Holiday Thoughts

Beautiful thoughts for this season. See them here: Lasting Happiness

8 Sleep Myths

Sleep deprivation adversely effects us in a whole variety of ways. Too many of us in these days of endless activities, long work schedules, physical tension and emotional stress often fail to get enough sleep. Our bodies remain in a perpetual state of weariness. Here are some common myths about sleep that may help you get a better night of sleep. 8 Sleep Myths | Yahoo! Health

The stronger pull...

“Let yourself be silently drawn by the stronger pull of that which you really love.” ~ Rumi, Persian Poet

Yoga for an Ache-Free Winter

Easy yoga moves that don't take long and will help protect you from winter aches, pains, and stiffness. Try them out! Yoga for an Ache-Free Winter

What is success, really?

“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” ~ Albert Schweitzer

How to Stay Flu-Free for the Holidays

This all sounds a bit extreme to me, sort of like we can't really have human contact any longer without conscious rules of guarding ourselves against germs. But the flu is nothing to laugh at so maybe all of these tips are necessary. See what you think: How to Stay Flu-Free for the Holidays - Health News - Health.com

We are all here for a reason

"I'd imagine the whole world was one big machine. Machines never come with any extra parts, you know. They always come with the exact amount they need. So I figured, if the entire world was one big machine, I couldn't be an extra part. I had to be here for some reason." ~ Hugo Cabret, from the movie "Hugo"

The sometimes drain of always giving to others

Encouragement needs to be reciprocal.  If you are always encouraging, affirming, supporting, giving pats on the back, but never receiving any of your own, then it's easy to wear down and begin to feel emotionally depleted.

We don't encourage others just so we can be praised for it or told how great we are.  We do it because we care, we love, we empathize, we identify, and because we want something good for that person.

But caregivers, people who give of themselves to others, also need their own good feelings of affirmation, acceptance, and appreciation.

Find ways to be available to good feelings of acceptance, appreciation, and gratitude for who you are, how you give of yourself to others, and for the love you share.  Be with those who offer these affirmations to you.  Be open to the generosity and care of others.  Freely accept smiles, warm embraces, encouraging words, loving touches, and grace from the friends and people who love and appreciate you.

Be willing to treat yourself in ways that fulfill some of your own needs for acknowledgement and care.

© 2011 Timothy Moody