“Yes?”

“Hello. I work for the television show Law & Order. We’re doing some location scouting for some in­terior scenes, and I wonder if you might be willing to let me see your apartment.”

Here was an unexpected request. I live on a lovely block in a historic district, so quite a bit of filming does take place in my neighborhood, but it certainly never occurred to me that someone might consider my humble abode as a location for a TV drama.

I buzzed the man in, and after we introduced ourselves at my front door, I stepped aside to allow him to enter. As he looked around, my mind began to race, thinking of what it might mean if my apartment was chosen for filming.

I had been laid off from my posi­tion at an e-commerce company some months before, and I hadn’t yet had any luck finding a new job. I’d once read that TV shows and movies paid generously to use pri­vate homes for filming. That money would certainly come in handy, as my unemployment insurance was winding down. It all felt serendipitous, even miraculous.

My reverie was abruptly inter­rupted when my visitor received a call on his cell. After chatting quietly for a few moments, he turned to me and said, “I’m sorry to have bothered you. My colleague found an apartment down the street that suits our purposes, and it looks as if we’ll be filming there.”

Was I disappointed? Yes, of course, but I also felt oddly heart­ened by the near miss. I was reminded that blessings are often bestowed just when they’re needed most. In this case, the blessing wasn’t that I would be compensated for the use of my apartment. It was being reminded that blessings large and small await us, though we can’t always guess when or where they will present them­­selves. But they are there for us, and we must endeavor to re­main open to receiving them.

As E. B. White wrote in 1949, “No one should come to New York to live unless he is willing to be lucky.” White might just as well have phrased it “will­ing to be blessed,” and the sentiment is true no matter where one resides.

The post Willing to Be Blessed in New York City appeared first on Guideposts.

The History of Presidents’ Day

Presidents’ Day was established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington’s birthday in February. It was later referred to as Presidents’ Day, to also honor President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday as well (also in February). In the United States, Presidents’ Day always takes place on the third Monday in February. Since its inception, this day has grown to honor all American presidents.

Presidents’ Day Quotes

Celebrate Presidents’ Day with these motivational and inspirational quotes from America’s leaders.

President Quotes About Life

1. Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. —Theodore Roosevelt

2. If wrinkles must be written on our brow, let them not be written on our heart. The spirit should never grow old. —James Garfield

3. Great lives never go out; they go on. —Benjamin Harrison 

4. Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, leave the rest to God. —Ronald Reagan

5. In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years. —Abraham Lincoln

President Quotes About America

6. We came from many roots, and we have many branches. —Gerald Ford

7. The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little. —Franklin D. Roosevelt

8. America lives in the heart of every man everywhere who wishes to find a region where he will be free to work out his destiny as he chooses. —Woodrow Wilson

9. Freedom is the open window through which pours the sunlight of the human spirit and human dignity. —Herbert Hoover

10. We become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams. —Jimmy Carter

President Quotes About Hard Work

11. The harder the conflict, the greater the triumph. —George Washington

12. Accomplishment will prove to be a journey, not a destination. —Dwight D. Eisenhower

13. Try and fail, but don’t fail to try. —John Quincy Adams

14. Peace is a journey of a thousand miles and it must be taken one step at a time. —Lyndon B. Johnson

15. One person can make a difference, and everyone should try. —John F. Kennedy

READ MORE ABOUT PRESIDENTS’ DAY:

• Presidents’ Day Devotion
• Prayer for Presidents’ Day
• 10 Favorite Scriptures of Presidents and Other Great Figures

The post 15 Inspiring Quotes for Presidents’ Day appeared first on Guideposts.

Lent is a holy time of spiritual discipline and connection with God. These 40 days leading up to the Easter season can sometimes be trying, as we each pick something to give up in our lives. We might abstain from chocolate, alcohol, social media, negative thoughts or sarcasm. Whatever we choose, we can use Lenten prayers and inspirational Lent quotes to stay on our faith journey.

Inspirational Lent Quotes

Stay inspired throughout the Lent season with these powerful quotes. Think about what the Lent season means to you and how you will spend it. What will you learn about yourself during Lent? What will you learn about your relationship with God?

• “Even the darkest moments of the liturgy are filled with joy, and Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten fast, is a day of happiness, a Christian feast.” —Thomas Merton
• “Lent is a time of going very deeply into ourselves… What is it that stands between us and God? Between us and our brothers and sisters? Between us and life, the life of the Spirit? Whatever it is, let us relentlessly tear it out, without a moment’s hesitation.” —Catherine Doherty
• “Hold on dear friend, for this is not the end. You have traveled so far and you have worked so hard. Carry on with courage and do not give up. And not because things will be easy but because these seeds you are sowing matter, and they will grow in time, if you do not lose heart.” —Morgan Harper Nichols
• “God refuses to give up, and we who are enlisted to be fellow-workers with God know that the only reason we continue is that death did not have the last word; that Good Friday was not the end of the story.” —Desmond Tutu

Saint Quotes on Lent

Let the wise words of the saints guide you through Lent. Each of them lived lives of devotion and sacrifice. What can we learn from their quotes? Perhaps the act of giving something up can also teach us about the act of giving something back.

