tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2974519528287029972024-03-05T06:56:24.297-08:00Compeer BuffaloA blog about all things wellness related....based on the Compeer concept of the healing power of friendship-- this blog offers a chance to reach out, share, and be a part of a circle of friends dedicated to moving toward wellness.Jennifer Zeitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01002346416116153368noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297451952828702997.post-75104564089965437832013-01-22T07:48:00.001-08:002013-01-22T07:48:24.884-08:00New Year’s … (cringe) … resolutions.<!--StartFragment-->
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">It’s
that time. Even if you’re not typically the type of person who is into
resolutions, there is something about a new year that causes us to reflect on
the last one, and plan the next.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">And
hey- plans are good. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNHTIltAB5f9mQVd1X-qY0OnYtTR9Jragr-2TLHk8vEXXqSrqal3p3lOQJWlM2tFXowaa5pKkOcfrZDV5tQq6C1q5iw5vLPOcDuVPrTMyI1Sjf-sqj13XrbtcAyxa798B1xTP9hifnS9S/s1600/goals+list+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNHTIltAB5f9mQVd1X-qY0OnYtTR9Jragr-2TLHk8vEXXqSrqal3p3lOQJWlM2tFXowaa5pKkOcfrZDV5tQq6C1q5iw5vLPOcDuVPrTMyI1Sjf-sqj13XrbtcAyxa798B1xTP9hifnS9S/s320/goals+list+blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Thing
is…. having a plan or goals is one thing, but making them happen is something
different altogether. Planning is important, but how many of us have
painstakingly laid out a course to meet our dreams, (or just a course to get
through the day without forgetting to pick up the milk…) and not followed
through? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">In
my experience with people, I think it’s safe to say the answer to that is: all
of us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">“Follow
through.” We hear the term at work, raising kids, within friendships and with
our spouses- we expect it privately from ourselves, and get frustrated when
it’s lacking. But what determines our likelihood to follow through? What is it
that affects our potential in any given situation? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We
each carry beliefs about our potential- our personal ability to do something,
as well as how outside conditions will affect an outcome. Every time we try
something new, we already hold a belief about whether we will be good at it, or
how likely we are to succeed. The problem with this is that most people have
limiting beliefs- meaning they do not recognize their own greater potential.
Due to past performance, or what they’ve been told, most people hold internal
beliefs about what their abilities are, that are <i>far below their actual ability</i>. The tricky thing is- this belief
will affect the outcome of any attempt. Negative belief- negative outcome. And
it gets worse—the negative outcome, (caused by the limiting belief) REINFORCES
the original belief! (did you catch that? --read it again.) Yikes…vicious
cycle. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">So
what’s the good news? This process also works in reverse. This is why some
people seem to excel naturally- taking on lofty goals, and meeting
them….constantly growing. (Think Steve Jobs and the Apple empire.)This is
because they are certain that they will succeed- so they do. The things we are
certain of, we will continue to do well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Let
me give you a more manageable example. This morning I made delicious apple
pancakes. I happen to be an excellent pancake maker, getting the slightly
browned and crispy edges perfect every time…even my apple pieces come out
evenly spaced making each bite deliciously balanced. When I set out to make
them this morning, I knew they would be delicious- and when they were, I quietly congratulated myself
on what an amazingly well equipped human being I am. I guarantee you that the
next time I make apple pancakes, they will be just as good. ; ) You see- my
interpretation of the process, and my belief about my success makes all the difference! I believe that I am skilled at timing
my pancake cooking, I know that I will use my tools and ingredients with ease, and therefore, that my
outcome will be positive. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">All right, this is a goofy example, but it gets the point across, no? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Those folks who seem to “simply excel” in business,
or at work or at living a healthy lifestyle, hold the belief that it is not
only possible, or even probable that they will succeed- it’s <i>certain</i>. They
believe in their ability to use the tools and knowledge that they possess to
navigate in a world where things <i>are
possible</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Of
course, there are always natural talents. Some mathematicians or musicians are
simply born- good for them! (and us!)…. That may not be us--- but most of us <i>can</i> learn trigonometry or learn to
play the violin—<i>very well</i> in fact! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">WE
ALL HAVE UNTAPPED POTENTIAL.</span> Many times in the areas of our lives we want to
change the most, all it comes down to is tapping into that potential. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Those
of us who can recognize that there is room for growth and improvement will be able to
more easily access our own skills and perform at a greater level, and more
readily make lasting change. This goes for following through on even the
largest goals. In fact, this simple premise will help us to create any life we
choose. We can use it to help us follow through on the things in life we want to give our attention to. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So.....my resolution? To apply my belief in myself....to KNOW that this year, I will grow and become the best version of me that I can be! </span></div>
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Jennifer Zeitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01002346416116153368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297451952828702997.post-33398795978056184902012-04-02T07:45:00.000-07:002012-04-02T07:45:26.789-07:00Re-discovering Walking......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0nlb27rZ0Hs1XdNlsoB3WAcmIh4tyEXtZvUdpwaEENQgj8Jv2zDP1gYMhQtI_UIXZsvN6Hjs7LZG7g8ci01M3eooDO7x0YuTKyo8yUoWzV_d4KBB2KHonqw4Yat17NtGyGz4ZWDsZWUm/s1600/walking4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0nlb27rZ0Hs1XdNlsoB3WAcmIh4tyEXtZvUdpwaEENQgj8Jv2zDP1gYMhQtI_UIXZsvN6Hjs7LZG7g8ci01M3eooDO7x0YuTKyo8yUoWzV_d4KBB2KHonqw4Yat17NtGyGz4ZWDsZWUm/s1600/walking4.jpg" /></a></div> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> How many times have we heard that when we are anxious or feeling down, it's a good idea to take a walk? The recommendation for exercise is included in just about any article on mental wellness, and wellness in general.... </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> For those of us who are able to get out there for a walk, I thought I'd collect some information on the many benefits that may come our way as a result. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> In honor of our early "spring" let's rediscover this common sense activity!! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(Just)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A FEW OF THE BENEFITS TO WALKING:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">(excerpt from www.rodale.com)</span></span> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #414141; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><strong style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"># 1: It deflects diabetes.</span></strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #414141; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #414141; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">New research links brisk walking to a significant risk reduction for developing type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance is a predictor of this disease, even in people with normal glucose levels. But a recent British study found that people with a family history of the disease who walked briskly, or performed some other type of moderate to vigorous activity on a routine basis, improved insulin sensitivity.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #414141; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #414141; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><strong style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">#2: It saves you on gym costs.</span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> In this icky economy, people are cutting excesses, and that includes trips to the health club. In an American Heart Association survey, a quarter of the 1,000 people questioned had axed their gym memberships sometime in the previous six months. But no matter where you live, there’s a place you can pound the pavement or trek a trail to experience the benefits of walking, and 150 minutes of moderate-intensity walking a week can help manage stress and prevent heart disease. Moderate walking equals an average of about 100 steps per minute. San Diego State University researchers suggest using a pedometer and aiming for 1,000 steps in 10 minutes, and working up to 3,000 steps in 30 minutes.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilv8NEH9avSwIp77qRCVxse9bHpmuowFm2XK7xaSNv9pWHJ78CKdMqfW4ACdd6V4JsBQv-Y3TwrozR1l3GbG3uXMh52ssOpWal7ryh824Ro_2MMpcZhflI2gJCvovTmvnbvKxTnO2nkJTW/s1600/walking3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilv8NEH9avSwIp77qRCVxse9bHpmuowFm2XK7xaSNv9pWHJ78CKdMqfW4ACdd6V4JsBQv-Y3TwrozR1l3GbG3uXMh52ssOpWal7ryh824Ro_2MMpcZhflI2gJCvovTmvnbvKxTnO2nkJTW/s200/walking3.jpg" width="140" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #414141; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><strong style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">#3: It can help fade fibromyalgia pain.</span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> This chronic condition affects more than 4 percent of the population, and often involves pain, fatigue, and brain fog. A small study found that in women 32 to 70 years old, those who walked 60 minutes, performed light exercises, and stretched three times a week for 18 weeks reported significant improvements in walking and mental capacity, and were less tired and depressed.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #414141; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #414141; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><strong style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">#4: It helps you beat breast cancer.</span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Women who walk regularly after being diagnosed with breast cancer have a 45 percent greater chance of survival than those who are inactive, according to a study published in the </span><em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Journal of Clinical Oncology</span></em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. Yale researchers heading up the study also found that those who exercised in the year before being diagnosed were 30 percent more likely to survive, compared to women who didn’t exercise leading up to their diagnosis.