tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37259464342243015682024-03-13T01:45:55.940-04:00A New Season of InsightsI'm a wife, a mother of 2 grown children, a grandmother, and a cancer survivor. Join me as I encounter life's little ups & downs, those unexpected changes we're all faced with, and hopefully some fun adventures along the way.Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01067860711870970503noreply@blogger.comBlogger463125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725946434224301568.post-7444755751839758182024-01-18T16:05:00.002-05:002024-01-18T16:07:04.112-05:00January Doesn't Have To Be A Let Down<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5T5YtmTDqAGYJm0I_gJ2coTDk2ZVje-iN8naWujo6pAwEF79THQXRpcPQzo1Vp5fdCEl2nNOKsG8MH5loBqNr7KpokV6s7tignnQ5ornwidSz_w-KX2QwXVP9ocBctNlxbKx5YFbupkYHXSS5_L0ibIvti_IE5rS2k9on4zWGSPXgiSl7m5soRuhVXsg/s612/snowy%20tree.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="612" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5T5YtmTDqAGYJm0I_gJ2coTDk2ZVje-iN8naWujo6pAwEF79THQXRpcPQzo1Vp5fdCEl2nNOKsG8MH5loBqNr7KpokV6s7tignnQ5ornwidSz_w-KX2QwXVP9ocBctNlxbKx5YFbupkYHXSS5_L0ibIvti_IE5rS2k9on4zWGSPXgiSl7m5soRuhVXsg/w320-h213/snowy%20tree.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm embarrassed to say it's been a few months since I've shared anything. The autumn leading into the seasonal holidays is always busy. The leaves turn orange and yellow and red. The air starts to get cooler. We celebrate Thanksgiving and then start decorating for Christmas. We hang the outdoor lights, begin our holiday shopping, and fill our calendars with social events. Many people are so anxious and busy preparing for the festivities that they're exhausted when the month of December actually arrives.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Where I live in Michigan we generally anticipate having a white Christmas; fresh snow and crisp air. It adds something magical to the season. Christmas of 2023 arrived with cloudy skies, rain, and foggy air ... then gloomily stuck around through New Year's Day.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Usually by the time we get through New Year's people are packing away their holiday decorations and gearing up for a quiet January, which usually includes a feeling of things being quiet and a bit slower. Some people have a hard time dealing with the drastic change. No more nostalgic music on the radio, no more twinkling lights on the trees, and for many no more happy visits with friends and family dropping by. January can be sad for some; they're looking for something to lift their spirits.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Here we are, half way through January and the snow and cold temperatures have finally arrived for my area; only a few weeks late. One of our state's universities had an exciting end to their football season when they ended up the champs! Go Blue! Our NFL team has made it to the playoffs, something I'm not sure I thought I'd ever see. There's literally a football frenzy in the air; excitement and joy everywhere.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">January is turning out to be anything but quiet or boring. I've started reading a new book for a book club. I'm finishing up a winter painting. I purchased a new BIG canvas for an upcoming project (trust me, that's a big leap of faith).We're meeting up with friends for our monthly dinner and conversation. And we're making an effort to get out and use some of our restaurant gift cards (the pile was starting to get pretty big).</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Sometimes life deals us obstacles we have no control over, but sometimes life can be what we make of it. For me, I'm making this January a fun one. I'm not sitting back and letting it pass me by.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">What are you doing this January to make it fun?</span></b></p>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01067860711870970503noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725946434224301568.post-30483304556492417292023-09-19T20:33:00.002-04:002023-09-19T20:34:41.680-04:00What is your current season?<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9s3yuQ21Sksx0N8W8hmnbBHjKV979Ggh3eCNfzDky5Qz975Uj-z2DwROXXpP-foYrhglYDlMkjUFkCk7unhIDjApNh2sEz7W8-v_NvYsLC_lrDCn2Ny9NRd9uFxqKXrTi7skaQrwC4EaaZs4UdX-yrh_HHjaaxPf6mRK6in3rCSKi6BI3RGzv85ClNIE/s600/mums.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9s3yuQ21Sksx0N8W8hmnbBHjKV979Ggh3eCNfzDky5Qz975Uj-z2DwROXXpP-foYrhglYDlMkjUFkCk7unhIDjApNh2sEz7W8-v_NvYsLC_lrDCn2Ny9NRd9uFxqKXrTi7skaQrwC4EaaZs4UdX-yrh_HHjaaxPf6mRK6in3rCSKi6BI3RGzv85ClNIE/w320-h213/mums.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It's nearing the end of September; the kids are back in school, summer feels like it is winding down, and you can start unpacking your sweaters. Weather-wise, we're finishing up summer and gearing up for autumn. The leaves will soon be changing colors, some people have already been putting up their Halloween outside décor, and your favorite hobby stores are beginning to display their Christmas stock.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Calendar seasons are one thing - just follow the dates posted on your fridge. I'll admit I'm not ready for colder weather, but I am ready to pull the summer flowers (all the red and pink and purple) and replace them with colorful mums! I am ready for oranges and yellows. I'm ready to walk in the crisp air and stop by the cider mill. But I also don't want time to go too fast because we all know that after autumn comes cold and snow and sometimes ice!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">There are also the different seasons in our lives, depending on our ages. There's our teenage years, there's the college days, and the years of independence. For many there are the years of parenthood, the years we spend building our careers, and the years we work toward empty nests and retirement. There were the years we were caregivers to our mothers or fathers and all that it entailed. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">If someone were to ask me what season I am currently in I would have to say the season of floundering and discovery. I've always been the type of person to work toward the future, to make lists, and plan ahead ... often forgetting to savor the moments of today. My heart knows I need to find a better balance, but my mind tends to get in the way and make things more difficult than they need to be.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">My husband and I are parents to two adults and grandparents to four awesome grandkids, we're empty nesters, we're no longer caregivers, and we both still work full time. Somehow we're just as busy now as we always have been, but we do try take some time for ourselves. We each have hobbies that we find intriguing, creative, and relaxing to us. But truth be told some times we can go weeks before we are able to carve some time out of our responsibilities to make time for ourselves. That is my goal for this week. We both had a really busy month of August and so far September hasn't seemed to slow down any. You get to the point that you're not just physically tired, but you're also mentally drained.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I am finally taking a couple of overdue days off. Of course I plan to finish cleaning out my summer flower gardens and get into the autumn spirit with fall décor including mums and pumpkins. I always try to do the <b>MUST DO'S</b> first so I won't feel guilty about doing the <b>WANNA DO'S</b>. Pathetic I know. My fun plans? Some reading, some shopping, and some painting. Hopefully a little <b>ME</b> time will get me back on track and feeling re-energized once again.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Hopefully my season of floundering and feeling a little lost and off kilter will lead the way to a better season filled with hope and joy and rest and contentment.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">What season do you find yourself currently in? </span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Is it what you thought it would be or is it different somehow?</span></b></p><p><br /></p>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01067860711870970503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725946434224301568.post-48837758330236918642023-07-12T15:27:00.001-04:002023-07-12T15:28:14.853-04:00No Place For Judgement<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5YYyVEqc6JkaZu9NrLDL0vlnVHLyMwqttlOftfhTDWjmSWzEklYxZUpFNysqeGYWjG1aRRxw48WCWJIwNSRarmCfykByWDbC73b7HRWIDFivI17U2d-Dh8fSdBiQGs2ahQ-IBizkk_C5-RmafMLVaeaBts_aPOiFddU3_xP9CWPIwCYuopXmu_erlmE/s423/judgment.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="257" data-original-width="423" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5YYyVEqc6JkaZu9NrLDL0vlnVHLyMwqttlOftfhTDWjmSWzEklYxZUpFNysqeGYWjG1aRRxw48WCWJIwNSRarmCfykByWDbC73b7HRWIDFivI17U2d-Dh8fSdBiQGs2ahQ-IBizkk_C5-RmafMLVaeaBts_aPOiFddU3_xP9CWPIwCYuopXmu_erlmE/w320-h194/judgment.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><b>H</b></span>as anyone ever accused you of being judgmental? Have you ever inadvertently shamed someone? Everyone, including you, has feelings. Many people will try to hide their emotions; others display them front and center for the whole world to see. Do they really want everyone's input or do they just like the attention they get? Good or bad, maybe they need the attention to feel validated or noticed.</div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I know this is a big topic and can cover a pretty broad scope of situations. Let's break down a few examples. </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: justify;">Have you ever had someone point out something you're wearing and suggest that it might not be appropriate? Unless you're required to wear a uniform for your profession or you have an expected written dress code, then their opinion of your attire may be just that ... their opinion.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: justify;">Have you ever felt 'shamed' by things people have said to you for being too tall or too short or too heavy or too skinny? Or too emotional? People don't need to point out you're too old or too young for this or that; that's your business. Often our ages are just numbers on paper; if your mind and body tell you that you can still do something, then do it. Dance like no one is watching!</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: justify;">If you're like me you may find that you judge the people driving on your right that speed up and then wait til the last minute to merge left into your lane in front of you (like they didn't see the sign with the arrow a block behind you). I don't know their story. I don't know if they didn't see the sign or never drove on that street before. But I can assume and that what gets me in trouble.</li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I have a fear of going to the dentist. It's a legitimate anxiety; my heart races, my skin gets very blotchy, and I get clammy. It only takes one bad experience for anyone to develop a fear of something. Maybe a dog bit you when you were six and were getting off the school bus; it would be legitimate for you to feel uneasy around dogs you don't know. It certainly doesn't help when a dog's owner belittles your fear by saying, <i>'Oh, don't be afraid. Fido never bit anyone. He's very gentle with <b>most</b> people.'</i> The fact that Fido weighs 100# and is straining his leash while barking at you might be deterring you from believing them.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My dentist retired a while back and I needed to find a new practice. I finally took the step and made an appointment with a new one. It went fine, mostly because they didn't judge me for not having been to a dentist in a while. They acknowledged my fear for what it was and tried to support me so I could have a better experience. It doesn't mean my dental anxieties have magically disappeared, but it was a good first step toward regaining some trust.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The thing is that we should do things that are positive because they are right. We don't walk in other people shoes and we certainly don't know everyone's back stories. If someone asks for help, do what you can but don't judge or shame them for being in a position where they needed to ask for help. Maybe it took them a week to work up the courage to ask for help or maybe it took them a year and half to make the dentist appointment. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Unless you wear a black robe and sit in a judge's chair and have a gavel in your hand and the law on your side, you really don't have the right to judge anyone.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Choose your actions and your words carefully. What's the saying about a tube of toothpaste? Words are like toothpaste, once they're out you can't put them back in the tube.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Just something to think about?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">When have you felt judged or shamed?</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">How did it make you feel?</span></b></div><p></p>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01067860711870970503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725946434224301568.post-82061418735205379742023-05-22T13:58:00.001-04:002023-05-22T13:58:43.570-04:00Who gets to define 'older'?<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMoAIGhwACuMy7fcdupSRjw1TNMfijqMDsBA5GwmKgR1J2WVl-Vg3LMsJfk8Mk0p4ax4NBFheHe8j1DSFPqT_wkEmyY-jvIWf91NQuQHPaWOFCTitQ6nrujCnOY3IMNvPZQKueXzFHw0f3VNYewWIMqpggCKLY-BU16N-y2RDOe9Hzy4pRPz4Qw5J4/s612/older%20people%20photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="612" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMoAIGhwACuMy7fcdupSRjw1TNMfijqMDsBA5GwmKgR1J2WVl-Vg3LMsJfk8Mk0p4ax4NBFheHe8j1DSFPqT_wkEmyY-jvIWf91NQuQHPaWOFCTitQ6nrujCnOY3IMNvPZQKueXzFHw0f3VNYewWIMqpggCKLY-BU16N-y2RDOe9Hzy4pRPz4Qw5J4/w320-h219/older%20people%20photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm probably showing my age a little bit, but I remember being in elementary school and thinking that all of my teachers were old. In reality they weren't, but they dressed older and very conservatively. So not having any real concept of time and age I thought they were all in their 60s and that seemed ancient. Wow, how times have changed. Styles have changed and people have more choices now in their hair color and clothing styles, not to mention people are living longer and doing more. Nowadays if you are smart you will never try to guess someone's age.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">When my kids were in school the teachers all got younger. For that fact, so did the policemen, the firefighters, and the doctors. Maybe it's partly a new reality and partly perception. People seem more active now than when I was younger.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">What do they say? 80 is the new 60, and 60 is the new 40? I can't tell you how often I hear people say their age may be one number but in their mind they're still 20 years younger. When I was young the only activities I saw my parents partake in was playing cards. I never saw them do anything active or break a sweat. My mother did play the piano, but always with grace and dignity.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div style="text-align: left;">I recently just turned 60, but don't feel like it. My friends say they would never guess that was my age if I didn't tell them - but maybe they're just bei<span style="text-align: justify;">ng nice.</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">A friend told me a funny story the other day that she was somewhere trying to get some records and a stranger made a comment to her that birth certificates are only online going back a certain amount of time. He said he'd been around a LONG time and knew this for a fact. She asked when he was born and he replied, '1981'. OMG! Seriously? That's the year I graduated from high school. I have news for him, records go back a bit longer than that, lol. He was defining 'older' in a whole new way.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">So WHO exactly gets to define 'older'? And who gets to categorize people and label them and what makes them feel qualified to do that? I certainly wouldn't want that responsibility. I'd like to keep my friends, thank you very much.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Do you feel age is just a number? </span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Do you let your age define you by someone else's definition?</span></b></p><p><br /></p>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01067860711870970503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725946434224301568.post-50297873075551120622023-04-05T15:36:00.000-04:002023-04-05T15:36:34.066-04:00How do you measure time?<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3WW-EQCjE488qT6QwkKix7L5t806FLD3b7xBAiWOFwtoBRB_gkUDy96WzCPYuuD-xRHWtgCV40l20JSbwwZQijMNPThMXC9IILb0jNWJTYLe7Xx817l68VRbe-lKE7XIE8PnQamBwyajH0D0pn3mw8zKe2u01OlXfefAvVyQubpSGsg7Fxn2e4rUq/s3056/hour%20glass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3056" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3WW-EQCjE488qT6QwkKix7L5t806FLD3b7xBAiWOFwtoBRB_gkUDy96WzCPYuuD-xRHWtgCV40l20JSbwwZQijMNPThMXC9IILb0jNWJTYLe7Xx817l68VRbe-lKE7XIE8PnQamBwyajH0D0pn3mw8zKe2u01OlXfefAvVyQubpSGsg7Fxn2e4rUq/w200-h151/hour%20glass.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><b>T</b></span>here are many ways to measure time? Maybe you have a techy calendar on your phone or a paper one on your refrigerator. These will certainly help you keep track of birthdays, vacation days, and upcoming appointments. But what about remembering the seasons of your life? Remembering when you experienced the highs and lows?</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">People experience different levels and stages in their lives. Maybe you're at the place where you measure your life by everything that happened before and after retirement. Before you had a family to raise or when you started re-experiencing life with an empty nest.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Our parents and grandparents may refer to how life was before or after a war. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">A patient may define their journey as before or after their medical diagnosis. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">A young adult may label their accomplishments as before or after their college graduation.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Whatever category you find yourself in it's interesting to understand the perspective you bring to the table. What situations or life events altered <b>your</b> journey?</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Almost anyone these days could measure family gatherings or vacations as before Covid complicated life or now when people have resumed many of their activities.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">How do you measure your life; what you've accomplished or what your current goals are? </span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">What stage do you find yourself in?</span></b></p>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01067860711870970503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725946434224301568.post-370631255213598282023-02-28T15:32:00.003-05:002023-02-28T15:32:38.883-05:00Show The Real You<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH9QdiokLxvXDe5Ef3OeFdLVHUF4_zcAS_s_4sLtwmMxlTOrMQDCX20N9_VZKPdfWZFziZG4y2detqHpvSK8r8yAJ_7Xb7PGLsic5RrDWSo2Oa0uzZsD7aSvSQ9v_9Y4c9dKDdUKhdMXITrwXQbPZulFfPDitPGYdy3vgOmwjXfJlW59GAd6CxUkYT/s800/being%20real.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="437" data-original-width="800" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH9QdiokLxvXDe5Ef3OeFdLVHUF4_zcAS_s_4sLtwmMxlTOrMQDCX20N9_VZKPdfWZFziZG4y2detqHpvSK8r8yAJ_7Xb7PGLsic5RrDWSo2Oa0uzZsD7aSvSQ9v_9Y4c9dKDdUKhdMXITrwXQbPZulFfPDitPGYdy3vgOmwjXfJlW59GAd6CxUkYT/s320/being%20real.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">You've probably heard the phrases, <i>"Put your best foot forward"</i> and <i>"You only get one chance to make a first impression"</i>. They sound simple enough, but are they? They sound like a whole lot of pressure to me. Most people want to do their best and act their best and look their best. Those are things we strive for, but not necessarily how we are on a daily basis or even at a moment's notice.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">We fail and try again and again until we get where we want to be. It's important that we let people see both sides of us; the times when we struggle and the times when we achieve. Blend the two sides of ourselves together and we hopefully get a better and balanced (real) version to share. That's the person we want others to see; the relatable and approachable version, the version that is honest.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Sure we all want others to like us, to approve of the things we say and do, and to admire our efforts. But if we're play-acting and putting on a façade we aren't being honest with them or ourselves. Good or bad, weak or strong it's important to just keep it real.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Do you feel comfortable or vulnerable exposing the real you?</p><p style="text-align: justify;">It can be daunting at times, but weighs a lot less on your shoulders than putting yourself on a pedestal. There's another saying, <i>"The higher your pedestal the further you have to fall."</i> That doesn't sound fun. My suggestion? Be real, be honest and just be yourself. That's the person you want others to see and admire.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Do you feel you're sharing the real you? What's been your biggest hurdle?</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p><br /></p>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01067860711870970503noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725946434224301568.post-34942223657355259132022-12-29T13:21:00.000-05:002022-12-29T13:21:25.360-05:00Where Did You Find Your Happiness in 2022?