Three Things I Take For Granted

Yesterday, my oldest daughter and I were shopping, and I jokingly said, "let's hold hands". Of course she just laughed and politely said No.  But I was thinking how just the other day she was so little and she held my hand all the time.  So, this morning, I fixed my 5 year old some oatmeal. After she finished eating, I needed to get her dressed for school, so I took her by the hand and led her from the kitchen table over to the couch where her clothes were.  It only took about 7 seconds to do that, but in those 7 seconds, I felt her little hand in mine and it occurred to me how I take that for granted.  There weren't any cars around or strangers; I didn't need to hold her hand and she didn't need to hold mine.  But it was just automatic that I reached for her hand and she willingly took mine.  I enjoyed that 7 second walk so much this morning.  I don't ever want to take those hand holding moments for granted, because I know I'm gonna blink a few times and she will be all grown up and we won't hold hands anymore......So I'm gonna take every opportunity to hold her hand even if it's only for a few seconds.

The second thing I know I take for granted is a peaceful home.  On most days you can find Curious George playing quietly on the T.V., and an Ipod playing not so quietly from upstairs.  No one is yelling, things are organized, and we all work in sync together.  Yesterday, however, we had a mini-meltdown in the van on the way home from church. Yes, that's right..we had just been to church hearing about how to love each other the way Jesus loved people, etc. etc. But things were just out of whack for us and by the time we pulled into the driveway, which was only about a 10 minute drive, there were tears and everyone was upset with each other.  Of course, by the end of the day everything was fine. This morning, Curious George was playing quietly downstairs, and music was coming from upstairs, and I had my coffee in hand and getting things together for the day; peacefully.  I don't like it when those Out-of-Whack days happen, but it did make me realize that I take my peaceful home for granted.  Now, everyone is gone to work and to school.  I have jazz playing softly and there is a gentle hum of the dryer while I am typing.  I like the peaceful aspect a whole lot better!

The third thing that I know I take for granted is the kindness of people.  Just the little things that they do.  This morning we went by the Kolache shop.  As I was walking up, a lady was walking back out to her car and she smiled and said good morning.  I returned the smile and greeting.  Then after I had made my purchase and was headed toward the door, a young man around 13 stopped and waited for me and held the door open for me as I was exiting.  I know there is a lot wrong in our country and a lot of really bad people and junk that happens daily...but, there is a lot of good also!  Just within the 5 minute span that it took me to get kolaches, I had 2 people use their kindness toward me.  And zero people cursed at me, or slammed a door in front of my face, or stuck their tongue out at me......no one.  I take the kindness of people for granted, but I will try very hard not to anymore.  I want to look for the good in people and appreciate their efforts. 

There are many other things I take for granted and I could go on and on.  But these are the 3 things that occurred to me this morning.  You have to start somewhere.....I'm starting with these, today, and I will enjoy this life I've been given!

What exactly is laughter?

When I think about laughter, I think of many things.  That feeling that comes upon you and overpowers you in such a unique way. Like in the middle of church when something funny happens, and you know you can't laugh out loud...so you just try to hold it in, but then your eye catches your friend's eye and both of your bodies start shaking because you can't make any noise, but you can't control the laughter.  Or when it's midnight and you're on a road trip and someone says or does something that on any other given day would not be funny at all; but the laughter begins and you can barely catch your breath because you can't stop laughing.

I love these moments.  It usually doesn't happen everyday in such a huge way, but when it happens it's wonderful! Laughter releases a chemical in our brain called "endorphins".  Endorphins have many wonderful benefits: relieves stress and pain, and acts as a mood enhancer.  I love endorphins.

Sometimes a funny show can make you laugh; many times the things our kids say can make us laugh.  If you can find something to laugh about, you will be doing your health a favor! Seek out things, experiences, and people that can make you laugh.  Any of my close friends would know this fact about me--I love to play pranks.  I get WAY more enjoyment out of it than the people being pranked...but it allows my brain to release some endorphins...and endorphins are good!

Make today good....play a "nice" prank on someone....find a comedian who makes you LOL, and see the difference it makes in your overall emotions! Happy thoughts everyone! :)

Power of Words

Did you ever think..."I'd like to tell him a thing or two!"....or, "If they were standing right in front of me, I would tell them how I feel!"  Isn't it interesting how the things that we say can make or break someone's day?

A few weeks ago, I had arranged something with another psyc instructor for a day when I was going to be out of the classroom.  Somehow, the review sheet that was supposed to be for my class, ended up getting misplaced.  No big deal.......however, I was sent an email from a 3rd party pretty much reprimanding me for not having these review sheets in the proper place.  After I read that email (even though it wasn't my fault) I just felt "bad"; like someone had taken a pin and popped my "good mood bubble".  I spent most of the rest of the day feeling defeated.  Over what? Someone's words to me.  Words that didn't even need to be said, and which could have been said in such a nicer way.

So, today....I have been talking to friends and co-workers and I have received some very nice words.  One of my friends called me "super woman".....I needed to hear that! Because sometimes I feel like I'm running around putting out fires, meeting deadlines, making sure lunches get made and bills get paid.......but I don't always feel like "super woman". So, for her to point that out was quite a boost to my demeanor!

Another friend left me a voice mail saying that she was thinking about me and just said a prayer for me! Wow......to be a thought in someone's brain for no particular reason is incredible!

Finally, someone told me that my children are so well behaved and they wished all children could be like them.  Talk about a compliment! I think as a parent, that is one of the best things you can hear; people complimenting your children.  Not because of anything in particular I have done, but through prayers and God's guidance I hope I have been the best parent I can be.

Our words are SO powerful!!  Think how you feel when someone says to you....."I've been looking over this data, and I think you have screwed up somewhere.".....and then think how it feels when someone says to you..."I think you are so awesome and incredible and I just wanted you to know!".....I like the latter.  So, before you say something to someone...think about what  Power you hold and choose to lift someone up today instead of tear them down. :))