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #414141; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #414141; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><strong style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">#5: Strolling reduces stroke risk.</span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Walking briskly for just 30 minutes, five days a week can significantly lower your risk of suffering a stroke, according to University of South Carolina researchers. After studying 46,000 men and 15,000 women over the course of 18 years, those with increased fitness levels associated with regular brisk walking had a 40 percent lower risk of suffering a stoke than those with the lowest fitness level.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #414141; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #414141; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><strong style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">#6: It can help your memory.</span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Italian researchers enlisted 749 people suffering from memory problems in a study and measured their walking and other moderate activities, such as yard work. At the four-year follow-up, they found that those who expended the most energy walking had a 27 percent lower risk of developing dementia than the people who expended the least. This could be the result of physical activity’s role in increasing blood flow to the brain. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Because walking has so many health benefits, it is no wonder that so many people have chosen it as their physical activity method of choice. If you are considering starting a walking program, run it past your physician. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #414141; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: black; line-height: 19px;"></span></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="" name="chapter_3" style="color: #6665fe; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;"></a></span><h2 style="color: #6595d5; font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHq50jGU0AOv9Dy8o5tU1e_EZY40YHr5lcC5yDio3znmo2exQqvPYAOgR400YJ8e5V4X5ohNTTDc0Jo_zZTrkBEmEXgq2bQ1jnHv63fUdTAZkse-9QHUcmsAb8sApjxlbT7ET1aFsXp7ZC/s1600/walking1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHq50jGU0AOv9Dy8o5tU1e_EZY40YHr5lcC5yDio3znmo2exQqvPYAOgR400YJ8e5V4X5ohNTTDc0Jo_zZTrkBEmEXgq2bQ1jnHv63fUdTAZkse-9QHUcmsAb8sApjxlbT7ET1aFsXp7ZC/s320/walking1.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Starting to Walk</span></h2></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Once you are ready to begin your walking program, start slowly if you are not active now. Try to walk 5 minutes a day for the first week. Walk 8 minutes the next week. Stay at 8-minute walks until you feel comfortable. Then increase your walks to 11 minutes. Slowly lengthen each walk by 3 minutes, or walk faster.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Some other tips for walking include the following:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><ul style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 15px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Wear comfortable walking shoes with a lot of support, including proper arch support, a firm heel, and thick, flexible soles that will cushion your feet and absorb shock. If you walk frequently, you may need to buy new shoes often. You may wish to speak with a podiatrist about when you need to purchase new walking shoes.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 15px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Wear garments that prevent inner-thigh chafing, such as tights or spandex shorts. Also wear clothes that will keep you dry and comfortable. Look for synthetic fabrics that absorb sweat and remove it from your skin.</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 15px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Make walking fun by walking with a friend or pet. Walk in places you enjoy, like a park or shopping mall.</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 15px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Choose a safe place to walk. Find a partner or group of people to walk with you. Your walking partner(s) should be able to walk with you on the same schedule and at the same speed.</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 15px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Wear a knit cap in winter for extra warmth. To stay cool in summer, wear a baseball cap or visor.</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 15px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Think of your walk in three parts. Warm up by walking slowly for five minutes. Then increase your speed and do a fast walk. Finally, cool down by walking slowly again for five minutes.</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 15px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Do light stretching after your warm-up and cool-down.</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 15px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Try to walk at least three times per week. Each week, add two or three minutes to your walk. If you walk fewer than three times per week, you may need more time to adjust before you increase the pace or frequency of your walk.</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 15px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Start gradually to avoid stiff or sore muscles and joints. Over several weeks, begin walking faster, going farther, and walking for longer periods of time.</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 15px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Set goals and rewards. Some examples of goals are participating in a fun walk or walking continuously for 30 minutes.</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 15px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Keep track of your progress with a walking journal or log.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></div></li>
</ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The more you walk, the better you may feel and the more calories you may burn. Experts recommend 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, if not all, days of the week. If you cannot do 30 minutes at a time, try walking for shorter amounts and gradually working up to it. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">....Happy Walking!!!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What are your thoughts on a Compeer Walking Group? Anyone interested? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-Jen </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></div><br />
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</span>Jennifer Zeitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01002346416116153368noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297451952828702997.post-41763762146547915452012-03-08T07:45:00.000-08:002012-03-08T07:45:32.167-08:00Mental Wellness is.....<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-bottom: 11.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">What is mental </span><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>wellness</b></span></span><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-bottom: 22.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"> While there is a wealth of information on the varying definitions of mental illness online, it was not as easy to find information on mental wellness!! The best definition of mental wellness that I could find was by Dr. Jane Myers of the University of North Carolina, one of the founders of the concept. She says,<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-bottom: 22.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #3b3b3b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">"Wellness refers to a holistic approach in which mind, body, and spirit are integrated. It is a way of life oriented toward optimal health and well-being in which body, mind, and spirit are integrated in a purposeful manner with a goal of living life more fully… Wellness is more than the absence of disease, [or] a state defined as “health.” [It] incorporates a concern for optimal functioning."<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-bottom: 11.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixu6_6p7N3DfMjx5e_sgChoCZCE8xxdgqqS7ba-q62bccgbgRK8e3P39CQ52WCin-RIZOHTl6M3W_Set-zbf3RhyCZSt_RPMevdhgHcPKir2n7YTIRQVhyBK_XKxFbtZCf-qYh5xh-s_eU/s1600/happy+feet+and+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixu6_6p7N3DfMjx5e_sgChoCZCE8xxdgqqS7ba-q62bccgbgRK8e3P39CQ52WCin-RIZOHTl6M3W_Set-zbf3RhyCZSt_RPMevdhgHcPKir2n7YTIRQVhyBK_XKxFbtZCf-qYh5xh-s_eU/s1600/happy+feet+and+flowers.jpg" /></a><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Being mentally well is intertwined with being physically and spiritually well<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 23.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #3b3b3b; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Mental wellness, physical wellness and spiritual wellness are co-equal<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-bottom: 22.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">By its very essence, mental wellness cannot be separated from physical and spiritual wellness. The three work together to produce the very concept of wellness. They are also always changing!!! One cannot "achieve" wellness-- because day to day we change, our circumstances change, and challenges arise. ALL OF US are in fluctuating states of health, making mental illness and mental wellness varying degrees of our health. We all work to maintain a level of that health where we can be comfortable. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-bottom: 22.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">The following list was compiled by Dr. Myers as a general guide to what it is to live in wellness. These are essential areas of concern along life’s way and not an absolute checklist that measures success or failure. You may not even agree with them all. Choose the ones you want to aspire to and make them your milestones along the mental wellness continuum. Note that most of the points below deal with mental health and wellness in some way:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Creative Self<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">▪<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Thinking</span></b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">. Being mentally active and open-minded. The ability to be creative and experimental. Having a sense of curiosity. The ability to apply problem-solving strategies to social conflicts.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">▪<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Emotions</span></b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">. Being aware of or in touch with your feelings. The ability to express appropriately positive and negative feelings.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">▪<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Control</span></b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">. Beliefs about your competence, confidence, and personal mastery. Beliefs that you can usually achieve the goals you set out for yourself.