I Can Only Imagine...

After a really hard day, or during a really unpleasant time during the day, what do you do to keep your sanity? Or with what thoughts do you fill your mind during discouraging times? I ask these questions rhetorically, because obviously I am just leading into the part where I give my own answers. And as you may have guessed from the title of this post, I have been using my imagination to get me through tough times more and more lately.

I share this with the internet world at the risk of sounding like I am turning into a certain red-haired Canadian orphan, but so be it. Besides, I think Anne may have been on to something after all. However, I do differ with Miss Shirley in that I tend to visualize the future, rather than using my imagination to alter my perception of the present. And I have found it incredibly effective at distracting me from present anxieties. I have also found that it can be effective with couples as well as individuals. If Katie and I both had hard days, we may be driving together, sitting on the couch, or lying in bed and we will begin to imagine our future together. This can be anything from planning an elaborate and exciting trip to an exotic destination, to discussing the design of our future multimillion dollar dream house. A great deal of frustration has been assuaged as of late, just by mentally designing our dream bathroom.

Now I am not sure if we will ever have a home full of secret passages, a cave shower that rains from the ceiling, an indoor rock wall/foam pit room, and a giant library with rolling ladders and bay windows just like in Beauty and the Beast, or whether we will ever spend weeks living in a small town in Italy, or navigating the misty mountains of China... Whether we do or not, the practice of imagining it all makes us smile and escape from a less-pleasant reality for a while, and when we return to that reality, it somehow does not seem quite so dismal. I have also thought of quite a few other advantages of this coping mechanism over some popular others.

1. This is a 100% diet friendly practice. Rather than eating a pint of ice cream (or frozen cookie dough) to distract me, I get to do something that will not contribute to me having to go out in search of bigger pants.

2. Imagining the future is both fun and enjoyable while you are doing it, and afterwards. I can think of many things that bring pleasure during or after, but for me there are few things that help me feel better during and after the activity. For example, I feel good after I run, but not while I am running, or I am distracted while I am on Facebook, but feel lousy after.

3. It provides an excellent opportunity to slow down a little bit and not be so rushed. I feel like we need to do this more often. It helps to lower our blood pressure and imagining also opens up our mind to the practice of thinking, and pondering in an enjoyable way, and things can come together that we are not even thinking actively about, if only we will turn off the electronics and give our minds a little workout.

4. It prevents Alzheimer's Disease. Okay, I am actually not so sure about this one, but I would not be surprised one bit. People get Alzheimer's because the don't use their brain enough, so they do crosswords or Sudoku to keep sharp, but I think my way is better.

5. It fosters creativity. I could spend hours online looking at neat, original, creative, and clever things that other people have come up with. But in a way I feel like doing this does not help my own creative juices to flow at all, it just makes me wish I could be as talented as the other people who post such neat ideas and original room designs, or whatever. Instead of being an admirer, I feel like using your imagination will make you into a contributor. And it is more fun to think of something yourself.

So there you have it, a somewhat comprehensive argument in favor of using your imagination. Go ahead, give it a try right now. Turn off your monitor and take a few moments to design the kitchen or bathroom you would create if you had Bill Gates' budget. Don't worry too much about what is possible, just unleash your inner "carrots" and enjoy the ride...

Something To Be Thankful For

I have had a couple experiences as of late that have really humbled me, if that is the right word. Maybe a better way to say it is that I have realized how much I have to be thankful for, and I supposed, with Thanksgiving next week, today was as good a day as any to describe my experiences. Please don't think I am bragging in anything I say here, it is meant only to convey how blessed I am, anyone who knows me could name more than several weaknesses of mine, so I am not trying to boast here, just so you know.

Blessing Number 1: The Gospel.
I have been reading this book as of late (don't worry, this isn't a book review post) called "Tortured for Christ" it was written by a man who suffered for his Christian beliefs in communist Romania. I have always been grateful for the Gospel, but I have never had to suffer anything near like what I read about. I won't go into exactly what they suffered, but it was literally the stuff of nightmares. When I hear what others have suffered for something I have always had abundant access to, including the Scriptures, the Sacrament, the Temple, and much more.

Blessing Number 2: My Family.
Throughout my youth, I have long taken this for granted as well. It was not until I went on a mission and into the homes of many, many, different families and individuals that I realized what a great blessing I had. I have two wonderful parents who love each other, as well as me. Four siblings that I love dearly and would do anything for, just as I know they would me. As a family, we sacrifice for, learn from, and teach one another. I could not ask for anything more in a family.

Blessing Number 3: My Friends.
Having been on the side of the spectrum where friends are scarce or non-existent, I am extraordinarily grateful to have such supportive, fun, caring friends as I have now. Many of my friends have sacrificed for me in ways that are more meaningful to me than they may ever know. Others have set examples for me that have impacted me a great deal.

