Monday Morning Motivation, February 12, 2024

 

Good morning!

Wherever you go, may people recognize that you have a beautiful heart!

Photograph of Labradorite heart, copyright 2024 IdahoGemGirl (copyright embedded in image).

Monday Morning Motivation, December 25, 2023

 

Today is the day many children look forward to with wonder and delight. And yet the day may come when the feelings of wonder and delight slowly fade, replaced by responsibility and perhaps obligation as we mature.

On this day, my wish is that you allow room in your heart for the wonder and delight you felt as a child; even if it was only once and short-lived, push through whatever it is that separates you from that lightness and joy. Think back to the best memory you have of a Christmas past (or any event), linger in that moment in the present, and hold on to it so you can carry it forward to the future.

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Familiar things in unfamiliar times

 

In this constantly changing world, which leaves us feeling unprepared, there is a feeling of nostalgia and even a sense of comfort that comes with the familiar. This little reindeer stamp is one of those familiar things.

 

In December 1988, I was in Markettime Drug when this fun lil’ character, sitting by itself on a shelf, caught my eye. I was smitten with its charm and without hesitation snatched it off the shelf and headed to the cashier. It's probably the only thing I ever purchased at Markettime Drug, and it’s been with me ever since. Funny thing, before that night, I never visited Markettime Drug. I drove by it hundreds of times, never stopping; yet that night I felt compelled to stop and go in.

 

The ink pad dried up years ago, but as a card maker I have enough red ink pads to keep it going. Every year when it appears in my workspace while I am sending Christmas cards, it puts a smile on my face and a bit of joy in my heart. A tiny reminder of a different time, and yet serves to remind me that not everything has to change.

It's My Favorite Time of Year

 It's my favorite Christmas song, which I listen to all year long.

Florin Street Band - My Favourite Time of Year

The making of My Favourite Time of Year. How much do I love BTS for anything on video? A lot!!!

BTS for the video

Monday Morning Motivation, July 10, 2023

 

In case no one told you today...

Hello!

Good morning!

You belong here.

You're doing great.

You make a difference just by being you.

Somewhere, someone's life is better because of you!

Monday Morning Motivation, June 26, 2023

Good morning!

If you need to compare to anyone, compare with your past self.

If you need to impress anyone, impress your future self.

And if you are to make anyone happy, be it your present self.

Copyright 2010,2023 Dona Cox

Monday Morning Motivations, June 19, 2023

 

There's literally 

nothing better than

when you're full on

laughing with someone

and you both keep

adding things that make

it funnier and you can

barely breathe.

More Kindness...

I've been feeling disheartened lately spending time on the internet. When I first started this blog back in October 2004, the world was different. It's always changing, I realize that. But is this current change for the better? How will society benefit from all the anger, hostility, contempt, and general negativity I read and see displayed in comments and videos every day? 

As an empath, I feel it affecting me. In response I take steps to avoid exposure to the reels, comments, and endless noise of disatisfaction being pumped out on social media; there are days I honestly believe someone or some group, with power and resources, are creating and backing this trend. It's like the dastardly villain we all know from childhood cartoons and stories is alive with the sole purpose of manipulating society toward their twisted vision of dystopia. I say this trend needs to stop before we all get sucked into a pit of despair with no chance of escape. 

It starts with me. And you. The power of one.

I for one do not want to live in a world without love, compassion, generosity, or kindness. My intention is to follow my heart where it leads with kindness. Starting here. Starting now.

Spreading kindness...everywhere like confetti. Through information. If someone is lacking oxytocin, I know where to find it.

How kindness helps...

😊☑Increases self-esteem: Research has shown that all acts of kindness, no matter how big or small, have a positive influence on your self-esteem. Doing something nice for someone else makes you feel better about yourself!

😀Improves mood: Kindness provides a boost to hormones in your brain that give you feelings of satisfaction and well-being. This phenomenon is called a “helpers high” because the pleasure and reward centers of your brain light up when you do something nice for another person.

⬇Lowers cortisol (stress hormone): Some data indicates that perpetually kind people have lower cortisol levels than the average population. More kindness means less stress!

💓Kindness is contagious…in a good way! The science of kindness continues to support the “Golden Rule” – do unto others as you would have them do unto you. When you receive kindness, you are more likely to express kindness to others. Start with one small act of kindness towards a friend, co-worker, or stranger because you never know how big of an impact you may have.

Kindness as a Treatment for Pain, Depression and Anxiety

According to Dr. Waguih William IsHak, a professor of psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai, “Mindfulness-based therapy is becoming increasingly popular for treating depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. The therapy is built on mindfulness meditation, documenting your gratitude, and acts of kindness. People being treated in a mindfulness-based therapy program incorporate acts of kindness into their daily routines.”

Monday Morning Motivation, 1/16/2023

Good morning! How are you? Have you ever thought… We are all tender and fierce. We are soft and strong. We are fragile and courageous. Sometimes all in one day.

A little backstory on Monday Morning Motivation...

Two years ago, the effects of exposure to the daily put-downs, arguments, and constant negativity doled out on social media began to take a toll on me. Working for the State in child-welfare at the time added to the heaviness. Fortunately, being an employee of Health & Welfare gave me access to health resources, and one of those resources was Lunch & Learn seminars available to employees via Zoom and WebEx.

One of the topics offered was the benefits of gratitude, and the scientific proof demonstrating the effectiveness of practicing daily gratitude. This practice can rewire our brain to be more positive, in a world that for all outward appearances seems hell-bent on tearing us down. Especially media, every form of media be it television, movies, music, and especially social. Some days it feels like everything we hold near and dear to our hearts, every belief we cherish, is being washed down a pitiful drain into the bowels of contempt for one another.

In addition, I had taken a course on Coursera titled "The Science of Well-Being" and in that course Professor Santos talked about hedonic adaptation.

From that, a seed was planted in my mind.

And so, I started sending out a private message every Monday to close friends, family, and co-workers (especially the latter, given the circumstances). Messages sent first thing Monday morning, designed to lift anyone who needed it that day. Nothing preachy or moralistic. Simply good, healthy positive words about them. I think the very first message I sent was "You are brilliantly amazing."

I do this with no expectation in return. It is my way of practicing gratitude and connecting with people. Just to let them know I'm here. Some look forward to it each week, others respond and tell me those words were just what they needed. Others never respond, and I've only had one person who responded to let me know I could stop sending them. I didn't ask why; I just honored the request.

Is it working? Yes, I believe so. I know it helps me and many others.

Wonder...

 I hope I never grow tired of looking up to the night sky, the feel of a gentle breeze on my cheeks, of watching cream make galaxies in my coffee. I hope I never grow to be someone who can no longer see the small, beautiful things in each day of my life. I hope I never lose my sense of wonder. 

One little word

This year it's Joy. Last year it was Savor.

Whether it's called one little word  or word of the year, it's all the same.

Duke offered me something, twice this week. He's offered it many times before, but I never thought to capture the moment with a photo. Until the other night, I just savored the moment. In peace with him. It took a very long time to get to this point with Duke, where he will lay down on cue and allow me to snuggle up next to him, laying calmly while allowing me to lay my head on his neck. 

Trust. It's quite humbling, really. 

The tire track in the dirt makes for an interesting backgound.

One little word describes what I'm feeling in this moment. Joy.

My View...Between the ears

About a month ago, a friend of mine ventured into the world of blogging. And when she asked me if I would be interested in writing about my trail riding experiences for her blog, I could not turn her down.

Last month I took my first trail ride on AJ, the horse who bucked me off a year ago. An experience I chose to be my first entry for her blog.  It can be found --->, Happy Trails and Tales

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