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">▪<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Work</span></b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">. Satisfaction with your work. Feeling that your skills are used appropriately. Feeling you can manage one’s workload. Feeling a sense of job security. Feeling appreciated in the work you do.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">▪<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Positive Humor</span></b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">. Being able to laugh at your own mistakes. The ability to use humor to accomplish even serious tasks.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Coping Self<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">▪<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Leisure</span></b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">. Satisfaction with your time spent in leisure. Feeling that your skills are used appropriately.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">▪<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Stress Management</span></b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">. On-going self-assessment of your coping resources. The ability to organize and manage resources such as time, energy, and setting limits.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">▪<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Self-Worth</span></b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">. Accepting who and what you are, positive qualities along with imperfections. A sense of being genuine within yourself and with others.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">▪<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Realistic Beliefs</span></b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">. Ability to process information and perceive reality accurately. The absence of persistent irrational beliefs and thoughts and need for perfection.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Social Self<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">▪<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span></span></span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Friendship</span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">Social relationships that involve a connection with others individually or in community, but which do not have a marital, sexual, or familial commitment. Having a capacity to trust others. Having empathy for others. Feeling understood by others.</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">▪<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Love</span></b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">. The ability to be intimate, trusting, self-disclosing with another. The ability to give as well as express affection with significant others and to accept others without conditions.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Essential Self<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">▪<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Spirituality</span></b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">. Personal beliefs and behaviors practiced as part of the recognition that we are more than the material aspects of mind and body. Belief in a higher power. Hope and optimism. Practice of worship, prayer, and/or meditation; purpose in life. Compassion for others. Moral values. Transcendence (a sense of oneness with the universe).<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">▪<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Gender Identity</span></b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">. Satisfaction with and feeling supported in one’s gender. Ability to be androgynous.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">▪<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Cultural Identity</span></b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">. Satisfaction with and feeling supported in one’s cultural identity. Cultural assimilation.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">▪<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Self-Care</span></b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">. Taking responsibility for one’s wellness through self-care and safety habits that are preventive in nature.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"> Physical Self<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJH6og-_jUXz687njLTeF6o2642XTGAw2YcBFLKCVk8fWWz0xso5dK_1xEEgXA1f2v-hGm86n5nD6P2VaZuA1TobuZ2YjZzXQPDlAlf06fqh9ke5jdpimVXX7WAuW4GmLovNJ70ztzvIJ/s1600/healthy+plate+of+food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJH6og-_jUXz687njLTeF6o2642XTGAw2YcBFLKCVk8fWWz0xso5dK_1xEEgXA1f2v-hGm86n5nD6P2VaZuA1TobuZ2YjZzXQPDlAlf06fqh9ke5jdpimVXX7WAuW4GmLovNJ70ztzvIJ/s1600/healthy+plate+of+food.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">▪<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Nutrition</span></b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">. Eating a nutritionally balanced diet. Maintaining a normal weight (within 15% of the ideal).<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">▪<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Exercise</span></b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">. Engaging in sufficient physical activity through exercise or in your work to keep in good physical condition.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"> General Feeling of Well-Being<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">▪<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Perceived Wellness</span></b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">. The extent to which you believe you have achieved wellness in all areas, or total wellness. Your estimate of your total wellness.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">▪<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Perceived Safety</span></b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">. The extent to which you believe you are safe in your home, neighborhood, and community, and the extent to which you feel safe from harm by terrorists.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">▪<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Context</span></b><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">. The extent to which your wellness is influenced, in a conscious manner, by individual, institutional, and global contexts, and the extent to which you are aware of and intentional in responding positively to changes in wellness over time.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">At our most recent Compeer poetry night, we wrote a group poem about mental wellness.....Seems fitting to share it here: </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Mental Wellness is.......</b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia;">Mental wellness is...a feeling of security and open-mindedness.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia;">Mental wellness is...when you feel good, when life is good......it is mind and body in sync.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia;">Mental wellness is...what I strive for throughout my lifetime.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia;">Mental wellness is...pure bliss- the personification of perfection. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia;">Mental wellness is...the sun, shining on your back...urging you to move forward. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia;">Mental wellness is...a confident spring breeze. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Today let's remember that Wellness is not a 'goal' we can 'reach.' Rather, Wellness is living the best life we can live--- for us!!! </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia;">-Jennifer</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 22.0pt; margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 11.0pt .5in; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: Georgia;"><br />
</span></div><!--EndFragment-->Jennifer Zeitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01002346416116153368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297451952828702997.post-48498994255300674202012-02-16T13:51:00.000-08:002012-02-16T13:54:06.301-08:00Just say NO.Remember the 80's anti-drug media blitz? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> "Just say NO!"</span> to drugs. <br />
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Catchy. Powerful. (And definitely good advice when it comes to experimenting with illegal substances.)<br />
It would seem common sense that it's also good advice to "just say NO!" when it comes to doing <i>anything</i> that will jeopardize our health and well-being, including over-extending ourselves.<br />
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Maybe common sense, but you chronic 'yes' people out there know that it's <i>not</i> always that easy.<br />
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I used to be a major 'yes' person, and sometimes I still fall into the trap of over-doing. My motto has seemed to be "Just say YES!" to anything that I think will in some way help someone, allow them to have a better day, or....(blush).....make them like me.<br />
There.<br />
I said it.<br />
I like to be liked.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOurJ2RMIrpZHL0LDrSWK_ORwfZCM1WqkTgUjnPCeCjOazNaHwHgUA0K4K1txCQllfLIs1VGuZP-hb_xX5sVl-KptALb4xBq_DA38ELEoNB-3FZhDbHari4780MbnafD5liE5HbGpUwLz/s1600/facebook-like-button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOurJ2RMIrpZHL0LDrSWK_ORwfZCM1WqkTgUjnPCeCjOazNaHwHgUA0K4K1txCQllfLIs1VGuZP-hb_xX5sVl-KptALb4xBq_DA38ELEoNB-3FZhDbHari4780MbnafD5liE5HbGpUwLz/s1600/facebook-like-button.jpg" /></a><br />
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Not that there is anything inherently wrong with wanting to be accepted by others. It's built into our genetic makeup, in fact. We're social beings. We tend to live in communities. Here at Compeer we <i>especially</i> know that friendship is an extremely powerful and healing force within the human experience.<br />
So, of course, we want to say yes to our friends. We want to be accepted in our community structure of choice, and sometimes that means going above and beyond to help those around us. <b><i>Sometimes</i></b>.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Other times, it is very important to be true to ourselves, be aware of our boundaries and recognize our own limits. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Saying yes when you need to say no causes burnout. You do yourself and the person making the request a disservice by saying yes all of the time.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Worrying too much about others needs, and not enough of our own can even lead to resentment that may show up as depression or anxiety....resentment can cause friendships to end. </span><br />
