A place to inspire, motivate and encourage by providing posts on self improvement, health, family, women (and men), life, prayer, poems, quotes of wisdom and share ideas about life.

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Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Hugging Not Allowed in California?

Ok, I just came across this and I'm perplexed. A middle school in California is now punishing children who hug? HUG! With all that is going on in our schools...the drugs, violence, lack of learning...they're worried about chldren hugging?

I've posted on this blog in the past about the benefits of hugging. I certainly can understand concern if there was unwelcomed touching, but to have a ruling on hugging in which children are getting suspended?

After you read this, please tell me your thoughts...

Corporate and Hostess Gift Ideas

Looking for Gourmet Gifts this Holiday season? I think I finally came up with the best idea for gifts for my associates and co-workers. I was having trouble coming up with the perfect solution.

Now that I found Delightful Deliveries, I not only found delicious gifts for my
business associates, but also for hostess gifts. When invited to a holiday party, I wanted to come up with something different this year. I didn't want to bring the usual candle or knick knack. Gift baskets that include gourmet foods, cookies and wine is a much better choice.

Delightful Deliveries also provides free shipping, so I not only save time by ordering online, I save money too.

I came across a press release that states Delightful Delivers was named one of the Hot 100 Websites by a leading Industry magazine, so I feel secure in getting great products and complete satisfaction. See Below:

DelightfulDeliveries.com Recognized as Hot 100 Retail Website

Internet Retailer Ranks Website Among Best in Nation for 2008

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DelightfulDeliveries.com, the premiere Internet Gift Retailer and America’s #1 Gift Basket Website, today announced it has been named one of The Hot 100 Retail Websites for 2008 by leading industry magazine, Internet Retailer. The Hot 100 list represents the best of what retailers are doing online, highlighting innovation and setting the standards in online for what the rest of the industry should be doing.

DelightfulDeliveries.com, a privately-held company, with one of the largest and most unique selections of gourmet gifts, ranked alongside larger sites such as Dell, Nike and Amazon.com, by building its award-winning site on selection, functionality, speed and the complete customer experience. A recent re-design has improved the customer’s shopping experience to make holiday gift-giving easy and enjoyable, including rating and reviews, behavioral recommendations and free shipping offers.

“We are extremely honored to be recognized as a pacesetter in online retailing,” said Eric Lituchy, Founder and CEO of DelightfulDeliveries.com. “We pride ourselves on using the latest technology to make gift-giving fun and easy. Being named among the best in the nation validates we are succeeding in our efforts to deliver the best possible customer experience.”

In addition to making Internet Retailer’s The Hot 100 list for 2008, DelightfulDeliveries.com was recently recognized by Inc. Magazine as part of its Inc. 5000, which highlights the fastest growing private companies.
DelightfulDeliveries.com offers over 2000 unique and delicious gifts from America’s best brands to the finest boutique shops. Consumers can easily shop the site by gift or food category, occasion, type and best-seller. Corporate gift-givers can choose from hundreds of customized gourmet treats.

For additional information, and to see a complete selection of gifts available, visit www.DelightfulDeliveries.com.

About Delightful Deliveries

DelightfulDeliveries.com is an award-winning website that began in 1998 and quickly established itself as one of the premier Internet gift retailers. Its mission is to bring great products to gift-givers, while providing world-class service. The company selects its offerings from a broad variety of fine food gift products for consumers and for corporate gifts, and gathers them in one place to make the selection process quick and simple.

What do you bring the hostess when invited to a holiday party? I would like to hear your ideas...

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Be Your Own Life Coach

I recently posted about "Thinking Outside The Lines" and how choosing a different thinking process can change the outcome of situations and/or dilemmas you may find yourself in. I wanted to share with you how easy it can be for you to be your own life coach.

You are after all, responsible for your own happiness and fulfillment and there are ways you can be successful in bringing about peace and happiness to your life.

Pick a challenge you are currently facing. By asking yourself a few simple questions you will be surprised what your inner wisdom reveals to you.

By asking yourself:

Is this good for me? Instead of making a snap decision, think...don't ask friends, make the pros and cons list. Just simply ask yourself is this good for you...physically, mentally and spiritually. Will your decision be the same today, tomorrow, next week, next month. Will you still be happy with your decision down the road?

