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Showing posts with label Live Happy (Moments Of Crisis). Show all posts
Showing posts with label Live Happy (Moments Of Crisis). Show all posts

Friday, December 30, 2016

101 Stress Relievers

We have finished the section of Live Happy Challenges on Finding Moments of Happiness in Crisis. I wanted to share these
Stress relievers. Asking for help is the best imo..because it feels like you're breaking the problem in two:

found @ Pinterest

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Challenge Myself: Day #147 Write It Out

Today is Day #147 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says write about your loss and then rewrite it as a gain.

The book says,

When you suffer loss, take time to have a cup of tea and write about your loss. Then, consider what you might gain as you are compelled to move forward.

For example, after a spouse dies, gone too are the shared dreams, income, and perhaps even the house. Loss pushes you outside of your comfort zone where new opportunities for your new life await.

What if you always wanted a small farm in Connecticut? What's stopping you? What if you never finished college? What's holding you back now? You like marriage and want a new partner at some point. What if you could screen her or him to fit your desired profile? What if he or she is perfect for the next chapter of your life?

Dare to dream a bold new future!

Just For Today: I am writing and rewriting new chapters of my life!

From the book: Live Happy

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Challenge Myself: Day #146 Keep or Start A Journal

Today is Day #146 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says we should journal the details of the crisis outcome we desire and list the reasons why.

The book says,

What do you want as an outcome to the crisis? Why do you want that particular outcome and not another?

Write the answers to those two questions in your journal. Then use what you have written as points of departure for delving deeper. It is often difficult to get clarity when your brain is befuddled by an unexpected turn of events or bad news.

Journaling is one way to fully consider all of your options. Get all the ideas out of your brain and onto paper so that you can think about them and look at them.

Reorganize ideas. See what's missing. What you don't know. What you can investigate and learn more about. Use your journal as a powerful tool to help facilitate making the hard decisions and getting the best moral, ethical, and spiritual outcome.

Just For Today: I will practice this exercise of writing it out.

From the book: Live Happy

Sunday, December 25, 2016

Challenge Myself: Day #145 Stop and Smell The Roses

Today is Day #145 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says that we should notice one thing each day that gives us pleasure.

The book says,

In spite of the negative circumstances you may be dealing with, find little moments throughout the day to notice the things that, under ordinary circumstances, give you pleasure.

For example, take time to appreciate the view of the neighbor's yellow roses that have just burst into bloom, the taste of a perfectly sweet apple, the sound of classical music as the CD plays on your laptop, the painting you bought in Paris that hangs in your office, the feel of your favorite loafers, or the warmth and smallness of your child's hand in yours.

Savor the gifts of sight, sense, taste, touch and smell. They are working even as you deal with crisis. Take comfort in simply noticing the blessing in the small things and short moments throughout the day.

Just for Today: I will take the time to STOP and smell the roses!

From the book: Live Happy

Friday, December 23, 2016

Challenge Myself: Day #144 Connect With Your Higher Power

Today is Day #144 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says to recite a favorite prayer while walking.

The book says,

Do you turn to God or your Higher Power when you are dealing with a crisis?

If you do, you are like many others who take comfort in knowing that they are not alone in dealing with their troubles or solving their problems.

Allocate part of a daily exercise for a devotional walk around the block. Whatever your spiritual belief, during that period, eyes and heart wide open, invite the Divine to be with you as you pray a favorite prayer or recite a favorite Psalm.

Praying can be done as holy conversation and sacred song as well.

The point is to realize that you are not alone in your crisis and to seek comfort, protection, peace and joy in your spiritual relationship with the Divine.

Just For Today: I will rely on my Higher Power for strength and serenity.

pic from: Simple Reminders
From the book: Live Happy


Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Challenge Myself: Day #143 Have A Glass of Wine

Today is Day #143 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says it's okay to have a glass of wine at the end of a difficult period.

The book says,

Unwind with a glass of your favorite wine at the end of an exhausting or difficult period. According to a number of research findings, wine is good for you if you drink it in moderation and as part of a healthy diet.

Wine has nonalcoholic phytochemicals (flavanoids and resveratrol) that prevent free radical molecules from damaging your body's cells. Studies show that wine reduces the risk of getting certain cancers and heart disease as well as slowing the progression of Alzheimers and Parkinson's disease.
For women, one five ounce glasss a day is good, but the health benefits are forfeited if you drink more.


For some a nice glass of non-alcoholic wine. Personally, I am a toddy person. I don't drink one every night but have occasionally had a hot nice toddy at the end of a day.  I make a nice hot cup of tea, a shot of Grand Mariener and add lemon and honey.

Just For Today: I will give myself permission to relax with a nice glass of wine.

