Tag gladness

HAPPINESS HAPPENS MONTH

Jensperspectiveblog 5 Comments

Once upon a time, a real group called the Secret Society of Happy People decided to dedicate a day to the pursuit of happiness. Members of the society wanted to let happy feelings linger inside them every day. In 2000, the Secret Society of Happy People expanded the celebration to Happiness Happens Month in August.

Power of Positive Thinking Hardcover – April 1, 2012 by Norman Vincent Peale  (Author)
Power of Positive Thinking

by Norman Vincent Peale  (Author)

Happiness is a choice. Remembering happiness does not mean you are problem free. That kind of life doesn’t exist. As the Stoics of Ancient Greece observed, happiness is all about the quality of your thoughts. Happiness is not a destination, but rather a life-long pursuit. Joy can be anywhere at any time. Don’t limit yourself to searching for pleasure. Enjoy everything and anything that makes you happy. Oprah Winfrey said it wasn’t until she learned to be happy that good things started happening to her.

Man's Search for Meaning Kindle Edition by Viktor E. Frankl  (Author), Harold S. Kushner (Foreword), & 1
Man’s Search for Meaning Kindle Edition

by Viktor E. Frankl  (Author), Harold S. Kushner (Foreword)

“Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be.”
― Abraham Lincoln

Need to get happy? Try out this playlist to lighten your day!

If you struggle with finding happiness, you can learn to be happy. There is plenty of helpful advice available to guide you in the right direction. Reading self-help material is an excellent place to start. Here are a few published works you might want to read to help you in your pursuit of happiness:

Meditations: The Philosophy Classic (Capstone Classics) 1st Edition by Marcus Aurelius (Author), & 2 more
Meditations: The Philosophy Classic

by Marcus Aurelius (Author), & 2 more

Most of the best “how to be happy” books and videos boil down to variations of the Ancient Greek philosophy of stoicism (not to be confused with the modern use of the word). The essence of stoicism is this: no matter what is wrong with the world in general, and your life in particular, you can choose to be happy if you learn how.

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any set of circumstances, to choose one’s way.”
-Viktor Frankl

HISTORY
The Secret Society of Happy People started celebrating happiness with “Admit You’re Happy Day,” on August 8, 1999.

HOW TO OBSERVE
Notice more happy moments and share them with others. Use #HappinessHappensMonth on social media.

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NATIONAL MONTH OF HOPE

Jensperspectiveblog 21 Comments

During April, buds come into full bloom brightening our days, and the National Month of Hope also lends a hand in lifting our spirits.

Bringing hope to someone can take many forms. Being a positive role model in a child’s life or providing a community a foundation for future endeavors both provide hope for the future. Lift the spirits of a friend suffering from a medical issue or volunteer at a local homeless shelter. We are each able to bring a ray of hope in our own ways by contributing wisdom, time, kindness, and when possible, donating to charities that make the impossible possible.

NATIONAL MONTH OF HOPE HISTORY

H.O.P.E.

Mothers In Crisis, Inc. founded National Month of Hope to help spread hope around the world. Founded by Rosalind Tompkins in 1991 when she was just four years clean and sober, Mothers In Crisis, Inc. supports women and families who are in need bringing them hope and empowering them to find a new path.

On Mothers In Crisis’s 25th Anniversary in April of 2016, they received proclamations from the City of Tallahassee and the Board of County Commissioners acknowledging the significant contributions Mothers In Crisis has made in their region and also declaring Friday as Hope Universe Day.

Explore More….

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMonthOfHope

  • Everyone needs a little hope now and then. Spread a little sunshine their way and bring some hope into their lives.
  • Volunteer by reading to children in schools.
  • Experience meaningful and healthy communication with loved ones, family, friends, co-workers,
    and colleagues.
  • Giving of time, food, and money to help families in need.
  • Minister to those incarcerated by writing letters and visiting.
  • Post on social media words of hope.
  • Sharing your story of overcoming with those who are going through hard times.
  • Lending a helping hand to those in need.
  • Cleaning up areas where there is trash such as parks and beaches.
  • Spend a day with the homeless whether on the streets in shelters, etc. “Unless you walk a mile in their shoes you won’t know how to help!”
  • Use #NationalHopeMonth to share your hope on social media.
Girls Like Me: Inspiring True Stories of the Most Uplifting Role Models who Found the Courage to Make History (Kids Like Me Positive Books for Young Readers)#NationalHopeMonth
Girls Like Me: Inspiring True Stories of the Most Uplifting Role Models who Found the Courage to Make History (Kids Like Me Positive Books for Young Readers)
Boys Like Me: Inspiring True Stories of the Most Uplifting Role Models who Found the Courage to Make History (Kids Like Me Positive Books for Young Readers)#NationalHopeMonth
Boys Like Me: Inspiring True Stories of the Most Uplifting Role Models who Found the Courage to Make History (Kids Like Me Positive Books for Young Readers)
Hopelifter: Creative Ways to Spread Hope When Life Hurts#NationalHopeMonth
Hopelifter: Creative Ways to Spread Hope When Life Hurts
Maya Angelou's Guide to Hope: 50 Simple Ways to Spread Hope#NationalHopeMonth
Maya Angelou’s Guide to Hope: 50 Simple Ways to Spread Hope

Turkey Tips and Tricks

Jensperspectiveblog 4 Comments

I have a short cut I’ve used for years. I worked in retail for almost 20 years. Due to health issues, I can now ignore Black Friday hours. As much as I love the deals, having worked retail all those years, I want Amazon to deliver it!

