5 Positive Things To Do Instead Of Complain

Someone forwarded this to me last week, and I love the message. The picture is just something I had created awhile ago, but it seems fitting. (Excerpt from _The No Complaining Rule_ (http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001FZeRk9LbRXvAQyD50siZklztDuvbTf-SogCDuV0-khxJU2MwQwaRUe7cG4tZFG7T7_h6Stt-BLm4dr38ytNR1DdAmXhAzm0zo0p657VYGcf202QeyQByyrqhPtkAr1g8) , Wiley, June '08) 5 Positive Things To Do Instead Of Complain One of the key principles of The No Complaining Rule is that we have a choice of how we invest our energy at home and at work. We can focus on the negative or the positive. We can focus on problems or use problems to create solutions. And we can focus on sharing positive energy or negative energy. It's all about our intention, our focus and our habits. Bad habits create bad results and good habits create good results. And since one of the best ways to stop a bad habit is to replace it with a good habit, here are 5 positive things we can do each day instead of complain. 1. Practice Gratitude. Research shows that when we count three blessings a day, we get a measurable boost in happiness that uplifts and energizes us. It's also physiologically impossible to be stressed and thankful at the same time. Two thoughts cannot occupy our mind at the same time. If you are focusing on gratitude, you can't be negative. You can also energize and engage your coworkers by letting them know you are grateful for them and their work. 2. Praise Others. Instead of complaining about what others are doing wrong, start focusing on what they are doing right. Praise them and watch as they create more success as a result. Of course, point out their mistakes so they can learn and grow, but make sure you give three times as much praise as criticism. 3. Focus on Success. Start a success journal. Each night before you go to bed, write down the one great thing about your day. The one great conversation, accomplishment, or win that you are most proud of. Focus on your success, and you'll look forward to creating more success tomorrow. 4. Let Go. Focus on the things that you have the power to change, and let go of the things that are beyond your control. You'll be amazed that when you stop trying to control everything, it all somehow works out. 5. Pray and Meditate. Scientific research shows that these daily practices reduce stress; boost positive energy; and promote health, vitality, and longevity. When you are faced with the urge to complain or you are feeling stressed to the max, stop, be still, plug-in to the ultimate power, and recharge.

taking tae kwon do

On July 7th, Andrew started taking tae kwon do lessons at Robinson TaeKwonDo Academy (http://www.itatiger.com/centersite/index.cfm?fuseaction=bio&academy_id=280) in Franklin , TN. I actually found them after dropping off Alex at her vocal lessons. This TaeKwonDo Academy is located in the building next to the one that Alex's singing lessons take place. Alex's lessons are from 5-6pm, and Andrew's are from 5:45-6:30pm, but when he gets his green belt, the lessons will be from 5-6pm, so it's pretty convenient. He can go up to 6 times a week if he wants. He went for a 2nd class the next day, and he already received the green tip on his white belt! I think maybe that was a little premature because a different instructor was like, "A green tip already?" The instructor who gave it to him said that Andrew knew his stances, and although it wasn't perfect, it was almost there, so he gave it to him anyway. Well, Andrew really likes the classes so far, and I hope it benefits him. He said to me yesterday that after he gets his black belt, he's still going to take classes to learn more. So motivated. :)

4th of July weekend

July 3rd

We all flew to Chicago on Thursday morning, July 3rd. It's pretty cute because I've flown with the kids so much this past year that now they understand the whole passing through security at the airport drill. Lucas - who will be 3 next month - automatically knows to take off his shoes, and Alex helps out so much after we pass through security in gathering all of our stuff together (you can imagine how hectic that can be with 3 kids!) and helping her brothers tie their shoes. During the flight, Michael sat next to Lucas (poor daddy! lol!). I sat between Alex and Andrew, and we each had a book to read during the really short flight. Andrew also had his Nintendo DS to keep him occupied, and they each had a little webkinz buckled up with them. So cute.

My dad met us at the airport and drove us to Jackie's place where my mom, Ari (Jackie's eldest), and Mia and Gia (Jackie's 1-yr-old twins) were waiting. It was a surprise for Ari because she wasn't expecting us, but when she met us at the door, she just had a pretend sword which she poked everyone with and said, "Ha! I got you!" I asked her if she was surprised, and she said yes. :) Jackie and Mario were at work, but Jackie was able to stop by during her lunch break to bring us lunch.

Mia and Gia are walking already. They're so cute. The last time I had seen them was in March when I flew with the kids during their Spring Break to see them, and at that time, Gia had just started taking her first steps. This time, Mia kept coming to me, and Lucas would get all mad saying, "I don't want you hold her NO MORE!" Jealous, anyone? :)

We really didn't do much that day. My dad and I did take the kids to a nearby playground, and of course, I took lots of pictures (http://jenbresson.smugmug.com/gallery/5390189_zug8K#330023194_ZFbjx). We also did some grocery shopping, and later that night, my brother, Mark and his wife, Katie stopped by. So it was nice just spending time with all of them. I always love seeing my family. Lucas and Alex - well, mainly Lucas - also did a lot of singing for everyone.

