Every Monday Matters - Respect the Disabled!

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everymondaymatters.com

FACTS

1 in 6 people aged 5 and older, 54 million people, have a non-institutionalizing disability.

25 million disabled are of an employable age.

78% want to be employed, but only 33% have a job.

Disabilities are more often acquired from accidents, illnesses, or late-emerging effects of genetics than by congenital disorders.

Not all severe disabilities can be seen with the human eye.

Over 15% of the cars parked in a handicapped parking space are parked illegally.

TAKE ACTION TODAY

Show respect to the disabled today.

Don’t park in a handicapped parking space or use handicapped plates or placards illegally. Designated parking for the handicapped is a necessity for them, not an opportunity for you to save yourself a few steps.

Don’t use handicapped bathroom stalls unless you’re handicapped. A handicapped person’s need to use the restroom may be just as urgent as yours, and it often takes them longer to prepare to use the facilities.

Drive cautiously and courteously. When you see a handicapped license plate, slow down and show consideration rather than tailgating or honking.

Help people who need assistance by opening a door, rolling a wheelchair up or down an incline, carrying shopping bags, or offering an arm in challenging weather conditions or on uneven walkways.

YOU MATTER

The majority of people with disabilities want to be totally integrated into all aspects of society. With more awareness, respect, and helpfulness, you can make someone’s life a little bit easier. People don’t plan on getting disabilities, but it happens every day. One day, that disabled person may even be you.

Monday used to be the least favorite day of the week, but that is changing. EMM is based on the idea that every Monday people can make a difference in their life and the lives of those around them. No matter how big or small the actions, they matter. And not only do people have the power to make change, they have a social responsibility to do so. Not out of guilt, but out of an appreciation for every living thing in the world. Together, each person can make a difference in the world and raise the collective consciousness, thereby creating a legacy worth participating in…one Monday at a time.

For more information about the EMM movement visit: http://www.everymondaymatters.com/

Be True to Your Heart... and Follow It

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"Follow your heart, but be quiet for a while first. Ask questions, then feel the answer. Learn to trust your heart.” ~ author unknown

TractorsRSeXy7

A few years ago I finally started listening to my heart.  There is wisdom in each of our hearts and the importance of listening to one's heart and accepting the answers is vital to being happy.

Do you wonder about the depth of your heart? Do you let your heart lead the way, or do you usually let your head make the decisions for you? Have you encountered situations whereby your mind told you one thing but your heart said otherwise?

Do you feel happier when you follow your heart? Do you let your heart take you down a path where your mind would be against?

If you are one who wants to follow your heart but are fearful of the risks you'll be taking, I hope this poem and series of heart quotes will shed some light on the wisdom of your heart...  courtesy of thinkexist.com

Be True to Your Heart

And Your Dreams Will Come True

Stay true to all your beliefs and goals.

Stand tall.

Through all life's setbacks and disappointments,

your dreams will come true.

When no one else is with you,

and no one seems to care,

just whisper to yourself,

"I am the controller of my destiny.

It's up to me what comes to pass,

and if I keep my thoughts positive and strong,

my dreams will come true."

When what seem to be impossible obstacles

stand in your way, just think of all the times

you got through yesterday.

There is a place for you in this world.

Stay on your chosen path.

All the power is within you;

be true to what is in your heart.

Be honest within yourself;

if you are, then you cannot fail.

Your dreams will come true.

~ Debra Ruegg-Jenkins ~

"Everyone has been made for some particular work, and the desire for that work has been put in every heart." ~ Mevlana Rumi

"Find the seed at the bottom of your heart and bring forth a flower."~ Shigenori Kameoka

"He who cherishes a beautiful vision, a lofty ideal in his heart, will one day realize it." ~ James Allen

"Only do what your heart tells you." ~ Princess Diana

"Let your heart guide you. It whispers, so listen closely." ~ Author Unknown

"My mind tells me to give up, but my heart won't let me."~ Author Unknown

"Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dream." ~ Paulo Coelho

"The heart has reasons that reason does not understand." ~ Jacques Benigne Bossuel

"The human heart feels things the eyes cannot see, and knows what the mind cannot understand." ~ Robert Valett

"There are many things in life that will catch your eye, but only a few will catch your heart...pursue those." ~ Michael Nolan

"Wherever you go, go with all your heart." ~ Confucius

Half Full Friday & Aloha Friday! ~ I'm Back.. :-)

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"It doesn't matter how long we may have been stuck in a sense of our limitations. If we go into a darkened room and turn on the light, it doesn't matter if the room has been dark for a day, a week, or ten thousand years - we turn on the light and it is illuminated. Once we control our capacity for love and happiness, the light has been turned on." ~ Sharon Salzberg 

