If you are not familiar with Cousins' story, he was diagnosed with a debilitating disease where his body would literally fuse together. It was incredibly painful and he was told it was incurable. Cousins shared that doctors only gave him a 500 to 1 chance of recovery.
Despite these discouraging odds Cousins implemented his own "treatment" and eventually recovered! In his book he discusses the entire method of what he did but one of the things that he writes about is the influence that laughter had on his healing process. Cousins (after he obtained his doctors' approval) chose not to stay in the hospital but he stayed in a hotel room (near the hospital) and in addition to his diet and vitamins he gave himself (as he termed it) "laugh therapy". Cousins watched and read anything that would bring him laughter. Overtime he started to see that for every ten minutes of laughter he would have a couple of pain free hours!
Isn't that incredible??!?
(5) can help the immune system in unexplained ways
This really impacted me as my energy levels are so low and I try and do everything possible to not waste my little energy. Learning that it takes forty-three muscles to frown but only seventeen to smile is honestly a huge game changer. Does that mean that I don't cry or have moments where I am not laughing all of the time? Absolutely not. BUT it does mean that I have fought to find joy and laughter throughout each day and I truly believe that makes a difference in this healing journey.
I have shared my endometriosis story here on the blog and to this day I will never forget a situation that happened during this intense time period. My mom and I were in a very populated mall when I received the phone call that the surgeon (from across the country) would accept me as a patient but would not be able to have an appointment available for an additional three months. This was devastating news as we were hoping to get in immediately and my mom and I sat down and bawled our eyes out right there in the middle of the busy mall. As we realized that people were staring at us we looked at each other and started to giggle and then couldn't stop laughing. To this day we laugh about this incident. Don't be afraid to step out and laugh!
I have had doctors and specialists tell me the most insane things and there is a time for standing up and making a declaration (like I did about that Real Housewives of Beverly Hills episode) but there is also a time for choosing to laugh at the hard and absurd.
One time, during an intense part of my health journey I had a check up with one of the doctors that I saw for routine health things. I hated seeing this doctor, but to keep some insurance requirements and because I was in the ER so often at that time I had no choice. I am not kidding when I share that during one appointment this doctor said, "so my treatment plan is working then? I told you that Lyme Disease didn't exist and all you needed was some rest in bed".
1. Purse Organizer
Amazon Price: LESS than $20!!!
Click HERE to Purchase!
This felt organizer (I chose the beige color so that it will go with any of my purses!) comes in 11 different colors (you can find it HERE). I love that I can easily switch purses now just by taking this out and changing it from one purse to another. SO simple and easy! Even if you don't travel a lot you will love it for daily life (for size reference I chose a medium)! For traveling mine is always loaded up with tons of items and it is the easiest trip in the airports because of how organized it kept things in my purse! Purchase it HERE!
Amazon Sale: $229
Click HERE to Purchase!
Amazon Sale: $15
Click HERE to purchase!
This 9 piece travel set is wonderful as it is carry-on approved and it is a "no leak" set. My other favorite thing? It is BPA free!
We all want that dose of luxury in our homes but, of course, the biggest problem is our budget. It is not just about making our home look luxurious but it has to feel luxurious as well. Let's show you some ways that we can all make our homes look and feel more luxurious.
Using Faux Materials
This is one of the best ways to evoke that luxury look on a modest budget. Materials like cultured marble and blue onyx effect porcelain tiles instantly transform a bathroom into a peaceful oasis. When we utilize faux materials around the house, we can take advantage of that luxury aesthetic.
Character Furniture
While many homes used to be judged as aesthetically pleasing when there was a matching suite of furniture. People's tastes have moved away from matching items around the home, opting for character pieces. This means that you can easily create characters with older items of furniture that you can either upgrade yourself or spend a little bit more on getting something classy. Wood furniture can evoke that sense of rustic-ness, but if you're going for a more luxurious look, you need to decorate by mixing antiques with newer furniture to create a space that is unique to you. When you are using wood furniture, you need to pick different color variations to create a sense of diversity.
Paint a Feature Wall
Feature walls were all the rage a couple of years ago and focal points are always a great talking point. You decorate a feature wall with a mural, but if you're not too arty you can put a few geometric shapes to create a simple and striking aesthetic.
Refresh Your Windows
Lots of people cannot afford to purchase new windows, so the next best thing is to paint the window frames or doors by yourself with popular colors like anthracite. You can find specialist paints that cover up the existing colors for a modest amount. When you refresh those windows and doors and start to think about little ways to refresh other parts of your house, for example, by changing the light fixtures and replacing the handles on cabinets and doors, this can instantly create a more luxurious look for cheap.
Create a Hidden Room
This is a very nifty part of any luxury home. You can incorporate a hidden room into your space without compromising the overall feel of the space. For example, you can divide a room in half with a new wall containing a hidden door. Of course, this isn't feasible in smaller homes but when we start to be more creative, for example, making a hidden room under a staircase, we can tap into our home’s potential, turning it into our dream home.
We all want our home to revoke that sense of luxuriousness. The fact is that we don't need to completely overhaul our home. There are a number of ways to make sure that your home looks and feels like it's got a touch of class.
*contributed post*
Given that accidents can happen anywhere, including at sea, you want to make sure that you have the vital information to deal with an accident that’s not your fault, as well. This can include contacts for legal help such as Dennis Hernandez. You don’t want to be left out there alone with no one to advise or vouch for you if someone else’s negligence leads to your injury.
When you're starting a business, it can be difficult to make it stand out from the competition. With so many businesses out there, it's hard to get noticed. However, there are a few things you can do to make your business stand out and shine above the rest. This blog post will discuss some of the best ways to make your business unique and stand out from the competition!
