What Happens When Life Isn't a Bowl of Cherries? From the Heart Review

Life with all of its wonders, hopes, dreams and desires is a wonderful thing.  But sometimes, life isn't that bowl of cherries that everyone would have you believe.

What do you do when that time in your life happens?  I promise it will happen to all of us at one time or another.  Are you prepared for those days when you just feel like you are at the end of your rope and the knot you tied in it is unravelling faster than you can hang on?

For years, women especially, have known that there are times when you have to sit back, count to 10 or 1,000, and just do nothing!  It's like taking a little time to push the reset button or restart button on your computer.

You can let everything go and concentrate on nothing else but the numbers.  

Self care is the "big  phrase" these days!  While I'm not an expert in any such field, I do know that many of us need to recognize that Self Care is important, especially during stressful and anxiety filled days.

There are literally millions of ways to take back a little time for some much needed SELF-CARE!

Review This Reviews. com is a great place to start!  

You will find hundreds of book reviews on all kinds of topics.  Pick one and just sit for an hour and read!  It could be a novel, a autobiography of someone you admire, a book of riddles or a book of cartoons, like my favorite Calvin and Hobbs!

Another great way to reset is to watch a movie and again Review This Reviews has a whole lot of very worthwhile movies to watch and you can find a list right here.  Movie Reviews let you know right away whether it is a subject you would enjoy and you won't spend a lot of time flipping through all the channels.

Maybe just maybe you'd like to learn something about what others do when life is overwhelming for them.  I suggest taking a look at From The Heart.

Baking or cooking can sometimes be the way out of a dark little spot in life and we have you covered there too.  Sam Monaco, Sylvestermouse Cynthia, Wednesday Elf and a host of others share some of their most asked for favorites.  Why not whip up some goodness to help you feel better?

Self-Care is not just one way to help you through the trying times in life, because everyone is different and self-care is just that, it is something that resonates with you personally.

I know that I'm going to check out some of those recipes and make myself something delicious and magical that I can share.

Then I'm going to sit back and read another chapter in one of my favorite books!  Who knows, by this evening I just might curl up with a good movie and let life just happen.

Life right now is not the bowl of cherries that I love, but I know that tomorrow or the next day my bowl will be full again.  With Faith in Tomorrow, I will make it through this too!

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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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

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

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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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.

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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15 Additional Distracting and Calming Things to Do During Quarantine

15 Distracting Things to Do During Quarantine

Last week I wrote about ten calming and distracting things you can do during these crazy quarantine times.

This week I'll add another 15 suggestions for you.

1. 5000 Piece Puzzles

Ok, maybe just 1000 pieces will do. Family members of mine have tackled this one already.

2. Read the Hilarious Twitter Hashtag #QuarantineLife

The top tweets will crack you up. My mom and I were in stitches reading them!

3. Crossword Puzzles

Do you love to do crossword puzzles? If so, get out the book.

4. Redecorate a Room

That may involve trips to the store, so you may be restricted on what you can actually do. But hey, if you can even tackle one or two aspects of a redecorating project, good for you! Here's a brief helpful video on how to mix patterns in home decor:

5. Reorganize Your Cupboards and Closets

To some people, this is therapy, to others torture. Either way, get it done! If you've been putting off dealing with the disaster behind your closet door, now is a good time to get 'er done.

6. Learn a New Language

There are several common APPs you can use to learn a new language. Here are a few you can check out: Babbel, DuoLingo, and MemRise.

7. Learn to Play Piano Via an App

Yes, there's an APP for that. Here are two Apple Apps you can check out - Flowkey and Note Quest.

8. Assemble All Those Poems You've Written, And Self-Publish Your Book

Do you have a box of personally written poems that need a permanent place? How about writing that poetry book you've always wanted to write. I crossed that one off my bucket list last year and self-published my first book. I've since published five more and am working on my sixth. Here are some things I've learned along the way that may help you get started.

