O/T: Stressors in Life

Exercise, study of Buddhism - saying prayers and mantras in the evening and pampering - I like going to the hair salon.

I know this is really lame, but "taking care of myself" first means spending as much time as possible with my pet companion(s).

As a "from-the-womb" animal lover (like fellow animal guardian Betty White says), I'm totally in my element and it never fails to recharge me.

Nice thread, LL64, and cuddles to your Labbie.

I can relax with sylvia. I can relax at the hair salon; but I pretty much lost it today when I went. My stylist is a lovely young thing to whom I've gone since she graduated. OK--It takes me 30 minutes to drive there. Today she was 30 minutes late. grrrrr OK that's over

Hi lucy, QVC, Feline & Sylvia -- You raise an important topic. I hope more people join in and give their opinions. Serenity is a decision and it doesn't just happen. I don't think it's a natural state. So, how do I get there? Focus on practicing gratitude. Quiet time meditating, prayers, socializing with good and positive people, volunteering time, putting in a good day's work, remembering to be friends to my family members, reject envious thoughts, exercise, care about the things that are important and don't care about things that are not. Then I start all over again the next day -- and often fail. But it's a better life than being stressed and angry.

On 1/27/2015 ury said:

Hi lucy, QVC, Feline & Sylvia -- You raise an important topic. I hope more people join in and give their opinions. Serenity is a decision and it doesn't just happen. I don't think it's a natural state. So, how do I get there? Focus on practicing gratitude. Quiet time meditating, prayers, socializing with good and positive people, volunteering time, putting in a good day's work, remembering to be friends to my family members, reject envious thoughts, exercise, care about the things that are important and don't care about things that are not. Then I start all over again the next day -- and often fail. But it's a better life than being stressed and angry.

I speedwalk on the treadmill while listening to upbeat, girl power songs. That usually wears me out and calms me down.

ETA: Oh, and I pray like crazy, too.

Exercise and Prayer do help, but when the going gets rough it's nice to have wine and chocolates on hand.

On 1/27/2015 Mary Bailey said: