Exercise caution when dispensing advice; remember the words of Samuel Taylor Coleridge: "Advice is like snow - the softer it falls, the longer it dwells upon, and the deeper it sinks into the mind."
And have a nice day.
(But only if you feel like it.)
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Friday, May 25, 2007
5/25/07
Indulge yourself a little. You more than deserve it. Go ahead. If you want to do it -- as long as it's legal and won't hurt anybody, including yourself -- do it.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
5/24/07
Just one today:
Hugs are good for you, both physiologically and emotionally. Hug more. That's it.
Hugs are good for you, both physiologically and emotionally. Hug more. That's it.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
5/23/07
1. Draw or paint a self-portrait. Do one today, and do another one every week for as long as you can. It will be fun and educational. Watch how they change from week to week!
2. Choose a short poem you love and commit it to memory.
3. At the very least, find a home in your mind for this old Japanese proverb about perseverance: "Fall seven times, stand up eight."
2. Choose a short poem you love and commit it to memory.
3. At the very least, find a home in your mind for this old Japanese proverb about perseverance: "Fall seven times, stand up eight."
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
5/22/07
1. Do something good for somebody else. It's important to take care of ourselves. It's just as important to help other people who truly need our support. Look around your community; you're certain to find someone who would benefit from your assistance. Act on it.
2. "Try on" a different viewpoint. If you lean to the left, try understanding where those "heartless" right-wingers are coming from. If you're against abortion, try looking at the same issue from the "godless" pro-choice point of view. I'm not suggesting you alter your core beliefs; I'm just hoping you'll see that there are almost always several valid perspectives on any topic.
3. Invent a "secret origin" for yourself -- like the kind comic book superheroes have. From what distant realm did you come? What special powers do you have, and how did you get them? And most importantly...what does your costume look like?
2. "Try on" a different viewpoint. If you lean to the left, try understanding where those "heartless" right-wingers are coming from. If you're against abortion, try looking at the same issue from the "godless" pro-choice point of view. I'm not suggesting you alter your core beliefs; I'm just hoping you'll see that there are almost always several valid perspectives on any topic.
3. Invent a "secret origin" for yourself -- like the kind comic book superheroes have. From what distant realm did you come? What special powers do you have, and how did you get them? And most importantly...what does your costume look like?
Monday, May 21, 2007
5/21/07
Learn to say, “Yes, and…”
The basis of all good improvisational acting is a simple game called “Yes, and…” The idea is simple: One actor says or does something, and a second actor builds on it. She does this by acknowledging the first actor’s “offer,” then adding a little something of her own. The exchange then continues: The first actor accepts the second’s offer and adds an idea of his own, and on it goes.
During this seemingly simple process, an amazing thing happens: As if out of thin air, a story is born. It thrives as long as the actors continue to accept each other’s offers. The moment “Yes, and…” becomes “No,” or even “Yes, but…,” the story begins to die.
We are all in the process of writing our own life stories. If yours seems derailed, perhaps it’s because you’ve been saying “No” or “Yes, but…” when you should be saying “Yes, and…”
(If you want to learn more about improv, there’s one book you must read: Impro: Improvisation and the Theatre by Keith Johnstone.)
The basis of all good improvisational acting is a simple game called “Yes, and…” The idea is simple: One actor says or does something, and a second actor builds on it. She does this by acknowledging the first actor’s “offer,” then adding a little something of her own. The exchange then continues: The first actor accepts the second’s offer and adds an idea of his own, and on it goes.
During this seemingly simple process, an amazing thing happens: As if out of thin air, a story is born. It thrives as long as the actors continue to accept each other’s offers. The moment “Yes, and…” becomes “No,” or even “Yes, but…,” the story begins to die.
We are all in the process of writing our own life stories. If yours seems derailed, perhaps it’s because you’ve been saying “No” or “Yes, but…” when you should be saying “Yes, and…”
(If you want to learn more about improv, there’s one book you must read: Impro: Improvisation and the Theatre by Keith Johnstone.)
