How to Save A Life

LIFE SAVER: 13

"Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend

Somewhere along in the bitterness

And I would have stayed up with you all night

Had I known how to save a life."

How to Save a Life 

The Fray

How do you save a life?  

Call 911? Perform CPR? Stand up for a friend? Be a shoulder to cry on?

All of the above.

I think everyone knows how to save a life.  Everyone has an internal voice that talks them through situations and experiences that helps them do the right thing at the right time. However, confidence and courage is what gives someone the will and ability to save a life.

Steps to gaining the confidence and courage to save a life:

1.  Listen.  Listen to yourself.  Your gut is a powerful voice and most of the time it's right.  Stop questioning what you already know is true.  Listen to your instincts and trust.

2.  Listen Again.  Talk less and listen more.  Many people feel alone in the world because people talk more about themselves and ask less about others.  People are ignorant to how powerful and important listening is.

3.  The Golden Rule: Treat people the way you want to be treated.  Following this rule will make a huge difference in your life and in others.  Empathy is a valuable characteristic to attain.  

4.  Act.  Do something about a problem.  Do something about injustice.  Do something with your passions.  You can make a big difference.  All you need is the will and the courage to put your thoughts and ambitions to a greater good. Believe it and take action.

Save a life.

Music & Medicine

LIFE SAVER: 12

For those of you that are artists, feel the creative will in your bones, have a need to express your inner spirit, and are captivated by magical and transforming art, this video is for you.  If you are moved by a symphonic melody, a breathtaking version of the Nutcracker, or a photo that speaks a thousand words, you will understand the true beauty and healing effect that the arts, and particularly music, has on the mind, body, and soul.

But for those of you who need a new perspective, something to change your pace of life, or to open a new door in your life, I advise you to push play.  It couldn't hurt.  And maybe can just help.

Listen to Robert Gupta's riveting story of how music has affected his life.

May music or any art be your therapy.

Simple Solution

LIFE SAVER: 11

Enough said.

Listen

LIFE SAVER: 10

When times are tough, unpredictable, stressful, and you want to pull out your hair because there is no other option in sight....

Sometimes all you need to do is listen.

Stop, Just Breath, and Listen.

Listen to silence, the sounds of the outdoors, or some great relaxing, rejuvenating tunes.

Birdy- People Help The People
Tracy Chapman- The Promise
Thomas Newman- That Next Place
Mumford & Sons- White Blank Pages
Ingrid Michaelson- Into You
Hans Zimmer- Time
Cary Brothers- Ordinary World
Rae Morris- Grow



And let yourself feel, think, and believe whatever it is that listening leads you to.

Advice From Gandhi

LIFE SAVER: 9

One of my favorite quotes is said by Mahatma Gandhi,

 "Be the change you want to see in the world."

His words are so symbolic and meaningful to me.  I make a concerted effort to love myself and treat myself respect so that I can be the best I can to the world around me.  I want to be an example of what I believe and live by.

Many people will inspire and move us to act within our lifetime.  Who has touched your life and inspired you to live, achieve, succeed, and overcome?

Gandhi is one of the many people that have impacted my life.  Thank you Gandhi.

Here are ways you can change the world:

Get Up & Get Dressed

LIFE SAVER: 8

Getting out of bed and putting on something that you think is pretty, feels soft and fuzzy, or even shows off your legs, will help you put your best foot forward in starting your day. Confidence and mood are affected by a variety of things.  And the way you dress is one of them.  Your appearance is a reflection of how you feel about yourself.

It is a form of self-expression and is often how people identify you. When you get up, get dressed, take pride in who you are, how you represent and feel about yourself.  It is bound to have an affect on you and on others.  Your choice in wardrobe can inspire, surprise, and even scare others. And maybe that is the point.  Either way, wake up, get dressed, and feel good!

Acceptance

LIFE SAVER: 7

From Futurowoman

It's the hardest thing to do.
Accept circumstances.
Accept reality.
Accept that life didn't turn out the way you thought or wished it would.
Accept that you aren't the person that you wished you could be.
Accept your imperfections.
Accept your downfalls and the things standing in the way of you getting what you want.
Accept that life's not fair.
Accept that life is ugly sometimes.
Accept that life is hard.


But....
Let me ask you...
What is standing in the way of your life being all you've dreamt it to be?

