Bare Necessities!

When we take care of our bare necessities…nutrition, fitness, rest and engaging activities, then we are re-energized and inspired to nurture others.
~ Dr. Angela Kowitz Orobko

I was able to truly take care of myself today, especially in the area of resting. I have been going and going and going like the Energizer bunny. Recharging my batteries did wonders for me today!

Now I feel like I can take on my tasks with a blissful heart and move forward in all my projects. It feels great. Are you taking care of your bare necessities?  How is your nutritional intake? Are you getting in some fitness training? Are you getting enough sleep? What engaging activities are inspiring you? Sometimes it is good to check-in with yourself and make certain you are getting everything you need.

Tomorrow is the kick-off to another school year for our grade-school aged children. Some have already started school. This is a fabulous time to re-evaluate ourselves and our families. May it be a blessed year for all our loved ones in the school systems. May it be filled with wonderful and engaging activities that will inspire our children to be the best they can be. I know our God will watch over the children and all those involved in their lives, and be there for them as they are receptive.

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Stretch

The first thing we do (or should do) in the morning after a good sleep is to stretch ourselves, extend our bodies and muscles in an outward direction. This helps us to increase our circulation and warm up our body. Continued deliberate stretching helps us to become more limber and flexible.

Stretching our minds can have a similar effect. By extending our thoughts and working through various challenges, like trying something new, reading something a bit more challenging, working through a complicated project or problem or any number of ways that require us to brainstorm, analyze, and think critically is giving our minds an opportunity to stretch and extend its capabilities.

The more we stretch or reach with our minds the more ideas that seem to flow. Entertaining new ideas often brings joy. How does your body feel after it has been stretched, a bit more relaxed? Stretching your mind opens up channels of possibilities when you entertain new thoughts and allow your imagination to expand outward.

Have you ever entertained the idea of other uses of various items, such as a paper clip? This is a simple and easy way to expand and stretch your mind. I enjoy stretching myself as an artist and writer by trying new techniques and introducing different materials to my art and writing that could easily be overlooked by traditionalists, such as using old squashed blueberries as a coloring medium, using junk mail in a collage, or using a graphic organizer/concept map to plan my writing instead of using an outline.

What new things can you introduce into your craft? If you enjoy cooking what ingredients or techniques could you introduce or try? As an athlete, how can you kick your routine up a notch or perhaps you could try your sport in a different venue or add another element to your sport (add resistance, do it in the rain or do it the cold)? If you are a teacher, what other ways can you introduce and practice lessons with your students? Each of us have it in us to stretch ourselves, our skills and our talents. Brainstorm some ideas and then give it a try to see if it brings just a bit more joy into your day.