Friday, May 18, 2007
5/18/07
Again today, just one suggestion:
I had a dream last night, in which one of the characters did something I believe is worth sharing: Every evening before going to bed, he spent a few minutes summarizing what he had experienced that day. He spoke this nightly review into a digital recorder, but I suppose it could just as effectively be done on paper, or aloud, or in one's mind.
I am aware that lots of people already do something similar, often in the form of a journal. If you're one of them, great. If not, give the "nightly review" a try. I will, too.
Two dangers come to mind. One is that while doing this mental recap, one is not quite fully in the moment. My suggested solution: Keep it short. The other hazard -- a far greater one, in my estimation -- is the potential for judgment and blame and shame. To avoid this, try sticking to a dispassionate recall of the day's events -- not a laundry list of "how I screwed up," but a simple, straightforward accounting of what went on.
I had a dream last night, in which one of the characters did something I believe is worth sharing: Every evening before going to bed, he spent a few minutes summarizing what he had experienced that day. He spoke this nightly review into a digital recorder, but I suppose it could just as effectively be done on paper, or aloud, or in one's mind.
I am aware that lots of people already do something similar, often in the form of a journal. If you're one of them, great. If not, give the "nightly review" a try. I will, too.
Two dangers come to mind. One is that while doing this mental recap, one is not quite fully in the moment. My suggested solution: Keep it short. The other hazard -- a far greater one, in my estimation -- is the potential for judgment and blame and shame. To avoid this, try sticking to a dispassionate recall of the day's events -- not a laundry list of "how I screwed up," but a simple, straightforward accounting of what went on.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
5/17/07
Just one today:
Learn to love gloomy days. They contain so much subtle beauty, it almost aches to look at them. But that's the thing: We don't look at them. We just try to last through them, hoping for the next sunny day. I have a better idea: Next time you encounter a gloomy day (where I live, today is one), enjoy it -- drink in all its blue-green Ektachrome magnificence. Thank the universe for gloomy days. And sunny days. And in-between days. And all days.
Learn to love gloomy days. They contain so much subtle beauty, it almost aches to look at them. But that's the thing: We don't look at them. We just try to last through them, hoping for the next sunny day. I have a better idea: Next time you encounter a gloomy day (where I live, today is one), enjoy it -- drink in all its blue-green Ektachrome magnificence. Thank the universe for gloomy days. And sunny days. And in-between days. And all days.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
5/16/07
1. Think of somebody who you believe has slighted you in some way in the past. Check with yourself to see if you've forgiven him or her. If you haven't, maybe now would be a good time.
2. Relax your shoulders. Then your arms. Then your hands, all the way to the tips of your fingers. Doesn't that feel good? Now relax the whole rest of your body, little by little, from your toes up to the top of your head. Ahhhhhhhhhh.
3. Plant something. Do whatever is necessary to keep it growing.
2. Relax your shoulders. Then your arms. Then your hands, all the way to the tips of your fingers. Doesn't that feel good? Now relax the whole rest of your body, little by little, from your toes up to the top of your head. Ahhhhhhhhhh.
3. Plant something. Do whatever is necessary to keep it growing.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
5/15/07
1. Get yourself outside and run around like a little kid. If you already are a little kid, run around like yourself.
2. Consider the sun; if it were to blink out of existence, we'd follow suit a few blinks later. Given this, maybe you should come up with some kind of ritual, object, or song in appreciation of all the good Old Sol does for us.
3. Speaking of the sun, get out there and bask in its rays as soon as possible. (Don't forget the sunscreen.)
2. Consider the sun; if it were to blink out of existence, we'd follow suit a few blinks later. Given this, maybe you should come up with some kind of ritual, object, or song in appreciation of all the good Old Sol does for us.
3. Speaking of the sun, get out there and bask in its rays as soon as possible. (Don't forget the sunscreen.)
Monday, May 14, 2007
5/14/07
1. Spend a few minutes thinking about the future.
2. Spend the majority of your day in the present. And whatever you do, stay out of the past. You've got no business there. (And besides, there is no such thing.)
