just turn off the noise

Are you stressed? Do you find that everywhere you turn, you can't get away from anyone? Do you want to take time out for yourself? Stress can lead to serious problems if you don't do something about it. That's why it is very important to make time for yourself. Many people find the holidays relaxing and others find it stressful because of all the things involved at that time. There are some things you can do as kind of a retreat. Even if you are on a budget and can't jet off to Hawaii, you can turn off the TV and computer, lol. Turn off the lights, light some candles, take a long soak in the tub, and try not to think about anything else. it's also good to keep a journal of things that are happening or even frustrations. Get to "know" yourself-what you want and who you are and where you are going in your life. That may be hard to understand for some. Many people go through the motions of life without stopping to think for themselves. Some call that being in "auto-pilot".
Being an automaton is not any fun. Life was not meant to be that way.

Again getting back on the subject, if you need time for yourself now and then, then make an "appointment". Need one night just to be to yourself? Got kids? Take them to grandma's or to an aunt's for the night. Even a good friend may be willing to look after the kiddies. Some people like to rent a hotel room for the night even if it is five miles from the house. The point is, buy some time out for yourself. You will definately feel better. Sleep a few extra hours in the morning. The majority of people are sleep deprived. My motto is 7-9 hours of sleep a night. Sometimes I get less because I simply cannot fall asleep. This is not easy for busy, career oriented people. But again you need to do this now and then. To sum it up, whatever you do get some extra rest, watch a movie in bed if you must have the TV on. Do something you rarely get a chance to do. You will not regret it!!! Have a happy day to yourself!

Just sort of chillin'

Just sort of chillin' right now. Today I returned to work after a five day holiday weekend. The boss was out so things were not so stressful. I'm going to try hard to make this blog pretty positive. I'll be posting some photography later. I'm learning this new camera. A little bit more features than the other digital camera but I am learning the features. Still. there are some things I just don't get. Look at the Photoshopped pic of me above. I have had this program two years and am still learning how to use it. I have Photoshop Elements: Classroom In a Book. It was the only way to figure out how to use this 80 dollar software. it's tough but sometimes it's fun. I would recommend people buy an additional software book as I mentioned because Photoshop only has basic instructions!

Rebuttals against negative thinking

Food for thought...though it seems to be harder than it looks.


“Some people think/treat me like I am stupid”


You are not stupid. You make choices in life that stupid people won’t make. Also stupid people don’t commit to things that you might commit to-so who’s really stupid?

If you look at reality the very people that treat you stupid or dumb are the ones who are really blind. The fact that they believe that somebody else is stupid or dumb without getting to know them are pretty much in the dark.

Besides even if they know something you don’t know, it does not make you dumb or stupid. Nobody can know everything and you know things they don’t know. It’s not all about them and what they know. All men were made equal. There is no one living on the earth that is superior or higher in worth to you.




“People don’t like me because I am quiet.”


Not all people will like you whether you are quiet or not. A lot of friendly people are disliked by others and yet have people that like them as well. It’s better to have one or two special friends that like you, than none at all. Those people are genuine and worthwhile-the people who dislike you are not worth your time.



“I can’t do anything right.”


Yes you can! You are just looking at too many of the times you may have made a mistake. People seem to recall only the mistakes and not the times they were successful. Write down a list of every possible good thing that has happened to you or that you were good at. Don't leave out anything no matter how small!




“What if I embarrass myself?”


So? Everyone gets embarrassed from time to time. You are harder on yourself than anyone would ever be. The way you might condemn yourself to embarrassment and failure is much more extreme than anyone else would actually have done to you.



What are they thinking of me?”


Not what you are thinking, obviously, since no two people think the exact same thought. People perceive things differently. They don’t care to judge you when their mind is elsewhere. Even an occasional dirty look from somebody else may or may not be a critic of you. Even if it is, they certainly have the problem. How can anyone hate a book that they haven’t read?


“She/he looks better than me. I’m not good enough.”

Looks have nothing to do with intelligence or worth. Not all good looking people are smarter, wiser, or more experienced than a “less than perfect” person. Some of the greatest famous people and historians were quite unattractive-at least in many peoples’ minds. Einstein wasn’t exactly a hunk but he was smart.




“I’m depressed today. Life is hopeless and it won’t change.”

Yes, it will and your mood will change. There will be better days and at times you may feel so good your problems seem to shrink. For those with severe depression, a doctor can help you get better and with such things as CBT and meds. You will find ways to manage your moods and to take steps to counter negative with positive.

Morecambe and Wise once sang 'Positive Thinking'