The Basics of Meditation and How It Has Helped Me - Is It Right For You?

Let me start by saying that I'm not a meditation guru!

Although I've read mountains on the subject, I didn't start actively practicing meditation in a committed way until March of this year (2023)

What I've learned about meditating is .... it takes practice, and consistency is key.

I've actually progressed into learning more and more about the power of the mind ... and I'm loving every second of it!

Are You Ready to Dive into the Wonderful World of Meditation? 

I know – when you hear "meditation," it might conjure images of monks perched atop misty mountaintops, but trust me, it's not all incense and pretzel-like poses. 

Meditation is like a soothing balm for your mind, and today, I'll explore how it basically works its magic and why it's becoming more popular than cat videos on the internet!

Life is a non-stop rollercoaster with ups, downs, and loop-de-loops that make your head spin faster than a ball rolling down a hill! That's where meditation struts in wearing a superhero cape. 

At its core, meditation is like a mini-vacation for your brain – a chance to give your mind a breather from the constant barrage of thoughts, worries, and to-do lists that make your mental landscape look like Times Square on New Year's Eve.

Now, I get it – sitting still and quieting your thoughts might sound about as easy as juggling flamingos. I can tell you I still suck at it! But I keep going and am getting much better!

Meditation isn't about turning your brain into an empty void (I haven't been close to achieving that!). It's more like a gym session for your gray matter, training it to focus, de-stress, and especially kick out the negativity that overstays its welcome.

The Basics

Start by finding a cozy corner where you won't be interrupted (a.k.a. no one bursting in asking if you've seen their left sock) and get comfy. 

You don't need fancy gear or a backdrop of crashing waves – just you and your willingness to give it a shot - and a guided meditation video if you need help getting started. I've featured the one below that I love and use daily.

As you settle in, you'll discover that meditation comes in various flavors, like a buffet of mindfulness.

Here are Two Popular Choices for Meditation:

Focused Attention Meditation

Imagine your mind as a hyperactive puppy – In this meditation, you gently bring your wandering pup back to its designated spot whenever it goes on a wild adventure. Usually, that spot is your breath. Breathe in, breathe out – it's like the rhythm of life that's always there, waiting to be your anchor in those endless sea of thoughts.

Loving-Kindness Meditation 

I practice this one daily. I meditate for a half an hour in the morning, and it's turning out to be the best half-hour of my day.

This one's all about dishing out warm fuzzies, not unlike sharing virtual hugs with the universe. 

You start by sending good vibes to yourself (because you're awesome, duh!), and then gradually extend those vibes to friends, family, and even that grumpy neighbor who scowls like it's their day job. It's like watering the garden of your heart and watching kindness bloom.

"My personal meditation involves seeing each of my children, with their families, in their homes, happy, healthy, and financially at peace. I visualize hubby and I visting each of them. The photos in my mind about my kids and my own life have become so real to me, that now I look forward to meditating so I can visit that wonderful manifestation and play with my future grandchildren"

How Meditation Has Helped Me:

• I sucked at it at first, but with persistence, I'm now finding it to be my favorite time of the day. I look forward to it! 
• It's something that is completely mine - it doesn't involve anyone else, I own it and control it
• With visualization, I get to see each of my family members where I want them to be in their lives and it feels real while meditating!
• Since it involves deeper breathing, it's a good form of exercise for my lungs
• I find I'm in a calmer state, able to release things much more effectively
• I remember to approach tough life issues with love
• I'm learning to keep my mouth shut a little better (lol)
• The future feels bright when I visualize what I see as real outcomes for my family and myself
• I feel differently inside - in a good way - I can't put that into words? 
• I've learned to control my thoughts, and negative thoughts that try to creep into my head pretty much get their butts kicked to the door now! They do not control me.

My Personal Favorite Guided Meditation Video:

I use this video daily, along with a few others, from time to time. However, so far, this one ranks top for me. The meditation guide has a lovely soothing voice, and I love the way she uses a train ride to get into the life you want.

