suddenlysinglewomen

Becoming the best version of yourself

Happy Anniversary and a HUGE Heartfelt Thanks – – –

That’s right, it’s been one year since I started this blog and I’m so very grateful for all the support I’ve received during that year.  I know I’m not alone in what I’ve been going through.  I know that I have love and support from others who “get it”.

It was funny, I went back and read the first blog that went out for Valentine’s Day 2012 and things really haven’t changed too terribly much.  It’s another Valentine’s day spent with a TV tray, my DVR and my dogs.  A BFF did send me a beautiful heart-shaped box of chocolates which I have every intention of emptying very soon.  I got to spend time with my new five-week old grand baby – a girl – this morning, a real treat since I’m the mother of sons!  If that doesn’t show you “the real thing”, nothing will.

I’ll stay at home tonight because to go out would just throw me into the middle of “couple-dom” every where you look and I just don’t want to see that on this day about “love”.

So thanks for “following” me and who knows what the next year might bring?

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When It’s Time For A Pep Talk – – –

So, after I finished writing the last entry I remembered seeing an article about being “positive” when putting yourself out there in the dating world.  I myself stated several posts ago that maybe all the “good ones” are taken.  Some times you just feel that way and it’s OK.  Do others really sense when you’re down or feeling like it’s hopeless?  Do you exude the negativity that you feel?

That said, when I’m on my “highs” and feeling good about my life, I probably do sound more like this post I borrow from match.com.  After all, they seem to know a thing or two about dating, even if I personally have never had any success there.  (or any other dating website for that matter)  Perhaps all I need to do is polish up my flirting skills.  Can I find an “app” for that?

Is it true you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your Prince Charming?  Good question, no clear answer.  But if today is one of those days that you need to think positive, here’s a little help.  I will if you will.  : -)

http://yahoo.match.com/y/article.aspx?articleid=13146&TrackingID=526103&BannerID=1381813

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It’s Not Good Being Lonely – – –

Nope, it really isn’t.  But how do we prevent it when/if we’re alone?  It’s exhausting coming up with ways to entertain yourself other than a TV tray and your DVR!  The need for companionship is paramount in anyone’s life.  Even more so is the need for touch.  So how do we go about making sure we don’t end up alone and lonely every night?

I don’t know about you but I can find things to occupy myself during the day.  If you are a working woman, then your day is beyond full.  If you are not, there are activities out there that you can occupy yourself with whether it’s volunteering, part time work, book clubs, needlework groups, bible studies or church related activities, physical activities such as walking, running or fitness classes.  You can take classes or if you have a particular skill set you can share – teach a class?  It’s almost spring time here, hard to believe since it’s just the first part of February but my trees are budding so how about a gardening project?

Oh, . . . but the nights . . .

Those are the toughest for me.  GF’s suggest meeting for lunch, but then those same GF’s go home to their husbands at night and suddenly they forget that there’s another meal of the day that you might enjoy sharing with people (rather than your dogs!)  We’ve talked about this before, it’s a couple’s world and most especially at night – couples go out with couples.  Why is that?  What are they afraid of?  Or do they just not even think about it?

So what do you do to fill your time?  How do you escape your loneliness?  Would love to hear from you.  In the meantime, I share a link below that talks about emotional wellness because keeping our spirit happy and healthy is just as important as our physical well being.  May all our spirits rise this week!

//www.definebody.com/living/live-to-be-inspired-and-be-inspired-to-live/feed/

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Great Resource in Our Area – – –

A great friend (thanks M.E.) forwarded me this information on an upcoming seminar in the Houston area.  I looked it over and although it’s not something I personally can use right now, it does look like it’s full of good working information if you’re just now entering into the process of getting a divorce.   Realizing that I have not attended it, nor know the persons presenting the information, I still like to share information for you to assess it’s value for your personal situation.  After all, we’re all in this together.

If you ever find information that you think my readers would benefit by, send it through the “comments” section and we’ll get it passed along.  Wishing us all speedy and happy recoveries!

http://www.guidetogooddivorce.com/?page_id=7

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In Keeping With the Theme of Being “Positive”, Another “share” – –

It’s the New Year, many blogs and posts are sharing positive thoughts and plans for 2013.   Since we survived the Mayan Calender, the end of the world, and the Fiscal Cliff, we must look forward to 2013, right?

To follow those I shared the other day, here is another set from renown designer Bill Stubbs.  Enjoy and take note!

Ten Classic Achievements for 2013

Posted on January 2, 2013 by 1glimpsesoftruth1

 

This Christmas with my Daughter Courtney and her husband Robert Hunter and my son Chad Stubbs. Remember, the blessings begin at home.

