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When winter decided to arrive, it arrived with a
vengeance, didn't it? It's hard to believe I was wearing
shorts on Saturday and today it was way below zero
when I got up! But I have been out in the cold anyway
and enjoyed the sunshine today. It's hard to think it's
going to be cold for the next several days. How un-
Colorado like! But it's a good day for Advice from a
Snowman
- Be a Jolly, Happy Soul
- Spend Time Outdoors
- Stay Cool
- It's Okay to be a Little Bottom Heavy (especially
during the Holidays!)
- Avoid Meltdowns (easier said than done)
- Be Well-rounded
- Live Well, Life is Short
Have a wonderful week and stay warm!
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Happ, Happiest Time of the Year.
Not for all.
Yesterday the Adult Education session at my church
was about the holiday blues and how to avoid
meltdowns. So after church, what did I do? Yep, that's
right. I went home and melted down over lights for the
Christmas tree. We had three strings and none of
them worked. So as I'm sitting in my office crying,
Richard and Malaika are trying to figure out which light
is burned out. Then I had a flash of brillance, actually
common sense. I went to Target and bought two
strings of lights for the tree as well as doing some
shopping. What a silly thing to get so upset about!
We get so hyped up about the holidays. We
feel we have to follow tradition (sometimes a good
thing), we buy into the hype and commercialism and
forget why we are celebrating. And the days are dark
and cold, which doesn't help our mood either.
For many the holidays is also a time of grief.
My mom died November 30 and I miss her terribly this
time of year, even nine years later. With the current
ecomonic problems, many people are without jobs.
Whether the holidays are a time of sadness as well as
joy for you, it is very important to take care of yourself.
Be sure to get exercise, spend time with friends and
maybe pare down your celebration.
Take a
minute and look at your holiday checklist. It's okay not
to send holiday cards and put up fewer decorations.
This year we got a small tree and just put a few
ornaments on it. After the tree was decorated, I let
Malaika pick out a few other things; the music
snowglobes, the nutcrackers and nativity puzzles; and
she put them where she wanted them to be. It's okay
not to follow tradition or start a new one. You can
attend parties only if you want to, not because you
have to. Don't want to cook? Go out for dinner or call
King Sooper and have it delivered!
Whatever
you do, don't let yourself get to the point I was at
yesterday. I had the flu over the weekend and then
Monday jumped right back into the frenzy. Give
yourself a break. Yesterday was a wake-up call for
me. This is suppose to be a season of light and joy,
not of pressure and stress. Remember that and take
care of you!
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The Rhythm of Life.
Following your brain.
Did you know that your brain has a cycle, just like your
physical body? Your brain's patterns are largely
based on sleep cycles, exposure to light and genetic
makeup. Getting in tune with your brain's cycle can
help make you happier and
healthier.
According to research, 7-9 AM is
the time for passion. Hmm, that's usually crazy time
around here, but remember kisses and cuddles are
important ways to express your affections. These are
the hours to strengthen your relationships with the
most important people in your life. So take that extra
time to tell your significant other and/or your kids what
an important part of your life they are.
Tap
into your creativity from 9-11 AM. I am there with this
one. Once a week my girlfriend Faye and I meet for a
brainstorming session during this time. We bounce
ideas off each other and problems that seemed
impossible to solve suddenly become manageable.
This is the best time to take on tasks that require
analysis and concentration. So write that presentation
you've been putting off tomorrow morning!
From 11-2 is the best time to take on tough
tasks. I often find this is the most productive time of
the day for me. Tear through your to-do list, tackle
errands, answer voice mail and e-mail or give a
presentation.
Now we have reached that
infamous time of day, the after lunch sleepy time from
2-3 PM. As you digest food, your body draws blood
away from your brain to your stomach. This is a good
time to meditate or pray, to read or go for a walk.
It's "you time".
Need to have a conversation
with a co-worker? By 3:00 PM your brain is getting
tired.
It's a good time for a low-pressure meeting because
you are more easy-going. It's also a good time for
exercise. Studies show that physical skills are
strongest at this time.
From 6-8 PM your
brain goes into something called wake maintenance
and chances are you are starting to get tired. This is a
good time do a little house cleaning, enjoy quality time
with family members, or cook a good
meal.
From 8-10 PM there is a transition from
feeling wide awake to feeling sleepy. So unwind by
watching TV, reading or doing a craft you enjoy. Now
is
the time for "mindless activities".
By 10:00
PM
your brain is ready to understand all it learned during
the day and file it away. Your brain does this through
sleep. It's time to do whatever helps you go to sleep;
reading, writing in your journal, having a cup of hot
tea. Try to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep and you will be
ready to make the most of tomorrow.
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It's Almost 2009.
How will you do?
I love little slogans. "I thrived in 2005". "I was in
heaven in 2007". "I am great in 2008". And you know
what? "I do fine in 2009". Seems silly, but it's not.
Because what you think and believe usually comes to
pass. How will you do fine in 2009?
First, decide you WILL "do fine in 2009!" Know, deep in
your heart that you will adapt and adjust with whatever
life throws at you. There will be hard times and maybe
even tragedy, but you will survive. Through it all, you
will "Do Fine in 2009"
Second, decide what "fine" looks like. Will you go back
to school or move to Montana? Will you adopt a child
or retire? How about learning to skydive? Will you take
control of your health; exercise, lose weight, see a
nutritionist. What exactly does "doing fine" mean for
you and your family? Make a list and be
specific.
Third, decide on a strategy. Whether you are learning
French or running the Bolder Boulder, you'll need a
plan. You'll need to know how much time, money, and
help you'll need. You'll need a calendar to plot dates
and you'll need a chart to list your benchmarks. How
will you know you're on schedule and "doing fine"
unless you have a plan?
Fourth, decide on key partners, people who will
support you. Don't try to do everything on your own. No
matter what 2009 looks like to you, you'll need support
from friends and family. You may need financing. You
may need a business partner, or someone to teach
you. Almost everything goes better "with a little help
from our friends."
Fifth, decide on a coach, someone to cheer you on.
Every successful woman and man has a person
behind them holding them up when things get tough.
Sometimes the best coaches are family members or
friends but more often the best coach is a
professional. Get someone with the training and
expertise to keep you on track, focused and productive.
Make 2009 your year to do "fine"
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Grace and Peace,
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