Back on the Wagon

Needless to say, I have not kept up on my resolutions the last few weeks.  It hasn't been that they are hard to do, it has been me being lazy!  So I thought it was time to hop back on the wagon.

I paid $5 to the swear jar today.  Now don't go thinking that I was swearing up a storm, but I haven't paid up in a few weeks, so I figured that I owed money+interest, for not paying on time. Seem fair? (Yes that seems fair.  Wooow, did I just answer myself? Nah)  

Over my last few posts I have challenged you, and myself, to follow the golden rule and to give strangers and friends compliments.  I believe I have lived up to my challenges.  In retrospect, the golden rule and compliments go hand in hand.  Whether it is a "Nice hat" to "Keep up the hard work" or a "Thank you" to  holding a door open.  Just making an effort to make someone feel better not only puts you in a good mood, it puts (might put) them in a good mood too!

Speaking of good moods.  I have two wonderful friends whom I work with (you know who you are).  Whenever we see each other we always smile and say, "There's my positive friend!"  It doesn't matter how bad of a mood I am in, they always make me smile and remind me to stay positive (There are many other people in my life that make me smile and feel good, but I don't work with you(: ).

Staying positive, what a hard thing to do sometimes.  I have no idea why it is so easy to get in a bad mood.  Maybe it's because the news usually reports negative things or that our society has "programed" us to think about the negative before the positive.  But what I do know is that when you try to see the positive side of negative things, you start to get in a better mood.  Now I am not foolish enough to say that looking at the positive side of things always works, but it is one "tool" that you can have in your toolbox.

Another "tool" that you can add to your toolbox takes some effort, but it is worth it.  Find a positive minded friend or family member and talk with them often.  Just talking and/or being around them can lift your spirits!  Even if you call them in a bad mood, let them know that you need some cheering up and they can help you.  Friends and family are wonderful "tools" to use when you are feeling down.

The last tool requires the most effort, but it is extremely effective! To find out what that is read this post. http://confessionsofaclassroomteacher.blogspot.com/2011/02/run-yourself-dead-to-be-alive.html

So when you are feeling down, go to your "toolbox" and "fix" yourself.  You can even use me as a tool, if you want a positive person to talk with :)

Until Next Time,
Mr. Ryan

P.S. Happy Saint Patrick's Day!!!!! Hooray Beer!!!