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqX-jKA1fJHfsjuaQV-I-uEgDvCvQMTrTYBC5o9ON0-VUSeu2i4C9OHzUuDRX9UVyCLJMNFFm7ju9u46MtNhjykKGEndSHKZREzeD7qBVHoecfivINjZMcR__VEuS_X-cEIzvoFYGDzT8kg22ToSwkFC_btvYabsZzqD3tLniCyGSNhL_g-nuM7biu/s800/enjoy%20your%20life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqX-jKA1fJHfsjuaQV-I-uEgDvCvQMTrTYBC5o9ON0-VUSeu2i4C9OHzUuDRX9UVyCLJMNFFm7ju9u46MtNhjykKGEndSHKZREzeD7qBVHoecfivINjZMcR__VEuS_X-cEIzvoFYGDzT8kg22ToSwkFC_btvYabsZzqD3tLniCyGSNhL_g-nuM7biu/w320-h213/enjoy%20your%20life.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It's that time of year when many set goals for themselves, define their vision for the new year, or even make their proverbial resolution. <b>Is that what you do? </b>I used to, til I decided I was putting way too much pressure on myself and basically setting myself up for failure. Our mindset going into a new year should be a positive one, not one filled with unneeded stress.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>So what will my approach be this year?</b> Great question. I think I will begin by simply reflecting. What positive (and negative) things were in my life during the last 12 months? What things kept me up at night with worry or what things did I find myself looking forward to for the next day? I dealt with the death of a parent, my routines as a caregiver changed, my goals changed, and some of my priorities. I will always be about lists, and adding more to my plate, raising money for causes that mean something to me, and trying to create a better life balance. Like every other year some things I succeeded at and some times I failed miserably. But with every failure is the reminder that I put myself out there and I tried. With every failure also comes knowledge and growth.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">For today I will reflect on what things made me happy during 2022. I had meaningful conversations with both of my adult children, I hugged and played with my grandchildren, I took walks and held hands with my husband, not to mention our cheap date nights when we got a carryout and ate McDonalds in a parking lot and just enjoyed each other's company and talked about our day. I found time to work in my flower gardens, paint my pictures (adult PBN, I think I'm addicted), and read a lot of books from the library. Sure there will always be things I wish I had done differently, like not dwell so much on the past and what could have been or let people get under my skin over things that I just found irritating.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Going into 2023 I will continue to strive for a healthier life balance. We are true empty nesters now after 30+ years and that takes getting used to. What we always did in the past for holidays is now just that; the past. Going forward it's about finding what works in any given year. I need to learn not to have things so set in stone in my mind, but rather be more open and accepting to the ways things are now. Traditions can be difficult sometimes; maybe it's about developing new ones but still keeping a few of the old.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Where do you stand today as you reflect on 2022?</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">What were some of your highs and lows?</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Where do you see yourself heading in 2023?</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01067860711870970503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725946434224301568.post-70707499190664546752022-11-08T15:03:00.001-05:002022-11-08T15:03:54.915-05:00Why is it so hard to be still?<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOJEolLa4gpz7AkgawWCoMguexN6knYHfespykoSvOHClhLAaqPiLL6U1qNYPFsIIDxYmdeE6AAHRRE6dTx5b2Dsd4geym1FH7iV8vSgybD5beW4cDQk_qLGrH8s3AVwKvECKsV22u_VoqvLCDShweLPCmifj_EY8NHe2FKVKSBeDCY8VZ40YZYBN/s3209/nolan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3209" data-original-width="2965" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOJEolLa4gpz7AkgawWCoMguexN6knYHfespykoSvOHClhLAaqPiLL6U1qNYPFsIIDxYmdeE6AAHRRE6dTx5b2Dsd4geym1FH7iV8vSgybD5beW4cDQk_qLGrH8s3AVwKvECKsV22u_VoqvLCDShweLPCmifj_EY8NHe2FKVKSBeDCY8VZ40YZYBN/w259-h280/nolan.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Have you noticed all the noise currently in the world? It's Election Day here for us which means our last days and weeks have been filled with a lot of hatred and arguing; it's everywhere. It should be a sign of democracy working, but instead it's become about who can spread more negativity. It's in the yard signs, the television ads, the billboards, the Internet, the news, the memes, and social media. Whatever happened to people respecting each other's differences? That seems to be a concept that has been lost amidst the chanting of <i>'I'm right, you're wrong'</i>.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Somehow I think I have gotten way off track. What I wanted to write about today was discovering why it is so hard to be still. When we're still, we can appreciate the quiet; we can hear our inner thoughts better, we can let ourselves just <i>be</i> and get physically and mentally recharged. But some of us, myself included, have a very difficult time being still. We feel like we always need to be doing something; that if we allow ourselves to be still we are acting as though we've finished everything and have completed all of our responsibilities. It's like in order to be still, we have to give ourselves permission to be lazy. In actuality, being still is a good thing.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I took some time off this week to assist someone who needed a hand for a few days. I thought I could help by doing some of the routine things for them that they shouldn't do. The balance of the time we find ourselves sitting on the couch feeling like we should be doing something. We've watched some British Baking, some Pixar short clips, caught up on last week's episode of Survivor ... we even went so far as to start rewatching the very first episode of Survivor from over 20 years ago. We've tried to distract ourselves with things so we won't do anything physical, therefore encouraging rest and healing. We may be letting our bodies rest, but our brains are putting in overtime. We both did an absentee ballot for today so we wouldn't wouldn't miss out on that responsibility, but life still goes on outside the four walls of where we are.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">This morning I awoke to total quiet, and not wanting to disturb anyone else I just sat still and listened for over an hour. There was the banging noise of the garbage truck emptying the dumpster in the parking lot at 6:00 a.m. and the automatic cat feeder dispensing at 7:00 a.m. But I did have time to think and reflect on some things; the healing for the person I am staying with, the many people we've lost this past year (relatives and friends), and the process and effects connected to our election today. Being still can be as simple as trying to look past everything that is being thrown at us and allowing ourselves the freedom to choose what we want to focus on for the day. Yes, it can be hard to be still, but so worth it if you can actually achieve it.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">How are you at being still? Are you good at it or do you fight it, tooth and nail?</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">What's the last self-discovery you made when you were still?</span></b></p>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01067860711870970503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725946434224301568.post-73455343416811562742022-09-20T12:33:00.001-04:002022-09-20T12:34:50.175-04:00Taking A Break<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtdgZ2zA1xnMCDvQeIpUtmGU9KrUzSiXgiQSA8N5XQeB4vdd8yhFrYsiCVO5xgPz3-l0NT0g3HkyjyXz9LQPyn0XrfmlCXcxjpGiV1ZC5jTh3xHpC4_W6cpRE3CypP8FLHKEvYL4dEu1P8nMiXcC2KRN4aNG4zV1cj60xG4odMXwNvYO09Q8sj5sZ/s4000/take%20a%20break.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2244" data-original-width="4000" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtdgZ2zA1xnMCDvQeIpUtmGU9KrUzSiXgiQSA8N5XQeB4vdd8yhFrYsiCVO5xgPz3-l0NT0g3HkyjyXz9LQPyn0XrfmlCXcxjpGiV1ZC5jTh3xHpC4_W6cpRE3CypP8FLHKEvYL4dEu1P8nMiXcC2KRN4aNG4zV1cj60xG4odMXwNvYO09Q8sj5sZ/w320-h181/take%20a%20break.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Often we can feel overwhelmed and tired. Sometimes we feel there just aren't enough hours in the day. We all have responsibilities; can't think of anyone I know who doesn't. We make lists and we prioritize because we know we'll never get it ALL done in a day and sure enough we'll forget to do something. So we rewrite the list the next morning and start fresh. It's an inevitable cycle; one that is hard to avoid. But there are times when either our mind or our body says, <i>'Hey, that's enough. I need a break.'</i> That's when we need to stop and listen. Our mind and body are strong enough to get us through each day, but they're also wise enough to tell us when we need to slow down and recharge.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">It's difficult to just flip a switch and say <i>'I'm off til Wednesday'</i>. How many times have you been on vacation and it's literally day two or three before you start to relax and enjoy the moment? The first few days are about packing, unpacking, making plans, getting to your destination, etc. Day three rolls around and you sleep in a little and start to feel relaxed. Hopefully your vacation is at least 5 days so you can enjoy it.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I realized the other day that it's been two months since I blogged. Shame on me, but I don't blog to fill a quota. Sure, I set goals for myself but in the end I blog when the feeling is right and I can be present in the words. The last two months have been filled with work, gardening, weeding, watering the garden, cleaning up the garden, etc. You get the picture. Writing, like anything else, has its seasonal moments. When we have more daylight in the summer months I don't hang out in the house much unless it's raining or a grey day. Now it's nearing the end of September and I have the itch to clean out the gardens and put the mums and pumpkin decor out. October will fly by and then we'll be decorating for Christmas and trying to get the outside lights up before it snows. Time just moves by too fast these days. Someone just informed me that Christmas is three months from this Sunday! Please don't shoot the messenger.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">This week though I am taking a break. I'm cutting myself some slack and giving myself grace. Do I already have next week's To Do list set? Mostly, lol, but at least I'll feel better equipped to handle it. I'm going to take a few days and recharge (mentally and physically). </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">When's the last time you gave yourself permission to take a break?</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Were you successful in feeling recharged and motivated?</span></b></p>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01067860711870970503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725946434224301568.post-57619958477095429432022-07-19T15:39:00.005-04:002022-07-19T15:53:03.071-04:00What does your happy place look like?