Kenny you are a great inspiration to our class, so keep on doing what you do, I hope you and your family have a Happy and prosperous New Year, we made it over, by God's grace and mercy, be blessed.
As you navigate through the rest of your life, be open to collaboration. Other people and other people's ideas are often better than your own. Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life. ~ Amy Poehler ~
Thanks James and Larry, for your encouragement. You guys always challenge and inspire me to promote and achieve our class theme; "LET THERE BE PEACE"! Thanks again for reaching out. Most folks choose this day to make "New Year Resolutions", only to break then within the first month. I've found a list of seven ideas from other people for "The Best Resolutions" that you can make to start the new year. These could be considered a personal challenge for inspiration and collaboration...take the challenge and make a choice or choices from the list....now that I've officially retired, I can make a few more choices.....listen to the music and enjoy, as you read the ideas.....
These Are The Best Resolutions You Can Make, According To Therapists
Start the new year with actually useful goals.
By Paige Smith
When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, people are either staunch defenders of the practice or vocal critics. On one hand, resolutions provide purpose and structure for those interested in self-improvement; on the other hand, they tend not to work. Most people quit their resolutions after a couple of months, said Melissa Coats, a licensed professional counselor, psychotherapist and owner of Coats Counseling in Georgia. If you struggle with anxiety or feelings of inadequacy, she explained, the pressure to succeed can be particularly damaging.
That’s why experts recommend creating resolutions that serve your mental or emotional health instead of setting goals around weight management or money. “When we put energy towards protecting our mental health, we make an investment that pays off all year,” added Ginger Houghton, a licensed master social worker and owner of Bright Spot Counseling in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. The trick is to create resolutions that are “focused more on holistic improvement and progress,” Coats said, rather than on achieving a specific result. Think of your resolution as an intention, or “a conscious daily, weekly or monthly choice that will help you improve an area of your life,” Coats explained. If you’re unsure where to begin, start by reflecting on your past year, Houghton said. This includes thinking about what you struggled with and what went well. From there, pick one or two areas to focus on.
And remember that it’s a process, not necessarily something that’s going to be achieved quickly. “Give yourself permission to not get it perfectly all the time,” Coats added. Ultimately, the best resolutions are the ones that work for you, but if you need some ideas, we’re here to help. Below are practical, impactful resolutions therapists suggest making this year (no diet necessary).
Say ‘no’ more often
You’re not obligated to say yes to every social invitation, family event or favor. “Saying ‘no’ is an important way that we can protect our boundaries as well as [practice] self-care,” said Rachel Tomlinson, a registered psychologist in Perth, Australia. Start paying more attention to how certain requests or expectations make you feel, she suggested. “If you are worrying about what is being asked of you, or you feel angry, stressed or anxious, chances are this is going to be some kind of imposition on you, or something you don’t want to do,” she added. You can also run through the various costs and benefits of saying yes or no, Tomlinson said, which will help you understand your motivations and concerns. If someone responds negatively to your choice, try not to take it personally. Remind yourself that you’re not being rude, Tomlinson said, you’re prioritizing your well-being. The beauty of saying no to a potentially taxing or uncomfortable situation is that it actually means saying yes to something more meaningful to you, like recharging or spending time with loved ones.
Prioritize sleep
Quality sleep is the linchpin of good mental and physical health. “Studies show that not only are we more irritable and anxious and depressed when we’re not sleeping well, but we also struggle to function as well intellectually,” Houghton said. Solid sleep can increase your alertness and energy levels, and even help you make healthier choices around food. Aim to score at least seven hours of restful sleep a night, and work on establishing regular sleeping and waking times, as well as good sleep hygiene. “Small habits are really effective when it comes to sleep, such as not watching TV in bed for long periods, not doing work in bed [and] not staying in bed for longer than 20 minutes when you can’t fall asleep,” Houghton said.
Start journaling in the morning
If you wake up flooded with thoughts of your to-do list, you’re not alone. But jumping straight into task mode inhibits “our ability to get in touch with our own feelings, energy level and need to be present,” Coats said. Before you rush out the door or start responding to emails in bed, spend five to 10 minutes journaling. If you like structure, Coats said, you can follow writing prompts, list things you’re grateful for or jot down positive affirmations. Otherwise, just try writing stream-of-consciousness style about how you feel. Checking in with yourself first thing in the morning can help curb negative self-talk and ultimately help you feel more grounded and less anxious throughout the day, Coats said.