• “Nothing great is ever achieved without much enduring.” —Saint Catherine of Siena
• “Do you wish your prayer to fly toward God? Make for it two wings: fasting and almsgiving.” —Saint Augustine of Hippo
• “My whole strength lies in prayer and sacrifice; these are my invincible arms; they can move hearts far better than words, I know it by experience.” —Saint Therese of Lisieux
• “Men lose all the material things they leave behind them in this world, but they carry with them the reward of their charity and the alms they give.” —Saint Francis of Assisi

READ MORE: How to Pray with the Saints

Short Lent Quotes

Need a quick pick-me-up of inspiration during the Lenten season? You might be surprised by how much a short Lent quote can help you. Make the micro habit of placing them somewhere you can see them through all 40 days, like in your daily planner, on a sticky note by your desk, or a notepad next to your bed.

• “O Lord, make this Lenten season different from the other ones. Let me find you again. Amen.” —Henri Nouwen
• “The less we have, the more we give. Seems absurd, but it’s the logic of love.” —Mother Teresa
• “During Lent, let us find concrete ways to overcome our indifference.” —Pope Francis
• “Uproot vices and root values anytime, anywhere and any day.” ―Ifeanyi Enoch Onuoha

Lent Quotes About Fasting

Fasting from whatever we are giving up during Lent can be challenging. Whether you are giving up sugar or spending less time on your cellphone, quotes about fasting can help you stay on track. See if you can stay inspired enough to continue any positive habits you pick up past the Lenten season.

• “Lenten fasts make me feel better, stronger, and more active than ever.” —Catherine of Genoa
• “Keep fresh before me the moments of my high resolve.” ―Howard Thurman
• “There’s something about it that makes sense, Lent. You give something up, and everything’s more joyful.” —Elaine Stritch
• “The Lent period of fasting should be passionately pursued.” ―Lailah Gifty Akita

READ MORE: 10 Inspiring Bible Verses for Fasting

Lent Quotes from the Bible

The 40 days of Lent signify the 40 days that Jesus spent in the wilderness, fasting and resisting temptation. Even though the word “Lent ” is not in the Bible, we can still look to Scripture for comfort and prayer as you move through your own 40 days of sacrifice. May these quotes from the Bible keep you motivated through the Lenten season, from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday.

• “You know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” —James 1:3
• “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” —1 Peter 5:6
• “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” —Matthew 6:33
• “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” —Romans 12:12

READ MORE: 20 More Lent Bible Verses for Reflection and Guidance

READ MORE ABOUT THE LENTEN SEASON:

• Why Sundays Don’t Count During Lent
• 10 Ways to Observe a Green Lent
  
• A Special Lent Devotion
• 20 Unique Lent Gifts
  

The post 20 Beautiful Lent Quotes to Inspire You appeared first on Guideposts.

The hardest thing you’ve ever done
Learning to take care of myself mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. It is a daily practice, with life on life’s terms. Healing is not linear, and we are constantly faced with the lessons we need to learn most. We do this all while trying to maintain balance between what we need and what no longer serves us. We are learning in real time and making adjustments accordingly. Not easy, but worth it!

Your real-life hero
Everyone who fights for another day. We are all going through something. The courage to continue to rise above, learn from your tragedies and allow them to become your triumphs is awe-inspiring.

The occupation you’d pursue if not your current one
Psychologist/therapist. I have always wanted to help people understand the why and how in a healing environment. I believe everything starts in the mind and it can be used for good, once the soil is treated properly.

One thing you do for your spiritual well-being
Pray and meditate. Prayer is when you ask for what you want, and when you meditate you get the answers.

Go-to place to pray or meditate
Anywhere at any time. I maintain constant contact with my higher power, no matter what. I don’t think you have to wait until you’re sitting in the perfect seat or in total silence to focus on the connection, show gratitude or ask for help.

Favorite prayer or Bible verse
The St. Francis Prayer is such a blueprint for living. [“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.”] When we are grateful for what we have, we receive more. Whatever we give, we receive in return. Imagine if we all did that, we would all be taken care of. I truly believe this prayer is so healing.

Early riser or night owl?
Both! Depends on my work schedule.

Favorite comfort food
French fries. I can’t even explain the obsession. I have to try them, no matter where I go, and I am particular. They can’t be too crunchy, salty or skinny.

What’s at the top of your playlist
“Heart Like a Truck,” by Lainey Wilson. I really relate to this one, not that I don’t love all of her music, but I do feel like this line really sums me up: “A little bit of love is all that it’s needing. But it’s good as it is tough. I got a heart like a truck.”

One detail about you that people would find surprising
I am really just so normal. Not a fancy gal at all. I enjoy spending weekends at home. I don’t love dressing up and don’t like wearing shoes.

