Work Smart Live Smart with Beverly Beuermann-King

EP 927 - Make Sure You Stay Safe

Part of spring cleaning is tackling your cupboards and drawers.  Well how about that medicine cupboard? Do You Know About Medication Safety?

I know that mine had been neglected when I found a jar of Vicks medicated rub from when I was a kid.  Yes, that was a long time ago and yes, it was about time that it was thrown out.  I have no idea if that stuff ever goes bad, but I probably should have thrown it out years ago.  I have carted it from my bedroom, to my residence room, to my first apartment, and then from one home to the next with my family.

Medication errors are said to affect at least 1.5 million Canadians per year according to the Canadian Institute for Health Information.  And those mistakes can be disastrous.

Medication safety isn’t just about an expiry date.  It’s about safe storage.  Knowing what medications may interact with other medications, food and supplements. It’s about telling your doctor about any side effects you may have had from previous prescriptions and what supplements or over-the-counter medications you may be taking.

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Medication Safety Week:

Check your prescriptions periodically for expiration dates

Don’t share medicines with friends or family

Dispose of medications properly. Most pharmacies will take your old drugs for proper disposal. Avoid putting them in trashcans or into the toilet

Remember that the term “natural” does not necessarily mean “safe”.  Treat all supplements and herbal remedies with the same respect as you would any prescribed medications

 Make Sure That Your Family Stays Safe And Healthy

Want to find more strategies to coping with stress? Check out my website at worksmartlivesmart.com

EP 926 – Controlling Conflict

April celebrates Conflict Awareness Month.

Celebrates sounds like a funny word to use when we are talking about conflict, but there are benefits to conflict including:

Becoming aware of issues within your team

Encouraging change in the way things are done

Stimulating creativity and bonding as you work to solve the conflict

And Promoting decision-making.

Conflict becomes difficult to manage when personalities hinder the process.

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Conflict Awareness Month:

Understanding why some team members become more difficult or negative, and when they are more likely to act that way, can prevent that build up of tension from happening, that may prevent the team from productively solving the conflict.

So why are people difficult?

For some, negative attitudes and behaviours are expressed when they are stressed out and just don’t have the energy to use better communication skills, judgment and manners.

Our goal is to stop rewarding these irritating behaviours. To do this, we must understand what employees expect to gain from being so difficult. Some want to feel more in control. Some want to feel important and listened to, and some want to avoid outright conflict, but will act out their annoyance or disagreement through other negative behaviours. By finding the strategies to meet their needs and lower their stress, they may be better able to focus on solving the conflict.

The difficulty behind these attitudes and behaviours is that they are highly “toxic.” It is important that we practise good self-care so that our stress doesn’t add more negativity to the situation.

Want to find more strategies to coping with stress and dealing with conflict? Check out my website at worksmartlivesmart.com

EP 925 – Motivation and Wellness

As wellness leaders and wellness cheerleaders know, it is often not a lack of information that our team’s face.  It is about finding a stronger motivation to fight the no’s and the excuses.

Look for example at your smoking cessation programs.  I would venture to say that almost everyone who smokes know that it is harming them in one way or the other.  It is not until someone has a clear mental picture as to what the benefits are or how they see their life without smoking, that they can even hope to be successful. 

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Physical Wellness Month:

Help people to have a picture in their head of what life will look like when they have achieved their wellness goal. 

 So, my picture, is to be able to still run a successful business and to have the creativity and motivation to keep trying new things.  It is to be teaching karate to young boys and girls when I am older.  I want to be that cool grandma that goes on the roller coaster rides and can walk along the beach. I want to be in my gardens, and I want to stay living in my two-story house.  I want to be sure-footed and not afraid to go out and about.  I want my back to be straight and my eyes looking forward, not hunched and looking at the ground.  So I try to walk at least a couple of times every week, sometimes, complaining the whole way.  I go to karate class as often as I can. I throw the frisbee in the snow, because even though it’s only the dog getting exercise, I am taking in the benefits of the light that will positively impact my mood and energy.

There are so many wellness programs that you could host at your workplace. How are those programs going to help your team be who they picture themselves being? 

Looking for resources to build your healthy workplace? Check out my top 10 tips under Resources and Courses at worksmartlivesmart.com

EP 924 – Remembering Date Night

I remember date night…That was before hockey and weekends at the rink. That was before school projects and helping out with math homework.  And that was before going to bed before 9:00 was a matter of survival.  With today’s chaotic pace, it is easy to take your partner for granted.