What would your role model do? Frequently thinking what your role model would do in your situation will give you time to think and tap into your wisdom of your role model and you for that matter.

What are my values? Do you regularly act on your values?

What am I not seeing? Are you like me and occasionally wear blinders? Sometimes we don't see something because we simply don't want to see it. Step out of the box and look at the situation like you're an outsider. Things may look differently to you. I know sometimes when I am directly in a situation, I do see things differently then when I suddenly find myself out of it.

What really matters? It's not really just about right or wrong. It's about knowing what's important. Do you find yourself with a to-do list of like 10 things and start to feel overwhelmed? Do you feel disappointed in yourself when you didn't finish doing all the things on your list? What's really important? If you do what's important to you and allow the others things to wait, you will be more relaxed and feel successful

Where Should You Act or When You Should Step Back? Do you sometimes feel confused over what is yours to do and what isn't? Have you acted too soon or made a decision or judgment without knowing all the information or stepped in where your input wasn't really necessary? When asking ourselves what our part is, when we should wait and let things work out for themselves, we'll get a clear picture of what our role is.

I am learning this last question rather well. I recently spoke and acted too soon about something and luckily I caught myself before it bit me in a negative way. Thankfully the person has a heart of gold and a beautiful soul and accepted my apology after I explained why I did what I did. We all are still learning in this life, aren't we?

What would Make me happy? Have you ever made a list of all the things that would make you happy? How many did you do? Think about being happy NOW...don't concentrate on something that you know you cannot obtain immediately. Getting to be happy everyday is a wonderful feeling. If you're facing a challenge, ask yourself...what would make me happy.

Who Could You Turn to if You truly Need Help from Someone? Knowing who you can trust and turn to if you really needed help in a situation will help you manage better.

Source: Beliefnet.com

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Child Abuse in a Public Place


Ok, so I truly wanted to stay away from the stores yesterday, Black Friday. I don't know what it is about that day that makes people 'crazy', but it does. I had no choice but to go into a store and I witnessed something that made me sad and upset.

It instantly brought a memory of many, many years ago when I was a teenager. My Nana and I were in line at the grocery store. While standing there, this woman with a small child in the shopping cart started beating him in the head...hitting him over and over. While everyone around just gasped and stared, my Nana (who I miss so much) went over and tapped this woman on the shoulder.She began talking to her, which diverted her attention away from the boy. Then she began talking to the child. As the situation grew more calm and the woman was at ease, my Nana boldly asked this woman why she was hitting her child in the head. It turned out that he wanted 'candy' and the woman lost her patience. In the end, this stranger hugged my Nana and thanked her. I was never more proud of my Nana then on that day.

That memory allowed me to do the same thing yesterday. I couldn't watch as this woman was physically hurting her daughter. The innocent look on this girls face, looking up at her mother. It saddened me and to think what might go on behind closed doors. At least I diverted the woman and the little girl for a time.

Did my Nana and I do the right thing? I think so...maybe, just maybe it sparked something in these people to think twice before 'loosing it'.

Thinking a child might need or deserve a 'tap' on the hand on occasion is one thing, but to do physical harm is another story. I worked in a private day care for children aged 2-10 for 9 years. I witnessed first hand child abuse. It is gut wrenching. I attended child abuse seminars to enable me to handle and deal with situations. The memory of my Nana is what came to mind this time.

What would you do if you saw a parent loosing control and hurting a child while out in public?

Starting a conversation to divert their attention away from their action is a good start. Saying something negative may only cause the adult to get angrier and make things worse. Saying something positive or complementary about the child's eyes or clothes will change the mood.

If you saw a child alone and unattended in a shopping cart, would you take the time to stand near by until the parent returns?

Our time and small actions when seeing a child in possible danger is all it takes to help.

Friday, November 23, 2007

Receiving Special Gifts

My friend and inspiration, Zubli has presented me with two awards. I feel overwhelmed at his thoughtfullness and constant wind beneath my wings.

As Thanksgiving passes, I continue to be thankful for him and so many others that have believed in me and encouraged me through their friendship, comments and help that I have become addicted to writing on my blog and try to do my best.