<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2GHkKtVRvgwnGVQQh8IWBOLWYAHZrFT8lgYirYxjGlcdtHbWlVLNOSCOWIk9WShp4JDIliLXrJU_YOJKNCTjL0JM8KiyCf9o1Ty59R19jVzz-uTjwG9MJkIMkEKGKDBmxSLjBRHNhfS2ims2fcwZQQX7Y2QjbCE9fHuZq3eAdfdBVSLEAqNvWPK37/s4032/mackinac.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2GHkKtVRvgwnGVQQh8IWBOLWYAHZrFT8lgYirYxjGlcdtHbWlVLNOSCOWIk9WShp4JDIliLXrJU_YOJKNCTjL0JM8KiyCf9o1Ty59R19jVzz-uTjwG9MJkIMkEKGKDBmxSLjBRHNhfS2ims2fcwZQQX7Y2QjbCE9fHuZq3eAdfdBVSLEAqNvWPK37/w182-h243/mackinac.jpg" width="182" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Everyone needs a happy place. A place where you can find peace and relaxation. A place that brings back fond memories or makes you smile. A place that lowers your blood pressure. For some people their happy place might be an exotic destination that they travel to, their cozy home that makes them feels safe, or heading to their cottage up north. A happy place doesn't even have to be a 'place', it could be more about the scenery or activity.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">For some it might be reading a good book by the pool, drinking their morning coffee on the deck while the birds sing, or weeding in their garden where they visibly see the results of their efforts. It could be taking a walk in the evening or listening to your favorite throwback music and dancing around in your living room. For me that would be anything disco! Don't judge.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">For some taking a drive with no particular destination in mind could be relaxing and adventurous. How about going to a theatre to watch a movie that takes you to another place and through someone else's story?</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Yes, everyone needs a happy place. More importantly, everyone deserves a happy place.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">For me, I love going to Mackinac Island. As soon as I have locked my car and set foot on the ferry and the island is in my sights I begin to feel at ease. When I arrive at the dock it's all about the sights, and smells, and the feeling that I get. For a couple of days I will walk and walk and walk. There will be no stop signs or flashing stop lights. There will be no cars with honking horns. There will be lots of people watching and horse watching and dog watching. There will be strolls on the waterfront and looking for interesting rocks. There will be a picnic lunch on the lawn at the park staring out at the marina. There will be breathtaking sunsets and taps played at 10:00 p.m. from the fort on the hill. And I will wake up in the mornings with the window open and the sounds of horse's hooves clip-clopping on the street.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">What does your happy place look like? </span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Are you being still or doing something?</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">How does it make you feel?</span></b></p>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01067860711870970503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725946434224301568.post-359548617995839212022-05-31T12:08:00.005-04:002022-06-01T08:42:11.322-04:00Is it summer yet?<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4jZF5Ndz6tbaXuSYbAA26W1_OcZCu31-IoqhdAd-Z5asrpCBJQZ7C7x_mcId4scjnePZNUMY1oDp5YWBBYXkgLVdTeM0knK25E1-eevXnreTiLD48kR0uVcwsVzBIO4SgZWTLI2lCCjvJ2Ew2N20ui7i8TQAtfB6hX6HBwdiAK3IrQoSeXJ4KSDIi/s640/summer.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="640" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4jZF5Ndz6tbaXuSYbAA26W1_OcZCu31-IoqhdAd-Z5asrpCBJQZ7C7x_mcId4scjnePZNUMY1oDp5YWBBYXkgLVdTeM0knK25E1-eevXnreTiLD48kR0uVcwsVzBIO4SgZWTLI2lCCjvJ2Ew2N20ui7i8TQAtfB6hX6HBwdiAK3IrQoSeXJ4KSDIi/w200-h199/summer.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Technically summer doesn't begin until June 21st, but how do you gauge the seasons changing for you? Does it feel like summer because yesterday was Memorial Day and near 90 degrees? Is it because the kids are getting anxious for school to be ending soon? Do you have your pool prepped for the warm weather? Are your flowers planted? Did you get your first taste of a sunburn this past weekend trying to do it all?</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">My kids are no longer in school, but I did play outdoors and take a sunny walk with my grandchildren. I did outdoor work and got some sun on just one side of my body (I guess I was facing the shrubs longer than I thought with the sun settling on my shoulders). I watered my flowers, read a bit on my patio, listened to an outdoor band, and took a slow walk on a board walk by the water in St. Clair, MI.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Suddenly the month of May has gone by in a blur and tomorrow will be the start to the month of June. In my mind the summer consists of three short months (June, July, and August). Why is it though that back in the winter it seemed like it would take forever for summer to arrive? Now that it's here it will fly by just as fast as spring did. Is there a way to slow down the clock? Oh, there are some days when I wish that were possible.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">What are your plans for the summer? Sadly if we don't make the plans now it'll be September in the blink of an eye and once again we will miss out on all those wonderful summer events and outings we thought we would participate in. <b>Make the time! </b>Take the walk outside after dinner. Read on your patio instead of on the couch. Take the trip you've been thinking about. Visit the parks, the lakes, the train depots, the gardens that inspire you, and your family. You can't get the time back once it's passed you by so make the most of it now.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I know it's hard. There are always schedules, work responsibilities, and To Do lists; but the truth of the matter is that those things will never go away. There will never be the perfect time. There won't always be a next year. Just listen to news. As difficult as it sometimes is, try harder to live in and appreciate the present. I know this is hard for me, but I'm realizing that it's time to appreciate and value the present even more.</p><p><br /></p>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01067860711870970503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725946434224301568.post-69628011461977227562022-04-26T15:40:00.002-04:002022-04-26T15:43:09.327-04:00Is it spring or not?<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmF_NDgpBShPllHJATWUHToCKAwcG8qkOMER-ogl38TLrilmIVZSF7J5PXdYc0bEDxoJGtGFnRD_8FZJOLtIcnNG-nqhpgbZBDVdKSzngnZ9NFn3mD79uWBFJ-o4Jf0JZBVU1BjiEvexeYTsegfpu6vqphTgsUw4wTM8UFNFOzAZvrPO4yrw4JASO/s900/signs-of-spring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmF_NDgpBShPllHJATWUHToCKAwcG8qkOMER-ogl38TLrilmIVZSF7J5PXdYc0bEDxoJGtGFnRD_8FZJOLtIcnNG-nqhpgbZBDVdKSzngnZ9NFn3mD79uWBFJ-o4Jf0JZBVU1BjiEvexeYTsegfpu6vqphTgsUw4wTM8UFNFOzAZvrPO4yrw4JASO/s320/signs-of-spring.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I feel like we've had several seasons of weather over the past week. We had two days on the weekend that were near 80 degrees. We had blue skies and sunshine. I'm back to wearing socks today as it is currently 45 degrees. We are at the end of April and we're ready for a little consistency here. The flower bulbs are up and standing tall; the daffodils and the crocuses. The buds are popping out on the flowering trees. People are out taking walks and just this afternoon our resident Canadian Goose in the parking lot at my office hatched four eggs. Many of the signs of spring are here, but just not all on the same day.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I don't know about you, but not only am ready for some warmer temperatures in the 60s and 70s but I am also mentally ready for some positive signs that the seasons are moving forward and not just teasing us with their brief presence.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Spring brings a sense of rebirth, rejuvenation, motivation, inspiration, and sometimes freedom. The freedom to venture outside and take a walk and talk to your neighbors again. The cold and drab weather of the winter tends to keep us harbored up inside our warm and cozy homes. It's time to get back out there and reconnect; with nature and with people.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">How does spring inspire or motivate you? </span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Do you like to ride your bike on the trails at the park? </span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Do you like to work in your garden? </span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Do you enjoy drawing chalk masterpieces on the driveway with your grandkids?</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Spring will finally show us all its glory and then suddenly it will be summer. I'm not in a hurry, but I certainly wouldn't mind more than two consecutive days of warmth and sunshine. Not wearing socks or a jacket can do wonders for our mental health.</p>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01067860711870970503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725946434224301568.post-53791691022898221012022-03-29T14:27:00.001-04:002022-03-29T14:28:35.709-04:00What's your wish?<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGKEiLj8E8Y7I6CEK8-DfS24v-WVW5vjYTa9ZlIU_nTgNg-cEc29RoIpbdWEBp6ZQ4mCnYjBEcKrisiNPfux7Cb6gXhQBUHXwDo4vTVf5be69iuVKOpEeSH9Q8dIaCEssHtryn53-ecpHkEeA4zs_MNQNWuynOLcMUlnpwnNnI-tFgY4teE14Z4t-y/s626/birthday%20cupcake.webp" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="626" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGKEiLj8E8Y7I6CEK8-DfS24v-WVW5vjYTa9ZlIU_nTgNg-cEc29RoIpbdWEBp6ZQ4mCnYjBEcKrisiNPfux7Cb6gXhQBUHXwDo4vTVf5be69iuVKOpEeSH9Q8dIaCEssHtryn53-ecpHkEeA4zs_MNQNWuynOLcMUlnpwnNnI-tFgY4teE14Z4t-y/w221-h221/birthday%20cupcake.webp" width="221" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I had a birthday this week. With that celebration came the annual ritual or option of blowing out a candle and making a wish. I thought about it for a moment and figured, <i>why not?</i> Suddenly the candle is being set into the frosting and the lighter is getting prepped. Instantly all kinds of thoughts swirled through my head. Is this wish supposed to be for something serious; good health, financial security, an end to pending wars and Covid? Or should it be more lighthearted and for something fun? Should I wish for good things for those around me for things they've been working towards <b>OR</b> should I allow myself to be selfish and think solely of me? </div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I know; you're probably thinking<i> 'it's your birthday, of course it should be about you'.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Does this wish have to compare to a New Year's resolution? Probably not, because resolutions require goals and agendas and motivation and usually <b>A LOT</b> of hard work.