"A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions." Oliver Wendell Holmes
Sometimes I find it easy to be swept along by routine. It's such a protected place to live. But growth, according to a myriad of authors, comes from stepping outside of our comfort zones, which are entrenched in our routines.
I recently came across a book that is designed to force readers, especially the readers who choose to participate, out of their routines. It's touted as an action plan to change your life forever. The book is, "The Nine Intense Experiences" by Brian Vaszily. I prepared myself for some sky diving or bungee jumping. "Bring it on, Brian!" I thought, as I started to read.
Instead, the book takes readers out of their comfort zones with activities that can be performed in their own homes. Intense Experience number one nudges the reader back to the spontaneity of childhood. There are suggested movies to watch and books to read. I read, for the first time, "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll. Also on the reading list was "The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint Exupery, my favorite book of all time.
But then the tasks for Intense Experience number one included more participatory challenges, such as, singing out loud or dancing around the house. Now that sounds rather easy, doesn't it. A small step outside of my comfort zone in order to expand my world. As the disclaimers state, individual results might vary.
When you see me this year at activity professional conferences notice if I spontaneously break into dance steps. If you'd like to try some life altering experiences for yourself, Brian's book is probably available in your public library system. The book is delightful and, in a strange way, slightly challenging. Happy dancing!
Showing posts with label Resources. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Resources. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Laughter
Personal from the Saturday Review - "Important notice: If you are one of the hundreds of parachuting enthusiasts who bought our course entitled 'Easy Sky Diving in One Fell Swoop," please make the following correction: On page 8, line 7, change 'state zip code' to 'pull rip cord'."
I was recently given a copy of the book "Head First, the Biology of Hope" by Norman Cousins. Cousins is the gentleman who had wonderful recovery results from serious illness using all that the medical community had to offer along with laughter. His recovery astonished the medical community and he became an advocate, teacher and fellow researcher on the relationship between human spirit and wellness.
The part of the book that especially caught my attention was the section that talked about the practice of using "Laughter Wagons" stocked with humorous materials and other items likely to amuse residents in nursing homes. One group of Laughter Wagon volunteers wear buttons that read, "Warning: Humor may be hazardous to your illness."
Other suggestions in the book include sending a resident a book of jokes or silly toy instead of flowers. Other suggestions include silly sculptures, comical photos, and mobiles. Or why not consider a joke or riddle of the day on breakfast trays or on a bulletin board?
During this time of year when it's too easy to focus on all that needs to be done and other stressors of the season, it might be good to share a chuckle rather than stories of our all too busy lives. And while humor and a positive attitude do not change the reality of lives, it can influence the way people deal with their reality. As Cousins advises, "Don't deny the diagnosis. Try to defy the verdict."
"Against the assault of laughter nothing can stand." Mark Twain
I was recently given a copy of the book "Head First, the Biology of Hope" by Norman Cousins. Cousins is the gentleman who had wonderful recovery results from serious illness using all that the medical community had to offer along with laughter. His recovery astonished the medical community and he became an advocate, teacher and fellow researcher on the relationship between human spirit and wellness.
The part of the book that especially caught my attention was the section that talked about the practice of using "Laughter Wagons" stocked with humorous materials and other items likely to amuse residents in nursing homes. One group of Laughter Wagon volunteers wear buttons that read, "Warning: Humor may be hazardous to your illness."
Other suggestions in the book include sending a resident a book of jokes or silly toy instead of flowers. Other suggestions include silly sculptures, comical photos, and mobiles. Or why not consider a joke or riddle of the day on breakfast trays or on a bulletin board?
During this time of year when it's too easy to focus on all that needs to be done and other stressors of the season, it might be good to share a chuckle rather than stories of our all too busy lives. And while humor and a positive attitude do not change the reality of lives, it can influence the way people deal with their reality. As Cousins advises, "Don't deny the diagnosis. Try to defy the verdict."
"Against the assault of laughter nothing can stand." Mark Twain
Monday, November 14, 2011
Just Go Play!
I recently watched a TED video that got me thinking about play. The speaker is Charlie Todd. You can go to TED.com and find his name under speakers. His topic is shared absurdity. I loved the event he staged where dozens of people dressed in blue polo shirts and khaki pants went into a Best Buy and stood around. Or his no-pants event on the New York subway. And most of all, I was moved by his insights into play.