I guess I should have listened to my teacher back in high school who told me that I should pursue writing and one day will enjoy it. Who would of thought that many, many years later, I would be doing just that. Writing not only one blog, but two.

Be The Blog award

Wow! This is a such a nice award. I salute Mark the initiator of this Be The Blog award badge.

According to Mark:

"This badge is for bloggers who make their blog their own, stay with it, interact with their readers, and have fun!"

That desription is very fitting for I do try to have fun while presenting some useful information and share my thoughts and ideas.




The other award Zubli presented to me is called 'Winning attitude'

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket


The acknowledment of a Winning Attitude makes this award the best yet. Through my lifes journey of ups and downs, I have continued to (try) and keep a positive attitude. It takes work sometimes, but it is so worth it. I have made up my mind to be happy and optimistic.

The creator of this award, Mel from Attitude, The ultimate Power states "this award is based on positive thinking and is meant for those blogs who base their existence, in part or in whole, on Positive Winning Attitudes".

I have tried to pass along my positive attitude by way of my posts here and when my readers leave comments thanking me for the inspiration, for the ways I have touched them, I can't begin to tell you how surreal that is for me. That I, ME can make a difference by sharing a positive attitude.

Mel dedicates his entire blog to the development of one's attitude. I was immediately drawn to him and his blog for that very reason. The same holds true with Zubli and his dedication to bring happiness and share his winning attitude towards helping others.
Both Mel and Zubli possess a giving nature that you don't find too often and am very grateful that I met them through blogging.

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Drive Hard/Die Hard Contest

With tomorrow being Black Friday, many people will be out shopping for holiday presents at their favorite department stores. Long lines at the check outs, crowds in the stores and traffic on the roads heading to the mall is not how I want to spend my day off.

I figure it's the best time to stay away from shopping and get my car an over due oil change at my local AAMCO. When I made my appointment they told me about this Drive Hard/Die Hard 4 contest they were having. The chance to win a free trip to Hollywood and spend a day with the stunt coordinator from Die Hard 4. If you win, the trip includes airfare for 2 plus accommodations and also includes transfer to location for stunt day.

I went to the Aamco website and was able to enter the contest.You are allowed one entry per day. The contest ends on December 1st. I would love to win this trip. Number one: I've never been to California and Hollywood is a place I have always wanted to visit. Number two: It would be free and Number three: Always having an interest in how these stunt people do what they do, seeing one up close and personal AND being a part of this movie would really be something.

Winning this contest would sure be one fantastic Christmas present to me....if you are interested, be sure to enter yourself.


Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Being Thankful

As Thanksgiving is just days away, I want to remind us that we should be thankful for the "time" we have and will spend with our loved ones...our families and friends.

This story is a great reminder how the time we give to others is so appreciated, but we may not know until sometime later. It's a great reminder that the gift of our time is so precious and valuable. I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving...

Jack's story:

It had been some time since Jack had seen the old man. College, girls, career, and life itself got in the way. In fact, Jack moved clear across the country in pursuit of his dreams. There, in the rush of his busy life, Jack had little time to think about the past and often no time to spend with his wife and son. He was working on his future, and nothing could stop him.

Over the phone, his mother told him, "Mr. Belser died last night. The funeral is Wednesday." Memories flashed through his mind like an old newsreel as he sat quietly remembering his childhood days.

"Jack, did you hear me?"

"Oh, sorry, Mom Yes, I heard you. It's been so long since I thought of him. I'm sorry, but I honestly thought he died years ago," Jack said.

"Well, he didn't forget you. Every time I saw him he'd ask how you were doing. He'd reminisce about the many days you spent over 'his side of the fence' as he put it," Mom told him.

"I loved that old house he lived in," Jack said.

"You know, Jack, after your father died, Mr. Belser stepped in to make sure you had a man's influence in your life," she said

"He's the one who taught me carpentry," he said. "I wouldn't be in this business if it weren't for him. He spent a lot of time teaching me things he thought were important...Mom, I'll be there for the funeral," Jack said.

