Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Five Tips For Successful Co-Parenting

Co-parenting is one of the hardest things to reconcile with when you have had a breakdown in a relationship. Coming together to continue to parent as a team isn’t always easy, but it’s something that has to be done if you want to ensure that your child grows to be better-rounded and secure in their relationship with you both. Working together to bring up happy and healthy children may be a challenge, but it’s something you must come together to do as soon as possible.

When you speak to a family attorney and you go through the rigors of divorce, you might be emotionally spent. A big part of the process is going to be deciding how your children live with you, and which parent is the primary carer. These are all big decisions to make and at times, it can feel like it’ll be impossible to get along with your child’s other parents, but it’s a must to keep the peace. So, with this in mind, here are five tips that you need for successful co-parenting:

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

Work on boundaries

As parents and as individuals, you have to identify things about your relationships with your children that cannot change. You also have to identify the line between co parents and exes – and that’s the hard bit. Work on a calm and comfortable list of boundaries together, such as introducing your children to new partners, agreeing to set limits and tune into your feelings calmly. Agree to come together on parenting decisions and stick to that.

Make a schedule

It’s so essential to have a schedule that you work on together, and that you both respect. No chopping and changing the schedule after it’s set and any unforeseeable changes must be discussed in advance. Work together and come up with days and times you both see the children and create consistency. You have to keep their best interests as a common goal for you both.

Communicate

It’s not easy to do this, so do it in text or chat mode if necessary. Communication is key and it’s very important that you work together on this. This has to be treated like a business partnership and that means that when it comes to the children, you constantly work together.

Maintain flexibility

You both must understand that life happens and changes aren’t there to spite the other parent. When changes need to be made, consider the impact on the children and how much flexibility you can allow without being walked all over and then go from there.

Remember respect

You must model respect for each other so that your children will see this and respect the relationship. Truly make the commitment to respect one another no matter what because you once loved each other enough to create children who will see how you treat each other. Be a couple that your children will feel comfortable around and will rely on, and you will find that your children are happier as a result.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Moving Forward

Resolutions Set You Up To Fail

For years I’ve seen people put together a pie in the sky list of Resolutions at the beginning of each year and by the second or third month they look at the list and nothing is checked off. Here’s the reason, resolutions are wishes and wishes don’t magically come true. Resolutions set you up to fail.

If you want to accomplish something you have to set a goal, write it down, and have an action plan. That is how you look back and see progress during the year. The key to setting goals is to reaccess as the year progresses, maybe you need to change or set new goals.

I can wish to win the lottery and the only action I can take is to buy a ticket, the rest is up to karma! I have no control over winning beyond buying a ticket. But if I set a goal for something that is important for me to accomplish during the year and take action towards the goals then I have a good chance of accomplishing it if I want it bad enough.

I’m also realistic, I don’t have a list of 20 items, which is crazy. Set a reasonable number because you are going to have to put the work behind each goal to accomplish it.

Happy New Year!

I wish you all the success in the world and know it’s within your control.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun

Today in History January 2, 2022

Welcome to the Weekend Edition of Today in History. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the post. Have an awesome weekend.

Welcome to the first Today in History of 2022.

1965

Joe Namath spurns NFL to sign record deal with AFL’s New York Jets

On January 2, 1965, quarterback Joe Namath spurns the NFL’s St. Louis Cardinals to sign with the American Football League’s New York Jets. The contract, reportedly for  $427,000, is the most lucrative signed by a rookie in any sport. The deal with Namath, a star at the University …read more

1788

Georgia enters the Union

Georgia votes to ratify the U.S. Constitution, becoming the fourth state in the modern United States. Named after King George II, Georgia was first settled by Europeans in 1733, when a group of British debtors led by English philanthropist James E. Oglethorpe traveled up the …read more

1811

First censuring of a U.S. senator

Senator Timothy Pickering, a Federalist from Massachusetts, becomes the first senator to be censured when the Senate approves a censure motion against him by a vote of 20 to seven. Pickering was accused of violating congressional law by publicly revealing secret documents …read more

1492

Reconquest of Spain

The kingdom of Granada falls to the Christian forces of King Ferdinand V and Queen Isabella I, and the Moors lose their last foothold in Spain. Located at the confluence of the Darro and Genil rivers in southern Spain, the city of Granada was a Moorish fortress that rose to …read more

2009

Rare Bugatti found in British garage

On January 2, 2009, media outlets report that a rare unrestored 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Atalante Coupe has been found in the garage of a British doctor. A month later, on February 7, the car sold at a Paris auction for some $4.4 million. The black two-seater, one of just 17 57S …read more

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun

Fun Facts That Will Amaze You

I’m so glad you are enjoying Fun Facts. I learn something new each week, even if it’s weird.