(Here's the video on YouTube if you're having problems seeing the video below.)

Some of the Basic Benefits:

Now, let's talk benefits – because who doesn't want a slice of mental and emotional awesome sauce? 

Scientifically speaking, meditation has been found to reduce stress, boost focus and creativity (hello, productivity guru), and even improve your relationship with Mr. Sandman for those sweet ZZZs.

Think of meditation as a gym for your mind, minus the sweaty workout gear. With regular practice – and trust me, consistency is key here – you'll start noticing changes. 

Maybe you'll handle that traffic jam without turning into the Hulk. Perhaps you'll catch yourself before a thought spiral drags you down. And just maybe, you'll find a sense of calm that feels like a warm cup of cocoa for your soul.

So, there you have it, intrepid explorers of the inner world – meditation demystified and made as approachable as a lazy Sunday morning. Remember, it's not about doing it "perfectly" but showing up and giving your mind a little love. Whether you're a zen master in training or a meditation newbie, the path to a more centered you are just a few deep breaths away. 

"NOTE: A key insight I've gained about visualization is the importance of truly immersing yourself in the experience. It's not just about thinking of what you're manifesting; it's about embracing it as if it's already woven into the fabric of your reality. It's like stepping into the vibrant new world you've meticulously crafted and feeling its existence all around you"

 

Once my meditation session is over, I add a four-minute "prayer for others. The day is ALWAYS better when I meditate.

A Good Book and Place to Start

I'll leave you with a quote by the best-selling author Dr. Joe Dispenza, from his book "Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself: How to Lose Your Mind and Create a New One"

“Meditating is also a means for you to move beyond your analytical mind so that you can access your subconscious mind. That’s crucial, since the subconscious is where all your bad habits and behaviors that you want to change reside.”

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What Does It Mean to Be Self-Aware - Eight Quick Tips

Have you ever wondered what it truly means to be self-aware? 

It's more than just knowing your favorite color or having a sense of humor. Self-awareness is about understanding your thoughts, emotions, and actions on a deeper level. It's a journey of self-discovery that can lead to personal growth and fulfillment. 

Here Are a Few Quick Points to Consider When Trying to Tap Into Your True Self

1. Mindfulness Matters:

• Embrace mindfulness practices to stay present in the moment. For example, take a few minutes daily to focus on your breath and observe your surroundings. Breath exercises are the easiest technique to include in your day and can be done almost anywhere.
• Pay attention to your thoughts and emotions without judgment. Notice when negative thoughts arise and gently redirect your focus to the present. However, allow yourself to feel the disturbance to process it and ultimately let it go.
• Cultivate a non-reactive mindset to observe your experiences objectively. When faced with a challenging situation, take a step back before responding, allowing yourself to choose a mindful and thoughtful approach.

2. Embrace Your Emotions:

• Recognize and accept the full range of your emotions. For instance, if you feel sadness, allow yourself to fully experience it without suppressing or denying it.
• Understand that emotions are valid and serve a purpose. If you feel anxious before a big presentation, acknowledge that it's your body's way of preparing you for the challenge.
• Learn from your emotional responses to gain insights into your inner world. For example, if you feel jealous when a friend succeeds, explore why you're experiencing that emotion and what it reveals about your desires or insecurities.

3. Reflect and Question:

• Take time to reflect on your beliefs, values, and attitudes. Consider why you hold certain opinions and how they shape your actions.
• Ask yourself why you think, feel, or act a certain way. For instance, if you get angry in traffic, inquire into the underlying reasons for your emotional reaction.
• Challenge your assumptions and seek deeper understanding. If you believe negatively about a person, question its origins and consider alternative perspectives.

4. Seek Feedback:

• Although this can be difficult, be open to constructive Feedback from trusted individuals. When a colleague provides Feedback on your work, listen attentively and consider their perspective.
• Listen attentively without becoming defensive. Instead of immediately defending your actions, take the time to understand the other person's viewpoint.
• Use Feedback as a tool for self-improvement and personal growth. If a friend points out a recurring behavior pattern, reflect on it and explore ways to make positive changes.

