Feeling Good Feels Good

I just wanted to include a few things that I absolutely can always smile about.

Kermit The Frog is my favorite character.  He makes me laugh and lives life as simply as he can.  Who are we to say we can't learn something from a Muppet.  Have you every seen Kermit the Frog uspset?

I am a major fan of warm comforting liquid that tastes delicious.  I know that coffee isn't for everyone, trust me I get it.  But there is something to be said for allowing yourself to enjoy every sip.  There is always time for a cup of coffee, if not, wake up earlier.

I shop for myself, for others, and also just to look.  1.  It is good exercise.  2.  Allows me to integrate into society and show some kindness by holding a door or giving a simple smile and I change stores.  It makes me feel good.  The presents are half bad either.

Finally.  I am a sorority girl.  I am very involved as a volunteer and through all of the late nights and hours that I have put in, nothing makes me feel better than being around my sisters.

Great New Show!

The New Normal: Actress Claire Danes, "Homeland" and Hollywood's New Take on Mental Illness 

Enjoy!

You Need Oxygen

It is very clear to me, especially during a monthly pedicure or shopping treat, that I must take care of myself if I expect to care for others.  This is the HARDEST idea to convey to  fellow "people pleasers" like myself.  I was reading one of my RSS feeds and discovered a great analogy. I am including an excerpt from the article because I can't say it any better:

"Taking time for ourselves to engage in nourishing activities is so important. I often use the example of an oxygen mask on an airplane. It quickly becomes indicative of the extent of the lack of self-care when I ask clients about the instructions given when oxygen masks drop in case of an emergency. When the pattern of giving to the detriment of themselves is extreme, clients often state that they are to put on the other person’s mask before their own. Clearly, these are not the instructions given, but it is how some of us act in our own lives. In reality, we are told to put our own masks on first to enable us to help others. This becomes a powerful example of how infrequently we put our proverbial masks on by engaging in self-care that enables us to have enough balance in our lives to maintain the emotional resources to help others.

I think this example is effective because it opens the discussion of how failing to engage in self-care can be harmful to us over time. A continued pattern of having too much responsibility, inadequate support, and imbalance in our lives can easily lead to burnout, chronic stress, anxiety, and depression. Chronic stress and anxiety can also lead to increased risk of illness, heart problems, and even death. Helping people recognize the serious nature of this issue is a great first step in gaining balance."

GoodTherapy.org, What Have I Done for Me Lately?, February 6th, 2012, By Michelle Lewis, LCSW, Body-Mind Psychotherapy Topic Expert Contributor

You can read the full article Here