LifelineExtensions.blog moving to once per week publication of articles in 2010

Photo: Copyright Biggs

We at LifelineExtensions.blog have enjoyed sharing our thoughts with you during 2009, and we appreciate all of our readers and supporters for reading and following our blog site without fail each week.

You’ve stayed with us through each of our upgrades and weblog site modifications; and not once have there been complaints about some of the typical technological glitches our site and other Internet sites sometimes encounter.  We appreciate you for understanding.

Thank you for the great ideas you've shared to help us upgrade effectively, and to provide a quality weblog site.

Your comments, pointed feedback, and encouraging words have inspired us to continue wanting to provide a “place for candid conversations about some of life’s challenges, with a focus on simple solutions…”

Sincerest thanks go out to all of our blog readers, supporters, and followers.

Separately, we wanted you to know that in 2010 LifelineExtensions.blog will begin to publish articles once per week – this change actually starts with this publication since Friday of this week is January 1st.

Despite the change in our publication frequency, please know that we will continue to listen to your input and feedback about the topics you want to read and learn more about; and this will still be reflected in the articles that are written and shared with our readers.

Finally, on behalf of all of us at LifelineExtensions.blog, we wish all of you a happy, safe, healthy, stress-reduced, and prosperous 2010.  May you continue to pursue and fulfill all of your dreams!

Warmest Regards & Happy New Year!

Sharon

Sharon M. Biggs, M.A., is a wife, mother, and 21st Century educational leader who serves as Co-Chair & President of Lifeline Foundation, Inc.  This 23-year educator is also Founder, Editor, and Chief Writer of LifelineExtensions.blog. View Sharon's other published works at http://www.examiner.com/.

Contact Sharon directly for more information: sharonbiggs@mylifelinefoundation.org

"Children are the globe's most precious commodity."
(Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)

Merry Christmas to all of our readers who celebrate the Christmas holiday season!

Merry Christmas from our homes to your homes!

Copyright: AP Photo/Stephen Chernin

Sharon M. Biggs, M.A., is a wife, mother, and 21st Century educational leader who serves as Co-Chair & President of Lifeline Foundation, Inc.  This 23-year educator is also Founder, Editor, and Chief Writer of LifelineExtensions.blog.  View Sharon's other published works at http://www.examiner.com/.

Contact Sharon directly for more information: sharonbiggs@mylifelinefoundation.org

"Children are the globe's most precious commodity."
(Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)

Some popular New Year’s Resolutions during a great recession

Photo: Copyright PhotoXpress.com

According to USA.gov, the following New Year’s resolutions have traditionally been the most popular among Americans:

• Lose Weight

• Manage Debt

• Save Money

• Get a Better Job

• Get Fit

• Get a Better Education

• Drink Less Alcohol

• Quit Smoking Now

• Reduce Stress Overall

• Reduce Stress at Work

• Take a Trip

• Volunteer to Help Others

During “The Great Recession” of modern times, the list bears some similarities; however, economic factors may have led to necessary “frugal changes.”

Here’s a partial list of this new breed of New Year’s Resolutions as we move from 2009 to 2010.  As with all other New Year’s Resolutions, the challenge might be to maintain the healthy and good habits beyond the start of the New Year and beyond the end of The Great Recession, when that end finally arrives.


• Entertain “on the cheap”
• Regularly use coupons when shopping
• Choose store brands more often vs. name brands
• Shop less often for new clothes & wear/recycle what is already owned
• Eat meals at home more often than dining out
• Alter vacation plans, choose more local options, save longer for exotic vacations
• Have cars, electronics & appliances repaired vs. replacing them for new models
• Create small gyms at home vs. paying for a gym club membership
• Rent movies to watch at home vs. going to the movies
• Consolidate errands & local trips to help use less gas
• Walk to some local spots vs. driving to them
• Pay cash vs. using credit for purchases
• Spend less, save more
• Participate in volunteer & service projects
• Go back to school to work on alternate degrees and certifications

Photo: Copyright PhotoXpress.com

While you're deciding which resolution to focus on in 2010, why not try this traditional holiday recipe provided by one of LifelineExtensions.blog's favorite SAHMs, Stephanie Evans:

 

Egg Nog French Toast: 9 eggs
3 cups half and half (or milk)
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 tsp nutmeg
2 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 tsp rum or almond extract
24 slices French bread (about 1 1/2 loaves)

Grease 2 9X13 pans
In large bowl, combine all ingredients. Blend well. Arrange bread in buttered pan. Pour mix over bread in pan. Lift and turn until all egg mixture is absorbed. Cover with foil; refrigerate overnight.
Next day: Heat oven to 450. Remove pans from refrigerator and remove foil.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Sprinkle with confectioner's sugar.
Before baking, this may be frozen for up to one week.

