Moodlifting December: You are at least 10 times.....

[MrsPeel]

more beautiful than what you think you are.

this is a total fact.
I first read it in a book by a friend of mine, an American writer , Patricia V Davis, in a blog post I think 10 years ago, that went viral and then she got asked by a publisher to turn into a book. The book is called The Diva Doctrine.

But I'm going back into that point, I spent my whole teenage years, my twenties and even my thirties thinking ....not that I was ugly...but I never thought I was not even near nice looking.

Then after that post...in which she asks you to look at a photo of yourself of 10, even 5 years back and think back to that time when the photo was taken... and I thought I was not even average.
I honestly NEVER thought I was that nice looking.
I got so convinced and keep proving it right.
I was probably 50 times more beautiful than what I thought I was.
and tonight I had another dose of that....


The guy who was my hair dresser in Rio, before Andy (Sarita's dad) and I got married, he came to London, then after the wedding we stayed at his flat in Rio , and then again when we went with Sarita baby (8 months old) on our way to the North East when we moved to Bahia.

We were chatting on Facebook earlier on...and he said oh, wait a minute, you wont believe what I found...
and in pour the photos....from 1993 I was 34 or 35.
Oh my...I was really gorgeous.

So, if you are stressed out, tired, not feeling all that...
Go grab a photo of some years ago.
Think Back.
Then think about now and think what you will feel a couple of years from now.
You. Are. Beautiful.

and it's December here already.... (01:04)

I may even make a page, with that photo, a photo from now and then leave a space for next year December...or some like that

have you got any moodlifting tips? let us have them

 

[jk703]

So true, Cynthia! I think you don't realize this - but you exude excitement, beauty, and happy when you chat/scrap and interact with others. Even when things get you down or take you for a turn, you always seem to project a lifting spirit. You are a very uplifting person!

Retrospection and hindsight can really lift my mood - but it also has the possibility to bring it down too! I am a "Pollyanna" at heart, so I *always* look for the silver lining in every cloud. It was just something that I have always done. I am only a small part of the world, and I try to remember to look at the bigger picture. The important things remind me - such as my health, family and friends - to enjoy what I have, (try) to want for nothing, and be happy with who I am. This is harder than it looks, but it is an everyday ongoing adventure.

Things that remind me to be happy and to work for happiness are my kids. Some days are tougher than others, but doing for them, providing for them and loving them keep me uplifted. Their smiles and laughter can really change my whole perspective. Sometimes, a little alone time and thinking on my part can help me too. I get a little people overloaded and need to re-charge a little.

Oddly, the news, world news and even close to home like Humans of New York, also remind me to keep my spirits up. Hearing stories of good and bad show me to remember those who need help, and show me that I am working hard and things could be worse.

 

[carilyne]

Hmmm you might not like me for this but Jenn's post gave me an idea. I saw your Christmas wish and I know how you struggle. I challenge you to write down 1 thing Sarita did for you, or did well, or how cute she looked, or anything positive once a day. Then copy the list and tuck it in her stocking or in a present. Then your copy is yours as well to help you remember the joy she brings you (which is not easy with a teenager).
Music, a good book, scrapping for no reason (no rules or challenges), Writing down nice things said. Favorite lotion or candle. Lots of things can bring joy. I'm going to think on that some more myself.

 

[Kate W]

Cynthia, you are still beautiful now!

I like your idea, Carilyne. I keep a diary when I am feeling low, and jot down all the good little things about the day. Just the act of thinking about these moments and writing them down is so good for the soul! And to let someone else know the little bits of joy that they bring to you is a lovely thing to do. x

 

[jenn mccabe]

aww. this is an uplifting thread for sure. love your words Cynthia, thank you! and all great ideas and beautiful thoughts ... you are all beautiful and kind!

 

[berniek]

Thank you! And yes, this is so true! I love scrapping photos that are a few years old or longer.

 

[gonewiththewind]

It is so true! I am so critical of myself. Not critical of just my outward appearance, but about my intellect, talents, roles as a mother, wife, daughter, sister, etc.

I usually read scripture and pray when I'm need of a mood lift. A good chat with a girlfriend helps as well. And of course, I always turn to scrapbooking or some other form of creativity. While I'm creating, I'll have a good think. Looking at older photos, remembering good times (and some not-so-good times) helps bring me much needed perspective.

 

[MrsPeel]

So true, Cynthia! I think you don't realize this - but you exude excitement, beauty, and happy when you chat/scrap and interact with others. Even when things get you down or take you for a turn, you always seem to project a lifting spirit. You are a very uplifting person!

one of the reasons I love the Pad Family even more this year is having you here. I remember well how amazing you always where to me in our scrapping home back in 2009 /2010.... and since then I had not found a place where I felt home....how amazing that most of us are now here?????

