A Perfect Day

"You have not lived a perfect day... unless you have done something for someone who will never be able to repay you."

By Ruth Smeltzer

This quote says it all. And, although I’d like everyday to be a perfect day, it really is hard to find the time to give back, but when you do, the sense of happiness is exhilarating.

This year I made the commitment to volunteer at a local nursing home. I have a passion for helping seniors. Two of my grandparents, who both had Alzheimer’s, spent their last days in nursing homes, out of town, and it was so hard not being able to be close to them. I am forever grateful of the caregivers that made their last days bearable and comfortable.

So, my time is spent with the “Apple Valley Gang”, as I like to refer to them. Marlin, Jean and Nancy are my favorites; however, the whole gang is really an unforgettable bunch. Alzheimer’s is so devastating, yet my gang somehow finds a way to appreciate life even through the shadows of the darkness cast upon their own lives. It’s strange how Alzheimer’s affects people in different ways. Helping the gang eat their lunch and realizing just how fragile they are, always gives me a sense of sadness wondering how one makes the transition from a healthy, vibrant, adult life to one of being completely dependent upon others for simple tasks.

Marlin is as happy as a clam and every time I see him he thinks it’s a wonderful coincidence that we happen to ‘meet again’. He absolutely loves tennis and couldn’t be happier when there is a match on TV. He makes my heart smile.

Jean is a wonderful lady who doesn’t talk to many people. In fact, the first time I met her, I was told not to expect her to talk at all. When you look in her eyes you see this deep, truthful soul that just wants to find a way to express herself. When I get through to her and she utters a few words back to me, I feel alive.

Nancy always has a good story about her youth and her vibrant career as a nurse and she loves taking walks. She may not remember me right away, but when I remind her about the stories she’s told me, it’s an instant connection that we share.

I love my gang and I try not to think about the day that one of them will pass away. I some times wonder why I’m putting myself through what will ultimately be a sorrowful loss, but then I realize, maybe in some way, I can make a few minutes of their life a little bit better.

Stress Away

Stress is the body's reaction to a change that requires a physical, mental or emotional adjustment or response, according to the website, about.com. It can come in many different forms, whether it appears as headaches, belly aches, high blood pressure, nausea or another unpleasant symptom. Unless we’re really in tune with our body and emotional spirit, we may not even realize the undue pressure we place on our physical and mental health by allowing stress to eat away at our core.

In delving into the distasteful topic of stress, I decided to poll some family and friends and find out how they personally and solely embrace their stress and what solutions they use to overcome the beast.

Laughter – It truly is the best medicine. Put on a funny show, call a friend who makes you laugh or read a funny book. Any time you can add laughter into your day and release the coveted happy pills, or endorphins, your day will be that much better.

Inspiration – Read an inspirational book, such as ‘The Secret’, attend a religious service to find renewed spiritual balance or find a way to jump start your inner energy through positive thoughts.

Exercise – Too often our lack of physical health interferes with our happiness and contributes to our stress. Get refreshed with a good workout or a long run. Being physically fit impacts will impact your emotional happiness.

Pamper Yourself – Indulge in a little inner gratification and treat yourself to a relaxing bubble bath with candles, spa treatment, manicure/pedicure or other self satisfying ritual. The relaxation will be good for your soul.

Furry Friends – Renew your energy through spending some quality time together with your favorite pet. The happy spirit of your furry friend will lift your own spirits and swell your heart.

Mocha - Of course, one of my favorites, grab a mocha and feel the jump start of your tasty mood enhancer. The caffeine will put a spin on your unhappy mindset and revitalize your outlook.

Take these ideas to heart and sample one of these delicious solutions next time your feeling blue. If you have a favorite stress reliever, post a comment below and share your idea.

Getting Through A Rough Patch

This week I was confronted with a heartbreaking circumstance in my personal life that was virtually out of my control. It not only involved me, but my family as well. I experienced anger and sadness, wishing that the situation was different. Mere thoughts of this situation caused me to feel disheartened inside and searching for answers and a different outcome.

While sipping on my java this morning, I decided to park myself downstairs at my computer. I could tell I was breathing uneasily and I could feel my heart palpitate in my chest. Jack was nearby, which always seems to provide me comfort. He’s loves so unconditionally.

This problem, which was nibbling away at my happiness, had become slightly evident in my outward personality, as a few people close to me had been gracious enough to point out. This caused me to do some soul searching. Doing what I love to do, I decided to ask for some advice from my good friend Google. It was then that I came across this very inspirational quote by Edward de Bono:

"Sometimes the situation is only a problem because it is looked at in a certain way. Looked at in another way, the right course of action may be so obvious that the problem no longer exists."

This quote is so simple, yet this morning it seemed to make so much sense to me. I decided to dissect my specific problem into parts:

1) What was the real issue driving my sadness and anger?
2) Was the situation a real problem or just a point in time that I had to overcome?
3) Could I look at this problem a different way to achieve the outcome I hoped?

After dissecting my problem I did some more inner soul searching by referring to my PMS. My Personal Mission Statement continues to be my roadmap for guiding how I want to live each day. As I read my PMS, I contemplated the situation and began to take great comfort in feeling overwhelming gratitude for the unbreakable and spiritual bond I have with my family and my faith. My family is my rock and this situation that I needed to overcome did not even slightly alter the bonds that I have with my husband or my children. Yes, it was a point in time that I didn’t like, but in the greater scheme of my life, I have true comfort in knowing that no one can break my family ties and this rough patch I was going through seemed not so rough any more.