1. Make any together time a game. Driving from one place to another can be very boring for young children. The boredom can be relieved by singing songs with the children being encouraged to join in. Make up stories and encourage children to add their own pieces to the story no matter how silly or outlandish it may seem. A story can be a very effective distraction and can last quite a while depending on the number of children there are contributing to the story line. Do counting and other games, depending on the ages of the children. For example if they are learning their alphabet and their numbers, you can play something like: one apple, two bears, three cats, four dogs, five elephant, six frogs, etc. Let them come up with ideas for each of the different letters of the alphabet.

2. Play with children by doing what they enjoy. If physically possible, get down on the floor with them and build airplanes and cars with their blocks or dance with them to some of their musical toys. I spent some time recently sitting in a princess castle with my two year old granddaughter while we read books. Children like it when you are at the same level as they are. It is important to play the games that children enjoy not just what is the most enjoyable for you. Understandably, some things are not physically possible as grandparents age.

3. Determine what the interests are of each grandchild and create fun things to do relating to their interests. One of my grandchildren enjoys doing crafts so each time we get together we have a different project to work on. Recently at seven he has decided he wants to be an architect when he grows up. He has seen some old buildings and wants to view others. My ten year old granddaughter enjoys going for dinner and then looking in the stores, even if we don’t buy anything. And one of the little ones loves animals so we have gone to petting zoos, the aquarium, a bird sanctuary and the game park zoo.

4. Celebrate each occasion with your grandchildren. There are events for all of them. For Hallowe’en make going to the pumpkin patch an annual event. Every year we include going through a corn maze as a fun thing to do too. At this time of the year there are also hayrides to go on. At Christmas there are Christmas light displays; some of them are so spectacular that children are invited to be part of the event. Most towns have a Christmas parade and there’s always a visit with Santa or breakfast with Santa. And during the summer there are trips to the beach, walks through nature or even a trip to a farm to pick berries.

5. Fun time with grandchildren can also be educational. We recently went to a butterfly sanctuary where even the youngest children learned something. Another trip was whale watching where we saw not only a few whales but sea lions and seals. Visiting the farm animals at the country fair can be another fun and educational experience for children. And going kite flying at the beach lets children learn how to keep it in the air.

6. Invite the grandchildren for sleepovers. I will have one or sometimes two at a time and plan on doing something special. If it’s around Christmas we have made gingerbread houses, done baking or made a Christmas craft all of which they can take home with them. If the weather is nice we will plan on an outdoor adventure like going to the duck pond with lots of birdseed, going to a local park to explore or in really nice weather, going to a water park. The ten year old grandchild and I once spent several weeks working on a puppet show by preparing a set and making the puppets by using apple heads. I wrote the play and at one of the family functions we presented it to the entire family.

I have done all of these things with my grandchildren plus more. We have also gone on vacations together at various times. Not only do they enjoy the time spent with a grandparent but I enjoy my time spent with them by being the fun grandparent.

Sylvia Behnish has recently published her first non-fiction book entitled “Rollercoaster Ride With Brain Injury (For Loved Ones)” and her first fiction novel entitled “His Sins”, a three generation family saga. She has also had numerous articles published in newspapers and magazines in both Canada and the United States on subjects related to brain injuries, family issues, motivational topics and travel. Sylvia has a very active lifestyle which includes her large family, writing, photography, gardening, reading and time spent enjoying and exploring nature. “Rollercoaster Ride With Brain Injury (For Loved Ones)” and “His Sins” can be ordered by e-mail at: orders@trafford.com Website: http://www.talesbysylvia.com Blog: http://www.progressofabraininjury.blogspot.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sylvia_Behnish

(ARA) – We respect and admire volunteers for their devotion to a cause and their willingness to sacrifice their own needs for the needs of others. These selfless acts can often be life-changing for the person on the receiving end, but what about the person volunteering?

How often do you have a thought and, before you know it, it’s gone? Do you enter a room to get something and, all of a sudden, realize you are standing there looking for who-knows-what? Sometimes I have to go back to where I started to remember what I was looking for. Do you find yourself forgetting where you put your house or car keys? This always seems to happen when you’re in a hurry to go somewhere. The stress of the situation can block memory even more. These temporary memory challenges are not unusual as we age. However, there is no research that indicates that these lapses will eventually progress to dementia.