5. Explore Your Strengths and Weaknesses:

• Identify your unique strengths and leverage them in your life. For example, if you're a good listener, use this skill to build stronger relationships.
• Acknowledge your weaknesses and work on areas for improvement. If you struggle with time management, find strategies or tools to help you become more organized.
• Embrace self-acceptance and understand that imperfections are part of being human. Recognize that everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and it's okay to have areas where you can grow.

6. Connect With Others:

• Foster meaningful relationships to gain insights into yourself. Engage in deep conversations with friends or family to explore different perspectives and learn more about your values.
• Engage in empathetic conversations to understand different perspectives. Practice active listening and strive to understand the experiences and emotions of others without judgment.
• Seek support from trusted friends and mentors on your self-awareness journey. Share your thoughts and challenges with those who genuinely care about your well-being, and seek their guidance when needed.

Track Your Self-Awareness Journey

7. Learn From Life Experiences:

• Embrace both successes and failures as valuable learning opportunities. When you achieve a goal, take a moment to reflect on the steps that led to your success. Similarly, when you face setbacks, reflect on the lessons you can extract from those experiences.
• Reflect on challenging situations to gain wisdom and resilience. If you encounter a difficult problem at work, take the time to understand your emotional response and identify ways to handle similar situations better in the future.
• Embrace a growth mindset to continuously evolve and adapt. Instead of viewing challenges as obstacles, see them as opportunities for personal growth and development.

8. Practice Self-Compassion:

• Treat yourself with kindness and understanding. Practice self-care activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as taking a warm bath or engaging in a hobby you love.
• Forgive yourself for past mistakes and embrace self-compassion. Understand that making mistakes is part of being human, and use those experiences as opportunities for growth and learning.
• Celebrate your achievements and practice self-care regularly. Recognize your accomplishments, no matter how small, and take time to appreciate yourself for the progress you've made.

Becoming self-aware is a transformative journey that allows you to understand yourself more deeply. By practicing mindfulness, embracing emotions, and seeking Feedback, you can better understand your thoughts, feelings, and actions. Remember to reflect, connect with others, and learn from life experiences.

Above all, be kind and compassionate to yourself throughout this process. Embrace the adventure of self-discovery, and you may find a world of personal growth and fulfillment.

Bonus: Free Word Scramble Downloadable eBook About Self-Care

_____________________

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to be, or replace, professional medical advice. 

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30 Ways You Can Prevent People From Renting Space in Your Head

Hey there! Life can be quite the rollercoaster ride, filled with ups and downs, challenges, and unexpected twists. 

Sometimes, our heads feel overcrowded with thoughts and concerns that don't serve us well. But fear not; in this blog article, we'll explore 30 self-help ways to prevent people from renting space in your head. 

These practical tips can help you reclaim control of your life and thoughts while embracing kindness despite the day's difficulties. 

So, grab a cup of tea, sit back, and let's dive into this casual review about nurturing our mental well-being.

30 Self-Help Ideas for a Calmer Life

1. Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries with others to protect your mental space. Learn to say no when something doesn't align with your values or drains your energy.

2. Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, just as you would a close friend. Embrace self-compassion during challenging times and forgive yourself for past mistakes.

3. Limit exposure to negativity: This can be a tough hill to climb, especially when life places you around this energy daily! But when you can, surround yourself with positive influences like uplifting books, supportive friends, or inspiring podcasts. Minimize exposure to negative news or toxic relationships that drag you down.

4. Engage in self-reflection: Take time each day for self-reflection. Journaling or meditation can help you gain clarity, process emotions, and understand your thought patterns better.

5. Focus on gratitude: Cultivate a grateful mindset by acknowledging and appreciating the good things in your life. Regularly reflect on what you're thankful for, big or small.

