Managing Life

This last month has been challenging for Jack & Me.  Between being the first holiday without my Dad, Jack's cancer treatment and deciding to relocate to Oregon sooner than later I've been running a little thin. 

Having so much stress at once is not ideal however that is life sometimes.  The question is how to deal with it, keep our sanity and a positive attitude.  I would like to say that I have mastered it... but I haven't.  What I have done is realize when my stress level starts to climb that it is time to deflect a little stress and take the time to play.

On some days it means taking CJ out to play Frisbee or a taking a walk around the block with Jack.  Other days it means turning off the phone and computer and reading a book.  Whatever I chose it's important to make it an activity that is just fun.  We deserve a break... so why not make it something that we enjoy!

If you find yourself experiencing too much stress try one of these Simple Steps and take a break:

• Bake cookies or another favorite treat.  The aroma of fresh baked cookies is soothing all by itself.  We can visualize all of the calories being baked out.

• Call the person who always makes you laugh.  Laughter is naturally relaxing and releases those feel good endorphins.

• Exercise.  Choose something non-competitive to burn off the stress. (And perhaps the cookies that you made earlier.)

• Meditate, practice Tai Chi, or yoga.

• Visualize.  Use this time to see yourself calm, relaxed and enjoying your life post stress.

If you are a good planner write down all the possible enjoyable options you can think of.  That way you are prepared when you need that break.

Stress is part of life.  Sometimes it can be too big a part.  When we recognize it and choose to give ourselves a break from it we are choosing to put our happiness first.  Sounds like a plan to me! 

An Open Book...

I am generally a really happy person.  Most of you probably can tell that from my posts and blogs.  Today I received an e-mail from someone telling me that I had to be hiding secrets and that my happiness was a front for my misery. This person suggested that it was his responsibility to tell you the truth about Cheryl Maloney.  

For those of you who have read the "Simple Steps... Real Change" book (it's a free download here) my life is pretty much an open book.  It is through sharing what I've been through that I believe others can know that they are not alone. 

For those of you that are new to our page or website and don't know me...  here are some of the high (or low) points.  I'm 55, unemployed...and have been for the most part since March 2009.  I had a 24 year career with one company and when they were acquired my position was eliminated.  Jack & I relocated to Texas for his job leaving our home of 20 years and our friends.  We knew no one here.   Shortly thereafter Jack was diagnosed with chronic leukemia & skin cancer.  My parents moved into a home on our property a couple years ago.  Dad died unexpectedly in May of this year and I've become the primary caregiver for my blind 82 year old mother.  During the housing boom we invested in rental properties in Ohio that we lost when the housing market tanked.  We've gone from living the dream to starting all over again....and I've experienced every emotion you can imagine with these major challenges in our lives. 

What I came to realize through all of these experiences is that I could choose to be miserable or I could choose to be happy.  At times I chose to be miserable.  At times I wanted to hide under the covers and hope all the bad things would go away.  That's ok.  I needed to give myself time to adjust to change .  I've been depressed, I've eaten my way through my pain and I've hidden in my own little world. 

In the end I chose to be happy.  I learned more about myself than I have lost in these trials  and tribultations.   I choose to share my story with others because I knew that I couldn't be alone in my experiences.  Writing is my therapy and our Facebook Page is my joy.  Simple Steps... Real Change has grown because we are a safe harbor for everyone to share their stories, ask for support, provide inspiration and connect to like minded, positive focused friends. 

We are not alone and together we can help others who are experiencing a part of their journey that we have already completed.  While today we may be struggling tomorrow we will be inspiring. And that feels good!

My name is Cheryl Maloney and I wrote this message.  Hugs to all!