In 59 years I’ve learned so much about life and myself. I continue to believe there’s much more to come. Here are some things I would say to my younger self. Keep in mind I came from a trauma-filled childhood which includes, emotional and physical abuse, sexual abuse, domestic violence, divorce, and alcoholism. I believe that is the reason for my drug and alcohol abuse.
Learn to have more fun.
Work harder on friendships.
Don’t take advantage of people.
Stand up for what is right, no matter the consensus.
Focus on learning who you are before you get into a serious relationship.
Don’t be afraid to be wrong, own it.
Hug my grandparents more often.
If a person disrespects you once they are liable to do it again.
Don’t focus on finding forever man, let it happen.
If a relationship is confrontational, you don’t need it.
Have more long-term goals.
If a boy/man hits you, run in the other direction and never let it happen again.
Be more open-minded.
Seek therapy sooner for childhood trauma.
If you commit, you need to come thru or have a solid reason why you can’t deliver. Take all responsibility seriously.
Don’t gossip and don’t assume you know someone. We all have a past.
Spend more time on school work.
What you dislike in someone else may be the same thing you do. Look inside first.
Learn more from my grandparents about their lives.
There is a reason for everything, you may not understand it at the time, you may find out later or you may never understand why but there is a reason. Growth.
Don’t drive while drinking or doing drugs.
Look at the reason you drink so much. Was it because I was trying to cope with trauma.
Don’t let infatuation or lust make you think it’s love.
Don’t try to be like someone else, figure out who you are.
Money is not the road to happiness, it’s great but being rich doesn’t mean you’re happy.
Have more aspirations. as a teen.
Save, Save, Save more money, there’s always something popping up, and be prepared.
Don’t hold a grudge or hang onto the bad situations in life.
Accept that there are “no should’s” in life.
Noone but your family owes you anything, and even that has a limit.
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share; the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
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I want to give a special thanks to Editor Andrea Marchiano of Cherish Editions for sending me an advanced copy of 365 Quotes to Accelerate Your Career and Find Balance for review.
Blurb
Dr James Espey OBE is ready to be your mentor. His second book 365 Quotes to Accelerate Your Career and Find Balance in Your Life contains the wisdom gleaned from his half-century career in business and marketing. It’s all presented in short, easy-to-digest quotes from James, as well as from other figures who have inspired him along the way.
James says, “I believe that in the modern world, people are looking for short, pertinent, succinct bits of advice. That is why I decided to write this book: to give you guidance and to encourage you to make the right decisions on your journey through life.”
What people are saying
“A unique take on the wisdom of quotes. Entertaining and makes you think!” Neville Isdell, former global chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company
“James has spent his career observing, thinking and summing things up succinctly. These quotes provide moments to reflect and be guided by someone who has seen around a few of the bends in the road ahead.” Peter Bauer, CEO of Mimecast
“James’s ability to draw a quote or a one-liner to sum up a ‘situation’ – tricky, funny or even just routine – has always been a feature of his management and leadership. This unique, spontaneous communication style provides inspiration to all who deal with him.” Michael Keiller, former CEO of Morrison Bowmore Distillers Ltd ”
Excerpt From 365 Quotes to Accelerate Your Career and Find Balance in Life James Espey OBE This material may be protected by copyright.
My Thoughts
In a work environment, it can be difficult to have a mentor, this book is what is missing to help you chart the course. 365 Quotes to Accelerate Your Career and Find Balance is a book I wished was available during my career. No matter where you’re at in life/career this book will help you ask yourself some tough questions that can propel your career and in turn life.
The chapters are divided based on where you are in your career, like helping you build your brand. I like Part 3 Personal Values the best because I believe that this is the foundation of who we are as a person which spills over to who we are at work.
In Chapter 11
“If you do not manage your time, time will manage you. Ten ways to make the most of your working day:”
I love this quote and was so lucky to learn this early in my career from my mentor. The quote is followed by 10 solutions to accomplish this goal. Time management can be difficult to manage and the solutions are easy to understand and implement.