The most common wild bird in the world isn’t the sparrow or blue jay—it’s the red-billed quelea, which live in Africa and have an estimated population of 1.5 billion. (audubon.org)

 The heart of the blue whale, the largest animal on earth, is five feet long and weighs 400 pounds. The whale in total weighs 40,000 pounds. (nationalgeographic.com)

For comparison, an elephant’s heart weighs around 30 pounds. And a human heart? A mere 10 ounces. 

Elephants can’t jump. (smithsonianmag.com)

Octopuses have three hearts.

I love hearing your comments! 

Enjoy! 

Melinda

 

Celebrate Life · Fun

#Weekend Music Share *One by U2 & Mary J Blige *My Fav

 

I’m so glad you’ve joined me this week for another edition of Weekend Music Share.

We have one life, we have to do what we should. One life…….we get to carry each other.

 

 



Welcome back to Weekend Music Share; the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the ‘Weekend Music Share‘ banner in your post, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Happy New Year

2021 has been a challenging year, to say the least, but we’ve come out the other side and we’re stronger for it. I don’t know what 2022 holds, no of us do but I know that we all have the ability to control our destiny. 

Happy New Year, 2022 is upon us and we can make it a great year. 

 



Sending Good Karma to you for all of 2022!

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

How to Lighten Your Work Load into 2022

2021 has been a strange year. Uncertain for business and disastrous for local economies, the Covid-19 pandemic is far from over. A new variant has shut down international travel, and many sectors suffer. Yet, the world expects numerous other services, and you may be lucky enough for business continuity. But as we head into more uncertainty, you could lighten your workload for optimal conditions into the new year.

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

Delegate Critical Infrastructure

Bill Gates famously stated he didn’t learn how to do business until he trusted others. Whether your business is small, medium, or large, you cannot do everything. Additionally, you aren’t qualified to do it all. Fortunately, there’s a large pool of talented individuals available to which you can delegate critical infrastructure. For instance, you can assign eCommerce processes to a remote software development team or leave cybersecurity to a managed IT service. Depending on your budget, you can hire talent in-house or outsource most work for a cost-effective solution.

Manage Your Projects

It can feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day. And even less when you aren’t as organized as you could be. Appointments, milestones, and critical meetings are just a few examples of things you can miss when bogged down. However, the advent of the smartphone makes project management more accessible than ever. Quickbooks are excellent for financial tracking, and inventory managers like Delivrd are perfect for keeping stock. You can also manage the projects and schedules of your employees more effectively with Teamdeck.

Prioritize Tasks

It can be challenging to know what to do and when with so much work to do. Task prioritization isn’t an easy skill to learn, yet it’s vital for your work and home life. Additionally, your physical and mental health could suffer if you try to do too much at once. It isn’t ideal for putting one task off over another, but it is necessary. For instance, suppose you operate a plumbing company. Customer number one’s dripping tap isn’t as crucial as customer number two’s flooded kitchen. Stay organized and stress-free by exercising professional judgment on urgent tasks. 

Take a Break

It’s easy to feel that you cannot step away from work when you think it’s important, but you must take breaks. Burnout is a genuine concern and causes severe health issues. Depression, stress, and anxiety brought on by burnout will cause your work and home life to suffer. A good rule of thumb is to not bring your home with you. Understandably, this is challenging for some professions, and your job might affect you on an emotional level. Nursing or law enforcement are prime examples. But breaks from work are necessary for your mental and emotional wellbeing.

