Looking At The Positive Side! Featuring The Happiness Project

Welcome all! It is a new year and perhaps it is time to get an attitude tune-up! I realized, of late, that I had not been being thankful as often as I should have. It really is something that needs to become a habit–like flossing your teeth–ha, ha!

If we take the time to realize how fortunate we are to have shelter, clothing, food, family, friends, and love, how can we not be thankful? And being thankful makes us glad at heart, which leads to a happier attitude, right? Right!

Spreading happiness is contagious! Today, take the time to share a phone call with a friend and send them a smile.

I have seen references to a website and a book called The Happiness Project, by Gretchen Rubin in several magazines lately, so I checked out this interesting site. There are many different quotes and positive information available to the viewer. Access her website at:

Here if a New Year’s poem for you from my book, Water Running Downhill!

I’ve just posted new quotes at http://www.waterrunningdownhill.com/
Enjoy the day! 🙂

Joan

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

We have a new year
They seem to be arriving
At lightening speed
In this new decade

Think of this year as
An opportunity
To grow and celebrate
Toast the women you have become

Forget the past mistakes and
Focus on what makes you
Content and joyous
Be your own best friend

Live life now, not later
For later may not
Be here for you

And:

There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.

–From an old English prayer

The greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising up every time we fall.
— Confucius (551-479 BC) Chinese Philosopher

If we are facing in the right direction, all we have to do is keep on
walking.
— Buddhist Proverb

A Message by George Carlin:

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways , but narrower viewpoints.

We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time.

We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We’ve learned how to make a living, but not a life. We’ve added years to life not life to years. We’ve been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor.

We conquered outer space but not inner space. We’ve done larger things, but not better things.. We’ve cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul.

We’ve conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less..

We plan more, but accomplish less. We’ve learned to rush, but not to wait..

We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less. T

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships.

These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes.

These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill.

It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete…

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn’t cost a cent.

Remember, to say, ‘ I love you ‘ to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away..

To the New Year


Greetings Friends!

I cannot believe it is January, and that it’s 2010! Time is just spiraling out of control–it will be Christmas, again, before you know it!
Did everyone have good holidays? We did, although we did not get the snow that I’d hoped for. I wanted winter photos! We had snow flurries as we were driving out of the southern Appalachians. I think they were taunting us–“nah, nah, you missed us!” But, we were glad to get somewhere that should be warm. News flash! It was 37 degrees this morning, and we have a frost warning for this evening for east Central Florida.
Not to worry, it will warm up, eventually. Cool nights are good for sleeping, they seem to keep the hot flashes down somewhat.
As promised I have enclosed photos of our tree falls. This was quite a storm; everywhere around the area there were downed trees, and remnants of chain sawed falls that were across roads.
Here is an unpublished storm poem for you! Stay warm and cozy, everyone!
Blessings in the New Year!
Joan

Winter Wind-OH!

Woooooooooo! Wooooooooooo!
Wooooooooooo! Woooooooooo!
Wooooooooooooo!
Wooooooooosh!
The Wind rises, higher and higher still
Winter rushes in, its timid whisper becoming a mighty
ROAR!
Perched on the crest of each swell of frigid air
Wind “surf” crashes onto storm-tossed trees
Sending a wake of autumn leaves splashing down
They skitter away like sand crabs
In advance of the next wave
Brrrrrrrrr!
Snow caps are approaching!

Happy New Year!

Did everyone have a great Christmas, or Hanukkah, or other holiday? Ours has been splendid. We did have a wicked Christmas Eve storm. About 2:00 AM, a huge oak came crashing down within 20 feet of the house. I was wide awake after that! A wonderful neighbor helped my husband, Rob, cut up the 105 foot tree. He took four trips of logs home on his trailer!
We lost a couple of other trees, but there was no damage to the road or anything else. What a blessing! I’ll attach photos when I get back to the warmer south.
Speaking of blessings, we should all count ours as we enter into the new year. May 2010 be a better year financially for everyone. May we all have shelter, food, and love. May we all have peace and goodwill towards man and womankind.

Happy New Year!

Joan

Joyful Holidays To All! I’m Dreaming Of A White Christmas!

These holidays do sneak up on us–only a few days until Christmas, another week until New Years, etc.! I am about ready, except for packing, again! Oh, and I have to pick up the house, again!

We’re heading out to the Carolina’s. There may be snow–there is right now! I’ll be drinking peppermint tea and hot cocoa, and watching old movies.

May all of you enjoy special moments with your friends and families, even if they are on the telephone, or online. It is the people that we love that mean the most at these special times.

Have an extraordinary Christmas, Hanukkah, New Years, or whatever!

Peace on earth,

Joan

A Merry Stressmus to You!

