Who believes in Angels

Source: © Jacetan | Stock Free Images

Who Believes in Angels?

There are many religions that feature angels. There are many who are not religious at all, but still believe in Angels. Angels are spirits, but it is not because they are spirits that they are angels. They become angels when they are sent. ~Augustine

Angels are defined as spirits or entities attached to the divine come to guide and help us. One fascinating thing about angels is how often they show up in different religions that do not think themselves compatible.

Over half of those in US and Canada believe an Angel has protected them. . In the last number of years belief in angels has been growing; over 3/4s of all teens believe in Angels.

In the Baha’i Faith angels are beings, people who have passed their human limitations and been given spiritual traits.

In Zoroastrianism each individual has a guardian angel and various aspects of God and divine creation, become angels.

While in Hinduism there are the traditional angels called Gandharvas and devas which are the personifications of natural elements.

In Christianity there are many examples of angels: primarily as messengers and, those with specific jobs, but also as personal guardians. Christianity is one of the few religions that have an angel gone rouge and become a demon or the devil.

Angels are not as prevalent in Judaism through they and their hierarchy are mentioned.

The Kabala shows angels as temporary beings brought into the world to complete a task. When the task is done so is the Angel.

Many nontraditional religions refer to spirit guides or helpers who are often seen as Angels or to have the same properties as angels only with different names.

According to Mormons angels have many tasks as messengers, teachers, helpers and so forth.

With Sikhism the angels are there to help in the liberation and judgment of the soul that it may ultimately join with the divine.

In the Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Persian records of Angels there are common histories and beginnings.

Both the Christians and Muslims believe in seven archangels. Showing there are many shared and varied believes in Angels.

Currently there are angels on television, in movies, on websites, displayed as key chains, window and wall ornaments and cards aplenty. From the third century to 2013 we long to be near and hear from angels in many different guises and from many different religious backgrounds

Named after an Angel

I named my daughter after a Angel

I named my eldest daughter Ariel meaning lioness of God. Then, the little mermaid movie came out. No longer was my daughters name associated with the Angel Ariel but now it is linked with the Cartoon mermaid Ariel.

There was a time when Religion was center to society and to life. There was a time when Angels were to be feared as God was considered wrathful and judgemental. Now we see angels with a lighter sense of being. Not to be afraid of but graced by. Ariel was an angel of protection. We often see angels now as guardians and protectors as well as messengers and beings to put our spirits at ease.

There are many stories of Angels giving signs to help a grieving soul but we’ll focus now on Angels of protection and guardian angels such as the ones protecting my own Ariel.

There are many instances of people hearing voices, having gut feelings, or even dreams telling them to not go somewhere to stop or turn around and many of these stories are followed up by what would have happened if they had not listened.

One young woman woke suddenly with a sense her father, a truck driver would be killed while driving by wood going through his front window. She franticly called her mom, who then called her dad. The truck driver pulled to the side of the road to take the call and stayed there several minutes. When he got up the road a few miles he saw that a logging truck had just lost its load across the highway. They have no doubt the angels saved his life.

Many other instances are not nearly so dramatic. A voice says turn here or don’t go there today and when we don’t listen we see the consequences. Some signs are subtle, while others are as loud as having a person speaking directly in our ears.

One woman related walking from collage while being focused on what happened in class rather then what was happening around her. She was just about to step out onto the street when she felt a hand grab her and pull her back. Startled she looked up to see a cab race by right in front of her. She looked back to thank whoever had helped her out. Only when she looked back she was alone on the street.

I hope my daughter learns to love and appreciate the angels as these people have. It may take time to listen but the angels have much to say to help and protect us.

Have you had any experiences with angels? Believe in them or not? I would love to know what you think or feel.

Happiness Series #5 Learning

Happiness Series #5

Life long learning will increase your lifespan

Pin It

Source: By artur84, published on 23 March 2013

Learning

Learning can be a great sense of happiness and joy. People who consider themselves life long learners show greater satisfaction in life and have longer lives. Learning keeps your mind alert and young. It is never to late for your brain to create new pathways. There is great satisfaction is acquiring a new skill, language, or ability. It also shows that couples who have new experiences together are closer and more satisfied in their relationships.

Often people relate learning to school, which may not have been a lot of fun. There are many ways to learn and you need to find what works for you. What are you interested in? Whether you want to learn a new recipe or a new language there are opportunities all around. You don’t have to stick with a teacher you hate or in a class that doesn’t matter to you.

