The Death of a Child

My sweet, beautiful, talented goddaughter and her husband lost their first child, Grace Evelyn, after a very premature birth. If you have experienced the loss of a child and would like to read or join in the grief/process/ dialogue/encouragement click here.

I'm the MOM! I'm the MOM! I'm the MOM!

If you haven't seen this you gotta watch! This will

strengthen your mirth muscles for sure!

RELEASE TO RECEIVE

Relax. Surrender. Let it go. De-clutter. It is one of life’s truths that letting go creates abundance. When you look at your things through the eyes of your heart; when you can clearly see what is just “having”, what is simply taking up space, and what you honestly use and truly love, you can make decisions from a place of abundance. You can make room for what you really want – and what you really want is most often NOT more stuff! Read more about receiving abundance, then post your thoughts.

Real Abundance

We are exploring the meaning of abundance, ways to create it, where it comes from, and how you know you have it. Read more and post your thoughts, questions, insights, and suggestions here. Just how much is enough? Have you ever heard of Freegans? Are you interested in simplifying your life? What would that look like? Let us know!

SMILE

A smile costs nothing, but gives much.
It enriches those who receive, without making poorer those who give.
It takes but a moment, but the memory of it can last forever.
None is so rich or mighty that he can get along without it,
and none so poor,but that he can be made rich by it.
A smile creates happiness in the home, fosters good will in business,
and is the countersign of friendship.
It brings rest to the weary, cheer to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad,
and it is nature's best antidote for trouble.
Yet it cannot be bought, begged borrowed, or stolen,
for it is something that is of no value to anyone, until it is given away.
Some people ar too tired to give you a smile;
Give them one of yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give.
- author unknown -

Turn That Frown Upside Down!

Why? Smiling makes your brain release "happy" chemicals, says Stanford psychology professor Robert Zajonc. His theory, backed by studies at Germany's Mannheim University; when you smile, you breathe through your nose while putting pressure on certain facial muscles. This cools the blood that travels to the hypothalamus, which releases feel-good endorphins. (Positive Thinking March/April 2008)

Strenghten Your Mirth Muscles

Did you know that a smile is better than CHOCOLATE? In a British study, 109 adults were shown photos of loved ones smiling, and being given money and chocolate. What caused the biggest short-term high? A child's smile, which proved as stimulating as eating 2,000 chocolate bars. (From Positive Thinking March/April 2008) Don't ask me how they measured that; just notice how this picture makes you feel. Are you smiling? I know how I feel when my grand babes aim one of their life brightening smiles at me!

There's lots more about the benefits of laughter and cultivating our sense of humor in this week's Mothering MOMent. Read on. Watch this spot for upcoming interesting and inspiring humor facts.