Thursday 13 - Reasons to Smile

Smiling Makes Us Feel Good

"Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural painkillers, and serotonin. Together these three neurotransmitters make us feel good from head to toe. Not only do these natural chemicals elevate your mood, but they also relax your body and reduce physical pain." - The Very Well Mind by Mark Stibich, PhD 

I have to agree with the good doctor. Smiling is wonderful. So why do we smile?

1. To show you’re happy.

2. Like yawns, smiles are contagious.




3. To do a simple act of kindness.

4. Because you are wearing a new shade of lipstick. (After all, a girl cannot have too many shades of lipstick.)

5. You feel confident knowing your best girlfriend will tell you if you have something stuck in your teeth.

6. Because that piece of chocolate cheesecake was amazing.

7. You love the sensation of those new panties against your skin.

8. You feel joy in your heart and love energizes you.
(Or was that an over-sized pink bunny that just went by?)

9. If you smile enough, you’ll start to believe your face.

10. You just took a deep breath and realized life is grand.

11. Because happiness is the result of being too busy to be miserable.

12. It takes fewer muscles to smile than frown.

13. My favorite reason: Always smile… because others will think you are up to something. And maybe you are.


What makes you smile?

Wednesday's Writing Prompt - the beginning

I teach a class on writing and encourage journal keeping. I kept a journal while I spent time in England as teen. Years later, I found that old notebook and read through it. Funny thing... my first book (Painted Soul) was born and thus led to many more. Keeping a journal is not only documenting thoughts, feeling or events but it's a great way to exercise your mind. Writing can be a form of meditation, relaxation and therapy. An athlete practices regularly to stay in shape. A writer keeps writing to stay sharp. Writing is a great way for seniors to not only to keep memories alive but also keep their minds alert.  Journaling is great for all ages!

Simple rules of keeping a journal:
* Sit in a comfortable place where you won't be interrupted for a few moments.
* Don't spend alot of time. Set a timer if needed. Use only a few minutes to write. Think of it as drinking a glass of water rather than an entire gallon. Once you get the  hang of it, you might have times where your thoughts may take up several pages.
* Don't be a critique. Journal entries are raw. Think of them as rough drafts if your wish, but don't change them. It may ruin the beauty of the words. If editing is your thing, save the original and edit a copy. Keep every draft you make. I've done that and it's fun to look back at the growth.
*Keep a journal in a notebook or on a computer. It doesn't matter. Whatever is comfortable to you. I like a journal I can hold and carry. There is something about writing with a pencil on paper that feels good.
* Don't just write, keep other things in your journal. Paste a poem or comic that you enjoyed. Clip an article. Save those doodles! Keep inspirational photos.

So... every Wednesday I'll post a Writing Prompt to help train your mind to write, to exercise your brain, to encourage you keep a journal. Use these prompts to break a writer's block if needed.

Are you ready?

Here's your first assignment. 

 IN THIS MOMENT part 1

Sit comfortably with your notebook and pen. Write for 10 -15 minutes.

A.   Begin this exercise by looking at your immediate surroundings. See what catches your attention. It may be the pattern on the carpet, a fly on the window pane, a dirty cup, the painting on the wall, an open door and what lies beyond it, the view outside, the overflowing wastepaper basket, a letter you forgot to post, et. Describe two or three objects, picking out some precise details such as shape, size, color, texture, smell. Write briefly about one or two of these: the sounds you can hear, the warmth or coldness, the amount of light, the kind of light. 

Tasty Tuesday - Momma Mary's Morning Oats

Oatmeal is a great way to kick off your day, especially if you're dieting. It gives you a packed punch of fiber and protein to help you feel full, thus reducing bad snacking. I used my grandmother's recipe with some modern touches.

Momma Mary's Morning Oats

1/2 cup dry rolled old fashion oats

1 Tbsp flax seed

1 tsp chia seed

1 tsp light brown sugar
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon
1 cup coconut almond milk 

Mix dry ingredients together in a microwave safe bowl. Add milk. Cover and set in fridge overnight.

Next day, heat for 1 min in microwave. Stir. Additional heat in 30 second intervals.

Calories: 315
Carbs: 63g
Dietary Fiber: 12g
Total Fat: 13.5g
Sat. Fats: 2g
Protein: 10.5g
Sodium: 170mg
Sugar: 8g

This recipe does not need to sit over night, but it's alot more filling if it does. The time breaks down the grains and creates a creamy flavor. Can be prepared stove top as well.

I like to add dried berries to an overnight soak. My favorite dried cherries come from Traverse City, MI. Check out Cherry Republic. Fresh berries or banana should be added after cooking. Nuts can be added any time.