5 Minutes to Happy

I have been singing the blues lately. The main reason being my dislike of aging ailments. My parents and in-laws are getting well-acquainted with them and I wish, for their sakes, that this wasn't the case. The second reason being a very faulty thyroid issue...which is a life-time, get over it and deal with it kind of problem! Moving on...last night I found a magazine article about going from blah to bliss in an instant. Here are a few of the tips that they suggested to jump start JOY in 5 minutes or less...

* Start a blog - Did that...so I'm going to blog in the started blog. :) See, it is already helping.

* Soak up the sun - would love to, but it is raining...However, I DO love the rain!

*Touch your toes - it opens up your hip joints, which is where most people store tension. Hold the position for a minute, then slowly roll up...TRY IT - it works - feels great, and good for the "I've had three children" excess area.

*Show off your moves - get up and dance! "Any form of movement will release endorphins and elevate your mood." I will try this AFTER shutting all of the blinds and locking myself in the bedroom so no one can catch a glimpse of this! Some of you are laughing while you are picturing me busting a move...see this really does work!

*Break out of the box - do something new. The magazine suggested getting a tattoo. Pretty sure that one is out for me. I'll have to think on this one and get back to you. I am open to suggestions.

* Mark your calendar - plan a special event and stick to it! Clark and I very rarely follow through with planning a date night. I'm going to set one soon. He is my favorite adult person to spend time with...except at a museum!

*Be generous - I did this one this past weekend and it feels so wonderful to give! I slipped some $$ in a certain someones Bible after they loaned it to me during Sunday School class. I know it will brighten her day when she finds it.

*Turn the negative to positive - List 5 things that have gone wrong this week, then read them aloud. I know this sounds counterintuitive, but they say it works...

1. After picking up Riley from speech therapy this morning. I drove to school to drop the boys off instead of driving to work. They have NOT started school YET!

2. Bought a pair of non-returnable pants for Avery that do not fit.

3. Thought I had all school supplies purchased. Reread the list and I'm missing several essentials.

4. Avery, Riley(twice), and Landry ALL spilled their drinks on themselves at the restaurant on Sunday.

5. I had to chase after Meggie (my boys' dog) in the rain, and the mud, in my heels, in the dark.

Okay, I'll agree with them...NOW it seems pretty minor. I guess a little perspective can go a long way!

*Send out good vibes - Text 3 friends and tell each of them one thing you like about her. Your words will make them and you feel good...okay, if you know me at all you know I am a horrible texter (not even sure of what a person that sends text is called.) So I'll do this here...

Selina Arwood - you are my forever friend, you love me no matter what...you love my children no matter what(even when they push over lockers in the gym!)

Jen Henson- Recently, much of your life has been lived in the valley, and yet you have let the Lord strengthen you. In return you have strengthened others...AND...you are an awesome Mama to sweet Bradyn.

Christy - You are a person that has gone through the storm of life that I never want to face, and you have allowed the Lord to give you joy again!

...this is probably my favorite jump start to JOY! I need to do it everyday.

*Think of the good stuff! - Spend a couple of minutes reflecting on your blessings over the past 5, 10, or 15 years. Recognizing and acknowledging your growth and blessings will provide an immediate sense of gratification. You'll be cheered instantly...this would take MANY, MANY blog posts! I will name my top 4 blessings in the order they were given to me...CLARK, Avery, Riley and Landry...

*This is my own jump start to joy...one of my favs sung by the FAC Sanctuary Choir...

"When you are lonely, and feeling kind of blue, I know somebody who can fix it for you! His yoke is easy, his burden is light...just take it to Jesus...He'll make it alright!"

I feel so much better!!! Hope this helped to jump start your joy! (for more ways see the June 16 edition of Woman's Day)

Points To Ponder...

Hebrews 12:1-2

"Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith"....

You don't have to be PERFECT, you just have to keep runnin'!

(thanks, Candy!)