Research on Cognition
Due to medical research and advancements in health care, men and women are now living an average of 75 years, which is up from 47 years in 1900. Brain research is on the rise, especially in the last 10 years, because of the increase in our lifespans. Part of this movement to study the brain, how it functions and how it keeps its plasticity viable is driven by the large number of baby boomers. Even with the downturn in the economy, 78 million baby boomers began the exodus from their current careers into retirement several years ago. Still others of us are not ready to stop working yet, so we are considering other options. As boomers look for retirement careers, some worry that they won’t be able to keep up with younger employees and others may not even try. Many boomers may slip into complacency blaming their memory challenges on age.

New research, reported in the USC Health Magazinecover story by Monika Guttman, involves the use of MRI and PET scans along with other neuroscience technology. This research has revealed that plaque and tangles, considered in the past to be the cause of different forms of dementia, may not be the cause after all. Another study in the Journal of Neurophysiology examined the brains of the elderly that were functioning well until death. They were found to have large amounts of plaque and tangles but showed no signs of Alzheimer’s symptoms. New research suggests that Alzheimer’s may be more connected to an inflammatory process. This process seems to be caused by chemical changes in the brain such as a decrease of dopamine, which is a brain chemical associated with pleasure and reward. These chemical processes slow metabolism in regions of the brain associated with cognition. Most symptoms occur at different paces for all of us, and it is said that genetics also plays a key role in the way our brain ages.

Recently, a report by US News and World Report observed a number of seniors between the ages of 66 and 103. These mature adults gathered together as a group on a regular basis to sing and perform in public. As a part of this activity, they learned new lyrics, read music and socialized with each other. Compared to a control group of people who did not participate in this communal activity, the singing group required less medication, was less depressed, experienced fewer falls and felt more fulfilled and engaged. Based on their comments, this experience also seemed to improve the quality of their overall health and morale.

What interested me the most in reading about memory challenges in retirement was that new research has identified factors in brain aging. These studies indicate that the rate of change may be hastened or slowed by lifestyle factors such as blood pressure levels, blood sugar levels, weight, and the extent that we keep our minds agile by learning new and different activities and skills. Growth in cognition has been found to broaden synapse connections between neurons, making already-established cognition patterns stronger.

Ways To Continue To Use It So We Won’t Lose It
Our generation has been one of boundless energy, advanced education, and high expectations throughout our lives. As a group, we want and expect a high quality of life all the way through retirement until death. However, to make sure this becomes a reality, we all need to keep our minds sharp by continuing to learn new things, staying engaged with others and trying different activities. There are certain behaviors that we all need to adopt to accomplish this quality of life in retirement. It’s never too late so here are some suggestions that have come out of recent brain research:

1. Make sure you exercise at least 4 to 5 times a week.
2. Eat a healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits and grains.
3. Learn new activities and take your current skills and activities to a higher level in order to challenge your cognition. Exercise both sides of your brain.
4. Get eight hours of sleep each night as often as possible.
5. Manage hypertension because it tends to speed normal brain shrinkage and loss of mental ability. You can help manage hypertension through regular exercise and by regularly taking your recommended medication.
6. Manage your stress level to reduce a chemical in the body called cortisol. In small amounts, cortisol can actually improve cognition but large amounts wear away the neurons in the brain. Keep your stress under control to alleviate the long-term problems created by too much cortisol. Stress can be reduced through meditation, exercise and building a strong support system around you for healthy aging.

Stay engaged and be physically and mentally active, and you will be making the best of your life for the rest of your life.

Dee Cascio specializes in Retirement Lifestyle Strategies. She is a Certified Life & Retirement Options Coach, an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) and a member of the International Coach Federation. Dee is also a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), a National Certified Counselor, a Certified Couples Imago Relationship Therapist, and a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). For the tools you need to build the retirement of your dreams, sign up for The New Lifestyle Retirement newsletter at http://www.retirementlifestylestrategies.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dee_Cascio

Retire on a cruise ship and travel the world without ever leaving your home. Say goodbye to expensive airfare and hotel accommodations. The cost is comparable to an independent living facility. Where would you rather be?Retirement Home versus Cruise Ship Condos

Living on a cruise ship is a new concept for baby boomers seeking a stimulating retirement in a warm climate. You can retire on the water, with the ability to savor different ports of call at the same time.

