Goals! Attainable Goals, realistic goals. What does it take to accomplish your goals?

Goals, everywhere in the world people set goals for themselves. If you could make two categories which one would you fit in? How do you move from one category that is dissatisfied to one whom is thrilled by his success of accomplishment?

Two categories really? Yes, each category has their own identity. I know which one I am, you decide which one you are. I will only number each one, yet later I will name them .

Group #1. Usually hard working, positive to be around, their home and cars are spotless, they have time to go on trips and can afford it, they read books, they go running or biking most days, their family life seems happy, they can afford what ever they do yet seem a bit frugal. Whatever projects this person has they have no problem seeing it thru almost effortlessly and they are happy.

Group #2. Their brain is hopping, no end to the great ideas they come up with. If you could harness some of what they come up with we would all be rich. They are definately on to new horizons with this weeks ideas. The ones from last week have evaporated, it doesn’t matter they already purchased the supplies for the project because this stuff is pushed to the corner because something new, different, exciting is occupying their mind now. Drawings, lists, and numbers written down, this is a thrill, the best thing they have come up with, everyone gets excited, it looks like a real Go, they buy all they need,then suddenly it all comes to a Stop!. The depression hits, no money for bills, the house and garage are a mess. It is over, time to recover a bit. The money gone, the disappointment, the clutter and the half-dones. In a couple weeks a new charge of energy, sketches, lists, numbers and we are on a new wave. Do not touch my stuff for my other projects, I know what they are and I know where they are and someday I will do them.

Both types of people are fun to be around. You likely know both types. If your a little of both or a lot of one and a little of the other you can imagine the internal struggle it can be.

The Group #1, wins the prize, is #1!! The Doers. Satisfaction guaranteed. They know whom they are, they know what they want, they know how much money they have, they stick to budgets, they know how much time they have.
To be in group one you know it takes consistency to attain all your desires. To be fit you must be consistent w your exercise routine. To have a clean home we must pick up after selves, put things away, wipe surfaces daily, sweep and Vaccume regularly. If we want our car kept nice we cannot keep leaving stuff in the car, keep the car empty and tidy. Do a weekly clean an wash of car, I am working on this.
And if we want money then we don’t just keep buying or keep getting credit. We have a budget and mind our budget. If we want to take trips maybe we don’t eat out for a few months an save money for our trip. (This savings includes not just the travel, food, sights, hotel etc. it includes the amount of lost week of work, plus the amount for bills that would be due for the first couple weeks on return, this way you won’t be knocking on someone’s door because you cannot afford your rent or buy groceries. Keep yourself covered w proper planning).

Group #1 is a group of doers, they consider a project, set up their space, purchase their supplies and have their time planned out to work on the project and if they can work on it a few hours a couple nights a week until done that is how it gets done. Our friend Bob wanted to make a cutting board for his wife using many types of wood. It came out nice. It took a bit. He and his wife loved the finished project.

Group #2, are definately the Dreamers. If they could hire a full time staff to follow the dreamer about to pick up after them, to assist in the projects to finish the projects, to support the dreams it would be a wonderful world. Unless your rich already, we have to stop, focus, plan and be committed to see a project thru. It is a wonderful way to earn self respect by working thru the steps. It is challenging especially when the excitement is gone it is time to exercize commitment, loyalty, and continue even if almost bored. If our minds have already started a new project then we can invest in a project planner an give ourselves a half hour a day to develop our projects yet this does not interfere with our completion of projects we are already on board with. The dedication, follow thru, and daily doing what is required to accomplish the goal. These are qualities like skills that are rewarding. It can get boring, I am working on a tiny necklate scarf. It is boring I want to be working on this an that. Yet each night before bed I do a couple rows, each morning if possible I do a couple rows. Of course I started it with excitement believing it would be wonderful and beautiful. The fact that my mind wants to be knitting a sweater or socks is just normal. I will be so happy when the necklate is done then I can start the sweater knowing at some point I will be perfectly bored ready to be knitting something else. You see, I know this about myself, and I know I have given in to these treacherous feelings before. We know feelings can be misleading. By practicing commitment to our obligations we will be happier in life. If we practice followthru we will have satisfaction from achieving our goals.

For us dreamers, living within our means and not freely purchasing will give us peace of mind and a manageable budget.

It is a good practice to look at half starts of projects, work on them and finish. It makes you feel good and accomplished. It clears clutter and shows self respect.

It takes faith to finish what you start, if your mind is leaping about and leaving a path of half starts how can others take you serious and how can you take yourself serious. I understand, this has been me my whole life. Throughout my life I have started many, discarded many, and it brings grief. Do not allow your children to do this. They need expectations that where if reasonable without pain or degradation that they are encouraged to finish what they start. It builds qualities that will help them their whole life.
There are many projects I started and finished over the years that I was rewarded with joy and satisfaction because it was a worthy project.

By seeing the worth of our project, respecting the investment of time, money, and optimism we initially had we can go from being Just a Dreamer to a Doer! Keep doing, and fulfillment will be your reward! Plan it! Do it! Finish it!

