FEEL GOOD DAY...

HERE ARE JUST TEN SIMPLE STEPS...

1. Hold the elevator door, or any door, for someone you don't kinow.

2. Turn your phone off during one meal so that you can focus completely on the conversation with your dining companions/family. If you are eating along, take the time to daydream or really experience your mea

3. Schedule 15 minutes of exercise four or five times a week into your daily calendar for the next month. A good habit takes a few weeks to form.

4. Call a local organization to see how ytou can help. Most organizations have helping hand programs.

5. Take a healthy walk and pick up some litter along the way.

6. Reflect for a few minutes and then give thankis for all your blessings.

7. Write a letter to an american soldier overseas - or send him a paperback book, or one your finished with. Find out how at anysoldier.com or operationpaperback.org

8. Leave a friend a "HAVE A GREAT DAY!" voicemail that will be waiting for them when they arrive at work or simply get up in the morning.

9. Sing your favorite song.

10. Step outside and enjoy the world around you, a sunrise, oir sunset. Smell thw flowers.

Now take a moment to come up with ten more ideas of your own.

1. Wake up with the doggies either still sleeping on the bed or peering at me to get out of bed.
2. Rejoice in the beautiful, wonderful habitat green space with scrub oak and evergreen outside my window (versus inside.)
3. Not having a migraine
4. Catching up with one or both brothers
5. Having a coherant conversation with my mother (she coherant)
6. Having someone let me get over to the lane that I need to be in to make a turn; letting someone get into the lane they need.
7. Coming to BWS
8. Learning something new to do with my computer
9. Getting an email that someone I don't know has been empowered by something I said or did and I may not even remember I did it
10. Hubby comes home and cooks dinner for me!
That's just a partial list of a feel good day. It's all about ME!

Sorry, still can't edit. I've always wondered if the title of this forum might be "mental health" as opposed to "mental illness."

That is certainly a more positive title isn't it?

I'll see if I can change it without losing the posts.

Hi Dotsie, we sure can find ways to keep you busy. It's true that the "politically correct" means to describe mental aspects is in terms of mental health. Same with disabilities. Abilities. And my blind student told me she was "visually impaired"
Wow, Down syndrome used to be "Mongoloid."

In the professional communitnties 'mental health' is used. Of course, someone always finds a way to be even more PC. I've seen 'wellness' 'lifestyle wellness' and more.
When I started teaching special ed. I taught retarded kids, then mentally handicapped, then mentally challenged, developmentally delayed, developmentally challenged, differently challenged and lately 'alternatively abled" We teachers used to chuckled at the newest thing (while we changed all the county forms to conform) We knew the title didn't change the problem or the solution in anyway. Our sweet babies were still retarded and we still loved them just as much no matter what the current PC title was.

I have always hated that word, Mongoloid...It has such a negative sound to it, and these children are not negative in anyway. They are so loving and sweet. We have a place here called Opportunity Village where these children and young adults are given work, all kinds of jobs and taught makeup, clothes, they are quite self sufficient with just a little help. It is a remarkable place where I voluntreer when time allows. They put on a Christmas extravaganza to beat all others too...

Like Greene the terminology changed though time for my department within school.
First handicapped unit. then disabled unit then physically impaired unit.Finally physically impaired.
Abreviated we end up being
The PI Unit..
which some other students called the PEE unit.
Me I always said I worked in Room 4.(The best part of the school).

At the begining of my career (intergration in education) in 1979 one of my neighbours believed I was a volunteer...because "those sort of folk need all the help they can get"
Life has moved on I am happy to say.

Yes Chatty Mogoloid and other tabs.So wrong.

Interestingly many common use names developed from medical terminolgy and then became derogatory due to the implicatuion used.By the mainstream population.
Mountain ash

Hmm..back to the FEEL GOOD DAY. Hope that´s ok.

Taking some time out for myself..just me and myself.

Talking on the phone with my son in the US.
Hearing his voice.

Visiting with my dear friend, Inger. We always talk from the soul.

Taking a walk..with or without my mp3.

Having latte with my partner at our favorite cafe among the trees

Sleeping in late on the week.ends.

Eating sushi and watching my favorite english detective..Midsummer Murders (Barnaby) or Morse.

Spending some time with my grandkids.

Sitting by the water on a sunny warm day..and then swimming.

WOW..this was fun!!!

