• Chapter 9- Words of Inspiration

    Even though my mom battled being an alcoholic and had her up's and down's she never forgot to laugh. We laughed a lot. Even if it was over something small. I found this small list inside one of her journal entries and I knew I had to share it. "Laugh" was not on the list and my mom added it to the list. The laugh again part was also not on the list so I added that as my own personal touch. She tried so hard to give herself words of inspiration to give her strength. Below is the list she had and I think it's a great list to live by.

    Laugh
    Begin living now
    Stop asking to be rescued
    Stop waiting "until…"
    Journal your thoughts and feelings
    Keep track of your accomplishments
    Set realistic and attainable goals
    Accept constructive criticism from others
    Choose your friends wisely
    Be honest about how you feel
    Ask for what you need and want
    Make friends with people who like themselves
    Stop feeling sorry for yourself
    Emphasize your strengths and minimize your weaknesses
    Let other people ruin their lives
    Give permission to yourself to be afraid of failure and success
    Develop your personal talents and skills
    Learn to accept what you cannot change
    Get proper nutrition
    Get sufficient rest
    Exercise regularly
    Stop talking about your miseries
    Talk about your strengths and assets
    Think positive
    Read about human growth
    Learn to meditate
    Learn from children
    Take time to smell the roses
    Stop blaming others for your misfortunes
    Take responsibility for your thoughts, feelings and behaviors
    Dress in a way that feels good to you
    Encourage others to be the best they can be
    Stop assuming that others cannot get along without you
    Stop feeling good only when doing for others
    Be playful
    Share responsibilities
    Listen to people
    Compromise on occasion
    Take risks
    Stop being a doormat
    Make decisions for personal growth
    Have fun
    Sing
    Dance
    Face life with dignity
    Treat others how you desire to be treated
    Do something exciting
    Vary your routine
    Stop letting others push you around
    Do something you'd really like to do for you
    Get medical and dental check ups
    Be alert
    Organize your work
    Focus on one task at a time
    Spend time alone
    Read a good book
    Curl up on the couch and watch a good movie
    Resolve your problem today
    Set boundaries
    Live with gratitude
    Let go of what is lost
    Listen to the sound of your own voice
    Encourage others to take responsibility for themselves
    Encourage gentleness in yourself and others
    Face painful situations head on
    Love yourself completely
    Laugh again