I highly recommend this book to anyone and would make a great graduation gift.
Cherish Editions
Cherish Editions is the self-publishing division of the TriggerHub group, the world’s leading platform for books that encourage mental health recovery and wellbeing.
We are experienced in creating and selling positive, responsible, important and inspirational books, which work to de-stigmatise the issues around mental health, as well as helping people who read them to maintain and improve their mental health and wellbeing. By choosing to publish through Cherish Editions, you will get the expertise of the dedicated TriggerHub Team at every step of the process.
Thanks for stopping by today, I appreciate your comments each week.
Jet (Gorilla Billy) is sleeping and his tummy looks like a gorilla. Billy comes from the fact he acts like a billy goat by climbing on you when laying down.
Setting boundaries is no more than communicating what you expect from the other person. All people need boundaries in their life. Some boundaries are harder to set than others say like the Internet and Cell Phones for that raging hormone peer-pleasing teen.
The difficulty with setting boundaries gets harder when your children are adults however if you’ve set clear boundaries growing up it isn’t a problem, maybe a conversation or to reclarify.
As a teen I was raised by my grandparents so I skipped a generation, meaning my parents were from deep poverty and the war generation. I went to live with them at 14 years old as a troubled teen. Boundaries were clearly needed.
Here are just a few
No phone calls after 9PM
In bed by 10PM
No leaving the house after 9PM
Curfew was midnight sharp!
Doors to the room were left open unless needed for privacy
Could only drive the car to take Granny shopping, run family errands, to school and back, basketball, special school dances, to write for school or local newspaper.
Once I started working I had to pay Gramps $8 a week for gas and the extra $50 a year it cost to add me to the insurance policy.
No sleepovers
Had to meet every date and friends
Today’s challenges
The biggest challenge faced by a pre-teen and teen is the Internet and Social media. Neither was around in my day. I didn’t buy my first computer until 1991.
If you start setting boundaries very early in life with will be much easier to set them with an emotional teen. One of the biggest challenges is peer pressure at this age and you will have to stand on what is appropriate for your specific child, are responsible enough, and is there a reason.
Now there are a few things to remember, I grew up in a strict environment and believe the boundaries and consequences are appropriate for a healthy relationship.
You have the opportunity to set boundaries are soon as your child is a toddler and the more boundaries as they get older. Be prepared for meltdowns, calling names, which is another boundary to set, and being mad at you.
If you want to try to be a friend to your child all their life you can stop reading here. I don’t buy into that style of parenting.
One of the first things that might come up is what language is appropriate to use in the house, for example calling names.
We’ll eat at dinner time and not in the bedroom. Even if your child is studying, they need a break from the books and this is your time to communicate with your child. How was their day?
A big bone of contention is the Internet and Cell phones. This is where you will get the most push because this is one huge peer pressure in your pre/teen’s life.
If your child is under 16 years old, but the computer is in an open but quiet part of the house to use. After they reach 16 or are very mature and responsible for their age you can move into their bedroom. The key here is, having a tracking device and blocking sites and apps they can use. Also, give them a limit to how long they have per day to use the computer. If the whole time is taken up for doing school work, too bad they have to wait until the next day.
The other teaching experience is learning responsibility and this can be done by boundaries. If you give your child an allowance, determine how much they should pay you for the computer and phone. Make them save for it. If they don’t save, it’s not that important or they are not responsible enough.
My granny knew how bad I wanted a camera, she said if I would save half she would pay for the other half. That was so appreciated because I didn’t expect it. Those lessons from my grandparents set me up for some great lessons in life.
Like I said, I’m strict and believe that many problems today are created by the Internet and children’s exposure at too young of an age.
Cell phones are another battle with children. There is so much peer pressure. You have to decide if the phone is needed, are they responsible enough to keep up with it or buy a new one themselves. Same if they lose it. If the child is working, I would have them pay a portion of the bill.
Make sure you buy the lowest Data plan, put a tracker on, and block sites. You are to have the code to the phone at all times and be free to read text. This is not only setting boundaries it’s teaching them responsibility.