As children, we were often told to just go play. Or, perhaps, we've used this phrase on our own children. It's also probably true that no one actually sat down with us when we were children, or we never actually sat down with our own children, to explain the benefits of play or what exactly play is. Children naturally know how to play.
I know that I never even considered whether telling my children to play included talks about future benefits in the job market. "Don't color, build something with your Lego's so you can put that on your resume'!" And when I Googled "play benefits children" this morning I got 289,000,000 hits. Conversely, when I Googled "play benefits adults" I got 81,200,000 hits. Does this mean that play is much less important for adults? Or is play simply a time waster for children who are too young to hold a good paying job?
As professionals, who are focused on activities, can we ensure that residents are engaging in an activity and not simply observers? Not that easy if I focus on creating an activity with all the correct criteria. But what if we decided to just play, which is important and incredibly beneficial for all adults. Check out Charlie Todd. He's not only motivating but the video is a good giggle.
As children, we were often told to just go play. Or, perhaps, we've used this phrase on our own children. It's also probably true that no one actually sat down with us when we were children, or we never actually sat down with our own children, to explain the benefits of play or what exactly play is. Children naturally know how to play.
I know that I never even considered whether telling my children to play included talks about future benefits in the job market. "Don't color, build something with your Lego's so you can put that on your resume'!" And when I Googled "play benefits children" this morning I got 289,000,000 hits. Conversely, when I Googled "play benefits adults" I got 81,200,000 hits. Does this mean that play is much less important for adults? Or is play simply a time waster for children who are too young to hold a good paying job?
As professionals, who are focused on activities, can we ensure that residents are engaging in an activity and not simply observers? Not that easy if I focus on creating an activity with all the correct criteria. But what if we decided to just play, which is important and incredibly beneficial for all adults. Check out Charlie Todd. He's not only motivating but the video is a good giggle.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Meetup
Last night I attended our local book discussion group at the library where we discussed "A Reliable Wife." I liked the book and the group, which led me to invite the group to my house at the end of this month for an evening of Yahtzee. I've been meaning to get together more often with people that I enjoy being with but one thing always seems to lead to another and such things keep getting pushed to the side. The invitation is out there and I'm excited to have an evening with friends, old and new.
As the book group was preparing to leave one of the women, who was new to the group, came up to me to tell me about groups that meet and share common interests. The groups function under the title Meetup. According to her understanding, these groups began 10 years ago after 9/11 as a way to help people connect in their communities. She said she's been going to a Scrabble Meetup group that gets together once a week, during the day, to play Scrabble. The members of this group decided that they didn't want to drive after dark so set up their meeting time to accommodate this group decision.
I searched the Meetup site in my area and found walking, biking, dining, yoga, meditation, vegan, moms, and singles groups, just to name a few. These are offline clubs, as opposed to the hundreds of online friends a person might have as they sit home alone.
Numerous studies show that people with friends have better health, both physical and mental, and live longer. As people who work in a caring profession it's also important to care for ourselves. One way is by nurturing friendships. Meetup makes it easy.
As the book group was preparing to leave one of the women, who was new to the group, came up to me to tell me about groups that meet and share common interests. The groups function under the title Meetup. According to her understanding, these groups began 10 years ago after 9/11 as a way to help people connect in their communities. She said she's been going to a Scrabble Meetup group that gets together once a week, during the day, to play Scrabble. The members of this group decided that they didn't want to drive after dark so set up their meeting time to accommodate this group decision.
I searched the Meetup site in my area and found walking, biking, dining, yoga, meditation, vegan, moms, and singles groups, just to name a few. These are offline clubs, as opposed to the hundreds of online friends a person might have as they sit home alone.
Numerous studies show that people with friends have better health, both physical and mental, and live longer. As people who work in a caring profession it's also important to care for ourselves. One way is by nurturing friendships. Meetup makes it easy.
Monday, August 15, 2011
The Far Shore of Aging
For those of you who have not yet explored the American Public Media program, On Being, (formerly, Speaking of Faith) with Krista Tippett, I highly recommend this series of programs. I recently checked in and found a presentation. The Far Shore of Aging by Jane Gross, author of The New Old Age blog at the New York Times.
