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How many times do we feel completely overwhelmed in our day to day lives?
Of late, it seems that I hear more and more people complaining about stresses they are having trouble finding solutions for.
Life is complicated enough without all the additional troubles that we place on ourselves. Magazines tell us what we should look like and if we don't comply with the airbrushed specimens placed on their covers, then we tell ourselves we haven't made the mark. So we stress about it.
The time spent on jobs doesn't seem to offer gratifying results. We push ourselves harder and harder and what exactly is it that we seek to accomplish in doing so? We stress about that too.
Couples don't make enough time for themselves to be couples. Marriages suffer as a result, families suffer as a result and overall we have become a society of searchers...yet we don't even know what we are searching for. And we stress about it. Stress has become a serious and dangerous undercurrent to our ability to "live."
Once upon a time, people made time for relaxation. We made time for hobbies, time to read, time to be informed, time to reach out to others and we had the time to do it.
So, what has changed?
There are still 24 hours in a day, yet today more than ever we try to cram more into a 24 hour period than is humanly possible. Everything is affected. Our bodies reject all the stressors we place upon them in the forms of heart attacks, strokes, cancer and so many other ailments. It's a medical fact now. Stress does kill.
And we wonder why we are unhappy.
There are tons of books written on the topic "how to be happy." Suppose we do take the time to read them...do we apply any of the wisdom offered? Or do we begin to make excuses immediately, supposing that that might work for "other people," feeling fresh ideas could never work for us?
I have been in all those places. I still have lots of work to do. I have discovered, however, "the work to do" part is called "living." You simply have to be an active participant in your own life to find true happiness!
It's trying to find your own balance that is so important and that is also "what counts."
Even if it's 5 minutes in the morning reserved for "you" when you didn't previously allow yourself that time, it's a step.
There was a funny movie out several years ago called "What About Bob." Richard Dreyfuss was a very uptight, know-it-all shrink who came in contact with Bill Murray's character "Bob." Oddly enough, "Bob" who had every single "ism" in the world, was basically doing alright. Conversely, it was the shrink who REALLY had the problems. He was completely absorbed in himself, how he came across to others, how his family appeared to others, his financial standing and presentation were everything to this poor soul. He had it all wrong, yet he wrote a book telling the world how to do it all right. In the "book" the good doctor discussed "baby steps." As funny and entertaining as the movie was, there was a point to it.
The idea of "baby steps" isn't too far fetched...
Back to taking 5 minutes in the morning...if you try that, you just might find that you actually have 10 minutes, or you might discover that taking 5 minute "personal breaks" during the day to do one thing for yourself might be the baby steps you need to get started in locating where your stressors are. Creating your own time and space for balance, even slowly, will begin to make way for discovering a better life.
We seem to get caught up in the things we have to do each day and we leave no time to investigate what we NEED in our lives to make them more joyful, peaceful, serene, and meaningful.
My husband has always been a workaholic. No matter how much "preaching" I did, his inner drive kept him going all the time, striving for perfection in every task he approached. Was he happy? Short answer...no. Even when he spent his time striving for perfection, he was tired, he was hard on himself and nothing ever met his expectations. While I felt bad for him, I decided that discussing his overdrive work ethic was not going to produce much success. So, I continued to focus on working on "me."
I used to say all the time, "if you don't slow down, one day LIFE is going to slow you down." And it did.
Last summer, he suffered a severe injury and he was slowed down in an instant. I watched him struggle through surgery, rehabilitation, learning to work at a totally different pace than he had ever worked before. It was not easy. Frustrations were many as he tried to live with essentially a new person. Over time and with baby steps, my husband learned that he HAD to do things differently. Today, he's a lot happier. He is more settled and able to enjoy doing something for himself without feeling so much guilt, feeling under the gun and all the issues that workaholics face when they "stop working." It's incredibly nice (and kind of funny looking!) to see him holding a book while having his morning coffee before he starts his work day.
It might sound ridiculous if you're not a workaholic. How can ANYONE not be "able" to relax? I don't know if it's part of the genetic or the psychological makeup of folks who stay in overdrive all the time. I'm not built that way. I just know from living with a "driven personality," imbalance doesn't bring happiness or satisfaction. There is nothing that can bring contentment until you give the simple gift of "TIME" for yourself.
Are you giving yourself the time you have earned and deserved? If not, make a list of things you'd like to do. Start small. Don't begin with the big extravagant vacations you dream of taking "when you retire." That's defeating the purpose! Make small, attainable goals! Remember "baby steps." Make your first list one that includes SIMPLE things. Some examples are:
Write a letter on paper to an old friend, visit a local place of interest, read a book, daydream and jot down the things that you daydreamed about. This exercise doesn't have to be even remotely complicated. That's the whole point...keeping things simple.
Mastering 'making time for yourself' can be a daunting task for people who don't "do" the self thing.
Take your time. Have your morning coffee while sitting some place relaxing instead of taking it on the run. Get a copy of a daily reader and read the message for that day. The possibilities of doing fun, simple things can be very exciting. You could even make a short list of things you might like to try and check them off as you do them. Try sudoku. Work walks into your day. Take in a sunrise or a sunset. Start a blog!
Any start is a good start...and believe it or not, taking time for one's self does require effort! Most importantly, whatever you do, do something that pleases YOU!
It's worth every second invested in making your life more enjoyable.
Here's wishing you peace, contentment and the ability to make time for "you!" (Remember...BABY STEPS!)
Till next time,
Annie