When we first fall in love, everything is excitingly-new. But, as the novelty factor starts to wane, we settle into more of a routine. That’s when excitement can be replaced by boredom.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Research shows that couples can regain that excitement in their relationship by trying something new together.  Experiencing new things triggers the release of two brain chemicals, dopamine and norepinephrine — the same ones released when you’re newly in love.

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Couple Appreciation Month:

Start going on dates again.

Plan a road trip to nowhere.

Go for a walk in the park and hold hands the entire time.

Cook a special dinner together just for the two of you.

Leave a quick note on the mirror, their gym bag, or their briefcase/purse to make them smile.

Take a minute to think about how much more enjoyable they make your life, and then tell them.

These are my suggestions, but I am sure that there are things that you did before that you would like to do again or new things that you would like to try with your partner.  So go ahead – what’s stopping you? (nothing should be stopping you!)  Nothing can be more important then ensuring that your relationship stays rock solid.

Discover how to take small steps towards a healthier, happier, less-stressed you by visiting my website at worksmartlivesmart.com

EP 923 – Early Detection Is Key

I had no idea. There will be nearly 9,000 new cases of Testicular Cancer diagnosed during this year and more than 300 young men will die from the disease because they didn’t catch it in time. That is more deaths than women in this age group who will die of breast cancer.)

Testicular Cancer is the most common cancer in men ages 15-40, that time when we don’t want to admit the possibility of illness.  However, if detected early, it is among the easiest to cure.

So Here are today’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Testicular Cancer Awareness Week:

You are never too young or too old to do a self-exam.  Teach young boys just like we do teen girls to do a self-exam.  It should not be embarrassing, and it does save lives.

Know the risk factors:

Age: Most testicular cancers occur between the ages of 15 and 40.

The main risk factor for testicular cancer are undescended testicle(s).

A family history of testicular cancer increases the risk.

Race and ethnicity: The risk of testicular cancer among white American men is about five times that of African-American men and more than double that of Asian-American men.

Talk about it. Private parts are private, but knowing how to detect an illness early is just as essential as the ‘birds and the bees’.

Discover how to take small steps towards a healthier, happier, less-stressed you by visiting my website at worksmartlivesmart.com

EP 922 - Fun Deficiency Syndrome

Today we fight the perils of FDS: Fun Deficiency Syndrome on this National Fun Day

Today is also Wet Monday.  A tradition that was grew out of splashing holy water to a university wide water fight.  Now, that sounds like fun!

It is also National Deep Dish Pizza Day – how about squishing some dough and making your own pizzas. That could be fun and probably not too messy!

Cheap, But Fun Things To Do

A lack of money shouldn’t mean a lack of fun.  There are lots of fun things to do that don’t require any money at all.  Play dress up or make-believe with your kids.  Go and ride your bike.  Take a walk at the beach or along a nature trail and see what spring has to offer.  Play catch or Frisbee with your dog.

Fun can take place at work as well.  This is also Laugh At Work Week – so check out our posting on this celebration for things that you can do at work.

When we are having fun we forget ourselves.  Fun includes happiness, amusement, exhilaration, laughter and joy.  However, we lose our sense of fun as we age if we do not nourish it regularly.

Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Fun Day:

Do something fun today – anything – but don’t let the day pass without having some fun!

Discover how to take small steps towards a healthier, happier, less-stressed you by visiting my website at worksmartlivesmart.com

 

 

EP 921 - Is Your Sleepiness Serious?

According to American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine the accident risk is two to six times higher for those suffering from sleep apnea than it is for regular drivers. Everyday, car crashes are caused by drivers with sleep apnea falling asleep at the wheel.

I grew up with people who snored.  I thought that everyone did.  And I thought, like most people, that it was no big deal.  However, people with untreated sleep apnea are more likely to have motor vehicle crashes, hypertension, heart attacks, irregular heartbeat stroke, depression, impotence and diabetes.

Do You Think You May Have Sleep Apnea?

Are you often very sleepy throughout the day?

Do others tell you that you snore or have short pauses in your breathing while you sleep?

Are you known to choke, gasp, or hold your breath while asleep?

Do you think you get a full night’s sleep most nights but still wake up tired?