You can learn by helping a friend tear an engine down, or reading psychology today, or using one of the many online forums. If you want to learn cooking there are cooking classes (do you like being part of a group?), cooking shows (you want to learn by watching), cooking recipes or instructions on line, cooking with a loved one is another great way to learn. D0 what works for you.

Continuous learning keeps are minds fresh, vital, and growing. It will help with the dreaded memory loss and keep you interested in new things. Finding things to learn and stay interested in can greatly increase your happiness. There is also the added satisfaction of accomplishing something new.

If you are part of a family or a couple, learning and trying new things together will help build bonds. It has been shown that people who spend their money on experiences rather then things show a greater sense of satisfaction. As mentioned previously learning something with someone is a great way to bond and learn more about them.

The satisfaction of learning something new is an ongoing sense of happiness. Not to mention the fun of having a new skill, ability, or hobby. Show off have fun with it. It’s okay to mess up while your learning again have fun with it. Meeting and overcoming a challenge can give a great sense of accomplishment and keep you feeling vital.

Learning Recap

1. Learning is good for you and a lot of fun

2. Find the best way for you to learn is it listening, reading, watching videos, doing, or just by figuring it out yourself.

3. There are many opportunities for learning

4. Learning with someone is a great way to bond and build memories.

5. It’s great to have a sense of satisfaction and a new skill or hobby.

10 Ways to warm up!

Source: By imagerymajestic, published on 30 January 2012

Making getting warm fun.

10 great ways to warm up

1. Cuddle up under warm fuzzy blankets maybe with some one else maybe alone, watch television or read a book.
2. Bake as the kitchen warms up so will you, dancing around the kitchen while baking helps too.
3. Eat spicy foods believe it or not spicy foods will help you warm up from the inside out.
4. Exercise! Start slowly indoors or out and gradually build up.
5. Hot baths or showers are a quick way to warm up just be sure to bundle up afterwards.
6. Sit in front of a fire, make it a campfire have a sing along roast marshmallows.
7. Drink and eat warm food, soup, tea take a moment to hold it (not the actual food or drink a warm bowl or cup will do.) Inhale it, then indulge.
8. Skip rope, play a kids game, play tag.
9. Build a fort and crawl in it with friends, or by yourself for a cozy cocoon.
10. Use heating pads or bags. You can make your own heating bag on the cheap. Use rice, beans, or dry corn in a wash cloth. Fold in half then sew the side and one end, fill and sew the other end. You can get wash cloths or dish towels at a dollar store. Just throw your handy dandy little heating pads in the microwave for a minute or more and your ready to go.

Bonus X- rated lets just say if a mommy and a daddy love each other very much (or a mommy and a mommy or a daddy and a daddy love each other very much) they can go ahead and use friction as a heat source.

Have a great winter everyone and stay warm.

Of course I now realize I missed the most obvious solution of bundling up with a hat and scarf and staying warm but you already knew that.

Any other thoughts? Suggestions? I’d love to hear from you.

Organize your morning with your child's help

Have a happy breakfast

Source: © Reno12 | Stock Free Images

Getting ready in the morning

Help your children help you in the morning. It’s important to start your day not only as efficiently as possible, but as pleasantly as possible. Sometimes as parents we make the mistake of not getting our children’s help.

No matter what the age of your child they can help get ready in the morning. Now when I say “no matter what age” I am actually talking about children past the toddler stage. Just to clarify your itty bitty baby will not be helping you out. Though you will be amazed at what your young children can do.

Families can have any where between 20 minutes and 2 hours before leaving the house in the morning. Break tasks down to 15 minute increments or less. Shorter tasks would include washing faces or brushing teeth.

One of the keys to having your children help out is the list. Use check boxes for all ages so they can check off what they get done and start the day with a feeling of accomplishment. If your child is younger try starting with just a couple things on their list and pictures showing what they’re to do.

Break it down to the basics:

1. What needs to get done?

2. Who can do it?

3. How much time do you have in the a.m.?

4. What can be done the night before?

The basics include getting up, getting dressed, brushing teeth, having breakfast, and making lunches. My daughters have over an hour in the morning so they also practice piano and train their dogs for 15 minutes each. One of them also ices her ankles and the other has free time. Extras could also include reviewing a spelling list, or making a bed.