As busy as he was, he kept his word. Jack caught the next flight to his hometown. Mr. Belser's funeral was small and uneventful. He had no children of his own, and most of his relatives had passed away.

The night before he had to return home, Jack and his Mom stopped by to see the old house next door one more time.

Standing in the doorway, Jack paused for a moment. It was like crossing over into another dimension, a leap through space and time The house was exactly as he remembered. Every step held memories. Every picture, every piece of furniture....Jack stopped suddenly.

"What's wrong, Jack?" his Mom asked.

"The box is gone," he said

"What box?" Mom asked.

"There was a small gold box that he kept locked on top of his desk. I must have asked him a thousand times what was inside. All he'd ever tell me was 'the thing I value most,'" Jack said.

It was gone. Everything about the house was exactly how Jack remembered it, except for the box. He figured someone from the Belser family had taken it.

"Now I'll never know what was so valuable to him," Jack said. "I better get some sleep. I have an early flight home, Mom."

It had been about two weeks since Mr. Belser died Returning home from work one day Jack discovered a note in his mailbox. "Signature required on a package. No one at home. Please stop by the main post office within the next three days," the note read.

Early the next day Jack retrieved the package. The small box was old and looked like it had been mailed a hundred years ago. The handwriting was difficult to read, but the return address caught his attention. "Mr. Harold Belser" it read. Jack took the box out to his car and ripped open the package. There inside was the gold box and an envelope. Jack's hands shook as he read the note inside.

"Upon my death, please forward this box and its contents to Jack Bennett. It's the thing I valued most in my life." A small key was taped to the letter. His heart racing, as tears filling his eyes, Jack carefully unlocked the box. There inside he found a beautiful gold pocket watch.

Running his fingers slowly over the finely etched casing, he unlatched the cover.. Inside he found these words engraved:

Jack, Thanks for your time! -Harold Belser."


"The thing he valued most was...my time"

Jack held the watch for a few minutes, then called his office and cleared his appointments for the next two days. "Why?" Janet, his assistant asked.

"I need some time to spend with my son," he said.

"Oh, by the way, Janet, thanks for your time!"

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away,"

Sunday, November 18, 2007

The Teeth Saga Continues

Well, it seems the problem with the teeth is continuing. The temporary dental repair did help, but when I went to the dentist yesterday, the tooth couldn't be saved. My nerve was somewhat exposed.

With the choices I was given, I decided to have the tooth pulled. ouch! The dentist gave me the 2 needles to numb the area, but I kept feeling what he was doing. In total, I had to have 6 needles and a topical treatment.

Things were going along smoothly when I got home and once the numbness wore off, I wasn't in alot of pain. I thought....this isn't so bad...but (there's always a but) tonight I have a fever.

I needed to phone the emergency on call dentist to get an antibotic. So...this weekend is a bust.
My side of my face now is achy and down into my jaw, ear and neck...

I've been catching up on sleep and all the movies on tv. I've slept so much today and now I'm awake, so I wanted to catch up here at a Circle of Women...

So this is where I remind you all to take care of your teeth. Visit your dentist regularly. Brush twice a day and floss. Taking care of your teeth will prevent plaque buildup, which is bacteria. This can lead into gingivitis and then periodontitis.

Many heart-attack patients also have gingivitis. A peer-reviewed scientific study found a direct correlation between the amount of plaque on the teeth and the amount of plaque in the arteries. Healthy teeth mean a healthy heart.

If the dentist tells you to come back to get any cavities filled. DO IT. If you don't, it will lead to other problems.

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Read The Latest News

Want your news in one spot? Instead of going to various websites, RSS readers or even the newspaper, this site provides it all.

This unique site: Read Latest News,provides you with minute by minute updates on what is happening locally and around the world. You can select your language of choice and the coverage extends to business, politics, sports, international, Hollywood, real estate, stocks, weather, lottery, the classifieds, travel...the list goes on and on.

What I especially liked was a section for woman, called the Women's Zone.With topics on women's rights, fashion and beauty.

I believe this new site will be replacing a lot of newspaper subscriptions. You won't have to wait for your paper to arrive. Whether you like reading the news before work, during work or in the evening, just bookmark this site and get the latest news when you want it.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Do You Judge a Book by it's Cover?

