A New Year's resolution is a ritual of hope that can provide us with the opportunity to evaluate progress with our life goals or personal growth. Unfortunately, many of us will try to begin a resolution on January 1st when we are still eating unhealthy and are transitioning back into our regular routine. Eighty percent of people who try and begin their resolution on January 1st will fail to follow through with it by January 31st. If the resolution is focused on health and fitness goals, 90% will have quit by January 15th.
Change involves sacrifice, motivation and willpower. Don't focus on your past failures in 2010. That can overwhelm your thoughts with negativity of debt accrued, pounds that were gained or relationships that failed. Begin by reviewing the positive aspects of your life. Think about things that you are proud of, what you are grateful for and how you have helped others in your life.
Babysteps
Start your resolution with small significant changes and build on each small success you experience. Set a goal to have a new experience every month this year. It can be as simple as going to a new restaurant each month, reading a book, taking a class or volunteering for a charity. Success with a simple goal will help to build confidence when pursuing a more difficult one. Reward yourself for each success. It doesn't matter how long it takes for you to reach your goal as long as you continue to make progress.
Face your fears in 2011. You will become whatever your choices are, so be fearless this year. Each day you will get closer to obtaining your goal when you begin to waiver on your resolution use your support system to help you persevere. "You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face." Eleanor Roosevelt
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Media safety for children
Television has been a part of our culture now for 75 years and video games have been available for the last 30 years. The media has had a huge influence on our children and finding options that are suitable for the whole family are sometimes difficult to obtain. Rating the different media options has helped parents monitor age appropriate materials that their children are exposed to. G-rated films generally are the most suitable for the whole family. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents continue to closely monitor what their children watch.
Influence of entertainment mediums
Entertainment mediums rarely show the consequences of unsafe behaviors. This can desensitize children to the real consequences of making unsafe choices. A study published in the February 2010 issue of Pediatrics reported that half the scenes in G-rated and PG-rated movies from 2003-2007 involved children in an unsafe predicament. The study noted the improvement movies have made with displaying the preventive safety practices of wearing seatbelts, using crosswalks, wearing helmets while riding bikes, and using flotation devices when swimming. Children often imitate what they see on television, movies and video games so this has been a positive influential change. The researchers concluded by stating parents should continue to discuss unsafe practices that their children watch and to practice safer behaviors.
Video games have also been known to influence children in making unsafe choices. Aggressive behaviors have been associated to the amount of time children are allowed to play video games. (Walsh 2000) The interactive quality of video games differs from passive viewing of television or a movie because it allows players to become active participants in the violent act. They are then rewarded by being allowed to move up to the next level which will reinforce the behavior. Knowing the ratings and monitoring the set time limits of how often and how long your children play the game can help decrease any potential negative effects.
Despite improvements there are still too many dangerous activities depicted in movies and video games. Injuries to children can be substantially reduced if proper safety recommendations are followed on all items purchased for children. Learning from the circumstances surrounding an accident and taking the opportunity to prevent them in the future will help to keep all children safe.
Influence of entertainment mediums
Entertainment mediums rarely show the consequences of unsafe behaviors. This can desensitize children to the real consequences of making unsafe choices. A study published in the February 2010 issue of Pediatrics reported that half the scenes in G-rated and PG-rated movies from 2003-2007 involved children in an unsafe predicament. The study noted the improvement movies have made with displaying the preventive safety practices of wearing seatbelts, using crosswalks, wearing helmets while riding bikes, and using flotation devices when swimming. Children often imitate what they see on television, movies and video games so this has been a positive influential change. The researchers concluded by stating parents should continue to discuss unsafe practices that their children watch and to practice safer behaviors.
Video games have also been known to influence children in making unsafe choices. Aggressive behaviors have been associated to the amount of time children are allowed to play video games. (Walsh 2000) The interactive quality of video games differs from passive viewing of television or a movie because it allows players to become active participants in the violent act. They are then rewarded by being allowed to move up to the next level which will reinforce the behavior. Knowing the ratings and monitoring the set time limits of how often and how long your children play the game can help decrease any potential negative effects.
Despite improvements there are still too many dangerous activities depicted in movies and video games. Injuries to children can be substantially reduced if proper safety recommendations are followed on all items purchased for children. Learning from the circumstances surrounding an accident and taking the opportunity to prevent them in the future will help to keep all children safe.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Clear out the 'muck' in 2011
After storing the holiday decorations for another year, you may have promised yourself to clean out the clutter in your basement, attics, closets and home offices. If you are a recovering "clutter bug" and have difficulty determining what items you should keep or toss you might want to read the advice of this expert. Author Kathi Burns CPO wrote How to Master Your Muck! Get Organized, Add Space to Your Life, Live Your Purpose! She defines muck as "anything that keeps you limited, unproductive, unsuccessful or unfulfilled."