From the book: Live Happy

Monday, December 19, 2016

Challenge Myself: Day #142 Security and Comfort

Today is Day #142 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says snuggle with your favorite pillow or security blanket.

The book says,

If you are like many people, as a child you had a security blanket that got you through the night. As an adult facing crisis, you may wish you had something tangible like that to give you comfort.

If you don't have a favorite blanket or pillow, get yourself  over to the linen closet and see if there's a comfy throw, a worn afghan, or a silky coverlet that you could use. Or got to the clearance table at your local department store and pick something out that could become a new favorite security blanket.

As a child, you loved your blankey because it was yours and only yours. If had your scent on it. You knew what it felt and looked like even with your eyes closed.

In times of crisis, seek comfort in what is familiar and makes you feel safe. Wrap yourself in your blanket and let your inner child feel safe again and comforted.

Just For Today: I will seek comfort, if it is only for a moment.

From the book: Live Happy

Sunday, December 18, 2016

Challenge Myself: Day #141 Just For Today Read Something Inspirational

Today is Day #141 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says to read something inspirational.

The book says,

What kind of crisis are you facing- financial, medical or health, spiritual, educational, or relationship?

Whatever it is, you can bet that others have faced similar situations. Life beats up on everyone from time to time. If you don't want to reach out to a trusted friend or professional, find hope, optimism, and perhaps a path out of your situation in the stories of others.

For example, if your spouse needs an organ transplant, read the stories of patients who have already been through that ordeal. Draw inspiration, relief, hope and a sense of renewal from your reading.

When asked many people will say that they find inspiration in reading the Bible. For others a Devotional Book or even a Book of uplifting quotes or poems can help in times of crisis. Look online for inspirational websites of information and ideas. The crisis may be the same but we each draw our own inspiration from many different areas.

Just For Today: I will read and share something uplifting.

Many of us who love an addict need to hear words of inspiration. Please share in comment your favorite book of inspiration and/or your favorite inspirational quote- whatever it is that you gain your inspiration from, I would love to hear others ideas. Thank you.

From the book: Live Happy

Saturday, December 17, 2016

Challenge Myself: Day #140 A Sauna Helps

Today is Day #140 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today take a sauna or steam bath.

The book says,

Natural Hot Spring In WV
If you believe that time spent in a sauna or steam bath is healthy because sweating releases unwanted material from the body and improves circulation, you are correct.

Make sure that you are in good health by checking with your physician before stepping into a sauna or a steam room.

Also, it's important to drink lots of water to replace what you lose from perspiration. Taking a sauna or steam bath can eliminate toxins and excess sodium, relax tense and sore muscles, and enable you to relax into your happy place.


Just For Today: I will definitely check out the places in West Virginia that are Natural Hot Springs and add them to my want to see list. For today, I will relax in a hot bath.

How to Create Your Own Sauna In Your Bathroom

pic from: Swimming Holes
From the book: Live Happy

Friday, December 16, 2016

Challenge Myself: Day #139 Drink Your Juice

Today is Day #139 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today when stressed we need antioxidants. It's as simple as drinking a glass of juice!

The book says,

Can you say antioxidants?

During a crisis, your body responds by releasing turbo-charging stress hormones that flood your cardiovascular system to prepare you to deal with the emergency. But stress hormones flooding the system can also cause damage.

Antioxidants, substances found in certain fruits and vegetables, act as scavengers of free radicals (by-products created when cells use oxygen) and can both prevent and repair free radical damage.

Squeeze or use a juicer to extract the juice from organic vegetables and fruits such as oranges, limes, strawberries, carrots, apricots, peaches, cantaloupes and green leafy vegetables. Pomegranate, purple grapes and cranberries are high in phytochemicals and are good antioxidant agents as well.
Drinking fresh, organic juice is especially good for when you are under duress.

Just For Today: No one will take care of me, but me. I will start today healthier.

Pic from Pinterest
From the book: Live Happy


Thursday, December 15, 2016

Challenge Myself: Day #138 Stay Away From Drama

Today is Day #138 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today is to stay away from melodramatic rhetoric.

The book says,

You know a drama queen when you see one. Understandably, people in crisis react differently but drama queens are all about being the center of attention.

Calm, clear thinking is what is most needed in dealing with a crisis; melodramatic or emotionally inflammatory rhetoric is not helpful.

If Chicken Little runs to you and shrieks that the sky is falling and everyone is going to perish, he or she is either genuinely panicked or vying for attention.

One way to deal with her or him is to not react. Reassure her or him in a calm, quiet, unfazed tone: "I can see that you are upset. I assure you that the sky is not falling. You are overreacting."
Let your quiet demeanor and words stand in stark contrast to his or her prostrations. If he or she continues, leave the room and reclaim your own mental/emotional equilibrium.