With breakfasts and lunches we’re trying to build patterns. Once the child has a pattern to follow it’s simply a matter of doing it. With breakfasts they have limited choices of cereal and milk or toast and milk. More choices take more time to ponder, find, and organize. When my girls started helping make their lunches they had a list to go by 1 fruit, 1 veggie, 1 milk product, 1 juice and so on.

Does your child need to have their outfit laid out the previous evening? How much time do they have? How quickly can they pick an outfit? The night before you, or they, or both of you together can make lunches. Have and instil an expectation that they will do their part. Children need responsibility and options.

Do make sure you have everything you need ready for the next day. Get used to doing a short evening check at first so they know what they’re to do and they have everything they need to do it. Having patterns includes having places by the door for shoes, coats, and backpacks to avoid any last minute “Mom where is my…”

Happiness Series #4 Work

Happiness Series #4

Work can make you happy

Source: By mrsiraphol, published on 07 August 2013

Work

Not only can work give you money it can also lend meaning to your live and a sense of identity. Even if you have no need for money there are plenty of good reasons to work. It’s just finding the right work that’s terribly hard. You want a job that uses at least some of your talents and abilities. Work should matter to you for you to get the most out of it.

If you want to be a waitress, you enjoy being a waitress, you like serving people and making them smile and you make adequate money It’s all good in the hood. If your middle management and you’d rather be a waitress be a waitress. Likewise if you’re a waitress and want to be middle management find a way to make it happen.

Some people want a job for prestige and money, others want to help animals, some like math and order, and others are more creative. There are many books out there on doing what you love. Doing what your passionate about will help give your life meaning. My mother who is ‘retired’ is far busier then I and volunteers, and is part of a community, and cleans (also far more then I do) She is happy that way.

When you work on something your good at that you enjoy you can reach ‘flow’. That is being in the moment. That is where time seems to fly by. Far too many of us rarely ever feel ‘flow’. Flow is defined as the mental state of operation in which a person performing an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process of the activity

Most people work 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, 40 hours a week. You need to be doing rewarding work during that time. Your work environment is also very important. Not just in or out of an office but who are you surrounded by? Do you work alone (good for an introvert) or surrounded by people (might not be good for an introvert) What is your boss like? What about co-workers?

The first thing people often ask is “so what do you do?” They’re usually talking about your work, it will give them a starting point on getting to know you, and to start a conversation. People also often define themselves by the work that they do. This is what I do accounting, therefore this is who I am an accountant.

Working hard can be its own reward. It helps you focus on something/someone else. We are meant to put effort into things. It can increase your self esteem. Work can leave you feeling that you have accomplished something that’s where the term job satisfaction comes in to play. Work can help you find your place even if it’s volunteer work or house work.

Some people can have horrible jobs and still be happy. They can compartmentalize and are fine. Most of us will carry the highs and lows of our jobs over to other parts of our lives. Even if it’s just because of work you’re stressed, you’re still stressed.

Work Recap

1. Work can give you money, meaning, and a sense of identity.

2. Whatever you enjoy and feel fulfilled by is a good job.

3. What works for one person will not necessarily work for another.

4. Flow can be a great source of happiness and meaning.

5. Is your work a good environment for you?

6. You job is not who you are but it is often used to identify you.

7. Job satisfaction or stress will often carry over to the rest of your life.

What does your work say about you? Do you feel fulfilled? Is it fun (most of the time)? Do you think it effects your overall well being? Even doing a job you don’t want to do at home (ie. Cleaning) done can leave you feeling satisfied and happy with the results in spite of not really enjoying doing it. What do you think?

Make your own Salt Dough Heart

How to create a salt dough heart

Another way to make a heart with Salt-dough

Source: © Newman | Stock Free Images

How to create a salt dough heart

Salt dough is used for one of-a-kind creations. Simple is often better with salt dough art. We will make a simple heart wreath using salt dough. This is a quick and inexpensive craft that can easily be personalized for special gifts and mementos.

Supplies:

1 cup Salt

2 cups Flour

1 cup Water

Mixing bowl

Newspapers

Optional:

Red food colouring (if colour is desired)

Acrylic paint (if you wish to add designs, or names)

Tinfoil covered baking sheet

Spray urethane for a complete finish (recommended)

Note: White flour will give your work a smoother finish while whole wheat flour will give your creation a more rustic look.