Changing Times

This has been an amazing couple years for everyone. Adapting is something we have to become good at. I think of football, if the majority of the players just walked forward and couldn’t dash around the field for a good play it would ruin the game. You have to be able to reach, sidestep, aim for, turn and backtrack if you want a successful game. This is true in life, we must continue moving forward, keep reaching, dart out of the way, and sometimes turn to back track.

Everyone has experienced changing life circumstances worldwide. The loss, stress and uncertainties everyone in all countries is or are experiencing. What are we learning?

Right now my life has changed so much with alot of loss and uncertainty. Yet, the gains are most amazing.

I asked Jehovah again a couple months ago if he is aware of me. It is such a comfort because in so many ways…I see it clearly.

We can look forward as we adapt in these changing times. Photo by Gina Rydin

As my situation has been both stressful and changing it is the support from my sons and friends far and wide that helps me to stay positive. The love, with deepening friendships I will treasure most.

One friend drives over an hour each way and is very skillful with the work. Yet, the fun and interaction with the family is most precious. We appreciate and love the interchange of encouragement with good laughs. Great conversation so Dear.

Others have had to put up with me day after day while they use their skills. What comfort and good times! This week I am missing them all. How nice it has been being with others.

My friends in other places gabbing on the phone and my friends nearby taking the time to talk and comfort is the best medicine. Can I ever be such a good friend, I hope to be.

My sons have been there for me in a variety of ways. Staying with me, letting me stay there, reassuring while expressing confidence. We are getting to know each other now as adults. We are becoming friends while having memorable times.

I am making friends far and near. The zoom is most fun, a friend in a nearby state had me join her husband an her with others for a jazz and pop evening. What fun, I just wanted to dance and dance. It was everyone from other states there also just relaxing and having fun. All these zoom things with my friends each week is keeping me in a good frame of mind.
Another friend is helping me with a most time consuming task. She is helping in a most incredible way.
I am trying to earn a little esteem. I realize as my situation and responsibilities change I must identify what they are. Then I have to pray for the wisdom and discernment to do a good job.
Even asking another to pray for me on the very subject as I felt under duress proved most helpful. I believe my Dear friend did pray because the situation turned around in a most unimaginable way and I was able to hold firm. It had to have been their prayer that made a difference.
Friends, grateful I am and our creator is the common thread motivating good amongst all.

As we all deal with changing circumstances, let us remember sometimes you just gotta run with the ball while feeling complete faith and joy.

Thankyou!, to all those patiently putting up with me and those loving me.

Written by Gina Rydin

Covid-20

Written by Gina Rydin

Covid-20 May be a new epidemic. This year of 2020 has seen more isolation, social distancing, stress, anxiety, loneliness and economic pressure than previously experienced world wide.

The news daily giving daunting details of an illness most do not understand. The dangers that affect all countries, people, and ethnic backgrounds. This virus is bringing about such dread and fear that people are experiencing a stress. Comfort sought sometimes in unhealthy ways.

Some people are gaining weight due to stress and isolation. Being home is new for many, the stress is compounded by boredom. Due to the need for comfort some are eating more, unaware of grazing-like activities. They nervously grab a handful of cereal, some candy, some chips. Never quite satisfied wanting more, eating more. Continually, greedily, stressfully looking for more to eat. Feeling so stressed searching for something as the hand meets the mouth with longed for comfort that eludes… .
The Covid-20 may not be everyone’s reality. Yet, it will affect many, only time will reveal how mankind has been affected by this epidemic.
Gaining weight is unhealthy for most. It should be noted once the habits that contribute to weight gain go on blindly practiced it just compounds an already unhealthy situation.
Good News! I am aware of many that are still mindful of making healthy food choices. People whom are still taking walks or going for bike rides. Are these people the same ones whom have maintained healthy diet and exercise routines for years? I am not sure, yet, there are many I know that do not want to gain weight whom do strive to eat a healthful diet and they make an effort to exercise most days.

With many children and young people being restricted from normal activities they may be potential candidates for weight gain. As parents we have the responsibility to find ways to get our children out in the fresh air and to get exercise. For growth, brain health and immunity children need sunshine, fresh air, exercise, and stimulating challenges. This also helps maintain a healthy esteem despite all the world’s present dangers and circumstances.
Parents, Adults and caregivers with responsibilities are under an inhumane amount of duress. There is very little time to care for personal needs. Their situation merits much compassion. Small choices add up to big dividends. Making good food choices for self, healthy portion sizes and making time for exercize may help maintain a degree of sanity. As many depend on you a parent or caregiver your not expendable. Involve others in your exercise and healthy eating.
One trick that helps me in two ways is when I am almost done with my meal I set the timer on my phone for 2 hours and 25 minutes.

1. This helps me to finish my meal w satisfaction and know that I am done eating. Yes, done eating.

2. The second way it helps is that my sugar is not apt to go too low by then. Therefore I can have a healthy snack and reset the timer for 2 hours and 25 minutes.

