Julie Says
Feb 07, 2018 12:05PM
● By Julie Ross

In the Words of Charles Schultz (and Others)
By Julie Ross
Wishes of “Happy New Year” this past holiday season were almost always tempered with “Let’s hope it’s better than 2017.” Yes, it was a tough year.
With
that in mind, let’s count January as our “practice month” for 2018. Although
many of us began trying our best to be optimistic in the new year, it has been
hard to focus on the positive. Stress just keeps creeping (barging, stampeding,
steamrolling) its way in.
So,
to get us all on the same page, I am offering six tips we can start with in
February. Each tip is accompanied by what I hope is a relevant quote to
emphasize and/or clarify the suggestion. Let’s cross our fingers that these thoughts
help us achieve a happier, less-stressed existence in 2018 and beyond.
1.
Live in the
present.
In the words of Charles Shultz, creator of Peanuts”: “I have a new philosophy.
I’m only going to dread one day at a time.”
2.
Indulge
yourself (but not too much). Anonymous: “Stressed spelled backwards is
desserts.” (I recommend a root beer float enjoyed slowly with a spoon. Make
sure it’s a small one or guilt will reboot the stress cycle.)
3.
Embrace
deadlines. English
author Douglas Adams: “I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make
as they fly by.”
4.
Relax more. French author Jules
Renard: “Laziness is nothing more than the habit of resting before you get
tired.”
5.
Stand up for
your beliefs (but remain flexible). Philosopher Bertrand Russell: “I would never die
for my beliefs because I might be wrong.”
And,
perhaps the best advice of all:
6.
Make the most
of your circumstances. Comedian Ron White: “I believe that if life gives you
lemons, you should make lemonade…and try to find somebody whose life has given
them vodka and have a party.”
Lemon
drop, anyone? Here’s my favorite recipe:
1-1/2 oz. vodka½ oz. triple sec1 t. superfine sugar¾ oz. Meyer lemon juice4 ice cubes.Put all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and strain into a small martini glass rimmed with more superfine sugar and garnish with a lemon twist. Repeat as necessary.
Happy
2018!
You can
reach Julie at [email protected]