1 lay out your newspaper for an easy to use and clean work surface.

2 Mix salt and flour together.

3 Add water until dough is fairly firm. Slightly harder then play dough is good. To make dough firmer add more flour, to make it more pliable add more water.

4. At this point your options are limitless, but to focus on a simple heart shaped wreath divide the dough into three pieces.

5. If you wish to colour the dough itself add a few drops to one piece of dough, and a few more drops to another piece of dough. Start with a few drops and add till you get a pink and a red that you like.

6. Roll out the tree pieces of dough to long thin rolls. Then roll or wrap the three pieces around each other. Do not smooth the pieces together but allow them to maintain a braided look. Shape the salt dough ‘rope’ into the shape of a heart twisting it at the bottom to attach the ends.

7. Allow to air dry for 24 hours or put in the oven on the tinfoil lined baking sheet for 12 hours at 200 F. Turn the heat on in the oven after the dough has been placed inside.

8. When you are sure your creation is dry, feel free to paint any decorations such as flowers or names. Keep it simple to maintain the old-fashioned look of the heart.

9. Spray with urethane or other clear finish, let dry and enjoy.

Tips: Dough can be kept for a couple of days if completely covered. Experiment with it, use cookie cutters, or play dough sculpting toys. Use a small heart shaped cookie cutter and cut out one heart for each member of the family. Attach the hearts to the wreath crowded together. Paint each persons name on their heart.

Happiness Series # 3 Spin

Happiness Series #3

It's all in how you look at it!

Source: By imagerymajestic, published on 05 February 2014

Spin

What you look at is where you go but how you look at it is equally important. When you have a great trip you can be sorry it’s done or grateful you had it. The same goes for relationships, jobs, and many other experiences. It’s all in how you spin it.

When it rains, while your not usually experiencing a drought, it does makes the flowers grow. At least it’s not winter (here that is, where we live winter means much cold and snow) if it’s raining. When it rains you can watch from a warm place inside. When it rains it cleans up the streets and produces negative ions which make people feel good.

There are places in the world that do not have words that mean failure. They see that each experience is one to learn from or grow through. Albert Einstein said “I have not failed, I have just found 10,000 ways that don't work.” I am finding many things that do not work, luckily I can keep getting back up again. So can you.

Spin changes “only three people can go” to “at least three people can go”. Again we can focus on the good or the bad it’s all up to us. I had a friend how would be having a great day then something would go wrong and all of a sudden her whole day was bad. Why spin it so the bad negates the good when you could do the opposite.

It is not what you experience that is important it is how you react to it. It is how you perceive what happens that will determine whether it is a blow, or an assistance. Perception will determine how upset you become or how happy you remain. I was walking across a bridge and a young man came up to me and said I was ugly. I found it amusing and strange. Someone I worked with let a similar occurrence damage her self esteem and her whole day. Who was this guy to either of us? No one. Why should what he says matter? He had an issue I didn’t need to take it on.

We can get into a habit of catastrophizing. Taking something and building on it one way or another. I could have said “He thinks I’m ugly, people think I’m ugly, I will be rejected, no one will want me around, my work won’t want me around. I will be fired. I will have no friends and no work. I will end up alone and on the streets.” See when I say it, it sounds ridiculous. Yet many of us take something small and build on it. Get in the habit of really looking at your thoughts. Is it really that bad?

If it really is that bad (and it might be) use it as an opportunity to get out, get away, change it, make it better. Are you still alive? Then you my friend have a chance.

Spin is looking at the same old car and cherishing it. Look at one cool thing about it. Remember what it’s there for. Have you any good memories from it? Take time to appreciate the positives about it. Enjoy driving again. You may not have a great car next to Mr. Whoever but you do have a car unlike Mr. Nocar.

Some people see problems, others see opportunities, a good spin will land you somewhere in the middle. It’s not quite looking on the bright side, It’s more like how else could you see/perceive this. Spin is what allows people to not only take lemons and make lemonade but also sell them so that people going into singing competitions can suck on them.

Spin Recap

1. Be grateful for the good stuff rather then sorry it’s over.

2. Look at all aspects of something, is there any good from it at all?

3. There is no failure only lessons.

4. An event will not determine how you feel. Your perception of that even will determine how you feel

5. Avoid blowing up a negative so it’s overwhelming.

6. Start with the smallest positive and build on that.

7. See opportunities rather then problems.

How can you change that obstacle into a challenge? Can you gently nudge the fear till it becomes excitement? What have you experienced with looking at things in different ways?