Gross addresses issues of aging and care-giving. Currently, a large portion of the population is involved in the care-giver roll as seniors live longer, but not always healthier, lives. She calls this the in-between time when people are caring for their parents but also caring for themselves. The other in-between happens as caregivers are caught between guilt and exhaustion. As care-giving professionals it's nice to have resources that address all the issues that are faced day to day.
To listen to the entire podcast, which aired on July 21, Google "On Being". There you'll find a wealth of food for the spirit with a new program posted every week.
Gross addresses issues of aging and care-giving. Currently, a large portion of the population is involved in the care-giver roll as seniors live longer, but not always healthier, lives. She calls this the in-between time when people are caring for their parents but also caring for themselves. The other in-between happens as caregivers are caught between guilt and exhaustion. As care-giving professionals it's nice to have resources that address all the issues that are faced day to day.
To listen to the entire podcast, which aired on July 21, Google "On Being". There you'll find a wealth of food for the spirit with a new program posted every week.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
2011.5
Yes, it's half way through 2011 and many of us have conveniently forgotten our New Year's resolutions. So maybe it's time for a 2011.5 resolution. I was inspired along this train of thought by a TED video. Have you discovered Ted.com yet? Give it a look.
This week on TED a video by Matt Cutts urges viewers to try something new for 30 days. Cutts goes through his own list of new adventures. He wrote a novel, which is basically a 50,000 word book, which comes out to less than 1700 words a day for 30 days. Cutts says that his novel is no good, but he now has the right to introduce himself as a novelist rather than a computer scientist.
Other adventures on Cutts list included riding his bike to work for 30 days, not eating sugar for 30 days, and taking a picture every day for 30 days. The gist of the presentation is that small changes are sustainable, so it's possible to do just about anything that you've always wanted to do for a period of 30 days.
My 30 day goal? I also watched a TED video that said that people who announce their goals are less likely to do them. I'll let you know in 30 days.
This week on TED a video by Matt Cutts urges viewers to try something new for 30 days. Cutts goes through his own list of new adventures. He wrote a novel, which is basically a 50,000 word book, which comes out to less than 1700 words a day for 30 days. Cutts says that his novel is no good, but he now has the right to introduce himself as a novelist rather than a computer scientist.
Other adventures on Cutts list included riding his bike to work for 30 days, not eating sugar for 30 days, and taking a picture every day for 30 days. The gist of the presentation is that small changes are sustainable, so it's possible to do just about anything that you've always wanted to do for a period of 30 days.
My 30 day goal? I also watched a TED video that said that people who announce their goals are less likely to do them. I'll let you know in 30 days.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Four Little Words
One of my new favorite books is a small publication entitled "Four Word Self Help, Simple Wisdom for Complex Lives" by Patti Digh. I wrote about attending a presentation by Digh back in April. In this book of hers, Digh (pronounced to rhyme with sigh) distills wisdom for life into four well-chosen words, suggesting that the complexity of life may well lie in simple actions.
In the section on generosity some of the four word statements include, "Show up for someone" and "Be kinder than necessary." Under community Digh advises readers to "Create your own tribe," "Let other people in," and "Give up toxic people."
The four words that caused me many moments of reflection came from an incident in Digh's life when she was relating to a friend all the things on her to-do list that were eating up her time. Her friend asked her what in her life gives her the greatest joy. He listened as she explained her passion for writing and then asked, "Patti, what would it take for you to clear your calendar so you could do more writing?" Digh concludes by musing that sometimes out "stop-doing" list needs to be bigger than our "to-do" list. Summed up in four words - "Leave some things undone."
I hope you have a chance to pick up some of Digh's books, all of which are filled with thoughts about being alive in this world and seeking a life of quality. She also challenges readers to write their own phrases of four word self help. Try it for yourself. You can do it!
In the section on generosity some of the four word statements include, "Show up for someone" and "Be kinder than necessary." Under community Digh advises readers to "Create your own tribe," "Let other people in," and "Give up toxic people."
The four words that caused me many moments of reflection came from an incident in Digh's life when she was relating to a friend all the things on her to-do list that were eating up her time. Her friend asked her what in her life gives her the greatest joy. He listened as she explained her passion for writing and then asked, "Patti, what would it take for you to clear your calendar so you could do more writing?" Digh concludes by musing that sometimes out "stop-doing" list needs to be bigger than our "to-do" list. Summed up in four words - "Leave some things undone."
