NATIONAL THOUGHTFUL DAY

August 28th brings with it an opportunity to demonstrate how we value each other. National Thoughtful Day sets aside a celebration meant to bring goodwill in a variety of ways. By serving the day with a spirit of generosity toward others, a ripple effect takes place.

What encompasses a thoughtful day? Sometimes it’s an awareness of fulfilling another’s needs. Whether they are celebrating something already or need a pick-me-up, being aware generates a multitude of thoughts that result in thoughtful acts. It can be a small token or an inspirational word. Either way, your thoughtfulness makes others feel special.

And many times, those special people in our lives will reciprocate in kind. While it is usually not expected when we’re being thoughtful, it tends to happen anyway.

Being thoughtful also creates an interchange of thoughts and ideas that spur even more thoughtfulness. One simple act or word can generate new friendships, cause a plan to develop or a garden to grow. Who knows where your thoughtfulness will lead!

A thoughtful day also gives us perspective. We pause a moment to think of another and not ourselves. Our consideration for others brings kindness to the world that would otherwise be missing.

And while all these reasons matter, one of the most important reasons to celebrate National Thoughtful Day is that it is necessary. Imagine all the lives we touch and how a single thoughtful act can impact them for a lifetime. Thoughtfulness is a necessity we cannot live without.

NATIONAL THOUGHTFUL DAY HISTORY

Thoughtful Pinch founded National Thoughtful Day to celebrate all the ways being thoughtful brings beauty, inspiration, and empowerment to our lives. According to the creator of Thoughtful Pinch, Barb Paton, “By being thoughtful, one size does not have to fit all. In fact, the more unique the celebration, the better!”

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalThoughtfulDay

Put your stamp on the day – your own style of thoughtful. Then put it into practice. Maybe you’ll become the aunt known for her sweet treats or the friend known for surprise coffees at work. Some other thoughtful ideas include:

Mail cards to several people in your address book. A handwritten note means so much since they are rare these days.

Deliver small treats to friends and family. They won’t be turned away, we promise!

Bring fresh flowers to your neighbor. They will brighten the day and make a connection.

Surprise someone with a new book. Inspirational stories bring comfort and joy.

Take a child to the park. Children always appreciate one on one time.

Visit Pinterest for inspiration or Thoughtful Pinch for more ideas.

Most importantly, share your thoughtful day on social media. Include your inspiration and plans while tagging them with #NationalThoughtfulDay.

National Relaxation Day

Most of us need this on a pretty regular basis.  That’s what a vacation is for right?  But there is an official day for relaxation.  August 15th is the day, so here are some great ways to unwind.

As this is considered a national holiday, sorry school and work still on, its a great opportunity to look into ways to destress your day. By all means these methods work on normal days too.

Meditation

Meditation is a habitual process of quieting your mind and focusing on redirecting your thoughts.

Mediations can increase awareness of yourself and your surroundings. Many people think of it as a way to reduce stress and develop concentration. 15 minutes of deep meditation can energize you like a nap. People also use the practice to develop other beneficial habits and feelings, such as a positive mood and outlook, self-discipline, healthy sleep patterns and even increased pain tolerance.

I learned some really good technics when I took professional yoga. You do not have to use yoga or religion based meditation to get the benefits. Simple mindfulness meditation focus on your breathing and body. As you become more focused, you notice more about them. For instance you may notice your breathing a little fast, your heart rate is high or your blood pressure is elevated. Now that you’re focusing on it you can lower those symptoms. You’ll feel the state of your body. You’re muscles may say you twisted the wrong way, or over did it chasing the kids.

Visualations

Visualization or visualisation (see spelling differences) is any technique for creating imagesdiagrams, or animations to communicate a message. Visualization through visual imagery has been an effective way to communicate both abstract and concrete ideas since the dawn of humanity. Examples from history include cave paintingsEgyptian hieroglyphs, Greek geometry, and Leonardo da Vinci‘s revolutionary methods of technical drawing for engineering and scientific purposes.

The Secret
The Secret
The Secret: Dare to Dream
The Secret: Dare to Dream

Get the music in your prefered format here.

No matter the method you prefer take some time for you and try some relaxation. How do you relax? Leave us a comment and tell how and why, best of all the results…

Related celebrations

No matter your chosen method help your self to some well earned relaxation time.

