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September is when we enjoy the last days of summer.  The last days of warm temps, spending time outside, carefree attitudes and summer vacation.  

After spending so much time outdoors it’s time for self-reflection.  To tuck the casual attitude away and get serious about self-care.  Self-care is important, yet it’s something that we so often neglect.

September brings with it Labor Day, Grandparents Day, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, to name a few.  But it’s also known as Self-Care Awareness Month and reminds us to take the time to take care of ourselves.  Because after all we’re important too.

What is Self-Care?

Self-care has been defined as the process of establishing behaviors to ensure holistic well-being of oneself, to promote health, and actively manage illness when it occurs.

Individuals engage in some form of self-care daily with food choices, exercise, sleep, reading and dental care.

 

Why It’s Important

Self-care is important for your overall health.  For one thing, it aides in you feeling your best and enhances your quality of life.

Meaning you’re going to make sure to eat food that’s healthy and good for your total body. 

Doing this help you to help others and to accomplish all that you’d like to in the run of a day.

Helps to Cope with Daily Stressors

Paula Gill Lopez, PhD, an associate professor in the department of psychological and educational consultation at Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut, says the need for self-care is obvious.  “We have an epidemic of anxiety and depression,” she says.  “Everybody feels it.” When it comes to mental health, self-care can help people manage stress, lower their risk of illness and increase energy levels. 

Kelsey Patel, a Los Angeles-based wellness expert, says self-care is part of the answer to how we can all better cope with daily stressors.    “People are feeling lonelier and less able to unwind and slowdown, which makes them feel more anxious and overwhelmed by even the simplest tasks,” Patel says.

Self-care is not an Indulgence. It’s a Discipline

It requires tough mindedness, a deep and personal understanding of your priorities, and respect for both yourself and the people you choose to spend your life with.

It’s also a discipline because it’s not something you do once in awhile when the world gets crazy.  It’s what you do every day, every week, month in and month out.

Practicing self-care

Committing to a healthy relationship with yourself is very important for a full and satisfying life.

In order to restore balance we must take better care of ourselves.  Consider these four suggestions to practice and maintain self-care.

 

4 Tips for Practicing Self-Care

NUTRITION – Good nutrition is key to both your physical and mental health!  The CDC reports that people who practice healthy eating “live longer and are less likely to develop serious health problems such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and obesity.”  Proper nutrition can be used to manage chronic conditions as well.

HYDRATION – Drinking enough water is an essential step toward better self-care.  We all know we need to stay hydrated, yet it often falls by the wayside.  In fact more than half of adults in the US don’t drink enough water.

MOVEMENT– Physical activity is not only a vital part of our well-being, but also a wonderful way to engender joy and build resilience. Exercise produces “feel-good” chemicals-endorphins-in your brain.  Staying active improves your mental health by reducing anxiety and depression and boosting your mood and self-esteem.

REST – In our busy world rest can be hard to slow down for.  But it’s one thing that will greatly benefit your physical, mental, and emotional health. Whether you’re sleeping, meditating or taking a relaxing bubble bath, rest is essential for healing.

Self-Care is What You Need

Hopefully this has inspired you to make that change for yourself if you haven’t already.  You must take care of yourself on a regular in order to stay healthy and restore balance.  

Gracy Obuchowicz, self-care coach, says self-care allows you to have a nurturing experience of life right now as opposed to when you work harder in the future. 

So set your priorities, stick with them and make it a regular practice.  You can only get better.   

 

1 Corinthians 3:1616 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

More and more people are being diagnosed with this every day. We can’t sweep it under the rug any longer or just look over it as if it isn’t there. Almost every family have at least one person who’s affected by this.

This is real, this is life, and we must bring awareness to this situation and take away the stigma associated with mental disorders. Mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the U.S. and around the world.

The percentages being…

About one in 5 American adults experience some form of mental illness. It looks different for each person affected. No situation or diagnosis is exactly the same, and some mental health disorders can be difficult to recognize.

But you know what, even the most serious mental health conditions can be treated. This allows people the chance to better contribute to their families and communities. It allows them the chance to feel normal

What is Mental Health

Mental health is a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community. It affects how we think, feel and act.

Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It’s been observed in the United States since 1949. The month is commemorated with media, local events, and film screenings.

The Mental Health America Organization started Mental Health Awareness month back in 1949. It was started to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in American lives and to celebrate recovery from mental illness.

