Wednesday, February 9, 2011

ARE YOU A HAPPY CAMPER?

SSHHH--MORE SECRETS TO A HAPPY RELATIONSHIP

What does it take for a happy well-adjusted relationship?  How about happiness?  Most likely everyone has their own opinions as to what makes a person happy.  As the old saying goes, "What's one man's meat is another man's poison."  Sounds somewhat medieval, but often true.
Folks appear to find happiness in different places and by various methods.


As John Gray said, "Men are from Mars; Women are from Venus."    Of course  if the relationship is bi-sexual, that may not apply.  However, human nature is human nature.  Hardly anyone wants to be without a mate--the tricky part is, hanging on to one.


As I stated in my previous blog on relationships--I have no expertise in this area of my life. Experiences--yes!  Expertise--no!  However, being happy (most of the time) I have no problem with.


FOLLOWING ARE A FEW SECRETS TO FINDING HAPPINESS IN YOUR RELATIONSHIPS:


1.    HONING IN ON HAPPINESS!


Instead of focusing on your partners mistakes, or trying to explain away flaws in your own character--zero in on the good attributes that you both possess.  


According to Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener, Ph.D., "Honing your strengths taps your emotional energy and boosts your sense of control and your self-esteem."  Thereby lifting your "happy" level!


2.    HAPPY TALK!


If you are a couple who is coasting along, seemingly happy enough, but have a problem communicating anything other than inconsequential chatter--make an effort to try talking things out.  It is important to have meaningful conversations in order to lift your spirits.


Sonja Lyubomirsky, Ph.D., Author of, "The How of Happiness," relates:  We are happier when we feel connected to people, and discussing topics you care about--whether it's your kids, diet or spiritual views--brings you closer than just chitchatting about the weather."


So--be consequential--start talking, laugh a lot, and stop the chit-chat!


3.    PEOPLE PLEASERS--SUCK!


Another happiness booster is letting go of being a perfectionist.  A study has shown that people who are cool, calm and less stressed from trying too hard to be "people pleasers" are a great deal happier than those who constantly have to do their ultimate best.


Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener, co-author of, "Happiness: Unlocking the Mysteries of Psychological Wealth" says, "Given that perfection doesn't exist, shooting for it is stressful and exhausting because you're never done."


The saying, "Perfect practice makes perfect" should only apply to those who are active in the  Arts, such as ballet, music painting, etc..


Couples need to lighten up and expect less from each other.  As Bobby McFerrin explained through his music years ago, "Don't Worry--Be Happy!"


4.    FRAME IT!


Pictures are fun!  Keep framed portraits of family members on your walls and in albums.  If your loved ones live far away, then at least you have reminders of them close by.  


What joy and gladness whenever your relatives come to visit and are able to share memories with you.


Since genealogy is a big thing right now--finding family roots can be exciting.  There is a new show on television called, "Who Do You Think You Are?"  It stars celebrity's looking for their kin.  Very interesting program.  Finding a Kunta Kinte or a George Washington in your family may be something you can do together as a couple.


You can incorporate letters into your albums as well.  These mementos are a legacy to your children who can carry on the tradition.  


Make happy history!


GOD BLESS!  SEE YOU NEXT TIME!!



Monday, February 7, 2011

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES

Inspirational Quotes from Various Sources:

WORDS FROM THE BIBLE:

1.    "Give and it shall be given to you.  For whatever measure you deal out to others .   It will be dealt to you in return."
--(Bible quote)

2.    "Work hard and become a leader, be lazy and never succeed."
--(Proverbs--12:24)                  

3.    "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."
--(Psalms--30:15)

4.    "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you."    
--(Matthew--7:120)

5.    "A man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."
--(Luke--12:15)

WORDS FROM THE QURAN (OR KORAN):

6.    "O mankind truly we have created you male and female, and have made you nations and tribes that ye may know one another.  Truly the most noble of you in the sight of GOD is the most GOD-conscious.
--(Quran--49:13)

7.    "For every community (of faith) We have appointed ways of worship, which they ought to observe.  Hence do not let those who follow other ways draw you into dispute on this score, but summon them to their Sustainer for you are  on the right way.  And if others argue with you, say GOD knows best what you are doing."
--(Quran--27:67)

8.    "Love for other people what you love for yourself."
--(Koran)

9.    "Do not become angry and Paradise is yours."
--(Koran)

10.  "Control your tongue."
--(Koran)

WORDS FROM THE BAHA'I WRITINGS:

11.  "O SON OF SPIRIT!--My first counsel is this: Possess a pure, kindly and radiant heart, that thine may be a sovereignty ancient, imperishable and everlasting."
--(Hidden Words-Arabic #1)