Half Full Friday is a series of weekly posts that Eye Girl originally started in June 2009.  Now the it is hosted by Sprinkles at Wyldechylde.  We believe that a lot of our happiness is determined by our attitude about the things that happen to us. So by participating, we are deciding to see the glass as half full, instead of half empty. We are choosing to concentrate on the positives, instead of dwelling on the negatives. Our Half Full Friday posts are a way to do just that. They are a list of the things in our life that have brought us happiness over the past week. We are determined to find the something good in every day. Are you

"Happiness comes from spiritual wealth, not material wealth... Happiness comes from giving, not getting. If we try hard to bring happiness to others, we cannot stop it from coming to us also. To get joy, we must give it, and to keep joy, we must scatter it." ~ John Templeton

For the next week, we challenge you to keep a list of at least one thing that brought you happiness each day.

"Happiness resides not in possessions and not in gold, the feeling of happiness dwells in the soul." ~ Democritus, (460?-370? BC)

This is what I've Very Happy about recently:  I have a few weeks worth!

• I'm happy that my youngest son has a wonderful 'village' of support at school!

• I'm happy my youngest son is getting LESS dependant on me!!!  (That is one of the hurdles we're getting over!)

• I'm happy for the Awesome and Very Amusing Students at work!  One of them makes up Poems about me and promised me a song soon!  Too funny & very sweet!!

• I'm happy for all the private emails I received as a result of recent blog post!  Everyone needs to feel understood and Not Alone!!  This is why I write!!

• I'm happy my youngest son got his Internship & can now graduate in July!!!!  WoooHoooo!!

"The ultimate end of education is happiness or a good human life, a life enriched by the possession of every kind of good, by the enjoyment of every type of satisfaction." - Mortimer Adler

It's also "ALOHA FRIDAY" Everyone!!  If you want to join in the fun? Post your own question on your blog and leave your link at the Aloha Friday post at An Island Life. Then you can visit the other participants if you wish...It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends or see what people are thinking about this week and join in a conversation or two if you like.

"Happiness is a choice that requires effort at times." ~ Anon

My question:  Which activities make you lose track of time?

My answer:   Blogging for one!  Another one may make you all laugh, but it's Cleaning!!  Seriously!!  Whenever I think a Friday afternoon at work is going way to slow, because all my work is done and almost everyone has already left for the day.... I start cleaning.  Then the time flies by!  At least for me!  The same thing when I get started on a 'organizing' project at home.  I love the feeling after I've cleaned things out! :-)

"That is happiness; to be dissolved into something completely great." ~ Willa Cather

Have a wonderful weekend! 
Love & Hugs!

~ Coreen

What STRESS has done to your Memory and Brain...

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http://www.topnews.in/

I'm sharing some articles below in the hope of helping others to understand the real damage that stress and traumatic events can do to our memory and brain. I came across these articles while trying to understand my own memory loss and difficulty seeing and recognizing people at times, especially in the distance. It really bothers me!

I've been told that I'm rude or spacey... because I don't wave or immediately acknowledge people I should know. Such as when I'm at a public event, mall, etc. It's because I don't recognize them right away; not that I'm ignoring anyone.

In fact, I seldom notice people in other vehicles, until I'm actually passing them and it's too late to wave back. Or I get a strong 'feeling' and look in the rear view mirror and recognize a vehicle. I know that probably sounds odd to many. However, it's not anything I or others can control. It certainly isn't 'on purpose' because we're rude or self absorbed.

This type of memory loss and slow reflex is the result of damage to our brains. Damage many times caused by enormous stress, traumatic events and even physical or verbal abuse. I have experienced all of these and still have many of the scars, although mine can only be seen on x-rays and MRI's.

Now I don't want any of my friends to be sad or upset. I would not be the person I am today without going through all that I have in the past. I also wouldn't be able to help those that I have and hopefully continue to help; if it weren't for the trials, tribulations and traumas I went through and survived. Although I would not wish any of these situations on anyone else.

I just want more people to be aware of the damage that stress and traumatic events can do to a persons brain, memory and well being. I also would like more understanding as to why some people, like me, don't have the memory, recognition and/or reflex that others do.

I am healing and doing better every year, month and day that goes by. Meditation, Prayer and self-help relaxation Cd's have helped me personally.  Today I am safe, most of the time 'stress-free' and very happy 99% of the time! I think that's all any of us can ask, hope and pray for!

