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E. RELAX, HAVE FUN, AND ENJOY LIFE

39. Take a Nice, Hot Bath.
If you like bubble bath, special soaps, or candles, indulge yourself. This quiet time is great for your spirit and your brain. We all crave a bit of serenity, and in this hectic world, it is a rare commodity. A tub can be a wonderful place to read (just not a library book). Your muscles will love it, and so will your blood pressure.

40. Climb into Bed Early and Watch a Movie.
Make popcorn, pile up the pillows and relax. If you want to, you can let your kids join you for a family movie. How about a comedy? Just don't make it too scary; since you'll want to sleep sometime.

41. Use or Display Your Good China, Heirlooms and Treasures Daily.
Are your most beautiful and special things packed away? Do you use them only on special occasions? Why not use them daily and really enjoy them? So what if they get broken? They won't do you any good packed in your attic. If you are always putting off the special things in life, you might miss the opportunity ever to experience them at all. Surrounding yourself with beautiful things will lift your spirits, and remind you that your life is a special occasion.

42. Make Time to Take Up a Hobby or Be Creative.
Make birdhouses, draw, play music, learn a language, build models, doodle, take a class, take up a sport, try out for local theater, write poetry, make mosaics, rebuild old cars, string beads. Some adult education classes cost $10 or less. Everyone has a hidden talent. Developing it is cheaper than therapy and a lot more fun. Consider joining a club for your hobby or interest. It's a great way to meet people, too.

43. READ, READ, READ!!!
Mysteries, novels, self-help books, inspirational books, humor, travel, poetry, adventure. There is a book for every age, taste, level, and person on this planet. If you are already a reader, then you know how great it is. If you aren't, then you simply have not found the right type of book. Books relax you and transport you to another world right in your own living room. Hooray for books!


44. Did Someone Turn You Off to Reading?
The old school approach to reading could have killed anyone's love of it. Boring, tedious, and difficult books do not inspire reading. If you were a slow reader or felt pressured, you certainly wouldn't have learned to love books. So deprogram yourself, starting today. Start with an easy, funny, or exciting book. Pick a subject you enjoy. Give yourself all the time in the world, and start to read for pleasure. Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton was one of the first books that turned me on to pleasure reading. Dave Barry's Guide to Guys is fast and funny, too.

45. Beautify Your Home.
Your home should give you a lift, boost your spirits, and express your uniqueness. It is a very important refuge and anchor for you (and your family) in these hectic times. Let it reflect your sense of style and the colors you like. Even if you are on a budget, you can paint the walls, hang up some curtains, and put up some art or posters. You can find lots of great stuff at garage sales. Look at books and magazines for ideas, or ask a creative friend to help if you're lost. "Interior Motives," hosted by Christopher Lowell on the Discovery Channel, is full of clever tips.

46. Move Your Furniture.
This will give you an instant change and won't cost you a penny---unless, of course, you throw your back out---so be careful.


47. Create an Outdoor Retreat.
Whether you have a tiny deck or you have ten acres, set up a spot with a comfy chair or two, a small table, and a few flowers or plants. Take your coffee, soda, journal, paper, or book outside. Soak up the day. Give yourself permission to relax. If we pay a lot of money to go on a vacation just to sit around by the pool or beach, then why can't we enjoy an afternoon at our own home for free? Tip: Many of the bigger chain stores carry reasonably priced vinyl Adirondack chairs, and other outdoor furniture.


48. Get Outdoors into Nature.
Nature is a natural destresser. Go out to the woods, lake, or sea. Go for a picnic in a park, take a walk, sit under a tree. Go anyplace where it is not too crowded and noisy. Let your mind wander away from everyday problems.