3. Get as far away from your computer as possible. I'm serious: Let this be the last thing you do on the computer today.
2. Spend the majority of your day in the present. And whatever you do, stay out of the past. You've got no business there. (And besides, there is no such thing.)
3. Get as far away from your computer as possible. I'm serious: Let this be the last thing you do on the computer today.
Friday, May 11, 2007
5/11/07
1. Be extra nice to all the moms you encounter this weekend.
2. Be extra nice to yourself, too. Enough with the judging. Relax and enjoy!
3. Start a Crappy Band! What, you ask, is a Crappy Band? Read all about it here:
http://crappybandmanifesto.blogspot.com/
2. Be extra nice to yourself, too. Enough with the judging. Relax and enjoy!
3. Start a Crappy Band! What, you ask, is a Crappy Band? Read all about it here:
http://crappybandmanifesto.blogspot.com/
Thursday, May 10, 2007
5/10/07
Check out these worthwhile things:
1. http://www.standingwomen.org/
2. http://www.wholewheatradio.org/
3. http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/
1. http://www.standingwomen.org/
2. http://www.wholewheatradio.org/
3. http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
5/9/07
1. Find some time to do some people-watching today. Malls and parks are perfect places for this. If you're really twisted, you might want to try the local DMV.
2. Make a gift for someone. Not "buy," not "rummage around in your re-gifting closet," but make. Don't wait for a birthday or other occasion. Do it now.
3. Choose a well-known person from the past or present -- someone you really admire -- and read his or her biography.
2. Make a gift for someone. Not "buy," not "rummage around in your re-gifting closet," but make. Don't wait for a birthday or other occasion. Do it now.
3. Choose a well-known person from the past or present -- someone you really admire -- and read his or her biography.
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
5/8/07
1. Learn more about reflexology.
2. Whatever you eat, feel good about it while you're eating it. The impact of eating a double cheeseburger with a mountain of fries and a huge soda is bad enough without piling on a bunch of shame and guilt.
3. Wherever you go today, look for art in unexpected locations. It can be found in the random arrangement of trash on a curb, or sounds blending on a subway, or wherever you're receptive to it.
2. Whatever you eat, feel good about it while you're eating it. The impact of eating a double cheeseburger with a mountain of fries and a huge soda is bad enough without piling on a bunch of shame and guilt.
3. Wherever you go today, look for art in unexpected locations. It can be found in the random arrangement of trash on a curb, or sounds blending on a subway, or wherever you're receptive to it.
Monday, May 7, 2007
Friday, May 4, 2007
Thursday, May 3, 2007
5/3/07
1. Get a cheap set of watercolors and some watercolor paper. Then, get outside and paint something.
2. Whatever it is you decide to paint, write a few lines of verse about it.
3. Do anything you want with your new paintings and poems (other than to judge them).
2. Whatever it is you decide to paint, write a few lines of verse about it.
3. Do anything you want with your new paintings and poems (other than to judge them).
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
5/2/07
1. Take pleasure in the ordinary. Tune in to how amazing it is to be able to grasp an empty glass in your hand, fill it with water, hold it up to the sun, then bring it to your lips and drink from it. Incredible -- and yet, we take such things for granted. Today, try to find the "amazing" hiding inside the everyday.
2. Read a book -- not because you have to, or because it's a popular title, or for any other reason than that you feel like reading that book.
3. Write an anonymous note to an anonymous recipient. Leave it in a place where it is likely to be found and read.
2. Read a book -- not because you have to, or because it's a popular title, or for any other reason than that you feel like reading that book.