Learn to Switch Off

Like taking breaks, learning to switch off your work mode is essential for easing your professional burden. Of course, you could find it easy to switch off by de-stressing with a relaxing bath, your favorite hobby, or spending time with your family. But modern technology has a way of creeping into our lives. So unless you absolutely need to leave it on, switch off your work phone, or blockwork numbers when at home. Additionally, stop yourself from checking work-related sources like company Facebook groups, colleague profiles, and company emails.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Solstice Holiday Sangria

Kombucha gives a nice fizz to this holiday sangria. Bonus: It’s full of probiotic bacteria that may help maintain a healthy gut. 

Amber Turpin

EatingWell Magazine

Solstice Holiday Sangria

Ingredients

Ingredient Checklist

  • 1 (750 milliliter) bottle Spanish dry red wine, such as tempranillo 
  • 1 cup blood orange juice 
  • ½ cup brandy 
  • 3 tablespoons coconut sugar 
  • 2 oranges, preferably blood oranges, sliced  
  • 1 (12 ounce) bottle ginger kombucha 
  • Ice

Directions

  • Step 1Combine wine, orange juice, brandy and sugar in a large pitcher. Stir well, then add orange slices. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 1 day.
  • Step 2Add kombucha to the sangria and serve over ice.

Tips 

To make ahead: Refrigerate sangria base (Step 1) for up to 1 day.

Nutrition Facts 

Serving Size: 1 cupPer Serving: 202 calories; protein 0.4g; carbohydrates 16.8g; dietary fiber 0.1g; sugars 12.2g; fat 0.1g; vitamin a iu 85.2IU; vitamin c 22.5mg; folate 13.6mcg; calcium 14.5mg; iron 0.9mg; magnesium 19.5mg; potassium 240.9mg; sodium 11.1mg; added sugar 8g. Exchanges: 

1 1/2 alcohol equivalent, 1/2 other carbohydrate

Enjoy!

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Dreaming of Moving Away From the City? Here’s Why You Should Do It in 2022

In 2020 and 2021, a record number of people moved out of big cities. This happened for many reasons. 

Firstly, the advent of remote work has enabled more people to keep pursuing their career goals away from the city center. And, of course, the pandemic and associated risk of contagion has encouraged people to find less densely populated areas to live in. 

So, if you have always dreamed of living close to nature and always from the hectic lifestyle of the city, 2022 might be the perfect year for this lifestyle change. Find out what to expect below.  

Photo by Mauricio Artieda on Pexels.com

The Healing Power of Nature

Have you ever felt calmer and more relaxed when in nature? No, it’s not just you – the healing power of nature has been documented and studied. Some of the beneficial effects of being in a natural environment include:

  • Lower blood pressure
  • Lower levels of cortisol – the stress hormone
  • It promotes the production of cancer-fighting cells
  • It helps us become more mindful and aware
  • It can help relieve symptoms of stress, anxiety, and disorders such as ADHD

If you are looking to work on your health in 2022, moving to the countryside can help.

Reduces Risks of Contagion

Countryside areas and forests are not as densely populated as big cities are. In turn, the risk of being affected by Covid-19 is reduced. If you or someone in your family is struggling to cope with everything that is going on in this period, living away from the city can help.

Opportunity To Work From Home

Many people are looking for a positive fresh start in 2022. If you have always dreamed of working from home and working towards a better work-life balance for your needs, this year might be perfect. 

Indeed, thanks to the advent of remote working fuelled by the pandemic and the many hybrid work schemes offered by employers, you no longer have to compromise between finding the perfect location to live and your career. Consider transitioning to working from home and making the most of a remote lifestyle!

A Choice That Leads to a Healthy Lifestyle

Living closer to nature has endless benefits, including the availability of fresh air, sunlight, vegetation, and wildlife. However, in your new home, you might not find all the comforts you were used to, including malls, big shopping centers, or cafes and restaurants around the corner. 

Naturally, you will start to dedicate your life to looking after the garden, hiking, and exploring the surrounding areas – all activities that can improve your health and mental wellbeing!

Reduced Stress

Living in a rural area immersed in nature can be an excellent option for you to achieve your life goals, improve your wellbeing, and reduce the levels of stress deriving from a frenetic lifestyle. 