How many of us judge a book by it's cover? I'm speaking about people here. First impressions are important, but to think you truly know someone in the first 5 to 10 seconds just can't be done.

Within seconds of meeting someone you are being judged. It's human nature I suppose. But, this is a double standard...have there been times you judged someone and thought you got it right, but then later found you were wrong ~ whether it was positive or negative...? I think we are all guilty of judging someone by they way they look, dress, talk. If they have tattoos, long hair, ride a bike...the list can go on and on....but sometimes, just sometimes we can be wrong.

In all walks of life, in all religions and in all races, we have good seeds, bad seeds and some in the middle. We have the same needs and wants. We all bleed, cry, laugh, want to find love and be loved, need air to breathe.

This is in Memory of Natalie who died when someone ran her and her boyfriend off the road and for all my friends who have long hair, short hair and no hair who happen to ride (including me)

I saw you ,,,but you didn't see me

THE BIKER
I saw you, hug your purse closer to you in the grocery
store line.But, you didn't see me, put an extra $10.00 in the
collection plate last Sunday.
I saw you, pull your child closer when we passed each other on the sidewalk. But, you didn't see me, playing Santa at the local mall.
I saw you, change your mind about going into the restaurant. But, you didn't see me, attending a meeting to raise more money for the hurricane relief.
I saw you, roll up your window and shake your head when I rode by. But, you didn't see me, riding behind you when you flicked your igarette butt out the car window.
I saw you, frown at me when I smiled at your children.But, you didn't see me, when I took time off from work to run toys to the homeless.
I saw you, stare at my long hair. But, you didn't see me, and my friends cut ten inches off for Locks of Love.
I saw you, roll your eyes at our leather jackets and gloves. But,you didn't see me, and my brothers donate our old ones to those that had none.
I saw you, look in fright at my tattoos. But, you didn't see me,cry as my children were born and have their name written over and in my heart.
I saw you, change lanes while rushing off to go somewhere. But,you didn't
see me, going home to be with my family.
I saw you, complain about how loud and noisy our bikes can be. But, you didn't see me, when you were changing the CD and drifted into my lane.
I saw you, yelling at your kids in the car. But, you didn't see me, pat
my child's hands, knowing he was safe behind me.
I saw you, reading the newspaper or map as you drove down the road. But, you
didn't see me, squeeze my wife's leg when she told me to take the
next turn.
I saw you, race down the road in the rain. But, you
didn't see me, get soaked to the skin so my son could have the car
to go on his date.
I saw you, run the yellow light just to save a few minutes of time. But, you didn't see me, trying to turn right.
I saw you, cut me off because you needed to be in the lane
I was in.But, you didn't see me, leave the road.
I saw you, waiting impatiently for my friends to pass.But, you didn't see
me. I wasn't there.
I saw you, go home to your family.But, you
didn't see me. Because, I died that day you cut me off. I was
just a biker. A person with friends and a family.
But, you didn't see me.
I hope you never loose someone that rides.
EVEN IF YOU DON'T LIKE US, RESPECT OUR RIGHTS TO RIDE WHAT WE CHOOSE AND TAKE A
FEW EXTRA SECONDS TO BE SURE WE'RE NOT IN 'YOUR' WAY - LIVE TO RIDE
. . . . RIDE TO LIVE

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Are you a Fan of Stephen King?

Three of my favorites are:

Shawshank Redemption... the tale of unjust imprisonment and the clever escape. I must have watched this movie at least 10 times.

The Green Mile..The story about the lives of guards on death row leading up to the execution of a wrongly accused man who has the power of faith healing.

(Did you even know that he wrote these?)

Carrie...a misfit high school girl having telekinetic powers. Her classmates made her the butt of the jokes, her mom was overpowering, but all she wanted to do was fit in. As she tried not being the odd one , her classmates made that impossible for her and played terrible jokes on her. Until one day, at her senior prom, she turned her power into horror and destruction.

Reading or watching Stephen King's movies never leave you unsatisfied. He accomplishes keeping you glued by including action, intrigue, adventure, and suspense!