9. Crafts - DIY Crafting

I know, this is obvious. Knit, sew, or crochet those virus blobs. If you have friends who also enjoy crafts, turn it into a game. Tackle the same project and whoever finishes first gets a prize - maybe a book.

10. Learn Calligraphy

Family members of mine did this one the other day. You can get multiple tutorials on YouTube.

11. Coloring Books are Fun, Even for Adults

This is one I plan to do to relax. Coloring can be utterly satisfying. Color with the kids or you can always buy grown-up coloring books online.

12. Turn Your Life Into a Reality Show

If you're bold, go for it. Vlog your life and upload your daily routine to your social media audience. If you don't have an audience, you could end up with one fast lol - be careful!

13.  Take Cooking Lessons Online

Head over to Youtube and start watching all those addictive cooking videos! Have you always wanted to learn French Cooking? Now's your chance.

14. Assemble and Sort All Your Photos on Your Laptop & Phone

Sort all your photos and store them on a USB or in the cloud. Or create a family wall of photos - finally frame and display all those family favorites.

15. Handwrite Letters to Your Family

Handwrite a letter. Don't type it. Handwrite it and mail it to mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, or the kids. Include the kid's drawings or photos as well. Yes, you can do this online, but there's something very special about getting something like this in the mail.

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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10 Calming and Distracting Things to Do

Calming and Distracting Things to Do

With all that's going on in the world, some distraction is in order.

When you've had your fill of news, and consumed as much info as you need for a day or so, here are some things you can do to take your mind off the world.

1. Listen to Music

Yes, I know, that's predictable! You've heard it a million times. The principle of Occams Razor applies right now (the simplest solution is often the best or right one - paraphrasing). With that in mind, turn off the TV for a while or forever, and pick a few songs that speak to you.

Here, let me recommend a fantastic song for country music fans; have you listened to Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani's song "Nobody But You?" If not, take a minute. It's a perfect song to cuddle up to or think about the one you love, and what's most important in life.

Lyrics
"Don't have to leave this town to see the world
'Cause it's something that I gotta do
I don't wanna look back in thirty years
And wonder who you're married to
Wanna say it now, wanna make it clear
For only you and God to hear
When you love someone, they say you set 'em free
But that ain't gonna work for me"

It's currently my favorite country music song - hope you enjoy it.

2. Watch Inspirational Videos

This is a little self-serving; here's one of my most recent video-poems. Written about a month ago, it's about finding clarity and calm in life.

This year I've vowed to work on body, mind, and spirit. The video speaks to the spirit side of life. I call it Living in Light. If you need a little calm, mixed with a teaspoon of hope and faith, this one is for you.

3. Cooking - Do You Love to Cook?

If you love to cook there are a ton of recipes from our writers here on ReviewThisReviews. Be sure to check out the recipe section. You can find it here.

4. Puzzles and Games

You've already thought of this right? Board games, riddle games, and puzzles. If you're not in the mood to play family games, distract yourself with riddles. Yep, I happen to write them. Here's one, can you solve it?

Find more at StumpedRiddles.com

5. Dance in Your Kitchen

Oh, that sounds really dumb, doesn't it? It's not. Turn up the radio and dance. The exercise is good for us physically and mentally. Who cares how silly we look. Blast your favorite music and go for it.

6. Exercise

If your health permits and you have exercise equipment, use it. If not, there are plenty of yoga and exercise videos on Youtube and TV you can follow. I like this basic exercise video for Arms. This lady features short easy-to-do videos.

7. Draw, Paint or Create

Now is a good time to tackle that book you've always wanted to write. If books aren't your thing, sketch or paint. Stepping back in time, it's said that the plague may have influenced Shakespeare to create his best works. You can read about it here.

If you've wanted to write a book, but aren't sure where to start, I've written several articles with tips from my own personal experience of writing my first books. You can find them here:

A. Getting Started on Your eBook B. Confessions of a Newbie Self Publisher C. 5 Helpful Tools from a Newbie Self Publisher D. More Tips From a Newbie Self Publisher

8. Binge Watch TV

Oh my, that's too much couch time, but if you can't help yourself, here are some comical tips on what not to do when you binge-watch.