However, if you have always lived in the city center, it is important to find a house that can help you live comfortably. Indeed, if you are moving into a house that is not comfortable or not suitable for your lifestyle, you might feel a whole different kind of stress! That is why speaking to an expert real estate agent specialized in rural properties such as williampitt.com can help. 

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Moving Forward

My 2021 Book Reviews

I’ve read so many interesting books this year and thought it would be nice to compile a list for you to look for resources and or motivation in the new year.

The Smart Girls Handbook by Scarlett V Clark

Adaptable by Alexa Carlin

Manic Man by Jason Wegner

Time To Talk by Alex Holmes

Finding My Right Mind by Vanessa Potter

Hope and Learning by Dr. Linda Snow-Griffin

The Better Boundaries Workbook by Sharon Martin

Down But Not Out by Mat Desforges

Hope Amid the Pain by Leslie L. McKee

One Step At A Time By Francesca Giacomozzi

Navigating Loneliness By Cheryl Rickman

How To Help Someone With An Eating Disorder by Dr. Pam Macdonald

A Mindfulness Guide For Survival By Ruby Wax

Heal Yourself with Colour by Walaa AIMuhaiteeb

Navigating Panic Attacks By Dr. Rita Santos

How to Help Someone with Anxiety by Dr. Rachel Allan

Where Do We Go From Here? By Bethany Hacker

Finding Frank by Rachel Townsend

My Journey Home by Hannah Green

The Joy Of Being Selfish By Michelle Elman

Stand Tall Little Girl by Hope Virgo

Finding Joy with an Invisible Chronic Illness by Christopher Martin

A is for Alex by Lesley Roberts

Happy Reading!

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun

Today in History December 26, 2021

Welcome to the Weekend Edition of Today in History. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the post. Have an awesome weekend.

1946

Bugsy Siegel opens Flamingo Hotel

Mobster Bugsy Siegel opens the glitzy Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 26, 1946. 

Well-known singer and comedian Jimmy Durante headlined the night’s entertainment, with music by Cuban band leader Xavier Cugat. Some of infamous gangster Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel’s Hollywood friends, including actors George Raft, George Sanders, Sonny Tufts and George Jessel were in attendance.

1985

World-renowned primatologist Dian Fossey is found murdered in Rwanda

On December 26, 1985, primatologist and conservationist Dr. Dian Fossey is found murdered in her cabin at Karisoke, a research site in the mountains of Rwanda. It is widely believed that she was killed in connection with her lifelong crusade against poaching. An animal lover from …read more

1941

FDR establishes modern Thanksgiving holiday

President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs a bill officially establishing the fourth Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day. The tradition of celebrating the holiday on Thursday dates back to the early history of the Plymouth and Mass

1973

“The Exorcist” opens in theaters

On December 26, 1973, The Exorcist, a horror film starring the actress Linda Blair as a girl possessed by an evil spirit, makes its debut in theaters; it will go on to earn a reputation as one of the scariest movies in history.  The Exorcist was based on William Peter Blatty’s …read more

2004

Tsunami devastates Indian Ocean coast

A powerful earthquake off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, on December 26, 2004 sets off a tsunami that wreaks death and devastation across the Indian Ocean coastline. The quake was the second strongest ever recorded and the estimated 230,000 dead made this disaster one of the 10 …read more

 

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Men & Womens Health

It Was A Masked Christmas feat. Jimmy Fallon, Ariana Grande and Megan Thee Stallion**Funny!

Happy Holidays!

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

The Mood-Boosting Benefits of Pets


Being a pet owner carries a lot of responsibility, but you can’t underestimate the benefits that come from pet ownership too. Whether you’re a dog owner, a cat lover, or a parent to a furry rodent or scaly reptile, you’ll find that there are endless unexpected advantages that arise from adding a pet to your family and the impact on your mood is just one of them. 

To find out how a pet can change your outlook, take a look at these four mood-boosting benefits of pets now:


Photo by sergio souza on Pexels.com

Stress Reduction

Stress or anxiety can have a major impact on your mental health but spending time with your pets is known to reduce your stress response. In fact, some studies have even shown that petting a dog can reduce your blood pressure, which highlights just how effective pet ownership can be when it comes to alleviating stress. When you feel less stress, your mood naturally lightens, and your outlook is enhanced. In turn, this makes you feel more proactive and in control, which further helps to reduce anxiety and stress. 

