|
|
| Early Brief | Headlines | Warfighter's Forum | Discussions | Benefit Updates | Defense Tech |
|
An Overwhelming Discovery: Part 2
Tara Crooks | October 27, 2006
Excerpt from An Overwhelming Discovery, Part 1 I recently attended a workshop called “Follow Your Dreams While you Follow the Military” held by authors Kathie Hightower and Holly Scherer, both military spouses. In this workshop Kathie and Holly teach that 42 percent of your happiness is your attitude toward life. Improving your attitude is done by improving your thoughts and actions. Negativity is so much more powerful than positivity, so you have to genuinely work on becoming a more positive person. After this workshop I had a discussion with my business partner Star Henderson. I told her how I would love to live this 42 percent rule right now but I still find myself overwhelmed with all that military life throws my way. I have always been a positive person but it’s so hard to put forth that effort all the time with so many things going on. Star threw a different percentage my way. She asked me “Tara, do you know that 92 percent is still an A?” So how do you make these percentages work for you? There is a quote called the “Serenity Prayer” that says, “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.” No matter what your religion or beliefs, that is good advice. When faced with being overwhelmed, stressed, or frustrated you have two options: change it or cope with it. Below are some strategies for you to exercise those options:
I have discovered some tips that will help you take some time for yourself and function with a better outlook and a lot less stress. Here are some simple suggestions that will help you craft a more positive environment.
Remember, these aren’t things you’ll remember to do unless you constantly strive and put forth a genuine effort to do them. It’s all too easy to forget and end up right back where you started. Post little highly visible reminders around the house. Take a moment out of each day and your hardest to live by 42 percent and 92 percent and you'll be a more positive, more relaxed, and more effective person.
Sound Off...What do you think? Join the discussion.
Copyright 2008 Tara Crooks. All opinions expressed in this article are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of Military.com. |
About Tara Crooks
Tara Crooks, or "Household 6" in the Crooks' family, is best known for her ability to motivate and empower others. Tara's journey with the military began in 1998 when she and her husband PCS'd to their first duty station, Ft Hood. She is married to her husband, Kevin (US ARMY), and has two beautiful little girls, Wrena & Chloe. Their family, including two dogs and a cat, is all snuggled in their cozy home in Richmond Hill, GA.
Tara currently writes columns for several military publications, one of which, can be found here on Military.com. Tara also owns and operates two successful websites, www.ArmyWifeTalkRadio.com and www.FieldProblems.com. Featured at CinCHouse.com, Military Spouse Magazine, ClubMom.com, Military.com, Army.com and more, Army Wife Talk Radio is the original internet talk radio program for military wives. The tagline, Our Life, Our Family, Our Soldier, says it all. Tara does a weekly internet talk radio broadcast from the website that features up to date information, tips, and empowerment for spouses. Field Problems, a self-syndicated question and answer column for military families, is co-authored by Tara Crooks with Star Henderson. Field Problems, is available by visiting www.FieldProblems.com. To find out more about Tara visit her blog, www.TaraCrooks.com. Listen to the latest edition of Tara's T.A.L.E. an exclusive podcast found right here at military.com. Tara's T.A.L.E. - Talking. Advising. Learning. Empowering. A Weekly Podcast Sharing Resources, Tips, Conversation, and Encouragment For The Military Spouse & Family. What's Hot
|