Do you wholeheartedly disagree? I would love to hear from you.

99 Cheap date ideas

Watch fireworks

Source: By satit_srihin, published on 02 March 2014

99 Cheap date Ideas

1. Get a tea from Teavana or a soda from McDonalds and people watch.
2. Try a new hobby together.
3. Teach each other a favorite hobby and spend time doing it together.
4. Feed the ducks at the park.
5. Go for a walk in the park and bring homemade lemonade sit and a bench and enjoy.
6. Take hula hoops, bubble blowers, and a Frisbee, or ball out side to play.
7. Museums often have a night or time for free entry.
8. Check out campus plays.
9. Cheap theater. Go to a local cheap theater for 2^nd runs.
10. Make a meal together and feed each other left handed, right handed, with only forks, with chop sticks, without looking so on.
11. Fly kites. You can usually find them at the dollar store!
12. Try a new sport together.
13. Have a game night. Get out the board games and have at it.
14. Go rollerblading (don’t have, check out the thrift store)
15. Explore, check out a different part of the city or a nearby town.
16. Go to a thrift store. You each get anything from 3, to 5, to 10 dollars to spend.
17. Have a picnic outside or inside depending on the weather.
18. Go see a play. Check out schools, or community clubs.
19. Stargazing.
20. Play at a play ground
21. Have a "crazy dinner." Everyone involved gets 5 bucks and can spend it on any food.
22. Art Center. The art center down town often offers free time or reduced student costs.
23. Go to a local sporting event. Luckily, amateur sports are going on year around.
24. Treasure hunting. Check out local yard sales.
25. Go on a bike ride
26. Have a living room camp out. Make a tent out of blankets, sleep out on an air mattress.
27. Go for a swim. Try one with a hot tub, sauna, or steam room.
28. Have a coupon date. Only eat or do activities you have coupons for.
29. Volunteer. !
30. Go to a local fair, country fairs have a lot to see and do.
31. Take a free factory tour. They often give samples.
32. Go to the zoo.
33. Take a drive. Take snacks in case you see a place to stop and check out.
34. Have a movie marathon. Find movies online or borrow from friends.
35. Wii Game Night. Interactive fun try dance as well as sports and video games.
36. Go bowling. To make things a little more difficult, try different styles like only using your opposite hand, "granny" style, eyes closed, etc.
37. Make indoor s'mores and read campfire stories. Use candles inside or take it outdoors.
38. TV show marathon. Libraries have shows or check Netflix.
39. Take some lessons. You can sign up through the leisure guide or a studio.
40. Have a spa night. Try manicures or pedicures, do each others make up.
41. Play 20 questions. Write a list of 20 questions to ask each other.
42. Exercise together. Attend an exercise class at a local gym, or a video at home.
43. Go for a test drive. Head to your nearest car dealership and test drive your dream car!
44. Take a long walk off a short pier. Not really just take a walk or a hike.
45. Breakin' records. Use the Guinness Book of World Records and try one or two.
46. Cook a meal together try something new or old favorites.
47. Write a bucket list. Make a list of things you want to do before you die .
48. House hunting. Tour some homes and plan out your dream home!
49. Outdoor concerts in the summer or winter if you live somewhere warm.
50. Go to the arcade.
51. We have free beach movies in the summer.
52. Check out a Library to look at magazines or freaky books or books on cool stuff.
53. Bake something then share with family and friends or just me.
54. Make a phone date where you can spend 15 min on the phone together.
55. The film foundation and film board offer free movies.
56. Host a dance party (could get started by having people do the wii dance)
57. Go sledding.
58. Have a photo shoot with costumes.
59. Do a photo scavenger hunt with friends.
60. Do errands together but speak to each other only in questions, or announce to each other the activities as a sports or news anchor..
61. Visit a farm.
62. Go horse back riding.
63. Spend a day at the beach building sand castles and playing in the water.
64. Do a chore together to earn money for another date.
65. Teach each other a little about your heritage.
66. Get acquainted with the art scene, galleries often hold a free night.
67. Skate down the River.
68. Go off to the races, often the track is free and you can bet each other coins.
69. Discover the dark history of the city through free museums and archives.
70. Tour Historic buildings or just check out ones with great architecture.
71. Hunt down the public murals.
72. Wake up at early and watch the sunrise together..
73. Have an extravagant brunch at 8am.
74. Each person comes up with an activity or food or entertainment.
75. The double-movie date. Without consulting each other you each bring a movie.
76. The Case Of The Mystery Band Check out a new random band.
77. Mixed tape trade make each other new playlists, sharing each others music.
78. Do a Cross word or Sudoku together.
79. Tree-climbing date or go to a climbing gym.
80. Video game arcade date, find a cheap arcade and your off.
81. Are there any photo booths left? Can you find them? How many can you try out?
82. Drive-in movie, not a lot of these around but worth finding.
83. Sugar high date Get many cheap sugary treats find a place to indulge and see what happens. *Just a caution the above may be a horrible idea but very funny.
84. Take that really long walk but only go in one direction (take a bus back after)
85. Walk someone’s dogs or visit a pet shelter.
86. Karaoke!
87. Have an Arts and crafts date find something online using cheap materials.
88. Walk around to different places & make up and tell stories about what happened there.
89. Take cameras & explore an abandoned place.
90. First date night This works best if you’ve been together a while.
91. The different age date Pretend you’re an age that you’re not, then act accordingly.
92. A quiet date read or engage in a quiet activity together in a quiet place.
93. Make a video & put it on Youtube, don’t forget to tweet or snapchat it as well.
94. Have an accent-dental date have a date in which you both try different accents the whole time.
95. Write letters to one another, walk to a post office & post them.
96. Jump on a trampoline.
97. Ice-cream parlour Get a really, really, really big sundae & split it then find a place to talk about how bad you feel.
98. Go to an arboretum or green house
99. Have a date from another time, old western, ancient Greece, you name it

