What are your luxuries...

As I sit with the boys this morning watching Cailou I can't help but think of the challenging times that many of us are experiencing right now, whether it is job related, financial, health challenges or relationship difficulties... or for some, it's a combination of many of the above. Does it seem like unusually difficult times for people or is just those whose path I have crossed? Is it the economy? Were we living in such bliss for so long that now the other shoe is finally dropping? It seems like it is difficult for many of us, but I recently was reminded that it's important to keep perspective.

There was an exercise that I did that challenged you to pay special attention to the luxuries in your life for the day. Wow, it was interesting! While health, my pocketbook and general life seems very, very unsteady right now it's easy to take our luxuries for granted...Here are some luxuries that I thought of ...

• Appliances in or at our house, such as a washer / dryer and dishwasher
• iPod's / Computers / electronics in general...
• Satellite Radio / Cable TV / On Demand
• High Speed Internet... remember dial up modem's?
• Health insurance
• Good schools for kids
• Central heat (and air) in the house
• Public services like parks and libraries
• Good recipes and dinners with those you love
• Finding exactly what you were looking for when shopping ... on clearance!
• eBay (more for selling than buying these days!)
• Manicures and Pedicures


And for some of the luxuries that we probably take for granted time to time...
• Convenient transportation
• Clean Water
• Indoor Plumbing
• Hot Water
• Food
• Access to emergency services
• Democracy
• Clean clothing
• Blankets when cold
• General good health
• Equal opportunity for women
• Building codes... while very difficult during construction, thankful when looking at places such as Haiti

And for the luxuries that you cannot replace
• Time with friends and family
• Feeling you get when listening to great music
• Laughing
• Doggy kisses
• Snuggling with those you love and that love you
• Success
• Support
• AHA! moments

Exercises like this keep my feet on the ground, a positive attitude and the courage to face another day during difficult times... To treat yourself more, contact us!

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