 What inspired you to write a book for children
I taught preschool and have nine nieces and nephews. I have always understood the value of being heard and loved. That starts early with fostering confidence and self-love. It creates the foundation in which children walk through this world. My partner, Bradley, and I wanted to connect the dots in our book between the foundation of self and a relationship with a higher power.

The children’s book, When I Talk to God, I Talk About You, by Chrissy Metz and Bradley Collins releases February 14, 2023, and is available wherever books are sold.

For more inspiring stories, subscribe to Guideposts magazine.

The post Positive Thinker: Chrissy Metz, Actress, Singer, Author appeared first on Guideposts.

What is Happiness?

Even though it’s a basic human emotion, the subject of happiness can be a tough nut to crack. Merriam-Webster defines happiness as “a state of well-being and contentment.” That’s a short definition that might leave us with more questions than answers. Can happiness quotes give us a better idea?

READ MORE: Thought-Provoking Quotes to Inspire You

What exactly is happiness? How do we find it? Is happiness found within? Is happiness found with others? There are enough questions out there to make us realize happiness might be harder to pinpoint than we thought.

One way we can attempt to understand happiness is by looking at what others have to say about it. Poets, priests, monks and musicians throughout history have tried to explain happiness. Here are some uplifting quotes about happiness to help you understand what happiness is and maybe even find it. May they help you feel your own sense of happiness, whatever that means for you.

Quotes on the Pursuit of Happiness

The U.S. Declaration of Independence states that we have a right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” These four quotes dig deeper into what finding happiness actually means.

• “To increase your happiness… randomly wish for somebody else to be happy.” —Chade-Meng Tan, author and philanthropist
• “Happiness isn’t on the road to anything…happiness is the road.” —Bob Dylan, quoting his grandmother
• “Happiness often sneaks through a door you don’t know you left open!” —Susan J. Decuir, author
• “Of course, it’s not possible to experience constant euphoria, but if you’re grateful you can find happiness in everything.” —Pharrell Williams, singer

READ MORE: 10 Hawaiian Sayings for a Happier Life

Quotes About Happiness from Within

Many poets and philosophers have long told us happiness can only be found within us. Do you agree? Here are four quotes about finding happiness within to help you decide for yourself.

• “Happiness is a product of attitude and thought. It comes from you, not to you.” —Richard Daly, author
• “Happiness for me is peace of mind. Being at peace with myself, at peace with God, at peace with my family.” —Mary J. Blige, singer
• “Happiness floats. It doesn’t need you to hold it down. It doesn’t need anything.” —Naomi Shihab Nye, poet
• “Happiness is knowing there is a God…and being on speaking terms with him.” —Nancy M. Nichols, teacher

Short Happiness Quotes

Sometimes we don’t need a long explanation of what happiness means. We just need a short happiness quote to boost our spirits. Here are four happiness quotes you can easily memorize to keep you inspired throughout the week.

• “It is impossible to be both selfish and happy.” —Joyce Meyer, author and teacher
• “The constant happiness is curiosity.” —Alice Munro, Nobel Prize-winning author
• “Happiness happens when we give it away.” —Max Lucado, author
• “Every single breath I take is happiness.” —Gary Taxali, illustrator

READ MORE: 10 Inspirational Quotes on Unity and Diversity

Happy Quotes for Friday

For many people, Friday and happiness are synonymous. Friday is a time of anticipation for the weekend and appreciation for the chance to rest. Aren’t we constantly showing gratitude to God for Fridays? TGIF: Thank God it’s Friday. Here are four happy quotes for your Friday. Write some at the top of your daily planner or put them at your desk where you can see them.

• “When we work for a bigger purpose, we find an endless supply of happiness at work.” —Jon Gordon, motivational speaker and author
• “Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.” —Jackson Brown, Jr., author
• “Happiness is not the absence of problems, it’s the ability to deal with them.” —Steve Maraboli, author
• “Happiness is a byproduct of an effort to make someone else happy.” —Gretta Brooker Palmer, author

READ MORE ABOUT FINDING HAPPINESS:

• 2 Words to Avoid When Seeking Happiness
• Positive Living—Finding Happiness in Your Community
• The Key to a Happy Life
• How Being a Realist Can Make You Happy

The post 16 Unique Happiness Quotes to Brighten Your Day appeared first on Guideposts.

What are Micro Habits?

Micro habits are small yet meaningful practices that will improve your life when done consistently. They differ from regular habits in that they are simpler, and you can usually do them in a few minutes. But that doesn’t mean they are less impactful. Micro habits can be as simple as stretching for three minutes before work or journaling for five minutes after a hard day. Making positive micro habits and keeping them regularly can be an effective way to improve your life— whether that’s making you happier, healthier, more hopeful, or giving you a sense of purpose.

Benefits of Micro Habits

Why try micro habits? With micro habits, the emphasis is truly on the small. What tiny changes can you add to your daily schedule that will make your day better? How much could your life benefit from doing something positive at least once a day? Benefits of micro habits include:

• They are a productive way to make your everyday life better
• They only take a few minutes out of your day
• You can choose whatever micro habits work with your life
• You can easily add them into your already busy schedule.

