Today, I woke up to the sound of money pouring down the drain. In a house, there is often a distinct sound within the walls when water is running in the bathroom-- say when someone is running bath water, taking a shower, or filling up the washer in order to run a load of cloths.
I woke up to that familiar "water running in the pipes of your walls" sound-- but no one was running anything.
While there is no sign of water damage anywhere, I can tell that somewhere a pipe has burst behind my wall or under our house which has a concert slab foundation. Also, low water pressure impaired my toilets.
My wife and I decided to turn off the water to our home at the meter in our yard.
I called a few plumbers. None of them seemed available.
My son clogged up the toilet. With limited water, I found a way to finally unclog it.
I bought gallons of water. My wife and I contemplated the expensiveness of this repair and how plumbers may have to tear up some of our home to repair the leak.
It's one thing to not have hot water (happened to me last month with my water heater), but it's another issue to have NO running water.
I do turn it on periodically to fill the toilets for a flush. But for the most part, we're keeping it off until a plumber can help us.
Bad day! But . . .
Someone will never have running water at all. Someone is starving. Someone didn't make it home as expected. While my heart goes out to people who are suffering, I also look at my own condition too.
Yes-- bad day, but . . . I'm still grateful.
--
If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Thursday, July 24, 2014
When Happiness Feels Out of Reach
Unfortunately, happiness won't be within easy reach for many people. Experiencing trauma or prolonged abuse can condition the brain to produce less of the hormones and neurotransmitters that create feelings of happiness. Conditions that we identify as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Major Depression, or Bi-Polar Disorder are all examples of how happiness has fallen out of easy reach for someone.
Such conditions are legitimate disorders that need professional, medical treatment. I hope I have never said anything that belittled the challenges that come with mood disorders. Depression-- true, clinical depression-- cannot be turned off as if some on/off switch controls our moods. That idea implies people volunteer for depression. Few people would remain depressed if they did have such an on/off switch. Do keep that in mind when dealing with someone who admits to having a mood disorder.
The ideas I have shared on this blog can bring moments of happiness to help combat the fog of depression in someone's life. But even so, emotional disorders run deep and are complex. The ideas I've shared here can help; However, these ideas are probably more effective on someone who already has a predisposition for happiness as opposed to someone who is battling with clinical depression.
So, what does one do when happiness feels out of reach?
Get professional help. And don't be ashamed. Don't expect to simply shake off depression or anxiety that was born out of abuse or trauma. Others may suggest you can do this-- but it's not fair to expect this out of yourself or anyone else who is seriously dealing with clinical depression or PTSD.
Happiness may feel out of reach now, but you can possibly get a grasp on it with the right kind of help.
--
If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.
Such conditions are legitimate disorders that need professional, medical treatment. I hope I have never said anything that belittled the challenges that come with mood disorders. Depression-- true, clinical depression-- cannot be turned off as if some on/off switch controls our moods. That idea implies people volunteer for depression. Few people would remain depressed if they did have such an on/off switch. Do keep that in mind when dealing with someone who admits to having a mood disorder.
The ideas I have shared on this blog can bring moments of happiness to help combat the fog of depression in someone's life. But even so, emotional disorders run deep and are complex. The ideas I've shared here can help; However, these ideas are probably more effective on someone who already has a predisposition for happiness as opposed to someone who is battling with clinical depression.
So, what does one do when happiness feels out of reach?
Get professional help. And don't be ashamed. Don't expect to simply shake off depression or anxiety that was born out of abuse or trauma. Others may suggest you can do this-- but it's not fair to expect this out of yourself or anyone else who is seriously dealing with clinical depression or PTSD.
Happiness may feel out of reach now, but you can possibly get a grasp on it with the right kind of help.
--
If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Happy Hormones
My Daily Gratitudes for March 4, 2014
I'm grateful that exercise can sometimes change your mood for the better.
I'm grateful for my mom. As always, she supports us in such an amazing way.
I'm grateful that my favorite music is at my fingertips.
I'm grateful that today, I'm not morning the recent loss of a loved one.
Positive Events from the Past 24 Hours
Exercising today really changed my mood today! I came home a bit frustrated and angry for various reasons. I got on our elliptical and pumped away my frustrations. I found myself in the zone during my session and I finished feeling victorious.
And boy, I defiantly did NOT want to exercise before I got home. But, I'm glad I did!
--
If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.
I'm grateful that exercise can sometimes change your mood for the better.
I'm grateful for my mom. As always, she supports us in such an amazing way.
