Hello again world of blogging!! So I was driving home tonight, thinking about my life, perhaps being a little self-indulgent and self-pitying and then thinking about ways I could not be those things, and an idea struck me. I have a tendency to kind of numb out when I'm alone. To purposefully get myself a chocolate brownie or some other kind of delicious food (emotional eater *cough cough*) sit in front of the t.v. and escape from thinking about hard things. The reason for this is because often when I think about hard things I get myself into a little down spiral of thoughts and it too often turns into sad times and self-pity. But sitting in front of the t.v. in front of a trough full of junk food doesn't seem to be the best coping strategy (who woulda thunk?) and it often leaves me feeling lethargic, and while numb, definitely not happy or better. So this is where I turn to you, my friends!!! I need some I ideas. Ideas about what I can do while I'm on my own. While all the ones I love are otherwise occupied and I'm left to my own devices. What do you do during your alone/free time that feeds your soul? That helps you love yourself more and that makes you feel better after you're finished doing it? I also want to make sure that I not only read your fantastic ideas but put them into practice. For that reason, I am beginning my own personal experiment. So, tell me one concrete thing you think I should try, and I promise I will do it and report via blog on the results for at least two solid weeks. I would appreciate something straightforward too if you guys wouldn't mind,,, for example, not "get a hobby",but instead, "make duct tape wallets" (or whatever the hobby you had in mind might be) :-). I will do one thing at a time, so as to not get overwhelmed, but I promise I will try all of them! And then you guys can read about my grand adventure. Lucky you!! :) Thank you guys for reading, if you are, and for all your awesome suggestions that I know are coming........
6 comments:
oooh. I like this. can i have 2? well 3?
1. Listen to a recording of a seminar I went to (which I will send you via email) which will instruct you on the following:
2. For 2 weeks do these 2 things:
a) wear some type of food item in your underwear during the time of day when you are least happy.
b) do one thing each day for 2 weeks that you are nearly positive NO ONE HAS EVER DONE EVER. EVER.
email to follow.
p.s. you are a fantastic writer.
1. My first thought was to take a class. Grace and I are taking a swimming class right now, and I will be taking a pottery class during the month of July. Usually community colleges, or local universities offer them. I'll suggest a class so you can look for one specifically - a cooking class, photography class, pottery class, or yoga class. Here is the link to the University of Utah's lifelong learning site so you can pick one that works for you and your schedule. http://continue.utah.edu/lifelong/index.php Even though you only meet once or twice a week, you can make time to practice the skills that you learned on the days you are not in class.
2. Develop a daily routine for your personal well-being and follow it for two weeks. I will give you mine as a suggested pattern, but I think you should do what works for you. 1. In the morning I read my 1 chapter in the scriptures while Grace eats her breakfast. 2. After Grace goes to bed I write in my journal. 3. I make a to do list on a cheap whiteboard I found at walmart for the following day to focus my mind and activities that follows the following pattern:
G (Gratitude) - I write something down that I will make a concerted effort to show gratitude for the next day.
R (Relaxation) I make a goal to do something for myself to relax like start a new book/blog/etc.
A (Activities) I make a goal to do and activity that is fun/enjoyable like going shopping, going swimming, watching a movie, etc. This is different from relaxation because usually the activity is more focused on social interaction rather then taking a time out from everything.
C (Cleaning) I make a cleaning goal for my house/yard/budget ect.
E (Exercise) I make a goal on one way I will exercise the next day.
S (Scriptures and Service) I write down what I will read in the scriptures the next day, and one way I will serve another person the next day.
I write it all down, and certainly it doesn't always all happen, but it focuses my free time and helps me be more positive. Happy coping! I love you!
Here is the course catalog for Canyons school district which may be more reasonably priced. http://www.canyonsdistrict.org/images/stories/CommunityEd/Canyons_2011_Spring_Catalog.pdf
Here is a link to the UVU community class listings, which would give you an excuse to also come see us. :)
https://aceware.uvsc.edu/SubGroup.awp?~~COM~DISCOVER+Community+Ed+in+Utah+Valley
Hello my dear friend! Thanks for letting me be updated on your life!
My advice to you is pretty plain and simple. The big thing I do to feed my soul is search, ponder, and pray. When I have a quiet alone time I search through uplifting books. I ponder them, what I learn from them and how it applies to my life. I then pray about things I have learned and felt through my searching and pondering. I feel like this helps me have a close relationship with my Heavenly Father and His relationship has made all the difference in my life.
Love you my friend!!
hey, heather, thanks for inviting me to your blog! my suggestion takes 3 minutes or less. i get distracted easily (you think maybe that runs in our family??? hahaha) so i like short and simple goals. these are 3 minute (or less, depending on how distracted you get :)) meditations. http://www.loyolapress.com/3-minute-retreats-daily-online-prayer.htm i hope you like em, but if you don't i won't be offended. love you.
What a great idea! So, I will suggest the TWO things that enliven my spirit, big time.
1: workout. This makes the biggest difference in my mood.Endorphins, baby!
2: Draw. Art literally takes me to another world and I lose track of time. Even if its just going to a public place and doodling what you see, drawing funny faces, etc.
Post a Comment