6. Practice mindfulness: Stay present in the moment and observe your thoughts without judgment. Mindfulness helps you detach from negative thought spirals and cultivates a sense of inner peace.

7. Surround yourself with positive affirmations: Write down positive affirmations and display them where you can see them daily. Repeat them to yourself to counteract negative self-talk.

8. Embrace physical activity: Engage in regular exercise or physical activities that you enjoy. Physical movement releases endorphins, boosting your mood and reducing stress.

9. Prioritize self-care: Make time for activities that replenish your energy and bring you joy, whether it's taking a bubble bath, going for a walk in nature, or enjoying a hobby.

10. Seek support: Reach out to trusted friends, family, or professionals when you need guidance or a listening ear. Opening up and sharing your thoughts can provide valuable perspective and emotional support.

11. Let go of perfectionism: Recognize that perfection is an illusion. Embrace imperfections as part of being human and focus on progress rather than an unattainable standard.

12. Learn from setbacks: Instead of dwelling on failures, view setbacks as opportunities for growth. Extract the lessons they offer and use them to propel yourself forward.

13. Practice deep breathing: Deep, intentional breaths can instantly calm your nervous system and reduce anxiety. Take a moment to breathe deeply and reset during stressful situations. I practice this technique several times a day. The best part is you can do this practically anywhere!

14. Engage in creative outlets: Channel your emotions and thoughts into creative activities like painting, writing, or playing an instrument. Expressing yourself creatively can be therapeutic. This is another one that works well for me. In fact, this one reminds me of a line from a movie called "Where'd You Go Bernadette" - " People like you must create; if you don't, you will become a menace to society."

15. Build a support network: Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who uplift and support your aspirations. Engaging with a supportive community can fuel personal growth.

16. Avoid comparison traps: Comparing yourself to others only breeds insecurity and discontentment. Focus on your journey and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. If you master this, you will lighten your mental load by a ton!

17. Practice forgiveness: Let go of grudges and resentments that weigh you down. Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself, freeing you from the burden of the past.

18. Laugh often: Seek humor in everyday situations and make room for laughter. Laughter is a powerful stress reliever and helps shift your perspective.

19. Disconnect from technology: Take regular breaks from screens and immerse yourself in activities that don't involve technology. Rediscover the joy of being fully present in the offline world.

20. Practice random acts of kindness: Perform small acts of kindness for others without expecting anything in return. Acts of generosity not only benefit others but also nourish your own soul.

21. Cultivate a positive morning routine: Start your day with energizing and uplifting activities. Whether reading, journaling, or exercising, establish a morning routine that sets a positive tone. I start my day with at least a half hour of meditation and prayer.

22. Learn to let go of control: Accept that you can't control everything. Surrender to the flow of life, and focus on what you can control—how you react and adapt.

23. Engage in learning and personal growth: Expand your knowledge, learn new skills, and challenge yourself intellectually. Personal growth empowers you to become the best version of yourself.

24. Practice active listening: Truly listen to others without judgment or interrupting. By offering your full presence, you deepen your connections and better understand those around you. This one takes practice, but it's a freeing exercise to partake in whenever life gives you the opportunity.

25. Find a hobby or passion: Discover activities that ignite your passion and make you lose track of time. Engaging in hobbies can bring a sense of fulfillment and purpose.

26. Embrace solitude: Spend time alone to recharge and reconnect with yourself. Solitude allows for introspection and self-discovery.

27. Practice forgiveness towards yourself: Be gentle with yourself when you make mistakes or fall short of your expectations. Treat yourself with the same compassion you would show a loved one.

28. Set achievable goals: Break down your larger goals into smaller, actionable steps. Celebrate each milestone along the way to keep yourself motivated.

29. Embrace nature: Spend time in nature and soak in the beauty around you. Nature has a calming effect on the mind and helps put things into perspective. For me, it's bike riding or taking a nice walk.

30. Reflect on your progress: Regularly review your personal growth journey and celebrate your progress. Recognizing your achievements reinforces your ability to take control of your life.

