Beautiful Minds

6 Everyday Activities that Produce Endorphins and Elevate Your Mind

September 28, 2019 by Susan

We all want to feel those wonderful endorphins surging through our bodies. And, we all have times when a quick shot of endorphins comes in handy. I’ve listed several ways to increase your endorphins below.

Chocolate, of Course!

Yes! Who doesn’t love chocolate? And, we all know how good it makes us feel. However, be careful to select the darkest chocolate to get the best anti-oxidant benefits along with lower calories and sugar.

Take a Trip to the Theater

There are few things that get my endorphins jumping better than a great movie on a big screen. For an extra special endorphin rush, choose a movie full of romance and comedy. For an extra thrill, select an action-packed movie in 3D.

Walk Briskly Around the Block

Riverfront Park, Salem, Oregon

Refresh your day and bring it to a higher level with a brisk walk around the block. If you work away from home, take your walking shoes to work with you. You never know when a quick walk might be the difference between avoidance of a stressful event or the harmful participation in that event.

Take a Big Whiff of Lavender or Vanilla

Get out the essential oils! Lavender or vanilla essential oils will elevate your spirits by increasing your endorphin level. It’s such an easy answer. Simply dab a little oil on your pulse points or just take a big whiff for a quick endorphin lift. Here is a link to Lavender essential oil that you can use right away for your aromatherapy. VIA DoTERRA Essential Oils

Eat a Hot Pepper for Fast Endorphins 🌶

Have you ever eaten a raw red pepper? Then, you already know about the light-headed rush of endorphins you get when you employ this tactic. Be prepared! By the way, any hot spice will do the trick.

Chew a Stick of Doublemint Gum

As a young girl, I lived across the Willamette River from a mint farm, and I still remember the wind carrying the scent of the mint plants across river to our backyard. The nice thing about peppermint is that it naturally relaxes our bodies and lifts our spirits.

Today, I still love mint and for a quick change of attitude, I pop a stick of good old Doublemint Gum into my mouth. Quite often, it’s the little things that make such delightful differences. 😊

Sea and Corals; Subtle Shades of Harmony

September 22, 2019 by Susan

Sea and Corals literally popped into my mind as I was wondering what to write about today. I love the ocean and don’t get there often enough. So, keep reading if you’d like to learn more about the disturbing decline of the coral reefs around the world.

Corals of the Sea

Ions and Harmony

The effect of sea and corals on the human mind and our overall well-being is one of elated harmony. The ions of the ocean are a huge part of why we “feel good” when we visit. When we drive over from Salem to the coast, I can tell when we’re getting near the ocean. It’s the negative ions that blow in from the ocean! You can get this same effect by walking in the woods or taking a big breath of fresh air after it rains.

Here’s how they work. When ions reach our bloodstream, negative ions are believed to produce biochemical reactions. Those reactions, in turn, increase levels of serotonin, which helps reduce depression, relieve stress and gives us a quick lift.

While part of the euphoria is simply being around these wondrous settings and away from the normal pressures of home and work, the air circulating in the mountains and the beach is said to contain tens of thousands of negative ions — Much more than the average home or office building, which contain dozens or hundreds, and many register a flat zero. VIA WebMD

How Do Corals Grow?

A post that includes corals must give an explanation of their origin. In other words, how do they grow?

“Coral reefs are formed when free-swimming coral larvae attach to submerged rocks or other hard surfaces along the edges of islands or continents. As the corals grow and expand, reefs take on one of three major characteristic structures — fringing, barrier, or atoll.” —Via NOAA

The Peril of the Great Barrier Reef

The world of the sea and corals supports a ginormous, busy environment of creatures. Do you know that the Great Barrier Reef of Australia is one of the 7 wonders of the world? In addition, it is the largest living structure on earth. And talk about size – it is so big that it’s easily viewed from space. On top of all that, it is the world’s largest coral reef stretching 2,300 kilometers along the Queensland coastline and covering an area of 344,400 square kilometers.

Sir David Attenborough said of the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, “It is one of the greatest and most splendid natural treasures that the world possesses.”

In my research for this post, I am saddened to learn that the Great Barrier Reef is in serious decline due to environmental damage. If you would like to learn more about how you can help prevent this disaster from continuing, click here. If you know of other coral reefs around the world that are in peril, simply use Messenger from this site and send the links to me.

Reef & Rainforest Research Center

It has come to my attention that the magnificent Great Barrier Reef might be showing some signs of improvement. Please see the excerpt below VIA IFL Science.

The Reef & Rainforest Research Centre (RRRC), a non-profit organization, has published a report for the Queensland State Government that claims parts of the GBR are showing some “signification signs” of recovery from years of bleaching.

Don’t crack out the champagne just yet, though – the future of the world’s largest coral reef (or any coral reef, for that matter) is still not looking rosy. At all.

While scientists and policymakers have been working hard to support the reefs, this recent development is primarily thanks to of a milder 2017-18 summer. The welcoming weather has allowed parts of the reef to regain some of its health following the catastrophic bleaching events of 2016 and 2017, but all it takes is another bad season and it’s back to square one.