Many of these can be done as a couple or with some friends. Some can be blended together. Let us know your favorites’ or if you have others I haven’t mentioned. Enjoy.

Happiness Series #2 Gratitudes

Happiness Series # 2

Source: By Stuart Miles, published on 21 June 2012

Gratitudes

Gratitude’s

There are times when we may focus on the negative stuff. The glass is not half full or half empty its half full of water and half full of air. We need both to live. Be grateful. If you are reading this then you are among the worlds most fortunate people. You can read and you have access to things you do not require to survive.

Chances are you have both food and water or easy access to them. Chances are you have a roof over your head and you are alive. Every thing else is gravy. There have been people who have been in the most dire circumstances and have been able to maintain a level of happiness that surprises most.

What you focus on is what thrives. If you focus on your misery you give it strength. If you drive a car you know when you started driving that where you looked is where the car went. If you can be grateful you can have more to be grateful for. This does not mean for you to go into denial and not deal with your problems. Deal with them and be grateful you could.

My car broke down. I am grateful I have a car. I enjoy driving. When I get tired of driving I am still grateful I can drive and I have a car. The car I have now, well, it took a little bit to be grateful for it. We named it and focused on all the cool things about it. From the smallest thing –fascinating cup holders to the biggest thing –we could get from point a to point b. Now we have more positive feelings about the car, driving in it, and finding it in a parking lot. We are grateful for it, so it makes us happy.

When you focus on gratitude’s; say by saying five things you’re grateful for before going to bed at night, or waking up and being thankful for being in bed and having the opportunities of a new day, you are inviting more happiness into your life. Instead of focusing on what you don’t like about your home focus on what you do like about it. This is a good idea even if you want to move. It will help you move into a better place rather then one where all your complaints will happen all over again.

Doing gratitude’s – going over things you’re a grateful for leads you to more things you are grateful for. You focus on what is good in your life. You focus on what you do want in your life and this is what you go toward. Even when, or maybe especially when things are hard; do your gratitudes.

Some people keep a notebook and every day, or every week they add things they a grateful for. Then when there spirits are low they can see the good in their lives. Keep adding to it and it will show you what makes life worthwhile.

Gratitude recap:

1. What you focus on is where you go.

2. If you are focused on gratitude’s you will invite more happiness into your life.

3. Some times we focus on the negative and forget all the wondrous things around us.

4. Make gratitude’s a regular part of your day. You will be happier.

5. Keep a notebook and when you get down look at all you have and have had to be grateful for.

What ways do you express gratitude? Has it ever back fired? What else could we do to use gratitude to improve our life’s and happiness?