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We have two new additions to the menagerie!
We have acquired "May" (3 months old, on the right in the top photo) and "Beau" (5 months old, on the left in the top photo). They are Myotonic Goats, also known as "Fainting Goats."
The breed is one of keen interest and fascination to lots of folks. They are down right entertaining! When startled or overly excited,
these goats "faint." Their legs get stiff and they will either walk "stiff legged" or simply fall over. The "fainting" doesn't hurt the goat...it's a part of the genetic make up of this breed. "Myontonia Congenita" is a genetic disorder and is hereditary.
These goats are thought to have originated in Nova Scotia and were first noted in the United States in the 1800's by Jon Tinsley.
"Fainting Goats" have lots of nicknames that include Nervous Goats, Wooden-Leg Goats, Stiff-Leg Goats and even Scare Goats!
This all adds to the intrigue of the breed.
Our new additions are a "breeding pair"...in other words, they are unrelated and I will be able to breed them. Typically, "Fainting Goats" have twins or triplets. They can "kid" (have kids!) up to twice a year! That's potentially a lot of goats!
These goats are classified as "meat" goats...which we don't say too loudly around here...and their milk is also used for consumption as well as making goat milk soap, or as ingredients to other toiletries. Unlike other meat goats, the Myotonic goat is more valuable alive, as they are a rare breed. Myotonic goats are listed as "threatened" by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy so the Fainting Goat is not used as often for chevon (goat meat) as other meat goat breeds. The Fainting goat is specifically specialized for smaller production operations as they are unable to challenge fences as vigorously as larger goat breeds, due in part to the overall smaller size and also because of the myotonia.
I have learned that many people take them in pairs as pets. They have great dispositions and are medium to smallish in size. They can weigh anywhere from 60 pounds to 175 pounds (for the larger stature goats) at maturity. Size-wise, there's a lot of wiggle room to consider with their height and weight. They come in a variety of colors, however the prominent colors are black and white. They are very sweet, so a wethered (neutered) male makes for a good pet. All my male goats, with the exception of "Beau" are wethers. Goats are herding animals, so I'll offer a word of caution to anyone considering goats for pets: It's not a good thing to get ONE goat of any breed. They prefer at least one other goat to "herd" with. We keep two donkeys as herd protectors for our goats.
When raised as pets, Myotonics are intelligent, friendly, easy to keep and amusing! We find our new kids to be a great addition to the rest of the "family!"
I will keep you posted on the ANTICS of Beau and May, pictures as they grow and our new experiences in raising them.
We are so excited to have them and look forward to our new adventures in working with Myotonic "Fainting" Goats!
Thanks for stopping by!
Till next time,
Annie