For the price of a regular condo, you can retire on a cruise ship instead of an independent living facility. Or rent your unit until you are ready to take on the thrills of cruising full time. It is a great way to retire and see the world at the same time.

Travel amenities include spas, gyms, libraries, night clubs and gift shops.

• There are no condo fees or property taxes.
• All your cruise expenses are covered except for cocktails, spa fees, casino charges and whatever you purchase at the gift shop. Just like if it was a regular cruise except you do not have to go back home. Home is on the ship.

Luxury Cruise Ship Condos

If you have a little more money in your pocket and can afford a more lavish lifestyle at sea, go for the higher-end condos. These residential staterooms come in different sizes, from small studios to four-bedroom penthouse suites. Although more expensive, these ships normally spend three to five days in nearly every port of call in the world, from Europe to the Americas.

This is by no means your typical retirement. If you want to savor what other shores have to offer without the need to constantly pack and unpack, then retire on a cruise ship. Where all your needs are met and retirement is a never-ending vacation.

Get more information about strategies for Cruise Packing Tips in the free online guide at http://Your-Retirement-Paradise.com/ Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marisa_Bermudez

Retirement is a superb opportunity to develop new interests and make new friends. Here are you some ideas about how to make the transition from your working life to your life after work as smooth as possible.

When you’re no longer bound by the rigid structure of working life you can start to do things in a different way. You can be more relaxed and only do those things you really want to do.

A most  important message to take away from this article is that it’s vital to find time for interests other than work, or family and make time for your personal interests too because everyone, even you,  needs and should deliberately make time to relax and have fun.

Retirement is a time for making new friends as well as consolidating the friendships you have already. Bear in mind that you may lose contact with many of your workplace friends because your friendships may have been based on the camaraderie of the workplace rather than any ongoing connection or common interests.

You may want to spend more time with your partner which is excellent for your common interests.

However you need to have some space and time for you too and allow your partner time and space for his or her own interests which may not be of particular concern to you.

With or without your partner you may also want to explore:

1. Finding out about clubs and societies you could join so you will meet people with similar interests to yourself.

2. Renewing contact with old friends and relatives you have lost touch with.

3. Getting out in the fresh air each day on your own or with partner, friends or with a rambling group.

4. Signing on for courses to learn something entirely new, something you always wished you knew more about.

5. Taking the  chance to follow those dreams and find out where they take you.

6. Reviewing your health and well-being yourself by taking an objective view of your habits in relation to eating and exercising, smoking and drinking alcohol. You know what you have to do so start today and make a small change each week until you  know you are doing the best for yourself.

7. Visiting to your GP. There are screening tests available for those who are retired. Take advantage of them all so if you have something which is at a very early stage and causes no symptoms, you can have treatment if need be and so prevent a more serious disease developing in the future.

Susan Kersley is a retired doctor who became a life coach. She encourages you to have a life after work and live your dreams. http://getreadyforretirement.co.uk http://lifeaftermedicine.co.uk Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Kersley

It seems that blueberries are everywhere. No matter where you look, the good news about blueberries just seems to keep coming out! At times, all of the information about blueberries can seem to be overwhelming. However, if you remember only one thing about this tiny, blue superfruit, it is blueberries are nature’s brain food.

A soon to be published study conducted by the University of Reading and the Peninsula Medical School in the South West of England indicates blueberries have a positive effect on reversing memory loss. According to the soon-to-be studies published study, phytochemical-rich foods, including blueberries can have a very positive effect on age-related memory function. The study suggests that blueberries can be effective in reversing memory loss.

During the 12-week research period, the researchers supplemented regular daily diets with blueberries. The positive effects of the improved spatial working memory was witnessed in as little as 3 weeks and continued throughout the remaining of the study.

Blueberries are a major source of antioxidants including flavanols and Anthocyanins. According to the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (52:4026-4037, 2004)

A serving of wild blueberries contains more antioxidants than the majority of other fruits. In addition, this antioxidant packed blue fruit, is packed with vital antioxidants which fight the effects of aging on the brain.
Although the modern science has yet to discover the secret behind why the unique makeup of the naturally occurring antioxidants supports brain function; Mother Nature has provided us with a small glance.

The antioxidants hidden within the blueberry cross into the brain after dietary intake. It seems they enhance neuronal connections, stimulate neuronal regeneration and help with cellular communications. The research was able to show of antioxidants induce memory improvements by the activation of proteins in a specific part of the brain that helps learning and memory.