Simplify
Author Ciji Ware of Rightsizing Your Life: Simplifying Your Surroundings While Keeping What Matters Most wants us to follow the 80/20 rule. She states that you can safely let go of 80 percent of the papers that you've kept over the years. You can often find what information you need more quickly on the internet. It is faster and doesn't create any clutter. Both authors believe it's not just about clearing out the clutter but clarifying your life. Muck has been known to assault the human spirit by stealing your energy and creativity. It can clutter your home and office as well as your mind and your life. Growth requires space in your mind, body and spirit. Muck or clutter can hinder that growth.
Change
Today workers in the United States spend six weeks a year looking for important documents. Employees waste 55 minutes daily looking for lost office supplies. Staff members can send and receive over 190 emails daily. Determine what muck you need to remove from your life. Small changes can energize you and bring clarity to your life. You will feel that your life is more manageable and your surroundings will reflect more of the individual that you are. Remove the muck from your life for a new perspective on life.
Simplify
Author Ciji Ware of Rightsizing Your Life: Simplifying Your Surroundings While Keeping What Matters Most wants us to follow the 80/20 rule. She states that you can safely let go of 80 percent of the papers that you've kept over the years. You can often find what information you need more quickly on the internet. It is faster and doesn't create any clutter. Both authors believe it's not just about clearing out the clutter but clarifying your life. Muck has been known to assault the human spirit by stealing your energy and creativity. It can clutter your home and office as well as your mind and your life. Growth requires space in your mind, body and spirit. Muck or clutter can hinder that growth.
Change
Today workers in the United States spend six weeks a year looking for important documents. Employees waste 55 minutes daily looking for lost office supplies. Staff members can send and receive over 190 emails daily. Determine what muck you need to remove from your life. Small changes can energize you and bring clarity to your life. You will feel that your life is more manageable and your surroundings will reflect more of the individual that you are. Remove the muck from your life for a new perspective on life.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Teaching your children about empathy
Webster defines empathy as "intellectual or emotional identification with another." Developing this emotional intelligence is another skill that some children seem to have a natural insight to when thinking of other people's feelings. Then there are children who have difficulty seeing outside themselves.
On the news we see sports celebrities, politicians and other role models displaying aggression for status or power when in the spotlight. This pattern seems to be a common occurrence when people speak without thought and later extend an insincere apology for their behavior.
Learning empathy
Dr. June Tierney a psychologist at George Mason University explains that the key is going beyond mere words to actually making amends. He wrote: "Both children and adults can be surprisingly clueless about whether and how to make things right. Little kids are overwhelmed by the spilled mess of milk on the floor. Parents can teach and support them to say 'I'm sorry' and to clean it up, maybe leaving the kitchen a little cleaner than it was before."
If you see your child doing something thoughtless or cruel, let them know right away that you do not feel that was an appropriate response. This will help them to understand that their words and actions have the power to insult and hurt other people. Be honest and firm about the behavior without belittling the child. Then take the opportunity to teach them the appropriate response when apologizing for their behavior. We all make mistakes and hurt people unintentionally at times. Modeling empathy and sincere apologies in your daily life will be the best way for your children to learn how to be kind and think of other people's feelings.
On the news we see sports celebrities, politicians and other role models displaying aggression for status or power when in the spotlight. This pattern seems to be a common occurrence when people speak without thought and later extend an insincere apology for their behavior.
Learning empathy
Dr. June Tierney a psychologist at George Mason University explains that the key is going beyond mere words to actually making amends. He wrote: "Both children and adults can be surprisingly clueless about whether and how to make things right. Little kids are overwhelmed by the spilled mess of milk on the floor. Parents can teach and support them to say 'I'm sorry' and to clean it up, maybe leaving the kitchen a little cleaner than it was before."
If you see your child doing something thoughtless or cruel, let them know right away that you do not feel that was an appropriate response. This will help them to understand that their words and actions have the power to insult and hurt other people. Be honest and firm about the behavior without belittling the child. Then take the opportunity to teach them the appropriate response when apologizing for their behavior. We all make mistakes and hurt people unintentionally at times. Modeling empathy and sincere apologies in your daily life will be the best way for your children to learn how to be kind and think of other people's feelings.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
A New Year brings new opportunities
A New Year brings a time of reflection and also a vision of hope. When you review your past successes and errors it can help you determine how to move forward and create the life you envision for yourself. The possibilities are endless as long as you believe in yourself and are motivated to make the necessary changes needed.
Create change
Studies are reporting that it takes 30 days of consistency to change behavioral patterns. This is a difficult, time consuming process for some individuals. Novelist Arnold Bennett states "Any change, even change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts." So if you find change difficult to handle, you are not alone. Change is the only constant that we have in life so it is better to learn how to use it to your advantage.
First30Days is an organization that has outlined several principles to overcome the obstacles of change. First, change your point of view. A positive outlook can motivate you to view the situation from different perspectives. Recognize that you are a stronger than you think and that something good will usually evolve from those challenges associated with change. Accept the process of change, as resistance is usually wasted energy. Remember, that negative thoughts will hinder your progress and you are the only one that can control what you think and feel.