12.  "O SON OF SPIRIT!--The best beloved things in My sight is Justice; turn not away therefrom if thou desirest Me, and neglect it not that I may confide in thee.  By its aid thou shalt see with thine own eyes and not through the eyes of others, and shalt know of thine own knowledge and not through the knowledge of thy neighbor.  Ponder this in thy heart; how it behooveth thee to be.  Verily justice is My gift to thee and the sign of My loving-kindness.  Set it then before thine eyes."
--(Hidden words-Arabic #2)

13.  "O YE PEOPLE THAT HAVE MINDS TO KNOW AND EARS TO HEAR!--The first call of the Beloved is this: O mystic nightingale ! Abide not but in the rose garden of the spirit.  O messenger of the Soloman of love! Seek thou no shelter except in the Sheba of the well-beloved, and O immortal phoenix! dwell not save on the mount of faithfulness.  Therein is thy habitation, if on the wings of thy soul thou soarest to the realm of the infinite and seekest to attain thy goal." 
--(Hidden Words-Persian #1)

14.  "O MAN OF TWO VISIONS!--Close one eye and open the other.  Close one to the world and all that is therin, and open the other to the hallowed beauty of the Beloved."
--(Hidden Words-Persian #12)

15.  "O MY SERVANT!--The best of men are they that earn a livlihood by their calling and spend upon themselves and upon their kindred for the love of GOD, the Lord of all worlds."
--(Hidden Words-Persian #82)

The following is what Baha'u'llah, the Prophet of the BAHA'I FAITH says about THE HIDDEN WORDS:

"HE IS THE GLORY OF GLORIES"

     "This is that which hath descended from the realm of glory, uttered by the tongue of power and might, and revealed unto the Prophets of old.  We have taken the inner essence  thereof and clothed it in the garment of brevity, as a token of grace unto the righteous, that they may stand faithful unto the Covenant of God, may fulfill in their lives His trust, and in the realm of spirit obtain the gem of divine virtue."

GOD BLESS!  SEE  YOU NEXT TIME!!

Friday, February 4, 2011

ENCOURAGING WORDS

"OH GIVE ME A HOME WHERE THE BUFFALO ROAM....WHERE ENCOURAGING WORDS...."

Buffalo may not roam anymore, but encouraging words are very important to sustain the soul.  Here are a few to help your spirit soar:

1.    There is no need to try so hard--you are already special!

2.    "The way you look tonight...." are not only words to a song--they describe your inner beauty!

3.    You are a treasure!

4.    You are so terrific!

5.    You've come so far--Celebrate!

6.    Live your dreams!

7.    Don't give up--you're almost there!

8.    Be happy--you don't need a reason!

9.    Whatever life sends your way--you can handle it!

10.  You are God's child--and He don't make ugly!

Remember who you are and love yourself.  He does, and I do too.  From my mouth to God's ears! :)

God Bless!  See you next time!!

Thursday, February 3, 2011

MORE HINTS & TIPS "FYI"

HERE ARE A FEW MORE OF THE HINTS & TIPS FROM YESTERDAY'S LIST:


7.  SNOWBOUND?


LACK A GARAGE? COVER YOUR CAR'S WINDSHIELD & WINDOWS WITH LARGE HEAVY TRASH BAGS.  CUT THEM OPEN AND TAPE THEM TO YOUR WINDOWS, OR IF YOU ARE SHORT ON TIME AND ENERGY JUST PLACE THE BAGS ON THE WINDSHIELD AND TUCK THEM UNDER THE WIPER BLADES. WHEN YOU REMOVE THEM NEXT MORNING--VOILA! CLEAN WINDSHIELD.
     
8.  REALLY?  BABY SHAMPOO?


BABY SHAMPOO CLEANS MORE THAN THE BABY.  BELIEVE IT--OR NOT--TWO TABLESPOONS OF BABY SHAMPOO IN A GALLON OF WATER WILL CLEAN YOUR LAMINATED WOOD FLOORS.  GENTLY SPONGE THE FLOORS WITH A CLEAN MOP, THEN WIPE WITH A SOFT CLOTH.  YOU CAN WRAP A SOFT CLOTH AROUND THE END OF A BROOM TO DO THIS.  OR, YOU COULD LET THE BABY POLISH THE FLOOR--USE YOUR IMAGINATION. :)


9.  PLANT POWER!


PLANTS NEED TO BREATHE--THEIR PORES GET PLUGGED UP FROM DUST AND POLLEN, NOT TO MENTION OTHER INVISIBLE DEBRIS IN THE AIR.  DON AN OLD PAIR OF GLOVES AND RUN THE PLANT LEAVES THROUGH YOUR FINGERS, CLEANING BOTH SIDES OF THE PLANTS AT THE SAME TIME. POWER TO THE PLANTS!