You?

You are the only one who can do anything about your life, your health, and your state of mind.  The world has many ways of making you feel better or worse about yourself, but YOU are the one who has the choice to listen or not.  You can either take in the good or take in the bad.  You can accept your life as you are and continue to live.  Or...you can live in denial and continue to live a life and be a person that you are fearful of.  Life is not going to be easy.  It is not going to be perfect.  It will be hard.  You will change and you will surprise yourself when you turned out wanting to be a teacher instead of a fashion designer.  It's ok to be surprised.  It's ok to change.  It's ok to be scared.  But you have to keep living.  Because there is an amazing spirit waiting to come out and live and shine brightly after you stop holding it hostage.  

There is a way to accept life for what it is.  And there is a way to live a life accepting that there are many wonderful things to live for.

You make the choice.  And accept it.

Do This When Appropriate

LIFE SAVER: 6

From Shardae

Survival Instructions on a bad, sad, gloomy, lazy, or depressed day.

1.  Turn off your alarm.

2.  Count to ten, wiggle your toes, and then contract your core muscles and spring yourself up from your pillow into a seated L position.  (This advice sounds crazy, yes it does.  It is more for someone who is imagining or watching what it may look like, a little funny..huh?  But for read, try exploding out of bed.  You never know the affect it may have on you).

3.  Walk yourself to the bathroom and sit....or stand....

4.  Depending on what day you have that lies ahead, Do Whatever You Want and Feel Good About It.

(I am not suggesting that you miss your business meeting, leave your students without a teacher, or McDonalds without a cook.  These activities are encouraged for a day off or weekend.  Choose wisely).  

5. Take ownership of your decisions and put aside the guilt, shame, expectations of what you should be doing.  Listen to YOURSELF for once and do what you want.

6.  Live an EMPOWERED day.  Any may each EMPOWERED day lead to a FABULOUS, EMPOWERED life.

7.  Good Luck!

Bully Awareness Month

LIFE SAVER: 5

By mortevitae

Let's break it down.


What do bullies do:

• Hurt you (physically, emotionally, and mentally)
• Scare you
• Call you names
• Push, pull, scratch, punch, steal, and threat
• Embarrass you
• Destroy your dignity
• Blame
• Mock and belittle
• And more

WHY do bullies do what they do:

• To feel Macho, Cool, Popular, Smart, BETTER THAN YOU
• Because they are embarrassed or ashamed
• Because they are afraid
• Because they are alone 
• Because they don't like or love who they are
• Because they don't feel loved
• Because they are insecure
• Because they are hurt
• Because they want attention and any attention is better than none at all
• Because they don't have control
• Because they want power
• Because they can (as sad as it is.  People are often afraid to stand up to a bullies in fear of being the next target)
• Because they want all these things to disappear the moment that they project them onto you

DON'T BE AFRAID TO STAND UP TO BULLIES.  THE PAIN THAT THEY ARE CAUSING YOU IS OFTEN THE PAIN THAT THEY FEEL THEMSELVES INSIDE.  SHOW THEM THAT BECAUSE YOU ARE HURT, ALONE, OR AFRAID DOESN'T MEAN THAT YOU HAVE TO MAKE OTHERS FEAR YOU TO FEEL BETTER.  STAND UP TO BULLIES.  EMPATHIZE WITH WHY THEY DO WHAT THEY DO.  BUT NEVER ALLOW THEM TO MAKE YOU FEEL LITTLE, DUMB, UGLY, OR A PIECE OF DIRT.  YOU ARE WONDERFUL, PERFECT, AND WORTHY.  STAY STRONG AND SHARE YOUR STRENGTH WITH THE WORLD BECAUSE YOU COULD DO A LOT OF GOOD FOR THOSE BULLIES WHO NEED SOME HELP THEMSELVES.

See your best friend...

LIFE SAVER: 4

What's one of the most comforting, natural, and enduring relationships you have?  Well, duh, that's the one with your best friend and loving confidant...your dog!  Or pet for those cat, fish, and ferret lovers.

My best friends are Riley and Moses. 

 Riley is a cavapoo (cavalier-spaniel mix with poodle) and Moses is a bichon frise.  

