"Having a Positive Outlook During Challenging Times"

 

These are challenging times in which we live, but we can still have a positive outlook so we can help ourselves as well as others. 

Here are some wonderful, positive ideas from some talented people and from other sources that I found with my research to help us with this-

~How to turn your life around-

"Intend that you're going to feel good today and tomorrow. Visualize yourself feeling good. And whenever you think of it, remind yourself to feel good now." -Rhonda Byrne, author of "The Secret," as well as other helpful, life-changing books

~Dr. Laura Koniver promotes greenspaces to help your body and brain- "A small park with a bench or a walking path, or possibly a community garden...is enough to significantly improve your well being." She also says that you can just look out the window at greenery or get a potted plant to "improve your health." She also highly recommends grounding. For more information, her website is www.intuitionphysician.com .

~"To help yourself during challenging times, sleep more than usual, be in nature as often as possible, spend restorative time in solitude, and stay hydrated." ~From www.matthewbooks.com

~"My mission with Dressing Your Truth is to help you not only look good but to feel good and inspire others along the way." ~Carol Tuttle  www.liveyourtruth.com

~For hope and encouragement- "Your are in the greatest time to be alive." -jgminternational.org

~For feel-good, Hertz-based music, check out talented Malte Marten's wonderful handpan music on YouTube. I especially like Malte Marten's Pulse of Presence (999HZ). Very uplifting!

~"Music is the universal language of mankind." -Henry Wordsworth Longfellow

~"To maintain a positive outlook during difficult times,...practice gratitude, surround yourself with positive people, and engage in activities that bring you joy." -From Google AI Overview

~Pet Feature-

Kit-Cat

"What greater gift than the love of a cat?" -Charles Dickens

Positive thought: "Make each day your masterpiece." -John Wooden

Thanks for visiting! Until around Saturday, June 7, 2025, Becky

 

"A Simply Positive Life!"

 

It's really not that hard to be a positive person when you know some simple tried-and-true ideas that can help us on the road to positivity.

Here is a random list of some of the things that I've learned along the way that have helped me become more positive-

~This is a good one that is especially good in today's world- Make it a habit to read, watch, and listen to positive things rather than negative ones.

You might even want to try this experiment: For a couple of hours, just listen to, watch, and read only negative things, and notice how you feel. Then, for two more hours, listen to, watch, and read only positive things, and see how you feel after that. Did you notice any difference? At the end of each of the two hours, write down how you felt. Which of the two-hour periods do you prefer?

~"...fill your life with good thoughts (thoughts of what you want), along with good feelings, because then you will have total control of the outside world."- Rhonda Byrne

~Read good books by Rhonda Byrne, Norman Vincent Peale, and others. An Internet search for books about being positive will result in many good books about being positive for children, as well as for adults.

~We need to work on being healthier, like getting plenty of sleep, eating good, nutritious food, taking deep breaths, etc. I often like to search the Internet for good health ideas. When we're healthier, we generally tend to feel happier and more positive.

~It's important to be kind to others; what we put out there comes back to us!

~Adopt a pet, whether it's a dog, a cat, or a goldfish, etc., since it can make a positive difference in their lives, as well as ours. A psychic once told me that our cats Kallie and Mitzi were so happy and thankful that we adopted them together.

Pets can be wonderful companions.

~We need to practice being spiritual, which can mean that we are religious, and/or we do meditation, or that we enjoy being out in nature, or we ;might do some type of art, etc. in a mindful way. Doing these things can help us to feel more positive.

~Connect with nature often, whether it's going out into the yard, or going to a park or the beach, or just looking out the window, or looking at pictures of landscapes, etc.

~Celebrate! There are plenty of holidays and other special occasions like birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, graduations, births, etc. to enjoy.

Kallie, celebrating! Let's make every day a celebration!

I've mentioned a few ideas to help us get and stay on track in our journey for a simply positive life. 

What other positive ideas do you have?

Wishing you a positive, happy life, and...

~Positive thought: "Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day." -Dalai Lama

Thanks for visiting! Until around Saturday, May 3, 2025, Becky

  

 

"Positively Inspired!"

 

Spring is right around the corner (March 20)! Happy! Happy!

Spring represents new beginnings, a rebirth. It's the time when the pretty flowers and leaves come out again in all of their splendor. Do you know that we can let spring inspire us to change for the better?

However, we don't have to wait for spring or New Year's Day or any other special day for beginning anew. We can begin right now to make our lives better, the way we want our lives to be.

~"Every day is a new beginning. Take a deep breath, smile, and start again." -Tamara Kulish

Here are some ideas that might positively inspire you as they did me on my life's journey, and I hope they help you, as well-

~I recently saw and bought a used bargain coloring book. I have this book in a drawer that I open daily, and I feel inspired when I see the charming drawings that were skillfully colored with felt-tipped pens, and I read the inspiring quotes that accompany the pictures. 

Here are some of the quotes: 

-"Life is wonderful, and so are you!" -"Dreams do come true!" -"The best is yet to come."

Positive messages like these are very important, especially in today's world where we are often bombarded with so much negativity.

~"Leave the past and any difficulty where it belongs-behind you. Instead, take a deep breath of fresh air in this moment-and focus on your ideal life. Your power to create your life the way you want is now." ~Rhonda Byrne

Rhonda Byrne is one of my favorite authors. She has written several inspirational books, including "The Secret," "The Magic," and "The Power," as well as several others. "The Secret" movie is terrific.

More inspirational books are the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series of books. They were written by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hanson.

One of these books featured a man named John Goddard, who, at the age of 15, made a list of 127 goals he wanted to accomplish in his life. A few of his goals included visiting The Leaning Tower of  Pisa, becoming an Eagle Scout, typing 50 words a minute, and reading the "Bible" from cover to cover. At the time of the publication of the book, he had accomplished 108 of his goals, which is really remarkable.

This shows what we can do if we really want to.

We may not want to have the time, energy, or inclination to set and achieve so many goals as this man did, but, at the same time, it's good to set goals for ourselves, to accomplish something worthwhile, and to not get stuck in a rut. After all, life should be an inspirational adventure!

Animal Feature-

Kit-Cat

Hope you're inspired to adopt a pet. Bet you'd be glad you did, and so will your pet!

Happy spring!

Positive thought: "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." -Eleanor Roosevelt

Thanks for visiting! Until around Saturday, April 5, 2025, Becky

"February, a Very Positive Month!"

 

WELCOME!

Besides being just another winter month, what do most people think of when they think of February? If you are like me, you probably think of Valentine's Day on February 14. Most people are probably making plans to have a meal out or to have a romantic meal at home. This year, Greg and I are planning on exploring a nearby historic town after lunch. We'll visit some local shops and other places of interest that we haven't had time to visit in the past.

Many people will exchange valentine gifts and cards, as well. 

I still remember when I was in grade school, how each student would have a beautifully decorated Valentine's Day box where we would all put valentines in each other's boxes.  

As if February 14 festivities were not enough, there are other neat days in February, as well.

Today, February 2, just happens to be Groundhog Day. Every year at this time since 1887, Punxsutawney Phil in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, predicts the weather according to whether or not he sees his shadow. The not-so-good news was that he did see his shadow today, so here in the United States, there is supposed to be six more weeks of bad weather. The good news is that Phil is right only 35% of the time!

Right now, here in the Southern Appalachians, we are predicted to have above average temperatures most of this week, although after that, the temperature will be more seasonable. (We're really taking advantage of these warmer days right now! We're getting to work outside some, as well as having fun!)

February 17 is also a very special day since there are several fun ideas that you might enjoy trying that day-

-One thing you might want to do on this day is to celebrate My Way Day. All you do on this day is to celebrate you and your unique talents and personality, and to do things that you enjoy (that are not immoral or illegal, of course!). 

To celebrate, you might want to stay home and watch several DVD's that you have never had time to see before, while eating several of your very favorite foods. You might even go out and buy a new blouse in your favorite color and style, or you might like to go somewhere you've never been before. The important thing is just to celebrate the real you, the person you really are. ~For more information visit  http://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/my-way-day/  .

-Another idea you might want to try after having fun celebrating you, is to focus on other people, and do something randomly nice for others on Random Acts of Kindness Day which is also on February 17. 

Some ideas might be to sincerely compliment someone that you may or may not know. (I remember how good I felt when a stranger once complimented me on my hair, and when someone recently admired a necklace I was wearing.) Also, you could open a door for someone, or just give someone a smile. You could even give a neighbor a small gift.

Being kind to yourself and others sounds like a great idea!

And that's not all for February 17, 2025 since Presidents' Day just happens to fall on this day this year.

With all of the really special things that we might decide to do on the special days in February, we can no longer think of this month as just another cold month to get through until spring, but, rather, we can declare instead that February is a very positive month! 

And do you know what?-We can make every month of this year more positive and enjoyable by just being kind to ourselves and others! Sounds like a plan!

