Laughter is The Best Medicine
“The child in you like all children, loves to laugh, to be around
people who can laugh at themselves and life. Children instinctively
know that the more laughter we have in our lives, the better."
Wayne Dyer
When was the last time you laughed so hard it brought tears to your eyes? Laughter has been proven to be the best medicine. When we laugh it reduces our stress level, brightens our day and connects us to the child within.
My Aunt who is in her mid-eights always sees the funny side of a situation. She had many tragedies in her life and the ability to laugh made her a stronger person. Whenever I talk to her we are always laughing at ourselves or situations. What a special treat.
I love to hear and see a baby laugh. They don’t hold back and enjoy the moment. The sad part is as we get older we forget to laugh and see the funny side of things.
What could we do differently to bring laughter into our lives.? Following are some of the tools I use to enjoy a good laugh:
1. Not take myself so seriously.
2. Laugh at myself.
3. Share funny stories with others.
4. Call my Aunt and have a good laugh with her.
5. Share jokes with my grandson, Jeffrey.
I invite you to have a good laugh today and not take yourself so seriously.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
Lessons Learned
“When Fear Makes Decisions, It Is a Mistake”
Sally Fields
Do you sometimes come up with an idea and become the driving force to make it happen? This happened to me recently, I got this idea in my head that I needed a new job.
I started calling everyone I knew to ask them if they had any ideas and could they help me with my resume. Quite a few people offered to help and I started working with them. My resume is being revised and others offered advice.
The other night I was talking to a friend and she asked me what was I running from? It made me stop and think, I was not focusing on what was happening around me and definitely not the pain I was feeling.
That evening, I was reading an article in the O Magazine, and during an interview Sally Fields said, “When fear makes decisions, it is a mistake.” I started thinking about this quote, my conversation and realized I had to slow down and focus on what was happening around me and the opportunities I were receiving each day. Immediately I felt much calmer.
Working with a client yesterday, he was telling me how frustrated he was with his boss’s behavior. We discussed the circumstances and explored what lessons he was learning. Some of the lessons he learned were:
1.His boss was a human being and sometimes got frustrated.
2.Learn from the discussion.
3.Next time prepare the report with the information that was required.
4.Wanted to continue the good relationship he had with his boss. Today he was going to discuss the situation with his boss and thank him for his help. By doing this he was building the relationship.
What we both learned was to become aware of what was happening and learn from the situation.
Thinking about a challenge you have, what lessons are you learning from it?
Helen
Sally Fields
Do you sometimes come up with an idea and become the driving force to make it happen? This happened to me recently, I got this idea in my head that I needed a new job.
I started calling everyone I knew to ask them if they had any ideas and could they help me with my resume. Quite a few people offered to help and I started working with them. My resume is being revised and others offered advice.
The other night I was talking to a friend and she asked me what was I running from? It made me stop and think, I was not focusing on what was happening around me and definitely not the pain I was feeling.
That evening, I was reading an article in the O Magazine, and during an interview Sally Fields said, “When fear makes decisions, it is a mistake.” I started thinking about this quote, my conversation and realized I had to slow down and focus on what was happening around me and the opportunities I were receiving each day. Immediately I felt much calmer.
Working with a client yesterday, he was telling me how frustrated he was with his boss’s behavior. We discussed the circumstances and explored what lessons he was learning. Some of the lessons he learned were:
1.His boss was a human being and sometimes got frustrated.
2.Learn from the discussion.
3.Next time prepare the report with the information that was required.
4.Wanted to continue the good relationship he had with his boss. Today he was going to discuss the situation with his boss and thank him for his help. By doing this he was building the relationship.
What we both learned was to become aware of what was happening and learn from the situation.
Thinking about a challenge you have, what lessons are you learning from it?
Helen
Monday, February 18, 2008
Positive Thinking
…a habit, like any other; we can practice it every day
until it becomes second nature to us –
and along the way, transform our lives.
Washington L. Crowley
The other day I heard someone sharing, “He use to romanticize hardships, that way he could feel sorry for himself and not take any action to find a solution.” Hearing his share I started thinking won’t life be so much easier if we started romanticizing the opportunities in our lives instead of focusing on our challenges. The answer is a no brainier, “YES.”
Let me tell you a little story. Terri, name changed, was always worrying about everything, she woke up each morning and started thinking what could go wrong today. As she got out of bed instead of thinking, “Today is a new day” she was looking fro a problem to happen. Terri was never disappointed because something always went wrong.