10 ways to lighten up in your own kitchen

Enjoy food again

Source: © Teros | Stock Free Images

10 ways to lighten up in your own kitchen

1. Don’t drink your calories

Too much juice is too much sugar unless it’s homemade or vegetable juice. When you have juice make sure its 100% juice not a cocktail, blend, or drink that has added sugar. Stay far away from regular pop, a cola has 10-12 teaspoons of sugar. One glass of red wine or light beer actually has health benefits more then that and it’s just a depressant with extra calories.

2. Use Coconut Oil

For cooking and baking try coconut oil. It has medium chain triglycerides which are digested differently then other fats . It’s much easier on the digestive system and turns to energy more quickly. It is used to help heal injuries, and lose weight.

3. Eat at least 5-7 fruits and veggies a day

Fruits and vegetables are nutrient packed lower calorie fibre rich life savers. Eat as many veggies as you want and you will lighten up. Filling up on these valuable foods will leave you less room for other food and leave you feeling healthier.

4. Have the same lunch and breakfast

You eat less when you eat the same meal over time. With a set or go to breakfast and lunch you can choose something healthy that takes the temptation away from impulse or fast foods. It’s fairly easy to keep food in for one or two basic meals a day.

5. Loose the Mayo

Now mayonnaise has been an essential part of my life. A 90 calorie a teaspoonful part of my life. Well I haven’t been brave enough to let this go myself I have gotten rid of the 90 calorie a teaspoon salad dressings. Check out the fat and sugar content of your salad dressings before you buy.

6. Drink Water

Wonderful beautiful no calorie super good for you water. When you’re dehydrated you may feel hungry instead. Before you reach for the food have some water. I admit for some it may take longer then for others to start enjoying water again. Start having it when your really thirsty, then with meals then your on your way.

7. Slow it down

It takes 20 minutes before you feel full. You can eat a lot in that 20 minutes. In many places they eat till there partially or 80% full. They live longer and are healthier. If you slow down you can enjoy your food more, experience it instead of wondering where it has gone.

8. Indulge one day a week

So, you’re eating healthier or trying too that’s great but knowing you have a time to indulge will help prevent any binges or lapses. That one day have your usual breakfast and maybe lunch but then indulge. Let your metabolic rate reset. You don’t want your body to need less and less food each week.

9. Have snacks

Healthy snacks will help you stick to a healthy routine. ¼ cup of nuts, or many raw veggies can keep you feeling full and comfortable. It will help your blood sugar remain constant and stop your body from going into starvation mode if it’s five or more hours between meals. Keep snacks bagged and ready to go so you just need to grab them and enjoy.

10. Make it yourself

Fast food or pre-packaged meals often have a lot of what you don’t need and little of what you do. There are so many sites that have healthy quick and easy meals that will help your pocket book as well as your health. There are some meals that you can buy that are healthier then others. Baking can be fun and leave you with treats that are tasty to eat and healthy.

These are only some of the ways to lighten up in your own kitchen. There are many more.

Happiness Series #1 Forgiveness

Happiness Series episode 1

Source: By stockimages, published on 18 June 2013 Stock Photo - image ID: 100177381

Forgiveness

Happiness is an out look that needs to be cultivated. It is a way of living. It requires challenge and rest, time with others and solitude, play and dedicated work, helping others and learning new skills. Whether it’s laugh out loud fun, or quiet contentment we all deserve more of it.

Happiness is not transient or destructive. It may be immediate like playing at a water park, or quiet and gentle like sitting in your own lovingly put together home. We will look at what truly makes people happy and how you can be happier. This is to be a series of Hubs to help increase ones happiness.

How is it that forgiveness is one of the first chapters in a series about happiness? The first thing is to get rid of some of the things holding you back. Anger and resentment often crowd out happiness and joy. Not to say anger is bad. Anger can be very useful and has its place. It can be very empowering. Anger needs to be experienced before it can be released.

Anger often comes from fear, frustration and feeling helpless. If you can trace your anger to it’s orgin you can often find out what is really bothering you and why. The problems arise when your quick to anger, it becomes your “go to” emotion, or you hang on to it for too long. “Resentment is like taking poison and waiting for the other person to die.”― Malachy McCourt Resentment rarely has a place or need and is self punishing as the quote implies.

