09.18.09
Wisdom
Wisdom too often never comes, and so one ought not to reject it merely because it comes late.
-Felix Frankfurter
09.11.09
Good Actions
When I am stressed or angry, I try to stop and think of this quote by Plato before I act.
“Good actions give strength to ourselves and inspire good actions in others”
09.04.09
Adrenaline Rush Felt from Meaningful Service
Most of us are willingly to serve our children, but are we remembering to encourage them to do nice things for other people. Our youth seem to be self-absorbed with a long list of personal pursuits, but still seem dissatisfied and floundering for something more. I think the “something more” they are looking for is the “adrenaline rush” felt when giving meaningful service to those in need.
09.02.09
Finishers are Winners
A few days ago, I watched my daughter run a half marathon. It was my first time to participate as a marathon spectator, and I absolutely loved the electric surge of happiness I felt from cheering for the marathon participants especially the brave elderly folks, the handicapped, and the straggler who keeps forging forward. I rate all finishers as winners.
11.21.08
We Can Slowly Change the Way We Think
I was recently reading in the book, “Spiritual Therapy” by M. Jim Shelton, L.C.S.W. about cognitive therapy developed primarily by Albert Ellis and Aaron Beck in the 1960s. Cognitive therapy recognizes free agency or free will along with the concept that our feelings and emotions are triggered by thoughts.
Albert Ellis says when there is an emotional upset, there is first an activating event which is followed by an emotional consequence. Behavorial therapists agree with this statement. However, Albert Ellis adds another step called our Beliefs or Self-Talk. Here is an example:
I blew my diet and had two pieces of pie at the party. (Activating event)
“What’s the use? I just don’t have what it takes. I’ll always be a fat slob.” (Beliefs or self-talk)
Depression (Emotional consequence)
As you can see, it is not really the activating event or situation that triggered her feelings or emotional consequence, it was her interpretation of the event that caused her feelings. It is her self-talk that caused the depression and not the situation itself.
“Through much training and practice, a person can slowly change the way he or she thinks. The first step is increasing awareness of the way we think and then realizing this way of thinking is not set in stone. There may be a more positive and realistic way of thinking. I ask clients to change their perspective and look at the activating event or situation the same way a trusted friend would look at the situation. I also ask my clients to write down the new and improved way of thinking. I encourage them to do a “Thought Record” and diagram a healthier, positive way of thinking. ” M. Jim Shelton
The above example could be changed to the following:
I blew my diet and had two pieces of pie at the party. (Activating event)
“You splurged tonight but overall I have been doing well. I deserve a treat once in a while. Tomorrow I’ll get right back on my eating plan. (Belief or self-talk)
Some mild frustration but no depression (Emotional consequence)
After reading this, I decided I am going to keep a “Thought Record” and strive to rid myself of automatic negative thoughts.
03.01.08
Be Kinder than is Necessary
In church a couple of weeks ago, my neighbor shared a quote that I would like to share with all my readers:
“Be kinder than is necessary because almost everyone you meet is fighting some sort of a battle.” -Unknown
01.26.08
Online Journaling with Pyxlin
When my children were young I would bribe them with a treat if they would write in their journal. My oldest son would wine and complain about writing, but he knew he had to write in his journal to get a treat. He messily fulfilled the bare minimum requirements to get his treat. Now when my son expresses his enthusiasm for journaling, I ask myself, “Can this be my son who hated to write in his journal.” I am so pleased to watch how he enjoys keeping an online journal with Pyxlin . His increased vision of the importance of recording dates, interesting information, experiences and memories that he and his posterity can later read and refer back to will someday be priceless.
Even though I would like to take credit for my son becoming an advocate of journaling, in all reality the advancement of technology is what converted my son to journaling. I must admit, writing in a journal the old way is not near as enticing as the versatility and convenience that is offered with online journaling. You can quickly type an entry that can be edited or changed, load photos with ease along with your written entry, and if you choose, the ability to publish a hard bound journal.
For years, I often wanted to add photos to my journal entries, but I usually didn’t have the picture(s) developed yet, and by the time I got my film developed, I had added more entries and forgot to leave a space to add a picture. Most generally, my good intentions to add a photo went unrealized, and when I did tape a photo in my journal, it would later fall out, and have to be retaped in. With Pyxlin you will never have to worry about saving space for, or losing a photo again. The saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words” is now a convenient reality that can happen frequently and easily.
The internet is an amazing tool that has changed our lives. Each week you read about new technology that has been released improving the ease of normal daily tasks. Although I am 48 years old, I am learning not to be afraid of taking advantage of advancements in technology, and I am actually finding out that most new technology is user friendly and EASY. Try writing in your journal with Pyxlin, I think you’ll love it.
01.11.08
Stay Clean with Aprons
I was cooking the other day, and I looked down at the front of my shirt, and I thought to myself, “I have got to learn to wear an apron more consistently”.
Aprons can be a fun, colorful item as well as utilitarian product. When logoed with clever sayings or tag lines, they are an excellent way to advertise your brand.
12.28.07
Remembered Quote from Hope Floats
I am not the type that remembers dialogue from movies, but this quote at the end of the movie, Hope Floats has stayed in my memory.
“Childhood is what you spend the rest of your life trying to overcome. That’s what momma always says. She says that beginnings are scary, endings are usually sad, but it’s the middle that counts the most. Try to remember that when you find yourself at a new beginning. Just give hope a chance to float up. And it will…”
-Birdee from the film Hope Floats
I sure hope I can make the middle count, and with any luck maybe the ending won’t be sad.