“Saxon Reef, for example, suffered some form of bleaching on 47.1 percent of its live coral cover during the 2016 event. Fortunately, much of the bleached coral recovered thanks to better conditions experienced in 2018,” Sheriden Morris, RRRC Managing Director, said in a statement.

“However, this recovery is always going to be contingent on environmental conditions.” VIA IFL Science

Save the Coral Reefs Quotes & Shareables

The Coral Reefs all around Mother Earth continue to take a beating at the hands of humans. In posting these images and sharing them across social media with friends and family we are doing our part to promote awareness like a ripple in a pond. Together we light the way. 🔥

Tim Cahill Quote — “I have no problem with the adventure travel movement. It makes better, more sensitive people. If you get people diving on a coral reef, they’re going to become more respectful of the outdoors and more concerned with the threats that places like that face and they’re going to care more about protecting them than they would have before.” — Tim Cahill

Sylvia Earle Quote — “Since I began exploring the ocean in the 1950s, 90 percent of the big fish have been stripped away. Tuna, sharks, swordfish, cod, halibut, you name it, the numbers have just collapsed. Also, about half of the coral reefs are gone, globally, from where they were just a few decades ago.” — Sylvia Earle

Carl Safina Quote — “The creatures of the sea hold special mystery, and they are among the most exciting, graceful, and beautiful on Earth. Just consider the living riot of a coral reef, the beauty of an albatross, the awesome power of a giant turtle, the grace of a dolphin. Now multiply that by the millions of creatures in the sea. Wow!” — Carl Safina

Alexandra Cousteau Quote — “Water can be a blessing or a curse. Too often we make conservation about saving a whale, a coral reef or a marsh. But we don’t make it about saving life. The one thing that every single human being has in common is our need for water.” — Alexandra Cousteau

Klaus Topfer Quote — “Coral reefs are under assault. They are rapidly being degraded by human activities. They are over-fished, bombed and poisoned. They are smothered by sediment, and choked by algae growing on nutrient-rich sewage and fertilizer run-off. They are damaged by irresponsible tourism and are being severely stressed by the warming of the world’s oceans. Each of these pressures is bad enough in itself, but together, the cocktail is proving lethal.” — Klaus Topfer

James Hansen Quote — “Coral reefs, the rain forest of the ocean, are home for one-third of the species of the sea. Coral reefs are under stress for several reasons, including warming of the ocean, but especially because of ocean acidification, a direct effect of added carbon dioxide. Ocean life dependent on carbonate shells and skeletons is threatened by dissolution as the ocean becomes more acid.” — James Hansen

Nancy Knowlton Quote — “I watched the coral reefs that I studied as a student vanish in the blink of an eye, and for decades I wrote and spoke of ocean obituaries. But big scary problems without solutions lead to apathy, not action.” — Nancy Knowlton

Michael Berryman Quote — “That includes not cutting down the rain forest, and stop polluting the ocean because once we kill the coral reefs and the rain forest, this earth is toast.” — Michael Berryman

Ian Somerhalder Quote — “Think about this: If water is the blood of our planet flowing through veinous rivers, streams, and into our oceans, what does that make coral? Our heart. We simply cannot survive without our heart; therefore, it’s mandatory we heal and protect our coral reefs now.” — Ian Somerhalder

Sheherazade Goldsmith Quote — “Coral reefs represent some of the worlds most spectacular beauty spots, but they are also the foundation of marine life: without them many of the seas most exquisite species will not survive.” — Sheherazade Goldsmith

Save the Rain Forests

September 15, 2019 by Susan

Where do I begin to talk about the topic “Save the Rain Forests”? How do I explain my deep sadness at what is happening to Mother Earth?

Save the Rain Forests

Here are some common questions. Where do these people come from that think it’s ok to destroy our home? Why can’t it be stopped? When did it become ok to attempt to eradicate a group of humans because they insist on protecting their lands from destruction?

Those answers to those questions are easy…because they’re pointless questions. First, destructive people are not something new. Next, this destruction is not something new. Finally, attempts to eradicate groups of people is not something new.

Rather than being something new, it’s a behavior that’s been with us a long time. Supply, demand, and the importance of money in our society is what causes it. But beware, because the thrill of “having more” is now invading our lives with undesirable consequences. Unfortunately, those consequences threaten every living being on this planet.

We Need More Sharing

The thing is, we don’t need more. We need to share more of what we have with each other.

Humans glorify explorers and scientists but then ignore their warnings. As a result, the earth is literally being destroyed by its own inhabitants. All for the sake of continuing to conquer and fill deep pockets. That seems self-destructive to me.

Moreover, we humans claim to be the most intelligent of all species of life on earth. However, to date, we are also the most destructive by leaps and bounds of any other species.

Now We Must All Do What We Can

Humans are the direct cause of the destruction of the rain forests. Never-the-less, we must now all do our part to Save the Rain Forests in any way, big or small, that each of us can do.