I hope you have a chance to pick up some of Digh's books, all of which are filled with thoughts about being alive in this world and seeking a life of quality. She also challenges readers to write their own phrases of four word self help. Try it for yourself. You can do it!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
What You See Is What You Get
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| Visions of Spring to Come |
Once again, her story supports the adage that we live into our beliefs no matter how askew they might be of what other people consider "reality". This short video makes me wonder if reality should be ranked right next to normal. Two very interesting words.
A word of caution. If you Google Caroline Casey the first listings you'll come up with are for Caroline Casey of Coyote Network, a visionary activist. OK. I've had the experience of hearing this Caroline Casey present at a conference I attended and she was another rattle your beliefs type presenter. But if you scroll down about a half dozen listings you'll see the Caroline Casey TED listing.
Great viewing while waiting for spring to burst forth. Come on, Spring!
Disclaimer: One of my creative writing teachers said that I was not allowed to capitalize the word, spring, unless my name was Emily Dickinson. So much for obeying all the rules. I repeat. Come on, Spring!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Lightening Up
I just held a garage sale. The idea for this event came to me through a number of happenings in my life. First, I attended a presentation by a feng shui practitioner who encourages people to rid themselves of 90% of their possessions. Her question behind this suggestion is, do you own your things or do your things own you? Upkeep and storage of items caused me to use my energy on things I didn't necessarily want to be doing.
I did not hit the 90% goal with my sale. I aimed for 50% and hit about 20%. But even at the 20% mark my husband and I notice a new calmness in the house. We now have space to breathe. Things I seldom or never used no longer take up space. Did I really need 6 pie plates when I never bake pies? I saved my favorite pie plate for quiche baking, but a rectangular pan would work just as well, especially with a crustless quiche.
The second catalyst for my garage sale came from reading and mulling over the book, "Life is a Verb" by Patti Digh. The book is based on the time that Digh cared for her step-father during his 37 day end-of-life experience. It was a mere 37 days from his diagnosis to his death. She urges people to ask themselves about the important things in their lives - what they are and how to bring them front and center.
My goal this year is to simplify. I'm also being more thoughtful with the use of my time and energy, allocating them to the people in my life and to those things that I always meant to get around to. Spring sunshine and 20% less things to take care of seem to be a good start for me.
I did not hit the 90% goal with my sale. I aimed for 50% and hit about 20%. But even at the 20% mark my husband and I notice a new calmness in the house. We now have space to breathe. Things I seldom or never used no longer take up space. Did I really need 6 pie plates when I never bake pies? I saved my favorite pie plate for quiche baking, but a rectangular pan would work just as well, especially with a crustless quiche.
The second catalyst for my garage sale came from reading and mulling over the book, "Life is a Verb" by Patti Digh. The book is based on the time that Digh cared for her step-father during his 37 day end-of-life experience. It was a mere 37 days from his diagnosis to his death. She urges people to ask themselves about the important things in their lives - what they are and how to bring them front and center.
My goal this year is to simplify. I'm also being more thoughtful with the use of my time and energy, allocating them to the people in my life and to those things that I always meant to get around to. Spring sunshine and 20% less things to take care of seem to be a good start for me.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Awesome
I recently viewed a TED video that "revels three secrets to leading a life that's truly awesome." Well, if that isn't an enticement, I don't know what is.
The presenter is Neil Pasricha, the recipient of two Webby Awards, one of them for having the best blog in the world. His blog led to offers from publishers and the subsequent book, "The Book of Awesome." Pasricha didn't even know that awards for blogs existed when he started his. He also notes in his presentation that there are 50,000 new blogs started every day. Obviously, someone is doing a lot of reading in order to come up with such awards.
The presentation is 17 minutes and 33 seconds long, keeping to the TED standard for presentations of around twenty minutes. To find Pasricha's talk Google TED. At their site click on "presenters" and then click on "P". It will take you to all the presenters whose last names begin with the letter P. Don't you just love technology!
In a world with lots of doom and gloom chatter I always find it brightens my day to tuck in a few uplifting moments. Pasricha's talk is one of them. Enjoy!
The presenter is Neil Pasricha, the recipient of two Webby Awards, one of them for having the best blog in the world. His blog led to offers from publishers and the subsequent book, "The Book of Awesome." Pasricha didn't even know that awards for blogs existed when he started his. He also notes in his presentation that there are 50,000 new blogs started every day. Obviously, someone is doing a lot of reading in order to come up with such awards.
