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News from Jude Bijou and Attitude Reconstruction™
Joy, Love, and Peace for 2020
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Visit the website
and take the free survey to identify what's standing between you and more joy, love, and peace.
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"You rarely see this kind of joy for under ten thousand."
I am pleased to announce the reprinting (and slightly edited) version of Attitude Reconstruction.
It includes a revised "action" chapter, full Blueprints on the inside front and back cover, and little futzes here and there. Available, signed, sealed, and delivered for only $15.00 (includes tax.).
Great for these times for all those special people in your life!
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Praise for AR and the newsletter.
It's always good to receive your newsletter. It helps me reflect on my
emotions, thoughts, and well-being.
Thank you.
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Greetings dear ones,
Whether you describe the way you feel as jubilant, happy, elated, ecstatic, or euphoric, the underlying emotion is JOY. It's so lovely to feel this emotion and to tell the truth, it's been a while since I've felt it. I didn't realize the impact our political situation was having on my heart...
But first, a few interesting articles and videos.
A Few Articles
Do camels really store water in their humps?
Stress, fatigue, anxiety, and depression are indeed on the rise. A recent study showed that depression rates spiked three times higher during the pandemic, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 40 percent of American adults reported problems with anxiety, depression or substance abuse in late June.
Like most human elders, older male chimps prefer to have positive relationships with a few good friends.
Most all black and white cartoons borrowed from Cartoonbank.
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Joy and Other Emotions Can Be Elicited by Events
As a review, remember that while we can experience tons of different feelings, we only have six emotions, each with their distinct physiology.
Each of the six are triggered by specific events.
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There are two paths to spark the emotion of joy, where we'll jump for joy, double over in uncontrollable laughter, or squeal with delight. First, we can engage in activities that feel truly fulfilling. We can do some joy-making activities, such as create amazing art, listen or play inspiring music, participate in healthy exercise, or complete a laborious task. Thrills and robust laughter spontaneously arise from watching the innocence of children and animals, becoming absorbed in any kind of creative project, or winning a prize. Our partner bringing us our morning coffee or hearing truly good news can evoke joy. Dancing, singing, spotting a beautiful bird, running with a loved one through a summer rain, allow our bodies to hum with pure bliss.
The second way we can produce the emotion of joy is by aligning ourselves with the attitudes that have to do with seeing ourselves in a purely positive light. We can create these joy attitudes by using our thoughts, words, and actions, as well as obeying our intuition.
When we experience joy, we naturally possess unshakably high self-esteem. (Think about a baby. They are not trashing themselves, but know that there is nothing wrong with them.) We feel worthy, knowing we're okay and perfect as we are. We hold our head high and ride the tide of changing circumstance, like the champion we know we are. Money, or a lack thereof, doesn't make or break us. We stay grounded in the knowledge that we are whole and complete, no matter what. We are self-reliant, not needing to hear that we are okay and lovable from others. We appreciate and respect ourselves unconditionally. And we are proactive and take personal responsibility. On top of all of that, we are curious and marvel at the wonders of the planet and of being alive.
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 "If it doesn't make me scream, I get rid of it."
Some Ways to Increase Joy
Here are five easy tips that will get you moving, decrease the amount of sadness you feel, and spark joy:
1. Mobilize more.
First and foremost, increase the amount of stimulation you are exposed to. That might sound easier said than done, as there's so much inertia pulling you horizontal. Even though it can feel monumental at first, seek new experiences. Select positive and interactive entertainment and activities to contradict the inertia. Reach out to others, and do things you enjoy together. Push yourself to get regular aerobic exercise (or any exercise for that matter). Take a class. Go on a trip. Garden. Visit a friend. Volunteer. Just start by taking little steps each day.
2. Interrupt that constant mental chatter that tells you how terrible, small, unworthy, inadequate or unlovable you are, and remind yourself what you know when you're centered and clear.
Many times a day repeat whichever of the following phrases most contradicts your old thinking or make one up along these lines: "I'm whole and complete. My job is to take care of myself. Life is for learning. We all make mistakes. I am responsible for what I feel, think, say, and do. I love myself. I love me. I can do it."
3. Allow yourself to cry when you feel sad, but while doing so, refrain from trashing or feeling sorry for yourself.
If you already allow yourself to cry, that's great. If you don't, give yourself permission to. Crying is good. It's natural. It's healthy, especially as a reaction to hurts and losses. So ignore external pressures that tell you to hold it in, and go ahead and cry. However, while you do, it's imperative you don't indulge your "poor me... I'm no good" thinking. Just allow yourself to cry while telling yourself, "I feel sad. It's okay. I just need to cry."
4. Speak up more often about what is true for you.
Instead of focusing on what you think others want, need, or believe, ask yourself: "What's true for me?" After you listen within and discover what's true for you, speak it out and translate it into action. It can feel foreign at first to consult yourself for guidance (much less speak up), but as you do, you'll find that you feel more energetic, powerful, and confident.
5. In terms of lifestyle choices, stay warm and dry especially on damp, rainy, and cold days.
Don't overeat - or at least try to minimize large heavy meals, especially in the evening. Avoid oily foods, such as nuts and fried foods, reduce dairy products, and strive to eliminate sweets.
Implementing some of these simple suggestions, just a tiny bit each day, and much to your amazement, you'll find yourself experiencing more joy.
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Thanks for reading this newsletter. May you create a bit more joy during these unusual times. And may you have a holiday that you create copious amounts of joy, love and peace.
If you have any suggestions about a newsletter topic, or general comments, I love to hear from you. It inspires me to formulate my thoughts so I can spread the word of Attitude Reconstruction.
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