The quotes below are free to send via email, or you may click on them to open a lightbox and share them to your favorite social media site. This my contribution, however small, to spread the word about the consequences of the rain forests destruction all around the world.

It’s about awareness and I really appreciate your help in using these tools to spread the word as together we light the way. 🔥

Save the Rain Forest Quotes

Katie Cleary Quote — In Borneo, small parcels of rainforest land can be a lifeline for orangutans so long as they link together protected forests, enabling animals to move safely over greater distances. — Katie Cleary

Hazel Henderson Quote — It doesn’t take a genius to pump up the GNP [of a developing country] by burning down rainforests, using slave labor and social repression to keep things in place. — Hazel Henderson

MOBI Quote — When you look at the consequences of climate change, at rainforest deforestation, at antibiotic resistance, these are not necessarily political issues, but rather issues that have the ability to threaten our species. — MOBI

Mark Lynas Quote — “The worst case scenario sees the Amazon rainforest burning, huge amounts of methane being released by Siberian peat bogs and so on – by the time today’s six year olds are 60, such a scenario would see global warming already out of control.” — Mark Lynas

Prince Charles Quote — My Rainforests Project … has three main elements. Firstly, to determine how much funding the rainforest countries need to re-orientate their economies so that the trees are worth more alive than dead. — Prince Charles

Miguel A. Altieri Quote — Fair Trade supports some of the most bio-diverse farming systems in the world. When you visit a Fair Trade coffee grower’s fields, with the forest canopy overhead and the sound of migratory songbirds in the air, it feels like you’re standing in the rainforest. — Miguel A. Altieri

Chico Mendez Quote — At first I thought I was fighting to save rubber trees, then I thought I was fighting to save the Amazon rain forest. Now I realize I am fighting for humanity. — Chico Mendez

Ian Cohen Quote — I think we are part of the earth. The concept of the rainforest being the womb of life is something I believe in…the value system must get back to the environment as it was originally, the magnificence from where we emerged. — Ian Cohen

In the 24 hours since this time yesterday, over 200,000 acres of rain forest have been destroyed in our world. — Tom Hartman

Jay Griffiths Quote — The silencing of the rainforests is a double deforestation, not only of trees but a deforestation of the mind’s music, medicine and knowledge. — Jay Griffiths

The rainforests hold answers to questions we have yet to ask. — Mark Plotkin

Destroying rainforests for economic gain is like burning a Renaissance painting to cook a meal. — E. O. Wilson

The best way to predict your future is to create it. — Abraham Lincoln

When Panic Blocks Intuition; What To Do

August 28, 2019 by Susan

Intuition is a delicate thing unless you develop it and work with it daily. So, for me, it comes and goes because that’s where I am in my growth. But, when panic sets in, it is so difficult to know what to do next and with blocked intuition, I get frozen in anxiety. This is something I want to improve so, from my own experience and the research I’ve gleaned, here are some tips about what to do when your intuition is impeded. Cover Image Credit

Intuition; Blocked by Panic

Introduction

I think it is easy to understand that when you live in a constant state of panic or anxiety, nothing works right. When we panic, rational common sense is nowhere to be found and intuition is just plain blocked.

I was raised in a home where intuitive thought was treated as if it were a sign of craziness. My dreams were disparaged the moment I spoke about them and hope was never a topic for discussion.

In spite of this or maybe because of it, I developed a very strong intuition. However, combine that with PTSS and over the years, I struggled with whether to listen to my intuition or to panic and run. I attest to the fact that this creates a state of mind of complete and utter confusion.

Address the Source

A good first step to relieve anxiety is to stop, breath, and think. Some like to say stop, breathe, and pray – your choice. Then, think about the source of these strong reactions. What happened? Explore that event and the associated feelings.

I learned how to do this through experience and the teachings of positive people in my life. Here is a list of self-talk that might help you as well.

Ask yourself if you react strongly because of past events in your life, or is this something new?
Then ask yourself how this event looks without your emotions.
Ask yourself if this event appears bigger than it really is.

Positive Self-talk

Positive thoughts don’t come easily when panic arrives. However, we need positive thoughts to see anxiety through to a healthy conclusion.

Do you have a positive self-talk list? Here’s one to start with:

I’m not in danger. I am safe. This is anxiety and it will pass.
I have a fantastic life and I’m grateful for everything I have.
I will not let unreasonable emotions rule my life.

Turn to Trusted Friends

If you are lucky enough to have trusted friends handy, turn to them for comfort. This works wonders. But, be ware the exposure of your vulnerability to unworthy acquaintances. I think that speaks for itself and no further explanation is necessary.

However, it is a scientific fact that the human brain does not develop without the presence of another human brain. A hug from an friend or family member is sometimes just what you need to get back on track.

Next time panic creates anxiety in your life, use these quick tips to ease your panic and get back on track. Then, your intuition will flow freely without distraction yet again. Peace and love!

Warmly,
Susan

Passion; Find Yours or Develop It?