ENJOY!

Sharon M. Biggs, M.A., is a wife, mother, and 21st Century educational leader who serves as Co-Chair & President of Lifeline Foundation, Inc.  This 23-year educator is also Founder, Editor, and Chief Writer of LifelineExtensions.blog.  View Sharon's other published works at http://www.examiner.com/.

Contact Sharon directly for more information: sharonbiggs@mylifelinefoundation.org

"Children are the globe's most precious commodity."
(Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)

Special Holiday Edition ~ The holidays can be confusing if loved ones have recently been lost

Photo: Copyright PhotoXpress.com

Holiday cheer may not come by easily during the yuletide season if loved ones have recently been lost or they are dying.


These confusing feelings of wonderland joy and real-time grief demand our attention, and we’re not always sure which emotion we should be feeling at any given moment.

Is there a set formula for how or how long we are supposed to grieve the loss of those dear to us?  Or, is it completely individually-based?

The truth is we miss our loved ones.

While we try to place the majority of our focus on celebrating the great lives of these individuals, the voids created when they passed on are real and true.  It’s healthy for us to acknowledge this.

And, it’s also healthy for us to actively avoid increased stress by working toward overcoming our grief so that we can savor and celebrate the lives of loved ones who are still alive; as well as savor and celebrate our own lives.

We may or may not enjoy the holiday season if the loss of loved ones is on our minds.  That’s okay.

It’s also fine to have a good time during yuletide festivities as often as we feel up to it.  Those who fully understand and support our grief will not see this as a sign of disrespect of the deceased. 

It will simply be viewed as our attempt to move forward into a healthy future, which is certainly what our lost loved ones would want us to do.


Nurse Angela Morrow shared the following “Strategies for Survival” during the holiday season:

Offer Yourself Some Grace by allowing yourself to feel whatever emotion you are feeling at each moment. Laugh when you can and cry when you need to.
Be Kind to Yourself by getting the nourishment, recreation, alone time, rest, and exercise you need.
Ask For and Accept Help by honestly letting people know when you’ve reached a limit and need support.
Find Support by reaching out to relatives, friends, and organizations you can openly talk to about what you’re feeling.
Make a Difference by focusing on helping others, donating goods and services, and volunteering your time and talents to help a charitable cause.
Stop the Comparisons by acknowledging and accepting your own situations and experiences and not comparing them with what you observe in other families.
Remember That You Will Survive by acknowledging that the holiday season will soon be part of the past, and you will survive it. Be true to yourself and to your feelings.


Best Wishes,

Sharon M. Biggs, M.A., is a wife, mother, and 21st Century educational leader who serves as Co-Chair & President of Lifeline Foundation, Inc.  This 23-year educator is also Founder, Editor, and Chief Writer of LifelineExtensions.blog.  View Sharon's other published works at http://www.examiner.com/.

Contact Sharon directly for more information: sharonbiggs@mylifelinefoundation.org

"Children are the globe's most precious commodity."
(Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)

Resolving to appreciate others in a New Year

Photo: Copyright PhotoXpress.com

William James, American philosopher, psychologist, and medical doctor; was quoted saying: “The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated.”

Dale Carnegie devoted an entire chapter of his book, How to Win Friends & Influence People, to the idea of “giving honest and sincere appreciation.” (Principle#2)

Mr. Carnegie further described that sharing honest appreciation for an individual, or for a deed done by a person; serves to satisfy the natural human desire to feel and be viewed as important.  Something Dale Carnegie and other experts have indicated we all deeply want and live for as human beings.

Resolving to readily and regularly share genuine appreciation toward and for others during a new year can help keep people motivated to be integral members of the team; and reassure them that they are people who are recognized for their individual importance and value.

Sharon M. Biggs, M.A., is a wife, mother, and 21st Century educational leader who serves as Co-Chair & President of Lifeline Foundation, Inc.  This 23-year educator is also Founder, Editor, and Chief Writer of LifelineExtensions.blog.  View Sharon's other published works at http://www.examiner.com/.