3. Write an anonymous note to an anonymous recipient. Leave it in a place where it is likely to be found and read.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
5/1/07
Today, consider these thoughts on the topic of peace:
Peace is not something you wish for; it's something you make, something you do, something you are, something you give away. - Robert Fulghum
There never was a good war, or a bad peace. - Benjamin Franklin
Peace cannot be achieved through violence, it can only be attained through understanding. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other. - Mother Teresa
Peace is not something you wish for; it's something you make, something you do, something you are, something you give away. - Robert Fulghum
There never was a good war, or a bad peace. - Benjamin Franklin
Peace cannot be achieved through violence, it can only be attained through understanding. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other. - Mother Teresa
Monday, April 30, 2007
4/30/07
1. Do your best not to judge others, especially on the basis of their outward appearances.
There's a story that goes with this. Yesterday, while giving blood, I noticed a young Orthodox Jewish woman on the adjustable cot across from me. A natural beauty, she was reading from a small prayer book. Fine, I thought. That's nice. But I also thought: What a tiny little world she's creating for herself. Her consciousness is stuck in that little siddur while the world is going on around her. Then, one of the technicians came to check up on her, and a dialog ensued. It turned out that she and the technician, a man from Pakistan, had a great deal to talk about. From the snippets of conversation that wafted my way, it was clear that both participants in the discussion were worldly, well-traveled, extremely well-educated and more aware of current events than I am. In short, the woman was not the person I had assumed she was. Lesson learned, hopefully.
2. Think of something you've been holding on to for a long time -- something you'd like to let go of.
3. Let go.
There's a story that goes with this. Yesterday, while giving blood, I noticed a young Orthodox Jewish woman on the adjustable cot across from me. A natural beauty, she was reading from a small prayer book. Fine, I thought. That's nice. But I also thought: What a tiny little world she's creating for herself. Her consciousness is stuck in that little siddur while the world is going on around her. Then, one of the technicians came to check up on her, and a dialog ensued. It turned out that she and the technician, a man from Pakistan, had a great deal to talk about. From the snippets of conversation that wafted my way, it was clear that both participants in the discussion were worldly, well-traveled, extremely well-educated and more aware of current events than I am. In short, the woman was not the person I had assumed she was. Lesson learned, hopefully.
2. Think of something you've been holding on to for a long time -- something you'd like to let go of.
3. Let go.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
4/29/07
1. Go shopping for cool sunglasses.
2. Spend some time trying to get to the bottom of your obsession with being cool.
3. Get the sunglasses anyway.
2. Spend some time trying to get to the bottom of your obsession with being cool.
3. Get the sunglasses anyway.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
4/28/07
1. If at all possible, get out on a bicycle. I guarantee you, you'll see things you never saw before -- even if it's a ride you've done in the past.
2. Given a choice between food that's more alive (i.e., closer to its natural state) and less alive (e.g., a Twinkie), opt for the former as often as you can. Fresh, raw, green things are especially good for you.
3. Do something you've always wanted to do.
2. Given a choice between food that's more alive (i.e., closer to its natural state) and less alive (e.g., a Twinkie), opt for the former as often as you can. Fresh, raw, green things are especially good for you.
3. Do something you've always wanted to do.
Friday, April 27, 2007
4/27/07
Today's first and only suggestion comes from a wonderful friend, who -- trust me on this -- knows whereof she speaks.
Here it is:
"Remember to take a break, slow down and enjoy those that you love. This is the only gift that I can give to you!"
Here it is:
"Remember to take a break, slow down and enjoy those that you love. This is the only gift that I can give to you!"
Thursday, April 26, 2007
4/26/07
Today...
1. Spend some time in reflective silence.
2. Do you have a hero? Do something he or she would do.
3. Think about this:
In one of my favorite "Peanuts" strips, Snoopy is sitting in a downpour, looking despairingly at the sky. In the second frame, he says, "Boy, it's tough to be a dog when it rains!" In the next, walking along with a thoughtful expression on his face, Snoopy notes, "Of course, I'm luckier than a lot of dogs... At least I have a dog house to come home to..." In the final frame, he has returned home, where he lies on the roof in the pouring rain.
1. Spend some time in reflective silence.
2. Do you have a hero? Do something he or she would do.
3. Think about this:
In one of my favorite "Peanuts" strips, Snoopy is sitting in a downpour, looking despairingly at the sky. In the second frame, he says, "Boy, it's tough to be a dog when it rains!" In the next, walking along with a thoughtful expression on his face, Snoopy notes, "Of course, I'm luckier than a lot of dogs... At least I have a dog house to come home to..." In the final frame, he has returned home, where he lies on the roof in the pouring rain.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
4/25/07
At some point today...