That morning as she was getting dressed her children started yelling, “The toaster is on fire.” She ran downstairs and was able to put the fire out right away. The only damage was the toaster.
Terri and I had a scheduled coaching session that night and after repeating the story she confirmed the fact she had no luck and life was so very hard. I asked her, “What miracles happened while the toaster was on fire?”
After thinking awhile she started listing the following miracles:
1. No one was hurt.
2. There was no other damage besides the toaster.
3. She and her children were able to put the fire out very quickly.
4. There was money to buy a new toaster.
5. After putting the fire out they all started hugging each other and laughing at the same time.
I explained to Terri it has been proven over and over again if we focus on the positive outcomes from a situation, in her case the fire, we feel better and are able to enjoy our lives. Her assignment was to write a grateful list with her children each night after dinner.
After the session, I started thinking how grateful I am to focus on what opportunities are presenting themselves instead of thinking my life is so hard right now.
Helen’s Opportunities
1. Met new friends who I spending time with instead of being alone.
2. Looking out my window watching my neighbor’s four children, under the age of 10 years old, play and be creative.
3. Speaking to different people about new coaching opportunities.
What are your opportunities that are presenting themselves today. Please share them with our community by leaving a comment or sending an email to helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net.
I want to thank everyone for the many emails I received expressing your sympathy and inspirational messages. Knowing I have so many friends makes my life so much easier. Thanks again, I love you all.
until it becomes second nature to us –
and along the way, transform our lives.
Washington L. Crowley
The other day I heard someone sharing, “He use to romanticize hardships, that way he could feel sorry for himself and not take any action to find a solution.” Hearing his share I started thinking won’t life be so much easier if we started romanticizing the opportunities in our lives instead of focusing on our challenges. The answer is a no brainier, “YES.”
Let me tell you a little story. Terri, name changed, was always worrying about everything, she woke up each morning and started thinking what could go wrong today. As she got out of bed instead of thinking, “Today is a new day” she was looking fro a problem to happen. Terri was never disappointed because something always went wrong.
That morning as she was getting dressed her children started yelling, “The toaster is on fire.” She ran downstairs and was able to put the fire out right away. The only damage was the toaster.
Terri and I had a scheduled coaching session that night and after repeating the story she confirmed the fact she had no luck and life was so very hard. I asked her, “What miracles happened while the toaster was on fire?”
After thinking awhile she started listing the following miracles:
1. No one was hurt.
2. There was no other damage besides the toaster.
3. She and her children were able to put the fire out very quickly.
4. There was money to buy a new toaster.
5. After putting the fire out they all started hugging each other and laughing at the same time.
I explained to Terri it has been proven over and over again if we focus on the positive outcomes from a situation, in her case the fire, we feel better and are able to enjoy our lives. Her assignment was to write a grateful list with her children each night after dinner.
After the session, I started thinking how grateful I am to focus on what opportunities are presenting themselves instead of thinking my life is so hard right now.
Helen’s Opportunities
1. Met new friends who I spending time with instead of being alone.
2. Looking out my window watching my neighbor’s four children, under the age of 10 years old, play and be creative.
3. Speaking to different people about new coaching opportunities.
What are your opportunities that are presenting themselves today. Please share them with our community by leaving a comment or sending an email to helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net.
I want to thank everyone for the many emails I received expressing your sympathy and inspirational messages. Knowing I have so many friends makes my life so much easier. Thanks again, I love you all.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Finding Solutions to Challenges
“In the midst of winter,
I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer."
Albert Camus
Reading this quote I started thinking about my life. There were many winters, hardships, challenges and growth periods. On the other hand, there were beautiful summers, new beginnings and brightness.
Going through this period right now I am experiencing some parts of the day as winter and others summer. I am grateful for the winters as I am growing and becoming a new person inside and out. Today I realize that during these periods it gives me an opportunity to explore my fears, not dramatize the situation, ask for support and take care of myself. What beautiful gifts I am receiving.
One of the options I am looking at is selling our home and moving into a 55 and over community. Whenever thinking about this possibility I would get very nervous and start to think, it is going to be a nightmare selling the house and getting rid of all the stuff we have saved during the 21 years living in this house. Not letting my fears stop me I called a Real Estate Agent who came over last night. She assured me the house was in good shape, I would have to make some minor repairs and there would not be a problem selling the house, it might take a little longer. By taking action and not letting my fear get in the way this situation changed into a summer instead of remaining a winter.
