My favorite things in life don’t cost any money. It’s really clear that the most precious resource we all have is time.
Wednesday’s Words of Wisdom
26 Wednesday Jun 2013
Posted in Mindfulness, Quotes
Monthly Archives: June 2013
Weekly Wellness Check-in
24 Monday Jun 2013
Posted in Life Mastery Skills, Resilience, Wellness
Indicator #24
I am able to make and keep friends
“Weekly Wellness Check-in” is an ongoing weekly post appearing on Mondays, in which I present one indicator from a checklist of positive mental health attributes. Take a look at the indicator and think about how it applies to you, keeping in mind it is an important factor of well-being. We all excel at some things, and need to work on others. Rate yourself on a scale of 1-10; One, meaning I am a failure at this, and ten, meaning I have no room for improvement. Nobody may record a 1 or a 10 because there are no failures, and nobody is perfect. If you are happy with where you placed yourself, consider the indicator a strength. If you aren’t, think about a “realistic” place you would like to be, and how you might carry out getting there. My hope is that you will give it some gentle thought. I’d love to hear your tips on how to make each a strength in the comment section.
Previous weeks…
Indicator #1 I get a good night’s sleep so I feel healthy and alert
Indicator #2 I eat healthy foods to promote health and well being
Indicator #3 I exercise regularly
Indicator #4 I avoid mood altering substances (unless taken as prescribed).
Indicator #5 I make time each week to engage in activities that give me pleasure
Indicator #6 I have friends and family that I can talk to whenever I need a sense of connectedness
Indicator #7 I live in a home that feels safe and nurturing
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- Indicator #8 I actively seek solutions for the complaints I have regarding my life, work, and school
- Indicator #9 I know how to forgive myself and others who have hurt me in the past
Indicator #10 I let go of guilt for my past mistakes
Indicator #11 I have enough money, time, friends, space, love, fun, and affection
Indicator #12 I take action based out of love rather than fear
Indicator #13 I am part of a community that gives me a sense of purpose
Indicator #14 I live a life based on choice and meaning
Indicator #15 I am able to ask others for what I need
Indicator# 16 I am able to say no when I don’t want to do something
Indicator #17 I am effectively able to express my feelings and stand up for what I believe in
Indicator #18 I am able to identify what emotion I am feeling at any given time
Indicator #19 I am able to tolerate negative emotion
Indictor #20 I have good problem solving skills
Indicator #21 I am able to set and achieve goals
Indicator #22 In the long run problems make me stronger.
Indicator #23 I have good stress management skills
Wellness
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When it Rains it Pours
19 Wednesday Jun 2013
Posted in Resilience, Uncategorized
This weekend’s post was going to be titled, “What to do When it Feels Like Everything is Going Wrong.” I made that decision on Sunday, and then on Monday my husband was rushed to the hospital with what turned out to be a massive infection. He was treated with IV antibiotics and pain meds and is doing much better now. Tuesday it was my turn when I learned I have a detached retina, and will be having surgery tomorrow morning. Oh the irony…
Funny thing is…I wasn’t satisfied with what I found in my research, thinking it wasn’t helpful enough. It appears I have been blessed with the opportunity to feel first hand what I need to write about. There is a silver lining in everything. 🙂
For the next couple of weeks I will be out of commission, but I have Weekly Wellness Check-in and Wednesday’s Words of Wisdom ready to go with the push of a button. I’m hoping a couple of people will guest blog for me until I have recovered (If anyone is interested in contributing, let me know.)
Until then, Shine on 🙂
Barbara
Wednesday’s Word’s of Wisdom
19 Wednesday Jun 2013
Posted in Uncategorized
Tags
In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.
Victim Mentality in Children: Nip it in the Bud
17 Monday Jun 2013
Posted in Life Mastery Skills, Resilience
Tags
blaming, kryptonite, Mental health, Parent Space, parenting, Super powers, victim mentality, Victim mentality in children
Victim Mentality in Children: Nip it in the Bud
Help Your Kids Find Their Super Powers
Just published!!! This the article I wrote for Parent Space (a great parenting blog). Click on the link, read it and let me know what you think 🙂
Shine on 🙂
Barbara
P.S. I just saw some typos…again welcome to me being vulnerable…and I’m good with it 🙂
Belated Father’s Day Thoughts and Open Hearts
17 Monday Jun 2013
Posted in Mindfulness, Pioneers of Peace, Resilience
My dad passed away in 2004.
As in all parent-child relationships, there were good times and bad times.
Yesterday I took the time to think about how he would’ve wanted to be remembered. It was a heart opening experience and gave me a strong sense of pride and admiration for the man who is my father.
How different would our world be if we allowed ourselves to take a look inside the hearts of people, instead of just the surface, or worse, our reactions to them?