I like the idea of a feel good day! I have one simply through pure coincidence today: major power outages here in Ohio. I was one of the FEW in my area to have power today. So...my work office is closed...I am at home relaxing! (I do hope though they restore power around here soon, we got hit with winds from Ike over the weekend, many many people, over 1 million are affected here with no power and some damage like downed trees.) This morning feels like a million bucks to me because I just have been so incredibly busy...at home, working in my gym shorts and sports bra (aahhhh so comfortable!), savoring that 3rd cup of coffee, and watching my cat snooze in the window

Let's see...

reading a great book on a lazy Sunday afternoon
a long hike in the woods around here
chocolate in any shape or form (candy, ice cream, drink)
candlelight at home in the evening while I relax
a ride on the motorcycle through country roads w/the SO is always a great piece of feel-good fun!

We call days like this "A Home Day"
those times when the children were over the worst part of childhood illness and well enough to appreciate being here
on the sofa...tv on and watching a programme seldon seen.
Or
when snow sends us home..we are all warm and safe.This
happens some winters.and nothing would make anyone go
far.
Usually weekends are busy.Trips further afield..but on the weekends no one goes out we have the same feeling.I make
toffee apples or baked rice pudding..

MA< I think if swomeone said to me, from now until you pass away there is only one food you may have to eat, what would it be? It would definitely be RICE PUDDING. I love it!

I have a pot of grilled chicken noodle soup on the stove thats been cooking all morning, gfilled with fresh veges, egg noodles and grilled chicken I wish I could have you all over for a bowl...

I´m on my way, dear dear chattylady! Sounds so skrumptious..and cozy and warm and lovey in the tummy!!

I really LOVED reading all the feel good days and the home days..

It gives me hope and a smile on my face..and so much love in my heart..which I can spread around here in my place..Sweden!

I am kinda having a home day today..or a feel good day today. My IBS tummy acted up all nite. I just couldn´t crawl to work today..so I am at home..pampering myself totally and fully. Eating only toast and such, true..but there´s more to life than just eating..or so I keep telling myself!!!

Chicken noodle soup is what my mom always made for colds, sore tummies, etc. I still love to put on a pot now and again made from scratch. The grilled chicken soup sounds delicious!! It's been too hot here for me to want soup yet. But I'm sure once October comes and we get cool weather, I will want some plus stews, other soups, chili, and all that other good homey cold weather food.

Still at home myself and trying to get some work done. This darned power outage here is driving everyone batty. I have power, but about half the central Ohio region is without. My office is without. We communicate via cell. Or some of the guys gathered at one of their homes with power to work together. I don't need to be with them to do my job, so I stay here. It's nice to be at home, but I'm beginning to feel out of touch with the world now. Not much to do and most chain stores/groceries/malls are closed due to no power too. Maybe I'll just take that hike in the woods today. But I am lucky. I have a fridge running and full of food, running water and electric.

Humlan, hoping you are feeling better!! Pamper yourself until you're back at it.

Tell Chatty
I like the sound of the chicken soup.
I'll bring the puding if you make the soup.
Sundays when I was small we would have rice pudding.I would be walking with my Grandfather and he would say time to head home..the pudding is starting to get its skin on.

I add sultanas nutmeg grated over the top.
It can be made in a slow cooker also but slowly baked
seems to be the best.
I had mild pudding most days in my childhood.As a sweet and sometimes at bed time.Extra milk was always made into various custards semolina tapioca..and so on.Trifle.do you have that Chatty.
Moutain ash

MA, I'm not certain of the brand anymore of the tapioca because I buy it in bulk from the health food store and then transfer the tapioca to an airtight container. I've had mine awhile and don't remember the brand name off hand.

ChattyLady and MA..is rice pudding gentle to the tummy? We make something called "rice porridge" here that is supposed to very very good for runny tummies. We actually make rice pudding or something very like it at Christmas time. And whoever finds the almond will be very rich or lucky the following year don´t we do about the same thing at Christmastime in the US? Or parts of it??

I may be traveling to the US at Christmastime to be with my daughter and her family and my son..you know, the one who got away. That would be Pennsylvania..

Yes rice is kind to the tummy...unless your IBS is a reaction to mild then no.
Have you used slippery elm for your tummy...do look it up
Mountain ash

This thread reminds me of how quickly we can go from feeling balanced to a total feeling of unbalance. This past week has been a doozie. I feel good after my quiet time, but am not able to caryy that peaceful feeling for too long with all that's going on. This too shall pass.

humlan, not sure where in PA you're going, but I'd love to visit you if you have time.