49. Go Camping.
Camping refreshes your spirit. Being surrounded by natural beauty from morning to night and the relaxed pace can transform anyone who will surrender to just being. If you are a high-strung control freak, you will probably consider camping torture, but chances are you will benefit from it more than anyone else. It takes about three days to get used to having no TV, computer, phone, etc. You will slowly start to unwind and relax, and soon you will find yourself just sitting in a chair and not missing any of it. Many kids will go through withdrawal from the TV, but after a few days, they will become camping converts. Kids love to roast marshmallows and sticks. A campfire is great for this. Camping is also great for stargazing When else do you get out into the night air? It takes some practice to learn about tents and stoves and other camping details, but after a few tries you'll become an expert. Family bonding magically happens in nature.


50. Plant a Garden.
Working in the garden or yard is very therapeutic. It doesn't matter if your garden is ornamental or vegetable, big or small. Just the acts of digging, raking, and tending take your mind off daily problems. You can get creative and start to add paths, ponds, fences, decks, benches, art, birdhouses, bat-houses, etc. Rocks are a wonderful feature, too. The wonder of nature can reveal itself to you in your own mini-universe, which unfolds every time you work with plants. Container garden-ing is just as satisfying. If you feed the hummingbirds, get advice from the experts, as feeders can become contaminated.

51. Stretch a Bit.
We all get in a rut; it's invigorating to try something new. Re-invent yourself. Try a new food or restaurant. Get a new haircut or glasses. Take up in-line skating. Teach yourself to use tools and make some of your own repairs. Build. Try on some new ideas. Don't stereotype or limit yourself. You are capable. Become empowered.


52. Who Cares If You Have a Messy Kitchen?
Clean is nice, but don't let it rule your life. Reading to your kids is more valuable. Establish priorities for a full life. Don't let the business of maintaining your life become your whole life.


53. Enjoy the Trip.
When traveling as a family, make the journey fun and also part of the vacation. Play music loud and sing. Kids love Disney soundtracks. Play a different one for each trip. Stock up on yummy drinks and treats. Play animal guessing games. Make stops along the way to eat or see something interesting. In this busy world, it is rare to get all your family together in one place. Enjoy it!


54. Start Your Own Traditions.
Create your own special occasions. Have an annual Christmas luncheon for all your friends. Throw a beach party. Have a ladies' (or gentlemen's) night out. Have a family reunion with your siblings every year. Serve Thanksgiving dinner in September. Ask your friends what they do. Borrow their ideas.


55. Pamper Yourself.
Get a manicure. Take a nap. Get your car washed. Treat yourself to a latte. Buy a new pen. Look at funny greeting cards and buy a few to send later. Take a walk. Visit a museum. Write a letter. Read an inspirational book. Write in your journal. Buy some beautiful flowers. You deserve it. What do you do for your own enjoyment?


F. RELATIONSHIPS

56. Do Not Expect Others to Bring You Happiness.
All by yourself, you are a complete and perfect creation. All the answers you need are within you. Do your spirit work. Nurture, cherish, honor, and feed your spirit. Another person cannot fill a hole in your soul that exists if you do not love yourself. Reach out to help others. Extend love to them. Give, and you will receive.

57. Make Friends and Be a Friend.
Don't sulk because your friends don't call. Everyone is busy. Call them; they will really appreciate it. Make different kinds of friends. And they don't have to be friends with each other. Join a book club, PTA, church group, sport, volunteer group. Just get out there and meet people.


58. Extend Yourself (Go Out of Your Way for Others).
Call someone who is lonely or sad. Take a friend to lunch. Bring flowers to someone. Open the door when a person needs help. Let someone go in front of you in the market when they are in a hurry. Stop for pedestrians. Be patient and considerate. Don't take it personally when another person is a grump . . . maybe they just got bad news or they are sick. Be the good guy. You'll love yourself.


