Joy Breaks

Finding Joy & Happiness Among the Daily Rush

Do you take a “Joy Break”? aka Taking a brief moment for yourself to smile, laugh, find your happy place, etc!

One needs that reprieve as well as that release when the mind is racing and the body is rushing about! Being constantly in the “on” position is not good. You are able to pause to reset as well as recharge to restart again. Think about a mini dose of nurturing and nourishing for your whole, well being! 

When you feel on “over” or the world seems to be speeding by BECOME PRESENT! Find the peace and calm by becoming grounded. Find the pleasure and joy by becoming centered. Bring your attention and awareness within yourself and your being! 

Really focus in on what you love to do and make the time to do it! Even if it is just for 5 minutes. Let your mind go and maybe even tap into your creative being. Do what is best for you and your whole, well being!

It is the small things that you do for yourself that matters the most! Especially in taking the time to make space for you. I ask myself every once in a while, “Am I surviving, thriving or actually living?”! We are all going through the motions and the moments, however; do not lose yourself. Remember to journey on, read the next paragraph, turn the page, start a new chapter . . .

(Photos by RSheridan)

 Love to Hear What Brings You Joy, Please Share!

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Practicing Healthiness & Happiness

At A Personal Level

Do you practice what really works or serves your whole, well being for the better?

Be selective when it comes to opening yourself up and inviting in the possibilities and opportunities! What are the pros and cons. What speaks to your heart and soul. What sparks interest and inspiration as well as motivation and creativity for you! 

Really make it your own! When you do that you are more likely to stick to it. Be choosy when it comes to additions because when you start piling more on it can become less fun and more like a chore. It takes time to build and to have patience in discovering what works best for you and serves your needs!

 

What are you practicing?

In practicing my health and happiness I approach it like I am putting together a puzzle. You just have to figure out where to place the pieces. For example, there may be a piece to start every day new and fresh. Then there is another piece to end the day by taking 30 minutes for yourself. You continue to build one piece at a time to create a personal practice for yourself! 

Finding that healthy and happy place! That place that you take time out to make time for yourself. That place of comfort and healing. That place you can release and let go. That place where you can just be!

Are you creating a personal practice out of that practicing?

A major part of arriving at a final destination is the journey to get there! A major part of creating a personal practice to live from is enjoying the process. A great place to start your personal practice is determining your loves and your passions. What truly brings you joy, pleasure and happiness!

You will be more likely to continue your personal practice too! Over time you will become adept in making additions and eliminations. Really take the time for yourself to nurture and nourish that practice. Remember to do what works best for you and your whole, well being. 

(Photos by RSheridan)

Love to Hear What You Are Up To. Please Share

Recess Time

P–L–A–Y

How about setting a bell to go off throughout the day for a little recess time to play, laugh and/or have some fun time?

Play Time . . .

I get out and about in the community I live in and pick up on some interesting things going on. I was on a bike ride and heard laughter in the park I biked past. There was a group of people gathered just laughing. Then I was walking past a school and it was recess time. I heard the teacher state to the kids, “I did not state to sit down, but run, run to burn off the energy”. Ha!

Playing is a great release, especially for adults! Put down the work and just play. Create. Try new things. Get curious and explore. Go on an adventure!

Getting Curious, Exploring and Adventuring . . .

Find you inner kid! Kids play hard and really immerse themselves in their play. To feel that overwhelming fun that brings one joy and happiness. To have an ounce of that kid energy!

It is so not a waste of time! Take a break from the doing and the busyness. Your tiredness may just find a second wind in taking time to play!

• It is freeing, releasing and re-energizing.
• It is a sense of belonging when play involves the community you live in.
• It is a release of mental energy in getting out of your head and physically moving your body for a change of pace.
• It is tapping into our best selves by having fun and being fun and social around others again.
• The BEST is it just makes your day, puts a smile on your face and a skip in your step!

I love going on adventures, riding my bicycle and recently got the trivia bug again. I enjoy taking an evening walk around my neighborhood to see who is out and about and what is going on.

Checking Out the Neighborhood (Photos by RSheridan)

What was your favorite thing to do as a kid? Get back to doing what you used to love as a kid. Please Share What You Love to Do.

Practicing Wellness

Taking Care of Your Well Being

Getting Your Green(s) On . . .

Do you practice wellness on a daily or weekly basis? 