I'm grateful that my favorite music is at my fingertips.
I'm grateful that today, I'm not morning the recent loss of a loved one.
Positive Events from the Past 24 Hours
Exercising today really changed my mood today! I came home a bit frustrated and angry for various reasons. I got on our elliptical and pumped away my frustrations. I found myself in the zone during my session and I finished feeling victorious.
And boy, I defiantly did NOT want to exercise before I got home. But, I'm glad I did!
--
If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
All Work and No Play . . .
My Daily Gratitudes for Sunday, February 23, 2014
I'm grateful for having a friend or two from work where we can hang out and not talk about work.
I'm grateful that our former supervisor returned.
I'm grateful that my employer has expresses seeing value in me by offering me a promotion.
I'm grateful that my kids have a sense of creativity about them both.
I'm grateful for my wife and her courage and strength that she shows every day.
I'm grateful for my friend overseas, always bring me a fresh perspective on this and showing me what real courage looks like.
Positive Event from the Last 24Hours
I broke my fitness lull and exercised today. I also had a meal with a friend and enjoyed my kids sharing some really interesting ideas with me. My boss gave me Monday off since I worked Saturday. Nice.
If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Can Stress Ever be a Good Thing?!
I recently found myself working 11 days straight due to many stressful projects falling in on me at once. Not fun. My happiness meter was really low that week. I tried to keep a good attitude, but I never craved for a weekend so much in my life!
So, you can probably see why this TED video by Kelly McGonigal surprised me. Maybe she's found the secret for increasing you chances for happiness even under stressful times.
Wish I saw this 12 days ago!
Hope you enjoy.
--
If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.
So, you can probably see why this TED video by Kelly McGonigal surprised me. Maybe she's found the secret for increasing you chances for happiness even under stressful times.
Wish I saw this 12 days ago!
Hope you enjoy.
--
If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.
Saturday, January 11, 2014
The Simple Things
Gratitudes for Saturday, January 11, 2014
While I've been negligent in posting, I haven't stopped taking at least a mental note of the things for which I'm grateful. Now, I've come to a place where I feel the need to write them down.
Water, water everywhere . . .
On Friday, a chemical spill made water undrinkable for several counties in West Virginia. I listened intently to the news reports as people described what it's like not being able to use any city water-- no, not even to shower or wash cloths. This isn't just a boil water notice that we're talking about here. Bottled water only for all their water needs; And lines of people were out the door of many stores Friday in a quest for water.
Hearing about the situation in West Virginia made me feel really, really thirsty all of a sudden.
But to quench my thirst, I can easily go to the water dispenser in my refidgerator and get a cup of water.
That leads me to say that I'm so very grateful today for public works and-- in particular-- the supply of water we take for granted. Not everyone has clean water and I've come to realize it's so easy to take water for granted. I'm very, very grateful for the supply that our community gets to enjoy here and now.
Perhaps now is also a good time to consider helping out in some way. I wonder if a donation to an organization like the American Red Cross is in order to help those in need wherever they might be.
Back to Normal
My wife has graduated. She went on a trip to Minnesota and survived the "polar vortex" that came through. The flight delays almost caused her to get stuck in an airport on her way home. But, fortunately everything worked out and she came home safely and only a few hours late (as opposed to days late).
Looks like my former supervisor is returning from his hiatus. I'm really glad about that. Our department has made it along without him, but his talent and leadership was constantly missed while he was gone.
My daughter made straight A's this term. My son-- well, he only got one C . . . everything else was A's and B's. I'm glad for them both. Though, we gotta work on that C just a little bit. But we must also remember to work on strengths as well. I should start evaluating what my kids do best and put more energy in getting them to improve in those areas, too. It's a balance.
Trying New Things
On New Years Eve, my wife and I went to a gala that raised money for an education program in our community. It was our first time doing anything like that together. We danced and had a good time.
I'm terrible at dancing . . . but I'm actually practicing with a dance DVD. So, by the time New Years came, I felt confident enough to get out there on the floor with my wife and have a nice time without being self conscious. I suspect that's 90% of dancing right there. I feel good about having done that with her. We had a nice time. I think dancing together is something we'll do more often.
I've also gotten sucked in by football this season. I never watched football before. For some reason, I've gotten caught up this season. I'm really excited about the playoff games. I'm just excited to see them play-- I'm not even rooting for a particular team; I'm just enjoying the contest!
Saints and Seahawks at 15:30. I'm ready to watch! Then, I plan to catch Colts and Patriots later tonight.