Summer, to me is coasting through life and enjoying the gifts I am receiving. During these periods I am content, my faith is renewed in the Universe and receiving the rest I deserve. Our lives are made up of winters and summers so we can learn, experience happiness and fulfillment.
Action for the Day
Today I will take one or all of the following action steps:
1. Write down on a piece of paper the challenge I am struggling with.
2. Write down one to two solutions.
3. Write down one easy action step you can take today. Example: Call a friend and ask for support.
4. Take that step.
5. Do something nice for yourself today. Example: Meet a friend for coffee.
It has been proven over and over again the secret to reaching your goal is taking little easier steps one step at a time.
Remember looking for opportunities each day makes living life so much easier. Have a fun day and enjoy the summer within you.
Helen
I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer."
Albert Camus
Reading this quote I started thinking about my life. There were many winters, hardships, challenges and growth periods. On the other hand, there were beautiful summers, new beginnings and brightness.
Going through this period right now I am experiencing some parts of the day as winter and others summer. I am grateful for the winters as I am growing and becoming a new person inside and out. Today I realize that during these periods it gives me an opportunity to explore my fears, not dramatize the situation, ask for support and take care of myself. What beautiful gifts I am receiving.
One of the options I am looking at is selling our home and moving into a 55 and over community. Whenever thinking about this possibility I would get very nervous and start to think, it is going to be a nightmare selling the house and getting rid of all the stuff we have saved during the 21 years living in this house. Not letting my fears stop me I called a Real Estate Agent who came over last night. She assured me the house was in good shape, I would have to make some minor repairs and there would not be a problem selling the house, it might take a little longer. By taking action and not letting my fear get in the way this situation changed into a summer instead of remaining a winter.
Summer, to me is coasting through life and enjoying the gifts I am receiving. During these periods I am content, my faith is renewed in the Universe and receiving the rest I deserve. Our lives are made up of winters and summers so we can learn, experience happiness and fulfillment.
Action for the Day
Today I will take one or all of the following action steps:
1. Write down on a piece of paper the challenge I am struggling with.
2. Write down one to two solutions.
3. Write down one easy action step you can take today. Example: Call a friend and ask for support.
4. Take that step.
5. Do something nice for yourself today. Example: Meet a friend for coffee.
It has been proven over and over again the secret to reaching your goal is taking little easier steps one step at a time.
Remember looking for opportunities each day makes living life so much easier. Have a fun day and enjoy the summer within you.
Helen
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Loving Kindness
The Rose
“Think of a rose from the time it is a tiny bud.
As it opens to full flower till the last petal falls, it is
always beautiful, always perfect, always changing.
So it is with us.
We are always perfect, always beautiful, and ever-changing.
We are doing the best we can, with the understanding,
awareness and knowledge we have.
As we gain more understanding, awareness and knowledge,
then we will do things differently.”
Louise Hay,
from You Can Heal Your Life
What a beautiful quote. The message behind the quote is to be kind and loving to yourself. During our lifetime we are growing, changing, and learning lessons daily. Each one of us are doing the best we can, even if we sometimes tell ourselves, “You are making a mess of your life.” It is just being human.
Each day we can either concentrate on what is not working or focus on what makes us happy and fulfilled. We have a choice! I vote for focusing on what is working instead of what is not. Easier said than done.
We are wired to romanticize what is not working instead of looking for possibilities to enrich our lives. Don’t give up hope there is a way. Following are some steps you can take to change your thinking and behaviors.
1. Every morning before getting out of bed acknowledge yourself for who you are. Example: I am a great supervisor and support all my teammates.
2. While getting dressed look in the mirror and tell yourself, “I love you.”
3. Acknowledge yourself for becoming aware of a behavior and changing it. Example: My children wanted to play a game after dinner and instead of saying, “I am very tired and let’s play tomorrow” we played the game and had fun.
4. Take time each day for yourself. Example: Listen to music and just relax.
5. Every night before going to sleep write down three things that made you happy during the day.
Taking one all of the steps above will start you focusing on what is working instead of what is not.
Remember we are fantastic just the way we are and realizing it makes our perspective of life exciting.
Thursday, February 14, 2008 is Valentine’s Day and I request you give yourself the best present by being KIND and LOVING to yourself during the day. Happy Valentine’s Day.
Helen
“Think of a rose from the time it is a tiny bud.
As it opens to full flower till the last petal falls, it is
always beautiful, always perfect, always changing.
