mindset – Page 2 – Site Title

Be Proud of Yourself

Are you proud of yourself? Is it pride you feel when you think of who you are as a person? Have you taken timeout to look at all the accomplishments you’ve achieved or do you beat yourself down with all the negatives, both real and the made-up ones, every chance you get? If you step back and really look at yourself, I’m sure you’ll find many instances where you’ve achieved more than most people. All of those things demanded mammoth strength to overcome and ones that really deserved a pat on your back but you let it pass because you were too busy doing this.

“Instead of wishing you were someone else, be proud of who you are. You never know who was looking at you wishing they were you.” Unknown

No way?!! Believe me, there are plenty of people out there who will gladly step into your shoes and will want to walk a mile in them. People who are worse off than you, ones who haven’t achieved half of what you’ve done and just like you, hoping and wishing they had better shoes to fill. Be proud of yourself. You’ve come a long ways and you can do the impossible if you set your mind to it.

“When you feel insecure or like you don’t measure up, remind yourself of how far you’ve come. And in that moment, you’ll realize you’ve climbed mountains and can overcome anything.” Brittany Burgunder

Oh, but there are too many scars, too much pain, too much inadequacy when compared to someone else. I’ve had more than my share of problems to carry, like a yoke on my shoulders. How can I be proud of myself when “life” keeps pushing me down?

“Be proud of your scars. They have everything to do with your strength, and what you’ve endured. They’re a treasure map to the deep self.” Clarissa Pinkola Estes

That deep self is where you thrive. You see the strength, the courage, the determination to survive and it has brought you to where you are now. Be proud of yourself because you, my friend, are unique. You are beautiful, you are strong and you are capable of handling everything life throws your way. The good, the bad, the ugly, and the insurmountable. Pat yourself on the back even if no one else does and keep moving forward and while you’re doing that remind yourself of this.

“Stop letting other people define you, be yourself and be proud of it.” Unknown

One more for good measure.

“BE SOMEONE YOU WOULD BE PROUD TO KNOW.” Unknown

Have an amazing and beautiful day.

Spring is in the Air?

“Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush.” Doug Larson

I took my usual walk this morning and I was the only one out there with the “conference” of crows for company. There were about 20 of them huddled together in the field trying to keep the cold wind at bay while I approached all bundled up disturbing their peace. They did let out a loud caw as I got too close and took off to somewhere quieter.

We had snow yesterday but it melted as evening rolled around. Nothing new today but the forecast says light snow showers later. The temperature is dipping and can be felt from the biting wind tinged with ice as it picks up speed and touches my nose before it makes its way to where it needs to go. No one around or rather no one brave enough to get out here and meet the weather head-on. I did and I must say it feels refreshing and peaceful to have the place all to myself.

Taking my usual route, I walked to the apple trees and it was a muddy trek. Puddles of water were aplenty and I had to curb my urge to jump in them! The fact that they were tinged with ice stopped me from doing just that. As I approached the apple trees, I could see the small graveyard in the distance. It looked peaceful as it usually does. I’m sure he is at peace now.

Turning back, I took the same path back and decided to go up the hill. Then I saw them and my breath caught in my throat. Two ducks standing together, quiet but eyeing me cautiously. As I approached, they backed up and took off their red-tinged tails and loud quacks signaling that they were none too pleased with the intrusion. Spring on the way? I’m not too sure about that because we have snow in the forecast for Thursday, a 70% chance, so what are the ducks doing here? Perhaps, they are in a rush for spring to get here as I am. On my way back, I saw one rabbit dashing across the fields. Down the hill, two more appeared doing their spring dance! An older guy stood watching them and as I approached he said, “Wonderful sight, isn’t it?” I agreed. Yes, spring is definitely in the air and the silent world is beginning to wake up from its long slumber. I can’t wait!

It was a good walk although the cold is making my nose run. I need another cup of coffee and warmth to pep me up. It’s going to be a good day.

LOL!

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

It’s the start of another brand new week and what better way to get it going than with a bit of laughter. I found the jokes below hilarious and it certainly tickled my funny bone! Hope it lightens the load.

When women fall ill:

“It’s ok. I’m just a little tired.”

When men fall ill:

“Listen to me carefully woman, these are my last words.”

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Men used to say, “Why marry the cow when the milk is free?”

Ladies, these days I think the real question is: “Why take home the whole pig when all you want is a bit of sausage?”