Please share the list below, in order to spread awareness and help others!  Thank you!
Hugs & Much Love,
Coreen

The Human Brain and Stress
Chronic Stress Causes Brain Damage
Stress Causes Brain Damage
Brain Damage from Stress: The Invisible Epidemic: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Memory and the Brain
Can Memory Loss Be a Symptom of PTSD
Stress and Neural Wreckage: Part of the Brain Plasticity Puzzle
New studies of human brains show stress may shrink neurons

Every Monday Matters: Support a Global Cause

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http://everymondaymatters.com/26/



  FACTS 

In the world:

Every 3.5 seconds someone dies of hunger.

Every 11 seconds someone dies of AIDS.

Every 15 seconds a child dies from a waterborne illness.

33 million people are living with HIV.

1 billion have no access to clean water.

2.6 billion live without basic sanitation.

5 million live in refugee camps.

1.08 billion live on $1 or less per day.

Over 2 million children die each year from diseases that inexpensive vaccines could have prevented.

9.2 million children worldwide die before they reach their 5th birthday. That’s as if every child under 5 living in the United Kingdom, France, and Germany died in a single year.

The world produces enough food to feed everyone.

Every year more than 16 million people—the equivalent of one hundred 747 jets crashing every day of the year—die from:

Hunger 9,125,000

HIV/AIDS 2,900,000

Pneumonia 2,000,000

Diarrhea 2,200,000

Malaria 1,000,000

Poverty is the common denominator

TAKE ACTION TODAY

Pick a global organization that interests you. The needs are many and obvious.

YOU MATTER

The numbers are unbelievable, but they reflect a truth we cannot ignore. This is OUR world. You, your friends, your family, your co-workers ALL matter when it comes to changing the statistics. Each one of you can make a huge difference. Every day we put off helping our world, we lose tens of thousands of people … many of whom died while you were reading this page.

Global Causes Website:  http://www.globalissues.org/
  Including these: 
Racism
Energy Security
Global Financial Crisis
Global Warming
Environmental Issues
Health Issues

 
Today, over 22,000 children died around the world.  This daily tragedy, from poverty and other preventable causes, rarely makes headline news.  The suffering children break my heart the most.

Poverty Around The World
Poverty Facts and Stats
Causes of Poverty

Monday used to be the least favorite day of the week, but that is changing. EMM is based on the idea that every Monday people can make a difference in their life and the lives of those around them. No matter how big or small the actions, they matter. And not only do people have the power to make change, they have a social responsibility to do so. Not out of guilt, but out of an appreciation for every living thing in the world. Together, each person can make a difference in the world and raise the collective consciousness, thereby creating a legacy worth participating in…one Monday at a time.
For more information about the EMM movement visit: http://www.everymondaymatters.com/

Life is too short, not to Love and be Loved right now!

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“The worst thing you can do for love is deny it; so when you find that special someone, don't let anyone or anything to get in your way.” ~ http://www.thinkexist.com/

I should be posting my 'Happy Friday' post right now, but to be honest, I'm not in the right mood at the moment.  I had a rough day butting heads with my youngest son.  I don't like those days, even though they are few and far between.  Part of being a parent is not giving in to things you know are not 'best' for our children or letting our older 'asperger' children wear us down.   Still, it is draining and not my favorite times of being a parent.

Each time we have one of these days, we both learn some valuable lessons.  And afterwards we also have good 'heartfelt' conversations and get a lot of built up feelings out.  Which usually involves my son talking about his broken heart from repeated rejections from his dad, along with not having the friendships that he would like.  For me, it always involves letting out some hurts, loneliness and empty heart aches of my own.

This always gets me to thinking hard about Life and the things that I feel I am still missing in my own.  Such as finding the 'one' true love and partnership that I know I deserve and even more... I Want!  I also know that when it does come along or works out finally, I am going to cherish it because Life is too short not to Love and be Loved!! 

smashingapps.com

The following post was started a while back and saved for just such a day when I needed to read it.  I thought some of my friends may need to read this too...
Hugs & Much Love to you All,
~ Coreen

'A Story of Life' ....
Lisa Beamer on Good Morning America - If you remember, she's the wife of Todd Beamer who said 'Let's Roll!' and helped take down the plane over Pennsylvania that was heading for Washington DC back on 9/11.

She said it's the little things that she misses most about Todd, such as hearing the garage door open as he came home, and her children running to meet him.

Lisa recalled this story:

"I had a very special teacher in high school many years ago whose husband died suddenly of a heart attack. About a week after his death, she shared some of her insight with a classroom of students. As the late afternoon sunlight came streaming in through the classroom windows and the class was nearly over, she moved a few things aside on the edge of her desk and sat down there.

With a gentle look of reflection on her face, she paused and said, ' Class is over, I would like to share with all of you, a thought that is unrelated to class, but which I feel is very important. Each of us is put here on earth to learn, share, love, appreciate and give of ourselves. None of us knows when this fantastic experience will end. It can be taken away at any moment.

