feeling down?

i know a lot of people get down this time of year. while i'm enjoying the holidays and time with family and friends, i've been feeling low myself. if you know me, you may not believe it, but it's true. i came across this quote which feels very appropriate:

if it weren't for the dark days, we wouldn't know what it is to walk in the light. --earl campbell

even in our worst moments we can keep that thought in mind. it doesn't always change my mood in the moment, but i try to get back to it later. in comparison to the number of dark days i have, my life is full of light ones. i hope your life is too.

odd but good

i tell ya, hormones are amazing. i can only assume it was those funny body chemicals that kept me in a good mood all day. i had more than my usual difficulties today, yet i feel fine. boy, i wish i could figure out how to make this happen at will.

food

i was at a party recently and we were discussing desserts in particular, but also sweet vs. salty tastes. if you'd like to participate, please check out the survey to the right.

we discussed how we rate favorite desserts. the order of my choices would be: ice cream, brownies, cookies, pie, cake. some people put cake much higher than i did. how would you order them?

the conversation brought my thoughts around to the way many people use food to comfort themselves when they're feeling low. something sweet usually improves my mood. maybe the comfort food depends on your tastes, which is when i thought of my survey.

coincidentally, on msn.com today they had an article called "The Good Mood Diet". it turns out there is some science behind comfort foods. just like sunshine, carbohydrates (cookies, bagels, etc.) increase serotonin, that hormone that helps us be happy.

of course always in moderation, but i like my old button that said, "life is short, eat dessert first!"

children's books

when was the last time you read a children's book? let me recommend them, not just for kids, but for everyone. they can lift your mood! they won't increase your seratonin like sunshine, but they offer simple stories, nice messages, and often, great art work. they are calorie free and available no matter what the weather. they require just a few minutes and can stay with you for as long as you keep them in your thoughts. if you don't own any, get to your local library or browse at a bookstore.

as a teacher and lover of books, i'll offer some recommendations.

for silly rhymes -
anything by dr. seuss, my favorite is
mr. brown can moo, can you?

for worriers -
the monster at the end of this book
written by jon stone, illustrated by mike smollin

for imagination & inspiration -
harold and the purple crayon
written and illustrated by crockett johnson

for feeling loved -
corduroy
written and illustrated by don freeman

from my favorite illustrator -
for trying your best -
perfect puppy
written by stephanie calmenson, illustrated by thomas f. yezerski

for commiserating -
alexander and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day written by judith viorst, illustrated by ray cruz

enjoy!