August 16, 2019 by Susan

‘Find your passion’ never stops trending on social media and other places. I think its one of those catch-all phrases that means different things to different people, but is it good advice? Let’s take a closer look at the phrase and its unspoken implications.

Passion; What is it and where do I find it?

What Does It Mean?

According to Wikipedia, Passion is an intense emotion, a compelling enthusiasm or desire for something. Passion may be a friendly or eager interest in or admiration for a proposal, cause, discovery, or activity or love – to a feeling of unusual excitement, enthusiasm or compelling emotion, a positive affinity or love, towards a subject.*

I’ve spent the last 20 years watching documentaries and speeches in which people encourage others to find their passion. It led me to believe that I actually already have one and that I need to go look for it. In hindsight though, I think encouragement to develop a passion might be more realistic.

I was also left with the impression that each person only has one or two passions in their life. But, that denotes a rather narrow focus. What happens if neither one of those passions is successful? And, of course, the big question is, “If my true passion fails, am I forever doomed to a meaningless life?” 😨

Good Advice Or Not?

Another impression I was left with is that if I find my true passion, success will come easily. If we define success as the attainment of our goal and don’t reach it – what then? Have we failed? Or, have we simply found one thing that didn’t work for us along the way?

If there are pitfalls, passion is the factor that motivates you to keep going. For instance, what if my new found passion brings epic challenges along the way? Will I be resilient enough to let it go and work with something else? Or, if there’s still a glimmer of hope, will I stick with it long enough to see it through to completion? I believe that’s where passion comes into play. It is the glue that sustains us over long periods of growth and development while we work towards our goals.

Develop a Growth Mindset

A “growth mindset,” Dweck says, is pretty much exactly what it sounds like: a tendency to believe that you can grow. In her book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, she explains that while a “fixed mindset” assumes that our character, intelligence, and creative ability are static givens which we can’t change in any meaningful way, a growth mindset thrives on challenge and sees failure “not as evidence of unintelligence but as a heartening springboard for growth and for stretching our existing abilities.”

According to Carol Dweck of Stanford University, when you know that your intelligence, character, and creative ability are not static, the positive growth results are staggering. When you view these traits as liable to change and growth through application and experience, it changes your definition of success.

Growth mindset is my new plan of action to take the place of bouncing from one place to the next in failed attempts to find my passion. Now, I will develop my passions. How about you?🔥

Cover Image Credit

12 Quotes of Inspiration for a Positive Effect on Your Lifestyle

August 15, 2019 by Susan

Quotes of inspiration and motivation change our thoughts and our feelings which makes them a fantastic tool for healing from trauma. The awareness that we have the power to change our thoughts and feelings is one thing, but the addition of this easy technique makes it even better. That’s why I curate quotes – not only for myself but to share them with others.

12 Quotes of Inspiration to Keep and Share

Do you need a quick jolt of motivation for a positive effect on your life’s circumstances at the moment? Start collecting quotes that move you and grab your attention. Chances are, it’s something that you need to hear whether or not you are consciously aware of this need.

The field of Epigenetics teaches us that every cell in our being is constantly changing and shifting while what we think and feel affects every part of who we are and how we respond to the world. This proves the unequivocal power of our minds to change the quality of our lives, even in an instant.

Carry a small book of inspirational quotes in your pocket or purse to get a quick uplift when you need it the most. Try to remember a few quotes that speak to you and recall them when in times of duress. Think of your favorite quotes of inspiration as positive chants to the Universe wherein what you give, you will also receive. #Karma

It’s important to find a way to carry your favorite quotes of inspiration around with you at all times. It’s very possible that this amazing little technique will reset your course at a time when you need it the most.

“In the midst of winter, I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer.” — Albert Camus

“The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty.” – Winston Churchill

“Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.” — Helen Keller

“Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.” — John Wooden

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning how to dance in the rain.” — Author Unknown

“You become what you think about.” — Earl Nightingale

“You shall be free indeed when your days are not without a care nor your nights without want and a grief. But rather when these things girdle your life and yet you rise above them naked and unbound.” — Khalil Gibran

“A positive attitude gives you power over your circumstances instead of your circumstances having power over you.” — Joyce Meyer

“Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them — every day begin the task anew.” — Saint Francis de Sales

“A pearl is a beautiful thing that is produced by an injured life. It is the tear [that results] from the injury of the oyster. The treasure of our being in this world is also produced by an injured life. If we had not been wounded, if we had not been injured, then we will not produce the pearl.” — Stephan Hoeller

“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” — Helen Keller

“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” — Thich Nhat Hanh

“The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty.” – Winston Churchill

Bonus Video

10 Positive Thoughts From Bob Marley

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Meditate ● Increase Mindfulness ● Lower Stress

August 3, 2019 by Susan

I believe most humans naturally meditate throughout their lives without realizing that’s what they’re doing. I remember reading a book by Wayne Dyer years ago and in it, he spoke about how you can meditate while sitting at a stoplight for a few minutes.

Being a transcendental meditator since the 1970s, that statement by Dr. Dyer really caught my attention. At first, of course, my ego found it offensive, but I’ve always been one to open my mind to new information so I started thinking about it and using small snippets of time to “meditate”.