1. Get thee to a library. It's best to go without a purpose in mind. Let the right books find you.
2. Speaking of books, buy yourself a blank one today. In it, write or draw what you will. The only rule: Do not judge.
3. Speaking of blankness, find some time to empty your mind. (Don't worry; it fills up again really fast.)
1. Get thee to a library. It's best to go without a purpose in mind. Let the right books find you.
2. Speaking of books, buy yourself a blank one today. In it, write or draw what you will. The only rule: Do not judge.
3. Speaking of blankness, find some time to empty your mind. (Don't worry; it fills up again really fast.)
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
4/24/07
Today...
1. Do some stretching. Find a yoga class, or a tape, or even an old Richard Hittleman book and just begin.
2. When you're done stretching, do some deep relaxation. If you're not sure how, you can find lots of resources online.
3. After you're done stretching and relaxing, try to stay tuned in to your body for the rest of the day.
1. Do some stretching. Find a yoga class, or a tape, or even an old Richard Hittleman book and just begin.
2. When you're done stretching, do some deep relaxation. If you're not sure how, you can find lots of resources online.
3. After you're done stretching and relaxing, try to stay tuned in to your body for the rest of the day.
Monday, April 23, 2007
4/23/07
Today is a great day to...
1. Hop, skip and jump. You must do all three, or it doesn't count. Just try it - no matter how you're feeling when you start, this will make you feel better.
2. Think of somebody who deserves credit for something and give it to him or her. It doesn't take anything away from you, and it lets him or her know that you appreciate whatever it was he or she did. (I really wish I could bring myself to say "them" or "they," but the grammarian in me won't allow it.)
3. Make note of how incredibly lucky we are to be here.
1. Hop, skip and jump. You must do all three, or it doesn't count. Just try it - no matter how you're feeling when you start, this will make you feel better.
2. Think of somebody who deserves credit for something and give it to him or her. It doesn't take anything away from you, and it lets him or her know that you appreciate whatever it was he or she did. (I really wish I could bring myself to say "them" or "they," but the grammarian in me won't allow it.)
3. Make note of how incredibly lucky we are to be here.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
4/22/07
On this beautiful day (or sometime soon)...
1. Find a waterfall. Hang out there.
2. Imagine a healthy, peaceful, joyous Earth.
3. Sing a happy song.
1. Find a waterfall. Hang out there.
2. Imagine a healthy, peaceful, joyous Earth.
3. Sing a happy song.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
4/21/07
Make what you will of these three quotations:
1. "There are many people who are always anticipating trouble, and in this way they manage to enjoy many sorrows that never really happen to them." - Nineteenth-century newspaper columnist Josh Billings.
Nice reminder to stay present, found in today's "Writer's Almanac."
2. Billings also said: "Don't take the bull by the horns, take him by the tail; then you can let go when you want to."
He and Lao-Tzu were definitely on the same page.
3. And speaking of Lao-Tzu, consider this: "Nothing in the world is weaker or more yielding than water; yet nothing it its equal in wearing away the hard and strong."
1. "There are many people who are always anticipating trouble, and in this way they manage to enjoy many sorrows that never really happen to them." - Nineteenth-century newspaper columnist Josh Billings.
Nice reminder to stay present, found in today's "Writer's Almanac."
2. Billings also said: "Don't take the bull by the horns, take him by the tail; then you can let go when you want to."
He and Lao-Tzu were definitely on the same page.
3. And speaking of Lao-Tzu, consider this: "Nothing in the world is weaker or more yielding than water; yet nothing it its equal in wearing away the hard and strong."
Friday, April 20, 2007
4/20/07
If you're in the mood...