1. Enjoy 1:1 time with yourself as well as with your greatest someones.
2. Taste the foods you eat.
3. Treat yourself and savor it.
4. Take 5 minutes to be present.
5. Become one with your natural surroundings.
6. Use your time off to take a staycation/vacation.
7. Feel the music and really tune in to it, tap along or even get up and just dance.
8. Be active by adding movement throughout your day.
9. Read a book or write and just immerse yourself into the story.
10. Focus on your breathing. Breath in . . . breath out . . .

Getting Fresh Air . . .

Self love is important and self care matters when it comes to your overall health and happiness! I know it is not easy, however; make yourself a priority and take time for you. Really try to put the guilt and the judgment on the down low too.  Ask yourself do you feel better when you take time for you? Yes!

Make sure you are getting the most of your self care routine by practicing wellness daily, weekly and monthly! It is about shifting your mindset a bit. It is about shifting your lifestyle a bit. You will reap the benefits for you and your whole well being! 

Practicing wellness and instilling a self care routine is a truly a mental, emotional, physical and spiritual boost to your whole being! Practicing mindfulness. Practicing awareness. Practicing being. Learning to acknowledge your thoughts, feelings and emotions. Learning to release and let go. Breath in . . . Breath out . . . Put one foot in front of the other and keep journeying along!

Getting Your R&R On . . . (Photos by RSheridan)

Here’s To Making Time For Your Whole Being!

Your Relationship With Food

A Healthier & Happier Whole Being

I stressed about food and all that stressing created some bad food habits! No more though. Do away with the negative and focus on the good and the positive. Do away with the worry and anxiety as well as the confusion and guilt. Be kind to yourself and learn to like you and your whole being! 

Food is not the ENEMY!

Food is a source of nourishment for me now! It is necessary fuel for energy throughout the day. Food is a source of pleasure for me now! I can eat without the guilt.

Nourishing . . .

I am not saying it is easy and does not come with its fair share of challenges, but stressing about it is not the answer! Why not think simpler when it comes to thoughts of food!

Why do we think about food as much as we do? What to eat? What not to eat? Commercials, food blogging and recipe sharing, cooking shows, etc. Social media, television, magazines. Remember to tune into your body, really listen to it and understand your body’s needs first and foremost! 

Then there are the food-related findings! Is there truth or not? Will it work for me or not? Should I listen or tune it out? Go in with an objective mindset!

Remember that you know your body and your health and well being best! There are options, choices and ideas. There is the sharing of information from experts. However, you know what is right for you and your whole being!

The number one thing I do for my whole being is to try and carry a water bottle with me. I know when I am truly hungry, but it is those cravings that can trip me up at times. That craving is usually a sign for water.

Hydrating . . .

I know for me I had to change from the inside in regards to eating, health and well being! That voice inside my head that tries really hard to take control over me. Then I could handle the non-supportive others in my world. When it comes to handling the non-supportive people in my life I move along, change the subject or sometimes just speak up that I am not okay with that talk! I know they mean well, but sometimes it hurts and becomes personal.

It is a process of change, especially from within yourself! I find change easier when I replace versus just remove something!

• It is about listening to your body and its needs.
• It is about tuning into your whole being from the inside out.
• It is about loving and caring for your whole being.
• It is about being kind and compassionate to your whole being.
• It is about trusting and valuing yourself.
• It is about feeling more confident to make the changes that are necessary for health and well being.

How do you truly want to spend your time and energy?

I know I want to spend it on doing what I love.

Loving . . . (Photos by RSheridan)

How Do You Listen To You and Your Whole Being? Love to Hear, Please Share!

My Top 5

For Health & Wealth

How do you benefit your whole being on a daily basis? Living a lifestyle that devotes to the whole being; mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. The greatest gift we can give ourselves is health! This results in wealth and abundance in every thing we do each and every day.

#1 – Favorite Way To Be Active

• Walking
• Biking
• Photographing

#2 – Favorite Place to Eat

• My Own Kitchen
• Farmers Market

I do love going out to eat to try new places and taste new eats and drinks. I also love being waited on, taking a night off from cooking and not being on the cleanup crew.

#3 – Favorite Treatment

• Getting a massage every 4 weeks.

#4 – Favorite Green

• Love me some greens!
• Green spaces that provide a sense of community and to become one with my natural surroundings.
• Gardening

#5 – Favorite Comfort(s)

• Reading a good book.
• Escaping and exploring.
• Getting curious and learning.
• Eating good (and of course healthy as possible) foods.
• Being comfortable in my own skin by loving, caring and supporting my whole being.
• Playing, laughing and having fun.
• Health, wealth, happiness, and wellness.
• Using my energies to do what is best for me and my whole being.
• Getting my creative on.
• Giving myself love, care and support by taking the time for my needs, craves, wants, desires, etc.
• Loving, caring and supporting my greatest someones.
• Sharing my talents and gifts with others, especially in being inspirational, giving motivation and being passionate.
• Coming from a place of love and doing whatever it may be with a little heart.

