Sunday Sunshine: Don't Worry. Don't Stress. Go With the Flow.

We are at the longest days of the year. Yet, there is darkness all around us. The storms of grief, the shadows of worry, the clouds of concern can prevent us from seeing the light that is also all around us--and the light that is beaming brightly within us.

Instead of focusing on your cares and worries, redirect your view to your blessings, to the sources of your joy and gratitude. Move your boat into a place of flow where stresses and worries splash away from you. Move your boat toward the light and calmer waters.

When you redirect your focus, the weight and intensity of the storms, shadows and clouds lessen.

Today, this week: Don't worry. Don't stress. Go with the flow.

Sunday Sunshine: Worry and Stress Float Away

During January, many of us often talk about losing the weight we gained during the last month's holidays, parties and festivities. All of those goodies tasted great at the time, but now it's time to engage in some healthy habits once again.

We often carry around with us other types of weight, as well -- worries, fears, regrets and stresses that gradually mount onto our backs, causing us to feel heavy with burdens.

Find healthy ways to release those burdens by breathing in peaceful thoughts, making yourself a priority and talking your stresses over with someone you trust -- a friend, clergy, therapist -- who can help you work through them.

Today, this week, focus on releasing the weight of your worries, fears, regrets and stress.  Find healthy ways to set those burdens free. 

Fresh Thoughts for Your Monday: Spread Love

In a world that often seems to be filled with fear, worry, division and differences, love is the answer. Love works. 

Love is the greatest gift that we can give each other. 

Love builds bridges, offers compassion, displays kindness, shows patience, is gracious, is generous, values others. 

When unsure just what to do or say, come from a place of love.

Today, this week: Spread love.

Wanna Dance?

At my workplace, a new version of our Intranet is being rolled out this summer.  To help us get ready for the changes, we're learning about it through a series of clever and humorous, digitally animated videos.  On the first video, animated characters did the "dance of resistance" and the "dance of acceptance."  While chuckling at the humor behind the two characters and their respective dances, I couldn't help but think of those times when I might be standing completely still, yet I'm doing the "dance of resistance."  We always hear phrases such as "change is the only constant," but in this technologically advancing world, change is happening ever faster.  It's not always easy to have to adapt so quickly. Yet, to be able to adapt to change with some humor and a sense of adventure is indeed a dance -- a happy dance, if you will. When I go with the flow without worry or fear, I move with greater ease.  So, the next time I start to dig in my heels with resistance, I'll cue myself to think more broadly and with greater acceptance by asking myself, "Wanna dance?"!