Contact Sharon directly for more information: sharonbiggs@mylifelinefoundation.org

"Children are the globe's most precious commodity."
(Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)

Possible idea to use during winter break ~ A Teen Girl’s Perspective

Photo: Copyright PhotoXpress.com

While winter break should be a time for fun, it can also be a time for completing at least some school work.

Since many teens are preparing to take the SAT and/or ACT, we should really devote some of our time during winter break to get prepared for these important exams.

Maybe every other day over break we can try to spend between 30-60 minutes brushing up on our academic skills.

For example, by picking random problems in a math textbook to solve or reading a challenging novel, we can easily keep our brains alive and our skills sharp.

This way, when sitting down to take the tests, and eventually applying to colleges and universities; we’ll think back to how much taking just a little bit of time every other day during Winter Break ’09 benefitted us.

Happy Holidays, Happy Studying & Enjoy Winter Break!

Danielle M. Biggs
High School Student
Trustee & Administrative Assistant ~ Lifeline Foundation, Inc.

Sharon M. Biggs, M.A., is a wife, mother, and 21st Century educational leader who serves as Co-Chair & President of Lifeline Foundation, Inc.  This 23-year educator is also Founder, Editor, and Chief Writer of LifelineExtensions.blog.  View Sharon's other published works at http://www.examiner.com/.

Contact Sharon directly for more information: sharonbiggs@mylifelinefoundation.org

"Children are the globe's most precious commodity."
(Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)

Tale of a 12-inch garden snake that ruled its surroundings

 Photo: Copyright PhotoXpress.com


Once upon a time there was a 12-inch garden snake that ruled its surroundings.

Never a hiss nor a single sound from the snake was ever heard by any nearby humans.

But each time the humans saw the garden snake, also fearfully known as a garter snake; the humans would shiver, and shudder, and run in the opposite direction of the snake.

Whenever the small snake sensed the nearness of any of the humans or of any large machines such as cars or lawnmowers, out of fear the snake would slither into the closest hiding place to cower its head and move its slinky tail to and fro.

These quick and slick reptile movements made the humans even more afraid of the tiny little 12-inch snake-ruler as they imagined the snake instantly growing in mammoth size to capture and devour every human within reach!

Rather comical, don’t you agree?

Especially when we are reminded by trusted sources that garden snakes like to feast on healthy diets of slugs, earthworms, insects, leeches, lizards, spiders, amphibians, birds, fish, toads and rodents; and that they tend to be afraid of moving objects that are larger than itself!

Photo: Copyright PhotoXpress.com

When we take a moment to reflect about the things that are sometimes able to ignite the most fear in us, there are times when we have to finally come to the conclusion that we just may have made a challenge or issue bigger than it really is.

Unfortunately, we can sometimes picture a 12-inch garden snake rapidly transforming itself into a 12-foot reptile monster right before our very eyes.

At times we even allow our fear-filled thoughts to outweigh the realities of small encounters and/or potential challenges, imagining these things as big monster-like problems that we are too weak and powerless to outright avoid, overcome, or simply view as the small harmless things they really are.

When we are taken out of our comfort zones we sometimes become afraid.

When we have to tackle something new and there is a sharp learning curve before reaching a comfortable level of understanding and avoiding costly or embarrassing mistakes, we sometimes become afraid.

When we believe we may lose face or make a bad impression we sometimes become afraid.
 

When we encounter people or situations very different from our own experiences and backgrounds we sometimes become afraid.

It is at those times we can recall the small and harmless 12-inch garden snake that can instill in us only as much fear as we allow it to. 

Photo: Copyright PhotoXpress.com

The garter snake looks, moves and eats differently than humans do.  The quick and slick slithering movements of the snake sometimes cause a creepy and stressful sensation to be experienced by human observers. 

Repeated sightings of the little garden snake confirm that it is not the least bit interested in or brave enough to pursue moving objects that are bigger in size and stature than it is. 

These factors alone can provide us with the courage and strength to either avoid, overcome, or simply view this small thing for what it truly is.

The same approach might be used with those small situations and experiences we inevitably encounter from day to day.

