Print Postcards Online
Powered By Ringsurf
Thankful for Small Things: Dr. Susan Bartell
November marks the official beginning of the ‘Holiday Season’…that time of year when commercialism kicks into super-high gear, and those of us who care have to work hard to remember, and remind our kids of the true meaning of the holidays (Mom, you mean it’s not about how many gifts I get?!)
November is also a month that reminds us to be thankful each year, even now during leaner, tougher times…when we may not be feeling overly optimistic.
However, the truth is that you can always find parts of your life for which to be thankful. Indeed, it is important to focus your energy on these positive aspects of your daily existence because these will carry you through the tough times. In fact, research shows that people who are more positive and optimistic are--by far--less stressed, and are better able to cope with difficult times than those who focus primarily on the negative parts of life.
In addition, when you are thankful, positive and optimistic, you actually role model these traits and behaviors for your child. Did you know that a child is able to learn to be positive and optimistic—and actually be inoculated against depression--by behaving in the same positive, optimistic way a parent behaves? Really! Thankful, positive feelings and behavior are that powerful!
So how do you start being thankful even if you’re not in the mood? Begin, by feeling thankful for your child (or children) and go from there. But wait…don’t focus on the nagging, whining, or bickering. Instead, when you’re concentrating on being thankful, pay attention to the hugs and kisses, to the curiosity and learning and to the independence and determination that your child displays each day. Even on my worst days, if I focus on appreciating the three beautiful children growing up in front of my eyes, it’s difficult not to be thankful!
Next, make a list of the qualities and traits about yourself that you appreciate and value. Are you friendly, smart, loyal, hardworking, nurturing? Write as many of these down as you can. Add to the list as often as possible. Carry the list with you and read it often. Begin to be thankful for yourself and your ability to bring immense value to your own life, the life of your child and the other people whose lives you touch!
Last, aside from being a role model for your child, show her how to be thankful. Thankfulness is like a muscle—to be strong, it requires a little heavy lifting. Teach your child to be thankful and appreciative for the small and big things in his life. Begin by making sure he says ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ every time, to every person in every situation. This may seem trivial, but it’s not! It teaches your child to be thankful for gifts; to be appreciative when someone holds open the door; to value a friend’s hard work at preparing a meal; and to be grateful when you buy her a new pair of sneakers.
This is a great start. Now keep going! Before long you and your child will recognize that there are so many things for which to be thankful, that you will be uplifted in the true spirit of the Holiday Season!
Dr. Susan Bartell is America’s #1 Family Psychologist. Her latest book is Dr. Susan’s Fit and Fun Family Action Plan. You can learn more about her on her website at www.drsusanbartell.com
This is a monthly column written by Dr Susan Bartell for my blog as well as several other media outlets (Magazines & Newspapers). I was super excited when she offered to include my blog in her column!
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED!
The stylish companion for carrying media on the go.
With its sleek aluminum finish, exclusive chrome trim, piano black desktop dock and large capacity, the FreeAgent Go™ Special Edition portable storage solution makes it easy to take your photos, music, videos and documents everywhere – in style. Included, easy-to-use software helps keep your information safe with automatic data backup and encryption of your important files and folders. Plus, you can sync content so you’ll always have your most current versions while on the go. In addition, the FreeAgent Go Dock™ accessory allows easy connection to your PC whenever you want to access your files — no more fumbling for cables!
Mom Says: I absolutely love my 500 GB drive! It comes with a Seagate Manager software already loaded on it, you just have to install it. Then, you set the backup options you want to have your files automatically backed up! How perfect… goodness knows I am one of the worst ones to remember to backup my files. :-) Plus, because it holds so much, I am able to move stuff off my laptop to speed it back up.
Plus, look how little it is!!
You know, all these pictures you guys keep seeing are on my computer! Always on my computer. When I work with a company more than once, I already have their logo. Consequently, I was starting to really fill up. Now, I have moved all the pictures, press releases, etc that have been posted off my computer and onto my Seagate Portable Hard Drive!
Highlights
• Exclusive chrome trim and piano black desktop dock.
• Automatic backup software helps you easily protect your data.
• Software encryption technology safeguards files and folders.
• File sync capabilities ensure you always have your most current versions.
• Pre-loaded software makes setup easy.
• Power management features save energy.
• 5-year limited warranty.
Don’t forget to go back to the main post to learn how you can win one of the following prizes:
Seagate 500 GB Drive
Casio Baby G Timepiece
Roxio Photo Show 1 Year Membership!
http://momof3boys3702.blogspot.com/2009/07/back-2-school-blog-bash-2009-month-of.html
Now, on to how you can win THIS prize: 500 GB Seagate FreeAgent Go Chrome SE drive!
REMEMBER: All Back 2 School Blog Bash Giveaways are open to USA and CANADA!
REQUIRED: GO visit Seagate’s site, then come back and tell me what you want and why.
BONUS #1: Become a Fan on Facebook: http://www.seagate.com/facebook/
BONUS #2: Follow Seagate on Twitter and Tweet the contest
Other bonus entries:
#1. Spread the word about this review by: email, forums, blogging, twitter, Digg, or putting the link in a meme. (one entry per thing done)
#2. Follow my blog.
#3. Subscribe to my RSS feed.
#5. Fave me on technorati
#6. Put my button on your blog.
#7. Leave a comment on any other post (excluding giveaways!)
That my blog posts are diminishing. Do not worry, all the older posts can be found at my new site www.3boysandadog.com I wanted to delete posts from this site that are already on that site as I do not want to get punished by Google for duplicate content.
Starting tomorrow, I will be posting on the new site. So, now is the time to get over there and sign up for the RSS or email feed. You don’t want to miss anything, trust me!
Copyright 2009 All Rights Reserved | Template and Design by Custom Blog Designs/FreeStyleMama Creations
