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We Loved
Up
Give A Goodnight Kiss
Start Loving Yourself and Your Life
LIVING IN THE PRESENT MOMENT
THE POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING
CREATING MORE TIME AND MONEY
RELAX, HAVE FUN, AND ENJOY LIFE
RELATIONSHIPS
ILLNESS AND GRIEF
YOUR FAMILY, CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
BAD HABITS
YOU AND SOCIETY
SPIRITUALITY
YOUR JOURNAL AND QUESTIONNAIRE
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RELAX, HAVE FUN, AND ENJOY LIFE
39. Take a Nice, Hot Bath.
If you like bubble bath, special soaps, or candles, indulge yourself. This quiet
time is great for your spirit and your brain. We all crave a bit of serenity,
and in this hectic world, it is a rare commodity. A tub can be a wonderful place
to read (just not a library book). Your muscles will love it, and so will your
blood pressure.
40. Climb into Bed Early and Watch a Movie.
Make popcorn, pile up the pillows and relax. If you want to, you can
let your kids join you for a family movie. How about a comedy? Just don't make
it too scary; since you'll want to sleep sometime.
41. Use or Display Your Good China, Heirlooms and
Treasures Daily.
Are your most beautiful and special things packed away? Do you use them only on
special occasions? Why not use them daily and really enjoy them? So what if they
get broken? They won't do you any good packed in your attic. If you are always
putting off the special things in life, you might miss the opportunity ever to
experience them at all. Surrounding yourself with beautiful things will lift
your spirits, and remind you that your life is a special occasion. (JE)
42. Make Time to Take Up a Hobby or Be Creative.
Make birdhouses, draw, play music, learn a language, build models,
doodle, take a class, take up a sport, try out for local theater, write poetry,
make mosaics, rebuild old cars, string beads. Some adult education classes cost
$10 or less. Everyone has a hidden talent. Developing it is cheaper than therapy
and a lot more fun. Consider joining a club for your hobby or interest. It's a
great way to meet people, too. (JE)
43. READ, READ, READ!!!
Mysteries, novels, self-help books, inspirational books, humor, travel,
poetry, adventure. There is a book for every age, taste, level, and person on
this planet. If you are already a reader, then you know how great it is. If you
aren't, then you simply have not found the right type of book. Books relax you
and transport you to another world right in your own living room. Hooray for
books! (JE)
And definitely read out loud to your kids. (See Section "H" regarding this
topic.)
44. Did Someone Turn You Off to Reading?
The old school approach to reading could have killed anyone's love of
it. Boring, tedious, and difficult books do not inspire reading. If you were a
slow reader or felt pressured, you certainly wouldn't have learned to love
books. So deprogram yourself, starting today. Start with an easy, funny, or
exciting book. Pick a subject you enjoy. Give yourself all the time in the
world, and start to read for pleasure. Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton
was one of the first books that turned me on to pleasure reading. Dave Barry's
Guide to Guys is fast and funny, too.
45. Beautify Your Home.
Your home should give you a lift, boost your spirits, and express your
uniqueness. It is a very important refuge and anchor for you (and your family)
in these hectic times. Let it reflect your sense of style and the colors you
like. Even if you are on a budget, you can paint the walls, hang up some
curtains, and put up some art or posters. You can find lots of great stuff at
garage sales. Look at books and magazines for ideas, or ask a creative friend to
help if you're lost. "Interior Motives," hosted by Christopher Lowell on the
Discovery Channel, is full of clever tips. (JE)
46. Move Your Furniture.
This will give you an instant change and won't cost you a
penny---unless, of course, you throw your back out---so be careful.
47. Create an Outdoor Retreat.
Whether you have a tiny deck or you have ten acres, set up a spot
with a comfy chair or two, a small table, and a few flowers or plants. Take your
coffee, soda, journal, paper, or book outside. Soak up the day. Give yourself
permission to relax. If we pay a lot of money to go on a vacation just to sit
around by the pool or beach, then why can't we enjoy an afternoon at our own
home for free? Tip: Many of the bigger chain stores carry reasonably priced
vinyl Adirondack chairs, and other outdoor furniture.
48. Get Outdoors into Nature.
Nature is a natural destresser. Go out to the woods, lake, or sea. Go
for a picnic in a park, take a walk, sit under a tree. Go anyplace where it is
not too crowded and noisy. Let your mind wander away from everyday problems.
49. Go Camping.
Camping refreshes your spirit. Being surrounded by natural beauty from morning
to night and the relaxed pace can transform anyone who will surrender to just
being. If you are a high-strung control freak, you will probably consider
camping torture, but chances are you will benefit from it more than anyone else.
It takes about three days to get used to having no TV, computer, phone, etc. You
will slowly start to unwind and relax, and soon you will find yourself just
sitting in a chair and not missing any of it. Many kids will go through
withdrawal from the TV, but after a few days, they will become camping converts.
Kids love to roast marshmallows and sticks. A campfire is great for this.
Camping is also great for stargazing When else do you get out into the night
air? It takes some practice to learn about tents and stoves and other camping
details, but after a few tries you'll become an expert. Family bonding magically
happens in nature.
50. Plant a Garden.
Working in the garden or yard is very therapeutic. It doesn't matter
if your garden is ornamental or vegetable, big or small. Just the acts of
digging, raking, and tending take your mind off daily problems. You can get
creative and start to add paths, ponds, fences, decks, benches, art, birdhouses,
bat-houses, etc. Rocks are a wonderful feature, too. The wonder of nature can
reveal itself to you in your own mini-universe, which unfolds every time you
work with plants. Container garden-ing is just as satisfying. If you feed the
hummingbirds, get advice from the experts, as feeders can become contaminated.
51. Stretch a Bit.
We all get in a rut; it's invigorating to try something new.
Re-invent yourself. Try a new food or restaurant. Get a new haircut or glasses.
Take up in-line skating. Teach yourself to use tools and make some of your own
repairs. Build. Try on some new ideas. Don't stereotype or limit yourself. You
are capable. Become empowered. (JE)
52. Who Cares If You Have a Messy Kitchen?
Clean is nice, but don't let it rule your life. Reading to your kids
is more valuable. Establish priorities for a full life. Don't let the business
of maintaining your life become your whole life.
53. Enjoy the Trip.
When traveling as a family, make the journey fun and also part of the
vacation. Play music loud and sing. Kids love Disney soundtracks. Play a
different one for each trip. Stock up on yummy drinks and treats. Play animal
guessing games. Make stops along the way to eat or see something interesting. In
this busy world, it is rare to get all your family together in one place. Enjoy
it!
54. Start Your Own Traditions.
Create your own special occasions. Have an annual Christmas luncheon for all
your friends. Throw a beach party. Have a ladies' (or gentlemen's) night out.
Have a family reunion with your siblings every year. Serve Thanksgiving dinner
in September. Ask your friends what they do. Borrow their ideas. (JE)
55. Pamper Yourself.
Get a manicure. Take a nap. Get your car washed. Treat yourself to a latte. Buy
a new pen. Look at funny greeting cards and buy a few to send later. Take a
walk. Visit a museum. Write a letter. Read an inspirational book. Write in your
journal. Buy some beautiful flowers. You deserve it. What do you do for your own
enjoyment? (JE)
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Meaning of Love
Home Work
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