No need to upend how you spend your day or throw your calendar out the window. They are simple steps that can be taken within your current daily habits to bring more positivity to your life.

Here are some great examples of micro habits you can start today.

Micro Habits for Success

1. Wake Up Earlier

Setting your alarm for even fifteen minutes earlier than usual can help you get a jump start on your day. You’d be surprised how much adding in that small amount of time makes your mornings more relaxed and productive. What will you spend those extra minutes doing?

2. Make a To-Do List

As you sip your morning coffee or tea, make a short to-do list of what you want to get done that day. Whether you are looking for a productive day of errands and chores, or a relaxing day with rest and recuperation, write out your to-do’s with at least three things. A short list is a great micro habit to keep you on task.

3. Read an Inspiring Story

Reading about other people’s success stories can give us motivation and keep us inspired. Look up stories of people helping people or stories of hope and write down what lessons you can glean from them. Many stories can be read in a matter of minutes, making this a great micro habit. How can you bring important life lessons from these inspiring stories into your own life?

Micro Habits for Mondays

4. Say a Monday Morning Prayer

We all know the slog of a Monday morning. It can be hard to feel positive when the fun-filled weekend is over, and the busy week is ahead of you. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enter Monday with a positive attitude and some effective micro habits. Start your Monday morning off with an uplifting prayer. Show God your gratitude for a weekend of rest and tell Him what you would like to get done this week.

5. Sing a Song

According to Healthline, singing can relieve stress and improve your mood. Start your Monday morning off by singing one of your favorite songs. Be sure it is an upbeat song with inspiring lyrics. You can sing in the shower or in the car on your way to work. Dropping the kids off at school? Have them join in! Healthline also says singing with others can help us feel more connected to each other.

6. Learn Something New

Fostering a sense of wonder can be an amazing way to bring positivity into your life. What better way to do that than by learning something new? Mondays are a great day to commit to this because you may already be feeling motivated for the work week. Pick out the subject that interests you beforehand, like history, art, science, current news, or spirituality. Then research podcasts or online publications that cover the topics. Many of them offer bite-sized content you can quickly listen to or read during your Monday.

Micro Habits for Work

7. Set a Productivity Timer

Having difficulty concentrating at work? Setting a productivity timer will help you focus on the task at hand. You can set that timer for whatever amount of time you have—fifteen minutes, thirty minutes, sixty minutes—and develop the habit of working consistently during that period. Just remember, it’s not a race. The idea is not to work against the clock, but with the clock. Let these minutes be your time to be positive and productive.

8. Set a Break Timer

Much like the previous micro habit, set a break timer for yourself in between your periods of productivity. Taking a mental rest during work is vital to avoiding burnout. An ideal time to do this can be between meetings or after finishing a task. Set that timer and commit to giving yourself a break. Use that time to step away from your work. If your job has you on your feet, take a rest by sitting in a quiet space. If you sit at a desk, get up and walk around.

9. Stretch

No matter what your job is, we can all benefit from a good stretch. Take five minutes out of your workday to do some low impact stretches. Even just rolling your shoulders and stretching your arms above your head can make a difference. Pick times during the day when stretching will be the most effective for you, whether that’s right when you start work, during your lunch break, or at the end of the day.

Micro Habits for Spiritual Growth

10. Pray or Meditate for One Minute a Day

What if we all took one minute out of our day to slow down and connect with something bigger than ourselves? How could this benefit our lives and the world around us? Take some time to pray or do spiritual meditation daily. Find a quiet place to sit, slow your breathing, and close your eyes. Whether you are reaching out to God with your hopes or looking for a moment of peace, doing just one minute of prayer or meditation can improve your entire day.

11. Step Outside

Even if we have jam packed schedules or the weather is too chilly for a long walk, stepping outside for a few minutes can still do wonders. Look up at the sky—at the sunrise, clouds, birds moving overhead, or the sunset. Breathe in the fresh air and try to pinpoint the smells, like flowers, dirt, bonfires, or the salty sea air. Listen to the sound of nature around you, from the wind moving through the leaves to the dulcet melodies of birdsong.

12. Read a Bible Verse

Looking for some spiritual motivation during a long day? Make the micro habit of turning to the Bible for some inspiration. You can pick a beloved verse to revisit and add it to your daily prayer. Or think about something you want to accomplish that day—whether it’s something productive or taking time for rest—and find a piece of Scripture to guide you through it. Try opening the Bible once a day to a random page and seeing what words God has in store for you.

Micro Habits for Happiness

13. Laugh at Least Once a Day

What you choose to do during your day to day will have an impact on your happiness. Take a few minutes out of your day to laugh at least once. You can do this by calling up a friend to tell them a funny story, reaching out to a family member to reminisce about something hilarious that happened, or even looking up videos of animals doing funny things. The laughs are out there, you just need to make the micro habit of finding them.

14. Text a Friend

As we find happiness in our own life, what can we do to bring happiness to others? Take two minutes out of your day to text a friend and tell them how much you care about them. List out how they have had a positive effect on your life. You’ll be surprised how much this micro habit will bring a smile to their face, and your own. Nothing creates happiness faster than spreading it.