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">A wish should be more of a gift, perhaps a gift you simply give to yourself. Maybe you'll get what you wish for and maybe not, but nothing ventured nothing lost. Maybe it's simply about giving yourself permission to think outside of the box, to step out of your comfort zone, and to simply <b>GO FOR IT</b> ... whatever <b>IT </b>is for you.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">In that split second that seemed to drag into ten in slow motion, I decided to wish for something different. Nothing tangible or measurable; but something more like courage. I wished to tap into my inner creativity and challenge myself to try something new. Something I had thought about and envisioned doing, but then my head would overthink each step. I wished for the courage to just let myself try. If I fail that's okay, at least I tried. But if I don't try how will I ever know whether or not I was capable of doing it?</p><p style="text-align: justify;">What is<b> IT</b> for me? What was my wish about? I'm not sure I'm quite ready to share that part. I will give it a try and then share my results; good or bad.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">What will you be wishing for when it's your turn?</span></b></p>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01067860711870970503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725946434224301568.post-71350092896656980552022-03-16T15:38:00.002-04:002022-03-16T15:40:15.719-04:00Time For A New Normal<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6wfnZoSfqNeymN4PMKvKZ2LDvSrEnVa-t_NNtzGi6wzA74pPc6sBGnKLDwPcIk565raH44l0Unxqq84L8gvaFr3tj5infTQbUsiGQBHhC-ng0ycUTETvw5HH7PbKTfYN-l5q_w1YUreQG12P7fZzP28QC328O_ISqa3sr7sBRytIa5Mfj_qP77ouz=s1024" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1024" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6wfnZoSfqNeymN4PMKvKZ2LDvSrEnVa-t_NNtzGi6wzA74pPc6sBGnKLDwPcIk565raH44l0Unxqq84L8gvaFr3tj5infTQbUsiGQBHhC-ng0ycUTETvw5HH7PbKTfYN-l5q_w1YUreQG12P7fZzP28QC328O_ISqa3sr7sBRytIa5Mfj_qP77ouz=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This week marks two years since our lives and how we lived them took a drastic turn due to Covid. For twenty-four months we've masked and unmasked, had the option to vaccinate or not, lost loved ones from either Covid or something else, or felt sheltered and isolated. We had to change how we lived our lives. We had to make some pretty tough choices.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">For two years we've heard people say, <i>'I can't wait til things get back to normal'</i>. For some scenarios that would be nice, but I think we've all changed a little during the last two years. Some have dug their heels in, some have isolated themselves even more than what was necessary. Some reached out and made more phone calls to family and friends. Many families have had more meals together.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Pre-Covid many people I knew were always busy, too busy for family, too busy for friends, too busy to stop and say hello, too busy for game nights and BBQs. As we're now adjusting to taking our masks off more and sitting next to people in church and restaurants and movie theatres, we need to take a minute and reflect. As we move forward now with baby steps it's a golden opportunity to decide what we want our lives to look like. Do we want to go back to the old NORMAL when we always found ourselves too busy and packing too much into our days? Do we want to make sure going forward we incorporate more ME time into our schedules? </p><p style="text-align: justify;">If I've learned nothing else during the last two years it's that it is very easy to get overwhelmed, overworked, and overstressed. I need to make sure I don't ignore the mental health signs and put myself right back on the treadmill of life that I so desperately wanted a break from. Now I will make sure I make time for reading the new library book, painting the new canvas, and listening to a new playlist. I'll continue to reach out to my kids and grandkids more often whether by texting or calling or driving out for the monthly outing filled with hugs and new memories.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">What have you discovered about yourself over the last two years? </span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Something new that calms and rejuvenates you? </span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Something you didn't make enough time for before but will now?</span></b></p>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01067860711870970503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725946434224301568.post-32358586887564310212022-02-07T15:57:00.001-05:002022-02-07T15:57:48.756-05:00Can you repeat that?<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiC993n0V-kC68insXQzkayyQ1jb3jIwEkkVJFG6CNjG9q9zR9N1x54oBWYkOcf8xe6Bl38smgm8nIUnJqOmJjdnlkhNwWbvgH-9R8zxSwkPp2HKmEvoJrYDkxWEgveafzoJJ0oCKLXkX7QG4avPbn4pibpbG0FMX8W_p17E288pfhi1kc9oqsBbhG7=s800" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiC993n0V-kC68insXQzkayyQ1jb3jIwEkkVJFG6CNjG9q9zR9N1x54oBWYkOcf8xe6Bl38smgm8nIUnJqOmJjdnlkhNwWbvgH-9R8zxSwkPp2HKmEvoJrYDkxWEgveafzoJJ0oCKLXkX7QG4avPbn4pibpbG0FMX8W_p17E288pfhi1kc9oqsBbhG7=w200-h134" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Are you more of a talker or a listener? Whichever makes you feel more comfortable is fine, as long as you're doing it for the right reasons. Some people are gifted listeners, they're able to serve as a sounding board for other people. Sometimes people are trying to work through something, whether it's a situation or a problem they're trying to solve or they're in a creative mode. Often they need to talk through the scenario to get their thoughts out and get them organized. They may not need you to give them the answer, they may already have it; but listening to them can help them through the process.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">On the other hand some people prefer to do all the talking and don't really want to hear any other opinions, especially when they may differ from their own. These people are usually convinced that everyone else agrees with them and if they do enough of the talking and no one can actually answer they must be correct, right? Well, not always.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Are there times when you're not happy with a situation or an outcome? Do you wish things would have gone differently? The big question is, did you ever speak up and voice your opinion? The thing is that no one can speak for you with generic statements like, <i>'Nobody does that anymore,' 'Everyone prefers it this way.</i>' Just because someone makes a statement like that doesn't make it true. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">If you disagree with someone or a situation you need to find your voice and then be brave enough to put it out there so it can be heard. If you don't you'll continue to be bothered by choices that others make on your behalf. Openly disagreeing with someone else can be hard, especially if you're someone who doesn't like conflict or needless drama.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Don't like a political candidate, then make sure you exercise your right to vote during a next election.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Don't like an idea someone is presenting, then step up and join a committee so you can be part of a solution or a compromise.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Dig deep and find your voice and then make it known. Who knows, maybe someone will listen and say, <i>'That sounded interesting, can you repeat that?</i></p><p><b><span style="color: #660000;">When is the last time you voiced your opinion and had a positive response?</span></b></p><p><br /></p>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01067860711870970503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725946434224301568.post-68782533294236327202022-01-17T11:43:00.000-05:002022-01-17T11:43:33.030-05:00It's A New Year<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKZAwJbBq6yIU1NXYlloi8MWesYXODQnw0XVZvuesgzZrnJiEk9i692hdejxVPJWSrvhnMJWq1DYpv3sq3-rF5b6JHTCSvEWlh0vANM1q625I5G-gkaMGu7Y4mwTZVAG8YuTfCMRel3QoQJFkw-k7dBAuf1DLa8fji2lS7vBvzH_14e31OWpQtLf0-=s511" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="339" data-original-width="511" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKZAwJbBq6yIU1NXYlloi8MWesYXODQnw0XVZvuesgzZrnJiEk9i692hdejxVPJWSrvhnMJWq1DYpv3sq3-rF5b6JHTCSvEWlh0vANM1q625I5G-gkaMGu7Y4mwTZVAG8YuTfCMRel3QoQJFkw-k7dBAuf1DLa8fji2lS7vBvzH_14e31OWpQtLf0-=w200-h133" width="200" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">So here we are; a couple of weeks into a new year. Does 2022 seem any different to you so far compared to 2021? Not too much, huh? We made it through the Christmas and New Year's holidays. Hopefully you had a little down time, some family time, some time to recharge and re-evaluate, and some time spent just for you. </span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">New Year's is a good time for reflection. How did you fare in 2021? Did you accomplish some of things you set out to do? Did you do some planning for your future; perhaps some career goals, relationship goals, or health related goals? Realize that any goals you set for yourself are long-term. We're only 2 weeks into the new year, don't expect to have set the world on fire just yet. Allow yourself some grace (or maybe a lot). Goals are journeys and journeys are achieved one step at a time. Don't be in a rush. Don't think that just because we put a new, clean calendar on the fridge that we should have everything done or on its way. We have lots of time ahead of us. Take your goals and chop them up into smaller goals; less pressure and more achievable.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Maybe 2022 won't be the year you get the promotion you were hoping for, or win the lotto, or start the new business you've been dreaming about ... but that's okay. Maybe 2022 will be the year the Covid pandemic finally ends, maybe we'll quit using the term 'getting back to normal' (since many of us have forgotten exactly what that was), maybe we'll decide on a new normal that we like better - one that has a better life balance, maybe we'll plan the family reunion that kept getting postponed ... lots of maybes.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It's only January, perhaps our focus right now should just be about discovering our course and taking the first step - whatever that looks like for you.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I wish you a new year filled with less stress and anxieties, better sleep, some home cooked meals, and more time with family and friends (whether that be in-person or phone calls or texts). Find what works for you right now but make an effort to stay connected. One of the worst side effects of the pandemic that I've seen has been self-isolation. We want to be smart, we want to be careful, but we also can't get too comfortable being alone. It's human nature to need other people. When someone invites you to lunch, go! You can pick a time that is less crowded and still be smart and careful about it. We have to remember that we still need to live. We still need to nourish our souls with companionship and laughter. We can be serious and human at the same time. It's all about good choices and balance.