Since laughter really is the best medicine, I have to include some “just for fun” posts. No vibrant life is complete without a healthy does of laughter. It is one of the things I love about my Country Boy. We LOVE to laugh together. And as a city girl transported to the country, there is typically lots to laugh about at my expense! So if you ever wondered about life in the country here are some signs you live in the country. [Read more…]
Coping When Kids Leave Home Part II
Earlier this week I shared Coping When Kids Leave Home Part I. Today, I would like to share the second part of that post, Coping When Kids Leave Home Part II. As I mentioned, it is more than just seeing your kids less. It is a new season. It is a reason to celebrate. You and your child made it through the growing up years. They are ready to leave the nest and start a new season in their life. However, as a parent it is challenging to see our kids move forward without us. How do we let go of one season in our relationship with our child in order to allow a new one to bloom? [Read more…]
Coping when Kids Leave Home Part I
Fall is fast approaching. Fall is a season when many parents say good-bye to their college age children. Last year, my Country Boy and I said good-bye to our second son as he moved out for college. I knew it was coming, but man oh man it didn’t make it any easier. Here are a few things I learned in the process of coping when kids leave home. I hope that you are comforted by the realization that you are not alone as a parent, as you go through this stage. Whether your child is leaving to join the military, moving to start life on their own or to college, it is a new season. [Read more…]
Are you an Extrovert or Introvert?
Are you an extrovert or introvert? Personality is a funny thing. Whether you are raising children or puppies, you will see glimpses of personalities very early. When it comes to developing a vibrant life, a key is to understand your own personality. As we appreciate our differences, we are more likely to take our emotional and mental needs seriously, leading to even better health!
Most people have heard the terms extrovert and introvert, but often there are misconceptions surrounding them. Understanding if you are an extrovert or introvert is of pivotal importance. So let’s clear up some of those myths. [Read more…]
How Denial Prevents Growth
“So, Miranda, have you been exercising?” Ugh! I hate that question. If you visit a cardiologist, plan on them asking you that. I know its coming, but I still freeze every single time. Like a deer caught in the headlights. What do I say? Exercising is hard for me even on my “feeling good” days. I would rather be doing something else. Sometimes I will get into a good routine for a couple of months, and then I start struggling physically. I’ll have to back down on my exercise routine and before you know I’m not exercising again. So honestly, the answer is usually, “No.” And I have found that as hard as it is for me say, “No”, that it is better to be truthful and realistic. Denial prevents growth, and I don’t want to live there. So let’s examine how denial prevent growth? [Read more…]
Understand Your Goal Setting Style
“Hey, Honey…I have an idea,” my husband typically starts the conversation. “Um, you do?” I hesitantly reply. Now, I love hearing all my Country Boy’s thoughts and dreams. However, I have discovered that almost none of his ideas are small or short term. His goals usually involve packing boxes or lots of late dinners and long Saturdays, whereas, I enjoy setting short term goals. As we have comes to realize our different goal setting styles, we are able to work together more smoothly. It is vital to understand your goal setting type as you set about accomplishing your goals. Whether you are talking about personal goals, family goals or business goals, you will want to understand your goal setting style!
You have a secret power when it comes to setting goals. You are naturally gifted at accomplishing certain types of goals. As you gain understanding of your unique skill set, goal setting will become so much easier. And people will begin to seek you out for your ability!
Build Your Stress Tolerance
Do you struggle to maintain your equilibrium through the ups and downs of life? Does your creativity dramatically drop when the pressures of life push in on you? Do you need to discover ways to build your stress tolerance so that you feel productive and confident even in stressful times? [Read more…]
9 Soothing Gifts for a Stressed or Weary Friend
Summer is almost here in the Midwest! My husband and children planted flowers, mulched and mowed Sunday making the yard around our farmhouse lovely. Now the view out my kitchen window is even more calming and beautiful. It made me think about those things in our lives that rejuvenate and allow us to relax and refuel. I thought it would be fun to put together a list of 9 soothing gifts for a stressed or weary friend.
I am blessed to have many wonderful gift givers in my life. When I feel stressed due to some big adventure we are in the middle of or weary due to needing to recover physically, inevitably a gift shows up. I love gifts! Love to give them and receive them. I especially enjoy sending a gift in the mail anticipating a friends receiving it! So what are some great soothing gifts for a stressed or weary friend. What gift will encourage your friend to take a breathe, find a minute for themselves, or gain some calming perspective? [Read more…]
Dear Friend: A Letter of Encouragement
Dear Friend,
I wanted to send you a letter of encouragement, as I was thinking about you today. Life is really hard for you right now, but I don’t want you to lose hope. My sweet friend, as you read my letter of encouragement may you feel strengthened and comforted.
Are You Trapped in Crisis Mode?
The woman sitting across from me was living in crisis mode. Fifteen years ago, I was just starting out as a court and family advocate. Part of the job I loved was talking with the clients that came into our agency. After hearing the woman in my office speak for close to half an hour, I was greatly concerned. She was in a very vulnerable position. Her current relationship was abusive. And to make matters worse she seemed trapped in crisis mode. [Read more…]