A crucial part of setting boundaries is there will be times when they need to be broken, that’s life and you have to monitor the reasons. If there is a mass shooting, they can use all the data they have in one day! The key is communication and understanding why they ran out of data if it’s not apparent. It’s critical that you let your child know you are monitoring their computer and phone activity. If you sneak around you’ll have a hard time gaining their trust again. If they know up front, they have to make wise decisions or not be smart enough to try. It’s that simple.
As your children move out and learn to spread their wings, you’ll have to set new boundaries. But that’s for another post.
We all know that we can’t do everything alone. At some point in our lives, we will need the help of professionals to get us through a tough time. Here are four professionals you may need and how they can help you:
A therapist can help you work through your problems by talking to them about what is going on in your life. They can help you figure out how to deal with your stressors and make positive changes in your life. A therapist can also provide you with tools and resources to help you cope with your problems. If you need help finding a therapist, many resources are available online. Mental health problems can be very serious and should not be taken lightly. If you are feeling like you are struggling, please reach out for help.
Maybe It’s A Water Problem?
You’re starting to notice that things just don’t seem quite right. Your once bright and airy home feels a little musty and damp. You notice some water spots on the ceiling, and your wood floors seem to be warping. Then you realize that you have a water problem. Water damage can come from various sources, including leaks in your plumbing, heavy rains, or even flood waters. No matter where the water comes from, it’s important to get it cleaned up as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your home. That’s where a water damage cleaning and restoration company comes in. They have the experience and the equipment to quickly and efficiently remove all the water from your home, dry it out, and restore it to its pre-water damage condition.
Are The Lights Flickering?
If your lights are flickering or going out completely, it’s time to call an electrician. Many times, homeowners try to fix electrical problems themselves and end up making the situation worse. A professional electrician will be able to quickly diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs. In addition to repairing electrical problems, electricians can help you upgrade your home’s electrical system. If you’re planning on adding new appliances or making other changes to improve your home’s energy usage, an electrician can ensure your electrical system is up to the task. No matter what your electrical needs are, an electrician can help.
Where Did The Money Go?
A financial planner can help you save for retirement, plan for large expenses, and make the most of your money. They can also offer guidance on investments and insurance. If you’re unsure where to start when saving or investing, a financial planner can be a valuable resource. When choosing a financial planner, it’s important to find someone who is a fiduciary. This means they are legally required to act in your best interest. You can also look for someone who is certified by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. A financial planner can help you get your finances in order and prepare you for the future!
These are only a few examples of the type of professionals you may need at some point in your life. So, if you find yourself in a difficult situation, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are people who can and will help you get through whatever problem you’re facing!
Anyone can experience depression whether it’s situational, like the COVID crisis, chronic pain, illness, or mental illness. I have Bipolar Disorder, which means although my moods can swing from highs to lows, most of the time I’m depressed. I was first diagnosed at 19 years old but didn’t seek treatment until 28 years old after my father committed suicide.
A few examples of what depression has looked like for me
Your family sends someone over to check on you since they haven’t heard from you in days/weeks
Sleep for 22 hours a day
Don’t shower for weeks
Can’t remember when you ate
Your mailbox is so full the postman stops delivering mail
Emotional eating or buying
Feel deep guilt over lying to family and friends for years trying to hide your depression
You are numb, empty inside
It’s been eight months and five new prescriptions and still no improvement
The doctor tells you if you cancel another appointment he will fire you and you almost drive off the freeway on the way home
To depressed to take your medication no matter how bad you want to
Drink to much
Have a detailed plan on how you will commit suicide
The normal mood is depression, you are taking medication just to get you above the line to normal happy
Taken over 60 medications or combinations of medicines
Had 21 Electro Shock Treatments
Spent multiple weeks, multiple times in a Psychiatric hospital
Divorced because husband didn’t believe you were depressed
Cut off contact with everyone in an effort not to have to explain what’s going on or where you were
Lose your job on the third day because you can’t get out of bed
Don’t fill your prescriptions because you can’t drive one mile
These are a few examples of the struggles I’ve had with Bipolar Disorder for 40 years. The blessing is I have an exceptional Psychopharmacologist and Therapist who I’ve been seeing for 30 plus years. My doctor has been tough on me, never allowed me to make excuses, and taught me how to explain my feelings in an effort to prescribe the right type of medication. He strongly recommended I seek out therapy which I did and have never looked back.
