April 18, 2025 - Some Dos & Don'ts

As we start another week, and are about to end another month, I'd like to encourage you to make the choice to do what you can to make life better today. To help you with this, here are a few dos and don'ts to consider - first let's consider some "don'ts" . . . 

Don't -

• Doomscroll. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, this is when you - "spend a lot of time looking at your phone or computer and reading bad or negative news stories." Yes, we need to know what is happening in our world so we are able to take steps to protect ourselves and speak up for us and others, but we also need to approach the news with a sense of "balance". Learn what you need to know, but do not overwhelm yourself with negative reports - especially when they predict negative outcomes. Those predictions may happen - they may not. Protect your own sense of wellbeing by limiting your time looking at these negative news stories.
• Isolate. We really do need to spend time with people who love us and who have our back. Spend time with your family, friends, support groups - find groups in your community which care about the things you care about and see if you are able to volunteer your time in some way to help them. Don't spend many hours alone - spend time with others and you will find doing so helps you protect yourself in ways which make a big difference in your life.
• Give up. I say it every day, you make our world a better place and we need you in it - these words are absolutely true. Please know how dear and valuable you are - please, PLEASE don't give up.

Now for some things to DO . . . 

• Spend time with others - yes, I did already say this, but it is so important, so I'm saying it again. Spend time with others. Invite a friend over or make plans to meet up and do something together. Visit your grandma (I'm a grandma so I'm always very happy when those I love visit me!) Of course spending time with a grandpa and parents are also valuable ways to spend your time!
• Learn a new hobby - baking, cooking, a new language, a new sport, music - playing instruments and/or writing your own songs, crafting - there are so many things you can learn and you may find they bring a great sense of enjoyment and joy to your life!
• Exercise - this can be in the form of taking a walk, riding a bike, swimming (the weather is getting warmer and swimming is a great way to exercise), playing a game of basketball or volleyball - whatever way you enjoy moving, make time to do it as it is a wonderful way to make your life better!
• Eat dark chocolate - yes, I said, eat dark chocolate! Dark chocolate is actually very good for you - according to healthline.com it is very nutritious, is a powerful source of antioxidants, lowers blood pressure and bad cholesterol, makes your brain work better, and it tastes delicious! Plus it increases endorphins and makes you happy! Eat more dark chocolate for sure!

Well, these are just a few ideas of things to do and don't do this week - choose something from the do list and do it today to make your life better today!

So, once again today I want to send you my virtual "hug" - You matter. You deserve to be loved and are loved - I love you! You make our world a better place - we need you in this world. I hope you have people around you who tell you these things, but if not, please let me be someone who does. Yes, I say this every day, but these words are true and will always be so. You will find the video at this link.