10. MILDEW MADNESS!


THERE IS NOTHING MORE MADDENING THAN WALL AND BATHTUB MILDEW.  DAB BLEACH ONTO THE SPOTS WITH A COTTON-BALL DIPPED IN BLEACH SOLUTION.  IF YOU HAVE A LOT OF MILDEW--SIMPLY FILL THE BATHTUB WITH WATER THROW IN A BOTTLE OF BLEACH AND WASH THE WALLS WITH A SHORT HANDLED MOP.  DON'T FORGET TO RINSE THOROUGHLY.  BE SURE THAT THERE ARE NO LITTLE ONES AROUND, AND WEAR RUBBER GLOVES. DON'T GET MAD AT THE MILDEW--GET EVEN!


11.  RUNNY COLORS?


YOU'VE JUST BOUGHT A NEW BRIGHT RED T-SHIRT. YOU'RE NOT SURE WHETHER THE COLOR WILL RUN, AND YOU ARE ABOUT TO THROW IT IN THE TUB. TO BE SAFE--DON'T WASH IT WITH OTHER GARMENTS.  TEST IT FIRST--IT'S BETTER TO BE CAUTIOUS AND NOT HAVE TO CRY BECAUSE YOUR LAUNDRY HAS TURNED PINK.  


DO THE FOLLOWING: PLACE THE ITEM ON AN OLD TOWEL OR SOME PAPER TOWELS.  DIP A PIECE OF COTTON IN COLD WATER AND WIPE DOWN THE SEAM OF THE SHIRT--IF COLOR COMES OFF ON THE TOWEL--THE GARMENT IS NOT "COLORFAST". WASH IT IN COLD WATER--BY HAND! 


WIPE YOUR BROW AND "COLOR" YOURSELF THANKFUL THAT YOU DIDN'T WASH IT WITH THE REST OF YOUR CLOTHES!


12.  OH! RATS!


IF YOU WANT TO CATCH MICE AND RATS IN ORDER TO GET RID OF THE LITTLE CRITTERS--USE FRUIT AS BAIT.  BELIEVE IT OR NOT--THEY LOVE THE STUFF.  "BON APETIT ."


WELL  THAT'S  ALL  FOR  TODAY.




GOD BLESS!


SEE YOU NEXT TIME!!







Wednesday, February 2, 2011

HINTS & TIPS "FYI"

HERE ARE A FEW THINGS THAT MAY MAKE LIFE A BIT SIMPLER:

1.  HOW TO STOP COLD AIR FROM SEEPING UNDER DOORS--BBRRR--STUFF A SOCK IN IT!

TAKE EITHER OLD SUIT OR JACKET SLEEVES--PANTYHOSE WORKS WELL TOO,  AND CUT THEM TO FIT THE SIZE OF YOUR DOOR.  STUFF THEM WITH PLASTIC BAGS OR SOME OTHER NON-POROUS MATERIAL.  GLUE THE ENDS TOGETHER AND WEDGE UNDER DOOR.  YOU CAN USE THEM ON WINDOW SILLS AS WELL. 

2.  ARE YOU PUZZELED?

ALWAYS LOSING PUZZLE PIECES, SMALL GAME PARTS, DICE, OR INSTRUCTION BOOKLETS FOR YOUR GAMES?  PLACE SMALL ITEMS IN PLASTIC ZIPPER BAGS AND TAPE THEM INSIDE THE BOXES THEY CAME IN.  IF YOU'VE LOST THE ORIGINAL BOXES--LABEL BAGS AND PLACE THEM IN A BASKET OR LARGE BOX OF YOUR CHOOSING. 

3.  SMOOTH MOVE!

HAVE HANGERS HANDY WHEN YOU TAKE YOUR CLOTHES FROM THE DRYER.  IF YOU HANG THEM UP IMMEDIATELY IT WILL KEEP WRINKLES TO A MINIMUM.  BEFORE HANGING PANTS, PLACE ON A FLAT SURFACE AND HAND SMOOTH THEM BEFORE HANGING THEM.  STRING 'EM UP BY THE CUFFS--THE WEIGHT WILL  PULL SOME OF THE WRINKLES OUT.  LESS IS MORE--LESS IRONING, MORE TIME FOR YOURSELF.