The presentation is 17 minutes and 33 seconds long, keeping to the TED standard for presentations of around twenty minutes. To find Pasricha's talk Google TED. At their site click on "presenters" and then click on "P". It will take you to all the presenters whose last names begin with the letter P. Don't you just love technology!
In a world with lots of doom and gloom chatter I always find it brightens my day to tuck in a few uplifting moments. Pasricha's talk is one of them. Enjoy!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Activity-Centered Care
I recently received an email from Monica Heltemes, Occupational Therapist and owner of MindStart, a company that creates activities for persons with memory loss. Monica sent an article published this month which once again states something most caregivers know. "Studies have shown that nursing home risidents with dementia spend 70-80% of their time with nothing to do." By not tapping into the remaining cognitive, social and emotions capabilities of persons with dementia living in Alzheimer's units, a state of "excess disability" or disability beyond what is directly attributable to the disease is promoted. Engagement, and how to engage persons with Alzheimer's, are then highlighted in the article with the words, routine, reduce and reassurance.
Routine can mean going with the flow with activities done in a typical order and time line each day. This could include not only activities that are typical to the daily routine of the facility but also activities based on the person's past interests.
Reduce refers to a reduction in the number of steps of a task, reduction in the directions given for the task, and reduction in the level of abstractness of the task. Multiple choice instead of open-ended questions and games with only matching involved are some of the ways toward reduction.
And reassurance offered in the form of praise and acknowledgment gives the person pride in the moment and a feeling that can last long after the activity.
Lastly, Monica has created a number of tools for use by staff, family members, or volunteers working with adults in memory care units. Take a look at what's available at the MindStart site - www.mind-start.com. And thanks to you, Monica, and other caregivers for all that you do.
Routine can mean going with the flow with activities done in a typical order and time line each day. This could include not only activities that are typical to the daily routine of the facility but also activities based on the person's past interests.
Reduce refers to a reduction in the number of steps of a task, reduction in the directions given for the task, and reduction in the level of abstractness of the task. Multiple choice instead of open-ended questions and games with only matching involved are some of the ways toward reduction.
And reassurance offered in the form of praise and acknowledgment gives the person pride in the moment and a feeling that can last long after the activity.
Lastly, Monica has created a number of tools for use by staff, family members, or volunteers working with adults in memory care units. Take a look at what's available at the MindStart site - www.mind-start.com. And thanks to you, Monica, and other caregivers for all that you do.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Breathing Space
Holidays can be an extremely stressful time of the year. Especially for caregivers. So it's important to remember to take time for good self-care. As an observant botanist on a talk show said, trees grow big and strong because they have their growing season and their rest season. We humans, however, revel in our mile long to-do lists day in and day out, celebrating our exhaustion as a badge of honor. And there's always the anti-depressants to pull us through. Think about that. Does that seem to be the way life should be going?
But you're going to tell me that your life and your job demand constant attention with nary a minute per day for yourself. Been there and know that such situations truly exist. So why not some mini giggle breaks. As laughter is the best medicine, and stated by the infamous "they", I have a reading recommendation, which I'll give with a disclaimer.
The disclaimer is that the author is not shy about using words that might shock your grandmother. If you're in the camp with your grandmother you might want to skip these books. If, however, you just slide past such words and go for the giggles, I think you might enjoy. But enough explanations.
One of my favorite giggle break authors is Sloane Crosley. Two of her books that I've enjoyed are "I Was Told There'd Be Cake" and "How Did You Get This Number." I like her books because they make me laugh and because they're essays, so I can pick up a book and read a short section without having to remember a plot or where I was in the story. Essay titles include "Bring-Your-Machete-To-Work Day" and "The Good People of This Dimension." You get the idea.
After a few pages you might be ready to get back to your real life and figure out what to buy for that favorite person on your holiday list who is simply impossible to buy for. Maybe get them some books.
Peace
But you're going to tell me that your life and your job demand constant attention with nary a minute per day for yourself. Been there and know that such situations truly exist. So why not some mini giggle breaks. As laughter is the best medicine, and stated by the infamous "they", I have a reading recommendation, which I'll give with a disclaimer.