Loving yourself comes from the inside! Building a solid foundation helps you to experience growth and gain experiences. Being passionate and doing what you love is so worth making the time to do more of it. That is a life of love and living it (more like conquering it) each and every day!

(Photos by RSheridan)

Please Share Your #1, Top 3 or Top 5 – Love to Hear What You Are Doing for Health and Happiness!

Non-Traditional

Meditation

I am a non-traditional meditator! I have little patience for sitting still. I meditate in the great outdoors and connecting with my surroundings! The ground beneath my feet. The sun upon my face. The wind breathing across my skin. The motion of movement and being active. That is mediation that works best for me! 

It is good for my health and happiness as well as my wellness and well being! I feel the stress melting away and becoming more energized. I feel more productive and motivated. I feel calm, centered and balanced again!

The greatest gains for me are presence and mindfulness! I can quiet my whole being. I can get out of my head and unplug from technology. I can be present with me, myself and I! 

Some of my best thinking is done in the great outdoors or sleeping! I think I have more “a-ha!” moments while sleeping. However, my creativity comes alive when I am out exploring and adventuring!

I become more observant when I am out in the great outdoors! I am alert and exploring my surroundings in detail. I am engaging my senses. I am more aware and present!

(Photos by RSheridan)

Does life not seem simpler when you are relaxed and rested! 

What Type of Meditator Are You? Love to Hear, Please Share!

Making The Most Out

Of Your Strengths

I recently read an article about personal strengths that went into specifics on the how and the why we need to start using them more!

Starting . . .

Developing . . .

Taking Flight . . .

Benefits of Tapping Into Your Strengths:

• Makes You Feel GOOD!
• Boosts Feelings of Independence and Confidence.
• Makes You Feel More Purposeful.
• Helps You Stay Resilient When the Going Gets Tough.

Did you know there were 24 strengths? I did not know that. Character strengths are our capacity for thinking, feeling, willing, and behaving. Basically reflect what is BEST in each of us! Those strengths are part of how we positively identify ourselves.

Wisdom & Knowledge Strengths are #1 – #5

Justice Strengths are #6 – #8

Courage Strengths are #9 – #12

Temperance Strengths are #13 – #16

Humanity Strengths are #17 – #19

Transcendence Strengths are #20 – #24

1. Creativity
2. Curiosity
3. Judgment
4. Love of Learning
5. Perspective
6. Teamwork
7. Fairness
8. Leadership
9. Bravery
10. Honesty
11. Perseverance
12. Zest
13. Forgiveness
14. Prudence
15. Humility
16. Self-Regulation
17. Love
18. Kindness
19. Social Intelligence
20. Appreciation of Beauty
21. Gratitude
22. Hope
23. Humor
24. Spirituality

Each one of us has ALL 24 strengths, however; we each use those strengths differently! Your top strengths are called “signature strengths”. Those strengths that are most essential to who you are!

Using Different Strengths and Skills

3 Questions To Ask Yourself:

1. Do you know your top strengths?
2. How do you apply and use your strengths?
3. How do you make the most out of your strengths?

By using and developing your strengths you are a happier and healthier being! In using your strengths you are physically and mentally experiencing the world you live in. In developing your strengths you are practicing and progressing in how to make the most out of your strengths. You are giving your whole being a boost as well as being productive, independent and competent!

The Most Prevalent Strengths In Humans Are:

1. Kindness
2. Fairness
3. Judgment
4. Honesty
5. Gratitude

I love the juxtaposing of the five strengths! Kindness to Judgment. Fairness to Honesty. Then there is Gratitude.

The Least Common Strengths In Humans Are:

1. Prudence
2. Modesty
3. Self-Regulation

What is Prudence? The quality of being prudent and/or cautious. Wisdom. Good judgment. Common sense.

What is Modesty? The quality or state of being unassuming or moderate in the estimation of one’s abilities. The quality of being relatively moderate, limited or small in amount, rate or level. Behavior, manner or appearance intended to avoid impropriety or indecency.

What is Self-Regulation? Control by oneself. A learning process to develop a set of constructive behaviors that affect one’s learning. The ability to learn, adapt and change.