Don't give away your power of have happiness.

Just For Today: Will make it a purpose to stay away from drama!

from the book: Live Happy


Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Challenge Myself: Day #137 Skim Pebbles Across the Water

Today is Day #137 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today when you are stressed, skim pebbles across the water.

The book says,

At some point when you are in crisis mode, you need to feel expansive and push away the walls of your crucible.

When you can steal ten to twenty minutes, retreat into nature and do something mindless like skimming pebbles across the water in a reservoir, lake, river, pond or the sea.

If your thoughts start to plow that same old field of concern about the crisis you are facing, sink into an awareness of only your breath. Be mindful of the cycle of inhaling and exhaling.

Then, if you can, guide your inner awareness into the space between breaths. Experience the limitless boundary of your mind and return to serenity.

Just For Today: I will seek the ways to inner peace and serenity

pic found @ Woof Shinny Whisper
From the book: Live Happy

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Challenge Myself: Day #136 Overcome With Emotion

Today is Day #136 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today says when we are overwhelmed just scream into a pillow.

The book says,

If you are ever so overcome with emotion that you can't seem to hold it inside, scream into a pillow.
This technique releases the pent-up energy holding those negative feelings inside and works especially well for anger or grief.


Sob your sorrow into the pillow. Or, scream the words of anger that you can no longer hold in.
Empty out the feelings. If necessary, pound the pillow with your fists. You may need to get a bigger pillow or a new one if your beating it destroys it. It's a small price to pay for expressing rage.

Repeat the process until you know the emotion is spent and there's no longer a need to do anything. Then, when you peace is restored, do something to make yourself happy like listening to beautiful music or sipping your favorite tea.

Just For Today: When I am overcome with emotion I will search for the ways to restore peace.

See Also: Overcome With Emotion

pic found @ newsfeed.time
From the book: Live Happy

Sunday, December 11, 2016

Challenge Myself: Day #135 Stay Strong Stay Focused

Today is Day #135 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today is to think of one thing you need to stay strong and focused.

The book says,

Think about what you would need to be grounded and focused if a crisis were to show up in your life five minutes from now.

What could instantly calm you and help you deal with a rise in possibly negative emotions?

Would a whiff of sandalwood help?

How about a shot of Brandy?

Would fingering your prayer beads of finding a place of absolute silenece where you could think and pray work best?

A crisis can arise suddenly and without warning. Whether it's an emergency, a cataclysmic natural disaster, or a financial catastrophe, a crisis often requires you to figure something out fairly quickly.
Knowing what will get you through the next minute and the minute after that can be as helpful as having an escape plan for the unlikely event that your house catches on fire.

Just For Today: I will stay focused and live today without fear.

From the book: Live Happy

Saturday, December 10, 2016

Challenge Myself: Day #134 Rely On Your Inner Wisdom

Today is Day #134 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today ask experts for their opinions, but rely on your own wisdom.

The book says,

Rely on your inner guidance when you are in a seemingly intractable place and need to make an important decision, such as committing a child with extreme special needs to a specialized care facility.

You may fear that you can't make that decision. How can you find help? Seek expert opinions, talk to health providers and caregivers, get insights from families in your situation.


Go into the darkness, the place of unknowingness, and quiet the chatter in your mind. Be very quiet and receive what the darkness has to offer. Let your thoughts move towards hope, inspiration, and, finally, to your decision. Once your decision is made, don't second guess it. Be at peace.


Depending on your situation and the crisis at hand this example can be applied in different situations arising. Replace the child with special needs and insert your loved one suffering the disease of addiction.

In seeking help none of us really knows what to do in the beginning. I know I didn't. I wanted to find help for my son, but didn't know where to even start. That is why I have put so much information and links on this blog in the hopes of helping others just like you who don't know where to start.

First and foremost is yourself. How are you holding up in this crisis with your addict? Visit my page about Nar Anon. Do you need Nar Anon? Ask yourself the questions I've put on the page. You probably don't realize it but many who come to Nar Anon, come armed with information on treatment centers and are ready and available to help you. You also can contact The Hope Dealer Project for more information.

On the top of the blog you will see a page called, Treatment and Recovery Assistance. It is loaded with information including:

What Questions Should I Ask a Drug Rehab?

How Do I Choose The Right Rehab Based on My Loved Ones Need?

I have a link on How to Avoid SCAM's in the Rehabilitation Industry

The page is filled with phone numbers and information for you. If you scroll the side bar there is a section on local resources with links that I have provided.

Just For Today: I rely on my inner wisdom in so many areas of life.
From the book: Live Happy

Friday, December 9, 2016

Challenge Myself: Day #133 Open The Door of Opportunites

Today is Day #133 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today is to mentally affirm two ways that life will get better.