While having to get up for work at 1am…no that’s not a typo. Get up at 1am, be at my store by 3am. While I do not miss those schedules, I learned some tricks that I still use when cooking Thanksgiving dinner. The biggest complaint I hear is how much work it takes, and spending all day in the kitchen. So with that in mind here are my turkey tricks…

Make sure to observe Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day! This is the perfect day get the fridge Thankgiving dinner ready. Even if your not hosting this will come in handy if you’re taking something along too.

If doing a whole turkey, even for just a few do the bigger one. The work to cook a big or small bird is about the same. 10lbs or 22lbs, you still have to defrost, clean, baste, roast, etc. So do the bigger bird and make it worth your time. Turkey’s go on great sales you have leftovers for 3 or more meals is a great investment of your time and money.

Circulon Nonstick Roasting Pan / Roaster with Rack - 17 Inch x 13 Inch, Gray #Thanksgiving
Circulon Nonstick Roasting Pan / Roaster with Rack – 17 Inch x 13 Inch, Gray

Just you 2? If your staying in and still want that traditional turkey? Try a turkey breast. Bone in or a Butterball Turkey breast roast are great alternatives. We like the roasts with both white and dark meat. You can cook traditionally in the oven, but a great time saver is your crockpot. You can add broth and water to keep it moist. Put it in the night before and you’re done. You can even toss potatoes and veggies to make a 1 (crock)pot dinner.

Crock-Pot Large 8 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting and Cookbook, Black Stainless Steel #Thanksgiving
Crock-Pot Large 8 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting and Cookbook, Black Stainless Steel
We do this other times of the year too.

Set it and forget the basting, constant lifting, turning it over… On low with plenty of broth it’s almost fool proof.

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Use your extra time to cuddle up together. Enjoy a holiday movie, the football game, or something new. Read a book, or plot your shopping trip if you are doing ‘Black Friday.” However you spend it enjoy the memories you make big or small, they last far beyond the leftovers.

“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.”

— William Arthur Ward

Roasted Vegetable Medley

Jensperspectiveblog 3 Comments

This easy side dish not only looks great but tastes so good even the kids eat all these vegetables.

Ingredients

1 Eggplant
1 bag brussel sprout halves ( fresh produce)
2 bell peppers assorted colors
1 pint grape tomatoes (I cut mine in half)
1 purple medium onion in wide strips
Broccoli florets
Cauliflower florets
Baby or chopped carrots
You can add potatoes if you choose

YBMHOME DEEP PROFESSIONAL QUALITY STAINLESS STEEL MIXING BOWL FOR SERVING MIXING COOKING AND BAKING 1173 (1, 12 Quart) by YBM HOME
YBMHOME DEEP PROFESSIONAL QUALITY STAINLESS STEEL MIXING BOWL FOR SERVING MIXING COOKING AND BAKING 1173 (1, 12 Quart)  by YBM HOME

Directions

  1. Chop vegetables. Cut harder things like carrots in smaller pieces to make for more uniform cutting.
  2. Put all cut vegetables except tomatoes in large bowl.  Add 2 Tbsp Olive oil, salt, pepper, 3 Tbsp lemon juice and garlic powder if desired.
  3. Mix well to coat in both oil and seasoning.
  4. Spread evenly,  on a baking sheet.
  5. Place in pre-heated 350° oven for 30 to 45/minutes.
Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker's Half Sheet (2 Pack), Silver by Nordic Ware
Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker’s Half Sheet (2 Pack), Silver  by Nordic Ware

I also add different seasoning depending who and how I’m serving them.  I add Rosemary when serving with Christmas dinner. These also save a ton of time and you can skip the oil.

AmazonBasics Silicone Baking Mat Sheet, Set of 2 by AmazonBasics
AmazonBasics Silicone Baking Mat Sheet, Set of 2  by AmazonBasics

NATIONAL GRATITUDE MONTH

Jensperspectiveblog 16 Comments

National Gratitude Month in November encourages us to embrace the power of gratitude.

Gratitude is more than simply saying “thank you.” Gratitude’s amazing powers have the ability to shift us from focusing on the negative to appreciating what is positive in our lives. Practicing daily gratitude gives us a deeper connection to ourselves, the world around us, and to our Creator.

