Wow, what a beatiful warm fuzzy start to the day!
Logged in to all the usual things I log into daily and came across a link to a site called Drop a Love Bomb.
Curious, I clicked and within moments, signed up to join this heart warming community.
So what is it!?
This site has been created in order to offer words of kindness and support to people going through a hard time.
You sign up and then each Thursday will receive an email with the weekly 'mission.'
I just takes 5 minutes to click on the link (normally to a blog site) and offer words of support to a stranger who is going through a tough time.
What an incredibly beautiful concept!
To not feel alone when you are going through something difficult... To have words of love and support offered to you in a time of need...
And to be able to be someone who can contribute in making a positive impact on somebody else's life... thank you Nate St. Pierre (founder) for dreaming this up!!
Drop a love bomb is a spinoff site from a project called ItStartsWith.Us
You'll read the following on the 'About' tab when you have a browse through the site, but I thought I'd post it here as it really just shows how special this movement is;
"The goal of ItStartsWith.Us is to build a global community of individuals focused on making a positive impact in the lives of the people around them.
Each and every one of us has the ability to change the world by touching lives in this way. And when we hear stories about the positive things others are doing, we become more aware of the opportunities we have to make a difference for the people around us."
Go on, have a look and sign up.... 5 mins a week to drop some love on somebody who genuinely needs it... Why wouldn't you?
~The Happy Rummager
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
10 Quick Happy Tips...
Another quickie!
I use the Biggest Loser Club online for my calorie counting and as a member I receive a lot of positive inspiring posts and updates.
This week they have an article on "5 Days to happiness" and I loved the little summary at the end so just wanted to share that with you...
10 quick happy tips
1. Look up to the sky – it lifts your mood
2. Make a list of things you are grateful for
3. Swap one cup of coffee or glass of wine for a cup of green tea
4. De-clutter your desk or a drawer
5. Spend 10 minutes focusing on your breathing
6. Be aware of your internal voice – banish negative thoughts
7. Drink lots of water
8. Give yourself a non-food reward
9. Spend 10 minutes stretching
10.Sign up for a new exercise activity
~The Happy Rummager
I use the Biggest Loser Club online for my calorie counting and as a member I receive a lot of positive inspiring posts and updates.
This week they have an article on "5 Days to happiness" and I loved the little summary at the end so just wanted to share that with you...
10 quick happy tips
1. Look up to the sky – it lifts your mood
2. Make a list of things you are grateful for
3. Swap one cup of coffee or glass of wine for a cup of green tea
4. De-clutter your desk or a drawer
5. Spend 10 minutes focusing on your breathing
6. Be aware of your internal voice – banish negative thoughts
7. Drink lots of water
8. Give yourself a non-food reward
9. Spend 10 minutes stretching
10.Sign up for a new exercise activity
~The Happy Rummager
Thursday, June 30, 2011
An interim post....
Gosh I've been quite neglectful of my new blog and haven't posted anything for longer than I realised!!
I've still been looking and learning and growing, but have neglected to make the time for sharing my findings!
I'm currently working on a post about knitting (so excited about knitting right now!!) however came across this gem today that I wanted to share with everyone...
Thanks again to tinybuddha - what a brilliant and inspiring site!
8 Tips to Help Create a Positive Mental Attitude
Happy rummaging and watch this space for a new spin on knitting - it's not just for Grandma :)
~ The Happy Rummager
I've still been looking and learning and growing, but have neglected to make the time for sharing my findings!
I'm currently working on a post about knitting (so excited about knitting right now!!) however came across this gem today that I wanted to share with everyone...
Thanks again to tinybuddha - what a brilliant and inspiring site!
8 Tips to Help Create a Positive Mental Attitude
Happy rummaging and watch this space for a new spin on knitting - it's not just for Grandma :)
~ The Happy Rummager
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Developing your mindfulness muscle
This isn't something that I have written myself, but instead today I have posted from one of my favourite websites at the moment tinybuddha
The following is a contribution by Henri Junttila on tinybuddha - Thank you Henri!!
Anyone can be mindful for a moment or two, but developing your mindfulness muscle means that you have to take things to a higher level.
In today’s world it’s all too easy to get distracted from what’s truly important. Wherever you go, and whatever you do, you see messages designed to get you to perform a specific action and distract you from the fact that you are already whole.
There are no reminders to be mindful unless we create them.
The responsibility is in your hands. Staying in the present moment can dramatically reduce stress, increase your happiness, and give you bursts of insight that might change your life.
Ever since I’ve started becoming aware of my thoughts and staying in the now, my life has improved significantly, and I know yours will, too.