Mindfulness

Then, as the term “mindfulness” became a regular buzz word among kindred spirits and began to wind its way through our collective consciousness, I came into the awareness that the acts of mindfulness and meditation have very fuzzy edges that seem to blend with each other and even become one and the same.

So, I had to let go of my own life-long need to belong to one particular school of thought or another. I had to let go of the “rules” surrounding meditation techniques and open my mind to other possibilities that now I realize are virtually endless.

Change is the Only Constant

It always amazes me how when the student is ready, the teacher will appear. When my life got so stressful, I couldn’t do transcendental meditation – just couldn’t sit still long enough to do it, I had no choice but to try other methods.

It took a series of events that lead to debilitating trauma in my life to get me to the point of not being able to do TM properly. It’s been a very rough 10 years for me since my world as I knew it blew up in my face while the road to put things back together again has been the hardest uphill battle of my life.

But one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that nothing, absolutely nothing stays the same. That is the only constant in life. And, that has proven to be true with my outlook on meditation.

Learn to Meditate

Now, I want to bring my readers a series of posts about the different types and styles of meditation that I know about and hopefully, in this quest, perhaps together, we will learn about many more techniques.

This post is the first of a series of meditation techniques. But, today, I’m going to start by bringing you this wonderful suggested meditation by Dr. Wayne Dyer. It’s a great place to start on your journey to find just the right meditation practice for you!

🚩 I hope you find this video enlightening and helpful in your life. Please note that I have no rights over this video whatsoever and it is for information and educational purposes only. Also, it is very important to note that meditation is not a religion. It does not discriminate, nor is it a platform on which to beat our chests and proclaim our practice as the best way. Rather, it is a journey to find our own individual and collective stress-reducing methods of living. So, keep searching and helping each other as together we light the way. 🔥

Lovely Spring & Summer Flowers • Quote Shareables

June 17, 2019 by Susan

Spring & Summer Quote Shareables

Welcome to this collection of spring and summer quotes. I absolutely love flowers and having been born and raised in Oregon, I naturally love all the seasons. I’ve lived as far north as Alaska and I’ve lived as far south as Alabama. However, I prefer my temperate Oregon. And, I think spring and summer are still my favorite times of the year. Of course, I always think that in the Summer and then, in the Winter, I like that too. But, Eastern Oregon is the best for the Winter months because they get nice, snowman making snow. In Western Oregon, not so much – more rain than snow.

I am descended from Oregon Trail Pioneers, farmers, and gardeners. In fact, one summer, I won a 4-H blue ribbon from the Oregon State Fair when I was 8 years old for my garden produce. But, we didn’t just grow vegetables. We also had lots of beautiful flowers growing all around us. But, of course, summer is the best for flowers of many types and varieties.

Thus, my creations of spring and summer quotes that have flowers as a background. I think flowers put us in a good frame of mind to listen and learn. In fact, you can read and learn more about flower power essence for depression relief.

Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim. — Nora Ephron — BEAUTIFULLIVESBYSUSAN.COM

Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself. — Eleanor Roosevelt — BEAUTIFULLIVESBYSUSAN.COM

In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different. — Coco Channel — BEAUTIFULLIVESBYSUSAN.COM

Drama is very important in life: You have to come on with a bang. You never want to go out with a whimper. — Julia Child — BEAUTIFULLIVESBYSUSAN.COM

I may be wearing makeup, but I can throw a fastball by you at the same time. — Jenny Finch — BEAUTIFULLIVESBYSUSAN.COM

I firmly believe you never should spend your time being the former anything. — Condoleezza Rice — BEAUTIFULLIVESBYSUSAN.COM

What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make. — Jane Goodall — BEAUTIFULLIVESBYSUSAN.COM

Step out of the history that is holding you back. Step into the new story you are willing to create. — Oprah Winfrey — BEAUTIFULLIVESBYSUSAN.COM

If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one. — Dolly Parton — BEAUTIFULLIVESBYSUSAN.COM

You can never leave footprints that last if you are always walking on tiptoe. — Leymah Gbowee — BEAUTIFULLIVESBYSUSAN.COM

I’d rather regret the things I’ve done than regret the things I haven’t done. — Lucille Ball — BEAUTIFULLIVESBYSUSAN.COM

The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. — Amelia Earhart — BEAUTIFULLIVESBYSUSAN.COM

Wildfire Trauma; Preventative Steps

June 16, 2019 by Susan

If you live in a wildfire region there are things you can do ahead of the onset of a fire. From the National Child Trauma Stress Network, Wildfire Resources, I gleaned this outline of information for you to follow. For more detailed information, please visit their website to use their resources. They offer a variety of resources for families to ensure you and your family are prepared for wildfire disasters. (You may click on images to see their source.) Cover photo credit: Metro

Life in Wildfire Country; Steps to Ease the Trauma

Wildfire Trauma Greece Firefighters — Greek Firefighters

If you take steps to prepare yourself and your family for this type of emergency, it lessens the chances of members of your family suffering from subsequent post-traumatic stress syndrome.