~Animal/Pet Feature-

One of our special family members, Cris, sent us information about what to do if we find a hypothermic animal which might happen if it is exposed to cold weather or cold water so that its body temperature is very low. It is valuable information (Please see paragraph directly below.) that we might need at some time. Cris loves animals, and she supports animal causes. Cris, thanks so much for sharing! 

For more information about this important topic, please search the Internet. Just type in- "What to do if you find a hypothermic animal?"

~ "If we're going to have animals around, we all have to be concerned about them and take care of them." -Bob Ross

~ "Animals are souls, aspects of God just as...we are, and many species are way-showers of unconditional love, loyalty and supportiveness."-  www.matthewbooks.com/january-3-2025/

Our Kit-Cat was a stray, a feral cat, not in the best of health. Thanks to our local vet, she is thriving now-

~"Cats are angels with fur." - Sark

Happy Valentine's Day. and Happy Every Day!

Positive thought- "Your heart knows the way. Run in that direction." -Rumi

Thanks for visiting! Until around Saturday, March 1, 2025, Becky

"A Positive New Year!"

 

Here are some inspirational quotes and ideas, etc. to help us have a more positive new year. Let's trust the magic of a fresh start! Welcome 2025!

~ "2025 is a year of heightened focus on balance, harmony, and new beginnings." -Carol Tuttle

~ Here's "A healing mantra for 2025"- "I am open to what is possible." -Laura Koniver

A favorite mantra of mine, that I repeat several times a day is, "Every day in every way, I am getting better and better." (Emily Coue)

~ "...it's time to set our intentions for this...year. Make a list of what you want to see happen in 2025, and to insure your intentions are fully energized..., read your intention list each day for the month of January." -Rhonda Byrne  

Also, Rhonda suggests watching "The Secret" movie to be uplifted, inspired, and empowered.

I've made my list of resolutions for the new year, which includes, of course, being even more positive! I'm reading my resolutions every day, and I plan to do so the rest of the year, so I don't lose my focus on what is important for an even happier, more positive life.

Also, I believe that it's good to have positive reminders around to help you stay on track. For example, we have a decorative coffee cup in our kitchen that I gave Greg for Christmas. The cup has a picture of the late, talented artist, Bob Ross, (Greg and I are both big Bob Ross fans.) along with one of his famous quotes, "HAPPY LITTLE TREES," a quote which Greg and I both love. Seeing the cup with the smiling Bob Ross, along with his quote, makes us smile, and it is a fun reminder to be happy, and to take time to enjoy life! 

Here are some encouraging quotes from "The Pioneer Woman" website, to further help us as we venture into the new year-

~ "Every moment is a fresh beginning." -T. S. Eliot

~ "...to be successful in the new year,...develop a positive attitude...." -Bamigboye Olurotimi

~ "It is never too late to be what you might have been." -George Eliot

~ "The new year stands before us like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written." -Melody Beattie

~ "The best is yet to come." -Frank Sinatra

~ ANIMAL FEATURE~

~ "Animals are such agreeable friends-they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms." George Eliot

~ "(A dog's) ability to love...is tremendous. It's spirit and willingness to love and to be a companion is great." -From "Animal Speak" by Ted Andrews

"Wishing you all a Very Happy New Year! May it bring endless opportunities, happiness, and everything your heart desires. Sending love to each and every one of you." -Malte Marten

(I second that! Becky Arnott)

Positive thought- "No matter how hard the past, you can always begin again." -Buddha

Thanks for visiting! Until around Saturday, February 1, 2025, Becky

"Positive Christmas Ideas"

 

Although I've been a bit "under the weather" this past week, and I'm running a little late with my blog post, I'm just thankful to be feeling a lot better, and that I'm gradually catching up on everything.

I wanted to make sure that I got to share with you some positive Christmas ideas that I have since Christmas is right around the corner.

~"There's something about Christmas time, Something about Christmas time, That makes you wish it was Christmas every day" -From "Christmas Time," a song by Bryan Adams

Christmas songs and carols are a big part of Christmas, of course.

A couple of my favorite groups, especially for Christmas are these-

~Home Free is an American country a cappella group with beautiful harmony. I was amazed when I found out that they sing with no musical accompaniment. They do an especially nice job with "O Holy Night." (And so does Josh Groban.)

Greg and I really love the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Our favorite song of theirs is "Christmas Canon."

Also, another idea for Christmas music is to go caroling yourself, along with some other people. 

At the Welcome Center in Abingdon, Virginia 

While out, enjoy the decorations, like at the welcome center (above) and at the-

Abingdon Commons (above) which houses a health food store, a coffee shop with goodies, and a brick oven pizza shop, as well as other businesses.

While in Abingdon, you might want to check out-

the Barter Theatre that is now featuring professional live performances of "A Christmas Carol."