Breakfast 2:25 min a snack 2:25 min lunch 2:25 min afternoon snack 2:25 min supper and if you choose another 2:25 min a light snack in evening. Amazingly this trick let’s me know I will not starve to death. No nervous grazing like a cow. No nibbling out of boredom, I have things I need to do. Food should not be an obsession or a compulsion. This timer method I use helps me not think of food. It is very freeing. By the way, I am losing weight and I have a lot of weight to lose.
Remember: There was a time when hobbies,…clean hands keep the puzzles clean while we could be putting Them together. Clean hands keep our knitting, crochet, or sewing projects respectfully clean. Go ahead, make a rug or a quilt or do a woodworking project.
Children thrive with projects to work on why not make some time to get them busy. Remember coloring books, word find books and crossword puzzles? The workbooks of a child’s grade curriculum are great to have them do a couple pages each morning. It keeps their mind sharp and ready for school. I would get these workbooks at a bookstore and sometimes at wal mart. Every summer my sons had these workbooks to do.
We live in historic times, let us not respond like victims. We can be survivors by making healthful choices.
Previously people did not have time to pursue hobbies. During these uncertain times make time for hobbies. They can keep our minds and bodies healthy.
A few things I am exploring is of course developing spiritual interests as Mathew 5:3 says Happy are those aware of their spiritual needs. I read the Bible and look at the jw.org website which is always encouraging. Another thing I am trying is a new Domestic routine. Looking at small maintenance things that need done while I try to spring clean a room each month. I want to make a dress and finish a few small projects. My challenge is always health, energy and stamina. We all have challenges of sorts. That is why it is imperative that we have interests and goals we strive to practice and achieve. All this is stimulating and satisfying. Why not see what you can accomplish with joy!

Disclaimer: Some people will succumb to Covid 19 and this is a very sad loss. I am not a physician or healthcare practitioner.
Please consider your own situation because only you know your situation and I hesitate to advise. Please talk to your physician or other responsible person before you change your situation. This article is meant for healthful consideration. May you and yours be safe and healthy.
I, Gina Rydin decided to title the article Covid 20 as we are living in 2020 and 20 may be an unhealthful weightgain for most. It may be a reality for some. Let’s work together to be healthful with good choices.

Feeling Blue

Blue in the sky is most inspiring, everyone loves a blue sky associated with happiness. Yet, a cloudy day can cause some to feel uninspired, tired or depressed.

Why is blue when associated feelings commonly associated with being in the dumps, depressed or almost grieving?

I do not have the answers yet I wondered why a beautiful bright blue sky and or a mournful type of mood could be associated with the same color.

Blue can be a complementary color for most people to wear. Midnight blue is a different hue than navy blue which is different than bright blue or light blue.
Some are born with blue eyes, blue green eyes, light blue eyes or grey blue eyes. Elizabeth Taylor was said to have had a violet type of blue eyes.

Yet, feeling blue is a true blue we feel that most understand. A very wide variety of emotions, or circumstances, can create this. Understanding the difference between feeling a little blue compared to true depression is important to consider.

Physically under the weather, a bad day at work, or some temporary feelings of loss or loneliness are experiences most people occasionally have.

Longterm distress, loss, physical pain, financial duress, health problems, stress, feelings of failure, painful experiences and the list goes on. This can bring on a form of situational depression. And if we cannot figure out solutions to our problems than this brings on a greater form of depression.
Understanding our situation, have we a total loss of control of our situation? Depression is inescapable making us incapable, the cycle goes on.
When hit with all types of problems at once we can be devastated. It seems there are no answers and it is hard to discern the best answers. One thing I am trying is a new list. Do you like making lists? They can help us identify, and accomplish.
The list I am working on is my top ten stressors now in my life. What seems out of control? What three things can I do for each thing on my list?
Yet, something to consider is the control offered by striving to practice these few things can remedy much. The reality is we must strive to practice a simplified daily routine

Eat regular healthy meals an snacks

Get daily walks or exercise

Make time for your spiritual needs, as Mathew 5:3 days, Happy is the man conscious of his spiritual needs. Of course, reading our Bible daily can greatly nourish our mind an heart an give us direction.

Try to pick up after ourselves daily. This is not an easy one for me but it makes me happy when I do.

Keep up with our daily chores another thing I am always seeking to improve on.

Oh, how I yearn to make good choices, responsible decisions, educated conclusions. There are so many opinions, faulty guides that do not always care about the consequences we must endure.

Personally I am between feeling blue and a deep depression. Some situations feel forced upon me yet I am unable to find valid solutions. The situation causes me to feel rather helpless an hopeless.

Prayer and Principle are my only valid options right now. I am praying a lot, and seeking to maintain principles of integrity and always wanting to bring honor to my God. Therefore, my current circumstances are distressing as I am trying to make the most honorable choices.
Just as Job an David in the Bible felt distress at times, we seek to, despite our problems, we want to make beneficial decisions and sometimes only Jehovah God can help us when we have tried to make decisions, only he can bless us.