Where to Find Blueberries

Blueberries are available in a variety of different forms. Fresh blueberries offer a great way to get the natural antioxidant benefits of the blueberry. However, fresh blueberries are very seasonal and are not always available in your local store. However, here are a few suggestions to get the natural benefits of the blueberry:

o Fresh Blueberries: When in season, you can get fresh blueberries straight from a farm market or the produce section of your local store.

o Frozen blueberries: To get your hands on frozen blueberries visit the refrigeration section of your local grocery store. Enjoy a few thawed blueberries in your pancakes or muffins.

o Dried Blueberries: One source for dried blueberries is Traverse Bay Farms http://www.traversebayfarms.com. They will ship dried blueberries directly to your home or office. The company also offers free shipping on 4 lb quantities of dried blueberries.

In fact, research conducted by researcher Charles M. Mainland, Ph.D., professor of horticulture at North Carolina State University, has shown dried blueberries actually pack an even bigger antioxidant punch than fresh blueberries. According to this research, the dried blueberry has four times more antioxidant content than fresh blueberries.

o Blueberry Extract (Super Fruit Supplements): One source for blueberry capsules is from Fruit Advantage http://www.fruitadvantage.com. The company even offers free shipping on blueberry capsules. These dietary supplements are made from whole blueberries and deliver highly concentrated amounts of the fruit in an easy-to-swallow capsule without the sugar.

So if you are searching for a natural way to improve your memory, this little blue fruit is packed full of antioxidants and has a impressive history of clinical research and offers great taste.

Tony Anderson is a entrepreneur and fitness and nutrition writer. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Russ_Anderson

What are the vital steps you must take to enjoy a happy retirement?

1. Make plans:

There are two sorts of plans: the big picture and the nitty-gritty details.

a) think about how you would like your life to continue after work; daydream about your ideal scenario because until you do that you may find you just drift along and nothing much happens except for not going to work.

b) as well as the big plans it’s important to decide however loosely what you plan to achieve not only this week or this month but also today.

2. Keep fit

You have a responsibility to your body to care for it so that it won’t let you down when you expect it to be able to do the  new things  you are hoping to do with it during your retirement.

This means at the very least to keep walking at every opportunity if possible; taking the stairs instead of the lift and making sure that at a minimum taking at least thirty minutes of exercise each and every day. This should include some stretching too. Doing this will  keep your joints mobile and your heart beating healthily.

3. Keep healthy

Not only exercise but making  sure you eat well with plenty of fruit and vegetables,  organic when possible and available,  lean protein, low saturated fat, low salt and sugar too.  Also drinking enough water to keep you hydrated and limit the amount of alcohol

4. Be sociable

Since you may find you have less of common interest with your former work  colleagues it is useful to do some things you didn’t have enough time for while you were working. If you have hobbies you’ve neglected or things you’ve always wanted to learn then take the opportunities which retirement offers you to explore new avenues and  discover not only new interests but also get to know other people who share those.

5. Do your own thing

If you find that others are pressurising you to do certain things during your retirement and you really want to do something else, then be assertive and make sure that some of your week is for you to follow your own spirit. Of course there may need to be compromises on both sides  which is fine so long as you do what  you want some of the time too rather than spending every day doing something you really would rather not.

Susan Kersley is a retired doctor who became a life coach. She encourages you to have a life after work and live your dreams. http://getreadyforretirement.co.uk http://lifeaftermedicine.co.uk Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Kersley

Do you know people who seem to be naturally joyful and wonder what their secret is? I believe that the feeling of joy can be cultivated, nurtured and expanded no matter what your starting point is. As a psychotherapist I have had a special interest in studying the blossoming field of Joy for the last two years. There is an area of study in psychology called positive psychology which explores all of the factors that lead to the positive emotional states like joy, contentment, fulfillment etc. Paul Pearsall, Ph.D, author of Super Joy (Don’t you just love the title-not just “Joy” but “Super Joy”!) refers to himself as a Joyologist. As soon as I read that I thought, “What a great idea-I’m going to be a joyologist too.” Feel free to adopt this title for yourself—no degree required– just a deep desire to learn what needs to happen to bring yourself more into this wondrous state in your day to day life.

So that is what I have been doing both personally and professionally—learning what brings people into that state of joy. This past spring I started a Joy group with clients who had an interest in learning with others how to bring more joy into their lives (all fellow joyologists!). I jokingly asked clients “I’m thinking of doing a Fear group or a Joy group—which would you like to join?”