Millions are living with Mental Illness

Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. May is the month in which there’s a national movement to raise awareness about this issue.

There’s a mental health crisis and we must fight the stigma surrounding mental health issues. As a nation, we must provide support, educate the public, and advocate for policies that support people with mental illness and their families.

5 warning signs of Mental Illness

Here are five warning signs of mental illness to watch for:

1. Long-lasting sadness or irritability
2. Extremely high and low moods
3. Excessive fear, worry, or anxiety
4. Social withdrawal
5. Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits

You are not alone

There are organizations that continue to amplify this message and focus on the healing value of connecting in safe ways. Together we can realize our shared vision of a nation where everyone affected by mental illness can get the appropriate support and quality of care to live healthy fulfilling lives.

A nation where no one feels alone in their struggle. Where peace of mind is the number one goal and it can be achieved.

Mental Health Resources

When someone has a mental breakdown there should be resources that they can take advantage of. Something that could help them and those closest to them, with their battle.

Now more than ever there should be ways for those with mental health challenges to stay connected with our community. No one should feel alienated and alone or without information, support, and help they need.

Mental Health Support

Everyone deserves to be happy, which is why mental health matters. Mental Health Awareness month looks to shine a light into all the dark places of your emotional health.

Discussions around mental health are becoming more and more common and more people are reaching out for help. Here are a few agencies you can look to for mental health support and solutions.

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

OK2Talk Helpline Teen Helpline 1-800-273-HELP (4357)

National Council for Behavioral Health 1-202-684-7457

Online at: MentalHealth.gov

John 16:33

33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

One More Thing:

We invite you to check out and join our “Christian and Alternative Health and Copywriting FB Group” where you can interact with others interested in Faith, Family and Healthy Living.

You’ll also find healthy recipes (and be encouraged to share ones you may have), faith-based advice, and tips for up-and-coming copywriters.

And best of all, spiritual dialog that’s both inspiring and encouraging.

Hop on over and join us, we’d love to have you.

Not so long ago in February of 2020 Coronavirus Covid-19 reached the shores of the U.S.  It was said to have originated in Wuhan, China 2 months earlier.  It’s been on a steady climb ever since and it’s not only in the U.S.  It has spread worldwide affecting almost 100 million people.  Yes, life, as we know it, has changed.

The progression of Covid cases at one point was moderate.  Now that has changed and Covid-19 cases are spreading like wildfire.  Why are COVID-19 cases increasing right now?

COVID-19 is accelerating dramatically

New cases of Covid has increased substantially.  In November of 2020, the case count spiked from 10 million to 13 million here in this country.  In most states, the transmission is on the rise and hospitals are feeling the strain.

The daily count of new cases has increased 17% from the average 2 weeks ago.  We’re now adding around 165,000 confirmed cases daily.

But why is it spreading so fast right now?

It’s believed that many got lax in safeguarding for themselves and others causing an upswing in the numbers.  Taking precautions is serious and we see that now.  Not wearing a mask when going out isn’t an option.  Social distancing and washing your hands often isn’t an option.

We all have to do our part to slow and stop the spread of this disease.  It’s spreading so fast because some are not taking it seriously thereby not doing their part.  So many have already lost their lives, let’s do what we can to reduce that number.

State and local government should also do their part

Some have rolled back restrictions which have also aided in an upswing of Covid cases.  There are some states that never put any regulations into place until after the virus started spreading.  Like closing the barn door after the horse has gotten out.  A little too late don’t you think?  Many could’ve been spared had there been a plan in place.

Family and covid 

Airports were packed full of travelers going from one place to another to be with their family members for the holidays.  Unfortunately, it became a superspreader event.  We all miss and want to see our family but not at a price.  Zoom, What’s App, or even Messenger could’ve been used to see their faces.  After Thanksgiving and Christmas, there was an acceleration in cases and they’re still on the rise.

Pandemic fatigue is everywhere

Being inside is taking a toll on everyone but we must stay vigilant.  This is something none of us vouched for or has ever encountered before.  It’s unfamiliar and we’re taking our cues as we go along.  If you must go out wear a mask, practice safe distancing and wash and sanitize your hands frequently.  Don’t let your guard down and become numb to the facts, which some have done.

Frontline workers and hospitals are overwhelmed

They’re overworked and they’re depending on you to do the right thing.  Some hospitals are at full capacity with others getting there fast.  Makeshift facilities are set up in the parking lot because there’s no more room inside the hospitals.  That should be enough to make us all sit up and take notice but we are not.

