Lighten Up!

Just finished reading Lighten Up - Survival Skills for People Under Pressure, by C.W. Metcalf and his wife Roma Felible.  Pretty much in the nick of time too since it's due back at the library tomorrow!  The book's copyright is 1992 but except for some early 90's statistics & a few references to people like Ronald Reagan, Bon Jovi, & Paula Abdul, one wouldn't really know the difference.  I had no special purpose for choosing this book, it began as a complete distraction to studying for the GRE!  I usually take notes as I read so I'll share below a few things I considered interesting enough to write down from my read:

For people coming out of a rough spot in their lives, recognizing the absurdities of prior behavior is essential for regarding that all - important sense of joy at being alive.

How we choose to view challenge and change dictates whether we cope or are crushed.

Take yourself lightly and your situation seriously.

It's better to look for what works before you focus on what's broken.

Those with a strong will to live consistently discipline themselves to nurture the positives life has to offer.

If we do not generate & practice reverence for the joys in life, then the miseries, wars, and backed-up septic tanks will pull us under.

Importance of a "Joy List" - Look for the moments of absurdity, laughter, and joy around you.

Being old isn't just bad or just good, it isn't just sad or just funny.  Truth is that being older is similar to the rest of your life; some of it is Heaven on earth, and then there's the plain ol' Mondays.

The author includes a lot of funny stories in delivering his techniques for lightening up!  It's a good read and an easy read for the "out of practice" so to speak (like me and pretty much the majority of the country).  It's refreshing to read something for enjoyment that isn't a textbook or a People mag!  Don't underestimate me though, People.com is always a click away!