Mental Health Awareness
One in four adults in the US will suffer from some form of a mental health issue in his or her lifetime.
This is an amazingly high number, don't you think? So with so many adults coping with this issue, this does not even touch on children and teens, why is mental health treatment something we keep a secret or try to avoid? Why do we judge others negatively that are receiving treatment? When we see someone on the street talking to themselves, why do we label them as 'crazy'?
According to the Mayo Clinic, mental illness refers to a wide range of mental health conditions — disorders that affect your mood, thinking and behavior. Examples of mental illness include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders and addictive behaviors.
Many people have mental health concerns from time to time. But a mental health concern becomes a mental illness when signs and symptoms cause frequent stress and affect your ability to function. A mental illness can make you miserable and can cause problems in your daily life, such as at work or in relationships. In most cases, mental illness symptoms can be managed with a combination of medications and counseling (psychotherapy).
In support of May being Mental Health Awareness Month, let's all help to reduce the stigma attached to mental health issues and be supportive to those hoping to or actively receiving treatment.
May is Mental Health Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time for people to learn more about mental health conditions and seek out help for them.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, mental health concerns affect 1 in 10 Americans today, but fewer than 25 percent of people with a diagnosable mental disorder seek treatment. Mental Health Awareness Month hopes to help increase the number of people who will talk to their doctor or a mental health professional about their concern. To read more of this article, click here: http://psychcentral.com/news/2011/05/14/may-is-mental-health-month/26193.html
Slow down...
To be in your children's memories tomorrow.... you have to be in their lives today
It is so easy to get wrapped up in the to-do lists, the frantic schedules and carpools that we hustle from one point to another and before we know it our kids are grown up and we're standing there wondering where all the time went. Attempt to slow down and be present in the moments you have with your children. Ignore or silence your phones; e-mail can wait; the laundry will still be there tomorrow...all of these mundane tasks sometimes take precedence in our minds and we need to get back on track and spend the time we can with our children really listening to what they have to say and enjoying who they are.
We hope you and your loved ones had a memorable Mother's Day weekend.
Give Mother's Love
If any of you have forgotten, Sunday, May 13th is Mother's Day. Mother's Day is celebrated with lot of enthusiasm in over 46 countries across the globe. To understand this holiday and what it really means, you need to understand the person in your life called Mother. This is the day to stop, remember, and pray for that special person in our life.
Below are some quotes about mother's you may enjoy reading or would like to pass along.
"A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie."
~ Tenneva Jordan
"A suburban mother's role is to deliver children obstetrically once, and by car forever after."
~ Peter De Vries
"All mothers are working mothers."
~ Author Unknown
"A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials, heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine, desert us when troubles thicken around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavour by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts."
~ Washington Irvin
"Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother."
~ Oprah Winfrey
A Mother's Love
by DisturbedMind
A mother's love
Is always true
It's all you need
To get you through
A mother's love
Can seem like hate
She's only tough
To keep you safe
A mother's love
Is always there
In simple ways
She'll show she cares
A mother's love
Can never compare
With anyone else's
Anywhere
A mother's love
Is here to stay
I love you, mom
Happy Mother's Day!
To all the Mother's, Grandmothers, and Caregiving Women out there, NOVO wishes you joy on this celebrated day that is recognized specially for you!
Quote of the Day
"Set your goals high, and don't stop till you get there."
~ Bo Jackson
Quote of the Day
"The groundwork of all happiness is good health."
~ Leigh Hunt
Quote of the Day
"True enjoyment comes from activity of the mind and exercise of the body; the two are ever united."
~ Humboldt
Happy Friday from all of us at NOVO!
Come out and see us today!
Today is the first scheduled Children's Health and Wellness Fair where you can go and gather information on what's new and available for your child's health. NOVO will have a table with an abundance of information on all of our services and you will also have the opportunity to meet a few of NOVO's team members, Becky Gosain, MA, LCPC and Sue Underhill, MA, LPC.
Make your families health and wellness a priority today!
For details on today's event: 2012 Childrens Health.docx
Quote of the Day
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit."
~ Aristotle
Quote of the Day
"The art of living consists in being completely sensitive to each moment, in regarding it as utterly new and unique."