How is that for a long sentence that breaks all the rules with sentence structure? I am a writer, not an editor.

If your depressed, feeling lonely or blue, hurt, defeated or depressed try praying to Jehovah about it. Talk to a close friend, relative, or even your doctor about it.
I hope you will be seeing sunshine and blue skies again. I desperately need that too.
Let’s work on our lists an see what we can accomplish while we clear the clouds away.
Written by: Gina Rydin

Luxurious Living

Living in the Lap of luxury was a common phrase generations ago. Is this something people do? Is this truly prosperous and satisfying? How can we live in a prosperous and satisfying manner? We will seek to answer these questions. The answers may make a positive change in a person’s life. Please consider…

Throughout history man has been in search of more. Some whom have a lot want more. Some whom have little are satisfied and why? There are always times of plenty and times of famine.

Think of times when food was rationed, could it happen again? Is it always some far off place? If a person has plenty, why should they worry about this?

In some places in the world a person can go buy what they want or think they need. Getting the vehicles, homes, clothes, beauty treatments, vacations, etc…and fritter money here and there without much thought . Then they do more, buy more, and more is never enough, not recognizing situations change. The money may not always be there. Most people do not feel the need to worry about it. But should we consider our circumstances?

We never expected our situation to change so dramatically. It can change on a dime is also an old phrase. I personally know this is true. Our situation has changed. I wish I had thought about all this sooner.

Personally I have never been into the beauty treatments and getting nails done. I kinda like being a plain Gina. It is Good not having to worry about being a diva or beauty queen. Being ordinary takes the pressure off. I get my hair trimmed or cut twice a year and trim it the rest of the time myself. My hair is a blaa blond, and when I am outside it brightens up some. I dream of cutting it a shoulder length and dying it a dark red. The only deterrent is being a slave to roots. I do not do well with chemicals so I just continue as it is anyway.

Doing my own fingernails and eyebrows helps too. I wouldn’t win any awards for the outcome.

I do not smoke or gamble and rarely have a glass of wine so that really cuts down on expenditure. Imagine the money that literally goes up in smoke for some. My mother spent so much money on her cigarettes when I was growing up. One time when I was a young teenage girl I figured out how much she spent in a month on her cigarettes and I mentioned this to her. She hauled off and slapped my face. I never figured out whom was in the wrong with that one. I just remember her being on the phone saying she needed money for the power bill.

I use to love going to thrift stores and yard sales. But it really cost me a lot of money and I was dragging stuff in the house. I had to put a stop on that.

Do you like clothes? I love clothes and shoes. I fall in love with clothes all the time and I always see the need. Yet, my closets are bursting at the seams. If I got rid of some of the less best garments I might be one of the best dressed women of our generation. What generation? This one of luxuriant living is what I refer to.

We love eating out, yet, we have cut back on this. We still do eat out sometimes. It costs so much more than it use to. Like a days wages if you think about it. Something else to consider: It is just, when I was young, the tips for your server were usually 10%, then later it went up to 15%, then 18%, now it is 20%. Sometimes the tip is so big it is like paying for another meal, for the invisible person. It is almost painful. The knowledge that the waiter may be emotionally hurt if they do not get the 20% is something that keeps us pigeonholed into this. They really rely on this income. The other problem is that they may not even receive all of their tip if paid w a credit card depending on the establishment. How can I support this big game when the cost of the meal could really buy a couple bags of groceries or fill a gas tank? What is balance? That, each man or woman or family must figure out. Try looking at a month, compare to another month. Start keeping track. This does not mean we cannot go out to eat. Just, how often…might be considered.

Junk food, what is that? It happens to us, going to the store hungry, our cart is always fuller. A drive thru happy meal would be more economical.

Just the requirements of daily life have snuck up in costs. And it seems what previously was considered a luxury decades ago, cable tv, Internet, cell phones, not everyone had them. We always seemed to be the last to get them. The latest, the greatest, and speed seem to be a factor.

The utility bills have come up and take out a chunk of change.

I feel bad for many children being raised to think that this is normal. They are unhappy always wanting more, always wanting newer, competing with their peers. The status symbol, and their esteems are built on a slippery slope. Parents are begged and bullied into getting their children expensive phones etc. The assumptions by children that they can expect their parents to provide all this and so much more. Most cannot afford but quietly, stressfully, helplessly go along which creates unrealistic expectations.

We are truly trapped it seems. Can we say No!!!.? Where are the boundaries? Can adjustments be made? How can I create satisfying boundaries in my life?

In high school we had an Independant Living class. We looked at a potential monthly budget based on a basic wage. Then we subtracted the rent for home, the utilities and insurances, and fuel, then we knew what we had for groceries. We then could see what was left and we put a percentage of that in a savings account.

The times we live in are really more expensive when we add it up.

Remember a game of chess, or a board game and the fun we had. How about the woodworking, sewing, knitting, embroidery, cooking and baking? A hobby was very satisfying and earned you a real esteem. A child proud of a picture they drew is a real event. Sadly, many are more proud of their scores playing their games on their phone.