1. Write a song today. Not a musician? I beg to differ. We're all musicians; some of us just don't realize it. Tone deaf? Excellent! We need more songs written by the tone deaf - they use different scales and surprising intervals. Whatever you say, I have an answer. So stop arguing and just write a song already.
2. Come up with a new name for yourself. Don't restrict yourself to ordinary names. Choose something bold - something that really tells the world who you are.
3. Start keeping a dream journal. The more you write down your dreams, the easier they become to remember. And the better you remember your dreams, the easier it is to access the wisdom they offer.
1. Write a song today. Not a musician? I beg to differ. We're all musicians; some of us just don't realize it. Tone deaf? Excellent! We need more songs written by the tone deaf - they use different scales and surprising intervals. Whatever you say, I have an answer. So stop arguing and just write a song already.
2. Come up with a new name for yourself. Don't restrict yourself to ordinary names. Choose something bold - something that really tells the world who you are.
3. Start keeping a dream journal. The more you write down your dreams, the easier they become to remember. And the better you remember your dreams, the easier it is to access the wisdom they offer.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
4/19/07
Today...
1. Be aware of the power of your words.
2. Given their power, try to put them to constructive use.
3. Oh, and one more cool thing about smiles. Although smiling is usually considered a result of being happy, the process can work in reverse as well: In the book Blink, Malcolm Gladwell refers to a German study that found that a smile can actually be the cause of happiness in the person doing the smiling. So, if you want to be happier, try smiling more.
1. Be aware of the power of your words.
2. Given their power, try to put them to constructive use.
3. Oh, and one more cool thing about smiles. Although smiling is usually considered a result of being happy, the process can work in reverse as well: In the book Blink, Malcolm Gladwell refers to a German study that found that a smile can actually be the cause of happiness in the person doing the smiling. So, if you want to be happier, try smiling more.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
4/18/07
Three things to do today:
1. Be nice to yourself.
2. Be nice to other people.
3. Just be nice. Does that sound hard? Okay, then; consider it a workout.
1. Be nice to yourself.
2. Be nice to other people.
3. Just be nice. Does that sound hard? Okay, then; consider it a workout.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Monday, April 16, 2007
4/16/07
Three things to do today:
1. Tune in to your intuition. It has been said that the more you listen, the clearer its “voice” becomes.
2. Take time to play, whatever “play” means for you. In other words, set aside your serious business for a while and just have fun.
3. Think of somebody you know who needs healing, and send healing energy their way.
1. Tune in to your intuition. It has been said that the more you listen, the clearer its “voice” becomes.
2. Take time to play, whatever “play” means for you. In other words, set aside your serious business for a while and just have fun.
3. Think of somebody you know who needs healing, and send healing energy their way.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
4/15/07
Come here every day for three suggestions in answer to the question "What should I do today?"
1. You will have several really good ideas today. When your inner critic tries to trash them, pay him or her no mind.
2. What haven't you done in a while that you really like doing? Baking bread? Listening to old records? Watching the rain fall? Go ahead. Do it.
3. Hug somebody.
1. You will have several really good ideas today. When your inner critic tries to trash them, pay him or her no mind.
2. What haven't you done in a while that you really like doing? Baking bread? Listening to old records? Watching the rain fall? Go ahead. Do it.
3. Hug somebody.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
4/14/07
Come here every day for three suggestions in answer to the question "What should I do today?"
1. Think happy thoughts.
2. Eat healthy food.
3. Give thanks.
1. Think happy thoughts.
2. Eat healthy food.
3. Give thanks.
Friday, April 13, 2007
4/13/07
Come here every day for three suggestions in answer to the question "What should I do today?"
1. Consider establishing an intention for the coming weekend. Nothing heavy. Nothing cast in stone. Just an intention.
2. Have you been keeping a truth from yourself? Stop. Be honest.
3. Spend some time looking at the stars tonight. If it's too cloudy to see the stars, look at the clouds instead.
1. Consider establishing an intention for the coming weekend. Nothing heavy. Nothing cast in stone. Just an intention.
2. Have you been keeping a truth from yourself? Stop. Be honest.
3. Spend some time looking at the stars tonight. If it's too cloudy to see the stars, look at the clouds instead.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
4/12/07
If you feel like it…
1. Choose a sense on which you do not usually focus and try to tune into it a little more today.
2. About yesterday’s “smile” quote from Mother Teresa: While you’re passing smiles around, remember to put yourself on the “distribution list.” It’s easy: Just go to the mirror whenever it’s possible and give yourself a big, beautiful, loving smile.