~ Alan Watts
This quote is such a great reminder to pay attention to the moments in your day. In today's society, there are so many distractions between our cell phones constantly bleeping reminders or text messages to us to our frantic schedules to be two places at once. If you have ever found yourself driving in your car and then found that you were home but didn't remember the drive there, your mind is not in the present moment and you have possibly missed out on a unique experience. As you start your weekend, test this quote out, maybe not every single moment of the weekend, but more than once.
Your child's Health & Wellness
Being responsible for a child's health and wellness is an enormous responsibility. It is difficult for a parent to always know where to turn for the best source of information for their childs health, nutrition, education, and even entertainment. NOVO: Renewing Joy in Life, LLC will be attending a wonderful event that will address all of these topics for parents/guardians of children in the area on May 2 and 16, 2012. Come out and see us and gather valuable information on your child's health and wellness.
For more information: 2012 Childrens Health.docx
Earth Day!
In light of Sunday, April 22, 2012 being Earth Day, we would like to know how you recognized this widely celebrated day. Did you attend any Earth Day events or celebrations? Did you make a conscious effort to change one action in your day to benefit the Earth? There are so many little things that each of us can do that add up to a big difference in the long run. Our favorite "Green Queen" is Sophie Uliano, author of Gorgeously Green. She is a wonderful source of information on the many "green" actions that you can take that fit your life and daily routines to benefit not only the Earth but your health and wellness, too. Check out her website at www.gorgeouslygreen.com to explore a plethora of valuable information that will benefit your health, body, and mind and renew the joy in your life!
Quote of the Day
"Look at life through the windshield, not the rear-view mirror."
~ Byrd Baggett
What are Stressdots?
Stressdots are a valuable biofeedback tool; a fun way to keep your stress in check and... STAY HEALTHY!
Place the Stressdots on your hand. When your stress level increases, the Stressdots changes color. When you see the color change, you can practice a relaxation technique to relieve the stress -- and help keep yourself healthy!
Join us for our Open House on May 31, 2012 and try one out.
~ ANNOUNCEMENT ~
NOVO Open House is scheduled for May 31, 2012 from 4-7 p.m.
104 S 2nd Avenue, Saint Charles, IL 60174
Come take a tour of our new facility, enjoy drinks and appetizers, and meet our amazing staff.
Don't miss this opportunity to see 'NOVO House'! We hope to see you there.
Quote of the Day
"All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better."
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Quote of the Day
"Few things in the world are more powerful than a positive push. A smile. A word of optimism and hope. A “you can do it” when things are tough."
~ Richard M DeVos
Quote of the Day
"In the long run the pessimist may be proved right, but the optimist has a better time on the trip."
~ Daniel L. Reardon
The Neglect of Mental Illness...
A recently published article brought much needed attention to the fact that there is a remarkably high number of people in our society that suffer from depression, anxiety disorders or other mental health ailments at some point in their lives that go untreated. It's titled:
The Neglect of Mental Illness Exacts a Huge Toll, Human and Economic
By letting mental afflictions go untreated, we consign millions of Americans to misery and put a drag on our economy
Click on the link below to read the full article.
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=a-neglect-of-mental-illness
Quote of the Day
"Optimist: Person who travels on nothing from nowhere to happiness."
~ Mark Twain
Quote of the Day
"When you wholeheartedly adopt a “with all your heart” attitude and go out with the positive principle, you can do incredible things."
~ Norman Vincent Peale
Quote of the Day
"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope or confidence."
~ Helen Keller
Quote of the Day
"I am an optimist. It does not seem too much use being anything else. "
~ Winston Churchill
Quote of the Day
"Do all the negative, self-limiting thoughts come to the forefront and stop you in your tracks? You must learn to change these self-imposed limitations that are preventing you from reaching your potential."
~ Anita Foley
Quote of the Day
"We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world."
~ Buddha
Quote of the Day
"The World is what we think it is. If we can change our thoughts, we can change the world."
~ H.M. Tomlinson
Quote of the Day
"Adopting the right attitude can convert a negative stress into a positive one."