So it is with us.
We are always perfect, always beautiful, and ever-changing.
We are doing the best we can, with the understanding,
awareness and knowledge we have.
As we gain more understanding, awareness and knowledge,
then we will do things differently.”
Louise Hay,
from You Can Heal Your Life
What a beautiful quote. The message behind the quote is to be kind and loving to yourself. During our lifetime we are growing, changing, and learning lessons daily. Each one of us are doing the best we can, even if we sometimes tell ourselves, “You are making a mess of your life.” It is just being human.
Each day we can either concentrate on what is not working or focus on what makes us happy and fulfilled. We have a choice! I vote for focusing on what is working instead of what is not. Easier said than done.
We are wired to romanticize what is not working instead of looking for possibilities to enrich our lives. Don’t give up hope there is a way. Following are some steps you can take to change your thinking and behaviors.
1. Every morning before getting out of bed acknowledge yourself for who you are. Example: I am a great supervisor and support all my teammates.
2. While getting dressed look in the mirror and tell yourself, “I love you.”
3. Acknowledge yourself for becoming aware of a behavior and changing it. Example: My children wanted to play a game after dinner and instead of saying, “I am very tired and let’s play tomorrow” we played the game and had fun.
4. Take time each day for yourself. Example: Listen to music and just relax.
5. Every night before going to sleep write down three things that made you happy during the day.
Taking one all of the steps above will start you focusing on what is working instead of what is not.
Remember we are fantastic just the way we are and realizing it makes our perspective of life exciting.
Thursday, February 14, 2008 is Valentine’s Day and I request you give yourself the best present by being KIND and LOVING to yourself during the day. Happy Valentine’s Day.
Helen
Thursday, February 7, 2008
One Day At A Time
Today's thought from Hazelden is:
Some days, every aspect of my life seems overwhelming and crazy, and I feel so confused. On these days, I need to remember that I only have to do what needs to be done today.
I do not have to worry about next week, next month, or next year - only what needs to be done today. I can make a list of things to do.
When I finish something on my list, I can cross it off and feel proud of what I've accomplished, even if it's as simple as doing the dishes or making a phone call.
When I accomplish something, I can be proud of myself.
Can you identify with sometimes feeling overwhelmed, crazy and feeling confused? I am sorry to say that as humans these thoughts surface all the time. By only focusing on what needs to be done today makes life so much easier.
I know sometimes we get so involved in our own lives and thoughts it is hard to look at things in a different way. Let me tell you a little story.
One of my client’s named Mary was so focused on losing weight, talked about it all the time and beat herself up constantly because she could not stop eating. We started working together and her first assignment was to list all the things she enjoyed doing. The next time we met she only had two things on the list. Mary enjoyed painting and watching movies.
She was frustrated because food was stopping her from enjoying life. I explained sometimes focusing on our difficulties we let other things slide. The best part was becoming aware of what was happening, gave her an opportunity to change. We came up with a daily action plan which included taking time for Mary.
She decided that everyday to spend time sitting in her enclosed porch listening to music and having her favorite tea and once a week watch a movie.
Mary had difficulty taking time for herself in the beginning and after awhile it became easier. By enjoying her time relaxing and watching a movies started changing her focus. During those special times, Mary did not think about food and slowly learned losing weight was not the most important thing in the world. Mary also started painting again and found other things that she enjoyed doing.
Her life started changing and today she is maintaining her weight lose and focusing on other things in her life. It all started by taking a small step every day and acknowledging herself for being kind to herself.
As the thought above states, “I need to remember that I only have to do what needs to be done today” will make your life so much easier.
Helen’ Opportunity for Today:
I had the opportunity to join a Special Interest Group Call focusing on loss and grief. During the call I realized that there are many different stages of grief and I am where I should be. The different stages of grief:
1. Denial- Can’t believe what happened.
2. Anger – Angry at what happened.
3. Bargaining – Thinking if you did something different this would not have happened.
4. Sadness - Sad at what happened.
5. Acceptance – Accepting what happened and moving forward in your life.
I am going thru all these stages every day, which is a good thing because I am healing.
Thanks everyone for your comments and emails I know I am loved. Helen
Some days, every aspect of my life seems overwhelming and crazy, and I feel so confused. On these days, I need to remember that I only have to do what needs to be done today.
I do not have to worry about next week, next month, or next year - only what needs to be done today. I can make a list of things to do.