Perhaps this is "God's", way of telling us that we must make the most out of every single day. Her eyes, beginning to water, she went on, 'So I would like you all to make me a promise. From now on, on your way to school, or on your way home, find something beautiful to notice.

It doesn't have to be something you see, it could be a scent, perhaps of freshly baked bread wafting out of someone's house, or it could be the sound of the breeze slightly rustling the leaves in the trees, or the way the morning light catches one autumn leaf as it falls gently to the ground. Please look for these things, and cherish them. For, although it may sound trite to some, these things are the "stuff" of life. The little things we are put here on earth to enjoy. The things we often take for granted.

The class was completely quiet. We all picked up our books and filed out of the room silently. That afternoon, I noticed more things on my way home from school than I had that whole semester. Every once in a while, I think of that teacher and remember what an impression she made on all of us, and I try to appreciate all of those things that sometimes we all overlook.

Take notice of something special you see on your lunch hour today. Go barefoot. Or walk on the beach at sunset. Stop off on the way home tonight to get a double dip ice cream cone. For as we get older, it is not the things we did that we often regret, but the things we didn't do.

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." ~ http://www.thinkexist.com/

I hope I give you Strength.....

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“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” ~ Lao Tzu

You may not see me now

But you know that I am here.

You can feel me in your heart

As you enter each new day.

I will always be there for you
because I am your friend.

Someone to share the bad times

As well as the good.

I make no judgments by what you say

I just listen with my heart and

Hope to be of help in anyway I can.
For now I hope I give you strength.

I will be there for you,
whenever you need me.

And always please remember

I really am your friend!
~ Coreen

True friendship isn't seen with the eyes, it is felt with the heart.

When there is trust, understanding, loyalty, and sharing.

True friendship is a rare feeling, but when it is found

It has profound impact on our well-being, strength, and character.

True friendship does not need elaborate gifts

Or spectacular events in order to be valuable or valued.

To ensure long-lasting quality and satisfaction,

True friendship only needs a few key ingredients:

Undying loyalty, unmatched understanding, unsurpassed trust,

Deep, soulful connection, and endless sharing.

These ingredients, mixed with personality and a sense of humor,

Can make a friendship last a lifetime!

- Author Unknown

thingsgodtaughtme.com

I'll Be Here
I cannot ease your aching heart,

Nor take your pain away;

But let me stay and take your hand

And walk with you today.

I'll listen when you need to talk,

I'll wipe away your tears;

I'll share your worries when they come,

I'll help you face your fears.

I'm here and I will stand by you,

On each hill you have to climb;

So take my hand, let's face the world...

And live just one day at a time.

You're not alone, for I'm still here,

I'll go that extra mile;

And when your grief is easier,

I'll help you learn to smile!

- Author Unknown

Every Monday Matters - Show Your Smile

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Every Monday Matters.com

"Everyone smiles in the same language." ~Author Unknown

FACTS

A smile is a universal expression of happiness and recognized as such by all cultures.

A smiling person is judged to be more pleasant, attractive, sincere, sociable, and competent. Smiling is contagious.

Happy people generally don’t get sick as often as people who are unhappy.

Smiling or even seeing somebody smile releases endorphins that work in the brain to give an overall feeling of well-being.

People are born with the ability to smile. Even babies born blind smile.

Adults laugh approximately 15 times per day, while children laugh about 400 times a day.

It takes only 17 muscles to smile, compared to 43 muscles to frown.

Women smile more than men.

"A smile is an inexpensive way to change your looks." ~Charles Gordy

TAKE ACTION TODAY
Smile at EVERYONE you see today.

Keep track of how many times you smile and laugh today.

If you are having trouble smiling, here are a few suggestions to help:

Make faces at yourself in the mirror.

Shake your body like it’s laughing from inside.

Jump on the bed.

Hug someone you love.

Visit a pet store.

At the end of your day of smiling, notice how you feel and whether people acted differently around you.

"Today, give a stranger one of your smiles. It might be the only sunshine he sees all day." ~Quoted in P.S. I Love You, compiled by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

YOU MATTER
Happiness leads to smiling, and smiling leads to happiness. Happiness is your natural immunity, having a profound, positive effect on your health and well-being. If you are happy, smile. If you aren’t happy, smile anyway. It will help you get there.

"The world always looks brighter from behind a smile." ~Author Unknown

Monday used to be the least favorite day of the week, but that is changing. EMM is based on the idea that every Monday people can make a difference in their life and the lives of those around them. No matter how big or small the actions, they matter. And not only do people have the power to make change, they have a social responsibility to do so. Not out of guilt, but out of an appreciation for every living thing in the world. Together, each person can make a difference in the world and raise the collective consciousness, thereby creating a legacy worth participating in…one Monday at a time.
For more information about the EMM movement visit: http://www.everymondaymatters.com/

"Always remember to be happy because you never know who's falling in love with your smile." ~Author Unknown

Invisible Children... in the World of War.