Well, my friend, we've reached the end of our delightful review about reclaiming your mental space. Remember, taking control of your life and thoughts is a continuous process requiring patience, self-compassion, and practice!

By implementing one or many of these 30 self-help ways, you can build resilience, maintain a positive mindset, and prevent unwanted tenants from renting space in your head.

About Me:

Hey, I'm just a girl sitting in front of a computer, asking it to love me and help me find the right words (lol). In other words, I'm not a doctor or health professional, just someone who has attended the school of life and decided to share.

I've written several self-help prompt journals, available on Amazon; if you're so inclined, you can check them out here:

I Need Help Thinking PositiveSelf Awareness WorkbookWhy I Feel Good TodayWhy I Feel Bad Today

 

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Discovering Your True Self: Reviewing A Workbook for Adults

Introducing the Latest Addition to the StumpedBook Collection: A Self-Awareness Workbook Featuring 196 Detailed Self-Evaluating Questions

Have you felt uncertain, confused, lost, or in need of clarity lately? 

I know several family and friends who are going through challenging times, so I decided to create a healthy tool to help us all navigate this crazy life. 

This latest addition to the StumpedBook collection is hot off the press: A Self-Awareness Workbook is now available on Amazon.

This Workbook Explores the Depths of Our Thinking

This in-depth journal asks 196 intense questions designed to help us review, reflect, and get to know ourselves better. 

Like a diary, this workbook is not meant for prying eyes or to be judged by others; it's simply a tool to help us privately sort out our thoughts and gain a deeper understanding of ourselves.

A Breakdown of the Chapters:

The Benefits of Self-Awareness are Immeasurable

We can potentially boost our self-confidence and resilience, deepen our understanding of our relationships, reduce stress and anxiety, and find greater happiness and fulfillment. 

With this guide by your side, you'll learn how to:

• Gain insight into your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors
• Foster self-acceptance and self-love
• Discover your actual values and beliefs for a clearer sense of purpose
• Cultivate mindfulness and live in the present moment
• Enhance your communication and strengthen your relationships

An Interior View of Chapter 1 - Each Chapter Introduces an Inspirational Quote

Gain Greater Clarity and Direction in Life

Designed to help us better understand ourselves and uncover the truth about who we really are, this personal workbook is meant to be a  tool to help us safely explore our values, beliefs, and motivations. 

Sometimes, we think we know ourselves well enough, but when asked in-depth questions about our experiences and beliefs, we often uncover a deeper sense of self-awareness.

A Look At Some Questions:

Each chapter features a list of questions about the chapter's topic. 

The book measures 8.5 by 11 inches, so there's plenty of room to write an answer for each.

If self-discovery is important to you or someone you love, you can also check out these additional journals in the StumpedBooks collection:

Books by the Author on Amazon Here

Disclaimer: Neither the book nor its author is a medical professional – The Self-Awareness Workbook is strictly for recreational journaling.

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Year End Traditions and Goal Setting for 2023: A Product Review

Hopefully you have all had a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends!  Now, we are in the last few days of 2022 and it's time to reflect on the year past and make some plans for the New Year to come!

If you don't make plans, then maybe it's time that you started a new tradition in your own life.

You are never too old to change paths if the path you are on no longer fits your views of the future.,  But you must take some time to reflect on the changes that you might need to make.

I know from experience that my diet and activity levels were not where they should have been.  So a few years ago I decided to make a few changes.  I had to plan my strategy just like I would have planned a big business idea.  

It started with getting more active. My mobility was suffering and something needed to change.  I started small, but made sure that I could do what I set out to do.  I started walking around the block!  It doesn't sound like much but when you have been fairly sedentary for a long time, around the block may be all that you can do!  Make sure your goal is attainable and sustainable!  

After a little while you will find that your stamina will let you walk a little further.  When it feels right, increase your distance, again making sure it is an attainable goal.