Retrospection and hindsight can really lift my mood - but it also has the possibility to bring it down too! I am a "Pollyanna" at heart, so I *always* look for the silver lining in every cloud. It was just something that I have always done. I am only a small part of the world, and I try to remember to look at the bigger picture. The important things remind me - such as my health, family and friends - to enjoy what I have, (try) to want for nothing, and be happy with who I am. This is harder than it looks, but it is an everyday ongoing adventure.

yes, I do try to find the silver lining too, and my dad taught us well, he had this thing he always said:
"Life is a stair case.
There will be always people above you, always people bellow you"
look at the ones above as an inspiration to grow, with love for the things you can achieve.
Look at the ones bellow to make you humble and grateful for all you do have.....
I try my best

Things that remind me to be happy and to work for happiness are my kids. Some days are tougher than others, but doing for them, providing for them and loving them keep me uplifted. Their smiles and laughter can really change my whole perspective. Sometimes, a little alone time and thinking on my part can help me too. I get a little people overloaded and need to re-charge a little.

The one thing that is making things more difficult now is that Sarita has always been the reason I fight for life .... and us not being in the best of terms right now....well, that is a huge sad and depressing thing for me... not having family here to help with her education makes things more difficult, and me getting in a less and less able body makes things just..well, difficult.

[QUOTE}Oddly, the news, world news and even close to home like Humans of New York, also remind me to keep my spirits up. Hearing stories of good and bad show me to remember those who need help, and show me that I am working hard and things could be worse.[/QUOTE]

I agree 100%. This is the way I try to look at life in my every day....

once again, Jen... I am SO happy you are part of the Pad's family , you know this is from my heart

 

[MrsPeel]

Hmmm you might not like me for this but Jenn's post gave me an idea.

I not just don't like you, but I love you even more.
You know you have been one of the most amazing people giving me support one to one in the past few months, even though you yourself have so much in your plate..... I Thank God to have found you, you know am 100% honest.

I saw your Christmas wish and I know how you struggle. I challenge you to write down 1 thing Sarita did for you, or did well, or how cute she looked, or anything positive once a day. Then copy the list and tuck it in her stocking or in a present. Then your copy is yours as well to help you remember the joy she brings you (which is not easy with a teenager).

I will try. I promise.
Things are so very complicated right now, but I'm sure I can find the strength and energy to think very very hard about the last nice thing she did for me

Music, a good book, scrapping for no reason (no rules or challenges), Writing down nice things said. Favorite lotion or candle. Lots of things can bring joy. I'm going to think on that some more myself.

One of the reasons that made me want to come back, made me want to scrap again, was what you once told me, to go for scrapping an art journal page for myself....
I'm going to treat myself to a book later on ...
thank you once again, for all the love and prayers, and always being there for me ion the best possible way.

 

[MrsPeel]

Cynthia, you are still beautiful now!

I like your idea, Carilyne. I keep a diary when I am feeling low, and jot down all the good little things about the day. Just the act of thinking about these moments and writing them down is so good for the soul! And to let someone else know the little bits of joy that they bring to you is a lovely thing to do. x

I have my hand written journal, and I do a lot of drawing...which seems to always coincide that I draw more when I'm not well.... thanks for the reminder about writing, I should be writing every day .....

 

[MrsPeel]

aww. this is an uplifting thread for sure. love your words Cynthia, thank you! and all great ideas and beautiful thoughts ... you are all beautiful and kind!

well, you are one of my number one people who lift my mood....
I could feel pages and pages about how amazing you are.....to each and every one of us....
you being in our life is a highlight.

 

[MrsPeel]

Thank you! And yes, this is so true! I love scrapping photos that are a few years old or longer.

oh and you are still SO young!!!!!!!!! Your pages also are a huge uplifting for me....and having you in the family here is amazing!!!!!!

 

[MrsPeel]

It is so true! I am so critical of myself. Not critical of just my outward appearance, but about my intellect, talents, roles as a mother, wife, daughter, sister, etc.

I usually read scripture and pray when I'm need of a mood lift. A good chat with a girlfriend helps as well. And of course, I always turn to scrapbooking or some other form of creativity. While I'm creating, I'll have a good think. Looking at older photos, remembering good times (and some not-so-good times) helps bring me much needed perspective.

I read the Psalms, and there are a few that are very special to me...
I have to say with so many people around like you guys, I am blessed that my low moods don't last too long...

 

[mollyscraps]

I am going to remember this! Very encouraging!

 

[DixieDoesPSP]

Cynthia I have to say you inspire me daily! You are always so uplifting and positive despite your trials. It makes me remember to try and see the positive side of life. The grass may always look greener on the other side but I bet they've used spray paint. LOL