HOPE FOR ALL
1. Think about what you need most, and then do it. Is it a cup of tea, a brisk walk, some downtime, quiet music, a little rest, or reading inspirational literature? Whatever it is, grant yourself permission to do it, even for just a few minutes. If you're at work, take a "care-break" where you take care of you for a moment.
2. Light a candle and pray, meditate or reflect. Just silently reflecting in front of a lit candle is extremely nurturing and healing. This may be the one time of day when you feel connected to your own soul, and something larger. Don't skip this step --- it's very powerful.
3. Over saturation with news right now is detrimental to emotional health. If you read the newspaper in the morning, let that be enough. You don't need to turn on the TV or radio too, especially before bed. Consider putting a complete moratorium on news at least once a week. Anything you missed will be there tomorrow.
4. Be vigilant in looking for things and people to appreciate. What if today was the last day of your life? How would you want to live it? Ask yourself this question throughout the day. It will help you let go of the countless petty annoyances that tend to throw most of us off balance. Shift your gaze to appreciation. Who and what are you grateful for?
5. Every morning, afternoon and night, take a 30-second break to look at the sky, breathe deeply and offer thanks. Even though the world has its problems, the sun still rises in the sky each morning, and we're awake and alive when we get out of bed. Let the sky be a touchstone to hope. Think of other people around the world as you look at the sky, and know that we all share this planet together. Among all of us, we have the ability to create solutions to the problems that now exist.
6. Hugs, words, notes, acts of kindness --- be indiscriminately generous with all of them. Surprise a friend with a hug. Hug and kiss your kids longer and with deeper feeling. If you like how the clerk treated you in the store, thank her. Leave your partner small notes expressing gratitude for kind acts. Doing all of this adds warmth and positive energy to our lives and the lives of people around us. It's also very comforting both to the giver and receiver of each loving act.
7. Say this affirmation every day and see where it leads you: "I am the key to peace." Most of us believe, erroneously, that peace will come from people or institutions much larger than we. Just the opposite is true. Peace starts with everyone. It is critical that we each create peace in the small and large moments of our lives. We must live it in our words and actions rather than giving in to fear, hatred, or resignation.
8. Reach out beyond your normal scope. This is your opportunity to live your greatest promise, highest self. Don't wait. Each time we make a difference in the lives of others, we create hope in ourselves. By reaching out to someone in need we add a little more peace and hope to the world. Our accumulated gestures of care and compassion will ultimately transform our lives and the lives of others.
I found these 8 "Suggestions" to be very beneficial to me. I hope you find it as well. As always, I encourage you to comment on my posts. Its the only way we are going to learn from each other.
Ernie
954-213-3923
www.beatyouraddictionnow.com