Are you overweight?

The Public Health Agency of Canada found that 26%of Canadian adults aged 18 years and older are estimated to be at high risk for having sleep apnea and only 5% of people at high risk have been tested for the condition.

Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Sleep Apnea Day:

If in doubt, get it checked out.  Go to see your doctor and ask for a referral to a sleep clinic.

Decrease your risk. You can control your diet and weight, how much you exercise, how you use alcohol and caffeine and whether you smoke.  All of these can lower your risk for sleep apnea.

For more information on coping with mental health issues, sign up for one of my on-line courses at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.

EP 920 - Celebrating I Am In Control Day

“I am in Control Day” is a call to action.  It is your chance to get things in order and under control.

We humans have a powerful need to control the world around us.  In the same respect, not being in control, creates an enormous amount of stress.  As we evolved, being in control of our environment increased our chance of survival. It gave us a sense of certainty, completion, understanding, and predictability.

When we can’t completely control something, then we can use trust, routines and rules to help us with a sense of control.  We trust authority figures to keep us safe and make the right decisions.  We can also trust in a ‘higher’ power.  Routines and rules help to keep things more predictable.

Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating I Am In Control Day:

Take a deep breath and relax. The stress response can be fought by inducing the relaxation response. 

Assess the situation.  Gather the facts.  Sometimes just having all the information about what you are facing can help you to feel more in control.  Be sure that you are not over-exaggerating the situation.

Next, ask yourself what you can do to problem solve the situation? What choices can you make that will help you resolve this?

Focus on the things that you do have control of, even if they are the little things.

 “Remember, we always have choice about the way we live our lives.  We may not be able to control everything and often control is more of an illusion.  But when we give up choosing, we truly are out of control.”

Looking for more ways to build your resiliency, take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.

EP 919 - Celebrating Entrepreneurs

This day celebrates those entrepreneurs who had a desire to be their own boss and who went out and made it happen.  They are store owners, manufacturers, producers and service providers.  It is through determination and hard work that their success is possible.

The downside is that they probably sacrificed family time and personal care for this success.

In helping entrepreneurs in dealing with work-related stress issues, one of the key reasons I hear that many started their business, was to have control.  Control over the creative process.  Control over the service that they provided to others.  And most especially – control over themselves – How they worked and when they worked.

Often this control over when they worked and how they worked was quickly given away in an effort to grow their business. They became their own worse boss as they strived for success. 

Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day

Some advice if you are the business owner – remember why you started your own business and make sure that you are honouring that reason in the way that you conduct your business.

 Make sure that you are taking care of yourself so that you have the energy to continue to work hard in your business. Take several breaks throughout the day to restore your energy. Eat right. Have a life outside your business.  Stay connected to your family and friends.

The goal is to run a successful business and stay healthy and connected at the same time.

To everyone else: Thank those mom and pop business owners in your community who work hard to keep their business going strong

Looking for more ways to build your resiliency? Take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.

EP 918 - Can Spring Cleaning Improve Your Mood?

Long ago are the days where the onset of spring meant that housewives everywhere, opened the windows, shook out the rugs and cleared out the closets. Usually, we are far too busy to dedicate a week or even a couple of days just to tackle spring cleaning.

Many of us have forgotten that spring cleaning can improve our mood.

Apparently, just like other types of exercise, the act of cleaning causes our bodies to release endorphins. And using lemon-scented cleaning products can help you de-stress as studies show that a citrus smell reduces stress and leaves a positive impression on others.

In light of today’s uncertainty and challenges, here are my Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Spring-Cleaning Week:

• Don’t let other people should all over you, you get to decide what spring cleaning may look like for you.
• Pick one thing a week that you would like to tackle – it could be just the front closet or the upstairs windows.
• Enlist the help of family members. My long-time friend Laurie challenged her kids to organize her family photos.
• Find a way to get and keep your organization. Get rid of clutter. If it is not necessary – get rid of it and let someone else clean around it. With less to think about, there is bound to be less stress related to your physical space.

If you like today’s wellness tips, let me know. You can leave me a review on amazon or through your #alexa app.

Looking for more ways to build your resiliency. Take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.

EP 917 - Be Bad

Marilyn Monroe said, “I never said I was a good girl,”

If you want to be a bad, then you've got to embrace the look and the attitude.

Being bad is an art.