So many are still not following the rules.  What else will it take?  Until this disease is gotten under control, preventing the spread should be our number one goal thereby keeping ourselves and others safe.

Giving your immune system a boost with healthy foods can also help

In addition to safeguards that are already in place, there’s evidence that nutrition and other lifestyle measures influence immune strength and susceptibility to infectious diseases.

Whether these measures do or do not influence susceptibility to COVID-19 or its clinical course is not known yet.  However, there is every reason to put what we do know about foods and immune defenses to use.

Eating a low-fat, plant-based diet may help give the immune system a boost.  Studies have shown that fruits and vegetables provide nutrients – like beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E, that can boost immune function.

Want to reduce the numbers?

Focus on the main objective that we’ve had since day 1…which is reducing the spread.

• Stay home if you’re sick
• Wear a mask when going out
• Social distance
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Wash and sanitize your hands
• Do this and we should be able to slow and stop the spread.

Protect your family and friends

Help stop the spread.  We have to stay mindful and attentive in our everyday lives.  We can do this…we can take these simple steps to help slow the spread and protect ourselves, our families and our communities.

 

Isaiah 58 vs 11 (NLT)

11 The Lord will guide you continually, watering your life when you are dry and keeping you healthy, too.  You will be like a well-watered garden like an ever-flowing spring 

 

One More Thing:

We invite you to check out and join our “Christian and Alternative Health & Copywriting” FB Group.  There you can interact with others interested in Faith, Family, and Healthy Living as well as copywriting.

You’ll also find healthy recipes (and be encouraged to share ones you may have), faith-based advice, and tips for up and coming copywriters.  And, spiritual dialog that’s both inspiring and encouraging.

Hop on over and join us, we’d love to have you.

Source

 At the start of the pandemic, there were mixed messages on whether or not the public should be wearing face masks. This left many wondering if face masks work and why they should bother wearing one. The good news is, they do help protect us! While the guidelines for COVID-19 may be rapidly developing, and confusing us all, we can look to other well established healthcare guidelines to understand how face masks protect us from becoming infected and infecting others. So, what exactly do these masks do?

 

1. They keep your respiratory droplets from spreading to others!

 

The CDC outlines three transmission-based precautions to help stop the spread of various pathogens: contact, droplet, and airborne. A pathogen is the agent that causes a disease, and different pathogens use different methods to spread. Surgical masks are a key protective measure in droplet precautions and airborne precautions. Surgical masks are routinely used in healthcare settings to prevent the spread of infections such as influenza, pneumonia, and meningitis. In what the CDC terms “source control”, they outline that the infected individual should wear a mask to help prevent transmission.

 

Many viruses and bacteria, such as the ones previously listed, are spread through respiratory droplets. These respiratory droplets are generated when a person is coughing, sneezing, or talking. That’s right, even just by talking! If you are infected, the pathogen can travel through your respiratory droplets and be transmitted to people around you, or they can contaminate surfaces. So, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be an unaware vector of the disease and wearing a mask helps you keep your droplets to yourself when interacting with others.

 

2. They protect you from infected individuals!

 

In regards to the same CDC transmission-based precautions, specific personal protective equipment can be used to decrease your chances of contracting various pathogens. When viruses and bacteria spread by respiratory droplets, those droplets infect you by traveling into your mouth, nose, and eyes. Wearing a mask properly helps block infectious particles from finding a home in your mouth and nose. COVID-19, in most cases, is believed to be spread by respiratory droplets. Thus, wearing a mask can help reduce your risk of contracting the disease.

 

Now that we know how face masks protect us, it is important to note that different masks can offer different levels of protection. The American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) is an international standards organization that develops technical standards for many different fields-including healthcare. They put face masks through a series of five tests to determine what standards they meet. These tests are: Bacterial filtration, particle filtration, synthetic blood splatter, flammability, and breathability. Based on specific criteria, the masks are sorted into one of three levels after they are tested. Level 1 offers the lowest level of protection, while level 3 offers the highest. Patriot Medical Devices offers masks that have been tested and proven to function at the ASTM 3 standard. Patriot masks offer the highest level of protection against particles and fluids, while also being comfortable to wear!