If you are a fan, you must know that his new movie The Mist by Stephen King will be released on November 21st.

A brief synopsis:
A man and his young son along with a group of terrified townspeople are trapped in a grocery store by a strange mist. Things are lurking in the mist...deadly, horrifying. Creatures not of this world. Survival in the store depend on everyone pulling together. But does human nature make that possible? The man starts to wonder what terrifies him more: the monsters in the mist or the people in the store. The people that have been his friends and neighbors. Civilization is stripped away, masks are discarded and the horror is revealed.

Hmmmm...this one sounds like another winner. Watch the movie trailer

What's your favorite Stephen King book or movie?



Click To Give

There are many appeals over the Internet that claim you can help an organization by donating 'clicks' . Then it turns out they are just hoaxes.

Well, according to snopes.com and craig's list there are a few that are worthy and are not hoaxes.These clicks are no cost to you.

CharityUSA.com gives a percentage and in some cases 100% of the total ad revenue collected towards animal shelters and other organizations : The Rainforest, Breast Cancer and a Child Health Site.

See below the email I received. If you always wanted to get involved in a cause, but didn't know how to start, think about clicking...a little adds up and these are worthy causes. If you want to make sure this is on the up and up, check the below url's.

Craig's List:
http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/pet/472571875.html

Snopes:
http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/charity/animalrescue.asp


Help Feed the Animals for Free

Hi, all you animal lovers. This seems pretty simple. Please tell ten friends to tell ten today! The Animal Rescue Site is having trouble getting enough people to click on it daily to meet their quota of getting free food donated every day to abused and neglected animals.It takes less than a minute to go to their site and click on "feed an animal in need" for free. This doesn't cost you a thing. Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate food to abandoned/neglected animals in exchange for advertising. Here's the web site! There is also a few links to fight Cancer, feed people and the rainforest site. Pass it along to people you know.

http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com
http://www.thebreastcancersite.com
http://www.thechildhealthsite.com
http://www.thehungersite.com
http://www.therainforestsite.com

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Saved From Embarrassment

Ok, I think I cursed myself writing about my teeth the other day. haha,....things were going along much better with the bout of sensitive teeth, but today I have a different problem.

I was doing the dreaded house cleaning and stopped to eat lunch. While chewing, I felt a sensation of my tooth breaking...something wasn't right. Then I felt something odd...

When I looked in the mirror, I saw that my cap pulled off. Dear Lord, not today! I am going into New York City tonight to a club to see a band that I like. I'll be so embarrassed going on a date with a missing tooth.
Now what?...Like I always do, I call my Mom for her help. She's always having problems with her teeth,so I figured she'd know what to do.

She says I need temporary dental repair. She said she has used a product when she lost a filling and it provided temporary relief of pain and discomfort and she believes it works on caps.

Ok, so I go to the store and find Dentemp OS. Reading the package it says that I would just have to remove it from its plastic vial and it's ready to use. No mess and no mixing. There's also several applications in each vial. It states it
replaces lost fillings and may be used to temporarily cement loose crowns.
I can eat again within 30 minutes of setting. This product was also tested and fully complies with FDA Regulations for Oral Care, so I feel safe in using it.

I have to say that in about an hour, from start to finish, I have a temporary dental repair that will work until I call the dentist on Monday. I am so glad that Mom knows best. This saved me from not only the discomfort, but the embarrassment I would have felt later on.



Friday, November 9, 2007

Depression: What Can You Do?

Many in our blog community are aware of a friend who is suffering and offering their supportive messages. I find it heartwarming to see people rally around someone we are concerned about. I'll say it again...Internet friends become very special to us and the bonds we form are REAL.

I wanted to go a step further besides my private message to my friend, by offering this post to someone who may be suffering in silence or think they may be depressed and how we can help.

Understanding Depression:
First let me say that depression is not something you can 'snap' out of. Depression is caused by an imbalance of brain chemicals. Like any serious medical condition, it needs to be treated. To fight depression, you need to understand it.