Therapy doesn’t help control my depression but allows me to process the anxiety, guilt, and emotions I have from being depressed.
There is light
There is light at the end of the tunnel, sometimes you can’t even see a glimmer but there’s always light at the other end.
Please don’t try to deal with your depression alone, even if it’s situational depression, like a death or divorce, everyone needs emotional support. Go talk to someone.
Keep a log of your feelings by day the best you can in order to share those raw emotions with a Psychiatrist or Therapist. Raw feelings will help me get to the root of any issue much quicker than going to an appointment saying I’m depressed without clear examples.
If your general physician is prescribing your medication and you are still experiencing depression please seek out a professional with specialized training. A general doctor doesn’t have the in-depth knowledge of medications or about ongoing depression to get you to the other side.
A Psychopharmacologist is the best type of doctor if you have long-term or complex depression. They are a Psychiatrist with extra years of training in brain function among other things. The reason he has meant so much to me is he can determine what part of my brain needs stimulation and can prescribe very specific medications. They are more expensive and your insurance may not pay the entire amount but it’s worth every penny. I would not be alive today if it weren’t for my doctor.
If you don’t suffer from long-term depression I would start with a Psychiatrist and go from there.
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week I highlight a new blogger, The Sleepy Bookworm.
Like the blog title says, I’m a huge bookworm; a literature lover, bookishly bonkers and obsessed with amassing my own private library. The ‘sleepy’ part of the title refers to the fact I’m constantly tired because I have a chronic illness called M.E (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis). Living with a chronic illness is like living with a really demanding and clingy roommate; it’s restrictive and exhausting. I don’t know why I started this blog but living with a chronic illness can be isolating and lonely; I think it’s important to write and share my experiences. Through this blog I hope to raise awareness for those struggling with invisible and chronic illness; those with mental health problems and those that struggle to keep fighting their own body day in and day out. Maybe my posts will go unread and just provide a mental and emotional catharsis; or maybe someone else suffering with chronic illness will read and relate to my experience and feel a little less lonely and isolated.
Out of the 24 possible character strengths in the VIA Character Strengths Survey, only five are strongly associated with satisfaction with life. People with hope, zest, gratitude, curiosity and the ability to love and be loved as their top strengths seem to have higher life satisfaction. Gratitude has never been a strength of mine. Every […]
Sarcoma Awareness Month is observed annually every July. If you are wondering what sarcoma is, it is a type of cancer that occurs in various locations of the body. ‘Sarcoma’ is the general term used to refer to a broad group of cancers that begin in the soft tissues and bones. Soft tissue sarcoma forms in the tissues that connect, support, and surround other body structures, including muscle, fat, blood vessels, nerves, tendons, and the lining of your joints. There is not only one type of sarcoma but actually more than 70 types. Sarcoma treatment varies depending on the type of sarcoma, location, and other factors.
HISTORY OF SARCOMA AWARENESS MONTH
Sarcoma Awareness Month is held each year during July, and strives to raise awareness about what is considered to be the “forgotten cancer.” The truth is that little is known about sarcomas and efforts to encourage research and drug development are made more challenging due to a lack of awareness and understanding.
Unfortunately, it is not fully understood why some people develop sarcomas while the majority do not. However, researchers have been able to single out some indicators that may play a key role in causing sarcomas by identifying common characteristics in groups with unusually high occurrence rates. Although the causes of sarcomas are unknown, some known risk factors must be taken into account. One of the risk factors is exposure to phenoxyacetic acid in herbicides or chlorophenols in wood preservatives. An unusual percentage of patients with a rare blood vessel tumor have been exposed to vinyl chloride in their work. This substance is used in the manufacture of certain plastics. Another cause of sarcoma is high doses of radiation.