 

 

References

 

Transmission Based Precautions.

https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/basics/transmission-based-precautions.html

 

Modes of transmission of virus causing COVID-19: implications for IPC precaution recommendations.

https://www.who.int/news-room/commentaries/detail/modes-of-transmission-of-virus-causing-covid-19-implications-for-ipc-precaution-recommendations

 

 

This article originally appeared on Patriot Medical Devices

Thank you “Patriot Medical Devices” for the info

Link to original article below:

How do Face Masks Work?

The political climate has changed tremendously.  Never have there ever been so much uproar and upheaval in this country where politics are concerned.  Well, I take that back.  The last time this happened, a Civil War ensued.  When you go to the extreme about something, something extreme will happen.

During that period of time, you had people fighting to keep a different race of people enslaved.  Working for them without getting any wages (for free).  Everyone didn’t agree with that and stated that all men are created equal (in which they are).  Now there are those who want to take the country back to that.  Back to a period that’s dark and ugly.

What’s really going on?  Some seem to operate in an alternate universe.  One that’s different from everybody else’s.  Because whenever they speak or recall something that’s been said, it’s always different from what was actually said or even recorded.  When something is true they say that it’s false or if something is right they say it’s wrong.

And then, they demonize and punish others because they don’t think the way they do.  And if we don’t pay attention and keep our history front and center it will be repeated.  In the way that some are trying to repeat it now.

The majority rules it’s the law

We’ve always been mostly a two-party political system (there’s now an Independent party as well).  But the main two parties are Republicans and Democrats, left, right, the red and the blue.  One group professes to be conservative and the other liberal.  They have their differences and that’s the way it’s always been.  People respected it and they know and accept it.  Until now!

For some reason, that’s changed

The political climate and everything surrounding it has become different in the past few years.  It’s been altered dramatically.  The changes are front and center and no one or anybody seems to be doing anything about it.  Even though they see what’s going on they’re allowing it to happen and we’re not the better for it.  And if this is the direction we as a country are headed, it’s doesn’t look good for democracy.

This is what’s happening

The political climate has been reduced to a shouting match with name-calling.  It more or so resembles middle school bullies than supposedly grown mature politicians.  These are individuals who are supposed to be committed to having the country and the people’s best interests at heart.  Instead, they’re mocking and tearing down others because they have different views.

It’s gone too far and way beyond politics.  It seems to be more of a fight for equality and civil rights for people of color.  Taking the country back 50 years ago to the Civil Rights Movement of the sixties.  The civil unrest that has manifested itself is reminiscent of the days of the “Make Love, Not War” battle cry from young people during that memorable decade.

It comes down to this

Republicans are conservatives.  Conservative means disposed to maintain existing views, conditions, or institutions.  Marked by moderation or caution.  Not usually liking or trusting change.  Resistant to change.

Republicans prefer things staying the same way they’ve always been.

Democrats are liberals.  Liberal means willing to respect or accept behavior or opinions different from one’s own.  Open to new ideas.  Not narrow in opinion or judgement.  One who is open-minded.

Democrats are open to doing things differently.

Behavior and attitudes

Are much different and have gone way beyond politics.  It’s divisive and friends and even family members are at odds with each other.

There are those who for some reason think it’s ok to call others names and marginalize them.  Those who, as they say, want to take things back to a time when all citizens were not treated equally.

What is it that makes some people think they are better than others?  Well, guess what?  You’re not.  We’re all made by the same God and those who pretend not to know this need to open and read a bible.

No one race of people is any better than the other.  The sooner everyone realizes that the better off we’ll be,  and the sooner this nation will begin to heal.

When the leader of the country has questionable behavior

As well as some Senators and some Congressmen, how can you expect the citizens (not all) who are watching them do this, be any better?  They are not.  In fact, some jump at the chance to be rebellious or go contrary to the law.  They want chaos and confusion in order to push their own agendas.  Yes, the political climate has changed.  When the commander and chief of the country’s too radical, more than likely others are going to be as well.

There is hope

There’s hope for us as a country and hope for us as a people.  We should never lose that.  This nation was founded on “In God We Trust.”  If we remember this one saying, attitudes and behavior will get better.  We must look to God first and things will change.  He will lead us and guide us in the way that we should go.  Even in this political climate.

But no one looks to God anymore.  Which is probably why we’re in the shape we’re in.  God is a God of Hope.  He’s committed to us and he will never let you down.  Distractions, like the things that are happening now, are designed to take our focus.  Let’s put the focus back to where it should be and that’s on Jesus Christ the son of God.  And if we do that we’ll become better as a people and as a nation.

