Too downtrodden to blog. I need to write this to inspire myself, and perhaps inspire you. Here’s sharing some grace notes from one of my favorite “feel good” books, Living Beautifully Together by Alexandra Stoddard.

- Go on a morning meditation walk alone for a week and see if it can become a daily habit.

- Begin a ‘Dream” file. Clip articles about exotic places, restaurants, beauty tips and fashion and decorating ideas.

- Write a list of what’s right and wrong in your life; This is a great way to sort out your feelings.

- When you feel blue, sit down at your desk and write yourself a love letter.

- Go back to your hometown, the school you attended, it will bring back your childhood.

- Polish all your shoes and put in scented shoe trees.

- On a star-filled evening, go to an observatory.

- Buy a telescope. Contemplate the great unknown.

- Buy a book and get lost in a new topic.

- No time to read all those books on the bestseller list? Listen to a book on a headset on your way to work.

- Take a weekend trip by yourself. Do exactly what you want to do for two days. This will be a time of discovery and renewal.

- Get up early one day a week and treat yourself to a great breakfast out.

- Before going to sleep at night, pray for ten people you love.

- Count your blessings and don’t stop until you have reached one hundred.

- On days you know will be tough, wear your favorite outfit; you’ll feel extra confident

- It’s helpful to keep a special prayer in your wallet or framed on your desk. We all need a spiritual lift every now and then.

- Structure silent time into your daily routine, it will give you additional energy.

- Arrive early for your appointments. It gives you a chance to compose yourself.

- Stand up straight.

- Laugh out loud.

- Eat a meal in front of the mirror - alone - and carry on an interesting conversation with yourself.

- Walk a different way to the station, or drive a different road; make even the most routine things different.

- Rummage through your attic and treasure chests, or your old yearbooks - get lost in the memories.

- Sign up for a yoga class.

- Sing in the shower.

- Examine and refurbish your luggage. It follows you around wherever you go.

- Go to a palm reader or have your tea leaves read.

- Take a course at a botanical garden, an art appreciation course at a museum, or a cooking course.

- Try that recipe you clipped and still haven’t made, and invite friends to sample your creation.

- Sing along with your favorite singer. This is how Barbra Streisand learned to sing as a little girl.

- Before going to sleep, lie in bed and pick out one thing that you did well that day and congratulate yourself. You can build on that tomorrow.

- Savor some personal accomplishment; go out to dinner with a friend and celebrate.

- Call an old friend with whom you’ve lost touch. Follow through with a note card.

- Do solo sports: swim laps, do aerobics to music, run, ride your bicycle; now is the time to really think.

- Take aptitude tests and help define your natural abilities. You may be surprised at your hidden talents.

- Revive an old plant Give it a new pot and trim off the dead leaves. You will feel like a miracle worker.

- Volunteer at a hospital. Giving a little bit of yourself is a remedy that even medicine can’t top.

- Stop procrastinating.

- When a friend or relative wears a flattering dress or suit, give a compliment.

- Each day make a list of things to do; you’ll feel in control.

- Plan a family reunion.

- Share a fantasy or fear. You may find you’re not alone.

- Plant some potted herbs and watch them grow.

- Rub Tiger Balm on your lower back when you feel a bit tired; it gives you an instant lift.

- Guard your private time as your most treasured asset.

- Take a walk in the woods with a field guide; learn to identify different trees, animals, birds.

- Buy a small notebook. Glue on a pretty painting cut out from a magazine and begin your own quotation book. When you think of positive inspirational thoughts, write them down.

- Read some vintage magazines found in the flea market. What was news back then; who was President? What did the ads show? What were people wearing? What were the popular sayings?

-Clean out your clothes closet; get the satisfaction that comes from organization. Rearrange everything artistically so your eye is pleased.

- Get up early one day a week and treat yourself to a great breakfast out.

- Try getting up extra early and take a walk around the block; there are surprises in your neighborhood.

- When you travel alone, bring some of your mate’s cologne with you to scent your pillow. It will make you close in spirit.

- Start a collection. It can be anything that strikes your fancy.

- Remember people’s names.

- Learn several new words each week and use them in your verbal and written expressions.

- Give yourself ten extra minutes to do something when you’re under pressure; take your time and you will accomplish more.

- Don’t forget to pamper yourself - go to a spa for the weekend. Can’t afford it? Take a bubble bath, give yourself a facial, or go out and treat yourself to a manicure and a pedicure.

- Challenge yourself to do the things you’ve always dreamed about, like trekking in Nepal.

- Keep names of people you love who are having a tough time on the mirror of the dressing table to remind you of them - thoughts lead to action.

- It’s helpful to keep a special prayer in your wallet or framed on your desk. We all need a spiritual lift every now and then.

- Exercise and take two to three inches off your stomach and thighs. This does wonders for your self confidence, and will give you energy and make you more outgoing.

- Have weigh-ins to shed unneccesary pounds. Keep a chart of your losses (or gains!)

- Try not to raise your voice, even in the worst of fights

- When a friend or relative wears a flattering dress or suit, give a compliment

- Share a fantasy or fear. You may find you’re not alone.

- Help a friend paint her apartment or pack and move.

- Brush up on an artist, an author, a poet or a gardener. Share your subject with a friend gracefully.

- Jot down on a piece of paper the names of your family members so you’ll know you’re not alone.

- Be generous of spirit. Life on earth is transitory. It is better to live rich and die poor than the other way around. Being generous focuses on your self-worth, not your net worth.

- When you see a small item that you think suits a friend, buy it and send it.

- Make a surprise phone call to a cousin and spend five minutes catching up.

- Be flexible when unexpected events occur. You can be helpful and it will make you feel good.

- Have a sense of humor.

- Invite your mate on your next business trip.

- Go clothes-shopping with your mate. Someone who really loves you will help you select the most flattering styles.

- Put potpourri in a small antique box and keep the lid open.

- Offer your love a cup of tea for two at an unexpected time.

- Surprise your partner and pick him up from work or meet him at the train station.

- On Valentine’s Day, send him flowers. Buy him red-and-white striped pajamas.

- Plan your weekend “escape at home” today

- Pick a sanctuary in your home. Choose your favorite chair and re-cover it and keep your favorite books close by. This is your spot to come to and relax all by yourself.

- Install a small music system in your kitchen so you can enjoy beautiful music while cooking and eating.

- Never worry what other people think because it doesn’t matter. What they think will change and what you think will change. That’s life. Be yourself.

Posted in Uncategorized |