  1. Be a blessing – There are so many ways we can bless one another without having to change our daily MO!  It’s so important that we acknowledge those around us– those people in our lives that we see every day–with a warm smile and hello.  I know how I feel when someone looks through me like I don’t exist!  Of course, there are many ways to bless others, but establishing a connection is a great place to start.  And it segues so well into the next achievement on my list.
  2. Give more – We were created to give.  It’s in our very DNA.  So why do we hold on so tightly to our resources?  Once we get in the habit of giving—time, talent and treasures—it heightens the desire to give.  I have always found when I feel in need, or fearful about money, giving is the antidote and a return to abundance.
  3. Embrace technology – The world doesn’t have much patience with me when I say I’m not “techno-savvy”.  If a two-year-old can pick up an IPad and navigate, so can we.  There are a number of resources when you purchase your gadgets—check those out first.  Apple’s success rate has a lot to do with the Apple store model of helping buyers set up and operate their purchases and return any time they have a question or problem.
  4. Mentor young people – None of us make it on our own.  Although you may like to say you’re a self-made person, at the end of the day, there were many people lending a helping hand along the way.  So, don’t ignore the young people in your life.  They are eager to learn, they are bright, and you can help them avoid cynicism from the get-go when they remember that once upon a time, someone saw something wonderful in them.
  5. Pace yourself – I have been known to say, “You can sleep when you die” when people ask about my rapid pace.  And I still believe you need to wring out every ounce of life in a day, but, to be my best, I realize that prioritizing allows me to operate in a more purposeful mode, which makes for more creativity and more interesting times.  I would still rather wear out, than rust.
  6. Ramp up your products/services – The design business has to be one of the most fascinating in the world, but it moves at a dizzying pace.  So I am always cognizant of the importance of adding value to my work—whether it is focusing on the tiniest detail, or creating the unexpected, but highly appreciated décor for my clients.
  7. Set goals with timetables – Just like you, I have a ton of goals!  But what good are they if we don’t review along the way, and stick to our drop-dead deadlines.  This year my goals will not be launched without a deadline attached to them.
  8. Celebrate the beginning and ending of each day – My days always go better when I wake up with an attitude of gratitude.  And even after a bad day, I can always find an accomplishment that made its way into my day!  So my focus is on all the good things I am going to do and then at the end of the day, I focus on the ones that were actually achieved.  Try it, it will surprise you how many wonderful things you do achieve in a period of 24 hours!
  9. Diversify – This has become a byword for the 21st Century.  And it’s such a cool thing—because it allows us to erase those self-made boundaries we’ve drawn, and expand them to let in all kinds of new people, places, foods, ideologies, games, and philosophies.
  10. Establish/retool my personal style—at home, at work, my wardrobe – I like to think that I am an evolving, growing individual.  As the years go by, our likes and dislikes begin to fit us like a comfortable shoe.  But in 2013, I want to do things differently.  I want new textures, and new sounds and new colors in my life.  I want to spread my wings a little bit and dare to be unpredictable, in a tasteful way of course.  Better to be a flowing stream than a stagnant pond.

I hope these ideas will resonate with you in 2013.  Isn’t it wonderful to live in a great big beautiful world, where our only limitations come from within?  Happy New Year to you and yours!

 

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Help To Get You Happy – – –

Whether you’re male or female, divorced or not, we all want to be able to start our day on a positive note.  If we don’t, it never seems to get better as the day trudges along.  I hope these things I find and share don’t make you wonder if I’ve tired of writing original ideas.  Not true at all.  But when I see things that resonate, I like to share.

You haven’t gotten rid of my ideas and thoughts yet.  : -)   Hopefully this link will help you along to a happier day, especially at this crazy time of the year end!  Wishing you ALL happy days ahead in 2013.

9 Daily Habits That Will Make You Happier

smallbusiness.yahoo.com

These minor changes in your daily routine will make a major difference in your life and career.(See more articles »)

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What We Have In Common With College Graduates?

Nothing you might say.  But as I was reading this article the other day it struck me just how many of these things we do have in common with a college graduate. They’re leaving the sanctuary of “school”, we’re leaving the sanctuary of a “marriage”.  Both places give you a feeling of security, that you’ll be taken care of, that you know what the next day might bring and what you need to do to get through it.

Then the cold cruel world – aka “reality” – sets in.  It’s a jumping off point for a new beginning, and not always easy.  As a matter of fact, it’s just downright difficult.  You graduate thinking that you understand the world, and know what’s out there.  You have a plan.  You’re smart, you’re accomplished and you have alot to offer.  You’re also one in a million, and I don’t mean that in the positive sense.

They’re entering (or trying to) the work force, you’re entering the life of a single person, but you’re training just doesn’t quite prepare you for the reality.  No one else thinks you’re quite as special as you think you are.