Also, there have already been Christmas parades, "The Nutcracker" ballet, and Christmas craft shows, as well as others, but there are still other places to go, other things to see and do, like going to the Appalachian Caverns for their Christmas tour to see the underground caverns beautifully decorated with Christmas lights, as well as other decorations. You can view the caverns through the end of December, with the exception of Christmas Day.

Also, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville are all celebrating Winterfest with beautiful displays of lights now through mid-February.

Here are some positive, unique Christmas gift suggestions-

~Give someone something you have made yourself, to someone who would really appreciate it.

(Not all gifts need, or have to be wrapped, however.) For example-

~Give someone who needs one, a smile. (I feel such a positive connection with humanity when I'm out, in a store, for example, and someone smiles at me.)

~Volunteer your time for a good cause.

~Donate food. supplies. or money to your local animal shelter. 

~Even better, adopt one or more animals to take home with you.

We adopted our Mitzi and Kallie at the same time. They have brought real joy into our lives.

Also...

 our Kit-Cat came to us as a stray, a feral cat. She is our outdoor cat, and she seems to love it that way.

Pets can make a really positive difference in our lives. We help them, and they help us.

Besides the above ideas, you might want to check out this website, not only for this Christmas, but even for next year, etc, as well-

https://www.minted.com/lp/christmas-traditions

On the above website, they had a really interesting  article, "25+ Christmas Traditions in the US and Around the World." One of the Christmas traditions was "Spread Joy With Random Acts of Christmas Kindness." A couple of their suggestions are to pay "for a stranger's coffee," and to tape "dollar bills to items in a dollar store." Fun ideas, fun reading!

"During this season of religious services, majestic music, festive gatherings with family and friends, and sharing with souls in need, living from the heart is especially evident." -www.matthewbooks.com

~Positive thought -"Money doesn't bring happiness, but happiness brings money!" "...if you want to attract money to you, the fastest way to do that is to be happy first." -Rhonda Byrne

Thanks for visiting! Until around Saturday, January 4, 2025, Becky

"Positively Inspirational"

 

Sometimes we feel like we need to have some positive inspiration to help us navigate today's world, so here are some positive quotes and ideas to help us on our journey through life.

~"We've known for a long time...that time spent outside lifts your spirits." -Laura Koniver, MD

Let's connect with nature. If we can't be outside, we can look out the window as Greg often does when he can't go out and do gardening or other yardwork. Even looking at pictures of nature-landscapes, etc. can make us feel a lot better. 

Nature can be so inspirational!

~"Join me on a journey into the infinite diversity of our world. Let us explore the beauty of variety in others and ourselves and enjoy the harmonies of every sound, color, and feeling this journey holds in store for us." -Malte Marten, musician

~"I think if the whole world (saw) this video, the world would be a better place." -A viewer's comment after seeing one of Malte Marten's handpan music videos

Pets can be such a wonderful inspiration. We can learn lessons from them. For example-

Our Kallie was a beautiful example of pure, unconditional love.

~"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." -Anatole France

In my Sunday, August 4, 2024 blog post, "Living Positively," I wrote about a man's pet bird, a white parrot, that he had with him in Sevierville, Tennessee, that he was showing off to some other visitors there. 

I had taken several pictures of this pretty parrot, and I had wanted to put one of the pictures in that blog post, but I couldn't, because all of the pictures on my photo card had completely disappeared! I even went to several photo stores, but no one could help me. 

I never gave up hope, however, and I finally asked a woman who sometimes comes by to work with me on our computer if she could help me recover the missing photos. I told her if she could do so, it would be a miracle.

It turned out that she recovered nearly all of my missing photos! I told her that she was a miracle-worker! People like her are a real inspiration!

And here is one of my miracle photos-

~"Expect a miracle! Miracles happen every day." -Josie Grouse

An extremely important presidential, etc. election in the United States is coming up this Tuesday, November 5, 2024. For the sake of our country and for the sake of the world, please take the time to vote if you haven't already, not just for the next president, but for the others who are running for different other offices, as well.

Greg and I voted about a week ago, and before we voted, we asked ourselves this important question- "Are we better off now than we were four years ago?" The answer to that, for us, was simple.

~"America! America! God shed His grace on thee, And crown thy good with brotherhood, From sea to shining sea." From "America the Beautiful" by Katharine Lee Bates

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy, positive, inspirational, and blessed Thanksgiving!

Positive thought- "May your troubles be less and your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door." -Irish Blessing

Thanks for visiting! Until around Saturday, December 7, 2024, Becky