There are many ways to help yourself with those goals and one that I have found very useful and helpful are my Nordic Walking Poles.   Sometimes my balance isn't all that it should be and these walking poles really help me feel much more confident when walking outdoors. They just give me that little bit of stability and they make my walk much more effective in distance covered and calories burned.  After 2 years of walking I am now working my way to 10kms a day.  If I can do it, you can too!

The other part of walking that I love is the quiet!  Sometimes you just need to get away from everything that keeps your mind jumping all over the place.  Getting out in nature is a wonderful way to let go of the "stuff" that keeps your mind going around and around.  As Raintree Annie wrote yesterday, getting out in nature and really observing all the changes in our world can be very cathartic and wonderful.  Check out her Review right here!

Now if you need some help with making your plans, maybe you could use a workbook to help you center yourself and help you create a way forward for 2023.  Barbara Tremblay Cipak, another writer here at Review This Reviews has taken a path to writing about our emotional and mental well-being.  Her book, "I Need Help Thinking Positive" would be a great help in marking out a new path for you to follow in 2023!

 

  

A Gratitude Journal might be another way for you to hone in on the changes you'd like to make or give you some direction in where your interests lie.  

One thing is certain, there are unlimited ways in which to make changes in your day to day lifestyle if that is what you are interested in doing. 

The World Wide Web is a resource for learning all kinds of new things.  Broaden your horizons by learning a new language, visit another country virtually, take a course on hobby that you have been thinking about or check out a university and see what kind of on-line courses are available.  Many of them are free to join and you could learn about something that twigs your interests.  2023 is unmapped territory and you can make some plans to make the New Year a whole lot more interesting, just by preparing a path.  

Might I suggest that you take a walk, think about some things that would interest you and then when you are back home, check out what the internet has available.  You just might find something that really adds a whole new dimension to your life.  

Happy New Year to All and may all your plans be accomplished as you take a new step forward!

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Why I Feel Bad Today - A Workbook for Teens and Adults

I recently published the opposing workbook, called "Why I Feel Good Today." 

This workbook, "Why I Feel Bad Today," is designed to help teens or adults isolate their daily experiences and triggers contributing to a less-than-positive day.

Why Do We Need Workbooks

The stresses of this interconnected world can be overwhelming, and a workbook to write down and track our moods, triggers, and good and bad experiences help us to sort out life's continuing fog.

Now more than ever, people can feel submerged in an endless vortex of one problem after another.

This prompt workbook was written with love and is meant to be a fun self-care tool to aid in sorting out the good, the bad, and the ugly.

With This Workbook, You'll Track What Made You Feel Bad During a Particular Month

The workbook is not meant to be a negative book!

On the contrary, this workbook is designed to help you figure out repeating trends that make you feel bad, so you know more clearly where to make changes. 

Even making a small change daily can make a difference in our lives. 

However, how can we change toward a happier life unless we actively track our negative triggers.

What This Workbook Includes:

13 Color Coded Months with Four Monthly Prompt Pages:

• Each month is color coded
• Each month includes a positive quote
• You'll have a spot to record daily quick notes
• There's a place to track specifics about the month, with prompt questions
• Each month has a place to expand on what has affected your life
• The monthly summary page includes four prompt questions to help you better analyze your month
• Included is a 365-day chart to color in your mood daily. When the year is up, look at which mood color is most prominent to determine, with just a glance, what your overall mood was for that year.

Track your months when you want; you don't have to track the months in order. If you'd rather only track the months you feel are your worst, you can also do that.

Here's the "Why I Feel Bad Today" Workbook 

Available on Amazon

You can preview the book's interior via StumpedRiddles here or, of course, on Amazon here.

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Why I Feel Good Today - A Workbook for Teens and Adults

A Monthly Workbook (in Color) - To Track Good Feelings

As some of you already know, my creative energy has been put toward self-publishing workbook journals this year.

Why Workbooks?

With so much going on in the world, I wanted to put together something that adults or teens could use as a guide to track life moments, feelings, and overall state of mind.

