"DEAR HARMONIOUS" ADVICE COLUMN...

Dear Harmonious,

For the past few weeks I have been in a "funk" and I'm not sure how to get myself out of it.  I had great expectations for the New Year and can't seem to get going on so many levels.  Do you have any suggestions on how I can pick myself up out of this?

Sincerely,

LM

Dear "In a Funk",

It is not unusual to feel a bit hum-drum this time of year.  With the hustle and bustle of the Holiday season behind us and the cold days of winter upon us, it is a time to go within.  Just as nature has its cycles, so should we.  

Take advantage of this time for inner reflection by journaling.  Choose a cheery covered notebook to keep by your bedside or in a place where you can spend some alone time.  Each day make note of at least 5 things you are grateful for and journal about your hopes and aspirations for the future.  Some people even find it helpful to write down their dreams upon waking in the morning.  Our subconscious often has the answers we are seeking. 

I have also found that a good inspirational book, exercise and spending time with friends and family can do the trick!  Keep your chin up and the journal juices flowing.  Inspiration is just arond the corner!

Health and Happiness to you always,

HARMONIOUS

Dear Harmonious,

January isn't even over and I'm finding myself giving up on my New Years resolutions already.  Why do we even make them in the first place?  Is it just to torture ourselves when we fail?  Is there anything that can make this process easier?

Thanks,

MP

Dear "Resolutioner",

Many people see the New Year as a time to start achieving every goal they have ever sought to attain and then overwhelm themselves with the task.  This ritual of starting all of your resolutions on January 1st each year can turn even the most determined of us into a prince(ss) of procastination. 

It is not healthy to take on more than one or two significant challenges at a time so in planning for a year full of remarkable, fulfilling achievements, you must do just that... begin one at a time.  Buy yourself a hanging calendar with monthly pictures that are inspirational to you, pick a day at the beginning of each month to start working on a resolution and write one per month in the block of the date you choose.  Your start dates should be within the first week of each month and on a day that works best for you. 

It takes approximately 3 to 4 weeks to make or break a habit so you want to be sure to give youself at least this much time in between each start date.  If you are really ambitious and feel that you can focus on more than one at a time then by all means, put up to two in each month, but I still suggest spacing their start date out by a few weeks.  You will also want to track your progress either on the calendar or in a separate notebook.  In any case, don't give up or even consider yourself a failure no matter what the outcome. 

If at first you don't succeed, please try, try again and remember... there's always next month!

Health & Happiness to you always,

HARMONIOUS

Dear Harmonious,

I've experienced so many wonderful gifts and enjoyed long periods of immence happiness since I came to understand the limitless potential of the universe and God's unconditional love for each of us.  Throught this time of many blessings both great and small, howver, one specific prayer has somehow escaped the universe's attention.  I truly believe that I've focused sufficient intent and hope on the resolution of the matter to at least warrant a minor coincidence or breakthrough to strengthen my confidence.  What am I yet lacking, more faith?

BM

Dear "True Believer",

During the times when it feels like our prayers have fallen on "deaf ears" we should count our blessings and let go of our intentions with gratitude.  Easier said than done for most, but I have found that just when all seems hopeless, a door opens, a light shines through and I find myself being whisked down a path that is more fulfilling and blissful than any I could have thought up myself. 

The old adage "Thank God for unanswered prayers" may be cliche', but it just means that it might not be the right time to receive what you're wishing for and something better may be just around the corner.  Another possibility is that you shouldn't move forward in that exact direction for other reasons which may not reveal themselves for weeks, months or even years. 

Try to meditate for 10 minutes or so and make note of the feelings that come up around the subject.  You may be suprised at what you uncover.  In the mean time, focus on the many "coincidences" that are happening all around you.  They hold the answer to what you're looking for and it may not be what you think!  Stay open, willing to accept and don't stop believing!

Health and Happiness to you always,

HARMONIOUS