The disclaimer is that the author is not shy about using words that might shock your grandmother. If you're in the camp with your grandmother you might want to skip these books. If, however, you just slide past such words and go for the giggles, I think you might enjoy. But enough explanations.
One of my favorite giggle break authors is Sloane Crosley. Two of her books that I've enjoyed are "I Was Told There'd Be Cake" and "How Did You Get This Number." I like her books because they make me laugh and because they're essays, so I can pick up a book and read a short section without having to remember a plot or where I was in the story. Essay titles include "Bring-Your-Machete-To-Work Day" and "The Good People of This Dimension." You get the idea.
After a few pages you might be ready to get back to your real life and figure out what to buy for that favorite person on your holiday list who is simply impossible to buy for. Maybe get them some books.
Peace
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Leave A Note
A good friend of mine recently sent me a link to an article that suggests that in some cases there might be a better or more effective way to communicate with persons with dementia. According to the article, it seems that even though words don't always make a lasting impression, and leads to the Alzheimer's patient repeatedly asking the same question, sometimes pictures and/or the written word can prove more effective and comforting to the person.
And isn't it good to remember that even though it can be disconcerting for family members and other professionals to deal with those suffering from Alzheimer's, it can be just as frustrating for the person suffering with the disease. Family members and professionals, it seems, can be not only the caregivers, but also develop tools to become comfort givers.
Check out the article at http://www.parade.com/health/2010/11/21-unlocking-the-silent-prison.html. And thank you for all that you do.
And isn't it good to remember that even though it can be disconcerting for family members and other professionals to deal with those suffering from Alzheimer's, it can be just as frustrating for the person suffering with the disease. Family members and professionals, it seems, can be not only the caregivers, but also develop tools to become comfort givers.
Check out the article at http://www.parade.com/health/2010/11/21-unlocking-the-silent-prison.html. And thank you for all that you do.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
A Rose By Any Other Name
We are doing the proverbial switching horses in mid-stream. As you can see, the label for this entry is "Resources". This will now replace the former label, "Book Reviews," which is obviously too narrow to cover all the different ways we get information about the work of Activities. So we will move forward from this point on with the label, "Resources."
First on the resource agenda is that Book Two from Second Childhood Creations is now hot off the press and in our hot little hands, ready to get into your hot little hands if you click on the Second Childhood Creations link.
Book Two, like Book One, has twelve, hands-on creative activities, including where to buy and how to dye silk scarves using colored tissue paper. The scarves are awesome! There's also a recipe for making bowls out of paper egg cartons, a puffy paint recipe, happy face pots with bad hair days, shaving cream prints, and a water slide decal project that will give you all sorts of ideas of things to create with them. And that's just the beginning.
And as long as we're on resources ... I recently stumbled on a book by Brook Noel titled "The Change Your Life Challenge, a 70 day life makeover program for women." I found the 2005 edition in a used bookstore. There is a more recent edition available on half.com, my favorite place for purchasing used books.
So what's happened in my life as I plowed along to day 9, doing one day at a time as advised by the author? So far so good! Do I envision a miraculous change in my life? Maybe. I like to keep my options open. And I believe that if I read enough positive works from a variety of authors my life has simply got to get better. As for now, I've been able to find my to-do list every morning without any hassle. Onward!
First on the resource agenda is that Book Two from Second Childhood Creations is now hot off the press and in our hot little hands, ready to get into your hot little hands if you click on the Second Childhood Creations link.
Book Two, like Book One, has twelve, hands-on creative activities, including where to buy and how to dye silk scarves using colored tissue paper. The scarves are awesome! There's also a recipe for making bowls out of paper egg cartons, a puffy paint recipe, happy face pots with bad hair days, shaving cream prints, and a water slide decal project that will give you all sorts of ideas of things to create with them. And that's just the beginning.
And as long as we're on resources ... I recently stumbled on a book by Brook Noel titled "The Change Your Life Challenge, a 70 day life makeover program for women." I found the 2005 edition in a used bookstore. There is a more recent edition available on half.com, my favorite place for purchasing used books.
So what's happened in my life as I plowed along to day 9, doing one day at a time as advised by the author? So far so good! Do I envision a miraculous change in my life? Maybe. I like to keep my options open. And I believe that if I read enough positive works from a variety of authors my life has simply got to get better. As for now, I've been able to find my to-do list every morning without any hassle. Onward!
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