Dotsie, all that stress would make anyone feel unbalanced. Hope you get your sense of balance back soon. You'll have to let us know what you did to get that "back in balance" feeling going!!

Humlan, I am not far at all from PA... have a daughter living in Erie PA and the SO has a daughter in Pittsburgh. It just might be possible to meet you...Let us know where you may be visiting, I think it would be cool to meet you!

Yo..Dotsie and Keyholes..I will certainly let you know where I am in PA..when and if I get this trip together. But I will get it together due to the developements in my daughter´s family as I mentioned in a prayer thread. Because of the fact that the ticket is much cheaper if I stay in the US for about 3 weeks! it will probably be a Godsend for all of us..if I can get away for some short time and meet up with you ;..and just the thought of seeing you guys "LIVE" is very exciting. Thank you! I will be in touch!

I think I feel the best I possibly can when I can make someone else feel really good...It makes my whole self smile.

A Feel Good Day...
1) Talking to my son
2) A warm soft breeze and sunshine
3) Letters from grandchildren
4) See hubby smile
5) Smiles and howdies from strangers
6) Helping people in the nursing home
7) Hearing someone laugh
8) Chatting with boomers
9) Productive, creative writing
10) Good news and family dinners

Chatty,
This is an excellent thread! And love your idea of making yourself feel better when you make someone else feel better! It doesn't get any better than that!!!

chatty, I totally agree with you.

Something very cool happened to me last week. I thought I was helping my friend by taking her and her family dinner after her surgery, but while I was delivering it, her sister from out of out of town walked through her garage door and into her kitchen.

At first I felt like an intruder because it was a SURPRISE! Then I chose to feel blessed to have witnessed it. There was pure delight between them. It was beautiful. I figured I must have been meant to share in it.

There I thought I was doing something for someone else, and I was blessed. It was very cool.

jabber, we have similar lists. Looks like relationships are important to you too.

Dotsie,
Right you are! God first. People next. I was just reading about
the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart. The lady that started this
order was motivated by a consciousness of God as Eternal Father and the mission: To be signs of God's constant and unconditional love for every person. Cool, don't ya think?

My feel good day...I just realized that I am not feeling hermit like at this time of the year. Usually I want to hibernate til spring. Hmmm I wonder what happened?

I want to share something...I have been smelling my Mother's perfume for a week now. Anyone have a take on why that might be.I am enjoying the experience.

Chick, I love that you're smelling your Mom's perfume. I don't know why these connections happen when they do or why we can't feel them at other times...I would expect them to touch us at special moments, like anniversaries of their birthdays or when we're feeling in need of consolation. I just think that our loved ones enjoy finding ways to let us know that they're still with us and still loving us, and are probably around a lot more than we know. It just seems as if some days we're more able to sense them than other days.

One thing I'm noticing is that the more we believe it's possible, the more it seems to happen, as if the believing opens the portal of our hearts to sense their presence. And once we've seen/smelled/caught those delicious precious gifts of presence, we cannot unsee them, can we!

Still, every smell or glimpse of any of them just makes me yearn for more. They bring comfort, but sometimes it's just a tad bittersweet.

Eagle the last time I smelled her perfume was last Christmas Day night at the time of her passing years before. It brought great comfort to me. I can't seem to put my finger on it this time except to think that something good is going to come to me.

jabber, very cool!

chick, enjoy the aroma. And make sure you let us know good comes to you soon. What perfume did she wear?

Maybe it's her scent that's allowing you to embrace this time of year with new light.

Chanel #5. It was always her favourite. Her scent is gone now but it will come back again.Dotsie this is the time of year as I mentioned where I hibernate. I don't want to this year. Maybe I am getting over menopause. Still have night sweats but not as much.No mood swings or hot flashes. You mentioned on another post about me being around more. I finally got most of the packing done and waiting for the go ahead to move to Tennessee. Looks like March now....never knowing is driving me crazy at times.

Today is a feel good day for me after an very hectic yet fun Thanksgiving day. The pouring rain has stopped, the suns out and it is ssooooo quiet around here.

chick, what do you need for the go ahead?

Also, no hibernating for you this year. You need to get out there and play cards! How far do you travel to your casino?

chatty, nothing like the calm after the storm. Glad you recognized it and embraced it.