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I say GO FOR IT! Make 2022 the year that you want or 'need' it to be.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Any plans you want to share? Might inspire the rest of us.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01067860711870970503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725946434224301568.post-334880014678025582021-12-27T10:42:00.002-05:002021-12-27T17:32:21.562-05:00Remembering 2021<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWquDHSV0_m5tBSj6HdrFdHNZwzblVYpjaMdQL2gppF7lQnMHTn77CWoQdnuu7mpkWR1_cv175Jc50J2p8WOf9wNVsgspSlhp2cmU784UsnS50N430OCgahhqQnGHdXvLcnH9iJpYO3IXz2AVAnS9tCJYTKonbmVlh2ZiakA533M5Ms3O5JyZWv2g6=s2119" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1415" data-original-width="2119" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWquDHSV0_m5tBSj6HdrFdHNZwzblVYpjaMdQL2gppF7lQnMHTn77CWoQdnuu7mpkWR1_cv175Jc50J2p8WOf9wNVsgspSlhp2cmU784UsnS50N430OCgahhqQnGHdXvLcnH9iJpYO3IXz2AVAnS9tCJYTKonbmVlh2ZiakA533M5Ms3O5JyZWv2g6=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is the time of year when we either recap our year or make resolutions (or some may say 'empty promises') for the upcoming one. For many, either task can be daunting. But looking back at the last 21 months in general has been an overall dud with Covid and the many changes it brought into our lives. If we look hard enough though amidst the chaos there will always be the pearls of goodness mixed in, those are the things we need to focus on.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I can certainly acknowledge the loneliness, sickness, lack of financial security, relationship strains, and uncertainties that came with Covid for many people. There's no denying the by-products brought on by the pandemic. But there has also been goodness. There's been in an increase in quality family time spent together, dinners and conversations together around the table, new found hobbies, clean closets, and probably an increase in the sales of sweats and yoga pants.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">What did my 2021 look like? That's a tough one. I witnessed a lot of loss this year for myself and others. I lost a neighbor at my office (the one who brought me tomatoes and flowers from his garden), I lost a dear friend from my small group who always lifted our spirits, I lost a long time co-worker who was a friend and a fill-in father figure, I lost a brother-in-law who always let me sample the turkey first on Thanksgiving and sneak veggies onto his plate, my mother passed a few weeks ago, and most recently a family friend ... two of these were as a result of Covid. Neverless Covid did dictate to us how and when we were allowed to grieve.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Amidst the unexpected sadness that came each time, 2021 was also the year I completed three paintings and started a fourth, completed reading 14 books (a big accomplishment for me), had a healthy flower garden, welcomed a beautiful, healthy grandson into our family, and worked harder than ever to keep my head and my heart in a good place. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">It's been a year of changes and challenges for a lot of people. Will I make any resolutions for 2022; lose that dreaded 10#, travel more, start writing my book? Definitely not! I will, though, try to continue to build on the foundation I have been slowly building for myself; one that includes taking better care of myself, both physically and mentally. After that, who knows. Maybe 2022 will bring an end to Covid, a delayed family reunion, a little more writing, and better sleep. Whatever comes my way will be a blessing and I will embrace the opportunities for what they are.</p><p><b><span style="color: #990000;">How about you?</span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #990000;">How would you summarize your 2021?</span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #990000;">Do you make any resolutions and if so, what will you hope to accomplish in 2022?</span></b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01067860711870970503noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725946434224301568.post-39713469137908068552021-11-05T12:33:00.000-04:002021-11-05T12:33:24.064-04:00How do you deal with life?<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfN8QdksdnijYbqVZ6qY4P0GiGfKJwq1OBgDv27Ugns_LQhntk5GRkrXxoo32zpjJWf1RrspFjEzuJy5KMounjXNnMdee-kKxMGwXQG2IoA8sMFwPEeJ-o1JUmgOUQj4v34KOrKw30bU8/s1280/listeing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfN8QdksdnijYbqVZ6qY4P0GiGfKJwq1OBgDv27Ugns_LQhntk5GRkrXxoo32zpjJWf1RrspFjEzuJy5KMounjXNnMdee-kKxMGwXQG2IoA8sMFwPEeJ-o1JUmgOUQj4v34KOrKw30bU8/s320/listeing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It's the beginning of November; I could be blogging about the easy topics like 'should they be playing Christmas music on the radio yet?' or 'is it too soon for Hallmark Christmas movies?'. But that would be too easy. Tomorrow we change our clocks back 1 hour for Daylight Savings Time. The stores are decorating for Christmas sales even though it's not Thanksgiving yet. For some of us our internal clock starts ticking away that we need to start our holiday lists, write out our Christmas cards, and begin planning our social get-togethers.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Somewhere in the midst of all that we also need to deal with our life today; the ups and downs, and dealing with the lingering questions we're seeking answers for. My question for you is 'how do you deal with life'? Do you talk to other people about what's on your mind or do you hold it all in because you don't want to bother anyone? I think I tend to hold things in (with a few exceptions). When you're in a group conversation I sometimes feel like I don't want to change the subject or interrupt. There's always a part of me that wishes someone else would break the ice for me with something like, 'What's new?' Those two simple words can be the door that opens or the easiest way to start a conversation. But know that if you express those two words you need to be prepared to stick around long enough to hear the answer. When you don't and they are just two words that flow as an automatic response, you're not doing anyone any favors. Trust me, it's easy to tell when someone means them versus when someone asks you but they're also already two steps away and have moved on to something or someone else. This is the time to not just talk the talk, but also to walk the walk. You know the old expression that 'actions speak louder than words', right?</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Do you feel comfortable reaching out to people when you need a sounding board or just to vent? That can be a tough one. No one wants to appear vulnerable, but we also can't always figure things out on our own. Sometimes a fresh objective view is just what we need.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I'm no expert, but I know what it feels like to have heavy shoulders. It's important to lighten the load when possible. If you don't have that special person (a spouse, a child, a parent, a friend, or a therapist) that you can bounce ideas off of, then you need to find that go-to person - even if it means you have to take the first step. People can be pretty good listeners when they know they are needed, but they also are not mind-readers. Give yourself and them a chance. You may be surprised.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Who has been your biggest supporter and best sounding board?</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Something else to keep in mind ... don't expect others to be there for you if you can't make the time to be there for them. Life is a two-way street.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01067860711870970503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725946434224301568.post-43218823663814492782021-10-11T22:13:00.000-04:002021-10-11T22:13:58.796-04:00Getting Back To What Makes You Happy<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGleXs3LLdzy1ee6U0xunm9TA7rzyvZtgrgLL9-BsYBbloyFVGETYS6G71ULJ1BKpT9KwUl6r14IbCDHE4-9nUXGmXq5OfT4RlTYBLUTD-yHq85sS0DC4Q5m4JqDQr-3UAvIFysqe5amU/s1211/horse.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1211" data-original-width="908" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGleXs3LLdzy1ee6U0xunm9TA7rzyvZtgrgLL9-BsYBbloyFVGETYS6G71ULJ1BKpT9KwUl6r14IbCDHE4-9nUXGmXq5OfT4RlTYBLUTD-yHq85sS0DC4Q5m4JqDQr-3UAvIFysqe5amU/w240-h320/horse.jpeg" width="240" /></a><span style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;">We all recognize the things that stress us out or make us feel uncomfortable or unhappy. But how many of us actually take the time to look at and discover the things that rejuvenate us, inspire us, or make us smile? We are often caught up in doing things for other people and being <i>responsible</i> that we tend to forget about ourselves. That would be me, for sure. By the time you get done dealing with a never-ending pandemic, all of its rules and guidelines that change daily, striving to keep everyone happy at work or home, doing grocery shopping and meal planning, taking care of your children (or your elders); that's when we have an epiphany and realize we're tired, overwhelmed, underwhelmed, or we're plain burned out. Not to worry, these feelings can be temporary.</div></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I did the best I could to deal with my stress and new anxieties this past year, but some days it definitely felt like an uphill battle. I realize I am not the only person who has felt this way, but that doesn't stop you from feeling alone in that moment. Sometimes, my biggest hurdle has been looking for the beauty in the moment, then stopping to give myself permission to embrace it. Thank goodness my boss and his family got a new dog and have allowed me to spend time with him a few hours a week at the office. Can you say <b>unconditional love</b>? That golden retriever has been a true life saver.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I've always been a planner, scheduler, list-maker, and organizer. These traits alone could make anyone tired. Then I plan ahead and book a weekend retreat for a month later so I can be sure I have all my ducks in a row and everyone will be taken care while I'm gone. Only then do I give myself permission to try and focus solely on myself. It's a tough nut to crack, for sure.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Lately my approach has been to <i>try</i> to be spontaneous (ha). (I'm honest enough to not say "try to be <i>more</i> spontaneous" because that would mean I already know how to act in the spur of a moment. That's not my strong suit.) I have begun to realize that there are moments when a good opportunity presents itself and that's when you have to ask yourself, "Can I make this work? I need this." Make that needed effort and try. If it works out for you, that's awesome. If it doesn't, then at least you gave it a shot and will have a better idea of how to make it work the next time.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">About a week and a half ago, my daughter mentioned an event she wanted to attend on Mackinac Island (our favorite place for mother-daughter trips). My first thought I am embarrassed to say was jealousy. Hey, I wanted to go, but immediately shot myself down that I couldn't do it. Heck - she hadn't even invited me, it was her idea. So I smiled and said, "That sounds like fun. We've never been there to see the autumn colors." To which she replied, "Do you want to go with me?" My heart fluttered a little and I started compiling the usual list of reasons why I couldn't. I thought about it for a couple of days and thought, "No, I <i>want</i> to do this and I <i>should</i> do this. This is exactly what I have been striving for - to appreciate the moments more." I worked it out and here we are! On this magnificent island, listening to the hooves of the horses and the horns of the ferry boats. Today we walked, we ate, we had some good conversation, we read a little, she went to her event this evening, and tomorrow we will venture home.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I've come to realize that feeling anxious isn't a sign of weakness. Discovering what makes you feel grounded and happy (even for a moment) is a sign of strength and awareness. These are my baby steps to feel more leveled and to take better care of my mind and body.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>What steps have YOU taken? </b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>What have you discovered makes you happy?</b></p>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01067860711870970503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725946434224301568.post-12983520079659248812021-08-10T11:24:00.000-04:002021-08-10T11:24:21.557-04:00Spread A Little Joy<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYv1-eIugTLks_T6Ez1vbZ6Exu7rsSfbAznAnn6_geHcI1PG_ztfbLkp7qxxwlXW4UJUV9YMOQbav2eyFgbEDWJoLvQo2CEkJ5oOkDH2nTgkpKQZjrt8Hm9vSqo6jvY9Xw9vg57Amz3Y/s891/cell+phone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="891" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYv1-eIugTLks_T6Ez1vbZ6Exu7rsSfbAznAnn6_geHcI1PG_ztfbLkp7qxxwlXW4UJUV9YMOQbav2eyFgbEDWJoLvQo2CEkJ5oOkDH2nTgkpKQZjrt8Hm9vSqo6jvY9Xw9vg57Amz3Y/w200-h113/cell+phone.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Some days are hectic and you find yourself taking a much needed break with a little social media for a distraction; Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. Then there are days when you hit a lull in your schedule and you turn to social media to pass a few minutes while you're waiting for an appointment. Either way social media can drag you in. Maybe you just cruise the Internet to check the baseball scores or read the latest Covid numbers, it's entirely up to you. Social media though, like anything else in life, has it's pros and cons. There are YouTube videos that can explain anything from installing a light fixture, fixing a leaky kitchen faucet, to opening up a kid's stroller (don't judge me but I looked up this video when my oldest granddaughter was a baby and I was watching her - let's just say the strollers today are WAY different than when my kids were babies). There are also going to be letdowns with social media; bad stock reviews, disheartening headlines, and trolls that post unnecessary comments on just about anything. Suddenly people declare themselves both judge and jury on topics they know absolutely nothing about.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">So how do we direct the social media we take in? By learning to make important choices for ourselves. We choose what we want to read or watch. People will always post negative items and simply justify it by saying, <i>'If you don't like it, don't read it.'</i> True enough, that choice is on us. Sometimes those choices can be difficult though. You may not want to 'unfriend' someone right now because they may need you (or vice versa) someday, but you can choose not to comment and add fuel to their fire. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Choose to follow the sites that make you healthy, happy, and want to see or hear more. If nothing else, it will help to create a balance for you with the pros and the cons.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I've come across a few Facebook groups that I chose to follow because when I contribute something it will be positive, the posts I read are mostly uplifting or give me productive ideas, and I've had the opportunity to meet people that inspire me. Choose sites that talk about things you like to do or always wanted to do, but lacked the motivation.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Here are a few Facebook groups I follow. They may not be your cup of tea, but there are surely ones out there that will work for you.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><b>Addicted To Mackinac Island</b> (my absolute favorite place for vacation time)</li><li><b>My Paint By Numbers Support Group</b> (for those of us who have discovered the joy of adult paint by numbers ... great new hobby)</li><li><b>Creative Gardening</b> (people sharing pictures of their DIY home gardens; everything from color and plant suggestions to making accent pieces)</li><li><b>8:28 Photography</b> (a young lady I had the pleasure of meeting a few years ago for some professional headshots directed her photography business into focusing on newborn and maternity photo sessions. HER WORK IS AMAZING!)</li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">You can follow sites from your favorite author, musician, chef, travel group, or business; not to mention there are ones for horse lovers, cat lovers, dog lovers, etc.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">When you have so many positive choices available at your fingertips, try not to dwell on the negative ones. It's just not worth the aggravation.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>What are some of the sites you choose to follow that help you center yourself, relax, or feel inspired?</b></p>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01067860711870970503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725946434224301568.post-48273168720601845792021-07-21T15:49:00.001-04:002021-07-21T15:52:04.493-04:00Don't Let Anyone Dismiss You<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #990000; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6QAuf4v8CYIzoYSvg1g6iTJmYbqz0tRzn4ej53qOJv5hUzHjwMI1jS_p_cql5pfukM74hX4OPh8iobJr2RIfloniU4IGSau4OLxHUGXrhVwSHom4_zT4670y7XRvdOErsCotMMfUGPU/s970/why+not.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="784" data-original-width="970" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6QAuf4v8CYIzoYSvg1g6iTJmYbqz0tRzn4ej53qOJv5hUzHjwMI1jS_p_cql5pfukM74hX4OPh8iobJr2RIfloniU4IGSau4OLxHUGXrhVwSHom4_zT4670y7XRvdOErsCotMMfUGPU/w218-h176/why+not.jpg" width="218" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span><b>W</b></span>e all have a lot on our minds these days; our health, Covid, finances, relationships (new and old), growing responsibilities ... you name it. It's obvious that no two people are the same; we look different, we think different, and we have different priorities and opinions. But who is to say that I am right and you are wrong or vice versa? We each have different needs and function in unique ways that suit us. No matter how much some people might like to lump others into categories for their own convenience; young or old, educated or not as much, chic or frumpy, well to do or struggling from week to week ... well, we each know what is playing through our minds at night when we can't sleep<b>.</b></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Whatever you are dealing with, thinking over, weighing the pros and cons for, or even daydreaming about ... learn to own it. Don't let other people define you or sway you away from thinking what you think or feeling what you feel. Learn to own your own bubble, your worries, your stresses, your happiness, your dreams, your sadness, and your doubts. Your emotions and goals and battles are all yours; they aren't there for others to dissect or dismiss.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">When someone doesn't want to understand your point of view or even bother to ask yet they still like to categorize parts of life with dismissive comments that make you wonder if what you're feeling is valid, they are truly the ones who are struggling. As they are trying to suggest that other viewpoints are invalid or silly, I think they're just trying to establish support for their own point of view. They may or may not be doing it purposely, they may not even realize how their words and actions are affecting other people. We'd be giving them much more credit than they deserve if we let them think they had that kind of power over us.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Stand tall, remain firm, trust yourself and take on each challenge that comes your way with a renewed sense of positivity. You matter and so do your opinions; we're all entitled to them. We just need to remember that it's fine to share your opinion when someone asks for it. If you're going to try to persuade people to be more like you just because you think you're better, then you're going at it for the wrong reasons.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">When's the last time you felt like someone was trying to dismiss you?</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">How did you handle it?</span></b></p>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01067860711870970503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725946434224301568.post-44361033774645585762021-06-21T15:50:00.000-04:002021-06-21T15:50:30.754-04:00Feeling Overloaded Lately?<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxJkDUuAEo5Ws_SXJkKXAk0WYdAufuH0gBTAVi0rSMej16LS7wfYQzqfA3BthWIjgxk8fvLXUs9jQbRyo5YgKPcOrYyuPdrntLQSaQCVK9f7cFNwGEK62lvK9qV3R335yG8-tHTKFCeI/s1698/people+clipart.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1131" data-original-width="1698" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxJkDUuAEo5Ws_SXJkKXAk0WYdAufuH0gBTAVi0rSMej16LS7wfYQzqfA3BthWIjgxk8fvLXUs9jQbRyo5YgKPcOrYyuPdrntLQSaQCVK9f7cFNwGEK62lvK9qV3R335yG8-tHTKFCeI/w200-h133/people+clipart.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: large;">M</span></b>any people are starting to experience the most recent changes of the Covid-19 pandemic. For the past fifteen months we've had many restrictions here in my home state of Michigan. We've worn masks in public, many of us have gotten the vaccine, and we've had capacity limits wherever we went ... not too mention the various restrictions of work, church, and school environments.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">This past week I have been experiencing my most recent change. I've had my vaccine so I've started going into public places without wearing my mask. Yikes! That was a <b>BIG </b>step toward adjusting to life after being mandated for more than year to wear one. I'm probably a little late showing up to the party, so to speak, as others have been dining inside restaurants and going maskless for a while. I was feeling paranoid and waiting for either lightning to strike or someone to yell at me with an accusatory voice judging me for my actions. I had to remind myself that being able to resume some normality in my life was why I made the choice to be vaccinated in the first place and yet here I was still feeling anxious.