Thinking Out Loud

At the end of the day write a list of things, for which you are grateful each day.<br><br> If something challenging has happened find something to be grateful for, from that situation. Write it down. Continued on page 2 THREE THINGS TO DO TO INCREASE HAPPINESS LOVE YOURSELF " What have you done for yourself today?<br><br> " Before you go to sleep tonight give yourself some love and care. " Decide now what you are going to do. " Is anything stopping you?<br><br> Thinking Out Loud A Quarterly Newsletter " Finds ways to be kind to others, especially if you can do it anonymously " Savor your life. Learn how to be mindful using all your senses full y in each moment. Mindfulness is a relaxed state of awareness of the present moment.<br><br> You feel a curiosity and openness to life an d others. You let go of judgments. This allows you appreciate what is present in your life now.<br><br> It helps to b ecome less adapted to what yo u have in your life at this moment. Are you ready to begin today? Tr y an experiment and do these three things for the next week.<br><br> Check i n with yourself and see if you r happiness is increasing, do you feel more content and satisfied? If your answer is yes then continue to remember these three steps and practice them daily. 3-Thin g s to Increase Happiness DEPRESSED?<br><br> " You feel persistently sad, anxious, or empty " Feelings of intense pessimism, guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness " Loss of interest in favorite activities " Overeating or loss of appetite " Irritability, restlessness " Insomnia or excessive sleeping " Persistent aches, pains or untreatable digestive problems " Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering details. If you agree with most of these statements and these feelings have lasted more then a few weeks, then seek therapy. Depression for most people is very treatable.<br><br> Pa g e 2 | Volume 2 ~ Issue 1 ~ S p rin g 2009 SMILE AND THE WORLD SMILES WITH YOU I was visiting my Mom in a rehabilitation center after a critical health crisis. There are people in the center who don 9t have the capacity to take care of themselves; they live there permanently. As I walked through the dining room I heard an elderly woman thanking the attendant pouring her drink, in a loud cheerful voice.<br><br> I looked at her, and noticed how animated she appeared, in a room full of unanimated people. A few minutes later I went into the dining room to get a cup for my mother. I was thinking stressful thoughts and feeling tense.<br><br> In the background I heard the same elderly women talking and as I tuned into her words I heard cno, no not like that, smile d. The words were directed at me. I smiled and she said, cyes, pretty d.<br><br> As I walked out I felt released from the stressful thoughts and feelings. My focus shifted, the world, in that moment felt pretty. Virginia Peck Richmond, Ph.D., UAB 9s chair of communication studies, says that anywhere from 60 to 90 percent of our communication carries some kind of nonverbal component.<br><br> cSmiling is generally considered one of the most significant displays that a human being can use, d she says. cDoors open to p eople who smile. People listen to people who smile. d I thank that woman in the dinning room for reminding me to remember to smile.<br><br> Go out today, now and try it. Smile at someone. See if the world looks prettier.<br><br> Thinking Out Loud A Quarterly Newsletter My clients say groups are an economical way to get counseling and a great gift for yourself. WOMEN 9S GROUP Women In Healing Do you want to be more in touch with your feelings, thoughts and needs? This group is about re-connecting to you .<br><br> Learn how to empower yourself to take action in your life. In this group you will gain skills to handle your emotions, clarify your needs, make a plan, and follow through. You will experience a supportive and safe atmosphere.<br><br> The focus will be finding that unique, powerful, beautiful and innocent essence that is you . N ext starting date will be in early May, Tuesdays, 11:00a m -12:30pm. Six weeks.<br><br> $50 per session. For registration, call 561-844-1340 DREAM GROUP Reading Your Dreams Messages from the Invisible Reality . Have you ever wondered what your dreams really mean?<br><br> In this eye-opening group you'll discover what others have known throughout time -- that dreams reveal an incredible knowledge about our inner selves and our relationship to life. You will see how dream reading presents answers about your physical health, your relationships, your potential for change, and your spiritual growth. And you will find how your dreams can provide you with both life direction and answers to your deepest questions.<br><br> Unlock the journey that your dreams take you on -- with this group as your key. Pre-registration required. Group now forming for Wednesdays 2:00pm-4:00pm $50/group= $150 for entire 3 meeting session.<br><br> Simply call 561-844-1340. GROUPS: A GIFT TO YOURSELF In Closing I am happy to introduce the first issue of my quarterly newsletter, cThinking Out Loud d. Enjoy!<br><br> It is my heartfelt wish that these articles, ideas and opportunities are useful for those of you reading this. For more information and opportunities visit my website: www.debrajoygoldman.com Here my favorite cto do d list: Things to do today: Breathe In Breathe Out Pa g e 3 | Volume 2 ~ Issue 1 ~ S p rin g 2009 Thinking Out Loud A Quarterly Newsletter

less