To many, depression can feel like:
* constant feelings of sadness, irritability, or tension
* decreased interest or pleasure in usual activities or hobbies
* loss of energy, feeling tired despite lack of activity
* a change in appetite, with significant weight loss or weight gain
* a change in sleeping patterns, such as difficulty sleeping, early morning awakening, or sleeping too much
* restlessness or feeling slowed down
* decreased ability to make decisions or concentrate
* feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or guilt
* thoughts of suicide or death

Symptoms vary, but if you feel down for more than two weeks and interfering with daily life, then you may be clinically depressed.

If you are in an immediate serious crisis, please contact your doctor or go to your local hospital or emergency room.

Depression is not just a state of mind. It is related to physical changes in the brain and connected to an imbalance of a type of chemical that carries signals in your brain and nerves.

Depression can have many causes. Family history, trauma or stress, pessimistic personality, physical conditions, or other disorders.

What you can do if you are suffering:
1) See your doctor for treatment
2) Set realistic goals: you may feel overwhelmed by everything you should do, so focus on small goals to ease yourself back into your routine. Don't be too hard on yourself
3) Do what you enjoy
4) Hold off on major decisions
5) Avoid alcohol
6) Exercise
7) Get support

When you learn someone you care about is suffering from depression, what can you do?
1) Learn about depression, so you have a better idea what that person may be experiencing.
2) Do what you can to have that person seek medical care. Bring them to their doctor if needed
3) Be supportive and patient
4) Without being overly pushy, try getting that person to do what they enjoy. See friends, go to a movie, take a walk
5) People who feel depressed often resist attempts to be helped. Don't give up
6) If a person is talking of harming themselves or having thoughts of suicide, do not ignore it.


Source: www.depression.com

What Ethics Should be used When Reporting a Story?

While having our usual casual conversation around the water cooler at work, the subject turned to an explicit newspaper article regarding a child abuse case that ended in the death of a 3 year old child. This reporter thought it was necessary to give graphic details. It was heart wrenching.

I wonder if this reporter thought of the child’s family or friends reading this article. They had to relive the painful death of this child or maybe become aware of certain facts they didn't know.

This unfortunate death happened over 3 years ago and was brought back to life when this reporter was giving her review of the court session. I did read this article and it disturbed me the entire day and well into the night.

I understand that a reporter must not show personal feelings and report the facts, but...must it include such horrifying facts of what the child abuser did to this child? and include details on how this child suffered?

A reporter writes an article for public interest, I understand, but should they write everything that they have learned while investigating the facts for the story?

Should some compassion be shown for those who may be affected adversely by news coverage. Use special sensitivity when dealing with children?

Human nature is one of curiosity...sick at times. Ever see something so gross or an accident that you didn't want to look at, but couldn't take your eyes off of it? That's what I thought about this article...I kept reading it because I couldn't believe what I was actually reading....

I guess the reporter did accomplish getting a reaction from me and I am sure from others as well about the important issue of child abuse.

Graphic descriptions, distasteful or shocking material might be considered the most important facts to convey, but maybe a warning at the beginning of this article stating explicit or disturbing material may offend some readers should have been used.

What are your thoughts on this?




HELP
STOP
CHILD
ABUSE




Monday, November 5, 2007

Got Milk?

"Try to imagine your soul as a coconut and the rewards of life as the milk inside it. The more skilled you are at cracking the shell, the more milk you'll retain for greater nourishment. Your life provides you with the lessons you'll need to break open that husk~the more you live your life in a spiritual manner, the better you become at cracking open your own self and savoring life's rewards" ~ Mary Jo McCabe

Have you ever thought about finding your true self? We spend so much time trying to hide our shortcomings or imperfections, we fail to see our true self. We have a spiritual self and a physical self.. The spiritual self , your soul, is hidden from the naked eye. It knows what's best for you and knows how to help you receive from life what you really need. I believe we all can communicate with our soul or that inner voice. How many times have you caught yourself hearing that inner voice? How many times have we listened?

Your physical self is what others see and is open to the outside world, including your (negative)emotions. Mary Jo McCabe considers this to be the outer shell of a coconut, which protects the milk and nourishment in the center.

Have you ever felt off kilter? Balancing between the spiritual and physical can be a challenge. Life is about creating a balance. Getting in sync so you can experience the fullness of your life.