People have many vices in search of something, it breaks up families, and leaves people broke and depleted.

Slow down, calm down, recollect, reconnect, reconsider, appreciate, make new boundaries, stress less, be satisfied sooner, reassess needs. Save yourself, save your family. Hebrews 13:5,6 says: Let your way of life be free of the love of money, while you are content with the present things. For he has said: “I will never leave you, and I will never abandon you.” So that we may be of good courage and say:”Jehovah is my helper; I will not be afraid… “ please read the whole chapter of Hebrews 13. It shows us how we can live a better life.

Changing things up here financially is helping. Yet, it has not been soon enough. We still feel the stress of the heavy load we unwittingly created. The scriptures admonish us to “live within our means”. Inflated needs which are built on an imaginary lifestyle. Needs the world around us makes us believe are normal. The scriptures talk about us being satisfied with our daily needs being met. Figuring this out can be a rewarding challenge. In the last three years I have quit using three department store credit cards. Three other credit cards I no longer use. I am down to two credit cards and I am working on using them less. It really is making me happy. It still seems our credit/debt/income ratio is off balance. This makes me really uncomfortable. When we consider what this really is and how this affects so many aspects of our lives, it is rewarding to make an adjustment. We still have a long way to go and more adjustments to make. It seemed we were blind to boundaries we should have had. And financial situations change in many ways, the world scene, the country we might live in, the income, health, living expenses, job security, all are temporary.

How often do you say no to yourself?. I do not say no as often as I like but I do say no more often than I use to. It feels good. A small measure of control.

Luxurious living is living within our means while having joyful interactions with those we love. Cooking together, going to the park, enjoying creation, gardening, building something or sewing a garment are also rewarding activities. Really living a life with a positive outcome in view.

Written by: Gina Rydin (the photo is a dinner my husband and I prepared together, leftover spaghetti baked, sautéed asperity Gus And avacado) that was a nice luxurious evening.

Altogether untogether, do you ever feel this way?

At times, life’s responsibilities are so overwhelming it is hard to remember whom we are and what we like to do.

We try so hard to keep it together, then it is so easy to land onto the couch and watch an episode of Gunsmoke or something. Yet, is it becoming our thing, our habit to drop and chill? Is there any other way to reconnect with the joy of living the life?

My Dear mother in law is living with us. She is 101 years old. Overall it is going fine. My husband nor I feel well and it makes everything so challenging.

Thankfully, she does not complain much and goes with the flow.

A friend makes pound cakes and shares by showing up at bad times and gives these to encourage others. Although it has been a couple years and she is going thru so much herself. I believe she deserves some pound cakes. I asked Lisa to share her recipe and she did. I know there are thousands of poundcake recipes online, but there is nothing like one shared by a friend you know to be good. I brought Marcia into the kitchen and we visited as I put the cake together. It was a nice experience and it turned out well. This afternoon Marcia looked at me and said, where is this cake we baked?! So I brought her a big piece and she liked it. Which of course made me very happy.

Today, I just wanted to be in bed. Everything hurts and I am tired. This week there has been plans to teach a young lady how to sew pillows an insert the forms. Her mother and she picked out many nice fabrics at a fabric store and pillow forms. Marcia enjoyed watching us girls measure, cut and sew. All turned out fine and it was a joy. Her mother gave me some of the lovely fabrics. What a treat!

When I plan time w others I have to think ahead for the meals to avoid temptations of eating out. Our middle son Brock gave me a rice cooker so tonight I dropped in frozen chopped Peppers an onions, a couple packages of jumbulia ricean beans, Conecka sausage, chicken broth and pinto beans and just let it cook itself in this rice cooker It turned out very well with minimal effort. When your just tired it makes you happy when things turn out well.

We made an agreement this week to really watch how we spend and that we want to live on the leaner side. We do not always recognize how easily we live in a luxurious manner. We meaning anyone. We want to pay off any debt and live within our means more closely. Circumstances change and are we really prepared for them?

My friend Vickie, her husband is dealing with extreme health issues, she has a special needs son besides. Vickie has always managed to keep her home together, help others and go for walks. We were talking tonight and reminding each other of the importance of having little things you like to do. Making time to do these activities. Vickie is accepting help from others to take her husband for his treatments. It is humble of her to accept the help because he and she has been good to so many over the years. He gains encouragement from spending time with others and experiencing their care for him.

A family we cherish in the Panama City, Florida area that was affected by the hurricane expressed today that they are just longing for some normalcy. We really were designed to have routines and steady circumstances. Our creator designed us to be stable and that is what we yearn for. When our world is upside down we are too! They will be coming for a brief visit in a couple weeks and we look forward to it.

I am taking a course with the Tidy Tudor. It is very enjoyable. About good habits and ways of thinking that affect our life in a more healthful manner. I am not naturally organized and would like to be. Kathy Roberts is very motivating with a new step each day or concept to consider.

