Your Partner Should Make You Laugh

A key all successful relationships seem to share is laughter.  When I see people who love each other, I notice that both make the other sparkle and usually laugh most of the time.  That's not to say great relationships can't be serious at times - of course.  But humor is the glue.

My husband just returned from Chicago and I've been really missing him.  When he arrived at 2a.m., I couldn't see him because it was dark.  We laughed in the dark and told each other some stories we couldn't wait to share and promptly fell back to sleep.

In that time I laughed more than I had in the four days he was gone.  Yes sir, laughter is so important!

Copyright 2010 Heather Corwin

Feng Shui

Feng Shui is the ancient art of energy flow in space begun in China about 3,000 years ago.  Basically, Feng Shui posits that depending on what type of person you are, where you live, the direction of all entrances and exits, clutter, and flow all determine your quality of life.  Whether or not you believe in Feng Shui, there is something to be said for the tranquility result after applying even one or two simple ideas inspired by this art.

For example, clutter does not allow the mind to function well.  The idea is that clutter in your space is a reflection of the mind.  In order for your mind to work well, clearing the clutter is imperative.  Another example is placing your bed in a direction that does not stop flow into the room.  When you enter your bedroom (or any room for that matter), you want to sigh with happiness.  Does your space do that?

Another simple addition to your space might be a small fountain.  The four elements are very important in Feng Shui - and water is cooling for the fiery crazy-making that is a part of most of our days. 

Does your life and space flow? 

Copyright 2010 Heather Corwin

Are You Where You Want to Be?

I was lucky enough to grow up in the same house with many of the same friends in the same community - and I liked those people and that place.  Not everyone has this experience.  Now, as an adult, I'm the only one of the three children who has moved to live in other parts of the United States who has yet to return to Chicago to live permanently - and I don't think I will be doing that in the future (near or far).

So what questions do I ask myself to make sure I'm in the right place?

• When I wake up, am I glad to be here?
• Do I have access to the things I love to do here?
• Does my home feel serene to me?
• Do I have enough friends who I can call in need who I feel would come running?
• Do people in my community value what I do?
• Do I feel a part of a community?
• Is there somewhere else I think I would be happier?

The last question is a trick question.  I think it's always easy to fantasize about places as you would like for them to be rather than as they are.  However, without asking this question along with the others, I don't think I would be as happy as I am (minus traffic - GUH), nor would I be as clear about the elements I love in my life so I can be sure to incorporate those things throughout my life.

How's your life going?

Copyright 2010 Heather Corwin

Happy Monday!

As my husband and I reconfigure our home to accommodate some changes we've been looking forward to, it makes me think about that time of year when it's best to clear our stuff you haven't used to make room for new things that you will use.  Some people call this Spring cleaning, I call it the Annual Toss. 

Once every year I think it's important to go through what you have to determine
a) if you used it in the past year
b) if you will ever use it
and
c) what organization to donate these elements to - don't wait for a garage sale!

For clothes, if I haven't worn it in over a year, chances are I won't.  The only exception is really fancy clothes because I don't have that many and I don't go to that many fancy affairs. 

Is it time for you to do an annual toss?  One man's trash is another man's treasure.  Give some treasure away!!!!

Copyright 2010 Heather Corwin

Comfort Food

When I'm really stressed and really want a delectable treat that's not THEE most healthy for me, I go to wheat noodle Kraft Macaroni and Cheese.  To add finesse, I incorporate a chef's favorite: peas and carrots.  Who can resist?

If I'm not well, I go for Kraft singles in grilled cheese (on a healthy multi-grain bread) with some creamy tomato soup.  That's a personal favorite!

And if I'm missing my mother, I make her rice casserole with 1 stick of butter melted in a casserole dish with 1 cup of long grain rice (at 375), after 20 minutes I add two cans of beef consume, 1 small can of drained mushrooms, and one small white onion chopped.  Cover and cook for 40 minutes. Uncover and cook 20 minutes more until top is browned.  Amazing!

What's your favorite comfort food?

Copyright 2010 Heather Corwin

Headaches? A Natural Remedy

I was visiting my Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Deborah Gleisner, and mentioned I have suffered headaches and migraines much of my life.  She told me that soaking my feet in hot water increases the circulation in my feet which in turn draws the blood from my head to decrease the pressure in my head.  I didn't know that there is a similarity in viscosity in feet and my head as well!  Who knew?  Well, Deborah did!  

I'm sure there's more to it, but if you suffer like I do, anything is worth a try to get the pain gone!  Let me know if you try it!

Copyright 2010 Heather Corwin

Well... I'm Back!

Ladies and gentlemen, I've had some life things happen that add up to wonderful - and I needed to tend to those things.  Plus, the words were not finding their way to the screen, so I just let be what was and now I'm back. 

Allowing is a wonderful thing to practice.  There are days that you may want to push through to get it all done, but that just doesn't work well.  So I'm practicing letting things go that just can't be done in one day and prioritizing the things I need to do.  As a type A personality, that's a hard thing for me to grasp and practice.  Why?  I want to do it all!

Today, I encourage you to let one thing go that could wait until tomorrow.  Not an important deadline thing, just something that you really could wait to do that might cause you anxiety because you feel driven to do it NOW. 

I'd love to hear how that felt!

Copyright 2010 Heather Corwin