Scientists have focused on genetic alterations that may lead to the development of sarcomas. They have also found that there are a small number of families where more than one member in the same generation has developed a sarcoma. These cases of sarcomas within the same family may be related to a rare inherited genetic alteration. However, sarcomas are a completely random event in a family’s cancer history in the vast majority of cases.
Hi! So glad you are enjoying the Today in History each Sunday.
1955
Disneyland opens
Disneyland, Walt Disney’s metropolis of nostalgia, fantasy and futurism, opens on July 17, 1955. The $17 million theme park was built on 160 acres of former orange groves in Anaheim, California, and soon brought in staggering profits. Today, Disneyland hosts more than 18 million visitors a year, who spend close to $3 billion.
1938
Douglas “Wrong Way” Corrigan crosses the Atlantic
Douglas Corrigan, the last of the early glory-seeking fliers, takes off from Floyd Bennett field in Brooklyn, New York, on a flight that would finally win him a place in aviation history. Eleven years earlier, American Charles A. Lindbergh had become an international celebrity …read more
1941
Joe DiMaggio ends 56-game hitting streak
On July 17, 1941, New York Yankees center fielder Joe DiMaggio fails to get a hit against the Cleveland Guardians (then known as the Cleveland Indians), which brings his historic 56-game hitting streak to an end. The record run had captivated the country for two months. Joseph …read more
1763
John Jacob Astor is born
Destined to make a fortune from the furs of the American West, John Jacob Astor is born in modest circumstances in the small German village of Waldorf. Although the number of foreign immigrants to the U.S. who succeeded in striking it rich is often exaggerated in the popular …read more
1967
Jimi Hendrix drops out as opening act for The Monkees
On July 17, 1967, one of the oddest musical pairings in history comes to an end when Jimi Hendrix dropped out as the opening act for teenybopper sensations The Monkees. The booking of psychedelic rock god Jimi Hendrix with the made-for-television Monkees was the brainchild of …read more
This is my birthday weekend. I picked the photo because I’m losing weight and haven’t had sweets in ages. But this weekend I get to eat a piece of cake. I have many favorites but my all-time fav is regular white cake with white sugar icing. Yummy!
I am having my favorite for dinner on my day, grilled salmon with mushroom rice. Rice is also a treat.
Happy Birthday to all those born under the sign of Cancer.
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you!
I have the greatest memory. From the time I moved out, my grandparents would get on the phone and sing me Happy Birthday at the start of the day. I miss their voices, especially on my birthday.
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.
This is a great repost for those who are being asked to buy a pet.
Many teenagers ask their parents for a dog, and it can be tough to decide as a family whether the time is right to add a canine companion. A dog can be a great way to teach your teenager to be more responsible, but a pet can also help with mental health. By getting a dog, your teen gets to experience the joy of owning and bonding with a true friend.
Pets can be especially beneficial for teens who are struggling with emotional or psychological issues. Many teenagers struggle with their mental health, so the idea of them being helped by owning a dog is worth investigating. For serious problems, professional therapy should be sought, but a dog can help with your teen’s self-care.
Growing Up With A Pet
Your teenage years are a turbulent time. Teenagers often start to pull away from their families at this time, as they search for their own identities, separate from their parents. Caught between childhood and adulthood, many teens struggle to find their place in the world, leading to a sense of confusion.
Many young people lack the skills in coping that they need to deal with troublesome emotions. Sometimes teenagers are left to face these worries alone, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Young people with a pet tend to function better emotionally than those without. Pets give teens a sense of purpose and force them to interact, even at times when they might not feel much like socializing.
Teens who care for an animal build stronger social relationships. Caring for a dog can help teenagers to connect more to their community too. High levels of attachment to a pet can also help teenagers to feel more connected to others, feel more empathy, and have more self-confidence.