15. Count Your Blessings

Gratitude is an important part of feeling happier in our daily life. Pick a time during the day to make a list of the blessings in your life. You can do it in the morning before your day, or at night before you go to sleep. Keep the list nearby and add to it as you go. Return to the list and reflect on it when you need a pick-me-up. You can even use a gratitude journal to guide your feelings of thankfulness all year long.

Micro Habits for Good Sleep

16. Make Tea

As you wind down for the evening, pick up a mindful practice that will help your mind wind down. Making tea can be a great way to do this. As you take a teacup out of the cabinet and open the tea package, focus on your movements, and calm your breathing. Say a quick prayer as you wait for the water to boil. As you let the tea steep, watch the tea leaves blend with the water. Choose a tea with no caffeine that promotes a sense of calm. Many teas only take a few minutes to steep, so this is a great micro habit before bed.

17. Read One Chapter

Many people try to take up the habit of reading in bed. According to Healthline, reading a book before going to bed can ease stress, help with insomnia, and improve the quality of your sleep. Unfortunately, between cleaning up after dinner, preparing for the next day, tucking the kids in, and brushing our teeth, that habit sometimes doesn’t happen. So, take on the micro habit of reading just one chapter in bed. Even just five minutes of reading before you sleep can make a difference.

18. Relax Your Body One Muscle at a Time

Sometimes when we finally let our heads hit the pillow, our body is still on high alert from a busy day. As you lie in bed, take a few minutes to turn your focus on your body. Mindfully relax each of your muscles, starting from your toes and slowly moving up toward your head. If you find your mind drifting away from the practice, simply bring your attention back to your body and pick up where you left off. This micro habit can be done in a few minutes, all while you are lying down.

You may be finishing this list thinking, “how can just a few minutes bring more positivity into my life?” It’s all about how you spend those minutes. If you commit to doing something to improve your life, whether that is stretching, praying, or making a calming cup of tea, those minutes could be the most important part of your day. And you’ll be surprised how long those minutes will end up feeling. That’s the beauty of micro habits! They don’t require much of your time, yet they can still have a big impact on your life.

READ MORE WAYS TO START HABITS THAT IMPROVE YOUR LIFE:

• 12 Positive Habits and How to Keep Them
• To Start a New Habit, Do This First
• 6 Positive Habits for Your New Marriage

The post 18 Best Micro Habits to Improve Your Life in Minutes appeared first on Guideposts.

I mean, who finds delight in experiencing difficult situations? It goes against the grain to say, “God, I thank You for this horrible health diagnosis.” or “Lord, I thank You that I lost my job and finances are so tight that I don’t know how I’m going to make the house payment.”

I’ve been going through a long period of health problems, and I’ll be honest—I’ve done my share of whining, complaining and asking God why we can’t find the answers to what’s wrong with me. But He’s given me some new gratitude insights recently, and I want to share them with you. Here are 5 short prayers and reasons for thanking God:

1.  Lord, I thank You for trusting me enough to give me this situation.

God has a purpose and a plan for every moment of our lives. My prayer is that I will respond to the situation with a Christ-like attitude, and that others also will see that God is “enough” for every situation.

Read More: 10 Ways to Boost Your Mood

2.  Father, I’m grateful for what You will teach me through this difficult time.

There’s something about going through a trial that makes us learn things we wouldn’t learn otherwise.

3.  God, thank You for how this will mature me spiritually. 

This is an opportunity to learn patience and acceptance for God’s plan for me—even if it’s not the one I’d choose. Lord, draw me closer to You. 

4.  Lord, thank You for how this difficult situation will help me know You more intimately.

Hard times do wonders for our prayer lives and lead us to spend more time in God’s Word as we seek comfort and guidance. And it’s often in those moments that we’ll see Him in ways we’ve never seen Him before, when we’ll feel His presence hovering close.

5.  Father, I thank You for how I can take what I’ve learned through these difficult days and use it for You.

None of our life experiences goes to waste. God can use all of them if we’ll let Him. Whether it’s a hug, taking time to pray with a hurting friend, giving a monetary gift to someone who needs it or sharing how God was faithful to us when we needed Him, we can help comfort others because of what we’ve lived through.

God, we thank You for being with us through difficult days. Help us look for the blessings in the hard times and help us to be faithful to serve You no matter what circumstances we face. Amen.

The post 5 Reasons to Thank God for Difficult Days appeared first on Guideposts.

READ MORE: When Buzz Aldrin Took Communion on the Moon

READ MORE: NASA Captures Some Angelic Constellations

The post 10 Inspiring Quotes from NASA Astronauts appeared first on Guideposts.

“No, I’m crabby!” I said. “I stepped in dog poop this morning. I had 62 emails waiting for me at work. I ordered no sour cream on my taco at lunch and guess what? Mouthful of sour cream. The driver in front of me was going 10 miles an hour all the way home. And I’ve had toothpaste on my sweater all day.”

