Bright Sides of Disasters

Wednesday already? My days are still a bit of the blur after my morning of fame on Monday.

It is totally time to get back into routine and remember that I have a half marathon coming up before I know it.

I wasn’t able to make it to my favorite spin class yesterday which was just as well since I was due for a run.

I got in a quick 4 miles and plan on running again this morning.

Surprised that I don’t sound upset to miss Spin Tuesday? The one hour in my week where I tell people, “Please don’t call me, text me or expect me between 9:45 am-10:45 am on Tuesdays”.

Well, I don’t let things like this bother me. Which is part of why I was a guest on Dr. Oz.

I was a guest on Dr. Oz to show my healthy attitude in life, most especially my healthy attitude in difficult situations such as divorce.

I always try to find the bright side in disasters and appreciate the little things in life.

My glass is how they say, always half full.

Or, my bowl of oatmeal, yogurt and fruit is topped with a giant hello kitty pineapple slice. That can certainly brighten any morning, yes?

I have the most wonderful neighbor (who is also one of my very good friends) who kindly shared her Edible Arrangement with me.

I love Edible Arrangements. I think they make the most perfect of gifts. There is nothing better than a giant bouquet of fruit, especially when a few of the fruits are shaped as Hello Kitty and some of the fruits are dipped in chocolate.

All they need is to dip a few slices in peanut butter before the dip into the chocolate and oh would we have the mother of all gifts.

Anyway, getting back to healthy attitudes.

Let’s face it. Life isn’t perfect. At some point in everyone’s life, there are going to be times where it is a struggle to get through tough situations.

Going through a divorce is not fun. It is a long process and an emotional roller coaster. One must possess a healthy attitude in order to make it through for the long haul.

Any difficult situation in life requires a focus on your emotional well being.

So you wonder, how do you keep a healthy attitude through less than stellar times in life? How do you keep from seeking revenge on the outside world?

THE COOKIE CHRUNICLES’ THREE TIPS FOR SEEKING A “HEALTHY” REVENGE:

#1. GET OUT OF BED! – Yes, you heard me. When things are tough and you are feeling down, you may not feel motivated to get out of bed.

Yes, yes, I know. Your covers are comfy and provide a good shield to protect you from the outside world.

Well, get yourself up anyway. Just do it. Nothing gets better hiding under the covers all day.

#2 TAKE A SHOWER- I feel as though I am listing my son’s routine.

“Get up, get out of bed! Get in the shower! Get moving would you already?” This is how I speak to my 9 year old every single day.

When we go through any form of emotional crisis, our normal routines feel like a real challenge, yes?

It is so extremely important that one keeps to their routine.

Especially the routine of hygiene, people.

There is no bright side to smelling bad.

I recall in my worst days I probably showered 3 or 4 times a day. I wasn’t dirty but it made me feel better.

#3 – KEEP UP THAT FITNESS ROUTINE- I know I have said this before but I will say it again. 30 MINUTES A DAY. That is all you need and easy enough to fit into any schedule.

During emotional times, it can be challenging to motivate to lace up the shoes and exercise.  Especially if you are still hiding from the world under your comforter unable to even take your shower.

And I am not talking about exercising for weight loss. It is not always about losing weight.

I am not about to get all technical and throw medical journal jargon at you listing the health benefits of exercise.

I can break it down in simply terms.

Move yourself for 30 minutes a day. It will absolutely boost your mood. It will get your blood flowing. You will feel better. Understood? 

Now, if all else fails and you are still feeling less than stellar, may I suggest ordering yourself an Edible Arrangement?

A totally acceptable and indulgent pick-me-up. And a good way to get your 5 a day.

You can choose from the categories you feeling like celebrating for yourself – I’m Sorry, Just Because, Get Well, Good Luck etc.

I’m thinking they should add a new category.

Something along the lines of, “I need to send myself this fruit so that when it is delivered and the doorbell rings I am forced to get out of bed.” 

Hey, whatever works, right?

Yep. That is a cupcake.

Hiding inside that chocolate shell of a cupcake is a giant slice of pineapple. It is waiting to be added to my apple and peanut butter dessert plate this evening.

Do I not have the best neighbor in the world?

I need to know:

How do you motivate yourself during difficult situations?

Have you ever had an Edible Arrangement?

*I was not compensated in any way from Edible Arrangements – although they may appreciate this post as a form of advertisement?!