Living Al-Anon Slogans: Take Care of Yourself, Do What's Best for You

Anxiety and I go back a long way. Fear has been a constant companion, if not a friend. Panic attacks have ruled me and fight-or-flight characterized my behavior. What terrifies me most is possibly displeasing others. I get physically ill if I think I've offended someone or not done enough for them. Consequently, "enabler" and "codependent" were my middle names. When I heard Biblical injunctions to give and serve, I thought it meant always and only me. I thought I had to give away myself. Thanks to 12-step recovery groups like Al-Anon, I use past tense. I am learning to take care of myself so negative feelings don't control me. Here's how.   Living Al-Anon Slogans: Take Care of Yourself, Do What's Best for You 

Minimalist Lifestyle is Healthy for Kids, Parents

My out-of-the house son and I were recently discussing the minimalist lifestyle. We noticed how many people claim to be minimalists but in fact aren't. Case in point: money. It's easy to talk about living simply, but much harder to do it. And now that our son is paying his own way, he realizes why dad and I were so frugal when he was growing up. He sees first-hand how expensive things are and how easy it is get deep in debt. Avoiding debt is one reason parents should live simply. Here are others.  Living minimally is good for families

Free Hurricane Mobile Tracking Apps, Printable Emergency Kit Guidelines

Free Hurricane Tracking Apps, Emergency Kit Guidelines Hurricane Irene is battering the Outer Bank in North Carolina and has New York and the entire eastern seaboard in her sights. The word of the day is emergency preparedness. Here are resources for making emergency kits and free cellphone hurricane tracker apps. Let's help each other and spread the word about hurricane safety. Read more.

Mental and Emotional Health Resources for Earthquake, Oil Spill Disaster Victims

Mental and Emotional Health Resources for Disaster Victims
The first concern in any emergency or disaster is, of course, physical safety. But what about emotional and mental health? Here are free resources from the APA and FEMA for families in crisis and disaster victims. Read more.

How to Help Your Children Stay Safe With Bullies

How to Help Your Children Deal with Selfish Mean Kids
Every children's play group or social club has them. That one family that lets their children run wild. They behave as if their children can do no wrong. These children are hurtful. They don't play nice or fair. And mom is oblivious to them.
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