I have learned to make chronic pain my “friend”. Not my best friend, but we are sure as heck acquainted as I am in contact every day!

Powerful Tips to increase your “Life Satisfaction”:

Learn how to focus your character strengths away from the pain or discomfort by actively utilizing:

• Bravery - Remind yourself that you are resilient. You live everyday and need to celebrate all you can and do accomplish.
• Kindness – Do something kind or say something kind to someone else. Don’t focus on yourself.
• Humor - Watch a funny TV show, get onto the Internet and watch funny YouTube videos, or read a joke book.

If you feel anxious or depressed, put energy into these strengths.

• Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence – Use your 5 senses. Savoring what you see, touch, smell, hear, and taste. But be careful with the taste one. That can be dangerous for you needless to say! Put on your ipod or listen to music in anyway you love. You will feel better and will be engagingly distracted.
• Love of Learning – Scout out the Internet or an old book that you loved and dig into it again. Have fun with challenging crossword puzzles, mazes, word searches, and Sudoko if you really want a brain-bender. Just get your brain cells firing.

You don’t need to suffer. Stop and hone in on what you can do. You are courageous and resourceful. Keep on truckin’.

Do you lie to your spouse? Or to yourself? Bet you will have fun with this one.

Where is honest on your VIA 24 Signature Strengths Survey?

Lie, deny, alibi? How do YOU want to show up in your life?

Want to avoid lying about your eating?

• Write down every morsel you eat.
• Review your weight loss intentions.
• Praise yourself for appropriate eating. Celebrate it!
• Tame your inner critic and let go of beating yourself up.
• Take one meal at a time.
• Get moving. DO not EAT!

I am so proud of you!

Hugs,

Judy

Let’s be clear: I’m not talking about the big, ugly, deal-breaking deceptions—lies that, if exposed, could destroy a relationship.

I’m talking about the fibs and feints and little white lies that serve as a social salve and help a relationship run smoothly. You know what I mean.

And you know that even in the best marriages and romantic relationships, we sometimes fail to tell the truth. After all, we have plenty of reasons not to.

Lies, Damned Lies and Lies You Tell Your Spouse

• What if you used your Tenacity/Perseverance Strength today?
• What could you get accomplished?
• What could you DO to move your life forward in a way that would would put a big smile on your face?

So give yourself the opportunity to celebrate. Do even one little thing and let nature bloom for you. Like Nike said, “Just Do It!”

“Nature doesn’t promise, it just does.”

Thomas Leonard

“May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.”

I have not written in awhile as I have been in DE getting my mom organized in her Heritage House assisted living “home” in Milford, Delaware. Bittersweet. What gets sold with the house? What few cherished, treasured possessions are worthy to make the final cut? How can I make Mom’s transition sail more smoothly?

A friend sent me the quote above. I hope it brings my role model, soon to be 91 year old Mom, Louise Burgess, peace and comfort. And some upbeat motivation to get her fractured back and leg healed. She is such a trooper. So thanks for all our prayers.

Here is where my optimism, perseverance, and perspective strengths are kicking into full gear. How can you harness your positive psychology strengths today? What are the challenges you need to put front and center? How will you hold yourself accountable?

If you’ve ever had to cope with an unexpected huge stress, did you turn to food? After bariatrics, yikes, you could really do harm to yourself.

How about getting out your VIA, Values in Action, 24 Signature Strengths, test results and see which of your personality strengths you can use rather than replay old eating habits?

Haven’t taken it yet. Go for it. Fun and no charge! Life-changing. Want to know a few strength? Courage, leadership, wisdom, curiosity, gratitude. Now go have some fun and ditch any old habits ready to bite you in the butt!

Need some help? I am here!

Have a great weekend.

Hugs,

Judy