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We can say no and <i>still</i> be accepted!! Trust me, I do it, and you're still reading, right?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyeNCOkTvhQZMF_o6VZ6Err-OCMOMf_Kp9uivWJUMnGFJxou9ScUJh_aWPR6bsh6djMp5vRztvjIzltg66wja2ZCGAkYQ5TRl1gq3aRyFflrkj-OS2ClBOTBi8OehilPeeBfPGxFOpndnI/s1600/I+say+no.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyeNCOkTvhQZMF_o6VZ6Err-OCMOMf_Kp9uivWJUMnGFJxou9ScUJh_aWPR6bsh6djMp5vRztvjIzltg66wja2ZCGAkYQ5TRl1gq3aRyFflrkj-OS2ClBOTBi8OehilPeeBfPGxFOpndnI/s1600/I+say+no.jpg" /></a><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnhNqIbTmXWSUb6_xIpEtnkW5kC2D5f9fdvboVw4XAS8Ok0RUz4yazWoztPZBTq1MvJavR-XMBji9SmOm_KrRZXpEGijY0VYBVtXX5aeskdCYjRYLXPXgdANAaLPMF0TGLvFTwobUDpc15/s1600/I+say+no+picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnhNqIbTmXWSUb6_xIpEtnkW5kC2D5f9fdvboVw4XAS8Ok0RUz4yazWoztPZBTq1MvJavR-XMBji9SmOm_KrRZXpEGijY0VYBVtXX5aeskdCYjRYLXPXgdANAaLPMF0TGLvFTwobUDpc15/s200/I+say+no+picture.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See? ; )</td></tr>
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For tips on just how to do this, (nicely!) I've included a suggested method by Colette Carlson, an expert in communication.<br />
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<h2 style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Stop, Look and Listen—then Go</span></span></span></h2><div align="left" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Stop:</span></span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span><em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Instead of rushing to make a decision, simply stop and take a deep breath.</span></span></em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Depending on the immediacy of the situation, you may say something like, “Gee, that sounds interesting, let me get back to you,” or “Please give me a minute to gather my thoughts and take a look at my schedule.” (This is also a great parenting tip so you don’t have to go back on your word.) In other words, remove the pressure of feeling like you have to reply immediately.</span></span></div><div align="left" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Look:</span></span></span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span></span><em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Take a long, hard look at your current commitments and calendar.</span></span></em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> If you say your health is the most important thing in your life, have you put your calendar where your mouth is? Put your focus on what you want and schedule it in to make sure it happens. No one is going to give you what you need to get for yourself. When you’re clear on your internal goals and schedule your time to reflect your desires, it’s easier to find the confidence necessary to say no to others in order to say yes to you.</span></span></div><div align="left" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Listen:</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span><em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Listen to and acknowledge your feelings.</span></span></em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> When you first hear the request, what is your immediate reaction? Are you excited and enthusiastic about the opportunity, or do you wish the person would just magically disappear? Do you truly want to do what is asked, or is it something you think you “should” do? “Shoulds” come loaded with guilt. Guilt is simply anger turned inward because you can’t do what you really want. Honor your true feelings for long-term personal sanity and happiness.</span></span></div><div align="left" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Go:</span></span></span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span><em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Go on with integrity.</span></span></em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Let go of your fears and simply speak your truth. Don’t give excuses – just a simple, “No, I won’t be able to participate, but I hope you have a wonderful time,” or “No, my calendar is full but thank you for thinking of me.” Or in Jill’s case she could say, “Gary, I won’t be able to help. I have just enough time left to finish my own commitments.” Then, zip it. No need to elaborate or apologize. If you still feel guilty, ask yourself a simple question: What is my intent? If your intention in saying no is purely to respect your own priorities and needs, then release all fears and go forward. If anyone gets upset, it’s about them, not about you.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I absolutely love the last line here...."if someone gets upset, it's about them, not about you." This is a concept that can be hard to really understand, especially for those of us who tend to react to others negativity with guilt. Sometimes folks have their very own reasons for becoming upset when we can't fill their needs- reasons that have nothing to do with us. </span></div><div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When we clear our schedule of unnecessary obligations that do not fulfill our own needs, we take away from ourselves the energy and time we could be applying to efforts we enjoy. A life of Wellness is a life of balance, and while we cannot (nor should we) always "just say no," </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">........sometimes saying no to someone else means saying YES to you. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-Jen </span></span></div>Jennifer Zeitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01002346416116153368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297451952828702997.post-60669651658335467642012-02-09T12:03:00.000-08:002012-02-09T12:34:26.568-08:00Compoetry.......Last night was our first <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Compeer Poetry Night</span></b>......and this morning, I am still feeling inspired by the sharing we experienced.<br />
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I was a little nervous getting ready for this group- I wondered if people would come, and if they would be willing to share their personal writing.... I wondered if everyone would have a good time.....<br />
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<b>I couldn't have been more pleased with the evening!</b><br />
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We had a nice spread of good food to choose from, (our Senior Program Director, Sarah, had some fun at Wegmans!) and the room felt warm and accepting as we all chatted and ate. I got to meet some new people, and was excited to see some faces that have become very dear to me......that happens a lot at Compeer. I couldn't help but think to myself, "Wow, I might just have the best job in the world-- I get to be surrounded by friends."<br />
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We began the night by learning a little about reading poetry-- it's not as simple as you might think. (and not as hard as I thought!) We started with this interesting poem about-- what else?? Reading poems!!<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">HOW TO EAT A POEM </span></b>by Eve Merriam<br />
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<b>Don't be polite.</b><br />
<b>Bite in.</b><br />
<b>Pick it up with your fingers </b><br />
<b>and lick the juice that may run down your chin. </b><br />
<b>It is ready and ripe now, whenever you are. </b><br />
<b>You do not need a knife or fork or spoon or plate or napkin or table cloth. </b><br />
<b>For there is no core or stem or rind or pit or skin to throw away. </b><br />
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We talked a little about what we think the author of this poem was trying to say:<br />
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Poetry is for everyone. There is no wrong way to read or write it. There are no 'bad' parts....poetry just <i>is.</i> It is ready and waiting for us, like a friend, and if we accept a poem for all that it may bring, we can enjoy it endlessly.<br />
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We also learned about <i>how</i> to read and interpret poetry--- that it is important to read and speak slowly, in order to soak up the message, and better understand subtle meanings within the words. It is especially helpful to look for imagery within a poem-- what does the author want us to see....smell...taste?<br />
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Ashley shared a great poem full of <b><i>imagery</i></b> about a beautiful day spent with a lost love. (I'm hoping to add it here- with her permission, so check back!!)<br />
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Many of our friends took a risk, and read us their own poems.....we shared about the anxiety we can get just waiting for a call from someone special.....about the changes that the internet has brought to our lives.....the upsides and downsides of having that cigarette break....we interpreted some favorite song lyrics....and more.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFP5bB4HwCIXzn-ES_3glMphtqOqUzpjDfkKEyYa-BD9bUTfHN7GwXaSO56fJx7c8Q4_IO2I55Iv9L5W6FFdueecINR54Z5d45UZaAZaZzU3Frb39z94KXR24RvX2xY_5oHlpezjqdIHin/s1600/2012poetrycrop3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFP5bB4HwCIXzn-ES_3glMphtqOqUzpjDfkKEyYa-BD9bUTfHN7GwXaSO56fJx7c8Q4_IO2I55Iv9L5W6FFdueecINR54Z5d45UZaAZaZzU3Frb39z94KXR24RvX2xY_5oHlpezjqdIHin/s200/2012poetrycrop3.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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I can honestly say, I can't remember a time when I have seen a group of people who have not met before become so open with such personal thoughts--so quickly. It was such a gift to be a part of this awesome group!<br />
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In the spirit of friendship, I'll end this post with a poem from Patty about her friend Carol.....thanks to all who participated last night, and I look forward to having more of our Compeer friends join us for our next reading!!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I prayed for a mentor, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And then God sent her.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">She has been faithful, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For that I'm grateful.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">She has fed me, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Both physically and mentally.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I thank God for her. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My dear friend is near…..</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">….My Compeer. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_VVFVz0x2c9TW2FI_a58e2hz079t-6j9kRSrUufaoyB4m7xo3MDsY-iU3xuGgrLLtrKChnDUUdimZ2aS8aMaVxRK_7eoZ7ZkBa-BJ10J-ywww3A2KOs1y6qjLueAGqkXZl-ini95HW62p/s1600/poetry2012crop2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_VVFVz0x2c9TW2FI_a58e2hz079t-6j9kRSrUufaoyB4m7xo3MDsY-iU3xuGgrLLtrKChnDUUdimZ2aS8aMaVxRK_7eoZ7ZkBa-BJ10J-ywww3A2KOs1y6qjLueAGqkXZl-ini95HW62p/s320/poetry2012crop2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patty and Carol</td></tr>
