TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF....

Well, Christmas is over, and it leaves mixed feelings... for some it's...I'm so glad thats over! For others it's a feeling of sadness, not wanting it to be over. For some perhaps guilt over too much money that was spent that they really didn't have to begin with. For some it might be disappointment, it wasn't what they expected it to be. Some might feel stressed at all there is to do. Some might just be feeling the January Blues..yes, it is real!

Whatever you are feeling, you need to take a little time out and take care of yourself. I know how women operate, we go go go, taking care of others..worrying about our families, our husbands, the world and all it's crazy ways.

I have a little plan that will help....I want you to take... "AVALIBLE 5 MINUTE CHUNKS"... to accomplish little things. By themselves, they may seem insignificant, but in the overall scheme of life, they definitely add up, and doing them can help reduce the stress we might be feeling.

~~~"Some things you can do"~~~

1. Practice a talent....2. Smile and be friendly, and laugh at a good joke....3. Bake some cake box cookies....4. Sew on a missing button or a seam that has come apart....5. Update a few family photos....6. Choose good music to listen to....7. Clean out your purse....8.Polish a pair of shoes....9. Water your houseplants....10. Get rid of a stack of old magazines or catalogs....11. Straighten your bedroom before you turn out the light....12. Plan breakfast the night before and even set the table....13. Give a family member a backrub--and get one for yourself too!....14. Write out a quick list of what you're thankful for...15. Walk to the end of the street and back....16. Walk up and down the stairs for 5 minutes....17. Do some stretching or yoga....18. Sit, relax and ponder and dream awhile--and don't feel guilty about it!....19. Phone a friend....20. Read a book to a child or spouce....21. Write a thank-you note or send an invitation....22. Listen to someone else talk (listen, is the key)....23. Find a place to volunteer....24. Say hello to someone...25. Share a joke or story, laughing is contagious...26. Send an to a friend, but not one of those forward it to everybody ones....27. Arrange a night out with friends....28. Cross the street, or the hall to visit with a neighbor....29. Clean under the kitchen sink....Straighten one shelf in a closet....Clean the top of the refrigerator....30. Sweep the front porch....31. Fill the salt and pepper shakers....32. Learn a new word....33. Read the Scritptures....34. Memorize a famous quotation....35. Say your prayers--morning, evening and with your family....36. Read or listen to only good, uplifting books....37. List your blessings on paper, invite the family to do the same....38. Think about the people you love--and tell them so....39. Look forward to good things that are coming, the next holiday, times of celebrations, Spring!

NOW...take even more time for yourself....Make sure to exercise 5 days a week....Take a long bath in something that smells divine...Sit with a warm blanket and read a good book....cozy up and watch a movie with your honey...Listen to good music as much as you can...blog with your sisters, strengthen each other...Laugh, hug, and do it over and over again!

Hope this helps you to get through the month of January...I know it usually is kind of a downer for most people...you are not alone, we are all feeling it.

Go forward...Move...be Happy!