Having Fun with "The List"

Sometimes I get into moods that are just silly… I like to have FUN and if I’m having fun – watch out!!!! If I’m tired I get a little giddy and then it’s really hilarious and things can get a little wacky. But that’s what makes things interesting in my life.

You should all know by now that my focus and goal in life, especially since losing my memory and going through something that was pretty much potentially tragic, is to focus on positive things that keep my life exciting and fun. When you deal with a mental disorder, like Bipolar, you have to be in constant check of where your happiness is at ALL times and so I focus on happiness. I think it’s a good rule of thumb for everyone, even if you don’t have a mental disorder! It’s much easier to focus on being happy than focus on being sad, angry, upset, confused or depressed. Wouldn’t you all agree? I have to be realistic and say that depression does jab its way into me, but if I’m focusing on happiness, it doesn’t have as deep a hold on me as it used to before I put happiness practices into play.

What do you do to keep yourself happy? And what do you focus on to make sure you’re keeping yourself as happy as you can be and having as much fun as possible?

Last night I was on Pinterest.com, browsing the pins (one of my favorite pastimes) and I ran across a pin that just brought a big ol’ smile to my face!!!! My husband was sitting on the couch, all serious, as he usually is, and this was where the fun began…

  

The pin took me to a blog called, “Hopes and Dreams” and there was a post about “The List”. This is a list that the author (blogger), JW and his wife Jess were going to post of random things they had conjured up. Jess said, “The idea is to record different parts of my personality for my posterity, and I guess you get to know me better by default.” She also suggested that this list could be something that might be used as a guide for a fun date night. I also thought this could be a fun guide as a conversation between friends, especially newly acquainted friends.

Back to my husband sitting on the couch… I started asking him questions. I thought I knew how he was going to answer – and I even smugly told him so and he quickly told me I was very wrong on some of them. It was kind of late and it was shortly before we were going to turn in for bed. But you can be assured; we will be continuing the conversation. I see this being several conversations! I went to bed with a BIG smile on my face because we were laughing about how we were answering some of the questions and how different we thought each other’s answers were going to be and how after so many years of marriage, we still didn’t completely know everything about each other!!!

I think this would be a great game to play with your kids as well! It would be a great way for your kids to get to know you on a deeper level.

So thank you JW and Jess! Just another way to help us all find happiness and joy in our lives!

Now onto “the list”:

1. List 20 random facts about yourself.
2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.
3. Describe your relationship with your parents.
4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.
5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?
6. What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?
7. What is your dream job, and why?
8. What are 5 passions you have?
9. List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.
10. Describe your most embarrassing moment.
11. Describe 10 pet peeves you have.
12. Describe a typical day in your current life.
13. Describe 5 weaknesses you have.
14. Describe 5 strengths you have.
15. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
16. What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?
17. What is the thing you most wish you were great at?
18. What has been the most difficult thing you have had to forgive?
19. If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
20. Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.
21. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and what would you do with it first?
22. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?
23. List your top 5 hobbies and why you love them.
24. Describe your family dynamic of your childhood vs. your family dynamic now.
25. If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?
26. What popular notion do you think the world has most wrong?
27. What is your favorite part of your body and why?
28. What is your love language?
29. What do you think people misunderstand most about you?
30. List 10 things you would hope to be remembered for.

Hope you have hours of fun answering these questions!

Many hugs,

Cathleen


p.s. If you came from Brain Be Happy Notables, don't forget to go back and read the rest of the newsletter!

A Twist on the Bucket List

Remember the movie The Bucket List with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman? It went like this: Corporate billionaire Edward Cole and working class mechanic Carter Chambers had nothing in common except for their terminal illnesses. While sharing a hospital room together, they decide to leave it and do all the things they have ever wanted to do before they die according to their bucket list. In the process, both of them heal each other, become unlikely friends, and ultimately find joy in life. Since then many people have come up with their own “bucket lists” and in fact, I was involved in a LinkedIN Bucket List that a member on a “TED Group” started. He was trying to make it the world’s largest collaborative bucket list.

But what if we changed the bucket list into something different? What if we made the bucket list into who we want to become vs. what we want to do in life? How would that change things? This was a question that was asked of me this past weekend and I’ve put a lot of thought into it. I’m guessing at this moment you might have some thoughts about this too…

  

Here are some of the things that are on my bucket list of who I want to become (and who I hope I already am). You may have similar wants and you may have additional wants. This is where it gets fun! Not every person is the same and that’s what makes it so interesting! So in the comments section below, I think it would be great fun to hear everyone’s top ideas of who they want to become or already are!