Knowing and loving Christ is a choice.  The benefits that come along with that is a Blessing from God.  He rewards us for our efforts and right now our efforts need to be on showing tolerance, understanding, equality for all, and above all else love.

Unconditional love is what Christ has for us.  Let’s show him that we can have it too…for him as well as for each other.

I John: 18-20

18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment.  He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

19 We love him because he first loved us.

20 If a man say, I love God and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

 

One More Thing:

We invite you to check out and join our “Christian and Alternative Health Copywriting” FB Group.  There you can interact with others interested in Faith, Family, and Healthy Living as well as copywriting.

You’ll also find healthy recipes (and be encouraged to share ones you may have), faith-based advice, and tips for up and coming copywriters.  And, spiritual dialog that’s both inspiring and encouraging.

Hop on over and join us, we’d love to have you.

 

I must say, in the last few years we’ve seen some reactionary changes as a nation.  Things have been happening here in our country that I wouldn’t have believed in this day and time had I not witnessed them for myself.

On a regular basis, we have citizens trying to bring harm to other citizens purely because they’re from different backgrounds and have different beliefs, which is something this country usually frowns upon.  

Our history as Americans is accepting people from all ethnicities, with different beliefs and from different backgrounds as long as it doesn’t harm or endanger anyone else.  Why has that changed all of a sudden?

We actually have people who are openly confronting and bullying others simply because they’re different.  This isn’t the American way and isn’t the America that I know and love. 

This is very surprising for this day and time.  We shouldn’t be going backwards.  There should be a change and that change should be for the better.  

Some are showing who they really are.  People who you never would’ve imagined, are doing and saying things that are outright mean and unkind. 

We see big crowds of people at rallies who’re clapping and cheering when there’s someone shouting something negative, degrading and often wrong about others who’re different.  And these people say they’re Christians.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 says:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hope, always perseveres. Love never fails.”

I must admit if I didn’t know the true God for myself I wouldn’t want to know him based on the way some people are acting.   

God is patient and kind and he loves us all.  He knew what he was doing when he made us different.  We all have our own unique qualities and we should be proud of whatever they are. 

I’m convinced God wants to see who’s loving, patient and kind just as he is.  

I think it’d be quite boring if we were all the same.  Being different means embracing your difference and showing others different ideas and perspectives.  But we all have to have an open mind and recieve it.      

What would you say is the problem?  

I’ve tried to rationalize these actions but there are none.  In the last month we had someone walk into a Synagogue in Pittsburgh and shoot and kill 11 people. 

Then on the other side of the country in Thousand Oaks, Ca a little over a week later someone walked into a country music bar and shot and killed 11 college students and a sheriff’s deputy who was dispatched to the scene (for a total of 12).

So what’s going on America? What’s causing these random acts of terror?

My heart goes out to the families of those who were killed this past month, and I’m praying that people will stand strong for what’s right and show love and understanding to others…even when they are different. 

I still believe that there are good people in this world, people who want to do what’s right.  I hope to God that I’m not wrong.  

So whatda ya say America!?!?!?   Let’s stand strong and proud and do the Godly thing.  That thing what God lays upon your heart to do…and that is to love.

 1 Peter 4:8

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

 

You’re sitting in your leather recliner watching this program on television.  Then suddenly the man says to his wife, “I’m leaving you.  You don’t make me happy anymore.”

Hold up! Pump your breaks!  It’s high time that this guy and everyone like him knows this.  It’s not your spouse’s job or anyone else’s for that matter, to make you happy.  It’s YOURS!  This needs to be shouted from the rooftops.

All my life I’ve heard just the opposite.  People saying he or she doesn’t make me happy anymore so I’m moving on; and I was guilty of thinking this way as well until I learned better.  We are always looking to blame someone else for our short comings when we need to be looking at ourselves.

Happiness and unhappiness for that matter, is a state of mind.  It’s a decision we make to ourselves about ourselves.

Although, one theory in psychology research suggests that we all have a happiness “set point” that largely determines our overall well-being.  It says we oscillate around this set point, becoming happier when something positive happens or the opposite, afterwards returning to equilibrium.  But even if that’s true, it states that this set-point, to a certain extent, can be reset.

Although our general mood levels and well-being are partially determined by factors like genetics and upbringing, roughly 40 percent of our happiness is within our control, according to some experts, and a large body of research in the field of positive psychology has shown that happiness is a choice that anyone can make.