Blessing Number 4: My Health.
In both mind and body I realize more all the time how richly I am blessed. I always kind of figured that school was as easy for others as it is for me. But when I think about how much more effort others put into certain study efforts than me, and have to work much harder to achieve the same results, I realize that a clear mind is a great blessing. (Once again, I'm not bragging, most of you who read this have the same blessing in this regard.) In the same vein, I am so grateful for a healthy body, all five senses, the ability to walk, run, swim, jump, bike, and play. The ability to do virtually anything I set my mind to. I hate to close on a sad note, but I want to share the story that set off this whole reflection on how good I've got it.

Yesterday, as I was driving down South Temple on my way to school when I saw a woman, holding a cane, indicating that she was blind, sitting in a "jazzy" motorized wheel chair, indicating that she couldn't walk, and worst of all, she had driven off the platform of the trax station, and gotten stuck half on the platform, the other half of the tracks themselves. She sat there, rocking back and forth, weeping. I saw her and my heart wrenched. I stopped my car in the middle of the road and ran out to help her. Two other guys were coming up at the same time and together we lifted her back onto the platform. She sit there, weeping, as the other two guys left. I had to resist the impulse to wrap her in my arms and just hold her, trying to offer her any comfort I could muster. Instead, I helped her across the street and asked her what I could do to help. Between gasping sobs, she cried that she was just trying to get to the Crown Burger, I told her I would help her, if I could just get my car out of the road. I parked, and ran back to her, now she was accompanied by a UTA attendant, who called for medical help because this young woman had likely broken her foot, in an attempt to brace herself from falling off the platform. My heart wrenched again, and I couldn't leave for fear that there was anything I could do for her. When the fire department arrived and started asking medical questions, I learned that she also had a damaged back from a bus incident a few months ago, she was on several anti-anxiety medications, and I noticed her "Jazzy" battery was almost dead, and she was only 19.

Even now, I have a difficult time keeping the image of this young girl out of my mind. I can still see her, stuck on the tracks, rocking back and forth and weeping because of pain, fear, humiliation, anxiety, frustration, and helplessness. All I wanted was to comfort her, I could only imagine the fear of being lost in a big city, without taking into account being blind, with heightened anxiety, not being able to walk, riding an electric wheelchair in which the battery could die any miunte.

Reflecting on these experiences, I cannot help but feel like I have no right to ever complain about anything, ever. On the contrary, I feel like I should do nothing but go about giving thanks every moment of every day.

How to NOT Get Sick

As any of you who have read my blog know, the last time I did a Triathlon, I got sick 2 weeks before. Because of this, my swimming was sub-par on race day and my entire training schedule had a big nasty wrench thrown in it. I learned from that experience, that it takes approximately 2 weeks to fully recover from being sick, and get back to where you were in your training when you started feeling ill.

Needless to say, when my nephew and sister got sick a week or so ago, I took every precaution, and when I started feeling that dreaded "scratchy throat" feeling with my biggest triathlon yet in ONE week, I was desperate. I tried almost everything I knew that could possibly prevent illness, and tried to learn more and do that too.

The good news is: something that I did, or maybe a combination of things worked, and my scratchy throat was better in a day or two with no disruptions to my training. So for the benefit of those of you who also consider "s-i-c-k" to be a four letter word, I decided to post the list of 10 things I've done to help my immune system emerge victorious...

1. Prayer
I did a lot of begging, pleading, and bargaining with the Lord because I know that what is important to us is important to Him, and unless necessary for our own growth or experience, He is happy to help us out if we will just ask.


2. Positive Thinking
This one almost goes hand in hand with number one, as it is in my opinion a way to exercise your faith. But even if you are not religious, there is a lot of power that comes with the way you think and visualize things. We can truly attract what we think about and visualize, good or bad. I think I may do a post on this later, when I can go into more depth. For now, just don't say or think what you don't want to happen.


3.Vitamin C
This is probably the most well known precaution known to man. I am not sure how much of the effect is a placebo and how much is valid, but I took enough vitamin C pills/chewables to kill a small horse. (This was easy to do because the chewable ones taste really good!)


3 1/2. Airborne
I know that this stuff is mostly Vitamin C and is listed as number 3.5, but it also has some herbal stuff and zinc or something in there to help, so I drank 2 or 3 of those a day.


4. Eucalyptus Oil
Of course I have to throw in an Essential Oil remedy or some of my readers might be disappointed. (...Amber) Rubbing 2 drops of pure Eucalyptus Oil on the bottom of your feet after showering is a great way to strengthen your immunity. I did this a couple of times a day, as well as sleeping with a little Eucalyptus and Lavender on a tissue in my pillow case. (You can also diffuse EO's to kill airborne germs in your home. (Namely Spruce, Cinnamon, Frankincense, and any Citrus oils)


5. Water
They say when you get sick to drink lots of clear fluids and get lots of rest, I say to do the same thing to avoid getting sick. I drank a LOT water the last week, and I got a LOT of rest. This helps to keep your body clean and free of toxins that weaken your immunity. Also, don't be afraid to get really sweaty, that is a great way to clear your body of toxins as well. I think you can "sweat it out" when it comes to some sicknesses, especially in the early stages. Also, cut down on dairy intake until you feel a lot better, dairy increases mucous production, which is where the germs live that make you sick.