When I finish something on my list, I can cross it off and feel proud of what I've accomplished, even if it's as simple as doing the dishes or making a phone call.
When I accomplish something, I can be proud of myself.
Can you identify with sometimes feeling overwhelmed, crazy and feeling confused? I am sorry to say that as humans these thoughts surface all the time. By only focusing on what needs to be done today makes life so much easier.
I know sometimes we get so involved in our own lives and thoughts it is hard to look at things in a different way. Let me tell you a little story.
One of my client’s named Mary was so focused on losing weight, talked about it all the time and beat herself up constantly because she could not stop eating. We started working together and her first assignment was to list all the things she enjoyed doing. The next time we met she only had two things on the list. Mary enjoyed painting and watching movies.
She was frustrated because food was stopping her from enjoying life. I explained sometimes focusing on our difficulties we let other things slide. The best part was becoming aware of what was happening, gave her an opportunity to change. We came up with a daily action plan which included taking time for Mary.
She decided that everyday to spend time sitting in her enclosed porch listening to music and having her favorite tea and once a week watch a movie.
Mary had difficulty taking time for herself in the beginning and after awhile it became easier. By enjoying her time relaxing and watching a movies started changing her focus. During those special times, Mary did not think about food and slowly learned losing weight was not the most important thing in the world. Mary also started painting again and found other things that she enjoyed doing.
Her life started changing and today she is maintaining her weight lose and focusing on other things in her life. It all started by taking a small step every day and acknowledging herself for being kind to herself.
As the thought above states, “I need to remember that I only have to do what needs to be done today” will make your life so much easier.
Helen’ Opportunity for Today:
I had the opportunity to join a Special Interest Group Call focusing on loss and grief. During the call I realized that there are many different stages of grief and I am where I should be. The different stages of grief:
1. Denial- Can’t believe what happened.
2. Anger – Angry at what happened.
3. Bargaining – Thinking if you did something different this would not have happened.
4. Sadness - Sad at what happened.
5. Acceptance – Accepting what happened and moving forward in your life.
I am going thru all these stages every day, which is a good thing because I am healing.
Thanks everyone for your comments and emails I know I am loved. Helen
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Taking Care of YOU
Are you your own best friend? Most of us can answer this question by simply saying, “NO.” During the past month, I have realized why taking care of yourself is so very important. Even though everyone is being very supportive and loving there are many hours in a day when I am alone. Being kind to myself and acknowledging the goodness around me makes life so much easier and beautiful.
I have created a daily routine which I follow everyday. Upon waking I say the following prayers:
1. Serenity Prayer: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.”
2. God grant me confidence, strength, the ability to take care of myself and to have and feel inner love and peace.
3. God please take care of Bob and let him have love, peace and happiness.
Then I exercise, take a shower and meet a group of people for coffee. For the rest of the day I only eat healthy meals and do something nice for someone.
By following this daily routine I am taking care of myself and interacting with others. What a beautiful gift I am giving myself everyday.
Some gifts you can give yourself everyday:
1. Take time out of your busy day to acknowledge yourself for succeeding. Example: Say out loud, “I am proud of you for getting to work on time.”
2. Tell yourself each day, “I Love You.”
3. Eat healthy for at least one meal.
4. Exercise
5. Acknowledge family members or friends for who they are.
6. Spend time relaxing by yourself and writing down your achievements.
Taking Care of Yourself is the key to Happiness.
How are you taking care of yourself each day and what gifts are you receiving? Helen
I have created a daily routine which I follow everyday. Upon waking I say the following prayers:
1. Serenity Prayer: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.”
2. God grant me confidence, strength, the ability to take care of myself and to have and feel inner love and peace.
3. God please take care of Bob and let him have love, peace and happiness.
Then I exercise, take a shower and meet a group of people for coffee. For the rest of the day I only eat healthy meals and do something nice for someone.
By following this daily routine I am taking care of myself and interacting with others. What a beautiful gift I am giving myself everyday.
Some gifts you can give yourself everyday:
1. Take time out of your busy day to acknowledge yourself for succeeding. Example: Say out loud, “I am proud of you for getting to work on time.”
2. Tell yourself each day, “I Love You.”
3. Eat healthy for at least one meal.
4. Exercise
5. Acknowledge family members or friends for who they are.
6. Spend time relaxing by yourself and writing down your achievements.
Taking Care of Yourself is the key to Happiness.
How are you taking care of yourself each day and what gifts are you receiving? Helen
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