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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Exercise Me 1

(~*~)
Hello,
I have noticed in many (including myself) that as we (the general public) get older we tend to become lazier, or want to. Life can get very busy, and can be a distraction at times with many things. One of these things is not noticing that we/ I in particular here has gained weight, and fallen into the "fatter/ less fit than I want to be" zone. Getting fit/ back in shape isn't always easy/ easy to stay on track (pun intended), and we don't always want to. Myself, I have Arthritis, so this is good for me and I need to do it all year - hopefully I will.
NOTE: This is the first of this blog for me, and as I go I will create more - thinking monthly/ bi-monthly.
With that said, I want to share the following:
1. For my friends whom have noticed and not mentioned it, or thankfully haven't noticed, I thank you.
2. For any that may need some inspiration/ motivation to get exercising/ stay exercising, I am here to try and help.
INSPIRATION:
In the last month or so I have been exercising mostly at home, and I have shed 5 lbs. YAY!! (^&^)

Today I am sharing my exercise routines and non-routines, that have occurred over the last month or so.
NOTES:
~ Some exercises I do are either at a "regular" pace, a "slow motion" pace, or both - depending on the exercise being done or the time I may have to do it in (if I am limited with time).
~ I don't always get to exercise at the same time, or always do it the same way - variety makes it more interesting, or even at home (depends on the day/ errands ran).
&
MOTIVATION:
Here we go!

(~*~)

File name: "Track me"

(~*~)

Officially starting to track my exercising Fri.042117

WHEN, WHAT, & Possible with WHOM

=> LEARNING

> Thur.042017 - "Max Workouts", & other videos (7 - 10pm).

NOTE: 

"Max Workouts" is like many others trying to sell you a service/ product. I just happened to come across it during research, and check it out. I am not trying to advertise/ promote it here.

> Fri.042117 – multiple aerobic videos observed with my friend Hope. (2 - 5pm)

> Tues.050217 – Reacquainted myself with the "Core" series video (leg workout)

> Wed.050317 – found this great link: http://www.howcast.com/guides/1060-dancing-for-beginners/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=cinco-de-mayo

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~ Thur.041317 – by myself (1:30pm – 10 mins)

Starting easy...

> 10 Sits ups

> Jogging on spot - 200 count, 

> 10 Toe-touching - diagonally, 

> 5 Off the side of my bed push ups.

** Intend to add feet balancing, lunges, lying Vs, & more body twists.

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~ Tues.041817 - by myself (3:10pm – 20mins)

> 5 Lying Vs

> 15 Sit ups, 

> 20 Butt lifts - 10 count (minimum) each time.

NOTES: 

~ "Lying Vs": Laying on my back, with both legs and arms straight and stretched out as far as they can (arms above my head). I then bring both upper and lower body portions together into a V shape, much like a sit up. I have done this at a "regular" pace, as well as a "slow motion" pace. Of course the slow motion works the muscles more, as it takes longer to get to the "V" shape.

~ Butt lifts: Clenching the buttocks while standing, laying down, or while walking works great. 

BONUS: Sometimes during walking, I also tighten up my stomach muscles - this too can help with my abs, and I try to remember to do so as often as I can while "out and about".

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~ Thur.042017 – by myself (1:30pm – 10 mins)

> 15 Sits ups,

> Jogging on spot - 300 count,

> 10 Toe-touching - diagonally,

> 5 Off the side of my bed push ups.

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~ Fri.042117 = Exercise – W/ Hope (2pm – 20 mins)

YouTube Video - aerobics: 

> Arm work w/ and without weights (1 lb each), 

> Jogging on spot, 

> Football-style bum shake, 

> etc...

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTH5saFBDqA

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~ Sun.042317 = Exercise by myself (at boyfriend's; 9pm – 20 mins)

> Jogging on the spot - 200 count (a bit tired today).

> 10 Sit ups

> 20 Lying Vs

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~ Tues.042517 = Exercise by myself (2 – 2:32pm)

> 1 wall squat – 10 sec. Count at 4 heights along the wall with weighted arms out front,

> Jogging on the spot with circular weighted arms (1 lb each) motions – 300 count,

> 10 lunges – 10 sec. Count with weighted arms front & back, sat for 2 min. Break for file update. (2:11pm)

> Arm Lifts with Reflex band - 10 sets in 4 directions (band looks like a skipping rope with wide handles)

> Jumping jacks – 10 sets of 10 with weighted arms to the sides/ jack and a knee lift (count as needed)/ side between jacks, and water break (2:20pm).