Wonderment
I've also found myself geeking out over some of the science programs that I've got to watch lately. They have really feed my curiosity while also creating a sense of wonder lately. I don't know why, but I'm really excited about the fact that things I've thought about deeply to my self have had TV programs or episodes dedicated to those topics. It's like the Science channel has been reading my thoughts and then produced programs to help address my curiosities. I'm really enjoing that!
Whew!
I guess I've unloaded enough for right now. While I generally don't care much for New Year's resolutions, I cannot deny that the first of the year does tempt us to try at a new start. I hope to renew my commitment to obtaining and maintaining happiness. I think I'll personally start by going back over the information in the TED talks I saw. Then, I hope to put more effort into turning those suggestions into second nature.
May you have a Happy and Prosperous New Year!
No-- not "may you have . . ." Instead, plan on it.
Happy New Year!
--
If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.
While I've been negligent in posting, I haven't stopped taking at least a mental note of the things for which I'm grateful. Now, I've come to a place where I feel the need to write them down.
Water, water everywhere . . .
On Friday, a chemical spill made water undrinkable for several counties in West Virginia. I listened intently to the news reports as people described what it's like not being able to use any city water-- no, not even to shower or wash cloths. This isn't just a boil water notice that we're talking about here. Bottled water only for all their water needs; And lines of people were out the door of many stores Friday in a quest for water.
Hearing about the situation in West Virginia made me feel really, really thirsty all of a sudden.
But to quench my thirst, I can easily go to the water dispenser in my refidgerator and get a cup of water.
That leads me to say that I'm so very grateful today for public works and-- in particular-- the supply of water we take for granted. Not everyone has clean water and I've come to realize it's so easy to take water for granted. I'm very, very grateful for the supply that our community gets to enjoy here and now.
Perhaps now is also a good time to consider helping out in some way. I wonder if a donation to an organization like the American Red Cross is in order to help those in need wherever they might be.
Back to Normal
My wife has graduated. She went on a trip to Minnesota and survived the "polar vortex" that came through. The flight delays almost caused her to get stuck in an airport on her way home. But, fortunately everything worked out and she came home safely and only a few hours late (as opposed to days late).
Looks like my former supervisor is returning from his hiatus. I'm really glad about that. Our department has made it along without him, but his talent and leadership was constantly missed while he was gone.
My daughter made straight A's this term. My son-- well, he only got one C . . . everything else was A's and B's. I'm glad for them both. Though, we gotta work on that C just a little bit. But we must also remember to work on strengths as well. I should start evaluating what my kids do best and put more energy in getting them to improve in those areas, too. It's a balance.
Trying New Things
On New Years Eve, my wife and I went to a gala that raised money for an education program in our community. It was our first time doing anything like that together. We danced and had a good time.
I'm terrible at dancing . . . but I'm actually practicing with a dance DVD. So, by the time New Years came, I felt confident enough to get out there on the floor with my wife and have a nice time without being self conscious. I suspect that's 90% of dancing right there. I feel good about having done that with her. We had a nice time. I think dancing together is something we'll do more often.
I've also gotten sucked in by football this season. I never watched football before. For some reason, I've gotten caught up this season. I'm really excited about the playoff games. I'm just excited to see them play-- I'm not even rooting for a particular team; I'm just enjoying the contest!
Saints and Seahawks at 15:30. I'm ready to watch! Then, I plan to catch Colts and Patriots later tonight.
Wonderment
I've also found myself geeking out over some of the science programs that I've got to watch lately. They have really feed my curiosity while also creating a sense of wonder lately. I don't know why, but I'm really excited about the fact that things I've thought about deeply to my self have had TV programs or episodes dedicated to those topics. It's like the Science channel has been reading my thoughts and then produced programs to help address my curiosities. I'm really enjoing that!
Whew!
I guess I've unloaded enough for right now. While I generally don't care much for New Year's resolutions, I cannot deny that the first of the year does tempt us to try at a new start. I hope to renew my commitment to obtaining and maintaining happiness. I think I'll personally start by going back over the information in the TED talks I saw. Then, I hope to put more effort into turning those suggestions into second nature.
May you have a Happy and Prosperous New Year!
No-- not "may you have . . ." Instead, plan on it.
Happy New Year!
--
If you haven't already done so, I invite you to read my main title post in order to better understand the purpose behind this blog. In that post, you'll find links to three TED Talks that could really impact your life in a positive way.
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