Change how you talk about things
Language has immense power. “What we tell ourselves creates an emotion, and that emotion yields a behavior,” said Autumn Collier, a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist at Collier Counseling in the Atlanta area. The key to shifting your perspective and simultaneously developing healthier habits is changing your internal dialogue. Collier recommended replacing the phrase “I should” with the words “I’d like to.” For example, instead of saying “I should call my mom more often,” switch it to “I’d like to call my mom twice a week to catch up.” “The word ‘should’ places an expectation of perfection on our lives that is often unrealistic,” Collier said, whereas “the phrase ‘I’d like to’ removes the feeling of not being enough and lowers the stake.”
Make more time for self-care
Carving out time to take care of yourself isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. Dedicated “you time” is crucial to your mental and emotional well-being, which is why Coats recommended scheduling at least one hour a week to do something that nurtures you, whether it’s a long walk, pottery class or coffee date with a friend. Then, “if you find yourself reverting back to destructive habits, patterns or thoughts, take out your planner and find the last time you had a self-care appointment,” Coats said. If you feel overly tired, increasingly anxious or easily irritable, you might need to schedule your self-care rituals more frequently, she added.
Set a daily intention
Tess Brigham, a licensed therapist based in San Francisco, said daily intentions help create a road map for what you want to accomplish throughout your day, but, more important, they set the tone for how you want to act and feel. “Intentions should always be framed in the positive so it automatically shifts your mindset from a place of fear or lack into a place of abundance and hope,” she said. You can go broad or specific. For example, “I will be open and thoughtful toward every person I encounter,” Brigham suggested, or “I will spend at least one hour working on that project I keep putting off.” Try anchoring your intention-setting practice to a daily task, like brushing your teeth, she said, so you don’t forget.
Learn something new
“It’s really helpful for our mood, our self-esteem and our outlook on life if we focus on learning and growing throughout our lives,” Houghton said. What have you always been interested in learning but felt either too busy or fearful to prioritize? That’s what you should focus on. “This could mean learning how to make cheese, doing genealogy, learning how to read a palm, learning yoga or going back to something you loved as a kid,” Houghton explained. The point isn’t to perfect a new skill but to stimulate your mind, challenge yourself and discover the joy in learning for learning’s sake.
Love is our true destiny. We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone - we find it with another.
~ Thomas Merton ~
Thanks Mickie for accepting the challenge and selecting a choice that appeals to you. Self care truly begins by "Loving Oneself" and does not result from the influence of others. May you successfully adhere to you choice of resolution, for the duration of 2019 and the years to come.
God's will for your life is God's will for today, and it doesn't get any more glamorous than that.
~ Gloria Gaither ~
Happy Birthday Patricia ! May you receive all of the blessings you are entitled today, as you celebrate with family and friends. As Gloria stated, God's will for today, doesn't get any more glamorous than that ! It was great to see you at the last Class Reunion you attended. I hope to see you in attendance once again. We're preparing and your presence will be expected.....Here's some "Good News" for encouragement.....
Happy Birthday Patricia. Happy New Year everyone. Thank you Kenneth for all of the words of wisdom, points to consider, and the music is always outstanding. I had some catching up to do since I havene't been on the site for a while. I can't wait to see and hear what is next since you have more time.
Yes'm, old friends is always best, 'less you can catch a new one that's fit to make an old one out of.
~ Sarah Orne Jewett ~
Happy Birthday my friend ! I didn't forget you. Now that I'm retired, I am catching up on a few things that I've put off, like painting a room....I know that you've been celebrating already, so hopefully you have received all of the gifts and blessings meant for you today and the future to come. I look forward to seeing you in the near future and hope that you're still working on that concept for the 50th Class Reunion. When I was overseas back in 1971, Marvin made a song, which is still the question on many minds today. Enjoy these precious images of you, as you reflect and ask the same question.....Yes'm, old friends is always best...
God the Father lives. He hears and answers our prayers in love. The Savior Jesus Christ, resurrected and glorious, lives and reaches out to us in mercy. ~ Henry B. Eyring ~
Thanks John T, for using this website for it's original purpose. We've always prayed and requested the fulfillment of grace and mercy for one another. There are success stories to be told. Please keep us informed and may you also be blessed during this troubling time.