On a side note: Alex has started taking vocal and performance lessons from Raquel and Maury Kelley at J Kelley Studios (http://www.jkelleystudios.com/) in Franklin, TN.. I found them by doing an online search for a vocal coach in the Nashville area. They're really great, friendly, and experienced instructors, and Alex LOVES, LOVES, LOVES going to her lessons. Right now, Alex is in their summer camp which consists of a 1-hr private vocal lesson once a week for 4 weeks and a 2-hr group/performance lesson once a week for 4 weeks. Once school starts, she'll just be doing a 1-hr group lesson once a week; it's funny because she really loves the group lessons even though she doesn't know anyone there. A lot of the students - mainly females - are really experienced, and I usually overhear some of them talking about being in plays and musicals and going on auditions. But the thing is, unless I'm blind, for the most part, they don't seem snotty; they seem genuine and sweet and excited about their talents. I think it's good that this studio teaches stage performance, too, because it will help give Alex the confidence to be in front of an audience. And I just have to add that Raquel is also half filipino like Alex - no wonder they're so beautiful! ;)

July 4th

On the 4^th, we went to a party that some close friends of the family were having. I grew up knowing the "kids" of these friends, and I hadn't seen them in awhile so there was a lot of catching up to do. We still communicate via email, but that's not the same. Lucas also really loved kissing on them. Alex and my mom also kept singing karaoke most of the time…yeah, a true Filipino party. Some of us walked to a nearby park where the fireworks show would be held, and then we walked over to another party which was being thrown by a couple of the "kids" we had all grown up with – ie. loud music and young adults drinking type of party. So it was kinduv funny with us all walking into their backyard with 6+ kids in tow. I kept whispering to Alex, "Don't go to parties like this when you're older." Haha. Mark and Katie were also at that party, but we didn't stay there long, and they walked back with us to the more mature party. Later on, some of them went back to the park (Andrew just had to go with his Uncle Mark!) to see the fireworks, but I stayed at the party with Jackie, Gia, Mia, Alex, and Lucas and saw the fireworks show from there. It would be too loud for the little ones if we had gone to the park.. We didn't get home (Jackie's house) til past 11pm, and by the time we got home, Ari, Andrew, and Alex were all asleep. Pics can be seen here: http://jenbresson.smugmug.com/gallery/5393508_a8HoC#330162748_TD5Tv

July 5th

The next day, we had a birthday party at Jackie's house for Alex and Ari (who actually turned 5 on July 7th), so we pretty much saw the same people again. Lots of food - the cake was DEELICIOUS! Lots of family and friends. Lots of pictures (http://jenbresson.smugmug.com/gallery/5394032_oebc5#330179794_hLW3E) and presents. A really nice time.

July 6th

Happy Birthday, Alex! July 6th is Alex's actual birthday, and she turned 8!! What gets me is she'll be going into 4th grade not this fall but next! That's just weird to think she'll be that old already. Before our flight, we went to an indoor waterpark (http://cocokeywaterresort.com/locations/arlingtonhts/index.aspx) with Jackie and her family and a couple of other close friends, Donna and Diane. We went to this park the last time I had visited with the kids, and both times, I really liked it. There's just lots of water slides and kiddie pools and a lazy river; the only thing I don't get is why there are so many winding steps up and down in some parts. Anyway, no big deal. We had lunch there, too.

Mia and Gia looked so cute in their swimsuits; they didn't like it at first, but then later, they got used to it and were splashing in the pool. Donna and Diane were also such a tremendous help with the kids! Andrew and Alex were sometimes with them, and at other times, they were off by themselves. Of course, I was a little worried, but it's not that huge of a place that they could get lost in. Andrew told me he went down one of the dark tunnel slides with Diane, but that he was facing backwards. Yikes! I was also surprised to see Lucas walking so easily and unafraid in the water. Ari for the most part stayed with Jackie; she really loves her mommy. :) I've also never seen Michael look so relaxed and happy...well, I'm sure I have before (in Hawaii! I miss Hawaii!), but he at least wasn't in one of those "Sit down! Shut up, kids!" kind of mood. We said good-bye to Donna and Diane at the waterpark. After briefly finishing up packing at Jackie's, Mario took us to the airport. I had brought two luggages, but I actually could've packed all of our clothes in one because that's what I ended up doing for our return flight; the 2nd luggage was used to carry all the gifts the kids got. The kids were also pretty good on the flight. Well, I let Michael sit with Lucas again, so I had a relaxing time anyway. Can't say the same for him. Haha..

Chicago was a lot of fun actually. For some reason, this time felt a lot more like a vacation instead of just visiting family - even though that IS exactly what we did. Maybe, it's because this time, Michael flew with us, so I wasn't as frazzled.