These past two weeks have been a whirlwind. I have been getting ready for Christmas, for the most part, early, due to two trips out of town this month.
Last weekend we traveled to Pensacola for my mom-in-law’s 90th birthday party. A good time was had by all. I am still recovering from that trip.
This weekend we have a day trip to south Florida for an early Christmas with my family. That will be lunch and we will bake Christmas cookies.
Next week we leave for the Carolina’s. Whew! I will be glad when we arrive. I am planning to relax–I need this!
I had an interesting moment Monday, when in the shower I noticed something under my left breast that looked like a small brown slug. Laughing, I discovered that it was a tiny chocolate chip from a snack bar that I had eaten on my way home from work (yes, I know I should not eat in the car!).
Question, would you a) wash it off, or b) eat it? Please let me know! Of course, I ate the chip! It’s chocolate, after all!
Have a wonderful Christmas, or Hanukkah, or whatever! We plan to have a little of that “white stuff” you see above.
Peace on Earth!

Joan

Radio Interview On Aging Outside the Box

If you get a chance, I am doing a radio interview with the fabulous Shirley W. Mitchell on Aging Outside the Box Radio Show. This is the “short show” post:

Dec. 17, 2009… 6PM-CST… “MidLife Motivation” with our “Guest” Joan Ellen Gage, Author of “Water Running Downhill! – Words of Empowerment for Women in Midlife” on “Aging Outside the Box®” Syndicated Radio Show with National Author/Writer/Syndicated Columnist/Speaker and Celebrity Radio Talk Show Host, Shirley W. Mitchell, as they discuss “MidLife Motivation” with… Poetry and Humor for Inspiration, Water Running Downhill and Words of Empowerment. Join us “LIVE on AIR” every Thursday Night at 2PM-HIST, 3PM-AKST, 4PM-PST, 5PM-MST, 6PM-CST, 7PM-EST and 8PM-AST on the LA Talk Radio Network. Listen in LIVE! Listen to the Archive!
___________

Thanks!

Joan

Life’s Little Surprises

Ever have one of those days where not much seems to go the way you want it to? I think we all experience this.

I did laundry earlier this week, and once again, I did not clear out all of the pockets. There were bits of wet tissue stuck all over the laundry.

After I shook the clothes off the floor looked like there had been a pillow fight; so there must have been two tissues! I shook my head and went to get the vacuum. Moments later it looked like nothing unusual had happened.

You never know what little surprises life will hand you. You break a dish, cut your finger, almost shut the dog’s tail in the car window. In my defense she moved that tail when I was raising it–it pulled her hair very slightly–that was close!

Mainly, these things happen because I am not paying as close attention to something as I should be. I tend to move pretty quickly most of the time, and I can be impatient. I guess I need to slow down a little and be more patient.

I admit to being imperfect! We are all human and prone to some degree of error. So we need to practice forgiveness when we sometimes don’t live up to our Mary Poppin’s expectations!

Give yourself a break today. After all it is the season of giving–just make yourself the recipient of forgiveness, and some self-love. You deserve it!

Peace,

Joan

Since many of you are having snow, or dreaming of a white Christmas, I thought that you would like a snow poem. Here is is!

by Robert Frost (1923)

Whose woods these are I think I know.

His house is in the village though;

He will not see me stopping here

To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer

To stop without a farmhouse near

Between the woods and frozen lake

The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake

To ask if there is some mistake.

The only other sound’s the sweep

Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.

Taming Your Holiday Stressors

Welcome Friends!

Did you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving? Mine was nice; it was spent with family and friends. Yes, of course we ate too much! Hubby made a sweet potato casserole with praline topping–it was decadent!

So now we dive willy nilly into the big marathon of the year–Christmas! It is time to decorate, send Christmas cards, buy or make gifts, entertain, etc. etc. Is your blood pressure up, yet?

I do tend to be organized. I was raised on making lists and writing notes. But, I do find them helpful. I also tend to shop early, that is, I pick up little things here and there. The trick is remembering that you have done this! I have forgotten a couple of times. And, I buy Christmas cards on sale after Christmas. Yes, I have forgotten that I have bought these, too! I now write in my organizer in the month of November that I have purchased cards, etc.

I am planning on decorating today. This I have simplified, also. I got a smaller artificial tree that I put up on a box to get it off the floor, and to look bigger! I have artificial greenery that I put into most room, mainly wreaths. These are so easy to hang up and give up a lot of holiday color. I add scented candles around the house, mainly pine scented ones. I do like to get a fresh wreath for the front door; there is nothing like the real thing!

For gifts, I use gift bags. My family and I save them and trade them back before the holidays. I will have to buy a couple, but, not many. Dollar stores have great prices on these bags. Gift bags save a lot of time on decorating, and you can add ribbons or bows for extra glitz.