If you’re thinking about getting your teen a dog from somewhere like Lucky Labs, then you might want to consider these benefits.
Dogs are easier to hug than a person
A lot of teens aren’t naturally very affectionate, but a pet can help to turn that around. Animals will always demand (and get) attention. It’s much harder for a teenager to ignore an animal seeking attention and expressing their love. This can be very important for teens who aren’t feeling much affection from their peers or are feeling more distant from their parents.
Dogs are all ears during tough times
Many young people don’t feel that adults understand them or what they’re going through. This means they’re likely to bottle up or push down their feelings instead of talking about them, which isn’t helping. A dog can be used as a listening ear, which is a great way to process and put into words any confusing thoughts and emotions that they might be having. After all, dogs are the best listeners.
Dogs melt away stress and anxiety
There are few things as effective as petting an animal for soothing and calming a stressed-out mind. Playing with a dog increases levels of oxytocin, which is a hormone that reduces stress, and decreases cortisol, the stress hormone. Having a pet is good for your physical health too. Owning a pet is associated with a decrease in blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, which all reduce the risk of a heart attack.
Dogs help with socialization and communication
Owning a dog can help young people to enhance their social skills, which is especially useful for teenagers with autism. Animals help young people to feel more assertive and increase their confidence when they interact with other people. Having a dog gives your teen something to talk about if they get stuck for conversation, and also acts as a way of getting people to engage with them in social situations.
Having a dog can also help you to meet new people and start conversations, something which teenagers can struggle to do. Many teens are caught up in social interactions online, whereas a dog is a great ice breaker for real-life social situations. People always want to stop and talk to a dog.
Dogs are always by your side
A dog is always there for you, even when things are at their hardest. People can come and go in life, but a dog is loyal and with you through every step. A dog can help to fight feelings of depression and anxiety as they provide companionship. Owning a dog can have a positive impact on a person’s self-esteem, as well as other psychological benefits such as lessening feelings of loneliness and helping someone to become less introverted.
Dogs provide structure
Dogs are a great way to teach a teen to be more responsible and are also a good way of adding structure. The structure is helpful for teenagers who may be feeling adrift from their normal life. No matter how disconnected you feel, a dog will still need you to be up and ready to take it for a walk at least once a day. A dog can help to fight the urge to stay in all day when you feel down, which is an urge that teenagers can often fall victim to.
Dogs make your brain release the love chemical
Spending time with a dog releases the hormone oxytocin, sometimes known as the love chemical. This hormone plays a part in bonding and trust, as well as reducing stress. This feeling of being bonded to your dog can be very beneficial to a young person who is suffering from PTSD, anxiety, or depression.
Dogs also help you to release endorphins. Just seeing a dog can trigger your brain into releasing these endorphins, which are natural anti-depressants. Even when you’re doing the jobs that are a less pleasant part of dog-owning, like cleaning up after them, you’ll feel more positive just by having the dog around.
Dogs can help against allergies and asthma
Children who grow up in homes with dogs or other furry pets are less likely to develop common allergies. Children who are exposed to dogs and cats are a lot less likely to develop allergies such as dust, grass, ragweed, and pet allergies, and are at a lower risk of asthma. Allergies can make people become lethargic, apathetic, and struggle with insomnia. These problems make young people more vulnerable to mental health struggles, like depression.
Dogs make you laugh
Dogs can be very funny companions and are bound to make you laugh every day. Whether they’re being clumsy, adorable, or silly, your dog will cheer your teen up by making them laugh. Laughter is one of the best forms of stress relief.
Owning a dog can be very positive for people of all ages. If your teenager is begging you for a dog, it’s worth thinking about all the ways that they might benefit from dog ownership. Dogs are good for mental and physical health, as well as teaching your teenager to be more responsible and social. If you think your teenager is ready for the responsibility of owning an animal, the benefits could make the decision for you. Just remember that a dog is a big commitment, and you should be certain that your child is capable of providing the care that a dog will need. Agree in advance how much responsibility you as the parent will have, such as feeding and bathing. Choose a breed that suits your home and lifestyle, and prepare to see a real change in your teenager and the way they feel.