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">In the last four days I have been inside a funeral home once (with people I didn't know), inside two different churches for two different funeral services (with some people I did know), inside a restaurant without wearing a mask (with a large group of people), to an indoor family gathering, and inside a grocery store without a mask.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">What did I experience? The good, the bad, and the in between. I saw people's faces I haven't seen in a long time, I hugged family and friends, I laughed a little, I cried a lot, I slept very little, and I experienced what I call <b>socialization overload</b>. I haven't been around that many people for quite a while. At times I felt like I was jumping into the deep end of the pool without a life jacket. Not a good feeling, but just like being in the pool as soon as you get used to the temperature of the water and start to tread with your legs your confidence starts to return,</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">What have you experienced during the pandemic (or as we're coming out of it) that felt different?</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">What have you learned about yourself?</span></b></p>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01067860711870970503noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725946434224301568.post-62635360668733656452021-05-19T15:30:00.001-04:002021-05-19T15:34:40.986-04:00Learning To Be Still<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_RexA4vK0SMQ0LDFvIU3iV7rNp6J2O3jkdegMSJ1UAJx-voP1S3x0Wgt72fa03-Mq6V1f7vP57s5sruAMETMcELnzmkP0p-WxLVTeYuBPY05HoZHqN7mvNiJH_9Tax3SivAXN-YfwkA/s980/silence.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="980" height="104" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_RexA4vK0SMQ0LDFvIU3iV7rNp6J2O3jkdegMSJ1UAJx-voP1S3x0Wgt72fa03-Mq6V1f7vP57s5sruAMETMcELnzmkP0p-WxLVTeYuBPY05HoZHqN7mvNiJH_9Tax3SivAXN-YfwkA/w200-h104/silence.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Do the noises in your head ever get so loud that you can no longer hear yourself think? Not to worry, I'm not losing it, but there are nights when my brain seems like it's on overload. We tend to replay the events of our day in our mind. We re-listen to a conversation over and over, word by word. We wonder about what we could have done differently or better. We plan ahead. We make mental lists. Don't even get me started about the nights when insomnia has settled in and lets you know that it's not going anywhere and you won't be getting any sleep any time soon.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">What do you do? Do you get up and take a walk around the house in the dark hoping to reset? Do you wander into the other room and read on the couch or turn the TV on for a distraction? Maybe get a drink of water?</p><p style="text-align: justify;">For me, this happens more often at night, but there are also days when my head is spinning from storing up too much information at one time. I find that I need to search for the quiet and learn to be still. Sometimes it's the only way to clear my head. Where I work we have a memorial garden behind the church building. It's a great place to sit on a bench and watch the squirrels run around and listen to the many birds chirp their afternoon songs. It can be just the distraction I need. I need to seek out the quiet. It's only then that I'll be able to take a deep breath and listen to myself breathe. I need to learn to be still more often and try to block out the noise and the distractions. I know my heart and my gut will guide me and I trust those instincts (well most of the time anyway), but I also know that I need to be able hear my own internal voice.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">If you're feeling a little overwhelmed (and who isn't at some point?) then make some purposeful time for yourself. Be selfish. Take a walk. Go for a ride in the car. Sit outside and just close your eyes and feel the warmth of the sun on your face. Give yourself permission to take a time out. You'll find the right time or place where you can find your stillness and then you'll be able to hear what's most important.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Where do you find your inner peace?</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Is it a place or something you do?</span></b></p>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01067860711870970503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725946434224301568.post-41343281269821453972021-04-28T16:00:00.001-04:002021-04-28T16:00:49.478-04:00Are People Losing Interest?<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgucLkWEFsQX95hR12b0uQPiAMOOB_ByA3AF92zXo4Y-gu6eBzUtsmgfcSdqvPozcUBzCp4mN39WEOdZqWuJG-HoilAv9PQFboK01UgcJFZzRR6Qf-kt9EA_tg_vRNZie0wxQog9v_-nnI/s660/smile+post+it+note.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="660" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgucLkWEFsQX95hR12b0uQPiAMOOB_ByA3AF92zXo4Y-gu6eBzUtsmgfcSdqvPozcUBzCp4mN39WEOdZqWuJG-HoilAv9PQFboK01UgcJFZzRR6Qf-kt9EA_tg_vRNZie0wxQog9v_-nnI/w200-h125/smile+post+it+note.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It's been more than a year since everyone's lives changed dramatically due to the Covid pandemic. Our schedules and daily routines changed, where we work from changed for some (now the make-shift home office or dining room table), what we wear while we work changed (forget the khakis - it's all about jeans and leggings and t-shirts), our eating habits changed (with the occasional treat of picking up a carry out), and some of us saw some different numbers appearing on our bathroom scale. </div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">We've learned to adapt and adjust when necessary. We had to temporarily quit doing some of the things we always liked to do; social gatherings, going to church in-person, birthday parties, etc. Some things are starting to return to our routines, but slowly and in ways that seem a little different. Restaurants can offer indoor dining, but with a 50% capacity. We still wear face masks where required. We've started going back to church with socially distanced pews, but we miss sharing the peace and giving hugs ... but we'll get there.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">As things have changed we have to wonder how much <b>WE</b> have changed in the process. I've heard it said that once you do something OR not do something for three weeks it becomes a habit. It makes you wonder if people will get too used to their new routines and the dos and don'ts that were thrust upon them. Will they lose interest in the things and people that once meant so much to them? Will previous extroverts now become introverts because it's easier? Or will we understand that the changes were merely choices we were forced to make and be willing to go back to our previous 'normal'?</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Right or wrong, I have now had both doses of my Covid vaccine and waited out my two week post-shot period. I'm sure that the first time I meet up with other friends who are also vaccinated without a mask will seem a little apprehensive and risky; kind of like taking the leap into the deep waters of the pool. We'll just have to hold our breath and do it to get past it.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I have faith that with time we will get past it and remember our former selves. It's the only choice I have because I refuse to adapt to a 'new normal' with no timeline. I want more than that for all of us. We deserve more than that. I will continue to make the best choices I can for myself and my family and hope that it will be enough.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">What is the biggest thing you've missed during the pandemic?</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">Have you resumed doing anything specific and how was it for you?</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01067860711870970503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725946434224301568.post-81879414927951016242021-04-12T14:18:00.000-04:002021-04-12T14:18:15.734-04:00Don't Pretend To Be An Expert<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD8M0EW9rI73jbQCZMolDaAMXoeGFUm-N_uOWxSeL4BlJKeoZj9aBcL15305ORojHq2wrqUv6BO6Aa-YZsLCh8skv6kbTla4IRQuRJHawxlqoLoUB5O7WZ-OU427keqPH7FbpRExTHVGw/s277/someone+else%2527s+shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="182" data-original-width="277" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD8M0EW9rI73jbQCZMolDaAMXoeGFUm-N_uOWxSeL4BlJKeoZj9aBcL15305ORojHq2wrqUv6BO6Aa-YZsLCh8skv6kbTla4IRQuRJHawxlqoLoUB5O7WZ-OU427keqPH7FbpRExTHVGw/w320-h210/someone+else%2527s+shoes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Some days our world seems a little crazier than other days. I wish I knew the answer to the big <b>WHY</b> questions. Why is the pandemic still going? Why aren't things back to normal? Why are some companies having a hard time hiring employees? Why don't some people want to work? Covid has become the convenient excuse when we don't have a good answer. Why are gas prices going up? ... must be because of Covid. Why are we encouraged to still wear masks in public? ... must be because of Covid. Why does it take longer these days to build a new house? ... must be because of Covid.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">We are constantly dealing with unknowns, lots of questions, and often misdirection ... from the media, from our leaders, and even the people we know. We can ask Siri anything we want to know anytime we want to know it. We have technology at our fingertips, which for some reason seems to make us think we're suddenly experts on everything. Either that or many people have stayed at a Holiday Inn Express and feel a lot smarter (at least that's what the commercials suggest).</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Information is a good thing when we use it in proper context and do our research, but when we only tap the surface and then run with the information we can become an unnecessary roadblock. A lot of people have become too quick to offer their advice and sometimes to total strangers who never asked for their input. Opinion is one thing, but offering up self-defined lines of what is right and what is wrong is something else entirely.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Just a suggestion; research the Internet all you want and begin building your information foundation, but before you begin offering up free advice to other people imagine walking in someone else's shoes for a moment and then decide if your 'advice' will be welcomed and well received or not. If it's the latter, then it might be best to keep your 411 on the downlow for a while.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Jenniferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01067860711870970503noreply@blogger.com0