Weekly Wellness Check-in
17 Monday Jun 2013
Posted in Life Mastery Skills, Resilience, Wellness
Tags
Mental health, positive mental health, Resilience, Stress ball, Stress management, stress management skills, Weekly Wellness Check-in, wellness
Indicator #23
I have good stress management skills
“Weekly Wellness Check-in” is an ongoing weekly post appearing on Mondays, in which I present one indicator from a checklist of positive mental health attributes. Take a look at the indicator and think about how it applies to you, keeping in mind it is an important factor of well-being. We all excel at some things, and need to work on others. Rate yourself on a scale of 1-10; One, meaning I am a failure at this, and ten, meaning I have no room for improvement. Nobody may record a 1 or a 10 because there are no failures, and nobody is perfect. If you are happy with where you placed yourself, consider the indicator a strength. If you aren’t, think about a “realistic” place you would like to be, and how you might carry out getting there. My hope is that you will give it some gentle thought. I’d love to hear your tips on how to make each a strength in the comment section.
Previous weeks…
Indicator #1 I get a good night’s sleep so I feel healthy and alert
Indicator #2 I eat healthy foods to promote health and well being
Indicator #3 I exercise regularly
Indicator #4 I avoid mood altering substances (unless taken as prescribed).
Indicator #5 I make time each week to engage in activities that give me pleasure
Indicator #6 I have friends and family that I can talk to whenever I need a sense of connectedness
Indicator #7 I live in a home that feels safe and nurturing
-
-
-
- Indicator #8 I actively seek solutions for the complaints I have regarding my life, work, and school
- Indicator #9 I know how to forgive myself and others who have hurt me in the past
Indicator #10 I let go of guilt for my past mistakes
Indicator #11 I have enough money, time, friends, space, love, fun, and affection
Indicator #12 I take action based out of love rather than fear
Indicator #13 I am part of a community that gives me a sense of purpose
Indicator #14 I live a life based on choice and meaning
Indicator #15 I am able to ask others for what I need
Indicator# 16 I am able to say no when I don’t want to do something
Indicator #17 I am effectively able to express my feelings and stand up for what I believe in
Indicator #18 I am able to identify what emotion I am feeling at any given time
Indicator #19 I am able to tolerate negative emotion
Indictor #20 I have good problem solving skills
Indicator #21 I am able to set and achieve goals
Indicator #22 In the long run problems make me stronger.
Wellness
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Buon Appetito! An Easy Authentic Italian Recipe
16 Sunday Jun 2013
Dinner with the Vardeu’s
Two summers ago while in Rome, we had the pleasure of dining with our friends the Vardeu’s in their home. I think in total we had 8 courses, including fried zucchini flowers, a beautiful mold of fresh ricotta, and lasagna with home made noodles the size of the pan. It was truly a feast!
The recipe I’m sharing with you today belongs to them, and has become a family favorite. This dish only takes 30 minutes to prepare, making it a great weeknight meal.
FYI, garlic needs to rest for ten minutes after mincing or smashing before cooking, for the full nutritional effect to be activated.
Pasta Al Tono (with tuna)
Ingredients:
3 Tablespoons olive oil
1 Smashed garlic clove ( let sit 10 minutes before using to maximize the nutritional effect)
1 Diced onion ( size dependent on how much you like onion)
1 Can of tuna, rinsed
2 14 oz Cans of petite diced tomatoes with juice
1 Small can tomato paste
1 Teaspoon dried basil or 1 Tablespoon fresh
1/4 Teaspoon chili pepper flakes (more if you like it hot)
1/2 Cup of halved kalamata olives
1 Package angel hair pasta
Fresh grated parmesan (optional)
Large handful of chopped fresh Italian parsley
Sauté the garlic and onions in the olive oil until translucent. Add the tuna and sauté in the onion mixture for a few minutes.
Add tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, olives, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 15 minutes.
Put a generous handful of salt in a pot of water and boil the angel hair according to instructions. Drain and put in a pasta bowl. *note* salting the pasta water flavors the pasta.
Pour sauce over pasta and toss. Garnish with parsley and parmesan.
I could eat this every night! It’s light and nutritious and full of protein. Surprisingly the tuna taste is almost indistinguishable.
Buon appetito!
This week, I’m writing a post for Parent Space called, “Victim Mentality in Children: Nip it in the Bud.” After it’s published I’ll share the link.
Have a great week and Happy Father’s Day to all of you Daddies out there!
Until next time, Shine on 🙂
Barbara
Relaxation Tool
15 Saturday Jun 2013
Posted in Emotion School
I found this on You Tube yesterday and thought I’d share it with you. It only lasts for 8 minutes which isn’t enough, but nevertheless it’s a great relaxation tool. It’s good to have a few “happy places” on hand for times when you need to chill.
Wednesday’s Words of Wisdom
12 Wednesday Jun 2013
Posted in Quotes, Resilience
Tags
Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not get bent out of shape ~ Betsy Shirley