Here are a few down-to-earth tips on how to become more mindful:
1. NOTICE YOUR TENDENCIES.
You and I, we both have our unique tendencies that distract us from the present moment. I’m a worrier, so I tend to think about the future and try to solve problems before they even happen.
What are your tendencies? What kind of thoughts tend to rob you of the now?
These questions will help you become more mindful about what is going on in your head, which in turn leads to mindfulness.
A few examples of tendencies that are very common are:
◦anxiety
◦worry
◦regret
◦guilt
◦fear
◦pleasure seeking
A great tip is to write down your tendencies and how they tease you out of the now. Grab a piece of pen and paper, and just do it.
2. PRACTICE ACCEPTANCE.
Once you start becoming mindful of your tendencies, it’s crucial that you don’t judge yourself. Practice acceptance and embrace who you are.
The tendencies you have are there for a reason. They are signposts pointing to the areas of your life that need attention.
If you’re a chronic worrier, you need to start noticing whenever you begin drifting to the future. Become mindful, observe your thoughts, and breathe.
We believe our thoughts to be the authority on life, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Our thoughts are just thoughts.
3. FOCUS ON YOUR BREATH.
Your breath is a powerful and simple way to anchor yourself in the present moment. Whenever you are having a hard time staying in the now, take deep breaths, and focus on your breathing.
You could even count your breaths. Something I like to do is count to four on the inhale and four on the exhale.
It focuses the logical part of my brain on counting and allows me to focus on my breath. After a while I can release the crutch of counting and just be.
4. QUESTION YOUR THOUGHTS.
Your thoughts aren’t always right. In fact, they are rarely right, especially if they make you feel bad.
Question your thoughts constantly. When you start to feel negative emotions, use it as a reminder to examine what thoughts are causing the commotion.
Most people walk around all day letting negative thoughts cause negative feelings. We both know that nothing good can come out of this.
It takes discipline to be mindful, but the rewards are peace and happiness. Even researchers are discovering the power of emotions. Negative emotions not only have the power to make you feel bad, but can affect your physical health as well.
Whenever a negative thought arises, take a step back, and look at if the thought is true.
5. USE REMINDERS.
Another great way to stay anchored in the now is to use reminders. It can be as simple as tying a white string around your wrist.
Each time you look at the white string, you are reminded of the present moment. Are you in the now, or are you somewhere else?
There are no limits to what you can use as a reminder. If you want to take this even further, you can add a new reminder each week.
Start using external reminders such as red cars, billboards, and so on. If you keep doing this, you will be astonished at the results.
6. BE DETERMINED.
Increasing the time you spend in the present moment can be a lot of work. If you’re serious about becoming more mindful, you have to be determined.
There will be times when you feel like you want to throw in the towel. You will face challenges, obstacles, and problems.
But if you’re determined, you will get through them. They are nothing but teachers on your path.
When you make becoming more mindful one of your main goals, you simply cannot fail.
7. FOLLOW YOUR PASSION.
I have noticed that the more I follow my passion and my hearts deepest desire, the more I am able to stay in the now.
I enjoy every second of every minute when I’m working on something I love. My heart buzzes with joy and I feel amazing.
Writing is one of my passions. I love helping people improve their life. It makes me come alive, and it keeps me in the present moment.
Inspiration flows effortlessly, and it’s almost like I am channeling someone else as I am writing. Find your passion and go after it.
Becoming more mindful is done step-by-step. You do not have to go all-in. You only have to increase the amount of time you spend in the present moment each and every day.
If you do that, it’s impossible for you not to become a mindfulness master.
The following is a contribution by Henri Junttila on tinybuddha - Thank you Henri!!
Anyone can be mindful for a moment or two, but developing your mindfulness muscle means that you have to take things to a higher level.
In today’s world it’s all too easy to get distracted from what’s truly important. Wherever you go, and whatever you do, you see messages designed to get you to perform a specific action and distract you from the fact that you are already whole.
There are no reminders to be mindful unless we create them.
The responsibility is in your hands. Staying in the present moment can dramatically reduce stress, increase your happiness, and give you bursts of insight that might change your life.
Ever since I’ve started becoming aware of my thoughts and staying in the now, my life has improved significantly, and I know yours will, too.
Here are a few down-to-earth tips on how to become more mindful:
1. NOTICE YOUR TENDENCIES.
You and I, we both have our unique tendencies that distract us from the present moment. I’m a worrier, so I tend to think about the future and try to solve problems before they even happen.
What are your tendencies? What kind of thoughts tend to rob you of the now?
These questions will help you become more mindful about what is going on in your head, which in turn leads to mindfulness.