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</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I'm not sure about you.....</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">But I am REALLY looking forward to doing this again!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">-Jennifer</span></div></span>Jennifer Zeitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01002346416116153368noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297451952828702997.post-67173724715022465422012-01-26T12:04:00.000-08:002013-01-09T09:23:15.455-08:00Friendship Bracelet GIVEAWAY!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Don't you just LOVE winning things?? </span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Well, today you have the opportunity to jump in on a great giveaway from the Compeer Buffalo blog. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Jewelry anyone?? </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></b>We are giving away this bracelet design created in our Compeer Shared Profits Artisans (SPA) group! Winning is easy- see the giveaway entry rules below. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ovUrhy0B2d2graiWP9czt-X0DaQbEdCcatHJl4gA1L7Sr68tXoFfRH3poW9MdeR6-O1rj6NggVnOIoSc-WBG3DrsEaszw1Hv6dfgxs-LvUA7tjefhf0Lq1LUtPzOu-qr6_4RrYxtjSAc/s1600/giveaway+bracelet+distant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ovUrhy0B2d2graiWP9czt-X0DaQbEdCcatHJl4gA1L7Sr68tXoFfRH3poW9MdeR6-O1rj6NggVnOIoSc-WBG3DrsEaszw1Hv6dfgxs-LvUA7tjefhf0Lq1LUtPzOu-qr6_4RrYxtjSAc/s200/giveaway+bracelet+distant.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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The bracelet being given away this week was made by me, but many other designs made by the members of our Shared Profits Artisans group are available for purchase as well. Call Compeer at 716-883-3331 for more details!<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">(ask for Jennifer)</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">WHAT IS A “SPA” GROUP?</b></div>
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Compeer’s SPA group is made up of Compeer friends and volunteers interested in being a part of a cooperative craft-producing environment. Group members engage in open and supportive social interaction while working toward completing a production goal. Whether making jewelry, sewing therapeutic eye pillows, or sharing artistic or creative writing skills, individuals engage in the group production of a completed product. Through their work, members develop skills transferrable to support success in the community, as well as develop a social sense of belonging and camaraderie with their peers. All donations received in return for our bracelets are put toward purchasing supplies for future groups-- we are self-sustaining! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyw-AaI6nt7tiDqO1e4UgrkXRRzDtBrlZyd0gLIxTp2i28mqQMMnhw1cA1oiAU07pyGakjy8I3Zh34IGe1Or1k34TvJ07lqOrKABS1MIVHY2hjLo4IAmD6ByEyPolBJe_NM5YzymRa5zAx/s1600/MIchele+And+Jacky-+jewelry+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyw-AaI6nt7tiDqO1e4UgrkXRRzDtBrlZyd0gLIxTp2i28mqQMMnhw1cA1oiAU07pyGakjy8I3Zh34IGe1Or1k34TvJ07lqOrKABS1MIVHY2hjLo4IAmD6ByEyPolBJe_NM5YzymRa5zAx/s200/MIchele+And+Jacky-+jewelry+.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2r8KWpEI7klXYjo8LEcNpxYsPGr9qz6aM1PXhip0NJOg9iKBCOg4GfcsGn2B0gQz9FUC2LvagPQTrss4zSQeM9J3jnLMYmYRZMUD7UcVLzZprbputqNi7B9gJIuwh6VuFHoLB5JZZcTg3/s1600/jewelry_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2r8KWpEI7klXYjo8LEcNpxYsPGr9qz6aM1PXhip0NJOg9iKBCOg4GfcsGn2B0gQz9FUC2LvagPQTrss4zSQeM9J3jnLMYmYRZMUD7UcVLzZprbputqNi7B9gJIuwh6VuFHoLB5JZZcTg3/s200/jewelry_4.jpg" width="150" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">IS THIS THERAPEUTIC? <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The simple answer is YES. It has been long understood in the fields of psychology, occupational therapy, art therapy, and neurology that group work benefits both the physical and mental health of participants. Compeer matches are based on the fact that friendship and social interaction is healing in and of itself. Our SPA groups blend these theories in an effort to bring motivation, validation, social support and a sense of purpose to the lives of its members in a sustainable way. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<b><br />GIVEAWAY ENTRY RULES: </b></div>
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Winning is easy!</div>
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<b>Step 1:</b> <b>"Like"</b> <b>Compeer of Greater Buffalo </b>on Facebook. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Compeer-of-Greater-Buffalo-Inc/42019174237?ref=ts">Compeer of Greater Buffalo, Inc.Non-Profit Organization521 like this</a><br />
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<b>Step 2</b>: <b>Follow</b> this blog using the 'join this site' button in the upper right column. It's important you join, so that we can contact you if you are our winner! </div>
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<b>Step 3: Leave a comment </b>on this post about one of your favorite friendship moments! Could be something nice a friend did for you or a special day shared with a friend-- get creative!! (be sure you don't post anonymously-- you must use your google friend account, or I won't be able to contact you if you win!)<br />
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A winner will be picked at random from the comments section next week Thursday, February 2nd. You will be notified by email if you are the lucky winner!! (Unfortunately, we can only ship to the US and Canada, so international readers can't participate in this giveaway....my apologies to our world-readers!)<br />
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Good Luck Friends!!!<br />
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-Jennifer<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">UPDATE: WE HAVE A WINNER!!!!</span></span><br />
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The names of those who entered were placed into RANDOM.ORG, which (randomly!) selected our winner............<br />
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The winner is..........<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Stephanie!!! </span> <br />
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Congratulations, and thanks to all those who entered! </div>
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Jennifer Zeitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01002346416116153368noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297451952828702997.post-70823345954034767592012-01-19T11:32:00.000-08:002012-01-19T11:35:13.149-08:00Adding 'purpose' to every day.....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHl_62E8FmIWg4gH77SliOGJzNRxxqA9_gtjhbf3OABUbkxiJJn6qP9dCi0-A98WWWz2vHHS7XNNj_YSgvojXo6_UCeFpz0jwwC-5k1k3daJaArpPpc7ftgsE5h4OWMimbTxNDgEjKqNj/s1600/Purpose-+find+yours.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHl_62E8FmIWg4gH77SliOGJzNRxxqA9_gtjhbf3OABUbkxiJJn6qP9dCi0-A98WWWz2vHHS7XNNj_YSgvojXo6_UCeFpz0jwwC-5k1k3daJaArpPpc7ftgsE5h4OWMimbTxNDgEjKqNj/s200/Purpose-+find+yours.jpg" width="200" /></a>Lately, I've been really hung up on the idea of a sense of 'purpose' as a guide for everyday life....<b> </b><br />
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It's not a new idea for me, and actually, I think that this concept led me to work in the 'helping' professions to begin with.....<br />
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Even when I was little, something inside of me always pushed me toward what it was that I was 'meant' to be doing. I knew that there were certain times when I felt the most confident, the most sure, and the most at peace. These times almost always were when I was engaged in something creative, and usually also involved helping others. It seems that I knew even then that these factors were in tune with my purpose, but as a child I certainly didn't have the words to say that, or even the awareness to think it........Back then, I just <i>knew what felt right.</i> And back then, I wasn't held back by the roles that society tends to impose upon us as we grow.<br />
I knew I liked to draw, so I did...I knew I liked to cheer people up-- so most of the time I would give my drawings away, and get a smile. It was intuitive, it was easy, and I felt good about it.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBJrJa7a4sBovxKCONKbzHwAfL0ZmPEOU6bDo2Y6FLyNu4-Vuwpp4Px3owumGAKyt3LZL9F9fkLJugWXAOOqlSFTT24PY6PHXmzNvsC3GeQodnsu80ikTPJjhiXbeErcNqkfzqVZEkePie/s1600/child+drawing.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBJrJa7a4sBovxKCONKbzHwAfL0ZmPEOU6bDo2Y6FLyNu4-Vuwpp4Px3owumGAKyt3LZL9F9fkLJugWXAOOqlSFTT24PY6PHXmzNvsC3GeQodnsu80ikTPJjhiXbeErcNqkfzqVZEkePie/s320/child+drawing.png" width="320" /></a>So what changes? As adults, so many factors come into play as we decide how to spend our time, and where to focus our energy. We may have work obligations, a family to raise or older parents to care for, a home or apartment to maintain. (Bills to pay!) These are all real concerns that, most times, we cannot do much to change.<br />
<br />
There are however, many things that keep us from our purpose driven ideas that we <i>can</i> get around. The biggest obstacle most people have to face when deciding to be true to themselves and their desires is the fear of disapproval from others.<br />
For me, this could look like, <i>"I love to paint, but I have so much to do around the house--- I would look irresponsible if I left the dishes in the sink while I paint a picture."</i><br />
The fact is, a couple of dishes in the sink are not likely to affect me in any way-- washed or unwashed. If I spend my time on the dishes, I will be no more energized than if I don't. If I leave them there, I will be no worse off.....the task has no meaning to me.<br />
On the other hand, if I take twenty minutes to paint- I know that I will feel excited by the creativity, and energized by the sense of accomplishment. I also know that when I am excited and energized-- I get more done!! (including dishes- bonus!)<br />
The point here is, if we let all of our daily activities become those we feel obligated to do....the outcome will always be less than what a day with purpose could bring.<br />
<br />
<br />
Nine times out of ten, what we think others are thinking of us is not even true. Let's get back to what moves us-- let's get back to PURPOSE.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>THE BASIC TECHNIQUE</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdIzi_0xG3Ci78om0jv-3j7OTyRCRHFIJJzSLFzEPMwtjrlftXmhNFnccjOZdCvlpSf0QY8j7ggL85WaNlVhrY33WtOabXSNXbMik_MExO53YYEVfAfT1Rgcuq7lptCh40KrarmtjbXENY/s1600/light-purpose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdIzi_0xG3Ci78om0jv-3j7OTyRCRHFIJJzSLFzEPMwtjrlftXmhNFnccjOZdCvlpSf0QY8j7ggL85WaNlVhrY33WtOabXSNXbMik_MExO53YYEVfAfT1Rgcuq7lptCh40KrarmtjbXENY/s200/light-purpose.jpg" width="173" /></a>The filter technique below allows you to identify your purpose by bypassing the conditioned thought associations relating to ‘permission’ and ‘disapproval.’ It's broad enough to help you make big choices, like job moves, or small ones like how to spend a Saturday afternoon-- with YOU in mind!! : <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr> <td><br />
</td> <td><br />
</td> <td><img border="0" height="10" src="http://www.anxietyculture.com/trans30.gif" width="10" /></td> </tr>
<tr valign="top"> <td>1.</td> <td><img border="0" height="5" src="http://www.anxietyculture.com/trans30.gif" width="3" /></td> <td class="sidebar">Identify what you like about yourself.</td> </tr>
<tr valign="top"> <td>2.</td> <td><br />