Wildfire Trauma Alaska Firefighters — Alaskan Firefighters

Before a Wildfire

Know the wildfire risk in your area and ensure you have insurance that covers this type of disaster.
Inform yourself about how to access official wildfire information and know which radio stations, websites, or social media provide current and reliable updates. Sign up for community alerts.
Develop a concrete evacuation plan that includes the best and alternate routes to evacuate by car and foot from your home, work, and school and include in your plan, where everyone is located at the time of evacuation.

Assemble an emergency go kit. Families should have access to enough water, food, and other emergency supplies for 3 or more days and medications for 7 or more days. Review the family preparedness plan.
Make a family communication plan with contact information and know who to contact if you get separated. Fill out the preparedness wallet card.
Groom and maintain your landscape regularly. Keep your low-hanging and dead tree limbs trimmed, remove debris, and clean the gutters. Move and keep gas grills and propane tanks away from the house.
Educate children about wildfires. Plan and practice evacuations together. The mobile app Help Kids Cope provides information on how to talk to children of different ages.

During a Wildfire

When you are not in an evacuation zone:

Minimize exposure to smoke and ash by staying indoors and closing doors, windows, vents, and fireplace screens and set their air conditions to recirculate the inside air.
Be ready to evacuate quickly. Keep cars fueled and repaired, keep cell phones charged, make arrangements for pets and livestock to be kept cool, hydrated and fed if you are unable to take them with you.
Water your roof and shrubs to reduce potential damage.
Stay informed and evacuate when needed. Conditions change rapidly so when officials announce it is time to evacuate, do it.

During an evacuation:

Grab your emergency go kits, all loved ones, and pets in your vehicles. Keep emergency information on in the car once you have evacuated safely. Expect that smoke will reduce visibility, drive slowly, and keep the windows and air vents closed. Do not return home until the authorities give permission.
Protect your property by turning on outside lights and leave a light on in every room to make the house more visible in smoke. Try to move flammable furniture to the center of the home, away from windows and glass doors. Also, remove flammable curtains and window treatments. Families should follow their plan to keep pets and livestock cool, hydrated, fed, and safe if they cannot evacuate them.
Locate a public shelter if needed. Families can text SHELTER and their zip code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest open shelter. Also, download the American Red Cross Shelter Finder app.

Immediately after a wildfire is contained:

Evaluate for injuries and health issues. Get immediate medical assistance or basic first aid if needed.
Watch for active burn areas. At times there can be hot spots that can ignite. Families should evacuate and stay away from smoldering surfaces or debris, ash pits, and charred trees.
Keep smoke out. Although the danger of the fires has passed, smoke and ash will still be in the air. Keep windows, vents, and fireplace screens closed until the air quality improves.
Evaluate the safety of your yard and surrounding area. Scan your yard to make sure it is safe for children to come outside. Caution them to keep away from fallen power lines and immediately report them to the utility company.
Use caution when you clean your home while wearing masks and safe shoes. Throw away contaminated food, and don’t use the water until you are given the go-ahead by officials.

Soften the Blow of Trauma for Children

Wildfire Trauma Colorado Red Cross — More than 800 Stay at Red Cross Shelters in Colorado Overnight

Be the model of calm behavior for your children who will watch the adults and learn from their example.
Use a quiet, steady voice to explain things to your children.
- Assure them that the firefighters work hard to put out fires so that they realize that adults are there to protect them.
Also, make sure they understand that while fires burn for several days to weeks, their home is not always in danger.
- Help them understand when the fire is contained.
Encourage activities that comfort or distract children from worry and trauma.
- Teach children to take slow breaths to calm themselves and give a stuffed animal or blanket to hold.
- Encourage activities that don’t exert much physical effort, such as board games, reading, or building a puzzle.
- View these handouts for some ideas.
Take care of yourself so that you can continue to care for others!
- You and your children will benefit when you take a moment for yourself, acknowledge your own fears and take steps to cope.

After a Wildfire

Wildfire Trauma Home Care — From the Bend Bulletin, Bend, Oregon

As it is explained on the National Child Trauma Stress Network, Wildfire Resources web page, everyone’s post-wildfire stories are different and that depends on what you had to go through to survive. Some of you will return to your homes quickly and some have to rebuild or relocate. Regardless of your individual circumstances, the aftermath is usually one of hardship for everyone involved.

Children react according to their age, developmental level, and prior experiences. But remember that your children will model your behavior. Observe and be understanding if they get too clingy or have more headaches and stomachaches, have trouble at school, or withdraw from activities they used to enjoy. These are all signs of the effects of trauma.

Here is a brief outline of considerations for adults to care for their children in the aftermath of trauma:

Model being calm and hopeful after the wildfire.
Provide accurate information and answer questions honestly and at an appropriate developmental level.
Be patient when responding to changes in behavior.
Provide reassurance, a daily routine, and structure.
Pay attention to your own wellbeing and coping first so that you can help your children.