In my practice I have always been committed to assisting clients to live more freely and authentically. I use breathwork and a psychospiritual process called Inner Bonding to help clients connect more fully with their bodies and by doing this they connect with their authentic feelings. Once feelings that have been held in the body are expressed and released a feeling of lightness follows. When these denser emotions are freed the natural upwelling of peace and joy surfaces. What I hoped would happen for myself and my clients was that this state of peace and joy would just continue to grow until that was the natural state of being in the world. In many cases, myself included, maintaining this state consistently was just not happening.

That is when I began my exploring, asking the questions “What is happening here? Why is this feeling so difficult to consistently maintain?” What I found was that most people lived in a state of suppression of their core essence—the part of us that is in a state of joy. There also seemed to be an addiction—a deep attachment to feelings of anxiety, fear and depression. I found that people loved that state of joy and peace but they didn’t have the tools or support to maintain these feelings. They had much more practice and support in being able to maintain their previous state of anxiety, depression and suppression. I had clients report that if they felt too joyful it scared them because they weren’t used to the feeling. They would often hear parental messages like “Don’t get so excited” “Be quiet” “Don’t be so full of yourself”. Another common message was “I don’t deserve to feel this good.” Some clients reported that when they were feeling joyful friends and family who were in a less joyful state didn’t know how to react to them, or even worse they criticized them. Clients became aware of their own choices that would bring them from that state of joy back into anxiety or depression. There were fears about what would happen to current relationships if they maintained this state of joy and connection to their authentic self.

I wanted myself and my clients to be able to move more and more into that state of joy. What I found in my own personal process as well as in my work with clients were the following keys to living with more Joy.

1. A deep intention and commitment to being in a joyful state. This is the most important key to Joy. Our energy follows our intention. This is a moment-by- moment choice. What within me needs to shift in order to open up to the joy of this moment? What are your beliefs about joy? Do you think it’s something that just happens to you or something you can actively cultivate and move more into in your life? Your beliefs shape your experiences. Notice how you react to joyful people—are you drawn to them or do you make judgments about them (i.e. they are fake, flaky, flighty, strange)?

2. Tools. Learning specific exercises and activities that helped shift them into a state of joy. Clients were able to identify things they could do to move them into a more joyful state. For each person this was different. Some would move into expressing gratitude or appreciation as a way of shifting into joy. For some a favorite activity would be their path to shifting. Others would have a favorite memory of a joyful time that would help them recapture those feelings.

3. Awareness of negative programming/messages/false beliefs that did not support Joy.When clients embraced the intention of being more in a state of Joy a lot of the old messages that blocked Joy would come to the surface. Once these messages were at the surface they could be healed and released. The feelings also held in the body that were associated with these beliefs/experiences also needed to be released so the body was free to fully embody the Joy. Having a breathwork session or other emotional process work to move this energy through was essential. Trying to move into Joy without releasing held in anger, fear, grief is like trying to get a hot air balloon loaded with rocks off of the ground—you just don’t get very far. What one needs to be mindful of in doing emotional process work is not to get stuck in processing old feelings over and over again. This can be an unconscious way to feel safe—exploring the feelings of the past rather than taking the loving actions to live fully in the present. Pay attention. I hear from a lot of people lately who do a lot of personal growth work-”I’m sick of attending another workshop, reading another book—I just want to live”. This is their authentic self crying out to just be, express, love —to be in Joy. So releasing the past being mindful if it is bringing you more fully into the present.

4. Support.Connection with others who have the same intention to bring more joy into their lives. This is very powerful. I have always been such a believer in the transformative power of groups. Anytime I want to make a change in my life I look for a group of like minded people who can support my efforts. Being a part of a supportive group can also meet our deepest needs for a sense of belonging and connection, as well as provide wonderful opportunities for laughter and play. Unless you already have a group of joyful people around you-a joy group would do wonders for supporting you on your path of Joy.

5. Being in the Present Moment opens us up to Joy. There is so much Joy in each moment if we fully are present to it. Having the mind in the past and future takes away from the Joy and peace of the present.

