Photo by Linnell Chang
Do you long for the bright sunny days of spring? Winter doldrums affect many of us and require us to find ways to recharge our batteries and to uplift our moods. When you find those seasonal “blahs” taking over, try to live in the present and try to find something for which you are grateful. There’s always something to be grateful for – for starters, you’re alive!
#1 – Soothing Music
In the early morning hours when the house is quiet and still, I like to listen to soothing music while I sip my first cup of tea and gaze out my kitchen window. The music replays in my head all day long and sets a calming beat for my heart. Here’s a lovely piece of music that’s perfect for those quiet times. Hope you enjoy Nibanmenoai by Park Joung Won and, if not, do select something more suitable for your heartbeat, one that kicks off your day just the way you want.
#2 – Lessons For Your Memory
On my list of New Year’s resolutions is a category titled “Things I Want to Learn.” Among the things I want to do, learn, or re-learn: how to knit something other than a scarf; try to brush up on my conversational French; play one of my favorite songs on the piano from beginning to end; learn to use my new camera proficiently; learn more silver-smithing techniques; continue taking ballroom dancing lessons. A Fox News article lists 9 Tricks to Improve Your Memory and one of those tricks is to learn something new. If I accomplish all on my list, my memory should be in good shape. Here are the 9 specific tricks, but do your brain a favor and read the whole article:
1. Change your font
2. Learn ballroom dancing
3. Switch hands
4. Take breaks
5. Write by hand
6. Play a computer game
7. Distract yourself
8. Meditate mindfully
9. Read out loud
#3 – Three Breaths Meditation
Whether you’re wanting to start your day calm and fresh or you want to de-stress, try doing a quick “Three Breaths Meditation.” Zen Master Mary Jaksch leads you through the basics in this short video. If you’re feeling “droopy, exhausted, dry, joyless, irritated or anxious,” she also has a post worth reading for those people who are suffering from spiritual fatigue.
#4 – The Power of Beautiful Photos
Like a soulful song, beautiful and inspirational images stick in my head and help boost my mood. Here’s a series of stunning photos, one of which will surely catch your attention and brighten your spirits.
#5 – Candle of Joy
“Remember to light the candle of joy daily and all the gloom will disappear from your life.”
Djwhal Khul
Maintain your sunny outlook all weekend long!
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White Chocolate Popcorn, anyone? This and other tasty edible gifts can be found via links from the blog 
One step out of the front door, one downward dour look, and one step back into the house – I could tell that no amount of coaxing was going to persuade my 14-year-old dog to go for a walk in the rain. Inside, he looked at me with pleading old eyes, as if to say, “I’m not going outside, Mom. The rain is one thing, but this silly raincoat is another! How embarrassing to be seen like this!” Even though I thought he looked cute, I relented and we headed to the backyard instead.
Humans and dogs share a special bond. This series of photos titled, 
Seeing this photo of a 
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When we truly open our eyes to the world around us, we take down our blinders and open our hearts, too. It’s been awhile since I’ve posted about random acts of kindness, so when I saw these 
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What about this? 
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