</td> <td class="sidebar">Identify how you most like spending your time.</td> </tr>
<tr valign="top"> <td>3.</td> <td><br />
</td> <td class="sidebar">Imagine your idea of a perfect world.</td><td class="sidebar"></td><td class="sidebar"></td><td class="sidebar"></td><td class="sidebar"></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Your purpose is what links these three things together. In other words, it is the way you can use your favorite characteristics, abilities and attributes in activities you like best, to manifest your vision of a perfect world. Don’t be deceived by the simplicity of this technique. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">-exerpt from </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.anxietyculture.com/purpose.htm">Anxiety Culture, how to find your own purpose.</a></span> <br />
<br />
<br />
So here's what I got when I tried this:<br />
<br />
<b>1.</b> I like that I am artistic and creative.<br />
<b>2.</b> I like spending my time with friends and working on projects.<br />
<b>3.</b> My idea of a perfect world is one where people can accept each other and work together.<br />
<br />
<b>One way to link these things together for me is:</b> Providing a creative group project open to all of my friends..... like the Compeer Care and Share Jewelry group. You can check your Compeer newsletter for more info on the group, but basically, in this setting I get to be artistic and creative....I get to spend time with friends working on a project....and we can all accept one another and work together. This ties in all of the three things I identified- so cool!<br />
<br />
Try the technique above and feel free to share one of your purpose-driven ideas in the comments section!Jennifer Zeitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01002346416116153368noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297451952828702997.post-2418878952504775582011-02-07T07:35:00.000-08:002011-02-07T07:35:49.452-08:00Winter......it's still here.<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Brrrrr.</b></span>........it's cold. And we're expecting snow. What's new?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir12cuascej8bYsvf74Amf1RKnqvRtq014QSWggkzqqudsG4pI7_LqVvhN853Q39TTyokc3JPLziKJ8V9dwpTvd_C38Yr84_Tn9Wy7fQRzvc-6x2F3ikqOfUeL4-LUV5SOK1nk9DuFddac/s1600/snow+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir12cuascej8bYsvf74Amf1RKnqvRtq014QSWggkzqqudsG4pI7_LqVvhN853Q39TTyokc3JPLziKJ8V9dwpTvd_C38Yr84_Tn9Wy7fQRzvc-6x2F3ikqOfUeL4-LUV5SOK1nk9DuFddac/s320/snow+blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>It's been mildly entertaining watching the rest of the country deal with the storm that hit (though I realize it's no fun for them!).....and even more entertaining to hear all the Buffalonians brag about how well-equipped <i>we</i> are to deal with it.<br />
Well, friends, I'm not feeling equipped.<br />
I don't like snow unless I'm snowboarding on it. I don't find being cold very pleasant either-- it makes it harder to get out of bed. And the shower.<br />
<br />
But here's the deal-- we have winter in Buffalo. We get snow. It gets cold, dark and windy.......<br />
And right about now, all over our dark, snowy, windy city, the winter blues are in full effect for many of us.<br />
Most of us have heard of the winter blues, or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). I often hear it joked about on the radio, or hear it brought up casually in groups of friends. It makes sense that when we are kept from being more active, and need to stay indoors away from the sun that we will inevitably get down, or feel moody. So, seasonal affective disorder is easy to identify with-- and to casually speak about. But, here you run the risk of minimizing a legitimate, sometimes disabling, condition.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLxiqJvxtb5dASB1P_jHAJe1rq-iDlWWy_g0b7jBjHGwpaLdDww3v-_rHf-Nqln_MHBldEhjClpmiDVsQ1jFELAr1OekAnzNhdriL8ikP-H7UVVR67Pyisvd9qRvgjayKIGnma7H9ooQF/s1600/sad+girl+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLxiqJvxtb5dASB1P_jHAJe1rq-iDlWWy_g0b7jBjHGwpaLdDww3v-_rHf-Nqln_MHBldEhjClpmiDVsQ1jFELAr1OekAnzNhdriL8ikP-H7UVVR67Pyisvd9qRvgjayKIGnma7H9ooQF/s200/sad+girl+blog.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I want to take a look at what it is that defines SAD versus just having a case of cabin fever, or dealing with the 'winter blues.' It is very important for those if us who are dealing with a deeper depression, or who may have friends or family going through this, to understand more fully what can be done to alleviate symptoms and get us on a track to wellness.<br />
Mayoclinic.com cites these as symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder: <br />
<br />
"* Depression (intense and prolonged sadness)<br />
* Hopelessness<br />
* Anxiety<br />
* Loss of energy<br />
* Social withdrawal<br />
* Oversleeping<br />
* Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed<br />
* Appetite changes, especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates<br />
* Weight gain<br />
* Difficulty concentrating and processing information "<span style="font-size: xx-small;">mayoclinic.com</span><br />
<br />
What makes these symptoms different than those of a clinical depression is that "Seasonal affective disorder is a cyclic, seasonal condition. This means that signs and symptoms come back and go away at the same time every year. Usually, seasonal affective disorder symptoms appear during late fall or early winter and go away during the sunnier days of spring and summer." <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Mayoclinic.com </span><br />
<br />
Does this sound like you? If so, don't just brush it off as something you 'have to get through. The above symptoms are much more than a bad day or a bad mood. We must recognize when we need to step up to take better care of ourselves, or we can be set up for a bigger problem in the end.<br />
<br />
If you are struggling with your day to day activities, then your problem with seasonal depression may be more real than you think. It's time to reach out for some help.<br />
<br />
<br />
For those of us who are struggling to a lesser degree, here are some suggestions to help us get a jump start on those happier springtime days!!<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Set goals</span></b>: even one goal a day-- like, "go through the mail to find bills." will feel great to accomplish.<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Sleep:</span></b> Make sure that you're not sleeping too much or too little. Use an alarm clock or nap!!<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Exercise:</b></span> just taking the stairs, parking farther from your destination, or walking a block to the next bus stop can make a big difference.<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Forgiveness:</span></b> staying upset takes a lot of energy-- finding forgiveness for whoever, or whatever it is you find you're angry about frees up your energy for things more focused on wellness.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbvXuHKWgMH7xP-uaHzMl4ePF69dsGnkJrTLefWntyUp6NbNo8Ap3n5aj2Z_PrOBRQFcTtzkQTD_wcyldnJmDJzxk3jRmM9nTL1gfRxcjBwkc2VgJzJQ-13kWFhdHNeVnPzFnHCqbztum/s1600/spring+flower+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbvXuHKWgMH7xP-uaHzMl4ePF69dsGnkJrTLefWntyUp6NbNo8Ap3n5aj2Z_PrOBRQFcTtzkQTD_wcyldnJmDJzxk3jRmM9nTL1gfRxcjBwkc2VgJzJQ-13kWFhdHNeVnPzFnHCqbztum/s320/spring+flower+blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Gratitude:</b></span> I'm a big fan of the gratitude list-- writing five things down per day that you are thankful for. It will change your brain chemistry- and your attitude! <br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sunlight:</b></span> it may not seem to be there-- but it is! UV rays can get through the clouds, so get out <span style="font-size: small;">there!! </span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Hydration:</span></b> it's highly likely you are not getting the amount of water your body need each day. Drink more water!<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>Friendships:</b></span> Lean on your support system- call your Compeer!<span class="fullpost">Everyone wants to be heard, appreciated, and loved. Start off by listening, appreciating and loving, and it will come back your way.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="fullpost">Let's hear about how you get through the winter months.....is it a struggle? How have you been able to keep going? </span><br />
<br />
<span class="fullpost">-Jennifer </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="fullpost"><span style="color: #ff6600; font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></span>Jennifer Zeitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01002346416116153368noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297451952828702997.post-11867718278661847772010-09-23T12:06:00.000-07:002010-09-23T12:06:17.121-07:00The morning......what's good about it??<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqsFV1heeJyT4ejv1npbJ5JtOjZlj_BPiertKG3yPaNN0bMwdy1G54JrksOuonnBhmWF_KZiEMCL4whE3D6FLcS-EtwMQDJH4ZnhZ9argX4Nlj19cAQr8IU397f0cUISQpl5qW7szw_lE/s1600/yawning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFqsFV1heeJyT4ejv1npbJ5JtOjZlj_BPiertKG3yPaNN0bMwdy1G54JrksOuonnBhmWF_KZiEMCL4whE3D6FLcS-EtwMQDJH4ZnhZ9argX4Nlj19cAQr8IU397f0cUISQpl5qW7szw_lE/s200/yawning.jpg" width="181" /></a>In answer to the title of this post, I was inclined to write (in all caps- indicating my scream): "NOTHING!!!"<br />
But that's not exactly going to get this post moving in the positive direction I'm aiming it in......<br />
Ahem....folks, I am NOT a morning person.<br />
I am very much the girl who sets the alarm and falls asleep with the best <i>intention</i> to hear it in the morning-- and spring up and out of bed in rise-and-shine glory to greet the birds and the sunshine and welcome a glorious new day.....(insert singing princesses here.) <br />
<br />
Wait. Rewind. I did say <i>intention</i>.<br />
<br />
When my alarm goes off, it's still dark and even the birds aren't up. (They know that it's <i>surely</i> not time yet.....) And I don't even roll over- much less spring up and out of bed. I just smack at my buzzing phone until it goes quiet for 9 more minutes. And I do that about <i>6 times</i> before finally stumbling to the bathroom feeling around for the light switch, grumbling at myself for not allowing more time to get ready. <br />
This has <i>got</i> to stop......<br />
<br />
I <i>know </i>that there are wonderful things about the morning-- small things to be found and cherished, and I am determined to figure out what they are and to include them in my routine.<br />
(There's a concept! ROUTINE!!!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGN-4dKU4LYNEg03tejeZIt7kcuWlxLfNjmf5iNsO7YFl4EufhRDkG0BlQ-A-1TpkWmibK5M9ksMtKOQXJtGYXiM8Ubo2H_gQKYWvyNIjJ3Hu06kH7O1j8ewq2wFjQ3dNYt5JTN2OoVSQB/s1600/morning+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGN-4dKU4LYNEg03tejeZIt7kcuWlxLfNjmf5iNsO7YFl4EufhRDkG0BlQ-A-1TpkWmibK5M9ksMtKOQXJtGYXiM8Ubo2H_gQKYWvyNIjJ3Hu06kH7O1j8ewq2wFjQ3dNYt5JTN2OoVSQB/s320/morning+image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>But........how?<br />
Ahhh....trustly old Google.<br />
Here are just a few ideas that I found and will start to use:<br />