Now on to my list:

Be a GREAT person in all my interpersonal relationships – to me this means being an AMAZING mom, a SUPPORTIVE and LOVING wife, an AWESOME grandma, a daughter parents can be PROUD of, a sister who can be COUNTED ON, and a TRUE friend. Sometimes interpersonal relationships can be tricky and can take a lot of effort on our part. I can remember growing up and thinking my best friend was the most important person in my life to me. We did everything together and nothing could come between us. To this day we are still friends. There was a time during my courtship with my husband where my total focus was on him and nothing and no one else and all other relationships were set aside (I’m embarrassed to say!) As I’ve grown older I’ve found a balance between all my interpersonal relationships. I LOVE the time I spend being a mom! I LOVE the time I have being a wife, a daughter, a GRANDMA, a sibling and a friend! I think it’s important to find the right balance and to make every moment we spend in our interpersonal relationships with all these people count!    

Be a happy and joyful person – I know I’m responsible for my own happiness. This is a job that takes daily effort. Anyone can be happy and joyful, it just takes work. As most of you know I have Bipolar Disorder and I have some days that are better than others, but I have a choice to be happy and joyful or not. It takes effort. Also, I focus on what I’m in control of. There are certain things that are completely out of my control and I need to let those things go. That also helps me with my happiness. Another thing I do is I keep commitments to myself. When I keep commitments to myself, like writing in my journal, keeping my house clean, and being there for my daughters, this empowers me and gives me a feeling of self-worth which increases my happiness. I practice gratitude. I keep a gratitude journal every day. What I’m grateful for grows and this increases my happiness. I live for the present. I don’t dwell on the past and I don’t worry about the future. I LOVE the present and cherish the time I have right now! This increases my joy and happiness. I am secure in who I am. I don’t let others drag me down or let the things that others say about me (if they’re negative) get to me! I like to think of myself as “bulletproof”. My value is infinite and absolute! I view others with kindness. I try to be as loving as I can. When I try to focus on lifting other people up instead of worrying about myself, this increases my happiness. And finally, I try to laugh as much as I can! Laughter is the very best medicine! Norman Cousins who wrote Anatomy of an Illness said “Hearty laughter is a good way to jog internally without having to go outdoors.” So I suggest, laugh as much as you can!

Be a Woman of My Word – I learned a long time ago that it’s important that when you say you’re going to do something, you do it. It hurts when you’re counting on someone to do something for you and they don’t follow through. And for this reason, I have tried, and continue to try to be a woman of my word and do all I can to follow through on what I say I’m going to do and be.

Be Faithful – Sometimes this is the hardest thing in life to be. It takes a lot of faith sometimes when bad things happen to know that everything is going to be okay. But in my life, even after all of the trials, and I’m sure, all of you can say the same, having faith has brought you through, and things end up being okay. So having that never wavering faith, and always remembering that God is not going to give me anything more than I can handle, helps me to hold on.

Be Courageous – in times of pain and trials, to me it’s important to be courageous. My daughter Savannah is the ultimate example of courage. In two weeks she will be having her 27^th surgery. I remember (there are many things I have forgotten because of my TBI), but this I do remember, after her initial brain tumor was resected, it caused hydrocephalus and she was in the hospital and they were trying to get the levels of fluid regulated in her brain and she would get the excruciating headaches. They also had to come and draw blood every few hours and her veins were horrible (she took after me, unfortunately), and they had a horrible time getting blood from her and it seemed like she was in constant pain. I would sing to her the song from Finding Nemo – “Just keep Swimming, Swimming, Swimming… Just keep Swimming, all night long.” and she would sing along and stop crying. It helped her to focus on something else other than the pain… She taught, and to this day teaches me so much about courage. She has been the ultimate example to me!

Those are just some of my “Want to Be” Bucket list items.

Please share your thoughts and your ideas in the section below. I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! And if you’ve come from the Brain Be Happy Notables Newsletter, don’t forget to go back and read the rest of the info!

Many hugs,

Cathleen

A Week of Random Acts of Kindness

This past weekend at church, it was suggested that we have a week where we be involved in random acts of kindness. I LOVE that idea, a whole group of people working together to provide random acts of kindness! Can you imagine how many “feel goods” are going to take place this week?