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The 'Invisible Children' organization and movement uses film, creativity and social action to end the use of child soldiers in Joseph Kony's rebel war and restore Northern Uganda to peace and prosperity.
As quoted from their website, this is a little more about who they are and what their purpose is:

"As a non-profit we work to transform apathy into activism. By documenting the lives of those living in regions of conflict and injustice, we hope to educate and inspire individuals in the Western world to use their unique voice for change. Our media creates an opportunity for people to become part of a grassroots movement that intelligently responds to what’s happening in the world."

Invisible Children : Intro from INVISIBLE CHILDREN on Vimeo.

For more information on the organization, please visit: http://www.invisiblechildren.com/

Half Full Friday & Aloha Friday question of the week!

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"There are three things that a child can teach an adult:  To be happy for no reason; to be always busy doing something;  And to know how to demand - with all one's might - what one wants." - Paulo Coelho

Half Full Friday is a series of weekly posts that Eye Girl originally started in June 2009.  Now the it is hosted by Sprinkles at Wyldechylde.  We believe that a lot of our happiness is determined by our attitude about the things that happen to us. So by participating, we are deciding to see the glass as half full, instead of half empty. We are choosing to concentrate on the positives, instead of dwelling on the negatives. Our Half Full Friday posts are a way to do just that. They are a list of the things in our life that have brought us happiness over the past week. We are determined to find the something good in every day. Are you?

Laughter, joy and happiness is healthy for you. They say laughter is the best medicine. It can cure illness and extends life. A good laugh boosts the immune system, relieves depression and stress, relaxes all the body's muscles, is good exercise for the heart and helps prevent heart attacks, it cleanses the lungs, and provides an overall sense of well being.

We don't need to wait for someone else to bring us happiness - happiness is a choice we can make at any time we want. You can choose to look on the good side of things and take life more lightly, or you can choose to think gloomy and sad. It's up to you. Life is the movie you see through your own eyes - it's up to you how you take it.

Let there be

more joy and laughter

in your living.

~ Eileen Caddy ~

For the next week, we challenge you to keep a list of at least one thing that brought you happiness each day.  This is what I'm Happy for this week:

• I'm happy for being alive!  Yes, alive.  I had a total of 5 (small, yet scary just the same) gas leaks on my New furnace last weekend... with 2 of my sons home sleeping.  So glad I came back home after running local errands (instead of driving to the 'city' for groceries) Saturday morning.  This was the 3rd time since my furnace was put in.  Thank goodness I am extremely sensitive to smells. 

• I'm happy that my son had a good first week back at college!

• I'm happy the baby shower we gave a co-worker went very well!  She's having a boy.  Very excited & Happy for her.

• I'm happy for the positive energy I have and used to get a great deal done in the last week!

• I'm happy I'm close to having my entire basement cleaned out!  Goodwill 'loves' me! lol

• I'm happy my oldest son is coming home again this week to spend time with his brother!

•  I also want to say Thank you to Jules, for the frying pan picture!!  Loved it!! :-)                        

"People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they're not on your road doesn't mean they've gotten lost." ~H. Jackson Browne

It's also "ALOHA FRIDAY" Everyone!!  If you want to join in the fun? Post your own question on your blog and leave your link at the Aloha Friday post at An Island Life. Then you can visit the other participants if you wish...It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends or see what people are thinking about this week and join in a conversation or two if you like.

"You can learn many things from children. How much patience you have, for instance." ~Franklin P. Jones  

My question:  What is something a child/children have taught you?

My answer:   Most Adults are filled with fear of the unknown in each day... instead of anticipation and excitement that children have.  We are not born with 'fear'.  We are born Happy and wanting to try new things without fear holding us back!  You can see that with Children.  They don't have fear... they are Happy until they are filled with fear.  By the time we are Adults, we have... sadly, turned that all around.

"You are worried about seeing him spend his early years in doing nothing. What?! Is it nothing to be happy? Nothing to skip, play, and run around all day long? Never in his life will he be so busy again." ~Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Emile, 1762

Love & Hugs!
~ Coreen

Every Monday Matters - Thank a Firefighter!

everymondaymatters.com

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FACTS

There are over 1,149,000 firefighters.

72% of firefighters are volunteers with 70% or more of fire departments 100% by volunteers.

More than 118 firefighters die in the line of duty each year.

1.6 million or more fires are reported annually.

Fire kills more Americans than all natural disasters combined, with over 4,000 deaths annually.

The U.S. has one of the highest rates of death due to fire in the industrialized world.