<ul><li><b>Go to sleep with the curtains open or blinds up</b> so that the light will naturally help you awaken in the morning. (this won't work in winter for us early-risers, but I still think it's a good one)</li>
<li><b>Get up earlier.</b> HA! ha ha........No really. I think that there is something to be said for this one. I have tried, and failed at this. I set the alarm earlier- but that just means I hit snooze a few more times. In my mind, I have a time that I know I need to be up by, in order to get everyone in my family where they need to go for the day. But getting up to allow the minimum time it takes creates a sense of urgency and doesn't allow for things like feeling the water on my back in the shower for a few more minutes, or even for sitting down while having my cup of coffee. Getting up just one half hour earlier will help the morning feel more relaxed. It allows for small extras, like reading an interesting article, or gazing at the neighborhood for a few minutes out the window. Getting up earlier helps us <i>experience</i> the morning rather than rush through it. </li>
<li><b>Go to bed earlier.</b> (What? There already isn't enough time in the day to get things done!!) Yes, going to bed earlier may take a bit of time from your day, but remember, we just added some time to the morning! Going to bed sooner will help us get up in the morning. Plus, when we have the amount of sleep we really need, our energy will be higher all day long, and can help us do more and feel better. Going to bed earlier may help you be <i>more</i> productive. </li>
<li><b>Eliminate decisions.</b> I for one, love this idea. I'm good for nothing in the morning. I'm lucky to match my socks, and I never feel like making breakfast, so often I skip it. (I know--not a good choice) So having things set up the night before is pretty genius. We've heard it before. My mom has probably said it a million times in my lifetime, and I'm going to say it again.<i> Get ready the night before.</i> Choose your outfit, plan breakfast and your coffee or tea, have your towel and hygiene supplies ready to go. This way the morning can fall into place with less effort. (<i>And </i>you won't realize that you're out of milk <i>after</i> you've already poured the cereal.) </li>
<li><b>Add music</b>. Music helps to promote thinking and creativity. Listening to what you enjoy at the start can ground you and prepare you for a positive day. Queue Bedouin Soundclash: "heeeyy heyy-ey eyyy! A beauuuuuutiful day!" (you're lucky you can't hear me singing this right now. Great morning song though!) </li>
<li><b>Eat breakfast.</b> First of all, breakfast is delicious. That's enough for me. But studies show that eating a healthy breakfast improves mood through out the day, allows for higher levels of thinking, and ironically, keeps our weight down. Check out some healthy breakfast ideas on the internet-- your morning meal should be one that is not only healthy, but enjoyable and a positive start to your day. </li>
</ul><br />
OK, now that I plan to embrace this 'morning' thing with a better attitude, let's answer the title question again.......<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZqmIFhvL5u9jqoGhKXIHgoPqSNJD3dG09Y1OcqH_Dn5sW2UfwVvd3aJn8-glTm0An-Zg245AyC-0F7FAtc9_dKOmXoPaAlMVo8-kRx4d6Y9-CmRGPwg_7amngiDgK12ABUrT-aCjvO5n/s1600/goodmorning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZqmIFhvL5u9jqoGhKXIHgoPqSNJD3dG09Y1OcqH_Dn5sW2UfwVvd3aJn8-glTm0An-Zg245AyC-0F7FAtc9_dKOmXoPaAlMVo8-kRx4d6Y9-CmRGPwg_7amngiDgK12ABUrT-aCjvO5n/s320/goodmorning.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What's good about morning? </b></span><br />
The start of a new day.<br />
The opportunity to be the best person I can be today.<br />
The gift of life wrapped up and given all over again.....<br />
<br />
What's good about your morning?<br />
<br />
-JenniferJennifer Zeitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01002346416116153368noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297451952828702997.post-30803371233139425652010-09-03T06:48:00.000-07:002010-09-03T08:48:54.428-07:00Can you SMELL it?No, not that lingering, mysterious stank that won't leave the back seat of my car......it's AUTUMN!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2TqqIiu8vIWlkTJ_Lj3iig9da7a2KX9owy4JdHRcrdyx8MCrelhoi47W8xG-SWE0UrK1TysYU0IB5JCfJgiYJnThjj3AcaCxjRD-zDTZqGOSly0qCt4aE0c8qAddx-ZPSRIaWUZ9DYfh/s1600/foliagetrail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2TqqIiu8vIWlkTJ_Lj3iig9da7a2KX9owy4JdHRcrdyx8MCrelhoi47W8xG-SWE0UrK1TysYU0IB5JCfJgiYJnThjj3AcaCxjRD-zDTZqGOSly0qCt4aE0c8qAddx-ZPSRIaWUZ9DYfh/s200/foliagetrail.jpg" width="138" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I know, I know.....I'm early.</span> For goodness sake, we have plenty of summer left.....there's still Wing Fest this weekend, outdoor picnics to attend, evening walks to sweat through.....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwvARZJhfiFuQ3O-v0Y0J30qmQahQgpLCgbXCybFHhF7QFsb7SSFqtwfTIHivcNeFFaNDL5rhC-RGXvpohpzZ1ShuqVfR3gdOhq_mApRTvIN2CptNIWEJKfaaTksJMmHjLeXjzx8e6PqBQ/s1600/hot+cider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwvARZJhfiFuQ3O-v0Y0J30qmQahQgpLCgbXCybFHhF7QFsb7SSFqtwfTIHivcNeFFaNDL5rhC-RGXvpohpzZ1ShuqVfR3gdOhq_mApRTvIN2CptNIWEJKfaaTksJMmHjLeXjzx8e6PqBQ/s200/hot+cider.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>But I know you smelled it--- last week, when it cooled down.....Autumn made a guest appearance, and I CAN'T WAIT for the full-time debut!!!<br />
I was chatting with co-worker Krystina yesterday, and we couldn't help but scroll through our fall-time faves......hot apple cider, oversized sweaters, pumpkins on porches, school buses and kids with backpacks, crunching leaves underfoot....... runny noses too, but let's stay positive.<br />
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I love fall. I lurrrrve it!!! It's less sweaty, more cuddly, and just plain smells good.<br />
But all this day dreaming about the change of season has me thinking.<br />
<br />
<i>What in the world happened to summer of 2010??</i> For reals. Where did it go?<br />
<br />
And has any one<i> else </i>noticed that as you get older, time seems to go more quickly......??<br />
So my mind moves from the excitement of fall to the lament of a lost summer in t-minus 3...2....1....<br />
<br />
Let's face it-- life has gotten, well, <i>fast</i> for many of us- we get caught up in the rush of work, family, housekeeping, schedule juggling......<br />
For others of us, it's an opposite struggle-- we can feel <i>left out</i> of the rush, watching friends, neighbors and family members rushing about, too busy to remember that we need them- we need to <i>connect.</i> We're <i>here</i>.<br />
<br />
Looking back at summer, I know it was full of activity- my kids keep me running from one thing to the next, and once you throw in work, and a home to care for, I can forget stopping to <i>think</i> much less finding time to have a lazy afternoon with my grandfather--- who I know would love my visit. (insert lump in my throat here.)<br />
<br />
So, you thought this post was about autumn- did you? :) Well, we have time for that, friends.....<i>if we make time.</i> I want to smell autumn, feel it in the air, and most of all I want to <i>share </i>it with those I love. And for me that means slowing down a bit. For some of you it means reaching out to those you care about who might be moving too fast and reminding them that you want time with them....<br />
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I will not throw out wordy advice about your scheduling habits-- trust me, it's all I can do to work on my own. What I will say is that we can gain a lot by stepping back and making an assessment of what's working.....and what isn't.<br />
For those of us who find life to feel somewhat like being swept up in rushing flood waters-- it may be time to remove some activities from our schedules.....<br />
Maybe for others, it's more of an issue of not scheduling enough....time with friends, time to exercise, time to learn something new. It's just as frustrating to watch the flood waters rush past while you stand helplessly on the shore as it is to be caught up in them.....<br />
<br />
It's a balance, and like most things in life, it's different for everyone-- but let's work on this one....<br />
When you smell autumn creeping in....<i>smell</i> it. Think of your friends here-- and of this post, and make the changes you want for <i>your best </i>fall season. <br />
<br />
(and gosh darn it- have a little hot cider!!) (sniffle.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>-Jen Zeitler<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Compeer Staff and Volunteer</span>Jennifer Zeitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01002346416116153368noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297451952828702997.post-64874747413230025862010-08-30T07:28:00.000-07:002010-08-30T08:46:27.414-07:00To Hope or Not to Hope? A guest blog about hope and mental health...You know those friends that you meet, and you instantly fall in line with--- the ones you can tell immediately are in it with you for the long haul?? Ashley is one of those for me.....<br />
<br />
I told Ashley about the new Compeer blog, and she immediately offered, "I'd love to write something to share..." Which I was excited about, since really--- no one wants to hear just from me.....over....and <i>over</i>. I also knew that Ashley would hand over something awesome, because this chick has <i>serious</i> substance.<br />
Ashley's amazing spirit never fails to shine through her struggles, and her dedication to wellness can inspire us all. <br />
So, WELCOME, guest blogger Ashley-- lay it on us!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>To Hope or not to Hope? That is the question. </b></span><br />
<br />
Everyone knows that this is a question that crosses our minds from time to time- and for persons with mental illnesses, even more so.<br />
Some of us struggle day after day (myself included) with the idea that our illness is here to stay. We struggle with knowing that we have to fight for normalcy in our own minds. At these times hope may slip from our grasp....or seem pointless.<br />
Well, I'll give you a quick and dirty answer to this question: HOPE!<br />
Regardless of what anyone thinks, things do get better. The rough times? Well, those are there to make us stronger. The harder it gets, the more we learn and the stronger we become.<br />
The times we can't get out of bed in the morning.<br />
The times we let our anxieties get the better of us.....<br />
Let me tell you a little secret-- every single one of us, (even you reading this) are more than capable of overcoming our fears. Though we cannot control the chemicals in our brains, we can fight them.<br />
You might ask, "How do I do that?" or think, "That's impossible."<br />
<br />
With HOPE, nothing is impossible. You can conquer the greatest foes with the simplest of thoughts.<br />
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So, buckle up people! This thing called life will be a tough ride. But with hope that one day you will see the bright side of things again, you can make it.<br />
Maybe as you read this, you feel lost and without hope. Well then, this list is for you:<br />
