For most people, TV viewing is aligned with letting go and relaxing.   We work hard all day and now we deserve a rest.   TV is our entertainment.  Yet, I don’t feel rested when I watch TV.  As a matter of fact, I feel more drugged than rested.  What about you…how do you feel?

The reason I believe that TV is not restful, is because people continue to complain that they have too much to do and never enough time to rest.  The national average of TV watching is high. This indicates that we are not receiving the necessary rest when we watch TV.   We don’t feel satisfied with TV, otherwise, we would feel more rejuvenated and there wouldn’t be that many complaints.

I’ve been thinking lately about the Law of Attraction.  I’ve read a lot on the subject and have often felt frustrated because it doesn’t seem to go the way I want.  It can be challenging to know how to stay open to the abundance the Universe has to offer.

It’s one thing to read about this wonderful idea that we can change our thoughts and the Universe will provide us with what we need…or want.    It’s another thing to learn how to appreciate the gifts that are all around us…every day in every situation.

I’ve definitely know what the feeling of fatigue is and lately I’ve been experiencing it more.  I’m basically healthy for an older adult so I know this tiredness is caused by other than sickness.  To be on the safe side, I did check out my fatigue with my doctor to insure that there were no physical causes that was generating this tiredness.

It’s been a busy holiday season for me.    On Tuesday night, I hosted the Hanukkah Hush Hush (our version of Secret Santa) for the family.   In the past, we did this gathering at the end of January or beginning of February, but this year four members of the family are further away and are now home for the holidays.  My daughter and husband are in North Carolina and my niece and husband are living in Ithaca, NY.   We now have a new member of our tribe…Valor, my niece’s son.

I’m reading a book that resided on my bookshelf for a while – “A Pace of Grace:  The Virtues of a Sustainable Life” by Linda Kavelin Popov.   I like to wander over to my bookshelves to see what book talks to me.   I saw this book, but didn’t pick it up and instead starting reading another one.  I wasn’t satisfied with the book as this book kept calling me back, and now I know why.   The book covers many topics that make up a sustainable life, but the topic around ‘set clear boundaries’ strongly resonated with me.

As you know from a previous post, I’m an avid book reader…actually book junkie.    I usually have open several books at a time and I love doing this.    Last week on my bookshelf, I picked up this great ‘feel good’ book:   “Happy for No Reason:  7 Steps to Being Happy from the Inside Out” by Marci Shimoff with Carol Kline.  I just finished reading the chapter Live a Life Inspired by Purpose.

My day focuses on my ‘To Do’ list…how much can be completed before I tuck myself into bed.   Can you relate to this?    I’ve decided there will always be too much to do.  The question is “what am I doing?”  

What I realized today is that I do need to make a living.  Yet I don’t need to give up my precious time and energy worrying about work when I’m home?  Where did they say ‘worrying’ makes me a better person?   Nay, it just makes me anxious.  It’s all about how I want to live my life.  I want to smile more, laugh at another person’s silly jokes, listen with my heart and enjoy the simple pleasures in my life. 

I’m always looking for a simple formula to guide me in self-care.  There is so much information on health and spiritual wellbeing that it can become overwhelming.  How do I best care for myself?   I’ve learn that what is basic to my wellbeing comes from me and not others.

So how do each of us support what is essential to living a loving and joyful life? I believe my essence is a composite of mind, body and spirit.  

When was the last time you forgave someone? It’s not a common word in our vocabulary. I wonder why! I ask myself, how often have I forgiven another or myself and let go of the negative thoughts. As I grow older, I see the value of forgiveness. In my emotional suitcase are many past hurts, misunderstandings, and archaic beliefs that are just weighing me down.

I have to put myself on an emotional diet and weigh in with forgiveness as my tool.