Nick cracked a smile. “Is that all?” he joked. “You’re a glass-half-empty kind of person, aren’t you?”

I opened my mouth to object, then stopped. At 29, I was the assistant director in the giving department at the University of Idaho. In love with a good man who was in love with me. But if I was honest with myself, I was consumed with grumpiness, pessimism and stress on the best of days.

Nick, an electrician, was the opposite. Even a day spent maneuvering through spider-infested crawl spaces and 120-degree attics never seemed to sour his mood.

“I can be pretty negative,” I said, as tough as it was to admit.

“Shouldn’t your faith help you with that?” Nick said.

This time his question was sincere. I’d been talking to him about the importance of faith. But he’d seen right through me.

“You’re right,” I said. “I need to work on that.”

Since that day, I’ve made a conscious effort to be more positive, more grateful, to truly live my beliefs. Small steps that anyone can do. Let me show you what I mean.

Give thanks daily

I excelled at identifying things that weren’t going right, many having to do with my two dogs: Lucy, a boisterous puppy, and Charlie, a three-year-old with health issues. But counting my blessings? Not so much.

A few days after my conversation with Nick, I was taking my morning shower. Despite a double dose of conditioner, my hair remained a tangled mess. Soapy water pooled at my feet, the drain semi-clogged. “Off to another great start,” I muttered.

Then I heard Nick in my head. I stopped grumbling and let the shower spray warm me. It was soothing, washing away my annoyance.

“Thank you, God, for clean water,” I said. Something I took for granted. “Thank you for my family,” I continued. “For my dogs. For my old Audi, which is still running. For my health, my job and Nick—especially for Nick.”

Afterward, I found myself looking forward to getting to the office, chatting with my coworkers, digging into those emails.

In the next morning’s shower, I gave thanks for more specific things. The potato chip meat loaf I planned to cook for dinner. The vanilla bean lotion I’d bought the day before. A coworker who’d passed along positive feedback from a donor. I committed to thanking God for something new each day during my shower. I was worried I’d run out of things to mention, but the more gratitude I expressed, the more I found to be grateful for.

Take time-outs

Plenty of things still annoyed me, like the day I picked up Lucy from the vet after surgery. “No running or jumping for two weeks,” the vet had instructed. On the way home, Lucy pinballed around the back seat. I rolled down the window, hoping a little fresh air would calm her down. Instead, she started yelping, loud enough for other drivers to notice.

Finally home, Lucy proceeded to pee on the carpet, then the couch. I wanted to scream, “Can anything else go wrong today?” Instead, I took a time-out. I closed my eyes and breathed deeply. It took only a minute for my aggravation to leave me.

The world wasn’t ending. Lucy’s surgery had been a success. I had the week off work to care for her. I got my spray bottle of stain remover, and soon everything was clean. I curled up on the couch, Lucy next to me. Not even her cone of shame or the damp cushion under my feet could spoil the moment.

Surround yourself with Scripture

As a teenager, I loved reading the Bible, but I’d let the habit lapse. I decided to start every day on a positive note, with Scripture. I set my alarm 15 minutes earlier. I stayed in bed and read, so I wouldn’t disturb the dogs. The stillness alone helped me feel closer to God.

I focused on verses about gratitude, joy and peace and used them as pick-me-ups whenever I felt myself feeling a little down. I wrote 1 Thessalonians 5:16 in my planner, a reminder to be joyful always. I jotted Colossians 3:15 on a note card and set it in my car’s center console. It prompted me to let peace rule my heart whenever I got stuck in traffic. Reading Psalm 118:24 on a bookmark before bed encouraged me to come full circle, ending my day with rejoicing.

Encourage others

My coworker Dave exudes joy. He’s always positive. Always encouraging the people around him. I told Dave once how much I admired him. “What’s your secret?” I asked.

Dave thought for a moment. “I guess I try to think of others more than I do myself,” he said. Good advice, but I couldn’t flip a switch and be naturally outgoing the way Dave was. I’m an introvert, better at putting my thoughts down in writing. Maybe I could work with that.

I bought a jumbo pack of greeting cards. Each week I wrote and sent cards of encouragement and appreciation, starting with close friends and family, then distant relatives, friends I hadn’t talked to in years, the front office staff at the vet.

I wrote a letter to my childhood best friend Karla’s mom, Pam, who’d been like my second mom. We hadn’t been in touch in almost 10 years. I included photos of me, Nick and the dogs.

A couple weeks later, I was delighted to find a letter from Pam in my mailbox, with an update on her life, including her adoption of a puppy. She gave me Karla’s new phone number. I messaged Karla that evening. We spent hours reminiscing. With just one small gesture, I’d regained two friendships. I made sure to thank Dave. In person.

Use positive reinforcement

Potty training Lucy was a nightmare. After she soiled the carpet for the fourth time in one day, I screamed, “You’ll never learn! This will never get better!” Lucy tucked her tail between her legs and wouldn’t look at me. Then I remembered the dog training advice I’d heard hundreds of times: Use positive reinforcement. I wasn’t such a fast learner myself, was I?