~ Dr Hans Selye
Quote of the Day
"That’s my gift. I let that negativity roll off me like water off a duck’s back. If it’s not positive, I didn’t hear it. If you can overcome that, fights are easy."
~ George Foreman
Quote of the Day
"Happiness depends on how you balance your life’s equations between positive and negative experiences and attitudes."
~ Anon
Quote of the Day
"The positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible."
~ Author Unknown
Quote of the Day
"Success is a state of mind. If you want success, start thinking of yourself as a success."
~ Dr. Joyce Brothers
Quote of the Day
"Every day may not be good, but there’s something good in every day."
~ Unknown
Quote of the Day
"Work joyfully and peacefully, knowing that right thoughts and right efforts will inevitably bring about right results."
~ James Allen
Quote of the Day
"Attitudes are contagious. Are yours worth catching?"
~ Dennis and Wendy Mannering
Quote of the Day
This is your world.
Shape it or someone else will.
~ Gary Lew
WE'VE MOVED!
NOVO: Renewing Joy in Life, LLC is excited to announce we have moved from our office in Geneva to our NEW location at
104 S. 2nd Avenue in Saint Charles, IL.
Come by and check it out!
Quote of the Day
"Make each day of the week like Friday and your life will take on new enthusiasm."
~ Byron Pulsifer
Quote of the Day
"The person who goes farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare. The sure-thing boat never gets far from shore."
~ Dale Carnegie
Quote of the Day
"Well done is better than well said. "
~ Benjamin Franklin
Quote of the Day
I respect and protect my body because my health is important to me.
~ Louise L. Hay
Quote of the Day
As I love and approve of myself and others, my life gets better and better.
~ Louise L. Hay
Quote of the Day
Heartfelt words to pass along to your loved ones:
"If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day so I never have to live without you."
~ A. A. Milne
Happy Valentine's Day from NOVO:Renewing Joy in Life
Quote of the Day
"I don't understand why Cupid was chosen to represent Valentine's Day. When I think about romance, the last thing on my mind is a short, chubby toddler coming at me with a weapon."
~Author Unknown
Quote of the Day
"If you have only one smile in you give it to the people you love."
~ Maya Angelou
Emotional Balance & Good Nutrition
The Connection ~ Part V
By Judy Thomas, LCSW
When choosing a supplement, keep in mind that not all supplements are created equal. When choosing a vitamin supplement look for a seal of approval from the Unites States Pharmacopeia (USP), NSF International, Natural Products Association or ConsumerLab.com. This indicates that it has been tested and includes the nutrients listed in the amounts listed. This can also give you some confidence that the pill will dissolve before exiting your system. For fish oil supplements, the possibility of contaminants makes it doubly important to check that testing has been done to ensure purity.
Good emotional health starts with good physical health.
Making sure your body has what it needs does not have to be a time consuming
process and is well worth the effort. It is also mandatory for maintaining
emotional health.
Emotional Balance & Good Nutrition
The Connection ~ Part IV
By Judy Thomas, LCSW
When considering the effect of fats, it is important to remember that most fats and oils are made up of a mix of different fatty acids and it is this mix that is important. A detailed discussion of all the fatty acids is beyond the scope of this article so we will focus on the two essential fatty acids that appear to have the greatest impact on health and mood. These are omega 3 (alpha-linolenic) and omega 6 (linoleic) fatty acids. They are called essential fatty acids because they can not be created within our bodies. A proper balance is key.
There have been recently published studies indicating a link between mood disorders and low levels of omega 3 fatty acids, with improvement in mood correlated with supplementation. This does not prove causation but the statistically significant correlation between higher levels of omega 3 fatty acids and improved mood make it a promising target.
Dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids include flax-seed, hemp, canola, walnut and fish oils. Ways to increase dietary consumption include switching the type of oil you use in salad dressings, adding flax-seed or hemp seed to dishes, changing the oils used in cooking, eating more cold water seafood and taking fish oil supplements. Increases in seafood consumption should be moderated due to the widespread contamination present in most seafood these days.