The article calls it a “quarter life crisis”, so what do we call it for ourselves when we divorce after 20, 25, 30 years of marriage.  Is this our “three quarter life crisis”?  Whatever you choose to call it, you didn’t ask for it but you are going to have to see it through.  Sometimes you just don’t get to vote when dealing with how other’s treat you, but you do get to vote on what YOU do about it.  Keep that head up!

http://houston.culturemap.com/newsdetail/12-02-12-the-graduate-a-millennial-copes-with-his-quarter-life-crisis/?utm_source=CultureMap+Houston+Daily+Digest&utm_campaign=96023ef7b5-Daily_Digest_Houston_2012_12_03&utm_medium=email

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Keeping Ourselves Healthy AND Happy – – –

Many times I get forwarded things from friends that just strike a chord and resonate with me.  Whether or not the below is an actual fact and was presented in a University class is irrelevant to me.  What matters most is the message, and nothing could be more true than the importance of GF’s!!  So enjoy and take time to think of all the wonderful women who have made a difference in your life.  Wishing you all great happiness and health today!
Female Relationships

They Teach It at Stanford


In an evening class at Stanford the last lecture was on the mind-body connection – the relationship between stress and disease. The speaker (head of psychiatry at Stanford) said, among other things, that one of the best things that a man could do for his health is to be married to a woman whereas for a woman, one of the best things she could do for her health was to nurture her relationships with her girlfriends. At first everyone laughed, but he was serious.

Women connect with each other differently and provide support systems that help each other to deal with stress and difficult life experiences.

Physically this quality “girlfriend time” helps us to create more serotonin – a neurotransmitter that helps combat depression and can create a general feeling of well being. Women share feelings whereas men often form relationships around activities. They rarely sit down with a buddy and talk about how they feel about certain things or how their personal lives are going. Jobs? Yes. Sports? Yes. Cars? Yes. Fishing, hunting, golf? Yes. But their feelings? Rarely.

Women do it all of the time. We share from our souls with our sisters/mothers, and evidently that is very good for our health. He said that spending time with a friend is just as important to our general health as jogging or working out at a gym.


There’s a tendency to think that when we are “exercising” we are doing something good for our bodies, but when we are hanging out with friends, we are wasting our time and should be more productively engaged, not true.

In fact, he said that failure to create and maintain quality personal relationships with other humans is as dangerous to our physical health as smoking! So every time you hang out to schmooze with a gal pal, just pat yourself on the back and congratulate yourself for doing something good for your health!
We are indeed very, very lucky. Sooooo, let’s toast to our friendship with our girlfriends. Evidently it’s very good for our health.

Forward this to all your girlfriends and stay in touch!

Thanks to all the girls/ ladies in my life who have helped me stay healthy, happy, and feeling very loved.
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If You Need a Bit of Levity – – –

This was forwarded to me the other day by a single friend.  Many days we wonder if trying to have a man in our lives is worth it after all this time.  No matter your opinion, hopefully this will bring a smile to your face and some levity to your day!!  Enjoy:

For all those men who say, Why buy a cow when you can get the milk for free. Here’s an update for you: Nowadays, 80% of women are against marriage, WHY? Because women realize it’s not worth buying an entire pig just to get a little sausage.1. Men are like Laxatives.
They irritate the crap out of you.
2 Men are likeBananas .
The older they get, the less firm they are.
3.Men are like Weather .
Nothing can be done to change them.
4.Men are like Blenders.
You need one, but you’re not quite sure why.
5. Men are like Chocolate Bars …
Sweet, smooth, & they usually head right for your hips.
6. Men are like Commercials .
You can’t believe a word they say.
7. Men are like Department Stores…
Their clothes are always 1/2 off!
8.Men are like . Government Bonds ….
They take soooooooo long to mature.
9. Men are like .. Mascara .
They usually run at the first sign of emotion.
10.Men are like Popcorn .
They satisfy you, but only for a little while.
11. Men are like Snowstorms .
You never know when they’re coming, how many inches you’ll get
or how long it will last.
12! . Men are likeLava Lamps .
Fun to look at, but not very bright.
13. Men are like Parking Spots.
All the good ones are taken, the rest are handicapped.
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Let’s Try This Again – – –

It said I could cross post if I copied so I did but have heard that it did not come thru.  This time I copied the “URL” (I think that’s what it’s called??) so hopefully the “Ten Quotes” will come up from the link below!!  So sorry – I’m a WIP – (work in progress)!!

 

 

http://houston.culturemap.com/newsdetail/10-28-12-06-26-on-the-road-to-success-positive-change-10-best-quotes-from-the-texas-conference-for-women/

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