for 2008, just a reminder

12 SUGGESTIONS FOR TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF

1. Learn to air your feelings.

Don't keep them bottled up inside you. Share your

sorrows and disappointments with someone you

trust. Remember, expressed feelings are changed feelings.

2. Avoid comparing yourself with others by

admiring their gifts and ignoring your gifts.

This kind of envy causes self-disgust. Put no

one's head higher than your own.

3. Form a small group of people you can call

on for emotional support.

Agree to 'be there' for each other. Offer

advice only when it is asked for. Listen without interrupting.

Take turns talking and listening.

4. Take time to play.

Remember that play is any activity that you do

just because it feels good. Remind yourself that you

deserve to take time to play.

5. Don't forget to laugh, especially at yourself.

Look for the humor in things around you. Let

your hair down more often. Do something silly

and totally unexpected from time to time.

6. Learn to relax.

You can find books, tapes, programs, classes, instructors

and other materials to teach you how to relax. Relaxation

improves the mind, helps the body heal, and feels so

much better than stress and tension.

7. Protect your right to be human.

Don't let others put you on a pedestal. When

people put you on a pedestal, they expect you

to be perfect and feel angry when you let them down.

8. Learn to say no.

As you become comfortable say ing no to the unreasonable

expectations, requests or demands of others you will discover that

you have more compassion. When you do say yes to others, you

will feel better about yourself and the people you're responding to.

9. Change jobs if you are miserable at work.

First, try to figure out if the job is wrong for you or if certain people

are causing you to feel miserable at work. Try paying more attention

to the things you enjoy about your job and less attention to the things

that annoy you. Remember that all jobs have some unpleasant aspects.

10. Stretch your muscles.

Break a sweat. Go for a walk. Ride a bike. Park farther from the door.

Take the stairs. You don't need fancy clothes, club memberships or

expensive equipment to add exercise to your daily life.

11. Practice being a positive, encouraging person.

Each time you give others a word of encouragement

you not only feel better, but you build up your best self.

12. Pay attention to your spiritual life.

Slow down. Practice sitting quietly. Listen to your inner voice.

Spend time thinking about the things which bring peace, beauty

and serenity to your life. Find the courage to follow your own

spiritual path if a traditional religion has not been helpful for you.

~Thomas Wright, LMFT