There are things that I think we should do everyday...not big things but small things, doable, and real. Why? Because big elephants need to be eaten one bite at a time. When we look at the whole, we become discouraged and stuck. Think about these small things. This is an invitation to link to this post in the comments with your blog post about your 5 things:
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There is a blog called 5 Things to do Today. I should give credit where credit is due...the writer of 5 Things to do Today inspired me!
Interesting pdf file (put text in Google search): (Spirituality and health: What we know, what we need to know Linda K George; David B Larsons; Harold G Koeing; Michael E McCullough
Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology; Spring 2000; 19, 1; Psychology Module)
- Savor waking up every morning. Have you ever thought about the miracle of sleeping and waking every day of your life? It is one of the most amazing things. Begin each day slowly, savoring the joy of being awake to greet the day.
- Walk fast for a little distance. Time is no problem because a short distance can take a matter of seconds. Who knows, if you begin with a very short fast walk, you may find yourself walking fast for a little longer each day. Don't pay attention to how long or far...just walk until you are done and then be done!
- Smile at someone. Is there a scientific reason we should smile? I don't know nor do I care. I just know that it is something we need to do everyday. The more the better.
- Be a little grateful. Not to much because I do know that too much forced gratitude will dilute the quality of your thoughts. Focus.
- Make yourself shine...the very old saw cleanliness is next to godliness may be true. Take the time to wash and brush and reflect on the wonder of the vessel given to you that you may live another day.
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| My Garden and Sanctuary |
- Savoring Morning sets the tone for the whole day, each and every day. I personally make myself sit up and hold a cup of hot liquid in my hand, sipping myself awake each and everyday. It is not a task to do or a time for prayer. It is savoring the time of day. I am more creative, happier and rested when I start the day. When I was working I would do this each morning for just ten minutes. By the time I climbed out of my bed I was ready to face the day with joy.
- Walking Exercise is important. We all know that BUT when it becomes onerous and time consuming, it weighs on our minds and soul. But a short fast walk? We can all do that everyday. Exercise is like a good book in that we need to start at the beginning to appreciate and love it.
- Smiling Human contact is one of those things we need to remain alive. When denied human love, babies actually die. Talking care of basic human needs will not keep them alive. Smile at a human, talk to a human, be alive.
- Gratitude The reason I think that a the focus for our gratitude is important has come to me over a long period of time. Have you noticed that when you say "thank you" to a friend for a kind deed, the thank you is more meaningful the first time than after you have said it 10 times? Gratitude is like that. One or two thoughts of gratitude are enough for one day...at least for me. Then I try to focus on those thoughts.
- Cleanliness...it can help Clean teeth actually helps your mental functioning. Frequent hand washing keeps disease away and so on. I want to add to that list. I think that people that live long value their life and the body they are given. Beyond breathing and eating which are not choices in our daily life, up lifting daily habits result in a quality life. (Information from 17 Day Plan to Stop Aging (review here), Dr. Mike Moreno)
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Note: The 17 Day Plan to Stop Aging
(available on Amazon)
I reviewed this book on Blog Critics recently. The book is jam packed with so much information. The book reinforced the daily habits listed above. I received the book as a gift from Free Press
(available on Amazon)There is a blog called 5 Things to do Today. I should give credit where credit is due...the writer of 5 Things to do Today inspired me!
Interesting pdf file (put text in Google search): (Spirituality and health: What we know, what we need to know Linda K George; David B Larsons; Harold G Koeing; Michael E McCullough
Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology; Spring 2000; 19, 1; Psychology Module)
This will be a wonderful thought exercise even if I don't write about five things. It will help me notice, and I think noticing is ever more important.
ReplyDeleteIt is finally cooling off enough in the early morning that Betty and I can enjoy coffee (tea for her) and breakfast on the back porch. I miss starting the day that way.
ReplyDeleteOur good friend Galen Pearl's new book has chapters on gratitude and on smiling at others. These are such simple activites with such positive payoff.
Great list, Barb. Your back porch is a beautiful place to spend time.
thank you June. Yes., I agree that notice is very important.
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I would expect Galen to understand and talk about such thngs. It is the little things that make such a difference.
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I love the advice where you say to walk faster even if it's for a very short distance.
ReplyDeleteIt is true that it picks you up and gives you more energy.
Glad you visited by blog.
Marie
Poutine on Squidoo
Marie,
ReplyDeleteOne of the things that gives me great pleasure every day is visiting people like you, if only online. Keep coming back. I love to have your company.
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