Yesterday was a feel good day. I shopped a little in the morning, then took Dad to lunch and to run errands. In the afternoon, Ross and I worked in the yard, visited his dad, then went out to dinner with three other families and our children. It was fun to see how all the kids have grown and to see them reconnect after being away at schools and working. The only sad part was that our youngest left for his home on Friday so he wasn't with us.

Anyone else having a feel good day?

Did you all read about that poor retail store employee who was trampled to death the day after Thanksgiving when customers waiting to shop, broke down the doors and he was caught in the mayhem? Plus a pregnant woman also knocked to the floor had an emergency delivery, baby was fine and the mother will recover from cuts and bruises. OMG!!!

Dotsie,An early retirement package would do and it's in the works.
I am still on a winning streak at Poker. Must be the perfume smell so I am going for it. Fortunately the casino is 3 minutes by car and is open 24/7. It is 3:19 now and I just showered and will be on my way shortly.
There are NO casinos in Tennessee close to where we will be and I will probably have to travel and stay weekly at a hotel. Not convenient but will have to do.

A FEEL GOOD DAY is any day there isn't a major catastrophe!

A FEEL GOOD DAY is a day when the news reports are
upbeat. Somebody did something nice for somebody else!

A FEEL GOOD DAY is a day when strangers are kind and
flash you a big ole smile!

Today is a feel good day for me. I mailed out ALL my Christmas cards this afternoon and the gifts I am sending to family and friends. I was up until 5:30 a.m. writing out cards, but I am done, done, done!!!

When finished posting today, I am going to soak in a lovely hot bubble bath, with scented candles burning, soft music playing and a fruit drink in my hand.

I'll feel like a frigging movie star, hah, fat chance!! But it is a feel good day...

The snow has melted and we are just wet now. SIGH!!! The sun was out all day and I for one was so happy to see it. I had forgotten how awful that messy white stuff can be.

Yes, it can, Chatty....and we're expecting two more storms in two days....wish I was there with you!!

My door is always open to any of my Boomer sisters, so come on down ladyJane.

They're calling it "snow-mageddon" here. Hundreds of flights cancelled, hundreds of thousands of people stranded or delayed...three massive snowstorms right on top of each other plus high winds and bitter temps. It's good to be home.

I always think about the homeless who are freezing out there. Lets add them to our prayers this season.

my family and i donated warm coats this year and last. we are feeding the homeless, as a family tomorrow, and my hope is that we will all commit to doing more on a regular basis.

Donated coats, donated lots of food and of course my time as well. Nothing left to donate and I am afraid to bring strangers into my home, all except for the four legged kind. Have three of them staying here with me now.

my daughters had a good idea: purchase socks, caps, and gloves and hand them out on the street. i am a little too timid to do that by myself, but might be able to do it with a group of people.

My friend and her daughter buy backpacks and fill them with warm socks, gloves, hats, and toiletries - as well as a gift card to McDonalds - and pass them out to the homeless. I think they only do about 10 each year, but that's 10 more that are helped.

She doesn't want to just give them money because she fears it will go to drugs or booze.

that's a great idea. i love it. i wonder how much that might cost?

Whenever we go out in the winter, I carry an extra pair of gloves with me because I'm forever running into people (homeless and/or elderly) who don't have any.

Dancing Dolphin, I worked for many years in a soup kitchen serving the homeless; whenever people asked us how to deal with the begging on the streets, we suggested that instead of giving money they give gift certificates to restaurants. McDonald GC's were the favourites among the guys that we served at the kitchen because they didn't have to "dress up" to eat there.

Such wonderful ideas and so beautiful to see them flowing. I haven't put out these things on an individual basis and do support various efforts through my church home. We have a shelter we support and each month there are specific items requested (one month may be tea and coffee, another might be spaghetti and sauce). It is a wonderful way to do what your daughters suggested Seek, especially since you mentioned feeling a bit timid about doing that directly.

Another thing that is often forgotten, in my opinion, is human touch and contact which helps us feel connected to others. I am naturally outgoing and have also trained myself to reach out and at least do little things, like saying "hi" to the person sitting on the bench in the grocery waiting for a ride or making eye contact with the person who is on the street.

The other day I was at the grocery (seems like that is the one place I go besides church these days!) and a wonderful woman at the seafood counter was giving me a hand with my shrimp order. It was on sale and I was so excited. I ordered two pounds and she said "would you mind if I get it from the freezer...you actually get a better deal because it comes in 2.5 lb bags, so you'll get 2.5 lbs for the price of two."