Right now the house seems a mess and it has only been six days that I finally got a shot to settle my asthma down. I am not up to par. My husband and I neaten up and Vaccume before bed because we like it looking nice when we get up. Somehow, it gets totally destroyed each day, I do not know how it happens.

Three points to get out of all my jibber jabber.

Remember some activity you always enjoyed doing and include that in your life. Whether it be working out, dancing, tennis, woodworking, needlework, gardening or baking etc. make the time for it. It is important! Even Daily Bible Reading is considered to be the most valuable of activities to include in our life. I know making the time for it makes a difference in my outlook and attitude.
Include people in your life no matter how crazy your life seems. People help keep our perspective healthful. I enjoy company, such a boost!
Habits and routines are sanity keepers. If it is difficult to get on track, ask for help or take a mini course. Tap into our reset button and just do the basics until recovery is bestowed on us. Choose something from each of the three on the list and see if it does not help a little.

Our lives are always changing and we must adjust or we can break under the pressure.

Written by: Gina Rydin of fatfitanfab.com

How do you keep your mind positive to deal with life’s realities?

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Life continues in a routine then something happens…the other shoe you anticipate in the back of your mind. You never know what and you strive not to be a pessimist. Whom wants to be in expectation of gloom?.

Can we be in expectation of good? How can we be recipients of good?

Imagine if you did not plant your garden because you believe a hurricane might come this year and wipe out your hard work. Denying ourselves the joy of gardening is a crime isn’t it. I believe Jehovah told Adam to tend the garden.

Not only would you miss out on the joy of planning your garden, the joy of working it, and the joy of the harvest Through out the season. Pessimism is the weed like effect in your garden of life.

We must root out the pessimism in our life. There may be reasons we base our pessimism as if it were fact.

Disappointments, hardships, and life’s realities could cause us to feel we are protecting our heart and mind by not having false hopes.

When we have belief systems in place because of prior experience or propoganda. This is an infringement that does not leave us open. For instance: I was born blond and have always been blond. However, I noticed those with deeper darker hair colors had others respect or confidence almost immediately. I dyed my hair a deep brown. Not only did I feel more confident, I noticed I was treated differently by the same people. Suddenly, competent! I am at my own hair color and happy about it. Yet, I learned a lot about people’s preconcieved notions.

Another attitude is about overweight people. Having experienced the stress of my own obesity after prolonged medical problems and medications, I understand all overweight people are not that way because of excessive food or lack of exercise. Some people are heavy because of medical problems and medications. Some people are heavy because of overeating and a lack of exercize. Do we really lose all our good qualities just because of a few extra pounds?.

If we believe “I will never be loved.” We are telling ourselves a lie. Maybe those whom were responsible to love an protect us have emotional damage themselves and they were not capable of love and approval. We could not be more loveable if the person does not know how to love. I felt unwanted and not loved as a child. It does not mean I was not loved. I have enjoyed loving and being loved. Jehovah has taught me how.

“I am unorganized” is another belief. Maybe you are unorganized! I am also unorganized. Good News! We can be more organized by practicing principles of time management and of personal habits. I am working this month to have an industrious morning routine. The fact is, I am cluttered, unorganized, and still completely optimistic of all I ever intend to do.

We watched the movie “Pollyanna”, Haley Mills, what a love, you feel she must be a fun lovable person in real life. I liked when she an orphan of a minister, was talking to the preacher, played by Karl Mauldin. She quoted from Abraham Lincoln, “if you always look for the bad in others, you will find it!”

I thought about this bad habit, if our habit is to look at ourself or a family member always seeing the bad, we will never see the good.

People are so bias, people like whom they like and will always recognize the good in them. And when a person does not like you, they will always see everything you say and do in a negative light. People are blind.

According to Jehovah all of us rank the same, we are all equally flawed with sin. If we want Jehovah to see the good in us, we need to see it in others. If our dislike for another blinds us, we need to ask Jehovah to open our eyes and help us to recognize what he sees in them, so we can be free to love them too. This includes, seeing ourselves more clearly. If we view only the good we are blind, if we view only the bad we are blind and crippled.

It is frustrating, sometimes, we want to change all at once, it is quite a hopeless helpless state. I have to beg Jehovah to help me see more accurately at times.

The end of this article is here, in conclusion, each day we are privileged to live, realistic expectations of ourselves and others makes for a joyful existence. It is time to plant the seeds entrusted to us as we hope for a most beautiful bounty.

This article is Dedicated to all my Dear friends whom continue to encourage me. And all whom read the articles, may your life be blessed with Joy and Optimism.

Monday, Why I love Mondays.

MONDAY, MY FAVORITE DAY!!!

Monday is a day many dread. It seems to some all falls onto their head on a Monday. Being overwhelmed, the day can be unproductive, stressful, depressing, and it does not have to be this way.