It’s time to gear up for Amazon Prime days, two days of the greatest discounts Amazon has to offer. You will find deals up to 75% off on a huge selection of products. When money is tight the thrifty get shopping for deals.
You can only get these deals if you’re a Prime member but the membership fee will pay for itself if you buy just a few items during Prime. We’ve been Amazon Prime members for years and I can tell you that what we save in free shipping more than pays for our membership many times over.
We also have an Amazon credit card that pays you back, I think it’s 3% on purchases. So we get free two-day shipping and cash back. We buy more at Amazon than anywhere, it’s too convenient.
Another good idea is to go do your wishlist shopping today and put on the wishlist function to save you time during the sale. Amazon brands will play heavily in the sale, some great low prices on electronics.
Moving is always stressful, there’s no way around that. Every step of the process, from selling your property to settling into your new home involves one anxiety or another, but the good news is that you can make it go more smoothly by stepping back and taking some time to plan things out.
As soon as you know that you’ll be moving house, you should start planning for moving day. If you’re moving somewhere that may present difficulties, then you need to plan ahead accordingly. For example, moving to a high-rise apartment will create challenges such as navigating the limited space in your new home.
Other potential complications could occur if you’re moving to a new country. You will have to navigate different rules and regulations and make sure that you familiarize yourself with how buying/renting a house works in the new country, as well as the logistics of moving there.
Packing
Preparation also helps when it comes to packing. Rather than leaving everything to the last minute, it’s best to start packing when you have a moving date in mind. This also gives you an opportunity to sort through your belongings and decide what you need to keep or what can be thrown away. Moving is always a good time to clear out your things.
Pack up non-essential items first. You can store them in boxes in your home, but many people chose to use a self-storage service to get things out of the way. This also gives you a safe place to stash them and makes things easier on moving days.
The sooner you start packing, the quicker and less stressful the moving day will be. If you can have most things packed away before you make the move, then all you have to do is shift the furniture and a few things that you had to keep with you.
Hire a Mover
Moving to another home typically involves moving large objects, like furniture, from one place to another. While you may be able to fit some things in your car, your furniture will prove more tricky.
This is where hiring a local removalist comes in handy. Movers have a van capable of transporting plenty of large furniture, and they also have the skill to move it safely and efficiently. A mover can also pick up your things from storage services and makes a stressful house move far easier to cope with.
Unpacking and Cleaning
Once everything is in your new house, it’s tempted to crash there and then. However, you won’t be able to settle down and relax until you’re completely unpacked. Work room by room, starting with vital rooms and large items.
Once all the furniture is in place, you can clean up and work with your smaller items. You might not be able to get everything sorted out the day you move in, but it’s best to get at least a couple of rooms done as soon as possible.
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week I highlight a new blogger, This is me.
Hey there! Here with a plan of finally living life to the fullest.
Lets make My Story start here
Learning to face toward God rather than the past
I have a story to tell. It may help others who have experienced similar situations. But first I have to go on this journey. A journey where I figure this out. How to navigate my story and to understand it. Understand why this is even my story. Why did I have to go through what I went through? Where was God during all of this? What does he want me to do with it? I don’t want to miss any cues as to what He has planned. Where will my story go?
I’m a bit under the weather so no Today in History but I wanted to send some sunshine so here’s a photo of my Wandering Purple Jew Ivy. It loves this hot weather and is thriving.
I hope you’ve had a great day and weekend. Be back tomorrow with Blogger Highlight.
Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “make a note.” Do with it what you will. Have fun!
I have two thoughts that quickly come to mind. The first is “take a note”, reminds me of a time before computers in the office and the receptionist would write your caller information down on a pink piece of paper. That was the time for typewriters, which they taught in my high school.
The second it “take a note” reminds me of post-it notes, I had them everywhere in my office, purse, briefcase, and pockets. They mostly came in yellow then, long before vivid colored ones. In business, we relied on them like gold. I even have a few bookmark-size ones inside my desk.