Choices
Life is a gift that we may cherish or waste. If you are unhappy with your present situation take the steps to change it. You only have control of yourself. Do not wait for your spouse, boss, children or family to change. It will never happen unless they decide to make the changes themselves. What you need to realize is that your happiness lies within yourself, not upon others. Create the life you want and the joy will follow.
Create change
Studies are reporting that it takes 30 days of consistency to change behavioral patterns. This is a difficult, time consuming process for some individuals. Novelist Arnold Bennett states "Any change, even change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts." So if you find change difficult to handle, you are not alone. Change is the only constant that we have in life so it is better to learn how to use it to your advantage.
First30Days is an organization that has outlined several principles to overcome the obstacles of change. First, change your point of view. A positive outlook can motivate you to view the situation from different perspectives. Recognize that you are a stronger than you think and that something good will usually evolve from those challenges associated with change. Accept the process of change, as resistance is usually wasted energy. Remember, that negative thoughts will hinder your progress and you are the only one that can control what you think and feel.
Choices
Life is a gift that we may cherish or waste. If you are unhappy with your present situation take the steps to change it. You only have control of yourself. Do not wait for your spouse, boss, children or family to change. It will never happen unless they decide to make the changes themselves. What you need to realize is that your happiness lies within yourself, not upon others. Create the life you want and the joy will follow.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Helping others during the holiday season
During this time of year the needs of other people are highly publicized on the news. It lets the general public know that there are many families in the community that need our assistance to survive the winter and holiday season. Volunteering your family through your church, school or non-profit organization is a wonderful way to have your family look outside themselves. Families that volunteer together learn how to work as a team as they share the spirit of caring and giving to others. It can also help families to develop better interpersonal communication skills within their family system which strengthens relationships.
Other benefits
The Independent Sector study (1996) reports that children who volunteer do better in school, feel more positive about themselves, and avoid risky behaviors like drugs and alcohol. It can help them develop career goals, learn how to respect others and understand people who are different. Children that have participated in service activities are more likely to vote, have a positive work ethic, and live a socially responsible life. Helping others less fortunate this holiday season can make a difference in your community. It can also make a lifelong impression on your children and family as you work together to help make your community a better place to live.
Other benefits
The Independent Sector study (1996) reports that children who volunteer do better in school, feel more positive about themselves, and avoid risky behaviors like drugs and alcohol. It can help them develop career goals, learn how to respect others and understand people who are different. Children that have participated in service activities are more likely to vote, have a positive work ethic, and live a socially responsible life. Helping others less fortunate this holiday season can make a difference in your community. It can also make a lifelong impression on your children and family as you work together to help make your community a better place to live.
Thursday, December 02, 2010
Blending holiday traditions
The United States is referred to as the "melting pot" nation where all immigrants and their traditions have blended over the centuries. Traditions that your family looks forward to each holiday are originally from different cultures around the world. The Christmas carols we sing are from England. The tradition of decorating the tree is from Germany and St. Nicholas originated in Scandinavia. The Netherlands expanded on the myth to have St. Nicholas or Santa Claus fill the stocking hanging over the fireplace. The United States extended the story by adding the sleigh and eight tiny reindeer.
Blending family traditions
Determing how to celebrate the holidays for divorced or blended families can become difficult with schedule conflicts and trying to combine the traditions that were important to their nuclear family. There are many solutions to the problem if everyone is willing to compromise and experience new traditions. Communicate with non-custodial parents to make sure the children are present for the festivities that are important to them. Try to be flexible and alternate the schedules when possible. Discuss how change can be a positive event when blending your favorite traditions.
Blending family traditions can be a challenging but rewarding experience. When all the changes become overwhelming, try to focus on the reason for the Christmas season. You are not competing with each other but explaining the importance of how your family customs are celebrated. Traditions are about building special memories so that one day your family rituals will be passed on to future generations. Acceptance and acknowledging what is really important to the special people in your life will create the holiday you will all want to remember.
Blending family traditions
Determing how to celebrate the holidays for divorced or blended families can become difficult with schedule conflicts and trying to combine the traditions that were important to their nuclear family. There are many solutions to the problem if everyone is willing to compromise and experience new traditions. Communicate with non-custodial parents to make sure the children are present for the festivities that are important to them. Try to be flexible and alternate the schedules when possible. Discuss how change can be a positive event when blending your favorite traditions.
Blending family traditions can be a challenging but rewarding experience. When all the changes become overwhelming, try to focus on the reason for the Christmas season. You are not competing with each other but explaining the importance of how your family customs are celebrated. Traditions are about building special memories so that one day your family rituals will be passed on to future generations. Acceptance and acknowledging what is really important to the special people in your life will create the holiday you will all want to remember.
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