They understand that when we stop chasing the world’s definition of happiness, we begin to see the decision to experience happiness has been right in front of us all along.  Research in the field of positive psychology continues to reinforce this understanding.

What can you do?

Here’s 12 actions, suggested by people like Joshua Becker and Carolyn Gregoire, you can choose today to help in making you happy.

1. Count Your Blessings.  Happy people choose to focus on the positive aspects of life rather than the negative.  They set their minds on specific reasons to be grateful.  They express it when possible.  And they quickly discover there is always, always, something to be grateful for.
2. Carry a Smile.  A smile is a wonderful beautifier.  But more that that, studies indicate that making an emotion-filled face carries influence over the feelings processed by the brain.  Our facial expression can influence our brain in just the same way our brains influence our face.  In other words, you can actually program yourself to experience happiness by choosing to smile.  Not to mention, all the pretty smiles you’ll receive in return for flashing yours is also guaranteed to increase your happiness level.
3. Cultivate Gratitude.  List a few things daily that makes you grateful.  This shifts you away from bitterness and despair and promotes happiness.
4. Foster Forgiveness.  Holding a grudge and nursing grievances can affect physical as well as mental health, according to a rapidly growing body of research.  One way to curtail these kinds of feelings is to foster forgiveness.  This reduces the power of bad events to create bitterness and resentment, say Michael McCullough and Robert Emmons, happiness researchers who edited The Psychology of Happiness.
5. Remember Money Can’t Buy Happiness.  Research shows that once income climbs above the poverty level, more money brings very little happiness.  Yet, “we keep assuming that because things aren’t bringing us happiness, they’re wrong things, rather than recognizing that the pursuit itself is futile,” writes Daniel Gilbert in his book, Stumbling on Happiness.  “Regardless of what we achieve in the pursuit of stuff, it’s never going to bring about an enduring state of happiness.”
6. Speak Daily Affirmation into Your Life.  Affirmations are positive thoughts accompanied with affirmative beliefs and personal statements of truth.  They are recited in the first person, present tense (“I am…”).  Affirmations used daily can release stress, build confidence, and improve outlook.  For maximum effectiveness, affirmations should be chosen carefully, be based in truth, and address current needs.
7. Hold Back a Complaint.  The next time you want to lash out in verbal complaint towards a person, a situation, or yourself, don’t.  Instead, humbly keep it to yourself.  You’ll likely diffuse an unhealthy, unhappy environment.  But more than that, you’ll experience joy by choosing peace in a difficult situation.
8. Use Your Strengths.  Each of us have natural talents, strengths, and abilities.  And when we use them effectively, we feel alive and comfortable in our skin.  They help us find joy in our being and happiness in our design.  So embrace your strengths and choose to operate within your giftedness each day.  If you need to find this outlet outside your employment, by all means, find this outlet.
9. Eat a Healthy Meal/Snack.  We are spiritual, emotional, and mental beings.  We are also physical bodies.  Our lives cannot be wholly separated into parts.  As a result, one aspect always influences the others.  For example, our physical bodies will always have impact over our spiritual and emotional well-being.  Therefore, caring for our physical well-being can have significant benefit for our emotional standing.  One simple action to choose happiness today is to eat healthy foods.  Your physical body will thank you…and so will your emotional well-being.
10. Treat Others Well.  Everyone wants to be treated kindly.  But more than that, deep down, we also want to treat others with the same respect that we would like given to us.  Treat everyone you meet with kindness, patience, and grace.  The Golden Rule is a powerful standard.  It benefits the receiver.  But also brings growing satisfaction in yourself as you seek to treat others as you would like to be treated.
11. Meditate.  Find time alone in solitude.  As our world increases in speed and noise, the ability to withdraw becomes even more essential.  Studies confirm the importance and life-giving benefits of meditation.  So take time to make time.  And use meditation to search inward, connect spiritually, and improve your happiness today.
12. Search for Benefit In Your Pain.  This life can be difficult.  Nobody escapes without pain.  At some point-in some way-we all encounter it.  When we do, remind yourself again that the trials may be difficult, but they will pass.  And search deep to find meaning in the pain.  Choose to look for the benefits that can be found in your trial.  At the very least, perseverance is being built.  And most likely, an ability to comfort others in their pain is also being developed.