6. Common Sense
We should always be eating lots of fruits and veggies and avoiding sugar. But this holds ESPECIALLY true for when sickness is more of a possibility. I'm already on a "Dessert Fast", (as you know) and I think that helped a lot, but I also ate tons of fruit the last couple weeks, melons in particular. FYI: The amount of sugar in one can of soda can lower the efficacy of the immune system for several hours by almost half! And we all know to wash our hands frequently (but NOT with anti-bacterial soap!) and not touch our face a lot.


7. Nasal Cleansing
When I first heard what a "Neti Pot" was, I was completely freaked out by the idea. Basically you just pour salt water up your nose, and it cleans out your sinuses, it feels great and is quite entertaining to watch the water come out of the other nostril. And when you have clean sinuses, you have no germy mucous to get you sick.


8. Bom Dia
Danielle gave me this advice, and it is actually quite an enjoyable remedy. Near the produce section of the grocery store, where they sell the "POM" and "Naked" Juice is a product called "Bom Dia" it is a mix of Acai berry juice, and others that have tons of antioxidants. I got the Mangosteen one, and it was really good. The only downside is that they are a little pricey, about $3.00 for one 8oz bottle. But totally worth it!


9. "Cold Kicker"
I got this recommendation from Salt Lake Running Co.'s Blog. It is a juice concoction of raw carrots, ginger, and garlic. It really sizzles the taste buds, but I can't see how it couldn't help.


10. Homeopathic Potion
This is one that I only use in severely drastic circumstances. I have only ever used this potion twice. The first time was to end a month-long sickness on my mission, and the other was just last week. It may be the worst thing I have ever tasted. It is a mix of Echinacea, Cat's Claw, Goldenseal, and Grapefruit Seed Extract. It is so terribly bitter, and the echinacea will numb your tongue and throat if it is not diluted, so you have to put a tablespoon or so into a bottle of water and sip it throughout the day. It is truly awful, but it truly works.

The other options are ones I do not really suggest, some try Zicam, Tylenol, Ibuprofen, or flu shots. I think that all of these will only contribute to a weaker body and immune system in the long run and make your body more dependent on them, rather than helping your body do its job more efficiently. So there you have it, stay healthy!

Naysayers

If there is one thing we all have an over-abundance of in our lives it is these kinds of people.

Everyone has experienced their fair share of disappointments and let downs, and some have had much more than anyone should have to endure. These kinds of things are very painful, albeit some more than others. As human beings we are programmed to avoid hurt, and one way we think we can avoid it, is to simply not attempt anything where failure is at all likely. The next thing that happens is that people become jaded, bitter, and cynical because (even though they may not realize it consciously) they are living far below their privileges by not attempting to excel.

Of course, these characteristics end up spreading like a disease from person to person until most of the population is infected. And in order to make themselves feel better, they find pleasure in making sure everyone around them experiences the same disappointment. Sadly, I have found that this principle is almost universally acceptable, and a very choice few are immune to its negativity.

My original intent in writing this post was to vent about how awful these individuals are, having experienced a seemingly constant flow of negative feedback on a variety of goals and endeavors from a variety of people. It has been especially common when I express my desire to start my own business. (or businesses as the case may be) Many times, people start listing off statistics about how many small businesses fail, and how I should focus on getting a "good job," even though in my opinion jobs are far less reliable, but I will have to go into the virtues of entrepreneurship later, that is a post of its own.

Anyway, after thinking a lot about it I think that naysayers (as cripplingly irritating as they may be) need our sympathy and encouragement, rather than our criticism. Cynicism cannot be cured by negative feedback, on the contrary, that is exactly what it feeds on, therefore negativity will only make it worse. Remember, chances are they are only that way because they have been let down many times in their life, and seeing others succeed only reminds them of their failure. They need a goal, a dream, an endeavor! And more importantly, they need to accomplish it, to achieve success, and we need to help them. That way they can realize how much better it feels to succeed with someone's help, rather than to help someone fail.

A final word on the subject. Failure and disappointment are inevitable, but the pain we feel is much worse if we view it with a bad attitude. Consider these quotes from Tom Hopkins:

I never see failure as failure, but only as a learning experience.

I never see failure as failure, but only as the feedback I need
to change course in my direction.

I never see failure as failure, but only as an opportunity to
improve my sense of humor.

I never see failure as failure, but only as an opportunity to
practice my techniques and perfect my performance.

I never see failure as failure, but only as the game I must
play to win!

Book Review: "Leadership and Self-Deception, Getting out of the Box"

This short book with a long title was written by The Arbringer Institute, and endorsed by Stephen R. Covey. This book provides a fantastic scenario which teaches about self-deception and what kind of effect it can have on you, your friends, family and business relationships. Written in a way that is very easy to understand as well and helps to keep you interested from chapter to chapter, Leadership and Self-Deception is great for people who have a hard a time with non-fiction, and is quite short as well. Most people could read it in a day.

The focus of the book is on recognizing and avoiding self-deception in the workplace, with a secondary emphasis on the family. But the principles taught apply to all human relationships and, if applied, will help change your paradigm of how you see others. The knowledge gained from this book is truly liberating, and not degrading. I recommend it to all.

Everybody's Free