My friend Mary shared a story of how she had been working on and focusing her time on random acts of kindness. She was at the grocery store during the 5 o’clock rush and she was in the 20-items-or-less check-out counter and the bagger was just talking her leg off and not moving very quickly. People behind her were getting a little annoyed but she just felt like she needed to listen to this man, so she did. She remembered her “random acts of kindness” project she had been working on and listened intently. As soon as he was done bagging her groceries, he said “Thank you so much for listening to me. My wife passed away a few months ago and I’ve been really lonely and haven’t had anyone to listen to me for quite a while. It meant a lot to me that you would listen to me.” Now that didn’t take my friend any money to do. It didn’t take her any excessive amount of time, and it meant the world to this man! You never know how you’re going to make a difference in someone’s life by providing these acts of service.

So today, I’m going to provide you with some ideas of how you might provide some random acts of service. There is also a really great website devoted to “random acts of kindness”. You might want to take a look. It’s www.randomactsofkindness.org.

Say “Good Morning”

Saying hello to someone even if you don’t know them, is a common courtesy. It means you are acknowledging their presence; you are saying that they are a person, too, and that they are important enough for you to say hello to.

Offer a Couple Hours of Free Babysitting to Parents

Many parents of young children can’t afford to go out as much as they like because they don’t have time, or can’t afford the added expense of a babysitter.

Help Someone for Free

It’s easy to put time and effort into tasks if we’re doing them for ourselves or getting paid to do them. But what about doing work for others when you aren’t getting paid? Why not do a job like mowing the lawn, cleaning the house or babysitting for someone, and surprise him or her by not charging?

Give Carepacks to Homeless

There are so many everyday accessories and toiletries we take for granted – toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant.

Hold the Door Open for Someone

Holding the door open for someone is something they just do in old movies, right? Guess again. Holding the door open is a polite and thoughtful act you can easily do for your family, friends and even strangers, every day. Whether you’re at school, the grocery store, at work, or at home, those around you will certainly appreciate your good manners.

Let Someone Go in Line in Front of You

With technology becoming more and more advanced, as a society we get used to doing everything as quick as possible and getting everything we want instantaneously. When we’re caught up in the fast-paced world of today, we often forget to stop to notice those around us. So next time you’re in a hurry in public, slow down and go out of your way to be courteous to everyone around you. When you’re standing in the checkout line, waiting to pay for your food at the grocery store or waiting to order your drink at a coffee shop, offer to let the person behind you go in front of you.

Make a New Friend Today

Introduce yourself to a stranger and strike up a conversation. Or, perhaps there is someone you’ve seen occasionally on the bus or in the neighborhood. Ask them how they’re doing.

Pay the Tab for the Person Behind You

Have you ever experienced kindness for someone you don’t know? Knowing that someone else noticed you can make your day a thousand times better, especially if you’re feeling down. Celebrate those around you by doing random acts of kindness for strangers, just for the sake of making someone else happy. Pay the tab for someone behind you in line at the grocery store, gas station or the drive-through. It doesn’t have to be costly, just friendly.

Write a Letter to Someone Who Made a Difference in Your Life

“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” ~Albert Schweitzer.

Complain Less

If you enjoy the company of someone who’s positive, versus spending time with someone who complains, you’re not alone. You have probably experienced how being around someone who complains all the time can be draining and sometimes downright frustrating. But how often do you, yourself complain? If you find yourself complaining constantly, it can be an extremely hard habit to break. But when you do overcome it, you’ll be surprised at how much happier you and those around you will be.

Forgive Someone

“To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.” ~Lewis B. Smedes

We all make mistakes. The next time someone wrongs you, forgive them without hesitation. Carrying anger and resentment with you is bad for your health and your relationships. Learn to let it go and forgive others. Both you and the one you forgave will benefit from this act of kindness. You will be amazed at how much lighter you feel when you forgive someone!

Make Someone Laugh

You’ve probably heard the saying “Laughter is the best medicine.” Well, there’s a lot of evidence that this saying is actually true.

Those are some of my favorites. Go on over to www.randomactsofkindess.org and check out some other ideas and see some of the stories. Let me know how you create random acts of kindness and how it's made a difference in your life! I'd love to hear all your ideas! 

Many hugs,

Cathleen

p.s. Oh, yeah, if you've come here by way of the newsletter, don’t forget to go back there! There’s some more great info waiting for you!