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By this time in a presidential race, I have already had a good look at candidates, voted in a primary and watched intently (and lately sometimes with boredom) as the race progresses. Seems to me that this year, people have not been particularly thrilled with their choices at all. I think everyone is looking for someone who is "more like us." I know I am. I'm sick of high taxes, lies, career politicians, folks who aspire to be career politicians and the whole gamut of political noise from local to state to national levels.
They talk and talk and never say anything. It's all about Dems and Repubs...and no one has a real plan, they ALL think they're smarter than the average American and there's just no clear cut choice.
This year, however, I have been turned on my ear. I learned that my husband is running for president in a whirlwind, chance occurrence. It seems some friends put his name in the hat and it is taking off like wildfire!
When you finish reading, click on the link at the bottom of the post and enjoy! (Video sent courtesy THE MYERS GROUP, LIMITED.)
We have been overwhelmed at the responses Wayne is getting. He's been busy hiring speech writers, personal handlers and the like. I am very happy that he has decided quite literally to "RUN" with it!
So, for all you undecideds, have a look at the clip and see if Wayne might just have what you're looking for in a presidential candidate this year.
I can assure you, he won't raise taxes, he will kick out all...yes ALL... the folks in congress who have made their elected positions "careers" and I am guessing he will take it all the way down to the state and county levels in this country.
He will be known as the "CLEAN SWEEP CANDIDATE!"
Thank you in advance for your support!!! VOTE FOR A NEW DUBYA IN '08!!!!
*Out on the busy campaign trail, ever casual, friendly and engaging Presidential Hopeful Wayne Dunlap stops for a chat, a visit and a photo op with supporters at a University of North Carolina at Wilmington graduation back in the spring.

CLEAN OUT CAREER POLITICIANS IN 2008!!! VOTE FOR REAL CHANGE! NOT JUST CHATTER!
This message was approved by the committee to elect WAYNE DUNLAP FOR PRESIDENT 2008.
(Paid for by nobody. My blog belongs to me and it's FREE!)
http://www.news3online.com/index.php?code=703etP866f5bEw68DSr8
(if the link doesn't take you to the page, cut and paste it into your web browser!)
Till next time,
Annie

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TEN REASONS TO KEEP LOOKING FORWARD:



1. Tomorrow brings a beautiful word...POSSIBILITIES!
2. If you spend too much time looking backward, your neck will hurt.
3. If you look forward, most likely, you'll also look UP. God will be smiling at you!
4. Staying locked in the past, staying paralyzed by situations and not looking for a means out of
them can actually shorten your life. Stress does kill.
5. Every day is a wonderful gift. Looking forward can give you all sorts of ideas, dreams to investigate
and something to plan for.
6. Looking forward allows you to see the horizon...and possibly what's waiting there!
7. Looking forward will allow you to look at your life to see what needs adjusting and fine tuning. Are you spending enough time for yourself? For your family? Are you being the person you always wanted to be?
8. If you look forward, remaining focused on your goals is easier.
9. If you look forward, you might discover new things about yourself that you didn't know were "there." You just might take up a new hobby, discover that you have a talent that needs to be dusted off or find a way that you might be of service to others.
10. If you're looking forward to tomorrow, that means you were here TODAY. I hope you made the absolute best of it!
Try making your own list of ten reasons to look forward...especially if you have had a bad day. Sometimes if you're caught up in doldrums, looking ahead will take the focus off of what's not good in your life today and help you get excited about "tomorrow!"
Most of all, when you're lucky enough to feel like you can count on a "tomorrow," be thankful for that. There are those who would give anything for just one more day.
Till next time,
Annie

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