The book says,

Say your boyfriend or girlfriend walks out on you. Your dog dies. Your new car is totaled by a tree limb. Your boss announces layoffs and your name is on the list.


Some days, it seems that nothing goes right. But remember what Alexander Graham Bell said about doors;
one closes and another opens but you don't often see those that open because you are staring regretfully at those that are closed.

Change is certain, and things can and do get better. Think of two ways that change could happen in positive ways for your life. Expect to be happily surprised when you stop staring at the closed doors and see the new ones opening: a new man or woman walks into your life... with dogs.


Your new job comes with a company vehicle. life is good and your are on top of the world. Relish the thought.

Too often I myself sat behind the closed door not wanting to open it. Not wanting to see what was on the other side. Honestly, I think I was afraid to see what was on the other side. Things like a new job? How will you know unless you apply for a position? How will you know if you just set at home and don't try? Opportunities don't come knocking on closed doors.

Once I got the courage to take a peek I found it wasn't so bad after all.

Just For Today: I will seek a more rational and positive outcome in the future.

pic found on Pinterest
From the book: Live Happy


Monday, December 5, 2016

Challenge Myself: Day #132 Controlling Our Thoughts

Today is Day #132 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today tells us to think of one thing we can control.

The book says,

When you feel disempowered and helpless, it is often because you have lost control over your life and can see no way out of your dilemma or darkness.

The truth is that the only thing you truly have control over is your own thoughts. No one can ever control those but you.

To feel empowered again, you must reset your thoughts. Now, think of one thing in your life that you can control.

Do you control what you put into your mouth?
What about the position that you sleep in?
Or, when and where you will sit or stand?
Did you know that one of the meanings of control is to restrain or limit something?

Restrain your negative, helpless, and disempowered thinking. Shake up your mental energy with a brisk walk in nature or dance to the rhythm of some upbeat music.

Now re-evaluate your life and see the control you already have. No life is static. It just seems that way. Rather, life is dynamic and fluid, so take heart.

Just for Today: I will take control over my thoughts and allow more positive energies.

From the book: Live Happy

Sunday, December 4, 2016

Challenge Myself: Day #131 Adapting In a Crisis

Today is Day #131 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today is to learn to adapt to change in a crisis.

The book says,


Change is inherent in every crisis, whether personal, societal, environmental, political, global, or some other type.


You'll manage the crisis of your life better if you learn to not only adapt to change but to search for the gains (rather than the losses) from each one.


By focusing on and finding the profit in a crisis, you are more likely to experience positive emotions, such as openness, compassion, love and hope, and fewer of the negative emotions, such as fear, apprehension, sadness and anger that accompany many crisis events.

I think for most of us when dealing with the disease of addiction we go into panic mode. Those emotions we go through are all part of human nature. Loving an addict we deal with denial, anger, fear, and so many more.

Just For Today:  Emotions are human nature. My immediate response is to panic. Maybe if I can find ways of better handling my emotions.

pic from livingonloveandcents
From the book: Live Happy

Saturday, December 3, 2016

Challenge Myself: Day #130 Release The Tension

Today is Day #130 of the Nar Anon Group Just For Today Challenge. I am also integrating the Live Happy into my Challenge. The Live Happy Challenge for today, release all of that tension.

The book says,

You've dealt with crisis. When it concluded, did you breathe a deep sigh of relief?

Whether the crisis you faced took hours, days, weeks, or months to resolve, it probably wasn't something that inspired happiness. But that doesn't mean the next time you must deal with a crisis that you can't find a single moment of happiness during the period that crisis spans.


Perhaps it's the moment when finally you can release the tension you've held in your body and mind. Or, maybe it's the moment you realize the ordeal is finally over and the outcome is better than you thought it would be.


Whatever stage of the crisis you find yourself in, seek out that special place inside yourself where you can feel peace and joy at the miracle of being alive and out of harm's way.


Breathe deeply. Let go of the tension. Just be present in that moment and stretch it out.

Loving someone suffering the disease of addiction can be a scary place. Remind yourself often that you didn't cause it, you cannot control it and you cannot cure it. Close your eyes, take a deep breath and exhale.

Just For Today: Just Breathe!

From the book: Live Happy

Friday, December 2, 2016

Find Moments of Happiness During A Crisis

Today is the last day of challenges for the section on Learning to be happy dealing with finances. The next section of challenges is called Find Moments of Happiness in Dealing With A Crisis.

A crisis moment can occur any time in our lives. From job loss, to losing someone we love dearly.

Those of us on this side of loving someone addicted to heroin, opiates and powerful drugs often find ourselves in a crisis especially when their addiction escalates