CHECK BACK ON MONDAY TO READ PART V
Emotional Balance & Good Nutrition
The Connection ~ Part III
By Judy Thomas, LCSW
The B vitamins are another nutritional landmine that can wreck your mood. Low levels have been correlated with depression and anxiety in a significant number of studies. Unlike the fat soluble vitamin D, the B vitamins are water soluble making daily intake more important. Add to that the many substances that destroy them; including alcohol, nicotine, caffeine and refined sugars, and it is no wonder that many people have chronically low levels of these important nutrients.
Most data published on the internet focuses on B6 and B12 but this is only part of the picture. The brain uses all the B vitamins in the creation of neurotransmitters and neuron health making it important to maintain adequate levels of all the B vitamins. A deficiency in one can actually mask deficiencies in others.
As always, the best way to get your daily dose of B vitamins is from the foods you eat. This can necessitate a bit of planning if you want to get them all as foods that are good for one may not have much of the others. In general, unprocessed foods including meats, whole grains, beans, brewer's yeast, tempeh, and molasses are good sources. When diet alone is not enough, daily supplementation with a B-complex can provide noticeable benefit. For severe deficiencies, your doctor can provide injections.
A third important area where modern convenience is damaging our nutritional balance is in the area of fats. The message pushed in the media has been fats=bad which is very misleading. The body needs fats for cellular repair and to facilitate the use of many nutrients. The brain itself is 60% fat in the form of the myelin sheath that insulates neurons and glial cells. Not all fats are created equal and, unfortunately for us, the ones most common in a modern diet are the worst for us.
CHECK BACK ON FRIDAY TO READ PART IV
Emotional Balance & Good Nutrition
The Connection ~ Part II
By Judy Thomas, LCSW
There have been a handful of scientific studies showing a link between low Vitamin D levels and mood disturbance, particularly mild depression, with the strongest data available focused on Seasonal Affective Disorder. An abundance of anecdotal evidence is available as testing for Vitamin D deficiency is becoming more common with increased awareness of the connection between low serum levels of vitamin D and serious physical illnesses. An increasing number of individuals are reporting that when they were put on Vitamin D supplements, their mood improved.
The best way to increase levels of Vitamin D are to get adequate sun exposure. The recommendation from The National Institute of Health website is 10-30 minutes per day in direct sunlight to the face, arms, legs, and back without sunscreen, twice a week. Very nice when you can get it! When this is not an option, the judicious use of nutritional supplements can help.
There are two forms of vitamin D available in supplement form, D2 and D3, with no studies showing a discernible difference between the two. That being said, the D3 form is reportedly more easily utilized by the body and is specifically mentioned in the more rigorous studies. A few seconds to read the label is a very good investment.
CHECK BACK WEDNESDAY TO READ PART III
Emotional Balance & Good Nutrition
The Connection ~ Part I
By Judy Thomas, LCSW
In the current stressful environment, it is easy to lose sight of our health needs. This produces a double whammy, as higher stress levels put greater demands on all of our body systems. One area where we can make a big difference without a big investment in time is by appropriate use of nutritional supplements. Adequate levels of vitamin D, the B vitamins, and healthy fats can be the difference between feeling great or coping with chronic feelings of depression and anxiety.
If you are like most people, you spend a lot of your day indoors. This deprives the body of its primary source of vitamin D, which is created by the body when our skin is exposed to sunlight. This deprivation is compounded by overuse of sunblock and living in an area with shorter days, more cloud cover or smog. As a result, many people are suffering from a deficiency of vitamin D and paying the consequences in poorer physical health and chronic feelings of depressed mood, anxiety and chronic fatigue.
