Niceness Counts

~ Liquid Sunshine ~by ViaMoi

I was reading a kindness newsletter from Help.Others.org earlier.  It reminds again of the importance of kindness.  It’s amazing how making someone else feel better makes you feel better too.

There are lots of ways to be kind. You can give a compliment, bake brownies, or offer to help with a task someone else struggles with.  You can do a chore for a friend or give a stranger a gift.  Hand out flowers, share a hug, or simply listen to someone who needs it.

A simple smile and hello go a long, long way. Just today there were some people at work who were sick.  They were tired, withdrawn and quiet because they didn’t feel good.  Just smiling at them and joking around lifted their moods for a while.  It couldn’t make the pain go away, but it helped them forget about it for a moment.

Niceness counts too.  Especially at work, where it is sometimes unexpected. Saying good morning, acknowledging help with a thank you, or giving praise for a good job, all increase positive feelings.  Sharing a smile, good news, and funny stories are all helpful to building good relationships at work.

Niceness is wonderful at home too.  Have you ever known someone who didn’t want to hear how much you love them? A kiss or hug when you walk in the door is welcoming.  Turning off the TV or muting the volume while you listen to your spouse shows them you care about them and how they feel.

Kindness and the power of being nice make the day so much more smoother and happier, it’s a wonder I don’t do it every day. On a really good day I can even make someone I don’t like happy.  On a bad day, helping a friend smile or feel cared for makes me feel needed, which gives me a reason to keep going.

So why don’t I always wear my rose-colored glasses?  I don’t know. Life gets in the way.  I get “busy.”  That terrible 4-letter word that means I stop paying attention to myself and those around me, and miss golden opportunities to make life better. But that’s why I’m sharing.  Today just reading about the kindness of strangers made me feel more optimistic.  Then I listened to a friend and gave out some smiles and compliments.  Soon my mood was much improved.  It was a subtle reminder of the power of kindness.  Niceness adds a bit more beauty and joy into the world.  And we could all use more of that.

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The Funny Thing About Colds.

Funny Girl by Lanamaniac

I’m not in the mood to work.  Today is one of those days.  When you just don’t want to do what it is you have to do. I just got back from vacation on Wednesday.  I only worked a ½ day so I could ease myself back into the work frame of mind.  Good thing too – I couldn’t remember passwords, sign-ons and other important info.  And I was only gone for a week!  (Can you tell I had a relaxing vacation?  I’m really good at leaving work at the office.)

My husband got sick though and I got part of his cold.  I have a partial cough that is just tickling my throat enough to bother me when I want to talk.  I started having coughing fits.  So I said “Work makes me sick!”  Ha-ha-ha.  At least it made me laugh.

Then I was walking through the hall and I was clearing my throat and my boss said “Oh  – you caught me!” She was eating chips and salsa at her desk because she had a full-blown case of the munchies.  She thought I was clearing my throat about her bag full of chips and jar of salsa.  I had to tell her that it wasn’t about her eating habits. I’m glad my cold could provide some good entertainment.

Then I got a major case of the giggles.  I blame it on the after-effects of the cold medicine I took. Because I was laughing about emails.  Work emails.  I emailed a coworker for the status of something, and she sent back 5 emails, my 1^st issue plus 4 other issues.  For some reason that just hit me funny.  I started talking to myself saying “No wonder I don’t like emailing you.  I just want one quick answer and you give me tons of work to do.”  The really funny part is another co-worker thought I was talking to her and started asked me what I said.  Then I really had to chuckle.

Have you ever laughed when someone else had a coughing fit? Sometimes they try to talk and every time they open their mouth it just causes them to cough and cough.  As soon as they stop, they stop coughing.  I guess since I laughed at my husband having that problem, it’s only fair that it happened to me today.

Who knew being sick could be so fun?  I don’t think I would have enjoyed the humor if I felt worse, but it’s nice to know a cold can make you laugh.  Any time laughter can make life easier to bear, it’s a good day.

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Blurry Vision and Eye Exercises

Blurry Vision by EDUYANI

 

I work on a computer 8 hours a day.  My favorite hobby is reading, and I like to watch TV, and draw as well.  All of these activities involve lots of close-up work which stresses my eyes.

