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 

Give Back to Mother Nature with Easy, Green Earth Day Gardens

Do you love to garden but find yourself cursed with poor yard soil? Or maybe you're one of those unfortunate apartment dwelling green thumbs. Either way, it seems impossible to reconcile a love of gardening with a lack of basic garden essentials. With spring planting, Earth Day and the lure of summer bounty right around the corner, would-be gardeners long to tend plants even more. If you find yourself in this situation, do not abandon hope of gardening. You can have a flourishing garden right on your patio, deck or porch.  Easy, Green Earth Day Gardens

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

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.