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One big difference between men and women is that if a woman says, “Smell this, it usually smells nice.”

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A husband asks his wife, “Will you marry after I die?”

The wife responds: “No, I will live with my sister.”

The wife asks: “Will you marry after I die?”

Husband: “No, I will also live with your sister.”

Guess who died first!!!

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I got all dewy-eyed when I saw my husband looking at our marriage certificate for half an hour. Then I found out he’s been searching for the expiry date!

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A wife texts her husband on a cold winter morning.

“Windows frozen, won’t open.”

Husband: Gently pour some lukewarm water over it and tap the edges with a hammer.”

Five minutes later

Wife: “Computer really messed up now.”

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Have an amazing day.

A Beautiful Day

Photo by Felix-Antoine Coutu on Pexels.com

The sun is shining and it looks deceptively warm out there. However, this beautiful weather is not going to stay for long as the weather forecast is predicting or rather forecasting rain and snow for tomorrow! We’re not out of the woods yet. This winter has been a long one for some of us and for others just par for the course.

I can honestly say that I want winter to be gone and the next season to make its way here. Perhaps, it is already doing just that. The daffodils, tulips, and other first signs of spring are sprouting their sleepy little heads and taking a peek at what is out there. It is still too cold for them to bloom but in time and maybe soon, they will show up wearing their spring faces. I can’t wait!

I’ve had two things going on and I’m not too happy about both. My dependable car had a problem and it needed to be fixed. It cost quite a bit to fix and then I was told that there was another big problem. One of the headlights needed to be replaced and I never expected it to cost an arm and a leg! Well, perhaps an arm. Anyway, now I have this excruciating task of deciding if I should fix it or look at getting another car. A woman alone looking for a car is not a good thing but I did do one or two trips alone and then decided to rope someone else into going with me. A guy and he went along gladly. First one, was a nice one, I’m talking about the car. It was compact and looked good but lo and behold, it had all new features which made me roll my eyes and shake in my boots! It had things that I had never heard of and since I have an aversion to change, I decided it was a no go. However, I was told that all new cars have such features so getting a new car was going to be a monumental task. I mean, bringing the horse to water and making it drink from it, that is!

The second trip with another guy in tow turned out to be better. I loved the color, a steel blue that looked good. Yes, that’s a woman for you. Color matters where a car is concerned. Then I took one look inside and it had features that I recognized! Even though it was a new car, they didn’t go with all the unnecessary Schnickschnack. It looked sporty but that is not necessarily important for me. I wanted something dependable and this one looked like it would do the job well without having to resort to hair-pulling when it comes to learning something new. So, I have a test drive booked for next week. I hope it works out and in two weeks I should have a new car with a six year guarantee to boot!

What’s the next thing? My son has the papers from his new job and it seems like it is a go as far as the new job is concerned. Now comes the part where I have to work on me to let him GO! Since I am a helicopter mom, this is a hard one for me. Some days, I am fine and others I say, I can’t! This too shall pass you say? I think you are right but my scalp can’t take too much more hair-pulling! Things need to settle down and I need a break from constant problem-solving.

One thing at time? Exactly what I’m planning to do. First the car and then the next thing which is coming up quick, like in two weeks! Oh God! I know I can do this too. That’s me trying to psych myself up. Hope it works!

I usually don’t do walks on Sundays but the sun is shining and I need to clear my head of unwanted thoughts. I’ve got “cars” flying past in one direction and my son with his bags packed going in the other direction!

Have an amazing Sunday.

LOL!

Did you know that women use about 30,000 words a day while men use only 15,000?

Woman: Yes because we have to repeat everything!

Man: What?

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The Woman’s Guide To Love AND Lasting Relationships

Find a man who makes you laugh.

Find a man who has a good job and can cook.

Find a man who is honest.

Find a man who will pamper you and give you gifts.

Find a man who is awesome in the bedroom.

Most of all it is very important that these five men never meet!

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Nurse: The doctor would like a stool sample, a urine sample, and a sperm sample.

Husband: What did she say?

Wife: They want your underwear.

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A good man can make you feel sexy, strong and able to take on the world…..oh sorry……that’s wine……wine does that.

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A recent study has found that women who carry a little extra weight live longer than the men who mentioned it.

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What women think of their a**:

10% think it is too small.

30% think it is too big.

AND

60% said they love it and wouldn’t trade HIM for anything!

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Ladies, have you ever noticed that all your problems start with Men?