Be Good to Yourself and Good to Others

For the past year I have been sending out “Happy Healers” to members of my Community of Healing. They are e-mails that I send once a week with random thoughts and suggestions on how to stay happy. Over the past year I have found many blogs and websites that offer many suggestions to keep one happy. Over the year, as I have read these blogs and websites and as I have done my own research, there are two themes that hold true throughout… 1) You must have self-care time and respect for yourself and 2) you need to be good to other people.

So, what are the things that you are doing for yourself each day to keep yourself happy? I know for myself, one of my most favorite things in the world to do for myself is to take time every morning to write in my journal. I spend 30 to 45 minutes writing. I write 2 pages of whatever is on my mind and then the last page is all about gratitude, because I’ve been taught that whatever I’m grateful for grows. I have seen this happen in my life. The more I write about gratitude, the more things I have to write about!

There are many other things that I do throughout the day to keep me happy and to keep my JOY alive, but what about you? What brings you JOY when you’re taking care of yourself?

Now, as for being good to others… There are so many things we can do to help others! Helping others begins with my family. I get up at 5:00 am to help my daughter get ready for school and get her off to school. To me, this IS Joy! I then help my husband get his breakfast before he scoots out the door to work. That too brings me Joy. From there I try throughout my day to be involved in “Random Acts of Kindness”… This always brings me JOY! What about you? What brings you happiness as you help others?

Below is a fun little graphic that I’ve created to give us some ideas about “How we can Scatter Sunshine” to help us live happier and more JOYfilled lives. Click on it and it should open into a new screen so you can see it in a larger view... Leave a comment below and let me know what you’re doing to keep the sunshine burning bright in your lives!

Many hugs,

Cathleen


p.s Don't forget to click back to the e-zine to read the rest of the info! Don't want you to miss out on anything :-)

Love from the Age of 4 to 8

I receive many, many e-mails and today I spent the day weeding through them. I came across this e-mail – and maybe many of you have seen it before, but as far as I can remember (and because my memory doesn’t always serve me so well), I had never seen this and it really touched my heart so I wanted to share it here in Happy Times…

I hope this makes you smile, as it made me smile and I hope it brings joy to you on this beautiful day!

Many hugs,

Cathleen

A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds, 'What does love mean?' The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined. See what you think:

“When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love.” ~Rebecca- age 8

     

“When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.” ~Billy - age 4

“Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other.” ~Karl - age 5

“Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs.” ~Chrissy - age 6

“Love is what makes you smile when you're tired.” ~Terri - age 4

“Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.” ~Danny - age 7

“Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss.” ~Emily - age 8

“Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.” ~Bobby - age 7 (Wow!)

“If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate.” ~Nikka - age 6  (We need a few million more Nikka's on this planet)

“Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it every day.” ~Noelle - age 7

“Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.” ~Tommy - age 6

“During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore.” ~Cindy - age 8

“My mommy loves me more than anybody. You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night.” ~Clare - age 6

“Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.” ~Elaine-age 5

“Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford.” ~Chris - age 7

“Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day.” ~Mary Ann - age 4

“I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones.” ~Lauren - age 4

“When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you.” (What an image!) ~Karen - age 7

“No matter how mad you get at them, you still don't want them to ever leave.” ~Cody - age 6

“You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.”  ~Jessica - age 8

And the final one -- Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once talked about a contest he was asked to judge.

I want to be all of these things to you...

The purpose of the contest was to find the most caring child.

The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife.

Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there.

When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said,

“Nothing, I just helped him cry.”

Attitude

Judith M. Knolton said, “I discovered I always have choices and sometimes it's only a choice of attitude.”

And Charles Swindoll said the following:

“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.

Attitude, to me is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill.

It will make or break a company ...a church ...a home.

The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day.

We cannot change our past ...we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude ... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.  And so it is with you... we are in charge of our attitudes.”

For me, this was a great reminder of where my attitude was for today… This is just something for all of us to think about. Where is your attitude today? Is it where it needs to be? What can you do today to make adjustments in your attitude to live a happier life?

Hugs,

Cathleen

A Small Change, BIG Difference

Sometimes life seems to get away from me and I wonder what in the world has happened. Sometimes my mind gets so full and all I can see is nothing but clutter and then I remember it's all about the simple things in life. So my challenge today is for all of us to take the time to simplify our lives - even if it's just one thing a day - choose something that will make your life a little easier, a little happier, a little lighter. These things are sure to make a BIG difference.