There are very few food sources of vitamin D. According to the International Food Information Council, natural sources are fatty fish, such as mackerel, sardines, salmon, cod liver and oysters. The recommended intake (RI) of vitamin D, as set by the Food and Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine, is 5 mcg, or 200 IU, until the age of 50. At 50, the RI doubles to 10 mcg daily, or 400 IU. One tablespoon of cod liver oil delivers 1,360 IU, or 340 percent of the RI. This is by far the best dietary source of vitamin D. By contrast, 3.5 oz of salmon or mackerel contains 90 percent of the RI. Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/22240-foods-containing-vitamin-d/#ixzz1kfvZOnmH
Dairy products are another good dietary source of vitamin D, although they usually contain a high amount because they are fortified with it. The NIH reports that since the 1930s, all milk in the United States is fortified with vitamin D. Dairy products that contain vitamin D are milk, cheeses, yogurts, cream and butter. Eggs yolks also contain a natural vitamin D, although they are not always considered dairy. Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/22240-foods-containing-vitamin-d/#ixzz1kfvdp7HF
Due to the fact that it is difficult to get 100 percent of the RI of vitamin D from foods, the FDA allows many foods to be fortified with it by adding it to the product. These fortified sources of vitamin D include cereals, margarine, some orange juices, flours and other drinks that are fortified with calcium. Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/22240-foods-containing-vitamin-d/#ixzz1kfvo4xB5
CHECK BACK MONDAY TO READ Part II
Health/Wellness Tips for 2012
Health/Wellness Tip #8 for Your New Years Resolutions!
By Sue Underhill, MA, LPC
~ Limit your number of promises. You’ll spread yourself too thin trying to make multiple changes in your life. This will just lead to failure of all of the resolutions.
On average only about 20% of us keep our New Year’s resolutions. Unfortunately, some of the biggest failures are found in Fitness & Health/Wellness resolutions. But don’t let the statistics get you down. By following the tip above and the six posted previously, you’ll be better equipped to fall into the successful 20% category.
Health/Wellness Tips for 2012
Health/Wellness Tip #7 for Your New Years Resolutions!
By Sue Underhill, MA, LPC
~ Don’t go it alone! Get professional assistance. Everyone needs help and sometimes a friend just isn’t enough. Sometimes you need the help of a trained professional. Don’t feel that seeking help is a way of copping out. Especially when it comes to Fitness, Health & Wellness, research studies have shown that assistance from a fitness professional greatly improves peoples success rate.
On average only about 20% of us keep our New Year’s resolutions. Unfortunately, some of the biggest failures are found in Fitness & Health/Wellness resolutions. But don’t let the statistics get you down. By following the tip above and the six posted previously, you’ll be better equipped to fall into the successful 20% category.
CHECK BACK ON WEDNESDAY FOR THE FINAL TIP!
Health/Wellness Tips for 2012
Health/Wellness Tip #6 for Your New Years Resolutions!
By Sue Underhill, MA, LPC
~ Reward yourself with each milestone. If you’ve stuck with your resolution for 2 months, treat yourself to something special. But, be careful of your reward type. If you’ve lost 5 pounds, don’t give yourself a piece of cake as an award. Instead, treat yourself to something non-food related, like a professional massage.
On average only about 20% of us keep our New Year’s resolutions. Unfortunately, some of the biggest failures are found in Fitness & Health/Wellness resolutions. But don’t let the statistics get you down. By following the tips above and the five posted previously, you’ll be better equipped to fall into the successful 20% category.
CHECK BACK ON MONDAY FOR TIP #7
Health/Wellness Tips for 2012
Health/Wellness Tip #5 for Your New Years Resolutions!
By Sue Underhill, MA, LPC
~ Ask friends and family members to help you so you have someone to be accountable to. Just be sure to set limits so that this doesn’t backfire and become more irritating than helpful. For example, if you resolve to be more positive ask them to gently remind you when you start talking negatively.
On average only about 20% of us keep our New Year’s resolutions. Unfortunately, some of the biggest failures are found in Fitness & Health/Wellness resolutions. But don’t let the statistics get you down. By following the tips above and the four posted previously, you’ll be better equipped to fall into the successful 20% category.
CHECK BACK ON FRIDAY FOR TIP #6
Health/Wellness Tips for 2012
Health/Wellness Tip #4 for Your New Years Resolutions!
By Sue Underhill, MA, LPC
~ Break it down and make it less intimidating. Rather than one BIG end goal, break it into smaller pieces. Set several smaller goals to achieve throughout the year that will help you to reach the ultimate goal. Then, even if you aren’t able to reach your final goal, you will have many smaller, but still significant, achievements along the way. For example, if your goal is to complete a 10K race, your smaller goals could be running a 5K in less than 30 minutes, adding upper and lower body strength training to increase your muscular endurance, and running 2 miles with a personal best completion time.