This prompt workbook allows us to write down the good or not-so-good moments about our life in a brief, fun, colorful book to reflect on patterns and trends.

Workbooks give us a chance to retrace our steps and do more of what makes us feel better and hopefully less of the things that don't.

Why This Workbook?

I created this workbook with one main goal: a place for people to quickly record and track their good moments.

Good moments can range from anything small to something significant. For example, a good moment could have been when you prepared a delicious meal, tackled a project, or talked to a friend.

Mark down the good things, no matter how small. 

The book will give you a thirteen-month trend of things that make you feel great.

You'll also be able to reflect on your year and examine trends and memorable moments. If there's something specific that you don't want to forget, write it down in your workbook.

Tracking The Good in Our Life

More than a diary, a specifically targeted prompt workbook brings us directly to the life areas that need noting, remembering, or correcting.

What you get with the Why I Feel Good Workbook:

13 Color Coded Months with Four Workbook Prompt Pages Per Month:

• Daily Feel Good Quick Notes 
• Monthly Specific Prompt Questions
• A Page to Expand Upon Why You Feel Good in Your Own Notes
• A Monthly Happy Summary with More Prompt Questions
• A Motivational Quote for Each Month

There's a chart to color in your mood daily so that at the end of the year, with one quick look, you can get an idea of which color mood was most prominent in your life.

You can track any month at any time. You don't have to follow 13 months in a row; pick and choose your tracking months if that works best for you.

Available on Amazon

You can preview the book's interior via StumpedRiddles here or, of course, on Amazon here.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Reviewing InkJoy Pens - Popular and Colorful Pens

The factors that make me loyal to certain brands of pens are: low-cost, high quality, and reliability. I'm not asking for much, am  I? I don't think I am and I've found that with the InkJoy retractable, ballpoint pens, all of those needs are met. Recently, I ran out of my own personal stash of pens at work the other day and I realized I should recommend these pens to others. I should spread the joy. InkJoy pens are my first choice of pens for work and personal writing. 

Highly Recommended - InkJoy Ballpoint Pens by Paper Mate 

There are many reasons I love these pens enough to buy my own for work, rather than use the free pens that work provides.  

Reliability - These pens work every single time I pick one up.  There's nothing worse than being in a meeting, or trying to write down a phone number when someone is speaking quickly, and have the pen not work at all, or work only after your hurridley scribble in order to get the ink flow moving again. Annoying!  

No Ink Blobs - I really, really, REALLY hate running my hand through an ink blob on the paper. Smeary ink and blobs are so frustrating.  My InkJoy pens have never left a blob.

InkJoy colors 20 count

Inexpensive - Each time I purchase a pack of InkJoy pens, I compare with the less expensive "stick" pens.  I'm a penny-pincher so I try to remember to compare costs.  The InkJoy pens are usually slightly more expensive than the stick pens. But not by much. The cost tends to even out as I throw away a few of the stick pens that blob or do not work well. Also, my purchase of InkJoy pens is more costly than the free pens the agency supplies to employees. But I'd rather pay a few dollars for the reliability.

Color choices - At work I am limited to black ink.  When I pay bills, I often rebel and use blue ink. But, when I write journal entries, notes in my day planner, and other personal items, I go for the InkJoy color pens.  It is so much fun to use the variety of colors.


Ballpoint or gel pens - I prefer the retractable, medium ballpoint pens. However, InkJoy also makes a gel pen variety that is very popular. I cannot keep the InkJoy gel pens in my office.

InkJoy black ballpoint

Many Uses for InkJoy Color Pens (ballpoint or gel pens)

• addressing holiday or special occasion envelopes
• creation of eye-catching and pretty invitations
• letter writing
• scrapbooking
• journaling
• drawing and doodling
• making those to-do and grocery lists more fun
• gifts for artists, children, people who journal, and so on
• popular school store item and/or children's rewards
• and so much more - take a peek at the very short video and just imagine what you could do

Related Links

Journals - Technology makes writing and recording things as easy as a tap of a key or a flip of a switch. But I love journaling. There is something that increases my creativity when I use the process of hand-writing. Read about Writing and Remembering the Old-Fashioned Way

Drawing and Coloring - Colored pencils are a fun and popular way to create and color. Our very own Heather has created her own line of high-quality colored pencils. If you are giving art supplies as gifts or are yourself artistic, check out Heather's introduction to Aurora Art Supplies. 

