesting to do, so he went to school and learned how to reupholster furniture.  Within a short time Dad had plenty of work.  He didn’t need to advertise as word quickly got around.  It wasn’t until later that I began to realize that my father was teaching me some of the most valuable lessons of my life; never stop learning, never cease from trying some new skill, expand your horizons, and always stay active.  This proactive approach to life is a powerful tool for a brighter outlook and a more positive perspective. 

The possibilities for making life more interesting and beating the blues are innumerable, but we must adopt a strategy.  Positive and rewarding life experiences will not just happen by themselves, but we must take the proverbial bull by the horns and make them happen.  Consider these tips on making life more appealing and challenging:
 
  • Take a hard and honest appraisal of your attitude.  Are you negative, cynical, condescending, and complaining?  If so, then you are pushing people away who might otherwise enjoy your company.  My grandfather used to say, “Don’t bother complaining.  Your friends can’t help you and your enemies will be glad.” Resolve to be more positive and friendly.  You will feel better and those around you will notice the difference.
  • Become proactive in your search for fulfillment.  We must accept the fact that no one will do this for us; we must find fulfillment for ourselves. 
  • Develop a plan and stick to it. Begin by writing down three pursuits you have always wanted to do, but have never done.  Establish a time frame for when these will be accomplished.  These objectives can include trying a new hobby within the next month, remodeling a room of your house within the next 6 months, or traveling somewhere you have never been within the next year.   
  • Cease from viewing life as a chore, but rather as an adventure.  I know, it sounds corny, but it works. 
Get up, get going, get busy, and get happy. 

It’s going to be a great day!

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

An Overall Program of Better Health

Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.  ~World Health Organization, 1948

If you are a smoker there is probably little I can tell you about the dangers of this habit that you don’t already know.  But let’s be honest: Smoking greatly increases the chances that we will develop heart disease as well as various forms of cancer.  We all know this and we are living in denial if we believe otherwise.   
 
Consider giving up smoking as an overall program of better and improved health.  I know of one man who kicked his smoking habit by keeping a pack of raisins in his shirt pocket.  When he felt the urge to smoke he simply pulled out the box of raisins and ate a few.  Another man I know of kept butterscotch candy in his shirt pocket and this did the trick.  In either case, these men quit smoking and reported better health as a result.  Others go “cold turkey,” by throwing their cigarettes away and never smoking again.  Whatever works for you, my friend, you will be a healthier, happier, and wealthier person by giving up this habit.  At $5.00 a pack, think of the extra money you’ll have in your pocket by quitting.  After a year you could just about take your dream vacation! 

Giving up smoking can be a part of an overall approach to improved health and a brighter outlook.  What about daily eating habits?  If your breakfast consists of such delicacies as pop-tarts, doughnuts, Snickers bars, and Mountain Dew, then you are missing out.  This vital first meal of the day sets the tone for a great start to the day as well as increased energy and a better attitude.  Try these suggestions for better eating habits:

  • Say goodbye to doughnuts and pastries in the morning and try some oatmeal, grapefruit, whole-wheat toast, or yogurt and granola.  For lunch and supper seek a balanced, protein-filled diet consisting of meat, vegetables, and fruit. 
  • Stop eating fast-food for lunch every day; you’re killing yourself.  When you get hungry and need a snack, replace cookies, cake, pie, and ice cream with healthy snacks such as raisins, celery sticks, carrots sticks, and fresh fruits. 
  • Make sure that you are hydrated throughout the day.  Recent studies have shown that a glass of water followed by a ten minute walk can increase energy levels and elevate mood. 
  • If you are overweight, try eliminating all sugar from your diet for 6 months.  What?!  Yes, you read that correctly.  Cut all sugar from your diet and you will lose weight.  Stick with healthy foods such as fruits, green leafy vegetables, and various meats – without the bread.   

There are a gazillion books on the market which are great resources for healthy eating, but I dare say you are smart enough to figure this out for yourself.  Eat less and eat smart – that’s the key. 

So, what are you waiting for?  Today is the day and now is the time.  Make a decision to take back control of your health.  You will not regret it.

It’s going to be a great day!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Boredom: The Enemy of Creativity and Personal Growth

I’ve got a great ambition to die of exhaustion rather than boredom.  -Thomas Carlyle 

I cannot recall even being bored in my entire life.  I know that is a bold statement, but it’s true.  Somehow, I can always find something to do should some spare time appear in my daily schedule.  Life ought to be interesting, right?  Should we find that our day-to-day routines become dull and tiresome, there are a world of pursuits, hobbies, interests, places, and intriguing people to fill in the gaps.  Of course, everyone needs some down time, but even the down time doesn’t have to be boring.  Instead, those periods where we need to relax can be used to engage ourselves in some pursuit that is just that; relaxing to the point that we find relief from the stress of our usual routines.   

Boredom has ever been the enemy of creativity and personal growth.  When people get bored the results are usually negative.  Productivity at work suffers, relationships become strained, and personal growth is stymied.  We must resolve to see happiness as worth pursuing and life as worth living.  From this positive platform we can move forward to experience life in ways previously undiscovered.  Don’t settle for a mediocre approach to living.  Why would you be willing to sit and do nothing when a world of wonderful opportunities is waiting?  Could it be that you feel you lack the strength, motivation, ability, desire, or drive to get up and pursue those opportunities?  If so, take heart, for there is hope.  I have been where you are, and it wasn’t until I got up and got moving that I realized how much I was missing out.  Believe me when I say that if you will just give it a try you will be astounded at the results.

Consider these strategies for beating boredom and gaining motivation: 
  • Get connected.  Start attending church, renew an old friendship, join a civic group, or start meeting with friends once a week for breakfast or just coffee.  No matter how difficult it seems, resolve to get out of the house and connect with other people.  Introduce yourself to your neighbor or try to chat more often with people at work.  Isolation leads to boredom, which can lead to depression.   
  • Begin keeping a journal.  I know this may seem like a monumental task, but I am not talking about writing a book.  Rather, a journal is an opportunity to record your thoughts, ideas, and dreams on paper.  You can then go back and review them and over time you will see how you have grown. 
  • Start volunteering.  One of the best ways to beat the winter blues is by helping others.  Hospitals, soup kitchens, food banks, and crisis centers are always in need.  They would be delighted to have your help.
  • Keep moving.  Resolve not to surrender to the heaviness of sorrow that may be upon you.   
So, what do you have planned for today?  Grab pen and paper and start that list.  It’s going to be a great day!