 

The biggest problem I have lately is blurry vision.  My right eye recently was diagnosed with astigmatism, which basically means I have slightly blurry vision in that eye even with the correct contact lens.

 

There are lots of exercises you can do to help your eye focus better, improving sharpness and agility of the eyes. For instance, my eyes stay generally fixed straight ahead generally in the middle of my sight line.  Therefore if I move my eyes right, left, up or down, I notice blurry, unfocused areas in my sight.

Flexiblity is one key to better vision. Moving your eyes around during the day will gradually help you see clearer.  Move your eyes to the right without moving your head, you will see a slight blurry area.  Let your eyes adjust to the movement until the area comes in more clearly.  Then move in a new direction.  Repeat several times in each direction – right, left, up and down. Whenever I get a chance I like to cloud watch.  Staring at a blue sky watching white clouds will help you see floaters, blurriness or other vision errors.  Movement helps eye muscles stay in shape.

Eye circles improve your peripheral focus, helping you expand and stretch your field of vison. When you’re ready to start, move your eyes in a slow circle letting each area come into clear focus before moving on.  Imagine a clock face, start at 12 and move to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12.  Take a break and look at the middle of the clock to rest your eyes if you feel tired.  Repeat this 3-4 times, than do circles in the opposite direction.

 

Far/Near focusing also helps visual acuity. By focusing on a far object, say a calendar, then a near object, such a pencil, it will help your eyes quickly and easily adjust to changing conditions and improve your central vision.  Magic Eye 3-D is a great exercise to help your eyes adjust.  You focus on the image within the image.

 

The key to good eye health is using them properly. If you don’t move your eyes often, they will feel stiff and seem blurry when you do eye exercises.  Closing your eyes for a minute 3-4 times a day will help relieve dryness and sore eyes. Changing focus, reading in good light and resting your eyes are all healthy habits.   Now if only I can remember to take my own advice each day.  Good luck!

Web sites:

• Fun Eye Exercises anytime
• Improve Vision Naturally
• Magic Eye 3-D

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Express Your Silly Self.

Tattoo Clown Man In Funny Glasses
Originally uploaded by Pink Sherbet Photography

I often fear letting people see the inner me. There are so many critics out there – -and I already have plenty in my own head.  I find I have many fears; looking stupid, making a mistake that could cost me – money, friendship, or an opportunity, or missing out on something better.

 

Recently I started drawing again.  For me that basically means copying other people’s ideas.  I have very little drawing skill yet, and I’ve done no formal training, but I love cartoons and always wanted to draw my own.  I also loving coloring just for the sake of coloring.  The colors, the rhythm of crayons or colored pencils across the paper is relaxing to me.

 

I find showing people my drawings fairly embarrassing.  While I might know that I’ve already progressed bit by bit into cleaner lines, others may see my attempts as immature and weak.  I know that each day I draw I get better, but when the comments begin “What exactly is that supposed to be?” I do get a bit flushed in the face.

 

I also like to sing and dance although I’m not very good at either.  But since I’ve been practicing letting go of my fears I’ve found that with practice those get better too.  Not that I can leave my day job in this lifetime, but at least my voice stays in tune a little better and I only fall on my butt once instead of three times.

 

Honestly, I wish they taught us these things in school.  Like, it’s okay to make mistakes – it means you’re learning. And you can’t be great at something if you’ve never done it before.  It takes practice, that’s all.  And why not teach us that being different is not only okay, but possibly necessary for our sanity.

 

Just like different have different tastes – my husband loves pumpkin pie while I prefer cherry for instance, we all have different ways of expressing ourselves. I love to read books, meditate and watch cartoons.  Friends of mine often haven’t picked up a book in years and find cartoons childish.  That’s fine, I’m not a big fan of shopping and I don’t like math.  To each their own.

 

All I know is when I do all those wacky, strange, crazy things I love, it makes me smile. The smile often turns into laughter.  After a few minutes, I find I feel more energized and peaceful.  These activities entertain me and break up boredom, frustration and put me in a better mood.  You can’t ask for better than that.

 

So next time somebody asks you why you’re being so silly, just tell them “That’s me, that’s just how I roll.”  Enjoying your passions and having as much as you can fit in your day are the best ways I know to have a satisfying life. Being yourself is totally worth it.