9.  Read a Book

If you're looking for a book to read, check out the book reviews by the Contributors on this site. There are some serious book-readers here! You can scroll through the reviews by starting here.

10. Express Your Love to Family and Friends

Don't hold back. Say it out loud or by text or phone if you have to, but say it. Say it over and over, and even say it for others to hear. Spread love - let your voice be heard.

My own Mind, Body and Spirit tips for 2020 are reviewed 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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Make #selfcare FUN with this Pink Clay Face Mask!

Let me review this absolutely gorgeous face mask that you just have to try, but first ...

Louanne showing Arbonne's Rescue & Renew Face Mask in Action!

Yes, you can smile while wearing a face mask, you know I'm going to go off on a tangent for a moment and tell you a true story.   For many years when I was young, I thought that if I dared to smile (or talk) while I had a face mask on it would crack my face!   Now I can imagine you all laughing at young teenage me let me talk about this awesome face mask.

Now I have talked about Arbonne's Cellular Renewal Mask in the past so you are probably wondering why I'm talking about yet another one so let me explain.  The best way I can think of it is that the cellular renewal mask is more like a scrub for people who shouldn't be using an abrasive scrub anymore.   Yes, I'm getting on in life and after the age of 30/35, you really shouldn't be using an abrasive scrub but should try something like the cellular renewal mask instead.

Now whatever age you are anyone can appreciate a creamy French pink clay mask and Arbonne's Rescue & Renew mask is a really dreamy one.   I love this mask because it's one just about anyone can enjoy using.   My 18-year-old daughter loves using it, my 50-year-old self loves using it and my (don't tell her I revealed her age!) 71-year-old mum loves using it.   To me, if you can get three generations loving the same mask you're doing something right!

Arbonne's Rescue & Renew products are known among their consultants as our spa range because with a few of these products you really can create a spa-like experience in your own home.   I love nothing more than soaking my feet in the Detox soak while wearing a face mask and laughing and talking with my daughter.

My daughter loves putting on the face mask with friends as they talk and laugh and binge-watch horror movies on sleepovers (I've recommended Netflix's The Haunting of Hill House for their next get-together).

I think there's just something about having a luxurious feeling face mask that makes you feel good and getting close friends around for a bottle of wine, good conversation, lots of laughs and a face mask just sounds like heaven - don't you think?

So what makes this face mask so much better than other clay masks?   For starters, it's made with a French pink clay formula that pulls out all the impurities in your skin making your skin look and feel better.   There are also added botanicals such as dandelion, turmeric and ginger root, these botanicals help to detox your skin, and promote radiant-looking skin which is what we all want.

The face mask also contains rosemary oil which helps to hydrate the skin (very important to keep your skin looking younger and more radiant).  There are also some self-neutralizing acids to help brighten the appearance of your skin tone.

The best thing about this mask is that it comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee which means you can buy it, use it a few times and if you decide it's not for you send it back - you can't do that with many face masks, can you?

This Gorgeous Clay Mask is a Great Christmas Gift Idea

Now I talked about this mask as being a wonderful Christmas gift idea during my Christmas in July event in my Christmas Shopping List Facebook group.  It proved to be a big hit, so if you're not a face mask person then maybe you're looking for a special gift idea for someone that deserves to be treated to a spa-like experience in her own home.

If you'd like more information about the face mask or any of the other products in the range then reach out to me via Instagram or Facebook - I am an Arbonne consultant who loves using these products and if I can't answer your question I'll know someone who can.

Will you be trying this luxury face mask?  

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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December 26th, Time to Write a Thank You Day

Boxing Day Blues can sometimes strike when all the awaited  festivities are over.  

