"This is a wonderful day. I've never seen this one before." - Maya Angelou

Are you kidding? As busy parents, professionals, and people in general, we don't have time to notice anything. Between doing what we do for family, friends, church, etc., who has the energy for themselves? This combination, as well as the news , isn't conducive to a positive state of mind and overall wellness. There is, however, a light at the end of every tunnel. We can succeed in our lives by following simple guidelines, most of which we're already aware. Below are a few things I do to start my day positively and end on a good note.

PRAY/MEDITATE/REFLECT

Each morning when I get up, I express thankfulness and gratitude to the day ahead, no matter the outcome of that day. The only way we can be successful in life is to be grateful and thankful for the gifts we've been given and for the trials we've experienced and (will) overcome. All of us have experienced something that has pushed our limits, and, possibly, our sanity. If you haven't, like my mother used to say, "You haven't lived long enough."

Also, I have a journal on my nightstand. Originally, I put it there because I kept getting ideas throughout the night (during my sleep) and wanted to make notes. During the last few months, I've been using it write and reflect on my thoughts each morning. Also, I make daily affirmations. Today's affirmation is: "Every 'NO" gets me closer to the perfect job for me".

DIET

"You are what you eat." How many times have we heard that phrase? Well, it's true. We should treat our bodies as temples, and be respectful. We cannot continue down the same path as our ancestors and eat foods which are, clearly, bad for our health. Our well-being must be a principle in our lives to sustain energy and mental health. Too many fried foods, sweets, and high-sodium foods should be scaled back, if not totally eliminated from our diets.

SOCIAL MEDIA

This is easier said than done. I know, because it's a struggle for me. Try to minimize, if not eliminate, the use of phones, tablets, laptops, etc., while spending time with loved ones. Yes, there will be missed information. But, is it worth missing an opportunity with your children when they're telling you about their day? These are precious times that you will NEVER be able to re-capture.

WIND DOWN

At some point in the day, I allow my self to be calm for a while. Note, most people are able to do so at the end of the day. For me, I prefer to do so at different times of each day. I find I'm not thinking about the next day if I don't do it at the end of the day. This can be done any way you feel is relaxing: read a book, see a movie, take a nap. It's most important for whatever you do work for you and your lifestyle!

When traveling by plane, the flight attendants show you how to use the emergency equipment. Also, they tell you to put on the emergency gear and to access the oxygen BEFORE helping others. I use to think of it as selfish, and didn't understand. However, we can't take care of others unless we take care of ourselves first. Think about it. If I'm trying to help someone put on an oxygen mask, but I don't have one on and I run out of air, I could kill us both!

Be good to yourself, demand others be good to you (command respect) as well. By following some of these ideas, you will be on your way to see THIS wonderful day and a more positive YOU!

#wellness #positive #day #life