About ten years ago I met a refreshing person whose name is Annemarie. A perky blond whom looked like Meg Ryan. I invited her to do something with me for the upcoming Monday and she said no, any day but Monday. I asked her why not Monday. She told me that was her day for herself. She used Monday to get rest, to clean, do the laundry, to do gardening and lay in the sun. I was so impressed that I have reserved Monday ever since.

A DAY OFF: If you have a choice in the matter. If you can afford to work four days instead of five, why not take Monday off from your employment. Many take Friday off by choice viewing it as a vacation day. Yet, Monday may be an even better day to take off instead of Friday because it may be more fulfilling. Everyone else in household is back to work and school. Do not view your day as a day to Care Less or be carefree. By carefully considering how you will spend your time on this special day, your life can take a change for the better.

Monday at home could mean an extra hour of needed sleep, getting in a relaxing walk, a trip to the library or museum by yourself, meeting a friend for lunch, doing your bills, or yard work. For balance in my life, getting chores done in the form of a quick clean makes a difference for the whole week. I do not mean a slave day, more like a day of time blocks adhered to. Having attention deficit, time blocks help me to focus without the temptation to multitask. If I multitask then my mind is unaccountable and takes flight. The day is gone. This can still happen to me when I feel weak due to health problems. Yet, I strive to do as much as I can on Monday because for me it is a sanity keeper.

A time block for extra rest like sleeping in an extra hour, and an hour break in the middle of the day. A block for phone calls, A block for laundry which during that time while washing and drying are going on I can clean the bathrooms and or phone calls. A Block for quick clean which is 12 minutes per room. (my quick clean is ten minutes to do a quick pick up, gather what does not belong in the room including trash and set at doorway, wipe surfaces quickly, then timer goes off and I quickly sweep or vacuum. Then on to next room and set timer for ten minutes). (The Slob Sisters have a great book about this and The Fly Lady, for years I read and reread. They helped me so much. It seems so hard for me to read anymore books yet I will never forget that their programs are fantastic). Then I run and put doorway items away as fast as possible. Time for a break when all done. A block for yard work or errands. The blocks can be minutes long or a couple of hours long. Use the timer. If the timer goes off before your done then one must determine if another day of a few minutes will make a difference or if a few minutes now will make a big difference. This is not the day to get caught up in trying to get each room done as a perfectionist would. Each week of this activity will make a few weeks worth of efforts a visible accomplishment.

I like Monday because if I get my Monday work done, the whole week is much smoother.

What I like to do on Mondays. First, I sleep in as long as I need to, with chronic health problems a lack of sleep contributes to my flare-ups. Secondly, I start the laundry and make my phone calls. I do a deeper clean up in the kitchen. Monday happens to be my deeper clean kitchen day. While wash is going I clean my bathrooms. A quick pick-up and sweep-up through the house remedies the mess the weekends create. I wash towels every Monday, and if possible I may get a jump ahead by doing them on Sunday night.

Setting up my schedule for the week on Sunday night helps me to know what phone calls are vital for me to make. Doing my phone calls by 11:00a.m. really takes the pressure off the rest of the day. Over the week, I pay attention to whose anniversary, graduation, or achievement has come about that I can on Sunday nights or Monday write out these cards and send them. My husband seems to enjoy running errands, and I like being home on Monday. Emotionally, I really like being home on Monday because life seems so busy on the weekends, the downtime to get things done is precious. I rarely accept an invitation to leave my house on a Monday. Hanging my clothes out to dry is another thing I have done for decades and I like to do if the weather permits. Cooking a good meal and doing a little meal prep to make the next couple dinners for the week easier is important. Eating a little lighter during the day helps me to maintain my focus and lessen the burden on my internals. A walk or isometric exercises refreshes me.

At 1:30 pm. on Monday is a PBS station sewing show called Sew it All. I like to stop and enjoy this show and put my legs up. It is only a half hour and because I enjoy sewing it is a treat to watch. On Wednesday, Sew Easy comes on, I will tape it to watch later. If sewing or painting or something else is your interest, give yourself a 90 minutes time block to work on a project, and then that evening your free to get back to it if you can.

Filling my Monday with practical efficient activities sets up my week for greater productivity and less stress. Whether it is every Monday or only a once a month Monday, having this day to catch up on domestics, relaxing activities, yard work, gardening, and phone calls makes for a better start to the week. It also is important to avoid time wasters on this day. Unless the errands are vital for the week to go smooth try to keep most of the day to yourself at home. Beware of Time Wasters such as gabbing on the phone, texting, internet cruising, or television watching. This day is a day for yourself to reset and restore. With an extra hour of rest, getting a home in order, car cleaned, laundry done, gardening, essential phone calls and bill paying your investing in a more peaceful life. The week and month will go smoother. The evening of Monday is a good time to be refreshed by going to bed early for an extra hour of rest before resuming regular activities on Tuesday. Monday’s never get me … .

The Harvest in our Life.

Alabama Cotton Harvest photographer, Gina Rydin

The Harvest in our Life. A farmer knows when to plant his fields. His routine and schedule must be diligently adhered to if he is to recieve the bounty that is anticipated. A farmer cannot be happenstance regarding his goal. The planning, is exacting. A farmer whom procastinates is a poor destitute farmer. A farmer whom waits for the perfect day, or perfect conditions is a farmer whom will not reap as others in his community.