VIA National Child Trauma Stress Network

Color • How It Affects Our Lives

June 9, 2019 by Susan

What we think about colors, especially what we think subconsciously about them, affects us on some very intrinsic levels. I think most will agree that humans, in general, are highly visual beings. For these and other reasons, I like to do research about colors and their effects on human behavior. Here are some of the fascinating things I’ve learned.

♦ List of Colors & Their Meanings

♦ A Few Fun Historical Color Facts

♦ The Psychology of Colors Slideshow

♦ The Psychology of Color Infographic

Do you ever feel anxious or uplifted in a yellow room or does it bring cheer to you? Or, do you feel calm in a green room? Artists, graphic designers, and interior designers know that color can dramatically affect moods, feelings, and emotions so naturally, they use these tactics in their designs. However, this is an area of learning that anyone can join in to reap the benefits, so do your research and then apply it to your life and surroundings.

List of Colors & Their Meanings

There are several posts that are published on Beautiful Lives by Susan that include color as a topic or subtopic. I’ve curated them into a list which is below. This list will be updated and this post re-published periodically for your convenience.

A Few Fun Historical Color Facts

40,000 years ago artists created the first pigments which were a mixture of dirt, animal fat, charcoal, and chalk. This created the first human palette of red, yellow, brown, black and white.

From those five colors have come a history of discovery as the human fascination with color progresses to this day. Whether through organic discovery or scientific advancement, artists continue to push forward with new pigments with each new art movement.

One grand discovery was in 1666, when the well-known English scientist Sir Isaac Newton established that pure white light passes through a prism, it separates into all of the visible colors.

Another interesting fact is that while our noses and ears are inferior to most animals, our color vision is greater than just about every other species on earth. For one reason, our brain uses 30% of its capacity to process visual input and that’s ten times as many neurons than our brains use to hear a sound!

The Psychology of Colors

Independent Study: The Psychology of Color in an Interior Space from Brittani Anderson

Psychology of Color Infographic

It’s no small wonder that colors have a huge impact on human existence. The psychology is fascinating because it affects mood and actions of people when people view particular colors. Our intimate environment is so important to our well-being that it’s important that we continue to learn about color and how it affects us as human beings.

Infographic Courtesy of NowSourcing, Inc

3 Tips for Seniors to Improve Quality of Life

May 17, 2019 by Susan

As we age, the definition of what constitutes quality of life changes, especially for seniors. But first, when we are young parents, quality of life is all about spending time with the children and helping them build happy and productive lives. Then, as empty nesters, quality of life might mean rediscovering an old hobby or discovering new hobbies with your spouse.

For seniors, quality of life might be viewed along those lines as well, but it often includes things like being safe and independent in your home, maintaining accessibility, and looking for convenience in some areas. Using these tips, you can maintain your physical and mental health.

1 • Stay Safe and Independent at Home
2 • Create Accessible Spaces for Seniors
3 • Add Additional Levels of Convenience

Image Source for Ramp

1 • Stay Safe and Independent at Home

You can stay safe at home by following guidelines for areas that often pose danger to seniors.

Install grab bars and non-slip mats in the bathtub or shower.
Keep a mop nearby and clean the tub or shower weekly.
Install handrails in stairwells, and be sure to use them. Don’t carry something so heavy or bulky that you can’t use the rails.
Make sure stairs are free from any loose carpet. People can easily trip and fall, with disastrous results.
Don’t use stairwells for storing boxes or baskets. You need the entire stairway for traveling up and down.
Be careful about wearing loose clothing while cooking. Long, loose sleeves can quickly catch fire over an open flame or hot burner.
Be careful when using and storing knives.
Avoid food poisoning by being careful about refrigeration and food storage.
Install bright lighting in storage areas so you can see where you are going.
Don’t store things you use often on high shelves. Have a friend or loved one help you arrange your storage area so the things you need are handy.

2 • Create Accessible Spaces for Seniors

Comprehensive Room-by-Room Home Safety Guide for Older Adults

If you need to upgrade your home for wheelchair or walker accessibility, consult a handyman or local contractor. If it’s a quick upgrade, you might be able to do it yourself, but be careful about taking on a project that requires more skills or tools than you have. Instead, leave those complicated projects to the professionals.

Another way to create an accessible space is to simply pare down what you have. If your bedside table is surrounded by books and baskets of clothing, move the books to a bookcase and store the baskets of clothing in the closet, as this will allow a person in a wheelchair to maneuver into bed.

On the other hand, if your kitchen is small, try moving things like a step stool or a trash can to another area to create more open space. Opt for a smaller dining table and move extra chairs to a storage area to allow accessibility.

3 • Add Additional Levels of Convenience

When it comes to convenience, that might mean different things to different people. For some, it could mean pre-prepared meals or meal delivery. Check with your local Meals on Wheels group about scheduling delivery.

For some, convenience means keeping necessary things in within arm’s reach. Use small baskets to group similar items, such as television remotes, note pads, and pens that you might use in the living room, or medicines and pill containers that you keep on the kitchen counter.

