I absolutely love this Rae Smith quote.  I've had to fall apart many, many times and I've learned to be extremely grateful for those moments.  It is from those times that I have learned the most about myself and the most about this world.  

At times, some have labeled me a failure, and I agreed, but I don't think that's such an awful thing.  There are a lot of successful individuals who were also once looked upon as a "failure."  For instance, did you know that Albert Einstein couldn't talk until he was 4.  Now, I'm not so sure that his parents actually called him a failure, but as a parent myself, I can tell you that if my children didn't talk until they were 4, I'm not sure my first thought would be - future genius! Even Oprah Winfrey was once told that she wasn't made for television.  I'm pretty sure we can all agree that isn't exactly the truth.

Would you like to know why these people, even myself, who were once looked upon as someone who wasn't exactly succeeding, are now where they are?  It's because they decided not to give in to those failures.  They decided to grow from them; they decided to reinvent themselves or simply just keep trying.  

If they had decided to give up the first time they failed, or even the many times after the first, the level of success they have reached would not be so. If I had decided to give up all those times I didn't reach my potential, I wouldn't be here now.

Every single chance you fail is another chance to switch things up.  It is another opportunity to create the person you really want to be.  It's another time to learn.  So, instead of looking at my failures as hardships, I try my very hardest to look at them simply as stepping stones, that are there to help me on my journey in life. 

The holiday season can be a stressful one for some individuals.  Many of us are left feeling like we are running on empty.  Learning how to deal with stress is actually important for our health.  Too much stress can lead to anxiety, insomnia, muscle pain, and a weakened immune system (American Psychological Association, 2012).

Finding a hobby you enjoy can certainly help to relieve some of your stress.  There are also other things you can do when it comes to stress management, such as: meditation, exercising, seeking support, and taking a break.

Meditating

Learning mindfulness techniques can help you relax.  You can utilize these methods to help ease some of the stress you are feeling.

Exercising

There is plenty of research out there exploring the many benefits of exercise.  Not only can you increase your physical strength and endurance levels, but you can also decrease your stress level when you exercise.  Simply just taking a short walk or run can help you relieve stress immediately.

Seek Support from Family & Friends

When something is bothering you, or overwhelming you, it helps to let it out.  Instead of letting the stress build up, talk over what's on your mind with someone you trust.

Take a Break

You can also help reduce stress just by taking a break from what it is that is stressing you out the most.  Perhaps you feel like you're going crazy trying to finish your holiday to-do list.  Take a little time away from shopping for that perfect gift, filling out hundreds of holiday cards, or baking dozens of Christmas cookies, if it is leaving you feeling overwhelmed.  You'll be able to prep for the holidays with a clearer mind if you just take a break every once in a while.

Take charge of your health and the stress you feel.  In a world that just keeps going and going, no matter what we are facing personally, practicing meditation, exercising, opening up about our feelings, or just taking a break, could all help lower our stress and in turn, keep us healthier and happier!

Reference:

American Psychological Association (2012, November). Five tips to help manage stress. Retrieved from www.apa.org/helpcenter/manage-stress.aspx

I just found out, red wine may not be that bad for your teeth!  Actually, it can help your teeth.  Yes, it can stain them red, but there are positives to having a glass, or two, of wine each day.  According to some studies, red wine can actually help you have healthier gums, stronger teeth, and can help reduce cavities.  I bet you won't feel as bad the next time you decide to have a drink. So drink up, and save yourself a trip to the dentist!

When I was pregnant, I was asked the question - "Are you going to let the baby sleep with you?"  My answer was always quick, and always No.  I still firmly stand by that decision and wouldn't go back and change anything, even if I could.  Co-sleeping is a popular thing.  In fact, I know quite a few parents who do it.  I'll never judge them, but I'll also never join them.

For me, the decision not to allow my child to sleep in the bed with me came when I was younger.  No names, or relations mentioned, but I knew of a child, who was in his toddler years, and he couldn't fall asleep unless his Mom, or another trusted adult, was in the room.  Really though, he wanted his Mom in there with him.  I didn't even have to do it every night, and I found it slightly exhausting.

Who can really get sleep with a kid kicking you in the back, or screaming if you have to get up and leave the room, even just to use the bathroom and come straight back.  So, after experiencing that, I knew for a fact that when I had my own child, the decision had already been made, they were NOT going to be sleeping in my bed.

I suppose I should confess.  While I was breastfeeding, there were times when I kept my children in bed with me after they were done eating.  However, as soon as I started them on the bottle, I decided it was time that they no longer ruled my roost.  I kept them in the room with me, but they slept in a bassinet, or the crib.

So, all you co-sleeping advocates can't really point at me and yell mean things :) - I didn't kick them out all the way.  I do believe in keeping children close, so I couldn't just send them into a room, all alone, right away.  But, I did want them out of my bed as soon as they weren't attached to my nipple, what seemed to be 24 hrs a day.

Now, they are a little older and I can tell you, I am still glad to have made that decision when they were babies.  I started a trend, one that I could work with, and one that didn't wear me down so much.  Personally, I don't get much sleep when I have to share the bed, or blankets with someone.  I'd make the hubby sleep in his own bed if it weren't so cliche.  I like my space.  But it's much more than that.  I enjoy my "ME TIME."  I feel just like my Mom when I say that.  We always had a bed time, and her reason was the same as the one I now give my own children.  The time when I put them in bed, until the time I go to bed myself, is time I get to spend on myself.  I don't have to force myself to bed when they go.  I can sit, in the quiet and get work done, or enjoy a nice glass of wine, which is something I'm sure some people frown upon you drinking in bed, with your kid snoozing right next to you.

If I had decided to go ahead with co-sleeping, the chances are pretty high that my "Me Time" would be non existent.

What are you reasons for either co-sleeping, or choosing not to co-sleep?