139 Lord, you have tested me, so you know all about me. 2 You know when I sit down and when I get up. You know my thoughts from far away. 3 You know where I go and where I lie down. You know everything I do. 4 Lord, you know what I want to say, even before the words leave my mouth. 5 You are all around me—in front of me and behind me. I feel your hand on my shoulder. 6 I am amazed at what you know; it is too much for me to understand. 7 Your Spirit is everywhere I go. I cannot escape your presence. 8 If I go up to heaven, you will be there. If I go down to the place of death, you will be there. 9 If I go east where the sun rises or go to live in the west beyond the sea, 10 even there you will take my hand and lead me. Your strong right hand will protect me.
Good morning Class of 1970! I received an update on Cloyd. His surgery was a success, however he is yet recovering. He wakes periodically and responds to specific commands and questions. He remains on a ventilator, which hopefully will be removed today. Continue praying for his recovery....
11 Suppose I wanted to hide from you and said, “Surely the darkness will hide me. The day will change to night and cover me.” 12 Even the darkness is not dark to you. The night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are the same. 13 You formed the way I think and feel. You put me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you because you made me in such a wonderful way. I know how amazing that was!
15 You could see my bones grow as my body took shape, hidden in my mother’s womb. 16 You could see my body grow each passing day. You listed all my parts, and not one of them was missing. 17 Your thoughts are beyond my understanding. They cannot be measured! 18 If I could count them, they would be more than all the grains of sand. But when I finished, I would have just begun.
Thank you for your prayers of support !
Prayer Warriors from the Class of 1970 ! I received the following information from Brenda earlier today....I will provide a brief description, so as not to violate any HIPAA Laws... Cloyd is sitting up, breathing oxygen on his own, responding to verbal commands, drinking water, eating ice chips and broth as required. Brenda thanks us all for our LOVE, SUPPORT and FELLOWSHIP...When you decide to send a getwell card, his address is 1238 Brower...Memphis, Tn...38111
"BELATED BIRTHDAY WISHES TO ESTELLA WRIGHT MAYHUE-GREER"
Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity. ~ Khalil Gibran ~
Unknown to me why, your birthday did not automatically appear on the list for January. I will do the research to prevent this from happening in the future. As Larry stated, we hope you had a marvelous birthday celebration. Have fun reflecting upon these past celebrations...
Good news is rare these days, and every glittering ounce of it should be cherished and hoarded and worshipped and fondled like a priceless diamond. ~ Hunter S. Thompson ~
Hello Classmates ! For those of you who prayed and were concerned, Cloyd Nightingale has been released from the hospital and is in full recovery mode at his home of residence. He was discharged yesterday and is expected to recover with the TLC provided by Brenda. She has stated that she truly appreciated our prayers, concerns and encouragements of love. Getwell cards are encouraged at this time, which should be mailed to 1238 Brower...Memphis, TN..38111.
A true friend is the greatest of all blessings, and that which we take the least care of all to acquire.
We call that person who has lost his father, an orphan; and a widower that man who has lost his wife. But that man who has known the immense unhappiness of losing a friend, by what name do we call him? Here every language is silent and holds its peace in impotence. ~ Joseph Roux ~
The following information was provided by classmates....
Wendy Wooten called today to inform us the Margaret Henderson transitioned last night. Funeral arrangements have not been completed. However, there will be no services held in Memphis, but a Memorial Service will be forth coming. You will be notified accordingly....
William Arnold called to inform us that Melvin Nalley has transitioned also. Visitation will be Friday, 5PM - 8PM at the M J Edwards Whitehaven Chapel. Funeral Services will be Saturday @ 12 noon..Oakgrove Missionary Baptist Church 183 Joubert Avenue Memphis, TN 38109.
Melvin Nalley Memphis, TN 66, died on January 18, 2019. M. J. Edwards Whitehaven Funeral Chapel
Thanks Kenneth for your dedication to our website and keeping us updated. We need this type of communication and Kenneth has done an excellent job. Thank You again!
The death of a beautiful woman, is unquestionably the most poetical topic in the world. ~ Edgar Allan Poe ~
I recently spoke with Rubystene Burks Punch. She was informed by Margaret's daughter Melvilyn Hunt of a Memorial Service, prepared in her honor. The schedule is as follows :
I am saddened by Margaret's passing.We were so close in High School.I spent many days and nights at her house.We hung out after our school days,went to parties together,dated two brothers,laughed,cried over silly things.I have not been in contact with her over the last two years,dealing with my own grief,but I will miss her.I always think no matter the distance ,or time,true friends are always in your heart.She will always be in my heart.
(1).jpg)
.JPG)
.jpg)
(2).JPG)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.png)
(2).jpg)
.jpg)