Clear off sentimental items from the dresser so you can use the dresser top for baskets of socks or other items you use daily, especially if opening drawers is cumbersome. Consider replacing a dresser with a bookshelf and baskets.

With some quick changes to your home environment, you can create a space that keeps you safe and offers plenty of accessibility and convenience. Take advantage of meal delivery services and handyman services from local non-profit groups. These things can provide great peace of mind and help keep you safe and happy for many years.

Written by Guest Author Jason Lewis • StrongWell.org

Cover Image Credit

Flower Power Essence for Depression Relief

May 11, 2019 by Susan

Has any slogan been more enduring in our baby-boomer culture than “Flower Power”? I still love this slogan! Moreover, flowers do have a strong, positive effect on living beings around them. Depressive and stressful feelings are as unique as snowflakes from person to person. I think you will find that every different scent of flower you test will be as unique as snowflakes, as well. Each has its own extraordinary qualities and its own singular set of “special effects”.

The Essence of Flower Power for Depression Relief

What is the Power of the Flower?

Flower power is a slogan used during the late 1960s and early 1970s as a symbol of passive resistance and non-violence ideology. Its roots are in the opposition movement to the Vietnam War. The expression, first used by the American beat poet Allen Ginsberg in 1965, means to transform war protests into peaceful affirmative spectacles. Hippies embrace the symbolism by dressing in clothing with embroidered flowers and vibrant colors, wearing flowers in their hair, and distributing flowers to the public, known as flower children. Wikipedia

Floral scents put us in good moods and it naturally follows that a better mood results in less anxiety. If you smell flowers before or during an exam, for example, your probability of receiving a high score are increased. Also, when patients have flowers and greenery in their room, they are less anxious about surgery and need fewer post-operative pain relievers.

A little dab of lavender essential oil helps me through social anxiety and helps me sleep better at night. However, that’s only one of the ways I’ve proven to myself that flower essences melt away the mental blockages that cause stress.

Where Did Modern Flower Power Begin?

Let’s go back a few decades to the 1930s to the Bach Flower Remedies which are a system of healing made up of 38 healing plants which address the different states of mind. In 1930, at the age of 43, Bach decided to search for a new healing technique and he spent the Spring and Summer in the preparation and discovery of new flower remedies.

Edward Bach (24 September 1886 – 27 November 1936) was an English doctor, homeopath, bacteriologist and spiritual writer, best known for developing a range of remedies called the Bach flower remedies, a form of alternative medicine inspired by classical homeopathic traditions. Wikipedia

Essence of Flower for Relief of Depression

Chris Philips, the author of Treating Depression Naturally. uses knowledge from Dr. Edward Bach along with his own discoveries about how the essence of flowers improves mental health. How very, very cool is that?!? Perhaps you do not need pharmaceuticals if you turn to the essence of flowers for relief. Moreover, some believe that the essence of flowers helps improve the balance of spirit, mind, and body when used as part of a balanced treatment program. This is excellent news!

Beautiful Minds

Chocolate, of Course!

Take a Trip to the Theater

Walk Briskly Around the Block

Take a Big Whiff of Lavender or Vanilla

Eat a Hot Pepper for Fast Endorphins 🌶

Chew a Stick of Doublemint Gum

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Now We Must All Do What We Can

Save the Rain Forest Quotes

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12 Quotes of Inspiration to Keep and Share

“In the midst of winter, I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer.” — Albert Camus

“The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty.” – Winston Churchill

“Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.” — Helen Keller

“Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.” — John Wooden

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning how to dance in the rain.” — Author Unknown

“You become what you think about.” — Earl Nightingale

“You shall be free indeed when your days are not without a care nor your nights without want and a grief. But rather when these things girdle your life and yet you rise above them naked and unbound.” — Khalil Gibran

“A positive attitude gives you power over your circumstances instead of your circumstances having power over you.” — Joyce Meyer

“Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them — every day begin the task anew.” — Saint Francis de Sales

“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” — Helen Keller

“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” — Thich Nhat Hanh

“The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty.” – Winston Churchill

Bonus Video

10 Positive Thoughts From Bob Marley

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Life in Wildfire Country; Steps to Ease the Trauma

Before a Wildfire

During a Wildfire

When you are not in an evacuation zone:

During an evacuation:

Immediately after a wildfire is contained:

Soften the Blow of Trauma for Children

After a Wildfire

Other Posts You Will Enjoy!

Table of Contents

List of Colors & Their Meanings

A Few Fun Historical Color Facts

The Psychology of Colors

Psychology of Color Infographic

Other Posts You Will Enjoy:

Table of Contents

1 • Stay Safe and Independent at Home

2 • Create Accessible Spaces for Seniors

3 • Add Additional Levels of Convenience

The Essence of Flower Power for Depression Relief

What is the Power of the Flower?

Where Did Modern Flower Power Begin?

Essence of Flower for Relief of Depression

Flower Power Quotes

Other Posts You Will Enjoy!

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