Overcoming Negativity

Hello,

With the weather taking over many of our thoughts and moods, it can be hard not to fall "victim" to negativity. This is a blog to help those who may be trying to avoid/ may be dealing with depression, low self-esteem, or low self-confidence.

There have many times in life when depression has “knocked on my door”. I never always recognized it, or even knew it was “knocking”. And I guess I never really thought about it much before doing it...

I share this in hopes that this may help anyone in need. Quoting myself here from a comment made on Facebook.
‘When I fell into depression before, I found art/ experimentation explorations to be my "therapy". I explored in multiple arts and crafts, and community activities that included:

~ I joined some community committees, and helped host their events (see it in my volunteer info. on my profile).

~ Painting with acrylics: mostly on canvas of various sizes, but also various objects. Some pre-made, and some I made myself with plaster of Paris (my Death by Series #1).

~ I created a resource, and hosted some events for others to join in the fun (my Halloween calendar, a.k.a. ACCG, that I did for 5 years). I created the whole thing myself including charts and pictures. It was only the printing I couldn't do without help (took it to a printer).

~ I also hosted some mini-events during others events, to help promote their events and add some extra fun. (Ex. International Monsters Day/ Pose-able Dead Dolls).

~ I made "splash pages" of all the various things I did, and what I helped out with/ supported. OUTCOME:

~ All of this contributed to me not feeling like I was a useless member of society in our community. 
~ It enabled me to explore my creative/ design-minded-self more.

~ It helped me to grow positively in multiple ways, and show others some things I am capable of. I call them "Favourite Freedom Forms (F3s)".

Dancing is another one of these forms for me. But it is something that I have always done, enjoyed, and won't quit doing. It can also serve as a great way to release some negative energies.’

Life can be quite the "Le Challenge" at times, and we may not always be up for it. If you are feeling the “cold crushing hand” of depression creeping up/ involving you, please keep this in mind.

Don’t give up! With a positive mindset and the right opportunities, you can find your way out of many/ any negative "funk". Sometimes those opportunities are right in front of us, we may just need to change our perspectives or receive that gentle nudge that family/ friends can provide.

Best wishes and positive vibes sent... (^&^)

Until next time,

Take Care & Safe Travels,

Sincerely,
Chris S./ C.E.S. (^&~)

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The Magical Dating Realm

(~*~)
Hello out there,
This is inspired by a friend's conversation on FB.
When it comes to dating, it's never easy finding "the right one".
The first thing we should always look at here is, some questions to think about before we pursue/ look for "the right one".
Do we think of it as an overall thing?
Is it just "the right one", or "Mr./ Ms. right", or the one that suits us best?
What do we consider as factors of being "the right one"?
Do we think of what we would like to find in the other potential companion/ mate?
Do we know what we are "looking for", or why?
Are we looking because we are lonely, for financial reasons, or because we truly want to have that companion to be with for the rest of our lives/ marry?
I am sure there are more questions here, but they would probably be specific to each individual.

Now to continue with some theory...
I shared this part in a comment, and it inspired me to share it here.

Just throwing these thoughts out there...

Hell level 1: Comes before we die, and is usually unknowingly/ unwillingly done by us.

Hell level 2: Online dating for the single/ lonely.

Hell level 3: To some this is kids/ an addiction problem (once acknowledged as a problem or not).

Hell level 4: To some... FB/ any other "social media". The drama never seems to end/ they seem to attract it.

Hell level 5: Probably after we do actually die. This would probably include all the things we disliked/ hated/ "personal tortures" while we were living.

The rest would be down there.

So, why live in Hell? STOP the online dating!

Instead:

> try going to events instead and meeting people while there...

> Like Dale suggested, try going to a bookstore/ library...

> Try other public places like pools, billiards, cafe's, etc...

> Maybe a friend/ (dare I say) a family member may know someone that would totally suit you. They may not know off the top of their head, but you never know who they know. Try attending friend's parties...

We tend to find people better when we meet in person... 

Just remember to keep an open mind & heart, not blind ones.

Seriously, I was introduced to my boyfriend currently (that yes, I do plan on moving in and marrying) through a mutual friend while at CLUB ABSTRACT one night, then we ran into each other in line for their closing night. From there we started chatting here on FB via messages, and after I got to know him better I invited him over for a movie. 