MEN-opause

MEN-strual cramps

MEN-tal illness

MEN-tal breakdown

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Have a great day.

My Funny Little Valentine

He is sweet, he is gentle, he is rambunctious, he is smart, he is my companion and he is funny most days. It is Valentine’s Day and I decided to pay homage to my little love. The little furball who runs my world!

Things haven’t been on an even keel for the last couple of days. The Little Rat has decided to take matters into his own paws and when it comes to getting attention, he is a pro! I’ll agree that I haven’t been giving him as much attention as he deserves because I’ve had other things on my mind. I’ve been going out more than I’m used to and this is not setting too well with the little rascal. He gives me this evil eye when I walk in and with a PISSED OFF swish of his tail, he lets it be known that this is not alright with him. In his book, the one where cat rules are written, I am neglecting him. This is not the case at all. He gets more than his share of love but he wants more and that is the problem.

Little Einstein has found new ways to show me his disdain and I see it clearly. He is like a “glue stick” meaning he keeps close to me every chance he gets including sleep time when getting a good night’s rest is becoming a problem because the little brat has decided that the best sleep position for him is to cuddle close to mommy and since that is not enough, let’s plant the whiskers right on her face! He keeps constant watch and he does it better than a hawk, I must say.

Last night, he was in his element. This morning, the TV cabinet was left open and the bedside drawers were left opened as well! How did he manage that? I don’t know but he is not called Little Einstein for nothing! The little guy is trying to tell me something but I don’t know what it is yet. He is eating well, doing his stuff as he usually does so nothing wrong there. However, this constant need for attention has me baffled. It could be jealousy. Do cats get jealous? I looked it up and this is what I found.

“Cats experience emotions similar to jealousy — rooted in anxiety, possessiveness, or insecurity — when their territory, routine, or bond with their owner is threatened.”

Attention-seeking is one component of this behavior.

How do you manage jealous behavior?

Maintain routine, create safe spaces, and give lots of individual attention.

Hmm…for normal cats this might just work but we’re talking about a highly-evolved one. My little guy is smarter than most since he claims to have lived more than nine lives! It is going to take some detective work to appease him!

Anyway, he is my Funny Little Valentine! Today he will get all the attention he craves and much much more! Hopefully it works to keep him satisfied for a little while at least.

Have an amazing day.

Laughter is the Best Medicine

Experts say “that laughter might raise the pain threshold and improve glucose tolerance, have positive effects on the immune system, and lower blood pressure.” Furthermore, “it enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain.”

However, humor can’t cure all ailments but according to the mayoclinic.org, it has the ability to stimulate many organs, it helps to activate and relieve your stress response and it can soothe tension. These are just some short-term effects. The long-term effects can improve your immune system, help to relieve pain by releasing natural pain killers, increase personal satisfaction and improve the mood.

A daily dose of laughter can do wonders it seems. So here are a few jokes to get you started.

Police Inspector: Why didn’t you report your stolen credit card?

Husband: The thief was spending less than my wife.

Police Inspector: Then why are you reporting it now?

Husband: I think now the thief’s wife has started using it.

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Two men were talking about their wives. The first man says, “My wife is an angel..” The second man says, “You’re lucky! Mine’s still alive.”

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You know you’re getting old when your wife says, “Honey, let’s run upstairs and make love,” and your answer, “I can’t do both.”

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Doctor: “Do you do dangerous sports?”

Patient: “Well, sometimes I talk back to my wife.”

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When a wife says, “Do what you want” – seriously dude, don’t do what you want. Instead, stand still and do not even blink.”

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And now for all the single men out there.

Dear Grooms, once you get married, remember that when you discuss with your wife, always get the last two words right. ”Yes, dear.”

Feel better? I know I am feeling much better.

Have an amazing day.

LOL!

I thought this was hilarious!

Hello, police? Please hurry – send someone immediately! There’s a cat in my house!”

“I’m sorry, sir… did you say a cat?”

“Yes, a CAT! For heaven’s sake! Don’t you know what a cat is? It walked in and now it’s coming straight toward me!”

“Sir, I don’t quite understand. Are you sure you don’t mean an intruder? A burglar, perhaps?”

“Nooo! An actual cat! You know—meow! With fur! Are we on the same planet?!”

“Sir, even if the cat is approaching you, I’m not sure why this is a police matter.”

“Because it’s trying to kill me! And when I’m dead, this call will be Exhibit A!”