Take a look at your schedule and choose one area where you might spend 15 minutes that will shift your entire day. Here are some ideas:

• Organizing and prioritizing your to-do list the night before.
• Beginning your day with 15 minutes of meditation to connect with your higher power before you begin your workday (for me this is prayer). 
• Spending 15 minutes journaling - I do "daily pages" - a brain dump of everything that's in my head, first thing in the morning to start my day out fresh.
• Sharing an extra fifteen minutes of quality time with your child (even if it's your inner child).
• Scheduling your day with time between events or tasks so that you are not rushed and experiencing the illusion of there's not enough time. 
• Take a power nap - 15 minutes is sometimes all you need.
• Spending time at the end of the day giving thanks for the beautiful day that you've been given, no matter how it's turned out :-). This sets you up for an even better day tomorrow!

Each of these are relatively simple, but can have a lasting impact in your life, career, or relationships as they become a part of your daily life. 


Hugs,
Cathleen

Doors of Happiness

I saw this add today and thought how many times have doors of happiness closed on me or someone I've loved? And then I thought how quickly another door opened up in it's place.


How quickly are we allowing those doors to open up once a door of happiness has closed?


Sometimes, when we're dealing with a mental illness, or a brain injury, as I have experienced, focus isn't always directed toward happiness. Or at least it didn't used to be directed toward happiness for me until I found purpose and passion in my life.


There is a difference in life when we are working toward a goal, toward a dream. For instance, after my brain injury and losing my memory, I was confused and I was in survival mode. I don't know whether I even knew what a goal or a dream even looked like at that point in time. For those caregivers out there who are reading this - it is important to help your loved one to understand that there is more to life than just survival! And for those of you who are going day in and day out just surviving, I want you to know that this is not the way to live! You need to find your passion! You need to figure out what makes you happy!

• Make a list of 20 things that you loved to do as a child. Was it playing in the sand? Was it coloring in coloring books, painting with watercolors, putting puzzles together, playing kick the can with your friends in the street?
• Make a list of 20 things you've never done that you'd like to try. If you can't think of anything, go to NotSoBoringLife.com. They have a few ideas :-)
• Try to think back on a time in your life when you were happy. What were you doing then. Do those things again. For those of you who do have memory loss, like me, get out all the old movies and books you have lying around and watch or read them again. It's a whole new adventure!

I know that when one door of happiness closes, that other door is right around the corner. All we have to do is open it. But we have to be the one opening it. Doors don't open by themselves.

Sending many hugs and lots of love!

Cathleen

Left Brain vs. Right Brain

Okay, so I don't know about the rest of you, but sometimes there is a little battle going on inside my head... For those of you who really know me, you can pick yourselves up off the floor, wipe your eyes from crying hysterically, and settle down. It's not that funny! :-) 

One side of my brain wants things to be so organized and so in order and so on track and so, so, so... And then there's this other side, that just loves it's freedom, it loves the sunshine, the music, the open spaces. It loves anything pretty and colorful.  

Well, today while I was doing research on "brains" and looking for an image of "the brain", this image popped up:

It's perfect!!!!! That's exactly what I feel like every day! So, whoever created this image - thank you! I couldn't find anything that referenced where it came from and then my computer started having problems and I had to restart my computer so I don't even remember how to get back to where I was :-). Can I just say one more time, I love this image! I'm printing it out and putting it up on my mirror, on my desk, by my bed, so I can laugh all day long!!!!

Just one more thought... Today I was looking in my "Happiness Jar" that my darling daughter, Mandy gave me for Christmas and the "stick for the day" said, "Instead of believing in miracles, depend on them". I do depend on miracles. I wake up every morning knowing that the day will be full of miracles. Every breath I take is a miracle! I know it! I thank God every day for each blessed day He has given me!

Here's to many happy thoughts sent virtually across the waves of bliss and joy!

Cathleen

Fostering Happiness

As I was doing my research for my upcoming website, brainbehappy.com (oh, I’m so excited!), I was looking at books that I could include in The Happiness Corner and in The Happy Shop. I found a book that I just absolutely love! It makes me happy just thinking about it!