I waited for her to get the shrimp out of the freezer and when she came out with it, I instinctively reached out and gave her a huge hug, saying thank you at the same time. She held on to me for a minute and I heard her whisper, with tear filled eyes "thank you, that felt so good...I haven't had a hug in 2 years". I immediately gave her another one and she joked "better watch out, you never know what will happen" and laughed.

My eyes welled up with tears at the thought of someone going for 2 years without a hug, in fact I'm tearing up now. We all need them...and they are such a powerful way to connect. Maybe that is why I love the "Give a Hug" campaigns I've seen done.

It isn't a material item...so maybe it doesn't belong on this thread and it is something I personally find extra important.

What you say about human touch, Mama, is so right. It really hit home for me after my Dad died and we became Mom's caregivers. We hugged and cuddled her all the time, but one thing I will never forget is hearing the sadness in her voice when she mentioned that she rarely ever heard her name anymore. We called her Mom, and because she was living in a new city, nobody knew her, so she had gone for months without hearing anyone call her by her first name. After that, my husband always used her first name. But it would never have occurred to me how important it is for people to hear themselves called by name.

Many elderly people do go long stretches of time without ever being hugged, or even touched kindly. I remember years ago standing at a bus stop, there was a very old woman standing there with me. It was bitterly cold and her coat was open and scarf just hanging loose. I asked her if I could fix her up, and tears streamed down her face as I buttoned up her coat and wrapped the scarf around her neck...she had nobody to help her, and her arthritis was so bad that she couldn't do it for herself. It made me cry too.

Oh Eagle Heart, I can SOOOOOOOO see you doing this, with that amazingly open heart of yours. I know there are folks who think I obsess over "doing" kindnesses and I went so far as to create a website to capture the stories of it (www.onemillionacts.com). I feel so strongly about the small things (and, of course, the big things) being important (like "Thank you, Mary" or opening a door or saying "I appreciate you") and I never used to think they counted or were important. And thus, I felt overwhelmed by my inability to "do anything" about anything that was happening in the world.

The interesting thing about my desire to capture the stories is that it could be a full time endeavor to help people understand the importance and exactly what a kindness is. I was stunned, to the core, when I had people ask me what I meant by "kindness" and said "oh, my story is too small to put on a website, I "just" opened the door, or I "just" heard someone speak kindly to their kids." or whatever it might be.

Another challenge has been learning the technology to do this project...so I've let it drop to a great degree, not leading the way and providing an example. I know it can sometimes look intimidating when you see more of a "story" than a simple statement and I WILL figure out a way to do something different.

If you don't mind, may I put your story on my site? It may be anonymous or attributed...your call. And I would be happy to put a link to your book too.

Also, to any others of you who have posted something here, would you allow me to share the ideas and suggestions on my site? Let me know!

Looking at these posts has been a reminder to me to find something to post, even if others are not. Arghghgh...this awakening stuff can be such a challenge! Grin!

my family and i prepped food in a homeless shelter yesterday and then served people. it was a wonderful feeling of service. i am exhausted but i realize i like prep work . . . i would like to help out in a kitchen. it is kind of zen in that you are doing something mundane and important at the same time.

i am pretty introverted but i like connecting with people who don't have social class pretense. that is really nurturing to the soul.

Gloves aren't expensive neither are scarfs and hats if you go to Thrift Stores, and, or the Salvation Army or Goodwill. Our church ladies knit all year long, they make scarf, hat, mitten sets out of old and extra yarns. Then once a year they give them out to homeless folks they serve at the local mission. You all know I crochet but can't make a mitten, or hat to save my life, tried but NOT!!! Maybe I should make them ponchos...why not, they're certainly warm enough.

great idea, re: thrift stores. i don't know why i didn't think of that!

I think of and pray for the homeless, daily. The nursing home
I visit has almost 600 residents. Less than 100 have any family
ever visit them. An announcement goes out over TV for the general public to please stop at the home and lift someone's spirit. I've made gifts for the City Mission and give to area homeless. Nightly I thank God for my bed and bedding and pray for those without the basic necessities of life. These previous posts are awesome and heartwarming. I feel priviledged to be acquainted with such fantastically loving people!

At least all of you care about less fortunate people. That speaks
volumes 'bout your hearts and sweetness.

Just like who, Jabber, just like who?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MamaRed,
You're such a kewl gal...! You always make me smile!

Finally 'THE SUNS OUT' and that makes this a feel good day for me...