Everything in our lives has the ability to improve when we are grateful. Research has shown that gratitude can enhance our moods, decrease stress, and drastically improve our overall level of health and wellbeing. On average, grateful people tend to have fewer stress-related illnesses and experience less depression and lowered blood pressure, they are more physically fit, they are happier, have a higher income, more satisfying personal and professional relationships, and will be better liked. Grateful kids are even more likely to get A’s in school.

If everyone practiced daily gratitude, we could change ourselves and the planet for the better.  Everyone would be much happier. Love would grow and hate would decrease. And the world would know true peace.

DOWAN Coffee Mugs, Large 20 oz Mugs Set of 2 with Word Blessed Grateful, Porcelain Christian Coffee Cup, Thank You Gifts for Men Women, Thanksgiving Christmas Gifts #NationalGratitudeMonth
DOWAN Coffee Mugs, Large 20 oz Mugs Set of 2 with Word Blessed Grateful, Porcelain Christian Coffee Cup, Thank You Gifts for Men Women, Thanksgiving Christmas Gifts
Good Days Start With Gratitude: A 52 Week Guide To Cultivate An Attitude Of Gratitude: Gratitude Journal #NationalGratitudeMonth
Good Days Start With Gratitude: A 52 Week Guide To Cultivate An Attitude Of Gratitude: Gratitude Journal
LEAVORES Thank You Wind Chimes with Tree of Life Wind Spinner for Women, Teacher, Family, Friends - Appreciation Gifts for Coworkers - Ideal Hostess/ Gratitude Gifts #NationalGratitudeMonth
LEAVORES Thank You Wind Chimes with Tree of Life Wind Spinner for Women, Teacher, Family, Friends – Appreciation Gifts for Coworkers – Ideal Hostess/ Gratitude Gifts
The Gratitude Journal - Inspire Thankfulness, Mindfulness, Positivity, Happiness, Affirmation, Productivity & Self Care - Undated Daily Reflection & Gratitude Journal for Women & Men - Upgraded with Pen Holder, Inner Pocket & Elastic Closure Band #NationalGratitudeMonth
The Gratitude Journal – Inspire Thankfulness, Mindfulness, Positivity, Happiness, Affirmation, Productivity & Self Care – Undated Daily Reflection & Gratitude Journal for Women & Men – Upgraded with Pen Holder, Inner Pocket & Elastic Closure Band

What are you waiting for? Give gratitude a try!  You’ll be happier you did.

To participate in the FREE 30 Day Global Gratitude Experiment, go to www.agratefulplanet.com

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalGratitudeMonth

Celebrating the month can be done in several ways.

  • Start a gratitude journal. Write about someone or something you’re thankful for every day. You’ll find your appreciation for those around you grows deeper and fonder the longer you keep it. When you read back on what you’ve written, you’ll be able to reflect on the relationships and their accomplishments.
  • Try this Gratitude playlist too.
  • Try a 30 Day Gratitude Challenge here.
  • Share your gratitude with others. Letting someone know you’re grateful for their care, service, or friendship often lifts their spirits or lifts a burden.
  • Show your appreciation by giving back to your community, neighborhood, or favorite organization.

Use #NationalGratitudeMonth to post on social media.

Gratitude Jar Gifts -Practice Gratitude Cards Kit Gifts for Kids Families Friends, Going Away Gifts-100 Cards Included #NationalGratitudeMonth
Gratitude Jar Gifts -Practice Gratitude Cards Kit Gifts for Kids Families Friends, Going Away Gifts-100 Cards Included
Dessie 60 Inspirational Cards With Envelopes & You Are Awesome Seals for Appreciation, Encouragement ,Gratitude , Positive Affirmations , Thoughtful Gifts.Post-it Note Size #NationalGratitudeMonth
Dessie 60 Inspirational Cards With Envelopes & You Are Awesome Seals for Appreciation, Encouragement ,Gratitude , Positive Affirmations , Thoughtful Gifts.Post-it Note Size.
Shower Steamers Aromatherapy 6 Pack - Christmas Gifts Stocking Stuffers, Relaxation Birthday Gifts for Women and Men, Stress Relief and Luxury Self Care, Bloom - BodyRestore #NationalGratitudeMonth
Shower Steamers Aromatherapy 6 Pack – Christmas Gifts Stocking Stuffers, Relaxation Birthday Gifts for Women and Men, Stress Relief and Luxury Self Care, Bloom – BodyRestore
Smiling Wisdom - 10 Bulk Sets - Employee Staff Appreciation 3.5x5 inch Greeting Cards and Matching Keychain Gifts - Women, Men - (30 Pieces) (Teal Cards - Silver Starfish KC) #NationalGratitudeMonth
Smiling Wisdom – 10 Bulk Sets – Employee Staff Appreciation 3.5×5 inch Greeting Cards and Matching Keychain Gifts – Women, Men – (30 Pieces) (Teal Cards – Silver Starfish KC)