How is the Harvest in our life? Can we reflect a farmer’s attitude with our habits, routines, short and long term goals?

The Last Quarter. We can make meaningful changes in our life.

Chili with Cheddar Chive Scones by Gina at fatfitanfab.com

October, is the start of our last quarter as we are near the end of another year. Sometimes we can feel time is running out, what can we do with the time left?

People can get so wrapped up in exterior activities whether extracurricular activities for their kids, holidays, politics, that just living life has lost it’s meaning. Being overly committed and obligated can cause us to be well-spent emotionally, financially, and with our time.

Routines are a practice that may not always be honestly rewarding. If it is our practice to watch television for three or four hours before bed so as to relax it is a choice. Is there a more rewarding choice? My husband bought a lathe for woodworking at a yard sale. Brock, 23, after work has been coming home from work making beautiful cups and bowls. He is enjoying it and it is rewarding. Is there an activity whether creative or purposeful that would be beneficial to do a night or two each week?

I am naturally a clutter bug, yet, my floors are clean. Piles, piles still occupy the perimeter of many spaces in our home. How they get there, where they come from, I can never see it happening, yet, I am the culprit. As I am practicing better habits, not adding to the problem, it still happens. I have been working on an area outside my painting area or artist corner. It seems my creative forces has emerged from the room and congested beyond the room. Is there an excuse? I have an empty cabinet in there, and drawers half full, and the books put up on top of the cabinet. These are all holdups and blocks to my creativity.

In the evening I have been putting on good music and working in there a few minutes, turning it into a real artists retreat. Privately, I am a bit turned off by the junky furniture. It is all like new, it is just pressed board stuff you could get cheap. I love good wood. If it was made the same of walnut, or cherry, as you can see, I am a brat.

I feel so much appreciation for this area I have, when there have been times in my life where I did not have an artists den. So, I want to occupy the space since my secret is out about the furniture which looks new. I am ashamed of myself for such notions. That represents life too, maybe we have notions that hold us up.

“If only I were thin I would” do this or wear that; If only I had an exercize machine or a membership; if only someone loved me I would do this; if only my home was like this I would invite people over; if only my mate would buy me flowers or be more romantic. “If Only”!!!. We can be set back with thinking like this.

An exaggerated answer to the “If Onlies.” My son says this is an oxymoron. There is no plural to the concept of only. He could be correct, but for purposes he may be slow to understand, he still says we have a ton of “if only” in our life. It is plural no matter how you put it. John says, “If only the dog didn’t stop to crap in the road I would not be late to work.” As we debate on proper or improper use. I would still like to make a long awaited for point.

If only I were thin I would wear more chic outfits. When I was in my low 130’s I fretted because I was not in my low 120’s, then prednisone gave me an extra 45lbs that compounded the problem, ashamed I wore thrift store duds. I wouldn’t buy the close I really liked because I did not deserve it til I lost some weight. Now, at 205 lbs and on antiobotics and other meds my weight is still going up despite my efforts. I am buying and have been buying new garments that are tasteful and comfortable. I feel better no longer stressing over this “If Only” business causes years to go by wasted.

If only, is a matter of procrastination. It makes our excuse sound valid. Invite friends to your home even though it is not perfect. It they are your friend they will pitch in an help with no judgement or just have a good time.

Do not wait for a bouquet of flowers and romance. Buy the flowers yourself, and buy a new tie or dress socks for your man, and give a card expressing appreciation for all his hardwork and love. Gifts are gifts, not a matter of exchange. Do not wait for romance, create it. If they miss the point of our ovature at least they know we love them. They likely need us to romance them more than we need them to. Just remember, when our mate works long days, their minds may not be thinking about romance, their romance is their sacrifice going out working to put the roof over our head and food on the table. It is a valid gift that is not appreciated often enough. It can be more stressful or even degrading then we realize for them at work. Let them come home to a big smile, a warm hug, with respect and appreciation. We may be the only thing that puts joy an motivation in our mates life. Women whom work like this benefit the same as men do by the unexpected gifts, or words of appreciation.

So, instead of over extending ourselves needlessly, let us look at our life.. can we see what routines or habits can be modified so as to bring greater joy and accomplishment in our life. By switching things up a couple nights a week. Whether by inviting others over, doing extra cleaning, getting ahead on our taxes, going for early evening walk, doing a craft or hobby we enjoy. We can examine our life by finding ways to destress, and declutter.

We have someone come in an clean once a week doing things that are hard for me. It is a necessity. And it helps me to get more done.

How about a trip to the zoo before it gets too cold, or the museums, or the library. Let us make use of this month to get a few things back on track. We will have pride an joy instead of depression.

This is a very stressful quarter for many. Slow down, save your money, enjoy the great outdoors. End the year doing the things you promised yourself you would be doing when the year started.

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