Poster-Sized Color - In the event you need BIG and bold colors, for posters and such, Sharpies are amazing. Sharpies come in marker-sized "fine point", "chisel tip", and "extra bold marker point". 

Colorful Sharpies for those large creations

introduction graphic design created by the author using FotoJet

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Writing and Remembering the Old-Fashioned Way

Blue Butterfly

Writers are well aware of how quickly a great plot or idea for an amazing article will come into our heads. They are such good ideas that we are sure we will remember them until we finish whatever it is we are doing.  Right?  Wrong. We don't remember and the ideas flit away as quickly as they came. Finding a way to save our thoughts is something we need to learn to do.  I prefer the old fashioned way - a favorite pen and a journal.

Technology for Writers

Recording our thoughts as soon as we get them has been highly recommended or practiced by many authors, including Mark Twain. Currently, some authors still create that novel with pen and paper. But for the most part, typewriters followed by keyboards have been a writer's best friend.  We sit at our electronic gadgets to write, edit, and sometimes to add our thoughts to the internet.  I love my laptop and would be lost without it. But I also have to capture those fleeting thoughts when my gadgets aren't available.

During very long drives, I often wish I had a voice recorder.  I always end up with great ideas when I'm driving.  I don't pull over on the interstate to jot those ideas down. And no matter how good the thoughts were I have forgotten them by the time I arrive at my destination.  While driving, a recorder would be an excellent choice.  However, my preferred method of keeping track of ideas is with a good spiral journal.

Spiral Journals for Writers

Orchids on Brown

I have kept journals for many years. I write both important and trivial things in them.  My journals are a combination of address book, tracking politicians and legislation that I'm interested in, personal diary, research organizer, and fiction blurb depository.  I am occasionally fearful that upon my passing from this earth, someone will read my journals and confuse the factual entries with the fictional blurbs. After all, one page might contain my current weight and exercise information and the next might contain a few paragraphs describing how the lady-next-door lost her mind and planned to murder the annoying neighbor. Let's hope the only people who see my journals after my passing either understand my writing habits or have an odd sense of humor.

Piccadilly -- In looking back at my collection of journals, I realized that Piccadilly is a brand that I most often use.  I like the colorful and durable covers, the sturdy wire spiral, and the quality of the paper.  I often feel as though the act of unplugging and physically writing sometimes gets my creative juices flowing. This Orchids on Brown and a butterfly are my two favorite journal designs. The large journals are approximately 9 x 11 and fit perfectly in the bag I carry to work. This size lends itself to longer rambling entries.

Occasionally, I prefer to carry a smaller journal. On long hikes, other outdoor adventures, or traveling in public venues (such as the metro) I don't want the extra weight of a large journal. So I carry a small version.  While I use this for rambling notes and bits of fiction, the medium sized journals are also good for jotting short notes and not feeling like I'm wasting an entire page.

Zazzle -- I have several friends who use their photography to create gorgeous spiral journals on Zazzle. Their original artwork makes these journals unique.  In addition, you can often personaizel Zazzle items further by adding a name. CrypticArt's Web of Pearls spiral notebook and Melkav's Beautiful Bouquet are just two examples of the many spiral notebooks offered.

Spider Web of Pearls Spiral Note Books by CrypticArt

Beautiful Bouquet Notebook/Journal Notebook
by melkavcreations

If you don't yet have a way to hang on to those fleeting story ideas, I hope you try jotting them down in a journal. If you have a tried and true method of not losing those ideas, I hope you share your secret with the rest of us. 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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