Free 365 Ways to Live Happy by Meera Lester Page B

of others. For example, if your spouse needs an organ transplant, read the stories of patients who have already been through that ordeal. Draw inspiration, relief, hope, and a sense of renewal from your reading.
142 Snuggle with Your Favorite Pillow or Blanket
    If you are like many people, as a child you had a little pillow or a security blanket that got you through the night. As an adult facing crisis, you may wish you had something tangible like that to give you comfort. If you don't have a favorite blanket or pillow, get yourself over to the linen closet and see if there's a comfy throw, a worn afghan, or a silky coverlet that you could use. Or go to the clearance table at your local department store and pick something out that could become a favorite security blanket. As a child, you loved your blankey because it was yours and only yours. It had your scent on it. You knew what it felt and looked like even with your eyes closed. In times of crisis, seek comfort in what's familiar and makes you feel safe. Wrap yourself in your blanket and let your inner child feel safe again and comforted.
143 Have a Glass of Wine at the End of a Difficult Period
    Unwind with a glass of your favorite wine at the end of an exhausting day or difficult period. According to a number of research findings, wine is good for you if you drink it in moderation and as part of a healthy diet. Wine has nonalcoholic phytochemicals (flavanoids and resveratrol) that prevent free radical molecules from damaging your body's cells. Studies show that wine reduces the risk of getting certain cancers and also heart disease as well as slowing the progression of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. For women, one five-ounce glass a day is good, but the health benefits are forfeited if you drink more.
144 Recite a Favorite Prayer While Walking Around the Block
    Do you turn to God when you are dealing with a crisis? If you do, you are like many others who take comfort in knowing that they are not alone in dealing with their troubles or solving their problems. Allocate part of a daily exercise for a devotional walk around the block. Whatever your spiritual belief, during that period, eyes and heart wide open, invite the Divine to be with you as you pray a favorite prayer or psalm. Praying can be done as holy conversation and sacred song as well. The point is to realize that you are not alone in your crisis and to seek comfort, protection, peace, and joy in your spiritual relationship with the Divine.
145 Notice One Thing Each Day That Gives You Pleasure
    In spite of the negative circumstances you may be dealing with, find little moments throughout the day to notice the things that, under ordinary circumstances, give you pleasure. For example, take time to appreciate the view of the neighbor's yellow roses that have just burst into bloom, the taste of a perfectly ripe sweet apple, the sound of classical music as the CD plays on your laptop, the painting you bought in Paris that hangs in your office, the feel of your favorite loafers, or the warmth and smallness of your child's hand in yours. Savor the gifts of sight, sense, taste, touch, and smell. They are working even as you deal with crisis. Take comfort in simply noticing the blessings in the small things and short moments throughout the day.
146 Journal the Details of the Crisis Outcome You Desire and Why
    What do you want as an outcome to the crisis? Why do you want that particular outcome and not another? Write the answers to those two questions in your journal. Then use what you have written as points of departure for delving deeper. It is often difficult to get clarity when your brain is befuddled by an unexpected turn of events or bad news. Journaling is one way to fully consider all your options. Get all the ideas out of your brain and on paper so that you can think about them and look at them. Reorganize ideas. See what's missing. What you don't know. What you can investigate or learn more about. Use your