A few examples of tendencies that are very common are:
◦anxiety
◦worry
◦regret
◦guilt
◦fear
◦pleasure seeking
A great tip is to write down your tendencies and how they tease you out of the now. Grab a piece of pen and paper, and just do it.
2. PRACTICE ACCEPTANCE.
Once you start becoming mindful of your tendencies, it’s crucial that you don’t judge yourself. Practice acceptance and embrace who you are.
The tendencies you have are there for a reason. They are signposts pointing to the areas of your life that need attention.
If you’re a chronic worrier, you need to start noticing whenever you begin drifting to the future. Become mindful, observe your thoughts, and breathe.
We believe our thoughts to be the authority on life, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Our thoughts are just thoughts.
3. FOCUS ON YOUR BREATH.
Your breath is a powerful and simple way to anchor yourself in the present moment. Whenever you are having a hard time staying in the now, take deep breaths, and focus on your breathing.
You could even count your breaths. Something I like to do is count to four on the inhale and four on the exhale.
It focuses the logical part of my brain on counting and allows me to focus on my breath. After a while I can release the crutch of counting and just be.
4. QUESTION YOUR THOUGHTS.
Your thoughts aren’t always right. In fact, they are rarely right, especially if they make you feel bad.
Question your thoughts constantly. When you start to feel negative emotions, use it as a reminder to examine what thoughts are causing the commotion.
Most people walk around all day letting negative thoughts cause negative feelings. We both know that nothing good can come out of this.
It takes discipline to be mindful, but the rewards are peace and happiness. Even researchers are discovering the power of emotions. Negative emotions not only have the power to make you feel bad, but can affect your physical health as well.
Whenever a negative thought arises, take a step back, and look at if the thought is true.
5. USE REMINDERS.
Another great way to stay anchored in the now is to use reminders. It can be as simple as tying a white string around your wrist.
Each time you look at the white string, you are reminded of the present moment. Are you in the now, or are you somewhere else?
There are no limits to what you can use as a reminder. If you want to take this even further, you can add a new reminder each week.
Start using external reminders such as red cars, billboards, and so on. If you keep doing this, you will be astonished at the results.
6. BE DETERMINED.
Increasing the time you spend in the present moment can be a lot of work. If you’re serious about becoming more mindful, you have to be determined.
There will be times when you feel like you want to throw in the towel. You will face challenges, obstacles, and problems.
But if you’re determined, you will get through them. They are nothing but teachers on your path.
When you make becoming more mindful one of your main goals, you simply cannot fail.
7. FOLLOW YOUR PASSION.
I have noticed that the more I follow my passion and my hearts deepest desire, the more I am able to stay in the now.
I enjoy every second of every minute when I’m working on something I love. My heart buzzes with joy and I feel amazing.
Writing is one of my passions. I love helping people improve their life. It makes me come alive, and it keeps me in the present moment.
Inspiration flows effortlessly, and it’s almost like I am channeling someone else as I am writing. Find your passion and go after it.
Becoming more mindful is done step-by-step. You do not have to go all-in. You only have to increase the amount of time you spend in the present moment each and every day.
If you do that, it’s impossible for you not to become a mindfulness master.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Spring clean for the mind
This might sound a bit silly, but some days I feel like I don't know myself very well at all. I'm beginning to realise that this is probably because I don't tend to put aside any real ME time.
How can I possibly be truely aware of my thoughts, emotions and who I am, when instead of investing this time with myself I seem to spend all this energy talking about what is going on around me and what other people are doing or zoning out in front of the tv?!
As a result of this subtle self neglect, I have found that sometimes it all comes to a head, my brain gets in a tangle and I get stressed because I realise that I have somehow built this birds nest of 'stuff' in my head.
You know the kind of things that I mean... external events that are affecting you, thoughts you allow to snowball because you haven't addressed them, toxic people that you let get under your skin, things you would like to do, things you should've done...
It can become hard to focus because my brain is darting around constantly and then it will get to the a certain point where something will just 'click' and I all of a sudden become painfully aware - normally in the form of stress - that I have some sorting to do... and fast!
This happened to me recently. I became so tense, frazzled and frustrated that I just wanted to cry. Not for any particular reason, there was just so much trying to happen in my head that I became overwhelmed by the mess of thoughts.
And so I wrote.
I happened to be at work and since I can type faster than I can scribble, I sat in front of my computer, turned to the ever knowledgable google, found an online journal site and I let my fingers pound the keyboard relentlessley. I poured out everything, not pausing to think for a second and just let it all flow out until I felt a calm settle over me.
Sure, I hadn't solved the world's problems or even specifically addressed any issues as such, but just starting to dissect that birds nest in my brain was such a relief!!