Ease Loneliness

Feeling lonely or isolated is often a precursor to low moods or depressive symptoms. After all, humans are social creatures and crave interaction. When the opportunity to meaningfully engage with others is reduced, it doesn’t take long for your mood to decline too. Fortunately, pets are a great source of companionship. Not only will they become a beloved family member, but your pet may also give you a reason to engage with other people too. Walking a dog, visiting stables, or even joining online groups to talk about pet care can be a great way to connect with people and reduce feelings of loneliness. 

Promote Relaxation

An unrelenting schedule can leave you feeling burnt out and overwhelmed, which naturally impacts your mood. When you have a pet, however, you need to meet their needs and provide them with the environment they need to thrive. As well as giving your pet an appropriate amount of exercise, you’ll need to ensure that they have time to relax too. From snuggling up with your puppy on big dog beds or making time to chill out with your cat, encouraging your pet to relax gives you the opportunity to unwind too. Of course, relaxation is an instant mood-booster, so you can look forward to feeling happier and more content as well. 

Create a Routine

Nearly all pets thrive when they have a routine in place. This might mean feeding your pet at the same time each day, providing them with exercise regularly, or simply devoting a certain portion of the day or evening to them. When you’re experiencing low moods, it’s easy to let the structure go out of your day, which is why pet ownership can be such an effective way of boosting your mood. When you have a reason to create a routine, you’ll feel the emotional benefits of this added structure too. 

Are You Ready to Become a Pet Owner?

There are numerous benefits to having pets but it’s important to consider the practical implications of pet ownership too. However, if you have the time and space to provide a loving and nurturing home to a pet, you’ll find that they make a wonderful addition to any family. 

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Supporting Your Loved One After An Accident

An automobile collision is a traumatic experience for everyone involved, including the ones closest to them. You might be unsure how to show your support for a friend or loved one who has gone through this. We have a few suggestions for how you may support your friend as they make their way back to good health and happiness.

Photo by Skylar Kang on Pexels.com

Take Them To Appointments

When someone is involved in a car accident, they may be required to attend a number of appointments. It’s extremely beneficial to have a friend by your side when seeing an auto injury doctor who specializes in automobile accidents, going to the insurance agency, seeing their Car Accident Lawyers or any other case where your friend needs to leave the house. For one thing, folks who have been in a car accident may find it difficult to drive confidently (or may be unable to do so owing to injuries), and for another, your emotional support will be invaluable in this situation.

Keep Important Documents Up-to-Date

Along with accompanying your friend to their appointments, assist them in keeping track of vital paperwork. After an auto accident, insurance must be handled, and documentation from doctor’s visits may become misplaced – the last thing they want is crucial information to go missing when it’s most needed. Offer to assist your friend in keeping track of these documents by establishing a folder for the key sections and using sticky notes to keep track of what’s what.

Provide Step-by-Step Instructions

It can be tough to remember the logical next actions after being in a car accident. Remind your friend that they need to see a doctor within a set length of time if they need to see one (the Personal Injury Protection part of their auto insurance mandates they see a doctor within two weeks of the accident). Encourage them to visit a doctor that accepts PIP insurance (not all do) and to note their calendars for any additional appointments they have.

Provide A Meal

After a vehicle accident, the last thing anyone wants to do is prepare dinner, so take care of it for them. Purchase a pizza (or several, if they have a family) and prepare a salad before calling it a night. Providing a meal not only keeps them nourished but also demonstrates your genuine concern.

Continue To Be Compassionate

Last but not least, remember to be empathetic. Don’t tell them how they should feel; instead, be a listening ear. Instead of interspersing your own stories about accidents you’ve been in, tell them you’re there if they need you, and let them vent, whine, or utterly break down. Don’t pass any judgment.

It’s not easy after having an accident or knowing how you can support someone who is experiencing it. These tips should help you to help them. 

When a friend or family member is involved in an automobile accident, your assistance is crucial. You can assist them in sorting through their to-do list, transporting them to their appointments, and providing consolation when things become difficult. After a car accident, your friend will appreciate your unwavering support, so be there for them.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda