Creating a Happy Place

Windchimes are an object that I need in my happy place. The gentle music they make is soothing to me. For some reason, it always reminds me of the Jersey shore. I don't know why. It doesn't matter.

I have some hanging outside on a huge evergreen tree in my yard. If the wind blows gently, the sound instantly soothes me.

I have them in my home and although my husband doesn't like them (he is ultra sensitive to sounds) they comfort me.

Creating your own happy place is easy. You need to find things that soothe you easily. For me, a windchime is essential. Plants also are good. Pictures of nature like sunrises and sunsets over the ocean, lightening (yes there is great beauty in it) and even a peaceful winter scene can relax me.

Of course, aromatherapy is important too. I like to spray my sheets with my own homemade fabric refreshener. It is lavender scented fabric softener that is diluted with water. Getting into a bed that smells good can help me to sleep better.

If you can create a happy place in each room of your home, you can feel more at peace in it. The stress that you bring home at the end of a work day will disappear when you are surrounded with an environment that brings you peace. It should feel happy to be in your space.

It doesn't take a lot of money to create a happy place. It is necessary to do to help you unwind, de-stress and be better mentally to deal with the outside world.

Create your happy place. You will be glad that you did.

Finding a Needle in a Haystack

Long-term unemployment. Relentless bill collectors. Rising gas and food costs. Mortgage/rent payments. Utility bills. Illness. Stress. Depression. Anxiety.

It is a part of too many peoples' lives today.

Taking a pill will not solve the problem. It might help a little with the sleeplessness, the knot in your stomach when you reach in your mailbox and the panic you have over what is going to become of your life.

Discovering what the solution to your dilemma is may seem like finding a needle in a haystack. If you are looking for it while your mind is in a state of frenzy, you are not going to find it.

Take a deep breath. Focus on the breath. Feel your body be overcome with a sense of calm. Don't allow all the "what if's" to cloud your thinking. Just let it go.

There are answers to ease your mind. You aren't going to find them if you allow the worry to take over. You won't find that needle (and yes, sometimes it is a needle) if you are going to franticly look for it.

Writing is a way to free your mind of all the junk that has built up clouding your thoughts from being clearer. Just sit at your computer (or piece of paper and pen) and allow yourself to let go of all that is bothering you. You aren't going to publish this or post it as a facebook status update (please don't). This exercise is like taking a walk for your mind.

Free up all the space that is being taken up by worries, fears and doubts. Let it all out. The anger, disappointments and despair. When you run out of stuff to write- stop. Read it back. You may be surprised at what comes out. You may be happy that no one can see these ramblings but you.

I guarantee that this will do you some good. Your mind will feel freer. You will now be able to start anew and figure out what you need to do to change your reality. At the very least, you will have a better place to start from.

Finding Peace

Look at this beautiful shot of the sun rising over the ocean. Does it bring you peace?

Dealing with challenges can be easier when we surround ourselves with reminders to inspire us and give us peace.

For many, landscapes, seascapes, sunrises and sunsets inspire us to feel peaceful. They serve as an excuse to daydream and take us to a place where there is little stress.

Create a space where you can go to and find peace. Use pictures, color, fabrics, scents and sound to help. Soon you will learn how to carry these feelings with you as you go through your day.

Related articles

• Etching peace in words and hues (thehimalayantimes.com)