TAKE ACTION TODAY
When you see firefighters in uniform, walk up and thank them for keeping you and your community safe.

Get out of the way: pull your car to the right when you hear a siren or see a fire truck with its lights on.

Organize your friends, co-workers, neighborhood, or child’s class to create and deliver thank-you cards to your local fire station.

Become a Jr. Fire Marshall (for kids).

Develop a fire escape plan for your home.

Donate to firefighter benefits and causes.

Minimize your risk of fires — install smoke detectors, keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen, don’t overload power plugs, clear brush from around your house, and don’t flick your cigarette butts.

YOU MATTER
Every day firefighters put their lives on the line to save people and property. Many of these firefighters are volunteers, so let’s “pay” them by showing our appreciation, thanking them for the valuable service they provide, and letting them know that we are very aware of the significant positive impact they have on our communities. Firefighters, whether paid or not, make an incredible difference in our lives—so let’s make a difference in theirs.

Get Out Safely: A factsheet on fire escape planning
Firefighter Cancer Support Network
Smoke Detectors: Reviews
U.S. Fire Administration for Kids


These people are true heroes!  Especially for both myself and my sons... from personal experiences! :-)
I have always lived in rural areas where our firefighters are always Volunteers & have had several calls over the years for both small fires on the farms I've lived on. I've also had volunteer rescuers save my youngest son's life Twice! The first time when I went into pre-mature labor 10 weeks early! The second time when my son was 3 years old and accidentally fell in our back yard. A freak accident in which my son's tooth went threw his face. He may have bleed to death if it weren't for the volunteer squad. I had never seen so much blood before and we lived almost an hour from the hospital! I still know and Value all those volunteers back home!!
:-) ~ Coreen
What is the Every Monday Matters program?

Monday used to be the least favorite day of the week, but that is changing. EMM is based on the idea that every Monday people can make a difference in their life and the lives of those around them. No matter how big or small the actions, they matter. And not only do people have the power to make change, they have a social responsibility to do so. Not out of guilt, but out of an appreciation for every living thing in the world. Together, each person can make a difference in the world and raise the collective consciousness, thereby creating a legacy worth participating in…one Monday at a time.
For more information about the EMM movement visit: http://www.everymondaymatters.com/
 

Life is too short Not to be Happy now!

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"As you grow older, you'll find the only things you regret are the things you didn't do." ~Zachary Scott

By madobox

"Begin doing what you want to do now. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand, and melting like a snowflake." ~Marie Ray

I'm taking a break this week from my usual 'Half Full Friday' post.  Although I am personally doing well, it has been a very sad and tragic week in our metro area.  First was a school shooting yesterday resulting in the death of an assistant principle who helped so many young people.  Her 59 birthday would have been today and 100's of former and current students came out today to pray together and to sing her 'Happy Birthday'.  What a tribute in spite of such a tragic, senseless situation. 

Then this morning a young man was critically injured in a horrible accident while working with the railroad.  I haven't heard what his current status is, but I am praying for him, his family and whoever's mistake caused the accident.  So sad for everyone involved, all the way around!

Finally, there was yet another senseless shooting this afternoon in which an man was killed for no apparent reason.  Again... so tragic, senseless and incredibly sad for the families involved.

All of these recent events have lead me to think about my own life and the lives of those I care about more than ever.  I've been thinking about those of us who 'wait'.  'Wait' to call someone they want to... for whatever 'good' reason they have.  'Wait' to tell those they care about... how they feel.  'Wait' to see the people that they care about. 'Wait' to be Happy... to be Loved... to do what their hearts are tugging them to do.

The sudden deaths of people we know personally and those we hear about on the news, should remind us all that life is very short... too short not to follow our hearts and find amazing happiness 'Right Now'!  Happiness that we all deserve!

So if you miss someone... call them.  If you want a hug from someone... go see them.  If you wonder how someone feels... ask them.  And above all.... if you love or care about someone... tell them... today!  Because none of us are guaranteed tomorrow or even a second chance.  Only the chances and opportunities we have right now... this very day, at this very moment.  Think about it and above all... follow your Heart and be Happy... today! :-)

Some Interludes of Life:
"This is dedicated to my wonderful friends and family who enrich my life with the treasure of their being.  May your soul decisions always be made with your heart, and not with your head."

There are moments in life when you really miss someone that you want to pick them up from your dreams and hug them. Hope you dream of that someone.

Dream what you want to dream, go where you want to go, be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you want in life.

When one door of happiness closes, another opens. But we often took so long at the closed door, that we don't see the one which has been opened for us.

It's true that we don't know what we've got until we lose it, but it's also true that we don't know what we've been missing until it arrives.