4.  KEEP YOUR SANITY!

DO TINY "CRITTERS" DRIVE YOU CRAZY?  I'M NOT TALKIN' HERE ABOUT THE USUAL ROACHES, ANTS AND THE LIKE.  I MEAN THOSE PESKY ONES YOU CAN'T SEE.  THEY SHOW UP IN CEREAL, CORNMEAL, OATMEAL AND FLOUR, ETC..  PUT SOME BAY LEAVES IN THE CARTONS OR CONTAINERS.  IT WILL CAUSE NO HARM TO THE FOOD AND THE FRAGRANCE WILL HOLD THE LITTLE CRITTERS AT "BAY" (NO PUN INTENDED), AND KEEP THE "MEN IN WHITE COATS FROM CARTING YOU AWAY. :)

5.  ARE YOU A LOSER?

PENS IN MY HOUSE SEEM TO DISAPPEAR FASTER THAN A "UFO"--AND I LIVE ALONE.  I KEEP A CONTAINER ON MY DESK WITH A JILLION PENS AND PENCILS, BUT THEY NEVER SEEM TO STAY THERE.  I FINALLY SOLVED MY PROBLEM BY FASTENING PENS WITH MAGNETIC STRIPS PLACED ON THEM TO MY REFRIGERATOR, MEDICINE CABINET, AND FILE CABINET (ANYTHING METAL)  IF I LOSE MY OTHER PENS, I KNOW THAT I HAVE BACKUPS.  I KEEP A FEW IN MY PURSE AS WELL.

6.  TOO POOPED TO POP?

IF YOU FIND YOURSELF RUNNING LOW ON ENERGY (STORY OF MY LIFE), TRY HONEY INSTEAD OF SUGAR IN YOUR NEXT CUP OF ICED OR HOT TEA, OR EVEN CEREAL OR WHATEVER.  THEY SAY (WHOEVER THEY IS) THAT SUGAR IS NOT GOOD FOR US ANYWAY, AND HONEY IS LOW ON THE GLYCEMIC INDEX, IT HELPS TO STIMULLATE BLOOD SUGAR, AND KEEPS IT FROM CRASHING--WHICH DEPLETES ENERGY.  ENJOY A SPOT 'O' TEA AND REV UP THOSE ENGINES. 

ANOTHER PICK-YOU-UPPER IS PEPPERMINT OIL.  RUB ON WRISTS AND TEMPLES.

LAUGHTER RELEASES ENDORPHINS AND LOWERS LEVELS OF STRESS HORMONES. A GOOD BELLY LAUGH IS GOOD MEDICINE FOR THAT LAGGING, DRAGGING FEELING. SO CHEER UP, LAUGH IT UP AND YOU'LL LIVEN UP!

LICORICE IS GOOD TOO.  IT PREVENTS CORTISOL FROM TURNING INTO CORTISONE.  CORTISOL HELPS YOUR BODY PRODUCE GLUCOSE, THEREBY PREVENTING BLOOD-SUGAR LOWS WHICH SAPS ENERGY.  NO ONE WANTS TO BE TOO POOPED TO POP.

WELL!  NOW I'M TIRED, SO I THINK IT'S TIME FOR A NICE HOT CUP OF TEA WITH HONEY IN IT--SITTIN' IN MY ROCKING CHAIR WITH MY FEET UP. CARE TO JOIN ME?

I'LL HAVE SOME MORE HINTS AND TIPS "FYI" TOMORROW.

GOD BLESS!  SEE YOU NEXT TIME!!

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

GOD GRANT ME WISDOM

IN VIEW OF WHAT IS HAPPENING AROUND THE WORLD AT THIS TIME I HAVE TO VIEW TODAY AS A GROAAAN DAY. SOMETIMES IT BECOMES OVERWHELMING TO WATCH THE NEWS AND NOT BECOME DEPRESSED.

THE SUN IS SHINING IN WASCO TODAY, BUT IT IS HARD FOR ME TO GET THE PICTURE OUT OF MY MIND OF ALL THE ATTROCITIES THAT HAVE OCCURRED IN THE PAST FEW YEARS, AND THAT ARE STILL HAPPENING AS I WRITE.

I HAVE BEEN ACCUSED OF BEING OVERLY SENSITIVE,BUT WHAT MY ACCUSERS DON'T REALIZE IS THAT MY SENSITIVITY IS NOT FOR ANY HURT FEELINGS ON MY PART--IT IS MY SENSITIVITY TO AND LOVE FOR OTHERS. I HAVE TO ADMIT THAT I CAN CRY AT THE DROP OF A TEAR.

SINCE I AM NOT IN THE BEST OF MOODS TODAY, I HAVE DECIDED TO KEEP MY WORDS SHORT AND SIMPLE, AND ASK YOU AND GOD TO PLEASE HELP ME RISE ABOVE THIS MOMENTARY LET-DOWN. I PRAY THE FOLLOWING PRAYER WILL GIVE ME THE SOLACE I SEEK:

GOD GRANT ME THE SERENITY
TO ACCEPT THE THINGS I CANNOT CHANGE
COURAGE TO CHANGE THE THINGS I CAN AND THE WISDOM TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE.

GOD BLESS!  SEE YOU NEXT TIME!!