I hope this helps... (^&^)

Until next time...
Take care & Safe travels!

Chris S./ C.E.S.

Crafting Our Characters (COC) – Introduction

(~*~)

Hello out there,

Today brings a couple of different twists to my blogs, and I am unsure how many/ often it may happen in the future.

First: In my usual attempt to keep blogs short/ on one screen length, this blog is now a common themed series.

Example: Basics Intro. (this blog) covers an 'edu-idea' (042214330PMishC.E.S.) of mine only.

Next subject section (Basics1): Background Information

& Second: I hope you appreciate this educational introduction!

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Subject: Character Creation/ Design

When we think about character creation/ design, we usually think of video game avatars/ cartoon characters we grew up with on Saturday mornings. This blog is about getting in touch with ourselves as people, and how we can create/ design our own personalities/ character traits. How is this related to creating/ designing video game avatars/ characters? Read on my friends... (^&^)

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My 'Edu-Idea':

This is a blog about creating a character for your own amusement/ educational purposes.

I describe it this way, because it can be used both ways either separately or together/ simultaneously. I know this from my own experiences as I have discovered a couple of tricks to getting some undesirable/ difficult/ procrastination ridden tasks done. Examples:

1) If I think of the task getting done by an "alter-ego", I can envision myself doing it easier.

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2) My past research of both our Canadian history/ heritage, as well as characters' (already in our existence) abilities, limits, and character traits has lead to learning what is desirable and undesirable - to both myself, and others.

For example:

In regards to Nationality/ Heritage:

Thinking of our Nationality/ heritage does not always stir the desired memories or feelings, but it can help us learn why we have the character traits we do. Some are heavily influenced by our belief systems, and some of those stem from our Nationality/ heritage. What we choose to practice and what we have grown up practicing, may be two different lists to us.

Here we can go further, with...

A "Le Challenge":
Look up some of your Nationality's history, and compare it with how we behave. & Don't forget any religious influence possibilities! Do you see anything similar or related? Is there any negatives we wish to change to positives?

A good thing to keep in mind... What's generally popular/ well known, may not be "your thing".

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3) Personality growth - This is another positive growth opportunity!

Used as an Educational Tool ('edu-tool' (042214332PMishC.E.S.)): As we see the undesirables, we also see improvement possibilities within them for us and all "Human-kind". With this identification of what we wish to change into, we can start observing ourselves for where/ when those changes are needed. If we take that further during observational times; we can "catching ourselves" in these negative acts, and attempt to change them into positive behavior. Let's write a list(s), so we can start the transformation!

TIPS & TRICKS

A great way to remind ourselves of what changes we want, is to write a list of course. There are a few ways to keep us looking at the list that may help. Keep in mind that what works for one, may not work as well or at all for another. For example: Keeping that list with us often helps a lot, but may be not as helpful as "post-it" notes in places we look often, or texts to ourselves. There are many ways of leaving ourselves notes, the trick is in causing ourselves to look at them.

In Brief:

Seeing myself doing it, is half the problem. Research can further our observations/ decisions; as we learn what is & is not desirable, what we do & do not want to behave like, and that we can observe ourselves for behaviour improvement opportunities. This is how we can create/ design our personalities, and positive growth experiences in life. (042214418PMishC.E.S.)

& BONUS:

This is how we can also improve us as a member of our species/ "Human-kind". If more of us practiced this more often, our world would be a lot better off.

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Tying it Together:
When we create/ design our video game avatars/ characters, this relates in the same manner. We can use the above outcome, to add what we want however we wish.

How would you want your avatar/ character to behave like?

What would be your version, of the "ultimate you"?

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Watch for Basics1 coming soon! (^&^)

(link will be added once complete)

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Until next time...
Take care & Safe travels!
Trish the Dish/ C.E.S. (*@^@*)

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A Universal Language - Love

(~*~)

Hello,

    As we all know that every month now has a holiday. Which means we get saturated in the stores to buy, buy, buy with overlapping holiday items/ sales. Waaayyy to much commercialism for me, thanks! 