Offer Unique Products or Services
Creating unique products or services can be a great way to get your business noticed and stand out from the competition. In addition, offering something that other businesses do not have allows your customers to appreciate the value of what you provide. For example, consider offering personalized customer service, custom packages, or even specialized knowledge that can help consumers make informed decisions.
Additionally, make sure there is enough room to expand your offerings and remain competitive in the market. Leverage technology to gain a competitive edge and create innovative products or services that are tailored to the needs of your customers. Doing so will provide them with a better experience, which will ultimately lead to more loyal customers and increased revenue for your business.
Leverage Online Tools
Taking advantage of online tools is another great way to make your business stand out from the competition. For example, consider setting up a website, blog, and social media channels that are all designed to represent your brand's values and mission. This can help you reach more potential customers and build relationships with them in an efficient manner.
Furthermore, there are many other online tools that can be utilized to increase visibility. For example, search engine optimization (SEO) is one of the most effective tools for increasing traffic to your website. At the same time, content marketing allows you to engage with potential customers and demonstrate why your products or services are superior. Additionally, using email newsletters or automated email campaigns can enable you to keep in touch with existing customers and keep them informed of new offerings.
Focus on Customer Service
Having a strong focus on customer service is essential for any business looking to stand out from the competition. Taking time to understand your customers' needs and delivering products or services that meet those needs can help you build long-term relationships with them.
Give Back to the Community
Giving back to the community is a great way to make your business stand out from the competition. Supporting local causes, sponsoring charity events, or even setting up a corporate giving program for those in need are all great ways to show that you care about the community and aren't just focused on profits.
What's more, getting involved with charities can also help build relationships with potential customers and increase brand awareness as well as goodwill. This type of engagement can be beneficial for both your business and the community, which will ultimately lead to increased customer loyalty and revenue growth in the long term.
By following these tips, you can make sure your business stands out from the competition and shines above the rest! Leverage online tools, focus on customer service, and give back to the community to create an enduring brand. Doing so will help you remain competitive in the market and provide your customers with a better experience, leading to more loyal customers and increased revenue for your business.
Finding the perfect gift for your mother can be challenging. Whether it's her birthday, an anniversary, or just to show your love and appreciation, picking a present that truly captures your awe and gratitude can be difficult. But if you put some thought and effort into it, you can quickly think of a gift that will show her how much you value her.
Consider her interests and hobbies
Thinking about your mother's interests and hobbies is the first step in selecting the ideal present for her. If she enjoys cooking, give her a cookbook or a kitchen appliance that she has been eyeing. You can give her a book by her favorite author if she enjoys reading. This will demonstrate that you respect and encourage her passions.
Think about her needs
Taking into account your mother's needs is another way to find a wonderful present for her. You can give her a new purse if she has been complaining about her old, worn-out one. You can give her a set of gardening tools if you know she enjoys gardening. You can demonstrate your concern for her and your desire to make her life easier by giving her a gift that she will appreciate.
Give a special piece of jewelry
Jewelry could be another option for your mother's present. A timeless gift that can be cherished for many years is jewelry. You can pick a necklace, pair of earrings, or bracelet that will match your mother's style in jewelry. Choose her birthstone or have the piece engraved with a meaningful message or her initials to add a special touch. You could give a mother daughter necklace set if the gift is for mother’s day.
Personalize your gift
Every time, a personalized gift is more special than a store-bought one. You can add a special message or have her name engraved on the gift to make it more special. You could give her a photo album with images of the two of you, for instance.
Take her out for a special experience
Gifts do not always need to be tangible objects. By taking her out for a special dinner or spa day, you can give your mother a memorable experience. She will feel special as a result, and it will also produce priceless memories that she will cherish always.
Show your appreciation with a heartfelt note
And finally, one of the most meaningful presents you can give your mother is a heartfelt letter. Include a special memory or moment that you both cherish in the letter, along with your gratitude and love for her. This will demonstrate to her how much you value and care for her.
Finding the perfect present for your mother can be exciting and rewarding. You can show her how much you care by paying attention to her interests and needs and personalizing your gift. Keep in mind that the thought and effort go a long way, and your mother will love any gift you give her from the bottom of your heart.
*contributed post*
Happy Saturday friends! I hope the start to your weekend is going great! It has been over a year since I updated on our move from Tennessee to New York and in many ways that seems absolutely unbelievable. I thought today would be the perfect day to update on our move up to New York as I receive so many questions each day about how things are going, how work is going, how we are settling in, etc. In many ways it is completely surreal that last month marked more a year and a 1/2 since the process really began and a year since we moved again (from Albany to upstate New York). In some ways it seems like just yesterday that I was in Tennessee teaching, that we were looking at Spring Break and yet other times it seems like years because so many things have taken place... time is funny like that- isn't it?
Overall, I would say that we have been met with peace in deep ways as we have moved back to upstate New York. Honestly a peace that is beyond on our understanding because there is still a lot of things that are up in the air and we appreciate prayers for those. A verse that we have continued to believe for and pray over our home, our lives, and this season is from Psalm 37:
Personally there are some things happening in the private areas of life and I definitely covet prayer for them. I am grateful for this community. We rejoice that mom is continuing to heal from her knee surgery and also appreciate your prayers for this as she continues to heal. It is a LONG process and your prayers truly mean a lot. We also appreciate prayers for financial resources as the cost of having to stay after surgery in NY (unexpectedly for over three weeks) ... has been difficult. Thank you.
I am often asked if I miss teaching right now in this unexpected season, I wanted to clarify yes.