> Duo-bicycles: 10 sets of 10 bicycle with legs & opposite weighted arms (1 lb each).

> Too tired for now... (2:32pm)

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~ Thur.042717 – by myself (6:30pm – 10 mins)

> Jogging on the spot - 300 count,

> 50 Jumping jacks, 

> 5 Off the side of my bed push ups.

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~ Sun.043017 – W/ Z (3:05 – 4:25pm)

> Walked home from 900 Guelph St., Kitchener

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~ Tues.050217

Home resource: "CORE Rhythms Dance Exercise Program - Body Sculpting Collection"

"Lower Body Sculpt" video (12 – 12:30pm)

> 10 lunges – 10 count each leg

> 10 squats – 5 count

> 10 calf raises – 10 count

> 10 count each for legs – side swings, then back swings, then balance to the side & back.

NOTES: 

~ This "collection" includes: "Lower Body Sculpt", "Latin Cardio Jam", & "Secret To Sexy Abs", "Full Workout", "Quick Workout", "Latin Dance Made Easy", and "Kick Start". 

~ I do intend to do more of this later. 

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~ Thur.050417 (4pm – 10mins.)

> Duo-bicycles: 10 slow motion sets of 10 - bicycle with legs & opposite weighted arms (1 lb each).

> 5 groups of 10 slow motion sit ups

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~ Mon.050817

> Walked to bus from home, to dentist from downtown terminal. (10:30 - 15mins), to pharmacy (Highland & West) from Homewood & Queen, to home from pharmacy (1 – 15mins).

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~ Tues.050917

LEGS (10 – 10:30am)

> Jogging on the spot with arms moving too – 300 count

> Balancing: one foot against other leg – 5 count each – 2 times, 10 count each – once.

> 50 jumping jacks

> 50 squats with arms lifted to center of throat height.

> Across body elbow to lifted knee – 50 each side.

> Lunges - 5 groups of 10 each side.

> Across body toe touching – 10 each side.

> 10 push ups off the side of my bed.

ABS (10:30 – 11am)

> Duo-bicycles: 40 bicycle with legs & opposite weighted arms (1 lb each).

> 10 Lying Vs – 10 count hold each.

> 100 sit ups – 50 normal paced, 50 slow motion paced.

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~ Wed.051017

> Walked from boyfriend's to corner of Lackner & Fairway (missed the bus by 3 mins walk from plaza driveway to stop), then up Fairway to River (1/2 hour). Stopped for food in food court, then took bus downtown. Walked home from downtown terminal (20 mins). => 50 mins of walking.

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~ Thur.051117

School Field Trip Day!

> Walked from home through park to downtown KPL (40 mins), then walked with Z's class to Victoria Park (rested for 15 mins) and then walked home.

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~ Fri.051217

> Walked to Pita Factory w/ my boys & Hope for dinner (reward for downsizing for 5 hours today!), and then back after. (7pm - 20? mins each way)

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~ Mon.051517

> Walked to bus (10 mins), walked to Service Canada (Frederick & King = 5 mins), shopping in the mall (1hr?), walked to & shopped at Best Buy & Beat Goes On (2hrs, 30mins?), walked back to mall for bus (10mins?), walked home from bus stop (5mins) = 4 hrs?

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~ Wed.051717

Trip to KPL downtown - Z's book on hold (4 – 7pm)

> Waked to KPL from home, walked to Dollarama, and walked home.

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~ Thur.051817 (12:35 – 1:35pm, & 3:30 - 4pm)

> Walked from home to the bus stop (10 mins), walked from downtown bus terminal to dentist and back (15mins), walked from Tim Hortons (bus stop) on Highland to run errands, then home (35mins). = 1hr of walking.

> 20 Lying Vs

> 20 Lying diagonal crunches each side.

> 20 Lying leg lifts each side – lifted straight-legged from the floor to as far to my chest as possible.

> 50 Diagonal elbow to lifted knee (standing crunches) – each side.

> 50 Sit ups – normal paced.

> Duo-bicycles: 40 bicycle with legs & opposite weighted arms (1 lb each).

> Balancing: one foot against other leg – 5 count each – 2 times, 10 count each – once.