I hope this can help you in some way to realize that you and only you can make the decision to be happy.  People in your life or even your surroundings may add to it but the ultimate choice is yours.  So start today…Choose to be Happy!

“Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” – Abraham Lincoln

 

Psalm 37:4

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

 

 

It’s a beautiful spring morning.  A gentle breeze ruffles the leaves on the trees as the sun peaks it’s head over the horizon.  A melodious chorus of bluebirds is in the air raising and lowering their song with each chirp.

The echo of your mother’s voice calling your name awakens you.  Your weary eyes open slowly and you take a long deep stretch.  You thank God for waking you up and you hop out of bed to begin your usual daily routine.

You head into the bathroom to wash up.  Then you get dressed, eat breakfast and head out the door.  The only thing on your mind at this age (13) is school, your best friends and boys/girls.

School is a safe haven where you spend half of your day.  The outside world and anything dealing with it seems so far away and isn’t a factor here.  The worst thing that ever happens is that someone gets into a fist fight and that’s hardly ever.

Teachers teach classes with very little problems and they touch many young lives.  They are happy to have chosen this career; they make a difference and they know it.

Is this a joke or a fantasy?  Or maybe a fairytale?

In fact, no it’s not.  This was life back in the late sixties when I was a thirteen year old.  People were different and the time was different.  In school you were about as safe as you could be away from home.  Even schools in some of the poorest neighborhoods were safe havens where principals and teachers were the authority.

Back then children listened and learned.  They didn’t only learn reading, writing and arithmetic, they learned health and etiquette.  They also learned respect and how to work with others.

But sadly, this is no more.

It seems light years ago now.  Gone are those days of innocence that a child had.  Gone are those days of respect for your elders, respect for authority and respect for others.  It’s a sad situation that this generation is in today.

Schools aren’t safe havens anymore.  On any given day classrooms are being disrupted by one or more kids who only cares about his of herself.  Teachers don’t have control anymore and can’t teach the students who want to learn.  With some this is a constant that they have to deal with everyday.

Sex and drugs are rampant and a norm and now mental issues are too.  With this generation there are kids who for whatever reason want to inflict harm onto others.  It’s heartbreaking, it’s sad and it’s the world our children and grandchildren live in.

What is it that we did or didn’t do as adults to produce a generation like this?

They can’t even go to school and feel safe.  Now in addition to their classrooms being disrupted by some with no respect for others, they have to worry about someone bringing a weapon of war to school with the intention of harming or killing them.  It’s horrifying and so sad that this generation has never known a world without school shootings.  That they have to go to school each day with this fear.

Sadly, even elementary schools are not exempt.  The younger ones have this same fear.  What a burden to have to bear as a little child.  There’s a crisis in this country in our schools, and it needs to be handled.

In 1999 the first of the unthinkable took place in Littleton, Colorado.  Two students there took their frustrations out on others and on April 20th, 1999 twelve students and one teacher lost their lives with more than 20 others wounded.

It got continually worst here in America.

There has been:

• 50 mass murders or attempted mass murders at a school since Columbine
• 141 people were killed in a mass murder or attempted mass murder at a school since Columbine
• 65 school shooters and thwarted school shooters referenced Columbine as a motivation

Sadly this is a trend that doesn’t seem to be going away.  What’s going on?  Why are people so violent today?  I wish there was an answer to that question but sadly there’s not.

73% of the school shooters had no prior criminal record.  They were never arrested for anything.  Since Columbine there’s been 17 kids aged 15 or younger who have committed or attempted a mass school shooting.

Again…what’s going on?

We really need to re-evaluate the way we’re raising our kids.  There’s obviously something lacking.  We have to stop trying to be friends with our children and be what we’re supposed to be and that’s parents.  Stop allowing the children to run the house and above all, stop condoning or co-signing the things they do wrong.

We have to lead by example and train them in the way they should go.  And we should teach them about our Heavenly Father.  How he loves them and wants the best for them as their parents do.  How he provides grace and mercy all day, everyday.

We must get back to the basics if we want to see a change.  If we ever want to see a world where there’s love, peace and respect for others.

A lot says it can’t be done but we’re doing our children an injustice if we don’t at least try.  We can do anything we set our minds to, it’s been proven time and time again.

If we go back to putting people first before money this will not only be a better place for us today.  It will be a better place for our kids and grandkids tomorrow.

Think about it…

Proverbs 22:6

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

 

 

Posted on July 4, 2017 by rvjohnsonwriting4u