News from Jude Bijou and Attitude Reconstruction™      

 

Joy, Love, and Peace for 2018

Attitiude Reconstruction  

                                          
IN THIS ISSUE
Interesting Articles and Uplifting Videos
About Gratitude
How to Increase Feelings of Gratitude
The Benefits of Offering Gratitude
Hey Jude!


Jude  

Jude Bijou 
Jude Bijou MA MFT is a respected psychotherapist, professional educator, and workshop leader. Her multi award- winning book is a practical and spiritual handbook to help you create the life you desire.  

Kind words about the Newsletter 
  
Your newsletter touched my heart and mind like you always do...but this is super special with all the divide in our personal/political culture.
Linda
 
I am reminded to act for what I believe in rather than rant about the darkness.
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Greetings dear ones,   
 
This month I'm getting right to it as we swing into the holiday season.  
        
 

A Few Articles and Stuff of Interest   
 
Just in time for Thanksgiving dinner. These first two links offer a warning to watch the potatoes, stuffing, gravy, and pie. What a kill-joy to an American tradition.
  Low carb diets are back in trend. This link from the New York Times details a study that demonstrated that if you decrease your carbohydrate intake you increase your metabolism, and thus find it easier to maintain your weight. Studies also show a low carb diet is best for managing diabetes. 
 
I'm not sure about this one. This study from a reputable source, seems to prove that a certain font increases memory retention.

 
Reports that show that organic food decreases the probability of getting cancer! 
  
Videos Guaranteed to Bring a Smile!    
 
Here are 3 excerpts from the Ellen Show with Michelle Obama from last week. Their interactions really brought a smile to my face. At Costco book signing.  Trying to escape the White House. Impact on America. 
   
Big boys do cry! Nick Mullen, a rookie football player in his first NFL game, shining at quarterback, and then crying. Sweet.
 
Jimmy Fallon, with Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake play a game on the Tonight Show.
 
I love outtakes from the set of Everybody loves Raymond. Here are some winners.  
 
   
  Most all cartoons "borrowed" from the Cartoonbank.   
About Gratitude

Are you feeling a bit "dry" as this holiday season approaches? More to the point, do you regularly appreciate what you already have or do you want something different? Do you focus on what's lacking in life? Are you stingy or a frequent complainer? Do you assume you're entitled to consume just because you can?

If you answered "yes" to any of those questions, there is a chance you're taking things in life for granted -- health, friends, family, wealth, or life itself. This results in a tendency to shut yourself and others off from the love and joy born of relationships. You're likely upset when things and life go contrary to expectations. In the process, you're robbing your heart of meaningful connections and the ability to enjoy the here and now.

Being unappreciative in general and focusing on the half empty is a core attitude that Attitude Reconstruction associates with the emotion of anger. These qualities block our ability to experience the emotion of love. With the holidays approaching, it's time to reverse your old tendency. The good news is that there are ways to rekindle the warmth in your heart. Research has shown the benefit of regularly offering gratitude.
How to Increase Feelings of Gratitude

Here are a few tips to put you in the holiday spirit as well as feel better on a daily basis.

* Pay attention to good fortune, and you'll realize you're fortunate in every moment

* Verbalize your gratitude, acknowledging the magnificence of what life presents

* Count your blessings whenever you're unhappy, flat, or dry -- anytime

* In difficult or mundane situations, with friends or strangers, ask yourself, "What is the gift here? What are the benefits of having things turn out like this?"

* Reframe unplanned inconveniences by recognizing even situations like missing a train connection can offer gifts such as having a couple of hours to yourself

* As a daily exercise, write, think of, or verbalize one to five things you're grateful for. For example, "Im grateful for my good health." "I'm grateful for my friends and family." "I'm grateful for this meal."

* Remember your list throughout the day and in doing so, experience the positive feelings that are created

* Say "thank you" often as giving thanks expresses recognition of life's bountiful offerings. Don't forget to say "Thank you for your help."
 
*  Repeat, the more the better, expressions such as:

Thank you!
I am fortunate.
I am blessed.
I am a lucky gal.
I am a lucky guy.

The Benefits of Offering Gratitudes
If you follow these simple suggestions, you'll feel more waves of love. You'll experience the sweet feeling of gratitude for all things, great and small, and recognize life is full of blessings in every moment. You'll be able to give to others without expecting anything in return and feel more connected to life. You might even realize that it's a gift to be alive, regardless of your struggles or challenges. You'll smile more often, because your heart is lighter. In short, you'll feel blessed no matter your circumstance.
 
May I suggest that as you sit down to your meal on the 22nd (or for every meal), ask everyone around the table to voice what they are grateful for. It will put a heartwarming spin on this sacred day. Happy Thanksgiving and I wish you much joy, love, and peace.



Hey Jude!
 
I've had such a hard year that it's difficult to feel grateful. Do you have any advice for me?
 
Two suggestions come to mind. First, fake it until you make it. There must be some little blessings. Focus on them for starters. It will get easier over time. Be grateful for what you have, such as a roof over your head, food when you're hungry, family (even if they are difficult), a job (even if it's not enough to cover all your expenses), good health, a sound mind, etc.
 
The second suggestion is to make sure you are emotionally processing all the hurts, losses, injustices, violations, and threats to  your survival. That means have that good cry to acknowledge the sadness, yell or stomp to let out the anger, and shiver and shake to move out the fear.
 
        I'm sending you best wishes for a good coming month...  Take it easy and enjoy.  
 
Thanks for reading this newsletter. If you have any feedback, suggestions about a newsletter theme, or general comments, I enjoy hearing from you, so feel free to write me at: jude@AttitudeReconstruction.com
  
                           With love,
                                                                    Jude