There's no doubt that things are hard today. The economy is tough. A nasty flu virus seems to be swirling around, and people are feeling stressed. Did you ever hear the line; this is going to hurt you more than it hurts me? Unfortunately, its' true.
Sometimes the most difficult circumstances in life lead to the greatest periods of personal growth and happiness. It was only after a serious accident and injury to my back that I began writing again after a long absence. Honestly, I don't know why I stopped. But, it got me thinking (especially as I had three months in bed to think!). I began a whole new career in short story writing and have published so much since then that I wonder if that 'down time' was meant to literally slow me down.
No one wants injuries or illness. But, sometimes they can take us to new and unexpected places. Let me know your thoughts.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
POSITIVE SELF TALK
Today's topic is an oldie but a goodie - self talk. We all do it. Do you ever think about those messages you send yourself, such as: I could never do that; That's too hard; That's beyond me; No one wants to see me doing that!
A lot of our self talk has to do with OLD MESSAGES. These old messages are tapes that run through our minds - old ways of thinking and old ways of doing things. A lot of self talk also has to do with things we hear other people say. It's a hard task sometimes, but we need to learn to filter them out.
So, how do we filter out those old and unnecessary messages? By writing new ones! Try to think of five old messages that are just weighing you down and rewrite them with new ones. Good luck!
A lot of our self talk has to do with OLD MESSAGES. These old messages are tapes that run through our minds - old ways of thinking and old ways of doing things. A lot of self talk also has to do with things we hear other people say. It's a hard task sometimes, but we need to learn to filter them out.
So, how do we filter out those old and unnecessary messages? By writing new ones! Try to think of five old messages that are just weighing you down and rewrite them with new ones. Good luck!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
The Power of Words
It's easy to say something. But, once said, we can't take it back. The power of our words is an important connection in feeling good about ourselves. Think about the words you say to describe yourself. Then, think of how you describe others.
Try to take time out and do this simple exercise: Write down 20 positive words to describe yourself. Put them in a place where you can see them every day. Say them out loud. Remember them. Commit them to memory. Keep telling yourself that these words truly mean something to you. Then, keep adding to your list. Each day add one more word, or two, or three. Make your list grow. Think of as a seedling that needs water and sunshine.
Try to take time out and do this simple exercise: Write down 20 positive words to describe yourself. Put them in a place where you can see them every day. Say them out loud. Remember them. Commit them to memory. Keep telling yourself that these words truly mean something to you. Then, keep adding to your list. Each day add one more word, or two, or three. Make your list grow. Think of as a seedling that needs water and sunshine.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Where Do You Get Inspiration?
Every day each of us faces our own unique challenges. Still, we manage to overcome and move on. We each take our inspiration from different places. Some get it from reading amazing books. There are those of us who take comfort in spirituality and prayer. Others are inspired by the people around them. I know that I have friends who have overcome incredible odds. So, who inspires you? And, what inspires you? Please, let me know.
In friendship,
Ilanna
In friendship,
Ilanna
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Encouragement Comes in Many Forms
Sometimes it seems as if no matter how hard we try we still feel like we're banging our head against the wall. Ever feel like that? Okay, if you do, it's time to change your perspective. Here's a great story to get you started.
I met a woman about two years ago. She's a lovely woman, an exceptional counselor and a terrific colleague. I almost fell on the floor when she told me she had lived on the streets for 15 years! But she did. One day she ended up in the hospital and said; ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! Time to change my life. And she did. She went into detox, then rehab and then to college.
Your circumstances need not be as drastic as that, but please, feel free to share your stories here. How have you turned your life around? How have you turned a challenge into encouragement? Once we know we have so much to offer, we can give the world our great gift - us! We all have incredible talents, so go out and shine!
I met a woman about two years ago. She's a lovely woman, an exceptional counselor and a terrific colleague. I almost fell on the floor when she told me she had lived on the streets for 15 years! But she did. One day she ended up in the hospital and said; ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! Time to change my life. And she did. She went into detox, then rehab and then to college.
Your circumstances need not be as drastic as that, but please, feel free to share your stories here. How have you turned your life around? How have you turned a challenge into encouragement? Once we know we have so much to offer, we can give the world our great gift - us! We all have incredible talents, so go out and shine!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Alternative Medicine - The Lowdown
One of the questions I'm often asked as a former counsellor is; how do I know which healing technique is best for me? Today, we have access to so many traditional and alternative healing methods. On this blog, I'll discuss the various ones that I know about - accupuncture, herbal medicine,
homeopathy, Chinese medicine, massage therapy and more.
Today's piece of information is this: if you choose one, stick with it. Please, don't start mixing up various alternative methods as one could negate the other. Have faith in the process you've chosen and work with it to the best of your ability. It may not work immediately but with time and patience you will hopefully see success. I hope you'll send me questions so that I can address those as we move together.
In friendship,
Ilanna
homeopathy, Chinese medicine, massage therapy and more.
Today's piece of information is this: if you choose one, stick with it. Please, don't start mixing up various alternative methods as one could negate the other. Have faith in the process you've chosen and work with it to the best of your ability. It may not work immediately but with time and patience you will hopefully see success. I hope you'll send me questions so that I can address those as we move together.
In friendship,
Ilanna
Encouragement for Today
The Encouragement for today is the following:
Every day each of us faces tremendous pressure in the fast-paced world we live in. Take 10-15 minutes and do something wonderful for yourself. Eat something you live. Do a brief meditation. Watch something on the web that makes you laugh. These moments are for you and we need them to feel good. So, allow yourself to feel good and take time out for you. Just once a day.
Every day each of us faces tremendous pressure in the fast-paced world we live in. Take 10-15 minutes and do something wonderful for yourself. Eat something you live. Do a brief meditation. Watch something on the web that makes you laugh. These moments are for you and we need them to feel good. So, allow yourself to feel good and take time out for you. Just once a day.
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