The good ole days!
Melinda
Here are the rules:
1. Your post must be stream of consciousness writing, meaning no editing (typos can be fixed), and minimal planning on what you’re going to write.
2. Your post can be as long or as short as you want it to be. One sentence – one thousand words. Fact, fiction, poetry – it doesn’t matter. Just let the words carry you along until you’re ready to stop.
3. I will post the prompt here on my blog every Friday, along with a reminder for you to join in. The prompt will be one random thing, but it will not be a particular subject. For instance, I will not say “Write about dogs”; the prompt will be more like, “Make your first sentence a question,” “Begin with the word ‘The,’” or will simply be a single word to get you started.
4. Ping back! It’s important, so that I and other people can come and read your post! For example, in your post you can write “This post is part of SoCS:” and then copy and paste the URL found in your address bar at the top of this post into yours. Your link will show up in my comments for everyone to see. The most recent pingbacks will be found at the top. NOTE: Pingbacks only work from WordPress sites. If you’re self-hosted or are participating from another host, such as Blogger, please leave a link to your post in the comments below.
5. Read at least one other person’s blog who has linked back their post. Even better, read all of them! If you’re the first person to link back, you can check back later or go to the previous week by following my category, “Stream of Consciousness Saturday,” which you’ll find below the “Like” button on my post.
6. Copy and paste the rules (if you’d like to) in your post. The more people who join in, the more new bloggers you’ll meet and the bigger your community will get!
7. As a suggestion, tag your post “SoCS” and/or “#SoCS” for more exposure and more views.
8. Have fun!
For more streams, rules, and tips for Stream of Consciousness Saturday, visit our host, Linda at:
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.
According to a recent study, “we produce up to 50,000 thoughts a day and 70% to 80% of those are negative”. While this may not seem like a major issue (especially if everyone is doing this), negativity takes up more space in our lives than it deserves. After all, a negative mindset impacts our lives in more ways than one and often takes its toll on our mental well-being too.
With that in mind, here are some top tips that you can use to combat negative thinking.
Ask Yourself: Do I really feel that way? Negative thoughts are vindictive – they try to trick us into believing our worst thoughts about ourselves (and others) are true. As a result, whenever you find your mind slipping into negativity, question it immediately. For example, if you’ve fallen out of love with your reflection in the mirror, ask yourself whether you feel that way, or if society (or societal standards) has tried to make you feel that way. Remember that you are beautiful just the way you are – and tell yourself this several times a day.
Seek professional help. As evidenced above, negative thinking is not uncommon. However, when it consumes your every waking moment, you may want to consider reaching out to a professional who can help you find a healthier way to process your feelings. For example, psychologists will not only help you develop a more positive mindset, but they will also be able to help you get to the root of these feelings, figuring out why you may feel that way in the first place. When we can find the cause of our feelings, we can start a new chapter in our lives. Furthermore, this will help you to develop a range of coping techniques and mechanisms that you can utilize whenever negativity seeps into your daily life.
Practice mediation. Mediation is another excellent technique that you can rely on when it comes to adopting a more positive mindset, due to the fact that it’s often associated with greater emotional clarity and mental wellbeing. As such, you should try to find a way into meditation, even if you’ve found it difficult in the past. Remember, meditation doesn’t necessarily mean you have to follow a lengthy tape and try different breathing exercises. Sitting in quiet contemplation can also be a great way to collect your feelings.
Repeat positive affirmations in the mirror. Negative thinking is often linked with low self-esteem, due to the fact that negative thoughts will slowly chip away at your confidence. Repeating positive affirmations out loud to yourself can, therefore, be a great way to escape this vicious circle. Each time you find yourself thinking negatively about yourself, be that regarding your looks, intelligence or personality, immediately say three positive things about yourself out loud. While this may not seem all that fruitful, it tricks your brain into becoming gradually more positive and helps you to be kinder to yourself as you realize just how great you truly are.
lookingforthelight.blog 