Be Proactive

Make everyday a day to be proactive in your mental health and well being.

Here's a simple list to get started

1. Attitude check...what your attitude is determines your start and finish
   
2. Eat healthy...keep it simple, nutritious
   
3. Sleep...typical need is 6-8 hours (at one sleeping) daily
4. Be a problem-solver...if there's conflict, work to resolve it; be alert to potential snafus
   
5. Keep short lists...of activities, hurts, problems
   
6. Seek God...pray, realizing we live in a huge universe...it took some intelligent design to put it together and you're a part of it
7. Empower others...compliments, encouraging, helping others goes a long way
8. Smile

Give these a try for awhile and revisit the list from time to time as well as add some of your own to it.

What's your take on celebrations?

How do you like to enjoy them? Do you love the planning? Decorating? Do you anticipate the people? Hosting? The bustle of activities? The food? The happy feelings? Singing with others?

OR

Do you dread celebrations? Get stressed out? Have they got "out of hand" in the past? Do you find yourself sad or anxious, or angry? Has negative things happened because of "over" celebrating by you or others? Do you avoid certain people or activities during major celebrations? Holidays?

Evaluate your perspective about celebrations including how you feel, thoughts that come to mind, and actions you find yourself doing in anticipation, preparation or lack of especially during the end of the year holiday season. Focus on your attitude and what you tell yourself about celebrating and giving it a healthy and positive meaning.

Celebrations with laughter...laughter is good therapy for us.

Attitude Choices

One day I was busy in my office preparing for a meeting when a salesman entered the front door. He had that salesman look and a catalog in his hand. He stated his name, his business and if I needed his product. I was a bit short with him and I didn't want what he was selling and neither his free catalog he offered. I hurried him out the door. I was pissed off. I was in the middle of thought and preparation when this guy shows up peddling his product. The gall.

Later, I reflected as to why I was so upset and what I could have done differently. Well, there is a sign on the office door saying "No Solicitors", I was in the middle of something, and I didn't need what he was selling. So yeah, I was rude and yet for good reason. Though I had been offended by this guy I realized my choice of action was returning rudeness toward some guy who ignored my office sign and just went about trying to do his job. More anguish for me then I needed.

So I reflect and realize I had a choice as to how I was going to respond and to what degree this guy and situation was to get to me. What choices are you facing? Are others annoying you or just have little boundaries with you? What are your responses to them? What attitude will you choose with those who are offensive?

Joel