It was like a spring clean for my mind!
There has been a lot of research on the connection between writing and wellness. Keeping a journal has even been thought to be the most accessible form of self help and can be invaluable in beginning to gain an insight into clarifying your thoughts and feelings. Writing can help to process problems and help in getting to know yourself better.
Here are a couple of links if you're interested in trying out journaling for yourself, believe me, it's worth it!
This is the site I found to vent to - I'm sure there are many others out there just as good but I liked this as it was free and very easy to use;
http://penzu.com/content/why
Here are a couple of sites with tips and info on journaling;
http://stress.about.com/od/generaltechniques/p/profilejournal.htm
http://www.ehow.com/how_2240063_journal-therapy.html
http://psychcentral.com/lib/2006/the-health-benefits-of-journaling/
So why not give it a crack - I'm going to make a concerted effort to start to invest some more time in ME by writing more instead of letting things get to breaking point (and in a way this blog is helping in that process too!).
Life is a work in progress and I think that once you can start to manage and untangle what's running round in your head you will create increased mindfulness and be able to see a little clearer in finding your way to a happier and less stressed existence.
~The Happy Rummager
How can I possibly be truely aware of my thoughts, emotions and who I am, when instead of investing this time with myself I seem to spend all this energy talking about what is going on around me and what other people are doing or zoning out in front of the tv?!
As a result of this subtle self neglect, I have found that sometimes it all comes to a head, my brain gets in a tangle and I get stressed because I realise that I have somehow built this birds nest of 'stuff' in my head.
You know the kind of things that I mean... external events that are affecting you, thoughts you allow to snowball because you haven't addressed them, toxic people that you let get under your skin, things you would like to do, things you should've done...
It can become hard to focus because my brain is darting around constantly and then it will get to the a certain point where something will just 'click' and I all of a sudden become painfully aware - normally in the form of stress - that I have some sorting to do... and fast!
This happened to me recently. I became so tense, frazzled and frustrated that I just wanted to cry. Not for any particular reason, there was just so much trying to happen in my head that I became overwhelmed by the mess of thoughts.
And so I wrote.
I happened to be at work and since I can type faster than I can scribble, I sat in front of my computer, turned to the ever knowledgable google, found an online journal site and I let my fingers pound the keyboard relentlessley. I poured out everything, not pausing to think for a second and just let it all flow out until I felt a calm settle over me.
Sure, I hadn't solved the world's problems or even specifically addressed any issues as such, but just starting to dissect that birds nest in my brain was such a relief!!
It was like a spring clean for my mind!
There has been a lot of research on the connection between writing and wellness. Keeping a journal has even been thought to be the most accessible form of self help and can be invaluable in beginning to gain an insight into clarifying your thoughts and feelings. Writing can help to process problems and help in getting to know yourself better.
Here are a couple of links if you're interested in trying out journaling for yourself, believe me, it's worth it!
This is the site I found to vent to - I'm sure there are many others out there just as good but I liked this as it was free and very easy to use;
http://penzu.com/content/why
Here are a couple of sites with tips and info on journaling;
http://stress.about.com/od/generaltechniques/p/profilejournal.htm
http://www.ehow.com/how_2240063_journal-therapy.html
http://psychcentral.com/lib/2006/the-health-benefits-of-journaling/
So why not give it a crack - I'm going to make a concerted effort to start to invest some more time in ME by writing more instead of letting things get to breaking point (and in a way this blog is helping in that process too!).
Life is a work in progress and I think that once you can start to manage and untangle what's running round in your head you will create increased mindfulness and be able to see a little clearer in finding your way to a happier and less stressed existence.
~The Happy Rummager
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Welcome to my world
Welcome to what I hope will be an interesting, fun, positive and inspirational place to visit!
It won't take long for you to discover I have quite a curious nature.
And I'm very curious about a LOT of things. Normally all at once.
To give you an insight into a few of the current curiosities (and a bit about me);
I'm easily distracted.... very enthusiastic about things I start (even if they don't always have an end result)... studying massage part time.... interested in natural remedies.... am in a relationship with a wonderful man, with whom I share the love of our gorgeous dog... trying to start a 'Sunday knitting squad' at the regular gig my partner plays at (despite never having knitted anything before)... recently googled (and spent several hours reading about) Buddhism for Beginners... trying to give meditation a go, again.... always looking into things associated with healthier living.... have admiration for people who are inspirational to others.... count calories (and watch the biggest loser).... work full time in customer service (it pays the bills).... often neglect various versions of our veggie garden... organise 'The Half Dozen Challenge' (currently a 6 week pedometer challenge) and of course I dream of sunshine, lollipops and rainbows :)
Aside from clearly bordering on having one of these 'scanner personalities' that folks are talking about (something that will appear in the blog at some point), what I'm really here for is that I recently found myself increasingly aware of how the attitudes of others were affecting me and others alike. I noticed around me some really negative, unhappy, and intolerant people. So much so that I found I was letting myself become weighed down with all their negativity to the point I felt like I was turning into one of those people! How the heck did that happen?!
