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“Forget yesterday - it has already forgotten you. Don't sweat tomorrow - you haven't even met. Instead, open your eyes and your heart to a truly precious gift - today.” ― Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free 
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New experiences help keep life fresh and interesting. Our brains release neurotransmitters, chemicals in the brain, responsible for feelings such as satisfaction, excitement, and happiness when we experience novel situations. These new experiences help us grow and learn and remind us that life has so much to offer us if we are willing to venture outside of our comfort zone of the familiar. What was something you did for the first time recently? What is something new you hope to try? Why haven't you done it yet?  Everyone must endure difficult times. They are a part of the human experience. Sometimes we feel we may not survive. It is these experiences that allow us to appreciate and recognize the positive times. We are able to learn and grow through our struggles. Use your journal to describe an experience that was painful but made you a stronger person. Share your strength here with us.  We all have things we hope to experience and accomplish. What is your top goal? Why is this goal important to you? What are the next steps to achieving this goal?  1. Take Inventory of what causes joy and what causes regret; focus on joy. 2. Fix the things you regret: either address them or avoid them in the future 3. Revel in gratitude: start and use a Journal of Gratitude to acknowledge all the good in your life. 4. Recognize what you can control: reframe your decisions to learn from them. Control what you can, and forgive yourself for the rest. 5. Ask your "future self" if you will be thankful for today's choices. 6. Redirect your resources of time and money to focus more on joy: Do NOT make excuses of why you are too busy for what brings you joy. 7. Create non-negotiable rituals: maybe taking a walk, drinking coffee you love, or sketching a picture. Incorporate these regularly into your life without regret 8. Embrace new experiences: when something is new, chemicals linked to pleasure and reward are released in the brain. Which of these do you find most challenging? Which are you excited to incorporate into your life?  |
Jennifer Kugler-Gillespie, MA, NCCJennifer is a professional counselor and tutor helping people all around the world. She creates a positive experience for her students to build confidence and enhance learning. Archives
February 2020
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