A careless word may kindle a strife; A cruel word may wreck a life; A timely word may level stress; A lovely word may heal and bless.

The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything, they just make the most of everything that comes along the way.

Maybe God wants us to meet a few wrong people before meeting the right one so that when we finally meet the right person, we should know how to be grateful for that gift.

It takes a minute to have a crush on someone, an hour to like someone and a day to love someone, but it takes a lifetime to forget someone special.

It's OK not to say goodbye... if you really don't want to.  It's also OK to leave the door open... if you want to.

Happiness lies for those who cry, those who hurt, those who have searched and those who have tried. For only they can appreciate the importance of people who have touched their lives.

Love comes to those who still hope even though they've been disappointed, to those who still believe even though they've been betrayed, need to love those who still love, even though they've been hurt before.

It hurts to love someone, and not to be loved in return but what is most painful is to love someone and never find the courage to let that person know how you feel.

The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past. You can't go on well in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.

Giving someone all your love is never an assurance that they'll love you back. Don't expect love in return, just wait for it to grow in their hearts but if it doesn't, be content it grew in yours.

There are things you love to hear but you haven't yet.  And there are things you'd like to say but you haven't yet.  Say what you need to say first... and maybe, just maybe you'll hear what you want back.  Either way, you'll feel better being honest and speaking from your 'heart'.  

"Now is not the time for regrets...it is a time for dreams to come true. To do those things one has been putting off. Time to move forward and embrace life with all your heart!!" ~ added by SueAnn from SueAnn's Journey

Hypnotherapy 101 ~ By S.K. Smith

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 Are you looking for direct access to your subconscious? Do you want to deepen your own self-understanding and change the habits or tendencies you don’t like about yourself? Are you prone to stuffing your face when you are upset? Do you have a few too many drinks when you are overwhelmed? Do you lash out at the very people who love you most when you’re disappointed in yourself? Hypnotherapy could help you change these self-destructive behaviors.

Contrary to popular belief, being hypnotized does not give anyone else (namely, the person doing the hypnotizing) the power to alter your consciousness. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Hypnotherapy teaches you to master your own states of awareness. In the process of what is essentially a very deep, guided relaxation, you are led to the root causes of your behaviors and habits (i.e., smoking, overeating, abusive relationships), and opened up to the possibility of replacing them with newer, healthier ones.

Here’s how it works:

We Are the Sum Total of Our Experiences
When something happens to us, it sticks — at least in our subconscious. As a result, we learn a particular behavior in response to the occurrence. Then, each time something similar happens (read: we feel rejected or abandoned, we fail at something or get too vulnerable to someone) we repeat the same reaction. Thus, unhealthy habits and behaviors are formed.

The Power to Change
These are exactly the problems hypnotherapy aims to change. In some types of hypnotherapy, a trained therapist will guide you to remember the instigating event (the one that brought on that first reaction). From there, they can help you to separate that memory from the learned behavior, and change the way you react going forward. You’ll start by reframing the problem in question, becoming relaxed, and letting go of your negative thoughts. Then, your therapist will help open your mind to the desired goal with concrete suggestions.

A common example? If quitting smoking is the goal, your therapist will suggest that you now strongly dislike the taste of cigarettes. Then, you will return to your usual state of consciousness/awareness, and with your therapist, reflect on the experience.

Mind-Body Connection
The reason this works is that during hypnosis you become deeply relaxed, your blood pressure and heart rate are lowered, and even your brain-wave activity changes. Basically, you’re physically at ease but mentally focused, which makes you highly responsive to suggestion. Some people are more responsive than others to hypnotherapy. It’s been said that you truly have to want to change for the process to have its full effect.  ~ By S.K. Smith
 

The 7 Lies We Tell Ourselves.... By: Eric J. Leech

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Humans are great liars, telling an average of 1,000 lies per year to others – but the number of lies we tell ourselves is much higher. People often don’t even realize that they’re lying. It’s almost a protective reaction to help us feel better about ourselves and the world around us. While some people think that this reaction is quite innocent, the seven lies I’m about to introduce you to can actually be quite harmful.

Lie #1: I must have the love and approval of others. Many people desire the approval of others, but it’s a hurtful lie when we build our lives around satisfying others, without taking our own needs into consideration.

Lie #2: Happiness is caused by external events I have no control over. Believing that we have no control over our own happiness sets us on the road to unhappiness. This is the lie that tells us that good things only happen to lucky people, and we just aren’t lucky.

Lie # 3: Things must be the way that I want in order to be happy. We all have goals in life, but when the outcome of your goals dictates your happiness, you are no longer living with reasonable expectations.

Lie # 4: My happiness is defined by my accomplishments. Many people’s egos urge them to believe that their value and happiness are defined by their accomplishments in life. This may include a raise at work, a softball championship, or winning an argument with a spouse.