On average only about 20% of us keep our New Year’s resolutions. Unfortunately, some of the biggest failures are found in fitness & Health/Wellness resolutions. But don’t let the statistics get you down. By following the tip above and the three posted previously, you’ll be better equipped to fall into the successful 20% category.
CHECK BACK WEDNESDAY FOR TIP #5
Health/Wellness Tips for 2012
Health/Wellness Tip #3 for Your New Years Resolutions!
By Sue Underhill, MA, LPC
~ Create a game plan. At the beginning of January, write a comprehensive plan. Write your own personal plan and you’ll be more likely to succeed as well.
On average only about 20% of us keep our New Year’s resolutions. Unfortunately, some of the biggest failures are found in fitness & health/Wellness resolutions. But don’t let the statistics get you down. By following the tip above you’ll be better equipped to fall into the successful 20% category.
CHECK BACK ON MONDAY FOR TIP #4
Health/Wellness Tips for 2012
Health/Wellness Tip #2 for Your New Years Resolutions!
By Sue Underhill, MA, LPC
~ Avoid choosing a resolution that you’ve been unsuccessful at achieving year after year. This will only set you up for failure, frustration and disappointment. If you are still tempted to make a promise that you’ve made before, then try altering it. For example, instead of stating that you are going to lose 30 pounds, try promising to eat healthier and increase your weekly exercise.
On average only about 20% of us keep our New Year’s resolutions. Unfortunately, some of the biggest failures are found in fitness & health/Wellness resolutions. But don’t let the statistics get you down. By following the tip above you’ll be better equipped to fall into the successful 20% category.
CHECK BACK ON FRIDAY FOR TIP #3
Health/Wellness Tips for 2012
Health/Wellness Tip #1 for Your New Years Resolutions!
By Sue Underhill, MA, LPC
The secret to successful resolutions? Follow this step to help fulfill your promise to yourself:
~ Choose an obtainable goal. Resolving to look like a super model is not realistic for the majority of us, but promising to include daily physical activity in our lives is very possible. Choose a realistic weight loss goal, and think of it as losing a few pounds at a time.
On average only about 20% of us keep our New Year’s resolutions. Unfortunately, some of the biggest failures are found in Fitness & Health/Wellness resolutions. Don’t let the statistics get you down. By following the tip above and the others to follow over the next few weeks, you’ll be better equipped to fall into the successful 20% category.
On Pain
ON PAIN
By Judy Thomas, LCSW
Pain is a sign that something is wrong. Emotional pain lets us know when our boundaries are being violated. The level of pain indicates the seriousness of the violation. Rather than running from the pain and ignoring it thinking it will go away, we must look closely at it and its causes. This informs us of the location of our boundaries and our limits, allowing us to choose whether the reward for continued association is worth the pain. The very act of choosing can reduce our pain and sometimes even eliminate it. Consider the pain involved in starting an exercise routine after years of perfecting our couch potato form. When this new routine is perceived as being imposed by outside forces, the physical discomfort can be extreme and lead to stopping very quickly. However, when the perception is one of personal choice, the pain can become a welcome indicator that we are doing it right.
A simple exercise for directed change is to look closely at the pain you feel and ask “What is the cause of this pain?” Once some of the causes have been identified, you can dig deeper and ask “What is the value of that which is causing the pain?”, “Why do I believe I need or want this in my life?” and “What can be done to change the circumstances to reduce the pain?”.
Just say
JUST SAY ‘NO!’ Part II
By Judy Thomas
Sometimes the answer is to start saying ‘No!’ and making it stick. This decision is not without a price to be sure. It may mean cutting ties with toxic people that we have become accustomed to having in our lives, or giving up the security that comes with predictable employment. Only you can decide when the price is worth ending the pain.
While reclaiming the power of 'No' is not the only way to counter the pain in our life, it is the most basic. Take a look at your life and identify the areas that seem to be the source of your most persistent pain, ask yourself some pointed questions and be ready to accept what may be some hard truths. Now you are ready to start making some decisions about making changes.