Is there an area in your life causing you distress? Do you overspend, over eat, over react, over work? Make it a point to change this one area of concern for just one week and notice the improvement that happens. If you can do it for one week, you can do it for one month and then for one year. It'll become a positive pattern leading to a positive change in your life. It's all about small successes and realizing you have the ability to change how you treat yourself inside and out.. you'll gain confidence along the way...

Life can be an uphill battle at times with struggles to overcome, but with dedication, persistence and hard work, you can obtain success in what you want in life. You will be rewarded with the milk of life....

Saturday, November 3, 2007

Biotene Bringing Back My Smile

Who likes going to the dentist? not me...Actually I've had a fear of the dentist since I was young, but you have to do, what you have to do...

In the past, I have had to discuss with my dentist how my teeth felt sensitive. I had noticed when drinking hot or cold drinks, I felt a twinge of pain. The dentist explained sensitivity like this: Enamel protects the crowns of the teeth. There's a layer of cementum that protects the tooth root under the gum line and underneath that is dentin. The dentin contains small hollow tubes and canals. When the dentin loses its protective covering, those tubes is what gets sensitive to hot, cold or even sticky foods while chewing. You might even feel the twinge of pain when breathing through your mouth.

Sensitive teeth can be treated and I was advised to use a sensitive toothpaste which contains a compound that will help block the sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve.

Since this problem is reoccurring, I was given a sample of Biotene to use. This new toothpaste does not just mask the problem, but actually promotes healing. I've been using the toothpaste for the last couple days and I already feel the difference. I no longer see 'pink' in the sink and the sensitivity is lessening. I also noticed immediately that unlike regular toothpaste, it doesn't foam. At first I wasn't sure if I liked this or not, but after a couple times brushing, I actually do like less foam. I am not loosing benefits of cavity protection, this toothpaste is providing that along with preventing dry mouth.

If I had had this toothpaste when I first noticed the sensitivity, I may not be having this problem again.

Before you think you may need special treatment for sensitive teeth, try using this toothpaste. It may save you from needing any additional procedures.




Friday, November 2, 2007

The 3 C's: Communication, Commitment & Compromise

I believe in the 3 C's...Communication, Commitment and Compromise. I believe in any relationship whether it is friendship, romantic, families, marriage or business, the 3 C's are needed to feel fulfilled and be successful. It took me awhile to realize these three concepts go hand and hand. Without one, there always seems to be a trouble spot.

Communication involves how we express our thoughts, ideas, and feelings to others, including what we say and how we say it. This is especially so in important relationships. Without communication all sorts of trouble spots form. Assumptions develop, hurt feelings happen, expectations and perceptions are brought to the surface and misunderstandings are certainly likely to occur. If we can not communicate our wishes, wants, desires, goals... how will the other person ever really know what is really on your mind ?

Commitment is to pledge yourself to a certain purpose or relationship. Without commitment, you do not give yourself wholly. Commitment is really all about making a decision, one way or another about something and sticking to it. By refusing to commit, what you are really doing is showing fear...fear of rejection, fear of not being successful, fear of loosing your freedom etc etc.

Compromise is a concept of finding agreement through communication and commitment. Through a mutual acceptance of terms—it may involve variations from your original goal or desire, but through negotiating neither side gets all of what they really want, but they each make concessions in order to reach an agreement that is acceptable to both.

If you can communicate about your real wants and needs, are committed; then a win-win solution can often be found that will provide what both sides want without compromise, but if needed, realize compromise is something you need to be willing to do.

In life, many thoughts are born in the course of a moment, an hour, a day. Some are dreams, some visions. Often, we are unable to distinguish between them. To some, they are the same; however, not all dreams are visions. Much energy is lost in fanciful dreams that never bear fruit. But visions are messages from the Great Spirit, each for a different purpose in life. Consequently, one person's vision may not be that of another. To have a vision, one must be prepared to receive it, and when it comes, to accept it. Thus when these inner urges become reality, only then can visions be fulfilled. The spiritual side of life knows everyone's heart and who to trust. How could a vision ever be given to someone to harbor if that person could not be trusted to carry it out. The message is simple: commitment precedes vision. ~High Eagle

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