One site I looked at, said that bad girls rock the sexy shoe. Apparently flip flops don’t cut it.

And sunglasses create an aura of mystery. Not sure my prescription progressive sunglasses count.

I also learned that my flannel pjs just don’t cut it. Better to go black leather. Can’t see it. I am not into bows and ruffles, but I do like my jammies.

I am not really hitting it out of the ballpark on this Be Bad Day.

Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Be Bad Day that may help you step into your Bad self:

Being Bad is about being confident. Confident to express yourself in any way, shape or form that you see appropriate. You are not afraid to try something new, even if it isn’t for everyone.

Being confident is about being able to say what you want and go after what you need. It is not about stepping on others to get there, but it is showing the persistence to make it happen.

Being confident attracts people to you. You aren’t afraid to talk to others. Being bad means that you can rely on your friends and step into your independence when you need to. You have your own interests and know how to take care of yourself.

Being bad, means that you are a survivor.

So, I might have a little bad in me…after all Joan Jett was one of my rocker heros.

Looking for more ways to build your resiliency? Take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.

EP 916 - Being Optimistic Takes Work

What Is Optimism?

Wikipedia states that Optimism is to anticipate the best possible outcome.  Optimists generally believe that people and events are inherently good, so that most situations work out in the end for the best.

Optimism takes work.  Being pessimistic means you are stuck in identifying the problems over and over again.  Being optimistic means you have to move forward and do something about it.

Optimistic people are better at problem-solving - they move quickly from problem-identification to problem-solving. 

Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Optimism Month:

Act like an optimist.

Use the word choices and body posture of optimistic people. Use "upbeat" words instead of "upset" words - Challenged vs Overwhelmed.  Optimists take big steps, walk faster and stand taller. Pessimistic people shuffle their feet, take tiny steps, walk slowly and slouch.

Move quickly from problem-identification to problem-solving. We all get angry and upset, but the challenge is to move past these emotions and start looking for strategies and solutions that will help you to deal with that challenge.

Avoid emotional leeches. Minimize your contact with those who look on the down-side of everything, who criticize you or mock or sabotage your dreams and aspirations.

Remember

Optimists enjoy better health.

They find more success.

Optimistic people feel less stressed during stressful times.

Optimists tend to have more supportive networks and resources.

Discover how to take small steps towards a healthier, happier, less-stressed you by visiting my website at worksmartlivesmart.com

EP 915 – Cabin Fever And Going Stir Crazy

Cabin fever has taken on a brand-new meaning during this pandemic.

Cabin fever refers to the irritability or restlessness experienced when a person, or group, is stuck at an isolated location or in confined quarters for an extended period of time.

Along with irritability or boredom, feeling Stir Crazy may leave you sleepy or on the other extreme, unable to sleep. You may have a distrust of anyone you are with, or have an urge to go out somewhere, even when you know that it is not safe to do so.

Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Cabin Fever Month:

The cure is as simple as getting outside and interacting with nature.

The sounds of the forest, the scent of the trees, the sunlight playing through the branches, the fresh, clean air — these things give us a sense of comfort. They ease our stress and worry, help us to relax and to think more clearly. Being in nature can restore our mood, give us back our energy and vitality, refresh and rejuvenate us. Research has demonstrated that even brief interactions with nature can promote improved cognitive functioning, and overall well-being.

It is easy to let our perspective on life get distorted, especially during times of chaos and challenge. Sometimes we neglect doing the simple things that can help us to refocus, re-energize and restore our mental health.

An easy way to do that is to move from looking inwards at ourselves and our situation to moving outwards and noticing the awesome things that are occurring all around us.

If you like today’s wellness tips, let me know. You can leave me a review on amazon or through your #alexa app.

For more information on coping with mental health issues, sign up for one of my on-line courses at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.

EP 914 - Boost Your Energy With Colour

But the little boy said…There are so many colors in the rainbow. So many colors in the morning sun. So many colors in the flower and I see every one.

I love this song by Harry Chapin. 

March is Colour Therapy Month and it reminds me that soon, the snow will leave us and the amazing colours of spring will surface.  These colours make me smile, they pick me up and they put the world back into perspective.

Research has found that colour does impact our mood.  Colour therapy itself, is an energy healing method that has been used for thousands of years.

Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Colour Therapy Month:

Deep breathing and visualization are powerful strategies that can calm and heal us.  You may want to vary this by using Colour Breathing.  While breathing in and out, the participant visualizes the various colours of the rainbow filling their body and then being released.  Red, orange and yellow come up from the ground through the body, to the top and leave through the ground.  Green is visualized coming in horizontally from the world to fill your body and then leaves out the back, while blue and violet come in from the head, to the toes and back out to the sky.

Here are a couple favourites from the Colour Therapy Month website:

Eat a salad that contains all 7 colors of the rainbow.

Take a color therapy bath.

Mix and drink your favorite colorful cocktail or fruit smoothie.

Create a flower display of all the 7 rainbow colors.

Looking for more tips to build your resiliency? Look for my book on Amazon called Stress Out. 52 Weeks To Letting More Life In

 

 

EP 913 - Be Content Whatever The Circumstances

"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have more than enough.  I have learnt the secret to being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether poor or rich.  I have the ability to face all situations because of the strength God gives me."  Philippians 4:11-13

This is the sign above my desk that I read everyday that I am in my office. I am not there yet, but it is what I strive for.  Contentment.  A belief that things will be okay and that I will be okay.

Spiritual Wellness is generally considered to be the search for meaning and purpose in human existence, leading one to strive for a state of harmony with oneself and others, while working to balance inner needs with the rest of the world.

The path to spiritual wellness may involve meditation, prayer, affirmations, or specific spiritual practices that support your connection to a higher power or belief system.

Spiritual wellness involves having compassion, the capacity for love and forgiveness, altruism, joy, and fulfillment.

Your religious faith, values, beliefs, principles, and morals define your spirituality.

Tips For Building Resiliency and Achieving Spiritual Wellness:

Evaluate your own spiritual wellness with this brief quiz.

• Do you make time for relaxation in your day?
• Is there time for meditation and/or prayer?
• Do your values guide your decisions and actions?
• Are you accepting of the views of others?

This month focus on the meaning and purpose of your life and try to bring more harmony and balance to it.

Looking for more ways to build your resiliency, take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.

 

 

EP 912 - Water, More Valuable Than Gold

It can give us life and it can kill us.

Give us pleasure and cause fear.

It can be found everywhere and in 20 years half of us may not have enough of it.

It’s more valuable than gold.

People are dying to have it.

What is it?

Water

It makes up to 78% of our body. To function properly, the body requires around two litres of water per day to avoid dehydration. It is the most important nutrient to our body. It is rather difficult to drink too much water, but it is dangerous to drink too little. Scientists have estimated that by 2030, in some regions of the world, water demand will exceed supply by 50%.

We take water for granted. Everyone pollutes it without thinking of the consequences and many of us waste it without thinking of how valuable it is. Humans can live without food for several weeks, but we would be in dire straits without water, even for only a couple a days.

Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating World Water Day:

Plastic water bottles are convenient but a huge waste of resources and pollute our planet.  Look for alternatives.  Use the water fountain.  Take water in a reusable container.

Turn the water off when brushing your teeth.

Make sure your taps aren’t leaking.

Don’t pollute what you have. Look for biodegradable detergents and cleaners to run in your shower, dishwasher and washing machine.

Want to check out more health and wellness related celebrations, visit my wellness calendars under the resources and courses tab at worksmartlivesmart.com

EP 911– Smell Your Stress Away

Roses are red, Violets are Blue

Stinky feet? Try some perfume.

Fragrance Day is a celebration for the olfactory nerves in your nose. There is nothing like the scent of a good wine, a beautiful flower, the coming of spring, fresh baked cookies or a touch of perfume.

The sense of smell, called olfaction, involves the detection and perception of chemicals floating in the air. The olfactory tract transmits these signals to the brain, particularly the limbic system. The limbic system is involved with emotional behavior and memory which is why when you smell something, it often brings back memories associated with the object.

The connection between smell and memory happens almost immediately for us.  Baby’s recognize the smell of their mother. No two people have the exact same odor-identity or “smell fingerprint” which is determined by many factors including: our genes, skin type, diet, medicine, mood state and even the weather.

Here are today’s Hot Tips To Celebrating Fragrance Day:

Use different smells to purposefully relax you, energize you or excite you.  Citrus provides energy and lavender can help you to relax.  You can buy room fresheners, candles and even incense to add that dash of fragrance.