59. Be Friendly and Kind to Teenagers.
Teenagers are unfairly treated by the media. Most of them are just little kids in really loud, big bodies. Because their bodies are growing and changing so fast, they often feel depressed, confused and out of control. Teens need more love and reassurance than any other age group, yet as a society, we treat them like they have some contagious disease. They don't want to be teenagers . . . that's just life. So why not show them some support? Give them the benefit of the doubt. Be pleasant to them. Say hello, and give them a smile or kind word. Most of these kids are really wonderful even with a nose ring. One more thing; when your little, darling six-year-old son or granddaughter is sixteen, would you like them to be treated inconsiderately?

60. Do Not Gossip.
We all do stupid things. Your importance is not increased when you belittle another. Gossiping is petty, hurtful and low. Try doing something nice for someone else instead. You'll feel better about yourself.


61. Do Not Carry a Grudge.
Generally speaking, most of the bad things people do to one another are just a little thoughtless or careless. Some people are on automatic pilot and do not even realize that they have hurt another. Most of the time, it is probably not intentional. Do not take it to heart. Be the bigger person; sometimes you can actually end up becoming friends. Realize that you have done dumb things before, too. In any case, it is destructive to your own peace of mind to carry negative thoughts around in your heart. They will eat away at you, and eventually, you will pay a dear price.


62. Look Out for Toxic People.
You know the type. They complain, are negative in their outlook, are unkind, depressed, mean, and self-centered. They will suck the joy right out of you, and you can't fix them. They are the only ones who can resolve their issues. Protect your own well-being by avoiding their destructive and negative energy. Don't be a victim.


63. You Cannot Solve Other People's Problems.
People will come to you with their tales of woe. You can offer them kindness or be a sounding board for them, but they are really the only ones who can solve things for themselves. You cannot travel their journey for them; we must each walk our own path.


64. Do Not Let Another Person Crush Your Spirit.
Some people are hostile, negative or angry all the time. If you live or work with someone like this, it can destroy your spirit. You begin to feel hopeless and defeated. You deserve better. Do not let these people trick you into thinking that you are the cause of their difficulties. Negative people need to take ownership of their own emotional baggage, problems, and issues. You have a right to be happy. You deserve it. You will reflect God's grace when you are happy. You will spread joy and radiate love. Don't let anyone take that away from you.


65. Keep Your Own Free Will.
We all have responsibilities and obligations. We can't always do exactly what we want or get our own way. Some of this is good because we are growing and learning how to cope. But if you feel your own needs are never being met, or you are feeling devalued, or if you have to give in to another's wishes more than to your own, then that relationship is probably destructive to you. You do not deserve to be mistreated by anyone.


66. Look Beyond a Person's Actions and Try to See Their Goodness
Some people are hurting and sad, and they act like jerks. Most people don't want to act jerky; in fact, they probably hate it and themselves. If you can see that spark of goodness in them, then you will be free of being hurt by them. Can you reach out to them with kindness and see how far it gets you? Maybe there is a wonderful person inside of them struggling to get out, and you just might help open that door. (Note: If a person is abusive to you, that is not okay. Leave that situation immediately.)


67. Don't Let Anger Take Over in an Argument.
You'll regret what you say; and you will resolve nothing. Everyone will shut down. So keep a cool head. If necessary, detach yourself. Don't take anything personally, and try to reach a resolution or compromise. "When anger enters, reason flies out the window." (JE)


68. Women: Don't Expect Men to Think Like You.
They can't. Don't take it personally.

69. Tips for Men about Women.
Women love to talk and analyze. Force yourself to talk to the woman in your life. Make conversation. Try not to shut down or leave when you feel uncomfortable or upset. Talk about it; don't be so afraid of your feminine side. Having a macho attitude does not work as well as being better balanced. Hint: Women love to receive flowers. (They don't have to be roses. Most women like all flowers.)

70. Have People Over.
We're all so busy that we don't entertain much anymore, but we need to maintain our friendships. We all need a support system and friends provide this. So have a potluck once in awhile. Everyone else will thank you for the effort, but they actually will be bringing all the food! It's not that hard.