“A cat… is trying to kill you. Sir, may I ask who I’m speaking to?”

“This is Loreto.”

“Last name?”

“…the Parrot.”

🤣🤣🤣

Limiting Beliefs

“The only limits that exist are the ones in your own mind.” Unknown

A limiting belief is defined as,”a state of mind or belief about yourself that restricts you in some way. And these beliefs are often false accusations you make about yourself that can cause many negative results. Essentially, they are the lies you tell yourself, and if you allow them to continue, they define you.” http://www.linkedin.com

We all have them and we use them to define who we are as a person and what we are capable of achieving. Most of these beliefs carry negative connotations and they are designed to keep us from moving ahead in life. Here are some of them.

I am not good enough! This one is very familiar at least to yours truly. Quite often, I use this as my mantra to keep me in my rabbit hole. I venture out to take a peek and then I rush back into the hole where I am most comfortable. If I could, I would stay there forever but than again even rabbits come out to play from time to time and to observe life as it passes by. Partake or not, that is up to you. What does, “I’m not good enough,” really mean? It is a mindset that is well-ingrained into your psyche and once it has taken hold, it is next to impossible to get rid off. Perhaps changing the negative to the positive might help. I AM GOOD ENOUGH! Say that often enough and it might just give that not so friendly sod, a heave and a ho and send it packing.

“Limiting Beliefs have one goal…..to keep you from leaving your Comfort Cave so you can’t grow and reach your greatest potential.” Unknown

I don’t have enough time…..this is another crippling lie and it is not true. If you look at the amount of time we waste propped up in front of the TV or sitting hunched over our lap top doing nothing much except to let these two gadgets dictate how we spend our time and nothing more. Truth is, you and I know that we have the time to do better things. We just need to do less of one and more of the things that contribute to our lives and crush those limiting beliefs that keep us from achieving our goals.

The next lie is one that loves to keep you in your place. If only I was taller, prettier, skinnier…..the list goes on and you get the drift. This one is designed to shrink you to 1/2 or a 1/4 of the size you actually are. Each time you repeat and accept this mantra in your head, you see this short, fat and ugly person staring back at you. It is not the reality but one you’ve chosen to accept as your reality. You, no matter what your size, height, weight or looks have just as much to offer this world than the other person. Pat yourself on the back and go conquer the world! I heard a saying once that goes like this. “Walk in like God sent you!”A good one to hold close to your chest and to pull out at those moments when you feel lacking or feeling smaller than you actually are.

Limiting beliefs need constant work. They are not easy to overcome but with time, effort and a conscious effort to defeat them, you’ll find yourself on the other side of the fence, the one that is more positive and forgiving but if nothing helps than perhaps this will.

“Do the uncomfortable. Become comfortable with these acts. Prove to yourself that your limiting beliefs die a quick death if you will simply do what you feel uncomfortable doing.” Darren Rowse

Have an amazing Sunday.

Time

“Time and tide waits for no man.” Geoffrey Chaucer

I was discussing time with a friend and told him jokingly that this year I am going to hold on tight and make time go as slowly as possible. He laughed because he knew as well as I did that holding onto time is an impossible task and the truth is it flies and trying to keep up is the only thing to do.

Zig Ziglar said, “Lack of direction not lack of time is the problem. We all have 24-hour days.”

True but sometimes it seems that the days fly by and just when you think it is the beginning of the week, lo and behold, it’s the weekend again. When we look back, it is clear that we waste a lot of time on things that don’t matter, on people we shouldn’t be wasting our time on and perhaps just sitting around and wishing and hoping that things were different. I’ve started a routine to make the days count because lost time is just that. You are not getting it back ever again. I’ve started writing down everything I do during the course of the day. There are no hard and fast rules so I give myself permission to write down my thoughts and feelings as well as improvement ideas. Surprisingly, I’ve been keeping up and getting a lot accomplished and some days I pat myself on the back and say, “Great job, you’re giving time a run for the money! Keep it up.” It really has slowed time down for me. Try this approach, you might just like it.

“The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.” Michael Altshuler

This year I want to take the time to smell the roses which means taking more time for myself mentally and physically. I want to do things that will bring an improvement to and will enrich my life. I am not going to let a day go by without doing something productive. That said, I am going to find the time to relax, not going to sweat the small stuff and let time keep up with me instead of the other way around! Doable? Anything is doable if you put your mind to it.

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” J.R.R. Tolkien

Have an amazing day.