We have two bathrooms in our apartment, and one of them is big.
If you ever visit us, you’ll see that what we really have is a small bathroom and an even smaller broom closet, or pantry of sorts, that has a toilet in it. So, in order to distinguish, we have a “big” bathroom and a “small” one.
Glass half full!
Are you a glass half empty or half full kind of person? As a parent, it can be very helpful to think positively. We encounter so many challenges, that it’s easy to get overwhelmed. And when we’re overwhelmed, it’s easy to feel very negative, or to just shut down. So we need to stay positive. I know, easier said than done.
Try this – every morning, when you wake up but before you get out of bed, think of one thing you love about your family. Could be as a whole, or something about each person. What’s special about your spouse, your son, your daughter, your live-in mother-in-law?
And before you go to sleep each night, remind yourself how lucky you are to have this family, a roof over your head, food in your fridge… a job. Try to remember one good thing that happened during the day – could be that your daughter lost a tooth or your son wrote his name, or no one pushed ahead of you to get on the subway. Sounds corny, perhaps, but it works – or at least it has worked for me!
Research has found that seeing the glass half full not only makes you happier, it makes you healthier and wealthier. A study by psychologist Susan Segerstrom found that ten years after graduation, law students who were optimistic earned an average of $32,667 more than their glass-half-empty peers. Expecting good things to happen will lead to taking actions that produce positive results.
So think positively… Consider looking at your challenges as opportunities that may lead to something better, more exciting. Look in the mirror and smile! Even try a good belly laugh now and then. Believe it or not, laughter has beneficial effects internally and externally. It counters the negative effects that stress causes on the body. When you laugh, natural chemicals are released that help you feel and look great. (See more at: http://kaplinskyreport.com/?p=348#sthash.Usi8xoSk.dpuf)