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NATIONAL CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL DAY

National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day celebrates who you are and how you get there. Take time to nurture your soul on November 12th. 

A little chicken soup does a lot of good. It’s warm and hearty. As we cup our hands around the bowl, the heat radiates into our bodies. The steam hits our face with a comforting aroma. Similar to what chicken soup does for our bodies, the regular nurturing of our souls benefits our health. Whether you pick up a book, meditate or go for a long walk, reflect on who you are and your achievements.

NATIONAL CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL DAY HISTORY

While the publisher and consumer goods company, Chicken Soup for the Soul began publishing in 1993 with its headquarters in Cos Cob, Connecticut, it did not create the day. The first book, as most subsequent titles in the series, was of true stories written by ordinary people about their own lives and soon became a best-seller. Since then, they have published approximately 250 books full of thousands of stories and inspiring all ages.

However, the first known publication of National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day can be found in a publication called Creative Forecasting in 2002. The listing included a suggestion to read a Chicken Soup for the Soul book to a resident. This publisher creates activity lists for retirement facilities and other organizations. What began as a newsletter in 1989 has grown to a magazine and website.

HOW TO OBSERVE #ChickenSoupForTheSoulDay

Celebrate you. Have some chicken soup and read an inspiring story. Our pages are full of them. Write an inspiring story or read one from one of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Other ways to celebrate the day include:

  • Tell an inspiring story to a friend or family member. It will lift their spirits and remind them that you care about them.
  • Try a new recipe and make it a double batch. Then share it with someone who needs some cheering up.
  • Do something wholesome for yourself.
  • Listen to some soulful music.
  • Watch a movie with an uplifting message.

While you’re celebrating National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day, be sure to share it with someone else. Celebrations are always better together. Whether it’s via video chat or face to face, spread that warmth and cheer. Use #ChickenSoupForTheSoulDay to post on social media.

Q. Why is chicken soup so good for you?
A. When we’re sick, there are a number of things we do that help to speed up the healing process. Chicken soup does several of those things in one, steaming hot bowl. First, it helps to replenish much-needed fluids. It also contains vital nutrients that give our bodies a boost. The ingredients are easy to digest, soo our bodies can focus on healing. The broth is usually made from boiling the chicken bones which contain other healing components that help us to repair and reduce inflammation. Last, but not least, chicken soup feels and tastes good.

Q. How do I add flavor to my chicken soup?
A. Besides the standard salt and pepper, herbs and spices such as parsley, onion powder, rosemary, thyme, chives, and garlic add some of the flavors. Make a homemade broth using chicken pieces or an entire carcass. All the delicious bits of flavor will be infused into the broth.

Expressions of Gratitude

The definition of gratitude is being glad that something has or hasn’t happened; that something or someone exists; experiencing thanks. I started practicing gratitude about more than 15 years ago.  I have refocused on it after suffering a burst aneurysm in 2013. 

Being thankful on a regular basis improves our relationships, sleep, general well-being, and health.  Science has shown that there are many benefits to being grateful, and these are just a few.  Despite being a very simple exercise, when performed on a daily basis, it can have profoundly transformative results.  The habit of identifying things for which we are grateful each day creates new neuropathways in the brain, the more we practice being grateful (or, for that matter, anything we focus on).  For the brain, this process—known as neuroplasticity—is comparable to physical exercise.

Eventually, being grateful becomes a habit, which leads to a more optimistic perspective in general, especially during difficult situations.  We can be thankful for every moment as a chance to develop, learn, and discover a new way of being in the world, but we cannot be thankful for horrible things like this pandemic.  This is resilience.

Observe the abundance of creativity, ingenuity, and kindness all around you.  We are pushing ourselves to discover new ways to thrive rather than just survive.  The question, “What do I actually need?” is becoming more and more common.  What is most crucial?  We’re talking to loved ones about our deepest emotions and recognizing what matters most in life.

For 30 days, I want you to locate at least one item for which you are thankful every day.  A new habit takes around 30 days to form.  Don’t worry if you skip a day; just keep going.  As you write it down, acknowledge and experience the emotions it evokes in your heart.  Although you can do this at any time, it helps you sleep if you recall these things before bed.  Join me if you want to express your gratitude. Share to Social media using #Jen’sPerspectiveGratitudeChallenge .

This is my challenge