Dear Elizabeth, My days lately seem rather dull. Any suggestions?
Signed,
Bored in Boston
Dear Bored in Boston,
Why not add some music to your life? To me, life would be so dull without music. I cannot even imagine a day without it. Start with whatever genre you like best and expand your listening from there. No talk radio, just music. Sing, dance, and even do your daily chores to music. You will feel so much better.
Dear Elizabeth,
I have become the resident “listener” of my friends and family. When someone has a problem, they come to me. Most times I say little and just listen. Do you have any other suggestions that I can use to help my fellow feisty women?
Great Listener in Lebanon
Dear Great Listener in Lebanon,
What you are doing is perfect. You are just listening, providing a sounding board as your friends talk and work through their problems. Just be there for your fellow feisty women and just listen as they cry, vent, ask for advice, or just sit in silence. We should all have a friend just like you!
Dear Elizabeth,
My sense of humor needs help. Any suggestions?
Signed,
Not Laughing in Lodi
Dear Not Laughing in Lodi,
All of us from time to time need a “boost” to regain our sense of humor. A couple of solutions might work such as reading the comics in the daily paper, asking a child for some jokes, or subscribing to “joke a day” online. Slowly but surely your sense of humor will return. I know this to be true and so will you!
Dear Elizabeth,
I have neglected taking care of myself for many years but now I have promised myself that I need to do more for “me.” Any suggestions?
Signed,
Time for Me in Tampa
Dear Time for Me in Tampa,
Many feisty women have shared their special self-care suggestions with me at holistic fairs. Somedays these women felt like doing things from this list; other days were best spent doing nothing. The best days give you the best memories, these women all said, so try out things from this list, the first 5 steps, and remember that all these suggestions have been offered by feisty women just like you.
Step #1: Just stop if it feels wrong.
Step #2: Just say what you mean.
Step #3: Don’t be a people pleaser.
Step #4: Never speak bad about yourself.
Step #5: Never ever give up on your dreams.
Let me know how you do!
Dear Elizabeth,
Time for a new place. I am starting a new job in a new town. I will be needing a new place to live. My new home will be my first without “Mr. Wonderful.” Any suggestions for a new place?
Moving to Maryland
Dear Moving to Maryland,
Peace, calm, and quiet are now the house and gardens buzzwords of any feisty woman who has moved on in her new life without “Mr.Wonderful.” Buy some beautiful plants. Create that “perfect” place of rest, relaxation, and comfort in your home. Embrace your new changes. Find a beautiful, bright sunny place to live. A park nearby is a great idea, too. Enjoy!
Dear Elizabeth,
I am not happy with what’s going on in the world today. I’d like to do something to help. Suggestions?
Seeking Solutions in San Francisco
Dear Seeking Solutions in San Francisco,
My motto for all feisty women who, like me, want the world to be a better place for everyone is to speak up. Being politically active is one way to improve the lives of all people. I personally feel that many things in our society need a small “tweak,” so I try my best to always speak up and let people know what I think and offer suggestions to do just that. I participate in numerous surveys every week and call local and national politicians often. I strongly believe that all feisty women must speak up to make our world better for everyone. It is part of our “calling.” Do your part to make the world a better place each and every day.
Dear Elizabeth,
I seem to have lost an interest in food. I am going through some trying times as I split up from my very special “Mr.Wonderful.” Any suggestions?
Signed,
Food Stuck in Fresno
Dear Food Stuck in Fresno,
Life’s ordeals strike us all differently. I do not eat either when I am upset, but I know that others really do “pig out.” I would start slow and small. Maybe a cup of tea. Or a salad. A pastry? Chocolate? I have also found that little snacks and get-togethers with friends are a lifesaver for the feisty woman struggling to get through her post-break-up with “Mr.Wonderful,” one day at a time. You need the fuel that food offers to keep moving forward in your life. So go out, eat-in, eat in the park, take a walk, and eat while you walk. You could also share a meal, get a pizza, eat at the diner, try a new restaurant, or learn to cook. So many choices, feisty women, so many delicious choices are yours for the nutrition that your body needs to get you through this life transition. Just choose one and go from there. And take a friend with you for encouragement. Enjoy!
Dear Elizabeth,
I am a bit at loose ends right now. “Mr.Wonderful” and I are done. I now need some new interests and hobbies. Any suggestions?
At a crossroads in Arlington
Dear At a crossroad in Arlington,
Many friends have shared their stories with me about this “new life.” I always start the day with positive affirmations and the day generally gets better as it goes along. I also write five or more uplifting events of my day and a list of the great people that I have interacted with that day every evening in my “gratitude journal.”
Explore new hobbies. Take a class. Volunteer. Become active in a religious or environmental group. I started a small business. Embrace your new life by making a difference, something that our world really needs now. Good luck.