Lie #5: To be liked/loved, I must be agreeable. Some folks just can’t say no. Perhaps they’ve said it a time or two, seen the resulting disappointed faces, and vowed to be a yes person. The problem here is that we end up giving up our own life to enhance that of others. While this may appear to be truly generous, it is mostly destructive.

Lie #6: If I had time, I’d… People are always telling themselves that they don’t have time to do the things they truly want to. There are two problems with this. One, this is often an excuse designed to give us an easy way out of our fears of failure, and two, if we are truly that busy, you need to heed the advice in Lie #5.

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Lie #7: A little white lie never hurt anyone, including myself. This is one of the biggest lies of all because it perpetuates unhappiness. If you try to protect yourself from life by lying, you are only hurting yourself worse. Sometimes in life we must experience pain and disappointment to find true success, love, and happiness. Life wouldn’t be worthwhile if it was easy.  By: Eric J. Leech



What are your favorite lies that people tell themselves… or should stop telling lies?

 

Every Monday Matters ~ Eat Healthy

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FACTS

Annual costs for chronic diseases in the U.S. is big money:

          $117 billion for obesity

          $73.4 billion for high
          blood pressure

          $448 billion for heart
          disease and strokes

          $50 billion for weight-loss aids, diet foods, supplements,
          and weight-loss medications—and obesity is still increasing

79% likelihood exists that an overweight child will become an overweight adult.

75% of adults don’t eat the recommended daily 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables.

Snack consumption by children has increased 300% from 20 years ago.

400,000 people die annually from poor eating habits and laziness.

French fries are the most eaten vegetable in the U.S.

TAKE ACTION TODAY

If you suffer from or have a family history of any of the afore mentioned chronic conditions or diseases, consult your family physician for dietary counseling.

Although every individual is unique in his or her dietary needs, here are some ideas to help all of us:

Eat more dark green vegetables, legumes, fruits, whole grains, low-fat milk products, and lean meats.

Eat fewer foods with refined grains and sugars; reduce your intake of fatty foods with empty calories; and eat smaller portions.

          Eat slowly so that you will feel full before you’ve overeaten.

          Don’t reward yourself or children with food.

          Limit snacking.

          Develop a routine and eat at similar times each day.

          Drink plenty of water.

          Eat to live; don’t live to eat.

YOU MATTER

You deserve to be in good health. For most, diabetes, hypertension, and other obesity-related chronic diseases are preventable by simply eating healthy and exercising. You will feel better than ever both mentally and physically—the only way to really live. If you don’t want to do it for yourself or your wallet, do it for those who love you. Just start…one day at a time.

Healthy Recipes and Meal Ideas

Interactive Meal Planner

Beef, It's What's for Dinner

Eat Slowly to Stay Slim

Got Milk.com

What is the Every Monday Matter's Program?

Monday used to be the least favorite day of the week, but that is changing. EMM is based on the idea that every Monday people can make a difference in their life and the lives of those around them. No matter how big or small the actions, they matter. And not only do people have the power to make change, they have a social responsibility to do so. Not out of guilt, but out of an appreciation for every living thing in the world. Together, each person can make a difference in the world and raise the collective consciousness, thereby creating a legacy worth participating in…one Monday at a time.

For more information about the EMM movement visit: http://www.everymondaymatters.com/

 

Happy New Year!!!

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A happy New Year! Grant that I

May bring no tear to any eye

When this New Year in time shall end

Let it be said I've played the friend,

Have lived and loved and labored here,

And made of it a happy year.

~Edgar Guest

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My Happy New Year wish for you

Is for your best year yet,

A year where life is peaceful,

And what you want, you get.

A year in which you cherish

The past year’s memories,

And live your life each new day,

Full of bright expectancies.

I wish for you a holiday

With happiness galore;

And when it’s done, I wish you

Happy New Year, and many more.

By Joanna Fuchs

Happy New Year, Everyone!  I hope all of you had a Wonderful, Safe New Year's Eve!!   Last year seemed to fly by... at least for me it did.  Although I thought 2010 would end differently that I had imagined a year ago, it was still a Great year!  

Today I planned, made list and organized some things in preparation for an even better 2011!   I feel calmer and more confident than ever.  Completely sure of what I want to do with my life and even more sure of the people I want in my life this year.  I believe that 2011 is the year I will find 'complete' happiness and fulfillment in all areas of my life!  I can feel it... in my heart and soul... I can feel it!!! 

I hope and pray that all  of you find what you are looking for in 2011!!!  Thank you all for being a part of my 2010!!  I appreciate and love you all so much!!

Hugs, Blessings & Much Love,

Coreen