   However, each month now is chalked full of days, designated/ known to have a special significance. Whether history or silliness, there are plenty enough to fill a calendar! I should know, I gather the information for my annual calendar, and it includes such things. Why do I include them? To promote the positives of course!   As it seems that some need the continual "friendly reminders", throughout the year.
   As almost everyone knows February's main celebrated holiday - Valentine's/ V-Day, hosts the idea of "Spreading the Love". This is a wonderful idea, that has now grown into the entire month being designated/ known as "Love Month". A good start to spread love more often!!! Those celebrating it have many activities, events, and other options to consider in their communities. For those that don't being single on V-Day is the worst! It is often seen as a time of sadness, depression, and unfortunately for some even suicide. Fortunately there are ways to help! See below... (^&^) 

   Another well known example of this "Love Month" is December, when everyone seems to "spread the love much more willingly. As they tend to show more love and appreciation towards others, all due to "Christmas Spirit". Isn't this really just happiness for the year finally coming to an end? lol They say " 'Tis The Season of Giving", but are we truly giving? Many think that how much they spend/ receive determines how much they love/ are loved. To me these ideas are incorrect, removes the true meaning/ pureness of the thought, and encourages unwanted negative behaviours. 

   With February at the beginning of the year and December at the end, there seems the logical question of What about the rest of the year?

   As commercialism for every holiday saturates us, it is long overdue for a change. "Giving" of ourselves is what's MOST important and needed. It's not meant to just be when "society" declares the days, dates, or months; nor reduced to include only those we know well. It is meant to include everyone we know/ meet. After all; it is needed every day, all year long, all the time, and everywhere around the world!

    We each can take the time to show that we TRULY care. Each of us can help relieve the possible stresses, through love & friendship. To show that we are willing to help any way we can, and whenever possible. Then actually help them right when it's needed - with honest and vigilant efforts. After all, isn't that part of "what friends are for"? Example:

 I stopped in at a friend's place and discovered help was needed, as those around them did nothing. This showed me how much closer of a friend I was to her. So calling in help with a ride, I was able to help while I was there. A HUGE THANKZ for that ride (you know who you are... wink, wink)!!! 

    We take the time to care for the ones we know well and love. But what about those "new friends", acquaintances, or even those we collaborate with? How often do we do something nice for them?

    There are MANY ways that we can give of ourselves, that we tend to forget or take for granted. Whether it is our not needed/unwanted belongings, our help, or even some of our time/ attention. 

   This is not in any particular order, they were just randomly thought of and I'm sure there's more that could be thought of by many. 

Here's some sayings to help remember some ideas:

Giving your invited/ needed assistance or time to others, 

is always appreciated no matter the weather.
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Knowledge sharing is helpful, more often than not. 

Give it a try!.
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Purging always help make room for more family & friends!
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BONUS - Goodies = Yummy!!!

  For me I try to aid others in so many ways. After gathering information for a calendar yearly now, it is nice to see more celebrations throughout the years that try to promote the positives of "Spreading the Love"! Due to this I have included my own versions of many of these monthly, with a special HUMP Day thrown in - to at least give us an "excuse" if needed... lol

My "TOP 10" Pay It Forward List:

10. Help a neighbor.

9. Bake for others.

8. Promote/ attend "Do Good" options, for yourself and others to participate in.

7. Donate warm clothes, toys, books, movies, etc... to a local community center/resource.

6. Donate to your local food bank.

Can also be through many public events hosting it, or otherwise.

5. Donate your time like a "big sister/ big brother" to someone in need.

4. Donate your time to read/sing to sick kids/ the elderly.

3. Be more generous with yourself towards others (attention, attendance, patience, etc...).

2. Volunteer within your community.

1. Take in a "person in need" of shelter for a day, a week, a month, a season, etc... Your choice.

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+++ BONUS+++

Feel inspired/ motivated after reading that?

Then here's my 'Pay It Forward Le Challenge':

1. Pick 1-3 things from the list or from what you think up to participate in.

2. While doing each task, take "evidence" pics or pics of those you are giving to.

3. Post them with a link to this page/ blog, and one to your pics.

Feel free to to do any/ all, and tell us how you liked this 'Le Challenge'.

Thankz!!! (^^^)

Enjoy spreading the love, and feel free to share your stories!   

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More Ideas/ detailed lists: 

my Odd        

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LOVE in Friendship Always,

Your 'Freaky Little Sista'

Chris S. (*@^@*)

P.S. For a more detailed list of ideas:

http://wackycelebrations.blogspot.ca/2013/03/rak-week-mid-feb.html

http://myotherevents.blogspot.ca/2013/03/tis-season-they-say.html

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