In Chapter 23 of Happiness for Dummies (by W. Doyle Gentry, PhD) listed are 10 things you can do today to foster happiness in your life:

1. Establish and stick to a morning ritual
2. Eat a healthy diet
3. Exercise
4. Get enough sleep
5. Meditate
6. Make a spiritual connection
7. Be thankful
8. Think and feel with compassion
9. Lend a helping hand
10. Have a sense of humor

I do have a morning ritual. In fact I have several. I am a bit of an obsessive/compulsive; but that’s not all bad J. It helps me to remember where I am and what I’m doing J. One of my favorite rituals is writing in my journal. It’s actually an idea that came from Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way's Basic Tools, called “Morning Pages”. Morning Pages are three pages of longhand, stream of consciousness writing, done first thing in the morning. There is no wrong way to do Morning Pages-- they are not high art. They are about anything and everything that crosses your mind-- and they are for your eyes only. She also suggests an Artist Date. The Artist Date is a once-weekly, festive, solo expedition to explore something that interests you. The Artist Date need not be overtly "artistic"-- think mischief more than mastery. I have yet to explore The Artist Date ~ I’m thinking tomorrow will be my Artist Date with myself!

I’m working on the healthy diet… Exercising not so much… Would love to take more naps (maybe I’ll take a nap tomorrow too!)

Meditation and making a spiritual connection ~ these two go hand in hand for me. My mom taught me many, many years ago (I am getting up there you know), that you should always have a prayer in your heart. My prayers are in my heart, in my song, in my mind, wherever I go. I have a constant conversation with my Heavenly Father. Without the help and aide of my Heavenly Father, I wouldn’t be sitting here today, writing this blog! He has seen me through so many trials and I’ve come out on top, smiling (can you see my smile?). I have so much gratitude in my heart to Him and to my Savior for the LOVE they have for me!

Be thankful! For everything! Be thankful for your trials! They make us stronger. I have a group that I’m working with in “Dream Boogie” with SARK. We call ourselves the Dancing Queens. There is a particular Dancing Queen who I absolutely LOVE who just lifts my spirits every time she e-mails me. She was thanking her “fears” for working so hard to protect her! I loved that! In fact she was so gracious that she sent them all on a vacation! I loved that even more!!! I also keep a gratitude journal. Keeping a list of all the things that I do have keeps me in check!

Think and feel with compassion… I think I do everything compassionately ~ at least I hope I do. My heart is full of compassion for others. That is the main reason I am putting together brainbehappy.com. I want those who are hurting and needing some solace to have a place to come; to be nourished and supported by other and especially by me… Lending a helping hand. Whatever I can do to help someone out ~ well, I would like to be able to do more. I will keep trying on that one…

Have a sense of humor J. You know, when you lose your memory, you have to have a sense of humor! Do you know how many times a day my husband says, “Hey, do you remember…” I just look at him and smile J. I look at it this way: you have a choice; you can laugh or you can cry. Laughter is the best medicine. So crack open those joke books, turn on your favorite comedy. Last night we watched re-runs of I Love Lucy. If that doesn’t make you laugh, nothing will. So find all the opportunities you can to find your sense of humor.

Sending many hugs your way!

Signing off with love,

Cathleen

A Dream Coming True

WOW! I am so excited! It's really happening! I signed up a little over 5 weeks ago for SARK's Dream Boogie e-course and I had no idea what my dream even was and now my dream (oh by the way, I know what it is now), is a real live website!!!

BrainBeHappy.com is set to go live on March 21. The "Coming Soon" page is already active - so go and visit!!! This community is so exciting! As a survivor of several mental disorders, and losing my memory due to some complications from ECT (Electro Convulsive Therapy) Treatments, I felt I had a story to tell and I felt like my experiences would benefit others. I also knew there was a need for a website - a place for the mentally ill and those dealing with complications due to brain trauma to go/come to get information and to meet and get support from one another.

Another element that I wanted this website to have was HAPPINESS! Happiness just makes everything better. So, there is a big part of the website that is devoted to happiness - It's called "The Happiness Corner" I want everyone who visits to leave feeling exuberantly happy and I want them to come back often to get daily doses of happiness :-).

And for those who want a daily dose of happiness, come and visit me here. I know that if we choose to, we can find happiness wherever we look. We can turn any situation, even if it's a bad situation into something that is happy. I speak from experience. A year and a half ago I lost my memory. Some say "Oh that's horrible!" But I like the response I got from one of the sweetest girls I've ever met. She said, "That is so cool! You have a clean slate! I would love to lose my memory! You have nothing to feel guilty about, because you don't remember anything you've ever done!" Ever since that response, I've done nothing but look on the bright side of this experience :-). I still have some trouble with short-term memory loss. It's not all that bad. I can watch a movie in December and forget about it by February. I can watch it again and it's like I'm watching a whole new movie :-) tee-hee...

So that's my crusade... to make people and myself happy. Happy times... let's see how many happy times we can have! Come and visit often. I'd love to hear from you. Tell me your happy thoughts!