When we talk of forgiveness we are talking of how it will help the person doing the forgiveness. You do not need to give a care for the person you are forgiving. It certainly does not mean you will forget or trust them again if indeed you trusted them before.

The most important person you have to forgive is yourself. Try to learn and grow, change your behaviour if need be but forgive yourself. It seems women more then men will often feel guilty over things that are not even their fault. Children will often find a way to blame themselves if things go awry.

If the choice is to give responsibility to the perpetrator of an assault against you or to hold on to it yourself by all means give it away. Research shows that there are times when holding anger against others may be important for healing. These times would often include sexual abuse. In these cases hold it until it turns against you or as long as it helps you.

Tracing anger, fear, or even procrastination can be fun in an uncomfortable way. Write down what you are angry at (or fearful or procrastinating about). Then write down why that bothers you. Then write down what upsets you about that, until you follow it down to an ‘Ahaa’ moment when you see what you are really facing. This is the thing you must work through. This is what you want to argue or talk about with yourself or on paper.

It doesn’t matter how silly or irrational something seems sometimes our minds make strange connections without us consciously knowing about it. As Harv Eker has said “our minds are made to survive, not thrive but survive.” We want to thrive. We want to let go off any pent up negative emotions. They were here, they were useful, now it’s time to let them go. Hanging on to them is only us hurting ourselves and sometimes the people we care about.

Self forgiveness is even harder. We want to take responsibility for things because maybe then we can control them. Other times, let’s face it you messed up. You, me, all of us we mess up. When teaching my children to say sorry we also taught them to make amends if possible (and not harmful to anyone else), Then to not do it again.

Forgiveness recap:

1. When you feel a negative emotion feel it, and release it or feel it, use it, and release it. There is nothing wrong with being afraid, sad, frustrated or angry as long as you feel it, deal with it, and release it.

2. If you’re finding negative emotions are becoming your ‘go to’ emotions, or happening much to frequently try to find the corner stone or basis for that emotion. What is it that bothers you? Trace it backward and you may be surprised what the source of it is.

3. When you do make mistakes or mess up try to fix it or just sit with it but do not use it to beat yourself up. The most important person you need to forgive is yourself.

4. Forgiving others is not about them, it’s about you. Forgiving people is a good way to set yourself free.

Water, why do we need it?

One drop of Water

Source: © Fornax | Stock Free Images

Water

Water

There’s a joke; it talks about a substance found at the site of almost all atrocities, and tragedies, and whether we should ban this substance. The substance they are talking about is simply dihydrogen monoxide.  Which is the scientific name for water.

People contain about 60% water. Babies have more at 78%, men have a higher percent then women and lean people have more then fat people. The brain is 80% water and will not be at its full capacity when dehydrated. People can generally survive 2 to 3 days without water.

It is generally accepted and fairly well known that people need eight glasses of water a day. Not all of the water we consume comes directly from a glass of water. Fresh fruit and veggies provide as with some of our water intake as do other foods. Many different drinks will provide the water we need. The exceptions are heavily caffeinated drinks which will give us water but act as a diuretic and help us get rid of it as well.

Water is a great appetite suppressant and does not contain any calories. With a meal it can help you enjoy the tastes of your food more. Few things taste better then water when you’re truly thirsty like after or during a work out or when you first wake up.

When your skin is dehydrated it can appear well dry but also saggy and wrinkly. With water then moisturizer to hold the water in on the outside and water on the inside your skin appearance can improve dramatically. The same with your hair stay hydrated and  your all set. Ever hear ‘cleanliness is next to godliness’. How much cleaning could you do without water inside and out? Water helps eliminate toxins with sweat, and urine.

It nourishes the body helping the blood provide oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Water is essential for the absorption of many nutrients. It also helps process fats and toxins through the kidneys while preventing kidney stones. Water helps you endure the extreme temperatures, it helps prevent sunstroke. It helps lower blood pressure and helps prevent the risk of heart disease.

If you wet your hair down with water before going into a pool it will help prevent chlorine from doing as much damage as it would otherwise. Why go in the pool at all? Other then fun, the water resistance in a pool (or lake or river) can help you get a great work out without damaging the joints. Whether you swim, aqua size, or just run in the water it’s a safe healthy way to exercise.

Listening to or watching water in a natural setting is considered very relaxing for most. A home with a view of the water is considered more valuable then one without. Just listening to and observing water in nature reduces anxiety as does the site and sound of a water fountain or waves.