Hmmmmm...01-28-13

Hmmmmm…01/28/13

“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace."–Jimi Hendrix

Ahh…the Prophets: Jimi Hendrix—so bold as to write about love—and Huey Lewis—who shared his news about love—the power that makes the world go ‘round.

The love of power won’t keep you warm at night.  It won’t dry your tears when you’re sad, hold your hand, or comfort you.  If you’re a power-seeking workaholic clawing your way to the top, ask yourself how excited your desk is to see you on Monday morning.  Power won’t greet you at the door with a big hug at the end of a tough day.

It will never say on your gravestone, “Here lies ________ (your name here).  S/he worked 60 hours a week.”  It may say, however, “Here lies________ (repeat), who was a wonderful son or daughter, brother or sister, husband or wife, father or mother, or friend.  Your desk won’t be at your funeral.  Just so you know.  While we need to make and spend money to live, we need to make and spend time to have a life worth living.

Ready to cancel your power trip?  People all over the world are now boarding the Love Train.  Join them!  In the words of Prophet Huey, “It don’t take money, don’t take fame, don’t need no credit card to ride this train.” Your money’s no good here.  Just so you know.

Feel the power?

Gina J

Hmmmmm...01-22-13

Hmmmmm…01-22-13

“Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?”   -Martin Luther King, Jr.

While it’s true that awesome ends with ‘me’, recent research shows alarming evidence that there has been a dramatic decrease in empathetic concern—aka brotherly love—among our nation’s youth.

The renowned news program, 60 Minutes, ran a story documenting the new breed of American, one who is 40% less empathetic than their counterparts from the 1970s.  It seems that while today’s young Americans have become more confident and assertive, they have also become more self-absorbed and depressed.

Volunteering to help someone in need just may be the cure.  The body experiences a rush of endorphins called the “Helper’s High” during and after performing any selfless act of volunteerism.  Endorphins are your body’s natural pain killers—as strong as and often stronger than morphine—that not only decrease pain, but improve your overall emotional health. 

The profound positive effects of volunteerism in older adults are widely documented.  Now research is showing that volunteering prevents risky behaviors in teens, increases academic success, and decreases symptoms of mild to moderate depression.  It looks like volunteering really does pay!

Walk a mile in someone else’s shoes.  Help carry the load.  We’re all in this together.

He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother,

Gina J

Hmmmmm...01-14-13

“I miss your smile… but I miss mine more.” ― Laurel House

This just in: you cannot make everyone happy!

Let’s face it.  Some people could win an Academy award for playing the role of victim.  To them, it’s better to get negative attention than none at all.  Eliciting sympathy becomes the only way that they can interact with others.  It would take a pick axe to make these people crack a smile.

If you’re unable to bring joy to the cast of The Crying Game, maybe it’s time to change the supporting actors in your life.  The field of neuroscience has recently discovered that negative people can actually have a detrimental effect on the physical structure of the brains of those around them!  It may be best to cast these Brain Drainers aside if they’re acting out.

Smiling improves your immunity, increases your tolerance for pain, and decreases your level of impatience—even if it’s only a ‘fake’ smile.  Set the stage for your own happiness and fake it ‘til you make it!

Lights, camera, action!

Gina J  

Hmmmmm...01-07-13

Hmmmmm…01/07/13

“Whether we want them or not, the New Year will bring new challenges; whether we seize them or not, the New Year will bring new opportunities.—Michael Josephson

Resolutions may come and go, but the guilt of failure can last the whole year through.  This year, let’s make a brand new kind of resolution—one that strengthens instead of sabotages.

Somewhere out in 2013, a storm is brewing with your name on it.  Resolve right now to ride the waves of life’s challenges that will inevitably arrive.  Decide whether the weather will ruffle your feathers, or if you’ll be the calm in the storm.  You may not be able to control the environment, but you can always control the invironment.  Don’t abandon ship.  The sun will shine again.

Somewhere out in 2013, a door is waiting with your name on it. Opportunity will knock, but won’t hang around in the hallway waiting for you to answer.  Resolve to open some doors—and yourself—to possibilities.

Reader recap? Relax.  Receive.

Redo!

Gina J