And they do seem to be over so quickly.  All the hustle and bustle of preparing for the BIG day gives way to feelings of let down and down right depression.  Knowing this before hand might just help you to get through those feelings and come out the other side with a new sense of wellbeing and a new purpose too.

Christmas time and all the build up to this holiday can make some people really "crazy".  There are all the lists for food, drink, presents, guests and so much more to attend to.  Then there is the cleaning and other preparations for the BIG day.  

By the time it arrives you are physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted.  And just when you think it's perfect, it's  over in a heartbeat.  

The let down can be so significant, that many mental health agencies start to prepare for the fall out early as well.  But it doesn't have to be this way if you do just a little more preparation for this amazing holiday gathering.

Having a plan in mind to help you cope with the let down will significantly make the holidays much happier.  To that end, I am going to make some suggestions that just might help you, or someone you love, get through that post holiday let down.

Today, on the Calendar of Days, is Write a Thank You Note day.  Now, you may not think this is a good idea, but I'm here to suggest it's a great way to relive the excitement, joy, and happiness of the Christmas gathering.  It will help you to capture what was really important and let go of the myriad of small disappointments that may have happened to make the day less than perfect.

After all, getting the family together and enjoying each other's company is the real beauty of Christmas.  The gifts and the food and everything else is secondary to just being together.  

Sitting down and writing a thank you, will let you put into words how much you enjoyed and appreciated all the efforts everyone made to make this Christmas special.  It really acts as a way to relive the excitement and the funny things that happened during the previous day.  

If that doesn't work for you there are many other ways to get through that post holiday letdown.  Here is my list of ways to do that and maybe you can add some of your own ideas.

1. Write that Thank You note to someone who went out of their way to make the holiday special.
2. Plan a trip to the zoo. Christmas antics aren't just for people.
3. Arrange some time to go for a walk in the neighborhood to enjoy the lights, decorations and all the sights.
4. Let yourself relax with a good movie or go out to a show.
5. Invite someone you haven't seen in a while for coffee and a good chat.
6. Go out and play in the snow (if you have any).  Bundle up with those new scarves, hats and mitts.
7. Start a new hobby.  Scrapbooking, knitting, crocheting, drawing or woodworking.  Coloring pages are still a great way to relax too.  
8. add your own ideas here.......

 

All the expectations, disappointments and let downs seem to disappear when you have a plan in mind.  Just writing a note can help you get through that emotional build up of the past month.  Going out to park, zoo, or being with a good friend,  can give you a release for all the frustrations you may have felt or are still feeling.  It's hard to stay disappointed when you are at the zoo checking out all the Christmas treats the zookeepers have in store for the animals in their care.  Just watching the Polar Bears, penguins, monkeys and more,  get their treats can be a delight for your overworked body and spirit.  The walking and exercise are good for you too.  Too much food and drink can be the trigger to make some people feel cranky and "out of sorts".  Drinking water and walking can help undo all the overeating and indulgences that took place the day before.  If you can't do the exercise, then just sitting back and watching a favorite movie, with full permission to just enjoy it, can also revive the drooping spirits.  A new hobby will keep your mind and hands occupied while you try to figure out just what you are supposed to do. An active mind doesn't have time to dwell on things that didn't go as planned and that's a good thing.   

If this all fails, then you can always go to the internet and start planning something different, a vacation in the new year, places you want to see or books you want to read.  On Review This Reviews, you can find lots of book reviews, Do It Yourself projects, movie reviews and more.  I dare say you could spend the better part of a day just checking out all the articles and I'm sure you will find a few that will trigger some ideas of your own.  

The most important thing on December 26th is to relish and relive, enjoy and form the memories of the day before.  Writing that note may be the first step in some well deserved "self-care" that will keep you from drowning in some very powerful negatives that could be plaguing your spirits.  Don't let Christmas let-down, get you down.......there are plenty more good times coming your way. 

**Olivia is not a health care specialist, if you are feeling down or depressed, please check out your local  health professionals.

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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