Sunday, January 18, 2009

Tips for a Better Life 2009

My focus has been away from my computer this last week as I'm writing my final honours criminology exam on Friday. It's somewhat tough learning while looking after children too, but fortunately the lecturer has told me which two topics to study so that has helped hugely and shortened my preparation time considerably.

I got an email this week from my American 'mom' Evie Read -- I stayed with the Read's as an exchange student after I finished school. There are some really wonderful ideas in this, and I thought this is a great email to share with others, and one that I should read again in the coming months.

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant. [I liked this one especially as I'm hoping to walk with the children to school in the morning, and I'll have the walk back on my own after dropping them off]

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.

3. Buy a DVR and tape your late night shows and get more sleep.

4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to __________ today.' [This reminded me of Andrea who talks about those living in a new country needing to be strong and giving oneself a pep talk every now and again]

5. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.

6. Play more games and read more books than you did in 2008.

7. Make time to practice meditation and/or prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.

8. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6. [Do you think your own children count?!]

9. Dream more while you are awake.

10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured IN plants.

11. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon [not sure how well that will fit into the budget!], broccoli, almonds, & walnuts.

12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

13. Clear clutter from your house, your car, your desk, and let new and flowing energy into your life. [This feels especially appropriate as we start our new life in Australia]

14. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, or issues of the past, negative thoughts, or things you cannot control. Instead, invest your energy in the positive present moment.

15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class, but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card. [That made me laugh]

17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the NEGATIVE BLUES away.

18. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

22. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

23. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

24. No one is in charge of your happiness except you. [Especially appropriate!]

25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?' [That's a good one]

26. Forgive everyone for everything.

27. What other people think of you is none of your business.

29. However good or bad a situation is, it will change. [Reminded me of someone I met this morning who has been in Australia for about 5 years. She said the first year was the absolute worst, but it really does get better after that]

30. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

31. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful, or joyful.

32. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

33. The best is yet to come. [I like that]

34. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and show up. [There's Andrea again!]

35. Do the right thing!

36. Call your family often. (Or e-mail them to death!) [Or put it on your blog and hope they'll go and read it regularly!]

37. Each night before you go to bed, complete the following statements: I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________. [Definitely something to keep us going during these challenging times]

38. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

39. Enjoy the ride. Remember this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life, so make the most of it and enjoy the ride. [I like that]

40. Share this with those you care about. I just did. May your troubles be less. May your blessings be more. May nothing but happiness come through your door!

2 comments:

Andrea said...

WOW WOW WOW....I am "stealing" this to post on my blog straight away....what an inspiration.

Thanks for that!!!

xxx
A

linda andrew said...

hi there this is linda andrew - not sure you remember me - cayne and your hubby also know each other. well i am loving your blog - thanks - you are welcome to visit mine - www.andrewsinweston@blogspot.com

we have been in the UK since march - can you believe it !!! loving the new world we are in - settling into a new culture is challenging but it is choice hey - we chose this and we wanted it so we will make it happen

please send love to your hubby from mine

chat soon, linda