I changed my tone. “You’ll get the hang of it, Lucy,” I said in an upbeat voice. “This will get better.” It didn’t. For weeks. Still, I praised her for the slightest improvement. One day, she walked to the back door and stood there. “You want to go out?” I asked. I opened the door, and she trotted into the backyard, squatted and looked at me as if to say, “See? I’m doing it!”

“Good girl!” I said, scratching her head and giving her a few treats. Sure, there were more accidents, but I encouraged her instead of scolding. Every time she did her business outside, I lavished her with praise. I used the same technique on myself (minus the head scratches and treats, of course). Rather than berating myself when I backslid into negativity, I said, “I am becoming more joyful. I can do this.” Repeating these affirmations lifted my spirits and gave me more determination to keep trying.

A few months after I committed to being more positive, I noticed drops of oil on the garage floor. I took my beloved 2007 Audi A4 to the mechanic.

“I’ve got some bad news,” he told me. The repairs would cost more than the car was worth. It was time to say goodbye. I was heartbroken.

“I’m so sorry,” Nick said when I told him about the Audi. “Try not to stress about it.”

“It’s okay,” I said. “I’ve enjoyed seven great years in that car—with almost as many speeding tickets.”

Nick looked surprised for a second, then wrapped his arm around me.

I leaned into his hug. He’d noticed my glass was half-full, even though I hadn’t told him how hard I’d been working on my attitude makeover.

“I’ll help you look for your next car,” he said, adding with a chuckle, “as long as you don’t drive it as fast as you drove your Audi.”

I laughed and said, “I need to work on that.”

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Even more than 50 years later, Barbara Eden is associated with the character she played on the popular 1960s sitcom I Dream of Jeannie, but her career has been much more varied than that. Here are 14 things you to know about this talented actress:

1. Eden was born Barbara Jean Morehead on August 23, 1931, in Tucson, Arizona, and raised in San Francisco.

2. Eden first performed in public when she sang solos with the choir at church. She soon was singing with local bands and studying at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and the Elizabeth Holloway School of Theatre.

3. A member of Actor’s Equity at 16, Eden was named Miss San Francisco in 1951.

4. In 1955, Eden became a semi-regular on Johnny Carson’s half-hour variety show and from there, her career took off.

5. By the time I Dream of Jeannie premiered in 1965, Eden was already a veteran performer, having starred for two seasons on the syndicated TV series, How to Marry a Millionaire, and guested on more than 20 other shows, including I Love Lucy, Father Knows Best, Gunsmoke, Perry Mason and The Andy Griffith Show.

6. Eden had also appeared in more than 20 feature films, including Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? (1957), Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (1961) and Flaming Star (1960) with Elvis Presley.

7. In the half-century since Jeannie‘s five-run came to an end, she starred for a season on Harper Valley P.T.A., a series spun off from a popular movie of the same name that she also starred in. She also appeared in more than two dozen TV movies and a handful of feature films and has been an in-demand headliner at resorts and casinos in Las Vegas, Atlantic City and Lake Tahoe and on concert stages across the country.

8. Eden has also kept busy in touring stage productions, from The Sound of Music to Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Love Letters (with her Jeannie costar Larry Hagman), and the female version of The Odd Couple.

9. Eden is also an author, having published her memoir, Jeannie Out of the Bottle, in 2011 and a children’s book, Barbara and the Djinn, in 2021.

10. In 1967, Eden released Miss Barbara Eden, an album of pop recordings.

11. Eden has faced her share of challenges. She’s experienced two divorces, a stillborn child followed by postpartum depression that she feels led to the end of her second marriage and the accidental death of her adult son, Matthew, from a heroin overdose.

Through it all, though, she has remained positive. As she as told TV host Larry King the year after Matthew’s death, “I happen to have a faith in God, of a higher power, whatever you want to call it.

“I think we’re put on this earth for a reason and it is to be productive. It’s not to sit and do nothing. I think probably I will always hurt. But you really have a responsibility to people around you to get going, to put one foot in front of the other, as I said before, and to try to do something creative and productive for the world. You know, life is a gift. And, yes, I lost my son and I love him dearly. I have to do something that he’d be proud of me for.”

12. Eden is perfectly content with her enduring association with the bubbly 2,000-year-old genie. She told People magazine, “She’s easy to live with. She really is. I like her a lot.”

13. Eden knows how richly she has been blessed and she endeavors to give back, devoting time and energy to a variety of charities, including American Cancer Society, the Make-a-Wish Foundation, the March of Dimes, Save the Children, and Childhelp USA. During the Persian Gulf War, Eden performed with Bob Hope to entertain the troops, followed by an eight-day USO tour during the holiday season.

14. Eden has no plans to retire. As she told People, “I will be kicking along until they kick me out. That’s what keeps my energy up. I love to work.”

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It’s no surprise to learn that sports psychologists are being called in to support people in fields ranging from the military to business to health care and even the performing arts. 

