Happy Friday, RISERS! I hope this week has been good to you. Groundhog Day predicted we would have six more weeks of winter, but it seems that Tennessee has a mind of its own. So, stay warm, dry, or whatever weather gets thrown your way.
Happy Birthday to all of you who turned a year older this past week. Also, Happy Anniversary to you and your loved one for reaching another milestone year together.
Quote of the Week: “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” Winston Churchill
Song of the Week: This week, I want to introduce you to the music of Marconi Union, specifically the song “Weightless.” It is an eight-minute piece of ambient music that is supposed to be one of the most calming pieces to listen to. With all of the crazy things I have going on in my life currently, I have been a bit tweaked. I came across this music and found its sustained chorded undertones, unpredictable countermelodies, and soothing sounds very relaxing. I hope you have a chance to listen to it when you need a brain break.
Joke of the Week: What do you get when you cross an angry sheep with a moody cow? An animal in a baaaad mooood.
Nugget of Wisdom of the Week: Whether it’s the weather or circumstances that cause you to feel depressed, there are things you can do to change your mood.
The first thing you can do is to change your mindset. Don’t allow the things happening around you to define you at that moment. I have been struggling with sadness regarding the passing of my mother, the failing health of my uncle, and the situational issues associated with all the changes in my life over the last few months. It makes the quote from Winston Churchill seem an adequate representation of what I am experiencing. Although I am feeling overwhelmed, I know it is only a temporary thing. So, to follow Mr. Churchill’s advice, I will keep going.
Spending time with family and friends, going to a movie, or playing games is another way to change your mental state. My husband is great about knowing when to make brownies or let me have alone time to catch a movie on my own.Likewise, when he’s about to bust from stress, he goes for long walks out in nature. He enjoys the air on his face, the sound of leaves crunching beneath his feet, and the evidence of animals around him.
Making yourself a healthy snack or meal is another way to boost your mood. Although, truthfully, indulging in something totally unhealthy also boosts one’s mood. A tray of cheese and crackers, veggies and dip, or fruit kabobs are a bit healthier. Staying hydrated with water and other beverages also makes you feel better.
Sometimes, making a change for your future can help you get out of a funk. When you feel like you are stuck, just treading water and not getting anywhere, re-evaluate how things are going in your career. If you need to make a career change, plot out how you get there. If you want to get promoted, research what you need to do to get the attention to get the job. With small, calculated steps, you can get where you want to go.
No matter what is causing your current mood, you are able to take control and change it. Since I started working on this blog, I have had plot points for the novel I have been brainstorming form in my head. I had hit a wall of despair that squelched even the desire to write. Now, I have exciting things to work on. You got this!
Recipe of the Week: Crockpot Chicken and Noodles
What you’ll need:
2 cans of cream of chicken soup
2 15-ounce cans of chicken broth
1 stick of butter or margarine
1 lb bag of chicken breast meat
1 package of Reames frozen egg noodles
In a crockpot, place the chicken breasts in the bottom then add the cans of soup and broth. Also, add the stick of butter and cook on high for about 4 hours (or on low for 6-7 hours). Once the chicken is done, remove from the crockpot and shred. Return chicken to the crockpot and add the package of frozen noodles. Cook an additional two hours, stirring every thirty minutes until it is completely done. Serve with a bread of your choice. Enjoy!
Shout Out of the Week: This week, I want to give a shout out to all the people who are struggling with the blues, either from the situations you are experiencing or because you are weather-reactive. Get outside and breathe the fresh air. You got this…
Have a great weekend. Remember, you are most awesome, and YOU ROCK!
Marion Rhines is a foster-turned-adoptive parent. She lives in Knoxville, Tenn., with her husband and five children. She has written and published two children’s books as well as two foster-care-themed novels. She has a Facebook blog, Tips from the FLIP Side, and enjoys working with children of all ages.