As a result of this light bulb switching on, I stepped back, had a look at myself and my own attitude and made a conscious decision to try and not let people like that get the better of me.
And since you can't change other people, here I am. On a journey of sorts I guess, to try and learn how to change my own attitude and become a generally happier person. I want to be more in control of how I react to different situations and I don't currently have the know how and the tools to do this on my own... So I'm turning to the internet in the hopes of finding some inspiration and guidance to help me along the way. And so far, so good :)
I have been browsing through some truely inspirational, beautiful and positive web pgaes and going where random links take me and some of the stuff is so powerful I just wanted to share it with others and hope that they may also be inspired.
And so we have, The Happy Rummager.
My intention is to have a kind of 'warm fuzzy' blogspace for you to drop in and have a nosey at the findings from my rummagings through positive, inspiring, hilarious and basically just feel-good pages from the internet.
Hopefully by sharing with you the things I come across, I can bring a smile to your day or give you something positive to think about and in turn help to shine the spotlight on the good that goes on amongst all the mayhem and crazy on this weird little planet of ours.
Laughter, peace, inspiration, happiness and just general positive goodness. That's what I want in MY world.
I'm not sure where this will take us, but at least now, thanks to my brain coupled with the wonderment of the intertron, I have an outlet for exploring my many curiosities, I get to share tidbits of information too good to be kept secret and hope in the process to spread some light, love and laughter.
So keep smilin' and watch this space :D
~The Happy Rummager
It won't take long for you to discover I have quite a curious nature.
And I'm very curious about a LOT of things. Normally all at once.
To give you an insight into a few of the current curiosities (and a bit about me);
I'm easily distracted.... very enthusiastic about things I start (even if they don't always have an end result)... studying massage part time.... interested in natural remedies.... am in a relationship with a wonderful man, with whom I share the love of our gorgeous dog... trying to start a 'Sunday knitting squad' at the regular gig my partner plays at (despite never having knitted anything before)... recently googled (and spent several hours reading about) Buddhism for Beginners... trying to give meditation a go, again.... always looking into things associated with healthier living.... have admiration for people who are inspirational to others.... count calories (and watch the biggest loser).... work full time in customer service (it pays the bills).... often neglect various versions of our veggie garden... organise 'The Half Dozen Challenge' (currently a 6 week pedometer challenge) and of course I dream of sunshine, lollipops and rainbows :)
Aside from clearly bordering on having one of these 'scanner personalities' that folks are talking about (something that will appear in the blog at some point), what I'm really here for is that I recently found myself increasingly aware of how the attitudes of others were affecting me and others alike. I noticed around me some really negative, unhappy, and intolerant people. So much so that I found I was letting myself become weighed down with all their negativity to the point I felt like I was turning into one of those people! How the heck did that happen?!
As a result of this light bulb switching on, I stepped back, had a look at myself and my own attitude and made a conscious decision to try and not let people like that get the better of me.
And since you can't change other people, here I am. On a journey of sorts I guess, to try and learn how to change my own attitude and become a generally happier person. I want to be more in control of how I react to different situations and I don't currently have the know how and the tools to do this on my own... So I'm turning to the internet in the hopes of finding some inspiration and guidance to help me along the way. And so far, so good :)
I have been browsing through some truely inspirational, beautiful and positive web pgaes and going where random links take me and some of the stuff is so powerful I just wanted to share it with others and hope that they may also be inspired.
And so we have, The Happy Rummager.
My intention is to have a kind of 'warm fuzzy' blogspace for you to drop in and have a nosey at the findings from my rummagings through positive, inspiring, hilarious and basically just feel-good pages from the internet.
Hopefully by sharing with you the things I come across, I can bring a smile to your day or give you something positive to think about and in turn help to shine the spotlight on the good that goes on amongst all the mayhem and crazy on this weird little planet of ours.
Laughter, peace, inspiration, happiness and just general positive goodness. That's what I want in MY world.
I'm not sure where this will take us, but at least now, thanks to my brain coupled with the wonderment of the intertron, I have an outlet for exploring my many curiosities, I get to share tidbits of information too good to be kept secret and hope in the process to spread some light, love and laughter.
So keep smilin' and watch this space :D
~The Happy Rummager
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