3. Breathe deeply. Some people suggest this ratio: Inhale for one count; hold for four counts; exhale for two counts.
1. Choose a sense on which you do not usually focus and try to tune into it a little more today.
2. About yesterday’s “smile” quote from Mother Teresa: While you’re passing smiles around, remember to put yourself on the “distribution list.” It’s easy: Just go to the mirror whenever it’s possible and give yourself a big, beautiful, loving smile.
3. Breathe deeply. Some people suggest this ratio: Inhale for one count; hold for four counts; exhale for two counts.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Today's Three
To do today:
1. Take a long, leisurely walk.
2. Choose something you’ve always wanted to do, and take a step toward making it a reality.
3. Remember what Mother Teresa said about smiles: “Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.”
1. Take a long, leisurely walk.
2. Choose something you’ve always wanted to do, and take a step toward making it a reality.
3. Remember what Mother Teresa said about smiles: “Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.”
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Yet Another Three
Here are three more things you might want to try:
1. At some point today (and not while driving or operating heavy machinery, please), close your eyes and take a brief mental vacation. Choose a calm, relaxing place - maybe the beach, maybe a mountaintop, whatever works for you - and just hang out there for a few minutes.
2. If you have a dog, cat or other pet, spend some quality time today with him or her (or them, if there’s more than one). If you don’t have a pet, arrange a visit with someone else’s.
3. Make a mental list of things you like about yourself, and remind yourself about them throughout the day.
1. At some point today (and not while driving or operating heavy machinery, please), close your eyes and take a brief mental vacation. Choose a calm, relaxing place - maybe the beach, maybe a mountaintop, whatever works for you - and just hang out there for a few minutes.
2. If you have a dog, cat or other pet, spend some quality time today with him or her (or them, if there’s more than one). If you don’t have a pet, arrange a visit with someone else’s.
3. Make a mental list of things you like about yourself, and remind yourself about them throughout the day.
Monday, April 9, 2007
Another Three Things
What should you do today? Here are three possibilities:
1. Break up your routine. Nothing radical, and nothing that doesn't feel right. Just something different.
2. Get as close to nature as you possibly can.
3. Choose something or someone you tend to worry about, and visualize a really positive outcome for that thing or person.
1. Break up your routine. Nothing radical, and nothing that doesn't feel right. Just something different.
2. Get as close to nature as you possibly can.
3. Choose something or someone you tend to worry about, and visualize a really positive outcome for that thing or person.
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Three More Things
Here are three more suggestions:
1. Do something nice for somebody. The magnitude of the nice thing is entirely up to you.
2. Draw something. Don't worry about how good or bad it is. Just grab a pen or pencil and draw it.
3. Gather up some things you don't need anymore and either throw them away or give them away.
1. Do something nice for somebody. The magnitude of the nice thing is entirely up to you.
2. Draw something. Don't worry about how good or bad it is. Just grab a pen or pencil and draw it.
3. Gather up some things you don't need anymore and either throw them away or give them away.
Saturday, April 7, 2007
The First Three Things
Come here every day for three suggestions in answer to the question "What should I do today?"
Here are the first three:
1. Get in touch with a friend or relative with whom you haven't communicated in a while.
2. Write a short poem about the sky. If you want to write a long poem about the sky, that's okay too.
3. Without making a big deal about it, try to stay positive and upbeat all day.
Here are the first three:
1. Get in touch with a friend or relative with whom you haven't communicated in a while.
2. Write a short poem about the sky. If you want to write a long poem about the sky, that's okay too.
3. Without making a big deal about it, try to stay positive and upbeat all day.
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