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~ Wed.052417 (11 – 11:30am)

Home resource: "CORE Rhythms Dance Exercise Program - Body Sculpting Collection"

"Secret To Sexy Abs"

> Crunching: diagonal, straight, rotate; rhythm moves, normal/ slow motion & faster tempos...
& Keep Your Mind on Your Abs! (^&~)

(~*~)

Until next time...

Take Care & Safe Travels!

(~*~)

P.S.

A word about Blogger:

 https://support.google.com/blogger/answer/6253244?visit_id=1-636302880602424871-2444398356&p=eu_cookies_notice&hl=en&rd=1

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!

=

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.

+

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".

+

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.

=

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"?

&

Watch for Basics1 coming soon! (^&^)

(link will be added once complete)

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

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C.E.S. - Community Building Ideas & Projects

(~*~)
Hello,
There is always a need for communications, sharing, and assistance within any community/ around our planet. As many may know, I am an artist with community building in mind. This is some of my thoughts and a blog list/ "B'list" of ideas that may/ have turned into projects. Links are throughout.
(~*~)
Keeping it short & sweet (KISS method)...
Background: My ideas growth.
Creative outlets/ resources spaces were needed, as a "headquarters" for all my creative activities/ ideas (a.k.a. projects) and community support efforts.
Then it happened...
1. Chris S.' Projects is born!
With my 3 BIG projects/ "business initiatives":
~ The game in the making: Wild Wicked World (2versions)/ W3(2v)
~ Meant for all (my main brain): Collaborative Endeavors Studio/ C.E.S.
~ Meant for creative/ crafty women: Wild Wicked Women - Creative Collective/ W3C2
NOTE:
All are online on Facebook, and I am currently working on their individual sites, information, and organizations to separate and clearly define each.
Only my main brain has a website that has been made public.
+
2. Continuing my game-in-the-making into the future, it grew from one version into two.
With the original game being shared, and a family friendly version being born!
Separation of story lines, and other aspects are on-growing.
+
3. Communicating local events, and other inspirations in an offline format.
My BIG project: Halloween Calendar (H.C.1), now known as our Arts & Culture Community Guide (ACCG)
+
4. Volunteer Community promotions/ support.
Through sharing, event attendance, and picture sharing on Facebook.
+
5. Sharing other ideas for our Tri-Cities area.
List is On-growing!
NOTE: Sorry, my original link/ blog here disappeared. New link now attached.
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6. My mini events to further promote/ support our community, awareness, and positive thinking.
my Celebrations
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7. Any other ideas/ projects I think of along the way - some may be added to the on-growing list in #5.
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More Information:
Requests                
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Until next time...
Take care & Safe travels!
Trish the Dish/ C.E.S. (*@^@*)
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C.E.S. - ACCG: Project Intro.

(~*~)
Hello,
WHAT
Welcome to my project that is meant as an offline resource, and to be...

 An Arts & Culture Community Guide: 

A calendar of our community activities/ events,

for my Tri-Cities community members.

GOAL
To enable community awareness, inclusion, & participation; while contributing to our community.
CONTENTS
Theme: Community, & Halloween
Runs 13 months = If printed this enables a 1 month time allowance overlap, for the next year's calendar.
Includes:
a)  A fun theme(s) throughout. 
b) The "criteria" I include, are listed in... My Legend.
c) Options of picture submissions, private shoots, and possible exceptions for a public shoot.
=
WHY
~ ECHO Weekly was a great resource, and there have been many attempts to replace it/ part of it in different ways/ areas afterwards.
~ Many whom are interested in community activities information are not online, or do not have time to look up/ discover what is going on where, when, or what time/ day.
~ I recently discovered that Brantford, ON has an annual City calendar, and our City/ Region does not. This is a surprise, seeing as many have mentioned interest in community activity information.
HOW/ WHERE
By paying it forward/ sharing online for now, and if the future permits offline in printed form (like it started - 4 years). 
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WHEN
Certain days, every month, and all year.
+
PHOTO SHOOT TIME OPTIONS
a) Any time of year, by appointment.
b) Any "reasonable" time of day, with some exceptions of night times by special request.
c) I may randomly surprise you with a public shoot.
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WHO
 My Tri-Cities (+ Guelph)/ Waterloo Region Cities/ community members.
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More Information:  History   (~*~)   Opportunities   (~*~)   Disclaimer   (~*~)   2014
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Feel free to share... Because it's always more 'fun with family and friends (fwff)'!
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Until next time...
Take care & Safe travels!
Trish the Dish/ C.E.S. (*@^@*)
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