The techniques that come from “performance science,” as sports psychology is sometimes called, are not meant to address mental health challenges like clinical anxiety or depression. But for the stressors of life and for the goals of increasing positivity, resilience and self-confidence, the field has a lot to offer.

“When people feel they have mastery over themselves—over their minds, bodies, emotions, energy—their mental health and lives feel more in control,” Lennie Waite, a former Olympic athlete and a sport and performance psychology specialist recently told Women’s Health magazine. 

Waite offers a number of approaches that anyone can use to benefit from sports psychology’s positive mindset. Here are three that might energize and inspire you today.

1) Pay Attention to Your Breathing
Intentional breathing is a calming practice you can do anywhere, anytime. Specifically, making your exhales longer than your inhales signals the brain to calm down, focus and lower your body’s reactivity to stressors big and small. 

Swimmers practice this by breathing in deeply and then exhaling gradually until they feel they have to inhale again. Elongated breaths create space—space your mind and body can use to find helpful ways to cope with stress and move forward with positivity.

2) Try a “Pre-Performance Ritual”
Athletes prepare for competition in a number of ways, from laying out their uniforms just so, to giving themselves a mirror pep-talk, to doing a set of movements that pump them up to perform their best. Waite recommends a pre-performance ritual that involves visualization. 

Whether you’re prepping for an actual athletic competition, a challenging conversation or a fun-but-energy-heavy activity like a family reunion, visualize how you hope the event will go. And get specific—check in with all five of your senses to imagine in a holistic way how you will feel in the best-case scenario. This technique bolsters your confidence and inner peace as you enter into an experience—any experience.

3)  Practice Gratitude—Out Loud
Athletes know the power and joy that comes from feeling the support and love of a cheering crowd. And with high-fives, applause and other good-sport habits, they have numerous ways to express congratulations and appreciation for teammates and opponents alike. It’s a healthy habit that can benefit you wherever you are.

Cheer on your friends and family members in any situation. Tell them what you appreciate and admire about them. And—perhaps most importantly of all—be grateful for yourself, your efforts, your resilience and your commitment to doing your best to grow, learn and act in ways that serve your positive goals.

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Best advice you’ve ever gotten Advice from my mother: “When you don’t know what to do and are a crossroad, pray for wisdom!” I have learned that she was absolutely right. Godly wisdom is the power you are blessed with to get the right answer as to what you should do when you do not know what to do.

Real-life hero Wow! I have so many real-life heroes that it is hard to pick just one person. My greatest hero is easy: He is a carpenter from Galilee who changed the world by his mission and message. His name is Jesus. Another hero would be Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who lived out the principles of Jesus, to turn the other cheek and to share the power of love even when he knew it could cost him his life. Few people are really willing turn the other cheek and love people who are hateful to them.

In terms of the living, I have been blessed for almost two decades to have some of the greatest people on the planet on my SiriusXM show. Coach Tony Dungy, Bill Marriott, CBS sportscaster James Brown, T. D. Jakes, Gladys Knight, Bishop Marvin Winans, John Maxwell, Les Brown, Pastor Wintley Phipps, Wally “Famous” Amos, radio host Delilah.

All my guests share intimate details of the struggles they had and the great obstacles they had to overcome in order to achieve their goals. If I had pick one living real-life hero, I would have to say Les Brown, because of his willingness to give to others without expecting anything in return. I have seen him give and give and give—and have been the recipient of his giving spirit, by all the times he has talked about me in his speeches.

Song at the top of your playlist “Because He Lives.” I love that song! It was the song I sang at The Crystal Cathedral the first time I spoke there because it always blesses me. Another is “Lord, You’re Holy,” by Christian Sonic at the Family Worship Center, which was sent to me by a prayer partner, and I listen to it daily and praise Him each and every time!

Favorite Bible verse Psalm 34. “I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth….”

Occupation you would pursue if not your current one No such thing! I am doing what I love to do and what I was made to do. I believe “when you live your making, you will make a living and make a difference!” I cannot imagine doing anything but what I am doing or have done in preparation for what I am doing.

One thing you do daily for your spiritual well-being Ride my bicycle! And one of my greatest joys is to ride to Rock Creek Park in Washington, D.C., and sit by the water and read my favorite Scriptures! Awesome!!!

One question you wish an interviewer would ask “What was your biggest mistake?” And the answer is not listening to my mother as a teenager and thinking I knew more than she knew. Big mistake!

Go-to place to pray As stated earlier, Rock Creek Park by the water.

Early riser or night owl? I used to be a night owl when I was in the entertainment business, but once I decided to pursue the goal of becoming a positive messenger via speaking, writing and media, I changed my life and started going to bed earlier and waking up earlier.

Favorite comfort food Asian food—Chinese, Japanese (sushi) and Thai.

One detail about you that people would find surprising Around the house, I am very quiet. People ask my son, “What is it like when you are at home with your dad? Your dad must be talking to you all the time, huh?” And his response is, “Nope! Around the house he is very quiet.” His mom is the big talker around the house!

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