Moses and Riley are my life savers because they give me everything I need: Lots of attention, quality time, and tons of love.  What more could you ask for?  Riley and Moses are one reason why my life is filled with love and joy.  

Do you have pets?  If so, find your cuddle bug, give them a big hug, and thank them for loving you NO MATTER WHAT.  If you don't have a pet, consider the joy that you may have when you come home to a welcoming smile, that is ALWAYS happy to see you, and thinks you are the God of their universe.  It's nice.

Sometimes the best things in life are friendly, furry, and a little bit slobbery. 

Bright things ahead.

LIFE SAVER: 3

Here is an acrostic poem to brighten your day.

Be thankful.
For clean air and water.  For the clothes on your back.  For the people in your lives.  For the job that you love...or hate.  Some people are looking for any job to pay the bills.  So, be thankful, for all that you have.

Remember to breath.  
Sometime slowing down, listening to your breath enter and leave your body can give you peace of mind and a calm presence.  Slow down and smell the roses.

Invite the unknown.
Try something new...food, coffee creamer, or new hair color.  You never know what the affect it may have on your ego once you fall in love with it.  What's the hurt in trying?  You can always go back..

Give yourself a break.
When something doesn't go your way, blow it off.  There are bigger problems to worry about and more important victories to celebrate.

Have fun.
Life is way too short.  Enjoy it a little bit.  Create fun and happiness wherever you are, even if it's not allowed.  Life dancing in the grocery store.  That is my favorite!  Life is more fun that way:).

Treat yourself.
Hmm..doesn't that sound nice?  Treat yourself when it's needed and do it with no guilt included.  Get yourself a nice purse, see the movie that you have been dying to see, get the pedi that your toes so badly need, or enjoy a nice hot coffee.  Enjoy the sweet things in life, give yourself some credit, and feel good about the affect you are having on the world or on your own life.

Delight Yourself In Simple Pleasures

LIFE SAVER: 3

Life's disappointments and struggles can hold you down, leave you feeling blue and even sick, like it slipped you some sort of poisonous potion when you weren't looking.  Everyone feels it, no matter how eternally blessed you may be.  But those that get through the slumps are those that fight and believe that there is something bigger, better, and more important to live for.  Life is never going to be easy but we need to delight ourselves in the simple pleasures that life provides.  Here are some examples:

From vibik.com

From aboutbasicsriding.com

From beautifulthingstoshare.blogspot.com

From dailytelegraph.com

From christchurchmequon.org

From amandacouchphotography.com

Delight yourself in the simple, small, maybe even meaningless things of the world that make a huge difference on how you feel about yourself and your life.  Losing yourself in something other than yourself, sometimes feels good. 

Hmmm.....delightful, isn't it?

You are Marvelous!

LIFE SAVER: 2

Look in the mirror and what do you see? You may see all of your imperfections.  The wrinkles, the bad hair color, the blemishes, the sun spots, the lips that you wish were bigger, the lashes you wish were longer...

Now, shut your eyes.  Open your heart and allow yourself to love all of your imperfections.  Love all of the scars, the  moles or birthmarks that you cover up with layers of makeup on a daily basis.  Your flaws do not define you.  They are a part of you but they are invisible in comparison to the true beauty that you hold.  Confidence out ways any amount of make up any day.  Vulnerability and courage is more admired than perfect skin and lip color.  There is so much more than what you see.

Now, open your eyes.  Look in the mirror and what do you see?

You don't just look marvelous, you ARE marvelous! Believe it and live it.  

News!!!

Check out the new additions to Bringing You Joy:  Art to Living and Life Saver.

I am excited for these new things I bring to you. I hope you like them!!

~Joy

70 Years

LIFE SAVER: 1

According to fightingage.org, the average age of a man will live to in the US is 72 and 79 for women.  Hmm...that seems like a plentiful amount of days here on earth.  That is...if you've actually "lived" them.

How are you living your life?  Are you taking advantage of every waking moment that you have here on earth?  Are you making the most of your time with your family?  Are you appreciating the days someone stops you in the coffee shop and tells you they love your shoes?  When you look in the mirror, do you see someone you like, or feel is beautiful, or brave, or successful?  Life's too short to not enjoy it or love the person you are.

Start living today, before it's too late.  You've only got about 70 years if your lucky.

Check out more information at Fighting Age for interesting stats and ways to fight the odds.