I was thinking and pondering . . . Are we born with these strengths? Yes or No or Depends. Are these strengths something we are taught and continue to learn as we develop? Yes or No.

Building Strengths and Skills

The Top 5 Strengths That Are Most Connected With Happiness Are:

1. Curiosity
2. Zest
3. Hope
4. Gratitude
5. L-O-V-E

Think about the relationship between your heart and your head! Do you use your heart or your head? Think about practicing gratitude in living your life! It is about the whole being; mentally, emotionally, physically, and spirituality. Think about your emotions, feelings and thoughts of wellness and happiness when using your strengths!

Remember to make the most out of your strengths today! Your strengths are daily inspiration and motivation to your whole being. Your whole being will thank you for the GOOD and the POSITIVE in being HEALTHIER and HAPPIER!

Making the MOST Out of Your Strengths (Photos by RSheridan)

Love To Hear Your Thoughts, Please Share!

Making Each Day Count

Seeing the Good and the Positive

Life is short! Every day is a NEW! Day. It is important to make each day count! 

A New Day!

3 Zen Principles

1. Mushin: Mind Without Mind
2. Zanshin: Presence and Awareness
3. Satori: The Natural State

Open Minded

Think about this! Mushin means that your mind is not fixed on any emotions or judgments.

Individuals react without much thought to our own emotions and feelings let alone the other person’s. Individuals rush to make a judgment about something or someone in seconds. Individuals are quick to put out a fire and to find solutions to a problem. Individuals may take a challenge head on or at times just head (aka run) in the opposite direction.

That is being human and having instincts! We have a built in defense mechanism to protect ourselves. That fight or flight response! Your mind goes into overdrive in being reactive and jumping to conclusions. Your perception perceives what it wants to perceive! You start looking for something or someone to blame.

It is not always easy to keep an open mind let alone just hold yourself together! How do you not attach to your emotions, feelings and thoughts in those types of situations?  How do you remain clear headed and have an objective mind set? Just stop, breathe and take a time out or break from the action!

Openness . . .

Mindfulness

Being present and being aware! 

I am practicing to be more in the present moment! I am more productive and able to adjust. I am tuning into and tapping into what I need to nurture and nourish my whole being. I am a healthier and happier being!

Taking pleasure and joy in the smallest things as well as in the simple! 

Stillness . . .

State of Mind

I so need more Satori in my life! The natural state of the mind and the total harmony between the mind and the body. The body and the mind can play well together or be against one another! Reduce the tension, anxiety and stress. Decrease the distractions and disruptions. Being more in the present moment and doing more of what you love to do!

I think about children and how curious and open they are to just about anything and everything! It is about opening your mind and engaging your body. It is about finding the inspiration and excitement. It is about playing, laughing and having fun. It is about growing and experiencing each and every day!

Naturalness . . . (Photos by RSheridan)

What Is One Practice You Do For Yourself Every Day? Here’s To Living Your BEST Life and Making Each Day Count! Love To Hear Your Thoughts, Please Share!

Light Up Your Life

Share Your SPARKLE!

Do you light up your world by doing what lights you up? I am just curious. We all are journeying along on our paths and creating our stories along the way! 

Traveling . . .

I find my world opening up more when I share or someone else shares their unique gifts and talents! That tapping into and tuning into is special and adds dimension. I feel inspired, motivated and most of all energized! I feel calmer, lighter and happier.

I am expanding my little world by learning, growing and gaining life experiences! It is about being in the moment and soaking it in. It is about listening to yourself from within, nurturing your spirit and nourishing your whole being! 

Opening . . .

• What inspires and motivates and energizes you?
• What are you passionate about?
• What are some of your favorite hobbies?
• What do you get lost in and realize hours and hours have passed by?
• What are some things you practice to progress your whole being?

If you LOVE something, DO IT! CRAVE It! Get OUT there and try NEW! things!

Loving . . .

For me it is about the communication, interaction and connection with myself and others! Being curious and discovering. Sharing and exploring. Expanding and experiencing!

For me it is about a journey of self and uncovering more about myself! Setting practices to process and progress. Discovering my own unique gifts and talents. Doing what makes me feel good!

For me it is about playing and having FUN again! Letting my inner child out. Seeking and enjoying. Doing what I love and wanting to do more of what I love! 

Playing . . . (Photos by RSheridan)

Remember to Take 5 Minutes Each and Every Day to Light Up Your World! Remember to Play and Just Have FUN! Love to Hear Your Thoughts, Please Share!