Yes, every year I try to make our Christmas a little easier. It cuts the stress down considerably. We exchange minimal gifts with the extended family. Real gifts are for grandchildren!

Please enjoy a poem that will be featured in my next book. I thought it may be appropriate, due to the looming task ahead!

On The Threshold Of A Scream

Women work so hard
And do so much
Are we doing for everyone
And forgetting our own needs?
It’s like that oxygen mask thing
On an airplane—give yourself
The air first, or you won’t be able
To take care of those little
Responsibilities following you around

The idea is the quality of life
Try to remember that
When you’re on your last nerve
Take a “sip” of whatever
That oxygen is for you
And revive your spirit

We take too much for granted
In this time on earth
It is finite, ladies
So, please remember
To breathe

I’ve enclosed some links for reducing holiday stress. I hope they help!

Giving Thanks

Hello Friends!

We’re at that time of year when the sand in the hourglass runs out very fast, and it all starts with Thanksgiving Day. We are off to the races, i.e. the grocery store, department store, wherever there are ingredients we need, or gifts to buy! I can feel the excitement building!

I do love the season; but, even though we are doing things with shrinking wallets, it doesn’t mean it will mean any less to us. We must remember that families and friends are what we are most thankful for, and thank them accordingly.

Let’s give thanks this week for everyone in our lives who has blessed us. Don’t forget to take in all of the wonderful fragrances of the holiday feast–I can smell that turkey, and that pumpkin pie–yum!

Bless us all!

P.S. I’ve added a little poem that I whipped up for the occasion. Don’t worry, it’s calorie free!

Thanksgiving

It is time to gather family and friends
Around the laden table
To forgive and make amends

Tis time to count our many blessings
Reflect on nature’s bounty
Amid pie, turkey and dressing

It’s time again to follow custom
Handed down through generations
Let’s eat until we bust em!

The Bonds of Female Friendships

My friends are my estate.–Emily Dickinson

A friend is a present you give to yourself.– Robert Louis Stevenson

What would we do without our friends–particularly our women friends? They are there to give us support, cheer us on, have a little “girl” fun, and sometimes just to set us straight.

It turns out that there are some health benefits to friendship. Several studies connect female friendship with lower blood pressure, lowered risk of diabetes, heart disease, and depression. Additionally, women use each other for a sounding board to talk about problems at work and in their personal lives. Spending time with girl friends in a variety of situations, and particularly in this exchange of information and feelings make up a support system for us.

Let us give thanks today for our wonderful friends who stand by us through thick or thin. We are blessed to have them.

I leave you with a poem from my book, Water Running Downhill!

ONE TRIBE

Have you felt
With passing years
A more pressing
Need to connect
With other women
To share observations
And laughter
To offer advice
Or garner wisdom?
Do you feel drawn
As if by a magnetic force
To be with your own kind?

For these women
Are a tribe, your tribe.
No one else will ever
Understand your struggle
As they will.
Women are our people.
When we come together
We feel a oneness
A sisterhood united.
When we come together
We are at home.

Links:

The Emperess’s New Clothes

I’m having a bit of fun today. I am writing about one of my favorite past times–shopping! I usually do a lot of research, i.e. looking, before I buy. I am often surprised at what I find at local thrift shops! Some of the loot is shown above.

Here is a little poem I wrote as a tribute to thrift stores. By the way, a schmata is the Yiddish word for rag.

Enjoy!

The Emperess’s New Schmatas

I am therefore, I shop!
But, being monetarily challenged
I turn to consignment shops
And thrift stores, often
Did you know that they specialize
In pre-shrunk clothes?
You never have to worry about whether
They will shrink
The only concern is that
Your body will expand into another size
As it has done for me
Drat that middle age thing!

Menopot, menopot
Curse the girth that adds a lot
Onto a waist line, with our dismay
Go away and stay away!

Autumn’s Last Stand

The leaves were slow to turn this season. They looked pretty and promising when we arrived mid-October. But, they were teasing us; nah, nah , nah , nah, na! They tried to hold out; the temperature dropped–so did they, and the rain stripped them of their false coats.
Behold! The peak was upon us. We left a day later than planned; we did come here to enjoy them!
Grasp that last branch of autumn that reaches out to you. Breathe in that crisp air–deeply! Enjoy!

Today I witnessed from

Car window and porch chair

Leaves turning slowing on branched spits

Not quite ready, starting to crisp

Greens warming to yellow and gold embers

Orange popping out like glowing coals

The scarlet of Sourwood bursting into full flame–

Trying to show them all up

Together they compliment one another

A gourmet blend

A visionary feast for the soul

Joan Ellen Gage

10/14/2009