<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGx0RLB3-q43VFTi3OTxFD6g0nZWJFEQ5w8S6CrCcPTdwOMdjv0h_c_Ugr4iACvck4AziZUFG3xe6r0Qvp-oYsBoGuz76cxEYOCVO8QlNfsVKd6UL0ZsCHWyoutISoeTVcMFkQpGzAx_h/s1600/hope+small" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGx0RLB3-q43VFTi3OTxFD6g0nZWJFEQ5w8S6CrCcPTdwOMdjv0h_c_Ugr4iACvck4AziZUFG3xe6r0Qvp-oYsBoGuz76cxEYOCVO8QlNfsVKd6UL0ZsCHWyoutISoeTVcMFkQpGzAx_h/s200/hope+small" width="200" /></a>
<li>Keep your head up. </li>
<li>Push yourself.</li>
<li>Go out of your comfort zones.</li>
<li>Fight for your personal freedom.</li>
<li>Don't let anyone or anything take away your happiness.</li>
<li>And, NEVER, EVER give up hope.</li>
</ul>- Ashley Lang<br />
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I am such a believer in hope as a healer.....thanks Ashley. I have a sneaking suspicion, I may be blogging further on this topic.....Jennifer Zeitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01002346416116153368noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297451952828702997.post-50720454321639041202010-08-25T11:23:00.000-07:002010-08-25T13:15:43.684-07:00Starting the day laughing....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xyaRa7ck_G7tu9UlbDwTj6sme58V-E0F2NurKVKVSQSZoNFjdX-zUQZxKCJL-OBD96YXMA4YlrYu4l8Y9Q4Tf8J-L9scHppWK0Mv7ejKjyeEZcA_AMdU3MlebHl8FRM00x8bg-e0YjC0/s1600/laughter-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xyaRa7ck_G7tu9UlbDwTj6sme58V-E0F2NurKVKVSQSZoNFjdX-zUQZxKCJL-OBD96YXMA4YlrYu4l8Y9Q4Tf8J-L9scHppWK0Mv7ejKjyeEZcA_AMdU3MlebHl8FRM00x8bg-e0YjC0/s320/laughter-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509415299324252434" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Laughter is the best medicine......."</span></span> It's an old adage, and that's probably because there is great truth behind it.<br /><br />I was tired today. I was <span style="font-style: italic;">tired</span>, and before I ate too many chicken wings for lunch, I was hungry too. Tired and hungry don't work well for me. In the least...... (neither does eating too many chicken wings, by the way, but that's another blog.)<br /><br />Besides being tired and hungry, I spent the better part of my drive to work this morning going through my mental "to do" list, (and yes, paying attention to the road should have been at the top!) which left me walking into my office this morning tired, hungry <span style="font-style: italic;">and</span> overwhelmed. That was even <span style="font-style: italic;">before</span> I realized that I forgot to take out the overflowing garbage can this morning. <span style="font-style: italic;">UGH!!!</span><br /><br />So, like the grown-up that I am, I flopped down in my chair with a big old pout on my face and turned on my computer- grumbling out loud, just <span style="font-style: italic;">waiting</span> to find an e-mail that could make my morning <span style="font-style: italic;">any</span> more unpleasant.<br /><br />Low and behold- <span style="font-weight: bold;">I found the opposite</span>.<br /><br />A wonderful friend had sent me one of those mass forwarded e-mails full of funny pictures. If you've never recieved one, they are just a compilation of funny photos- usually having to do with a theme that someone, somewhere out in cyberspace, put together. People forward them and forward them, and that's where the term "going viral" comes from-- these things spread like smiles in a candy store! I would link you to the e-mail here, but I'm pretty sure Compeer doesn't want me involving them in a copyright nightmare....so to view some, try google-ing "funny photos" instead.<br /><br />I scrolled down through the photos this morning, and my grumbling turned to laughter.<br />After viewing maybe ten of these hilarious scenarios, I felt my mood to be entirely lifted.<br />I thought to myself, "I should do this every morning!"<br /><br />What a thought- start every day laughing.<br /><br />And why stop there?<span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;" ><span style="color:black;"><br />Laughter produces endorphins, one of the body’s natural painkillers. Laughter improves immune function, and decreases stress hormones. In fact, a good belly laugh is literally good for the heart, because when we laugh it causes our blood vessels to dilate!<br /></span></span><div style="border: medium none ; overflow: hidden; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />For those of us struggling with mental health concerns, sometimes the pain can get overwhelming. It can get frustrating when we have too many obstacles to overcome. We know it's been long understood that laughter heals the mind and the body, so let's take advantage of all the ways we can build it into our lives!<br />The web is chock full of comedy sites and funny photos.<br />The library boasts an endless collection of joke books, comedy novels, and even funny movies and CDs.<br /></div>Why not pick up a comedian on CD and listen to them in the car, or on your headset while taking the train or bus?<br />Catch a funny movie instead of flipping channels.<br />Laughing changes the chemicals in our brains to support positive emotions and healing. I say we can't get enough!!<br />(Chicken wings, I'm finding out, we<span style="font-style: italic;"> can</span> get enough of.....)<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-size:85%;">What other ways do you fit laughter into your life? Favorite funny movies? Good (and clean) jokes??<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Post a comment to share.</span><br /><br /></span>Let's laugh together!<br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnt0AaZ1cnDorgj3g25PpgdPjlq-sO5rwZdtQJPrdQEkUbAhn9vG51ve_V0LPRcXMkO6wv48tTjn2lGWNC6eEjVe7OR3cHs7z7ZQpVUj15K_95LT7gZxTR5C_dzIO63R7jNc3Px2drYow/s1600/headshot"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 66px; height: 66px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnt0AaZ1cnDorgj3g25PpgdPjlq-sO5rwZdtQJPrdQEkUbAhn9vG51ve_V0LPRcXMkO6wv48tTjn2lGWNC6eEjVe7OR3cHs7z7ZQpVUj15K_95LT7gZxTR5C_dzIO63R7jNc3Px2drYow/s320/headshot" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509407879605336978" border="0" /></a><br />-Jennifer<br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Compeer of Greater Buffalo, Adult Coordinator<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">If you have topics, articles, recipes, photos or stories to share, please send them to <a href="http://www.blogger.com/jennifer@compeerbuffalo.org">jennifer@compeerbuffalo.org</a>. </span>Jennifer Zeitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01002346416116153368noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297451952828702997.post-60018067847123348162010-08-20T05:23:00.000-07:002010-08-25T13:15:43.687-07:00WHY BLOG??? (in other words.....what's this all about?)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKjdBpdf9Px155Eu0ifliI4OB58DQ7QrG0EPhTNOJl8PtAxdij0kg4kSbuSvRFZ2v6bxFOS1IXOaN47_xFRJTGLSLhcNx_KVVThRHnkPM9h8hbVFN2tydP_cAwimdLjvgrQrhhCgSPT83w/s1600/blog+text+picture"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 209px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKjdBpdf9Px155Eu0ifliI4OB58DQ7QrG0EPhTNOJl8PtAxdij0kg4kSbuSvRFZ2v6bxFOS1IXOaN47_xFRJTGLSLhcNx_KVVThRHnkPM9h8hbVFN2tydP_cAwimdLjvgrQrhhCgSPT83w/s320/blog+text+picture" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507519533830659314" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />When I mentioned to my boss that Compeer might benefit from having a blog, she answered in her usual way... "Tell me more."<br />And I did.<br />And, well, you're reading this, so it's not a surprise that she welcomed the idea, and decided to give this a go. (Shout out to Karen- woot!)<br />I must tell you, I'm psyched! I have <span style="font-style: italic;">magnificent </span>goals for this blog. (Then again, I have magnificent goals to keep my house clean too....so lets remember to keep it real.)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>WHY BLOG?<br /><br />I think that there are so many of us right here in Buffalo that are ready and waiting to connect with others....but we have barriers that sometimes keep that connection out of reach.<br /><br />For some, who are experiencing mental health challenges, it can be difficult to make new connections with people. Often fear and anxiety keep us from reaching out.<br />For others of us, time is a concern-- working long hours and raising families can keep us so busy we don't find the time to reach that part of us that longs to share deeply with others. (I couldn't find time to buy shampoo this week.......which I found out the hard way this morning!)<br /><br />Compeer does such a fantastic job of connecting people with people and creating friendships that change lives forever. I think that having a blog that supports all of the things that make for healthy living and positive connections is a no-brainer! I want us to have a forum to feel connected- to share inspirations as well as challenges.<br />Hopes..... dreams.....coupons.....whatever!<br /><br />Seriously, we're friends. Let's share it all.<br /><br />If you find a new recipe that you absolutely love- I want to know about it!<br />Reading a good book? I want to know about it.<br />I want our whole Compeer circle of friends to know about it!!<br /><br />Why blog? Because times are changing, but that doesn't mean that we give up our spirit of connection. I say we make it stronger- together.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">*Jennifer</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Compeer staff and volunteer</span><br /><br />Check in regularly for new goodies, and please share comments freely so that we can be a community.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">If you have topics, articles, recipes, photos or stories to share, please send them to <a href="http://www.blogger.com/jennifer@compeerbuffalo.org">jennifer@compeerbuffalo.org</a>. </span>Jennifer Zeitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01002346416116153368noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-297451952828702997.post-50324321151312880312010-08-19T09:37:00.000-07:002010-08-25T13:15:43.690-07:00Compeer Blogs!!!<span style="font-weight: bold;">Welcome to the official Compeer Blog! </span><br />Join us in exploring and sharing all things wellness related!! Link to our website for updated agency info, find articles about friendship, inspiration and wellness issues, and share your thoughts and opinions.....<br />Blogging is an interactive experience, and as a fledgling blogger and Compeer staff /volunteer, I can't wait to share it with you.<br />I welcome your feedback.....<br />Get started by taking my poll about cell phones in friendships! It's under our mission statement to the right.......<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQvH_Vs0fGyTjTfp3RLefS1As6BWBVO9Ich0ud2bs3I9qOrjXVd8E3AZVPA1Gn2TcOyJYAm4a2rCnkdqXRzCbP00t8G6w0hzKgVc614-wkBiaUZG7LYEaO_Xj_IL_-1v7BmJD3I6K4ham/s1600/headshot"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 79px; height: 79px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQvH_Vs0fGyTjTfp3RLefS1As6BWBVO9Ich0ud2bs3I9qOrjXVd8E3AZVPA1Gn2TcOyJYAm4a2rCnkdqXRzCbP00t8G6w0hzKgVc614-wkBiaUZG7LYEaO_Xj_IL_-1v7BmJD3I6K4ham/s200/headshot" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507166003950075346" border="0" /> -Jennifer</a>Jennifer Zeitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01002346416116153368noreply@blogger.com0