6. Following Dreams and Passions. What are your deepest dreams and passions? Taking loving action to manifest these dreams can open you up to tremendous energy and joy. A lot of the depression people experience is from the suppression of their authentic self who wants to just express itself fully in the world. Many of our dreams are a way to express the gifts we are here to share. What can be important is to pursue the dreams without concern for the outcome. An example is someone who has a dream of singing. If you are concerned about others giving you approval for how great of a singer you are, the creative process will be tense and not very joyful. If your intention is just to express yourself fully and to enjoy yourself as you are singing your experience will be totally different. The intention we have as we pursue our dreams can either make the experience a fun adventure or one fraught with tension and anxiety.

7. Lifestyle Changes. What changes do you need to make in your life to open you up to more Joy? For many people slowing down and not being as busy is essential to opening up to Joy. A common issue that I work with when clients start working with me is creating balance in their life. Many are exhausted and the only time they have to themselves is the time during our sessions. It is hard to be in a state of Joy if we are rushing around and feeling overwhelmed with day to day life. Letting go of connections and activities that are draining in order to make space can be very helpful. A good way to do this is to let your body decide. Think of an activity that you have on your schedule next week-close your eyes and breathe—when you think of participating in the activity does the energy lift in your body and you feel good/excited or does your energy drop? The body never lies. Our mind may give all the reasons why we should do this or be with this person but our body will always tell the truth. If it is an activity that you must be a part of you can ask your body (authentic self), “What can I do to make this experience more enjoyable for myself?” Just breathe and listen to the response you get back. Even if you love all of the activities in your life, too many can take away the joy of each activity. We need time to savor activities and the people who are in our life. Look to see if you are on overload and make the necessary changes. De-cluttering the space around you can free up time and space. Again you can let your body decide when getting rid of things. Does your energy lift and feel good when you look at the object you are trying to decide on. Ideally everything that surrounds you should be uplifting and pleasing to you. If an object is neutral or brings your energy down, let it go so someone who would truly value it.

8. Movement/Sound/Breath-Being fully in our body allows us to feel joy more completely. Do you know what the sensation of Joy feels like in your body? For some it can be a fluttering sensation in their hearts or a lightness throughout their body. Some people have not felt joy in so long they forgot what it feels like. Movement can bring us more fully in the body. What ways do you move that bring you Joy? —dancing, biking, walking, yoga, running, skipping. Many of my clients love to dance, feeling very joyful and alive as they move. I give assignments to clients to have frequent dance sessions throughout the day—the more stressful the day the more dancing. Dancing helps to move energy through the body. Our bodies are meant to move and we tend to live lifestyles that are very movement restricted. I joked with a client yesterday that wouldn’t it be nice if the clinic she worked for had noon hour dance sessions for the clients and the staff!! What sounds bring you Joy? Is it listening to birds or beautiful music? Do you find joy in singing? I find most people love to sing yet don’t allow themselves to express this very often. Next time you are in the car just start belting out songs—songs that you know or just make them up. Don’t deprive yourself of this joy any longer. Children who are naturally in that state of Joy move and make sound all of the time—just notice this the next time you are around children. Full connected breathing helps us to be more fully in our bodies. How do you breathe throughout the day? Some people notice that they hold their breath throughout the day. When you hold your breath you are cutting off oxygen and energy to the body, decreasing your capacity to feel joy. Breathing fully is opening up more fully to being alive—it is like saying a big YES to life.

You may have noticed some things from the list that resonate with you and can assist you in moving more into Joy. There may be things you could do that weren’t listed. Take a moment right now and just close your eyes and breathe into your body asking the question “What do I need to change for me to bring more joy into my life?” just let go and see what comes into your mind. Next ask your body again “What could I do every day that would bring more joy into my day?” breathe and relax and let the answer float into your mind. Now make a plan to implement this in your life possibly sharing this with a close friend or loved one. You can find someone to be your joy buddy-someone to explore with and support you. I have a friend who is also a psychotherapist turned joyologist who is my joy sister. I have another friend who started a clown troupe years ago called “The Angels of Joy”. Taking these loving actions to bring more joy into your life can be a fun and playful adventure. I wish you all of the joy your heart desires.

Shelley Riutta MSE, LPC is a pioneer in the Holistic Psychotherapy field. She specializes in Transformational individual counseling, Presentations and Workshops. For her free Workbook “What Do You REALLY Want: Finding Purpose and Passion” and free monthly tele-classes visit her web-site at http://www.RadiantLifeCounseling.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shelley_Riutta