Take a fragrance walk. Now is an excellent time to get out and notice the smells of spring such as the melting snow or the first flowers.

So Happy smelling!

If you like today’s wellness tips, let me know. You can leave me a review on amazon or through your #alexa app.

Looking for more tips to build your resiliency? Look for my book on Amazon called Stress Out. 52 Weeks To Letting More Life In

EP 910 - Burn Baby Burn

I am so done with winter. It is wearing on my nerves and making me seriously want to move to another country – preferably with snow only in the remotest of locations…just in case I do want to see it again. But that is not likely.

Today is Snowman Burning Day. It is a day to celebrate the changing of season and where we hopefully can soon leave winter behind us.

I am not sure that burning a snowman will bring me some spring juju, but at this point I am willing to try.

Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Snowman Burning Day:

If you can’t burn a snowman, try encouraging that spring feeling by bringing home some blooms. Even if it is not spring outside yet, some bright flowers can make the day shine a little brighter

Make sure you have space to welcome spring into your home. Clear clutter from your display areas, closets, drawers and storage spaces. Donate, recycle or sell unused and unwanted clothing and household items.

Host a Spring Party and break out the BBQ. Getting together with friends or family can lift some of the winter gloom.

Finally, my favourite choice. Go out for ice cream. Nothing says good-bye to winter more than enjoying an ice cream cone.

Looking for more tips to build your resiliency? Look for my book on Amazon called Stress Out. 52 Weeks To Letting More Life In

EP 909 – Let’s Laugh

Laughter Is Good For Us – So Why Don’t We Use It More’

It has been shown that laughter (not just a quick giggle) reduces physical and emotional tension. Muscles tense in laughter and then relax profoundly for as long as 45 minutes. The more hearty, the more relaxing it is and the longer the positive effect. Laughter helps the body to produces endorphins, which are natural pain relievers.

A good belly laugh can stimulate your internal organs, increase your circulation, raise the level of oxygen in the blood and boost the immune system. A group of researchers found that laughing boisterously 100 times a day will give you the same effects as 10 minutes of rowing or 15 minutes on an exercise bike.

We know intrinsically that laughter is good for us, yet as we get older our laugh quota drops further and further. As adults, we need to examine what happened to our playful, fun, humourous side.

Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Let’s Laugh Day:

Find funny friends and co-workers and make it a point to hang out with them

Go old school and read the comics

Watch funny TV programs, movies and videos

Being able to laugh gives us the physical energy and mental resilience needed to survive.

Smile, Laugh Large and Fight ‘Terminal Seriousness’.

Discover how to take small steps towards a healthier, happier, less-stressed you by visiting my website at worksmartlivesmart.com

EP 908 – Forgiveness

My parents weren’t perfect.

As a new parent, I knew I was going to be a better parent than my own.  I was going to be kinder, hug more, talk more, connect more, love more.

And my children would appreciate me, know that I was always fair, never ‘hate’ me, and never doubt my love for them.

Reality can be painful.  The realization that there is no such thing as a perfect parent, that no one had perfect parents, that you are not going to be the perfect parent and that no matter what, your children are going to take you for granted, think that you are unfair, ‘hate’ you for the decisions that you’ve made and will probably doubt how much you love them at some point, is all part of our maturing process.

Parenting is not easy.  We wing it, just like our parents did. 

This realization can lead us to forgiveness.

Sometimes there is a little to get past, sometimes there is a lot to forgive.  Sometimes the hurt and damage run very deep.  Hanging on to this ‘baggage’ is damaging.  It can damage your current and future relationships. 

Forgiveness is not forgetting.  It is awareness and it is moving forward. 

The past can never be re-written.  But sometimes forgiveness allows the future to be much brighter.

Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Forgive Mom and Dad Day:

In my teens, I wanted to change my parents.  As I got older, I have grown to accept them for who they were and are today. 

They were not perfect, but they have some really good qualities.  Now, I see them through the eyes of my children.  They love their grandparents, the way I loved mine. When I look back, I see that they don’t carry that same baggage when they see their grandparents as I do when I see them as my parents. They greet my parents with excitement and enthusiasm.  They laugh and joke around.   Now, so can I.

Forgiveness is essential to living a healthy life.

Discover how to take small steps towards a healthier, happier, less-stressed you by visiting my website at worksmartlivesmart.com.