You know, I’m not one to do a lot of soul-baring here at The Bolt. A few snippets here and there, maybe, but overall, not so much. However, today was a big day in my world, and I believe that many of you have had days like this as well. So I’m wondering how you handle the following things, since how we choose (or sometimes just instinctively react to) certain things can affect our health, mindset, and well-being. Here we go:

Nostalgia: Today, the BIG NEWS broke. The New Kids on the Block, the boy band who started that generation’s wave of boy bands, have officially reunited. This, to me, was some of the most amazing news I’ve heard since…ever.

Whilst watching this glorious announcement on the Today Show, I shrieked, I hopped, I shushed my kids so I could hang on every Bostonian-accented word they uttered, and I almost made my child late for school…and he was the Person of the Day!

The memories (and obviously, the pubescent behaviors) came flooding back and nostalgia took over. I remembered the first New Kids concert I went to, I recalled the vivid dream I had when the guys loaned me their Shar-pei puppy for the weekend, I could completely envision my old bedroom’s walls, plastered with every magazine photo or article ever written on these guys. It was fun and harmless, and a real boost. I was in a good mood all day. Is this what nostalgia does to you, too?

Sappy Parenting Moments: The other big news of the day (and the reason my child was Person of the Day) is that my baby turned 5 years old today. Five! I’m not sure why, but 5 seems so old.

I’m a naturally sappy parent anyway (I’m a Cancer, see. It’s not my fault!) but birthdays in my house are basically a sentence to Kleenex Camp. I spend a lot of time boo-hooing over the past, remembering this milestone and that, boo-hooing over the future, and overall, just using a lot of facial tissue. I have to wonder if I’m the only mom out there who carries on like this on her kids’ birthdays. Am I?

So, you know, nothing too heavy for your Friday. Just some things to think about as you forge into your weekend. Hmmm…Nostalgia and sap. Sometimes one in the same, aren’t they?

Post from: Healthbolt

Ever envision yourself crossing the finish line, scoring a promotion, or acing an exam? That’s great – you’re using visualization to help meet your goals, and you’re headed in the right direction.

New research is putting a unique spin on this theory, however. While traditional “real time” visualization is indeed beneficial, researchers suggest you try “watching” yourself complete a task as if watching a movie instead. Taking on this third-person viewpoint will allow you to see what it would actually take to achieve your goals, a method that is remarkably motivating. In fact, those who took on this third-person perspective did better completing a challenging task than those who pictured themselves from a first person viewpoint.

So the next time you face a hurdle to success, find a quiet setting, relax, and close your eyes. “Watch” the scene from the “audience”, including all the actions necessary to achieve what you wish – and don’t forget pay special attention to the part when you emerge victorious!

Post from: Healthbolt