 

Here’s a few more things I love; rock collecting (crystals and fossils), ghosts and the paranormal, movie nights, visiting the library, going to the flea market, dogs, kids playing, walking in the woods and surfing the Internet.  What DO YOU LOVE?

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Thursday Thoughts

Soap Film – EXPLORED! #15
Originally uploaded by ..MisDan..slooooowly catching up

Random thoughts on Thursday. . .

I love being unique, but sometimes I hate the fact that not many people get me. I can crack myself up with movie quotes, crazy rhymes, nicknames or just random silliness. Most people at work look at me like I’m crazy. Even friends who know me sometimes give me that wide-eyed look of “What is she going on about now?”

There’s a great quote that just tickles my funny bone. However when I used it the other day my coworkers were like “What TV show? Do you even have any kids?” No guys – you don’t need kids to enjoy cartoons. Do you know that many cartoons have more creative dialogue than the top-rated sitcoms? Hence one of the reasons I like cartoons. (Well, that and King Julien – he rules!)

“Whatever floats your root beer.”  – Zookeeper on Penguins of Madagascar cartoon

My random wandering is my pathway to creativity. Take my Teddy Bear Day poem the other day. That simply came about because I have a wacky holiday calendar posted at my office. I drew a teddy bear (badly) on a piece of paper, then started thinking of Teddy Bear rhymes. That lead me to the poem. Simple. Fun. Most of my friends didn’t even realize I made it up – they thought I copied it or something. Which is kind of flattering, but sometimes feels insulting. Don’t they know me well enough to recognize my stuff? Especially when my email says – sorry this is late, I just thought it up today.

Too bad all those experts aren’t right. If it was easy to make money being creative I’d be self-employed by now. Each time I’ve tried to focus it, it hasn’t worked out. I keep plugging along hopping that sooner or later I’ll figure it out and be able to live my dream of working for myself.

“I did nothing, absolutely nothing. And it was everything I dreamed it could be. – Peter Gibbons, Office Space.

Here’s wishing you a Thrilling Thursday and the chance to live your dreams!

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Teddy Bear Day!

Originally uploaded by *brynne

Technically Teddy Bear Day was yesterday, on the 9th, but since I didn’t think up this poem until today, I’m calling a Do-Over and celebrating now. So here goes:

National Teddy Bear Day
Teddy bears are always nice, and never –ever rude
They spread love and laughter and a happy attitude

Teddy bears are always humble, they never brag and boast
And they’ll never tell a secret, or steal your piece of toast

Teddy bears and warm and snuggly, they’re dear to our heart
They love to meet all our friends, and I’ve yet to hear one fart

Teddy bears come in every shape and size
And each one is perfect in their owner’s eyes

Better than any warrior, Teddy bears are courageous
Their kind-hearted, joyful nature is a bit contagious

Through every storm in life, they’ll help you get through
And all they ask in return, is a little love from you.

Have you hugged your Teddy Bear today?

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Best Moments

Originally uploaded by usmanister_01

One of the benefits of a gratitude journal is that it helps you keep track of funny things, happy occasions and memories you want to keep. Here are some of the best moments from last week:
• Seeing a tiny baby bunny in the grass by the woods in the early morning.
• Watching fireflies glowing in the evening. It looks like my own personal 4th of July every night.
• Finishing some assignments that had been looming over me for the past month.
• Meditating for 20 minutes when I felt irritable and moody and feeling energized and calm after the meditation.
• Finding a used book I was looking for. Bonus – it was only $1.00.
• Finding a hilarious Hoops & Yoyo talking toy at the flea market. So fun to play with when you need a laugh.
• Having a coworker help me laugh my way into a better mood.
• Picked delicious red ripe raspberries for raspberry shortcake and vanilla ice cream.
• Having a good talk with my father for Fathers Day since he lives in another state.
• Wrote a fun birthday poem for a coworker. Had fun being a little creative.

Although there were lots of things that I didn’t get accomplished. (Like writing a blog article), and I didn’t complete my to-do list, I feel very good about this week. The key is to pay attention to the good things that happen. Writing a gratitude list helps you do that.
What were your best moments this week?

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