Just say NO
JUST SAY ‘NO!’ Part I
By Judy Thomas
No! What a powerful word. We discovered that when first learning to speak. We retain this knowledge on a very primal level but have been conditioned to avoid claiming this power. We are trained while growing up to compromise, to get along, to agree. It starts with our parents, continues with other family members, gains steam with school and is firmly hammered home with our first job. We are trained to fear saying 'No', even when the situation calls for it. After all, we don't want people to believe we are unreasonable, oppositional, disruptive, anti-social or just plain rude.
There comes a time where it becomes clear that polite discourse characterized by gentle attempts to maintain our personal boundaries no longer works and stronger measures are called for if we are to protect ourselves. That is when an unequivocal ‘NO!’ is the only option. A statement backed up by action – the refusal to cooperate. When we stop “going along to get along” and start demanding the respect we deserve as unique, brilliant stars with much to offer the world.
Check back on Wednesday, January 4, 2012 to read Part II.
Quote of the Day
"Cheers to a New Year and another chance for us to get it right. "
~ Oprah Winfrey
Have a safe and Happy New Year from all of us at NOVO: Renewing Joy in Life!
Quote of the Day
When reflecting on this past year and looking ahead at what you want for 2012, keep these words in mind:
"Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough."
~ Oprah Winfrey
Quote of the Day
"Even if I don't reach all my goals, I've gone higher than I would have if I hadn't set any."
~ Danielle Fotopoulis
I love this quote because now that the Christmas bustle has come to an end, the daunting task of a New Years Resolution arises and with it the anxiety of finding one that you can stick with until you have mastered it. This year, be kind to yourself, be proud of ALL your accomplishments, big and small.
Quote of the Day
"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart. Wishing you happiness."
~ Helen Keller
Happy Holidays from all of us at NOVO!
Quote of the Day
There is no ideal Christmas; only the one Christmas you decide to make as a reflection of your values, desires, affections, traditions.
~ Bill McKibben
Quote of the Day
As you are attending the holiday parties on your schedule and opening gifts from friends, family and co-workers this season, keep this thought in the forefront of your mind:
"Love the giver more than the gift."
~ Brigham Young
Quote of the Day
"Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect."
~ Oren Arnold
Quote of the Day
As we struggle with shopping lists and invitations, compounded by December's bad weather, it is good to be reminded that there are people in our lives who are worth this aggravation, and people to whom we are worth the same.
-- Donald E. Westlake
Quote of the Day
When preparing for your holiday traditions this year, whether they be new or old, remember this:
It isn't the big pleasures that count the most; it is making a great deal out of the little ones.
~ ANONYMOUS
Problem Solving for Stress Reduction
Stress kills. This has become commonly accepted and is generally agreed on by experts and laypersons alike. A major source of stress for people these days is worry; which can be defined as the process of repeatedly asking yourself, “What if …?” Fill in the blank with any bad thing you can imagine. For some people, asking “What if...?” can be a good motivator but for most, it is the doorway to sleepless nights, chronic anxiety and an increased likelihood of developing health problems.
Worry focuses the attention on possible negative occurrences, most of which will never happen. It can make people feel like their lives are spiraling out of control. This is because it is only half of the question. When thinking about our concerns, it is more helpful to bring the second half of the question into consciousness and this is, “What can I do about it?” This is where the ability to problem solve comes in.
Problem Solving in 5 Easy Steps
Step 1: Define the problem as specifically as you can. Being specific keeps a problem to a manageable size. This could mean that a current concern needs to be broken down into several related problems.
Step 2: Think of all the possible solutions to the problem. Be creative here. What has worked for you in the past? What
advice would you give a friend? What have you heard about working for others?
What would Macgyver do?
Step 3: List the pros and cons of each possible solution. Write it down. This makes it easier to contrast and compare your options.
Step 4: Choose the solution you think is best. This includes deciding how you are going to carry it out and may include additional problem solving as you develop your plan of action.
Step 5: Try it out. Did it work? If not, you can either determine why it failed and modify your plan of action or move to the next possible solution. The important thing is to not give up.
Life is filled with speed bumps that can be approached as opportunities to learn and grow or as insurmountable barriers to accomplishing our goals. Developing a problem solving response as opposed to a worry response, can reduce our stress level and lead to a healthier, happier life.
~ by Judy Thomas, LCSW