“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”  (Franklin D. Roosevelt)

Sharon M. Biggs, M.A., is a wife, mother, and 21st Century educational leader who serves as Co-Chair & President of Lifeline Foundation, Inc.  This 23-year educator is also Founder, Editor, and Chief Writer of LifelineExtensions.blog. View Sharon's other published works at http://www.examiner.com/.

Contact Sharon directly for more information: sharonbiggs@mylifelinefoundation.org

"Children are the globe's most precious commodity."
(Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)

Some of the winter holiday celebrations & festivals in the northern hemisphere

Resources, links, and websites have tried to capture all of the celebrated winter holidays and festivals in the northern hemisphere and in other parts of the world; but the number of celebrated dates is way too vast as celebrations continue to be added to these lists.

Wikipedia has attempted to provide a healthy list of diverse winter holidays, although the source recognizes the list provided may be somewhat incomplete and not 100% current.  Their promotion of diversity through the list’s publication is noteworthy.

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, or any other recorded or unrecorded winter holiday:

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU & YOURS FROM OUR HOMES TO YOUR HOMES!

Photo: Copyright PhotoXpress.com

Sharon M. Biggs, M.A., is a wife, mother, and 21st Century educational leader who serves as Co-Chair & President of Lifeline Foundation, Inc.  This 23-year educator is also Founder, Editor, and Chief Writer of LifelineExtensions.blog.  View Sharon's other published works at http://www.examiner.com/.

Contact Sharon directly for more information: sharonbiggs@mylifelinefoundation.org

"Children are the globe's most precious commodity."
(Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)

Laugh & smile your way into a healthy & stress-reduced New Year

Photo: Copyright PhotoXpress.com

“It takes 43 facial muscles to frown and 17 facial muscles to smile” is a saying that’s been around for decades.

While some plastic surgeons and students of medicine may disagree with the anatomical possibility of these numbers; the average person has used the information to encourage themselves and others to “put on happy faces” as often as possible.

Discussion about incorporating a “Smiling Language” into regular business and personal dealings has complimented the old adage about facial muscles used to smile vs. frown; and the smiling language is said to help improve and make more pleasant and collegial one’s interactions with other people.

Additionally, studies reveal that children release “body laughs” an average of 300 to 400 times a day; vs. adults who reportedly laugh an average of 15 times per day.

Body laughs automatically release endorphins or natural pain killers in the body. The endorphins released in the body can naturally help fight illness, disease, and depression.

So, we can all remember to laugh and smile whenever opportunities present themselves to us; and even work on creating opportunities that allow a smiling and laughing language to guide our relationships with others.

Smiling and laughing more may even lead to the improvement of our overall health, well-being, and reduction of stress in our daily lives.

Sharon M. Biggs, M.A., is a wife, mother, and 21st Century educational leader who serves as Co-Chair & President of Lifeline Foundation, Inc.  This 23-year educator is also Founder, Editor, and Chief Writer of LifelineExtensions.blog.  View Sharon's other published works at http://www.examiner.com/.

Contact Sharon directly for more information: sharonbiggs@mylifelinefoundation.org

"Children are the globe's most precious commodity."
(Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)

Do critics & speculators always have to be viewed as naysayers and opponents?

 Photo: Copyright PhotoXpress.com

Year-end transitional thoughts for some individuals focus on a person’s critics and speculators during both the ending year and years of the past.

But, do we always have to view critics and speculators as naysayers and opponents; or can we sometimes readily accept their pointed feedback as real-time data to be used to help us make better informed decisions, and help improve interpersonal and business relationships during an upcoming year?

We might agree that this is sometimes not the first approach that comes to mind once criticism is directed our way.

Dale Carnegie, in his world-famous book How to Win Friends & Influence People, explains in an early chapter:

“Criticism is futile because it puts a person on the defensive and usually makes him strive to justify himself. Criticism is dangerous, because it wounds a person’s precious pride, hurts his sense of importance, and arouses resentment.” (Chapter 1 -- pgs 33-34)

Mr. Carnegie well understood and acknowledged the fact that we are all at sometimes subject to be the recipients of criticism and speculation.

He also demonstrated through his writing a clear understanding of the challenges associated with criticism and/or complaints about a person’s actions and/or words.

Copyright: Carnegie Family

In a later chapter of his book he details a proven formula that can be used to help with this:

“Most people trying to win others to their way of thinking do too much talking themselves. Let the other people talk themselves out. They know more about their business and problems than you do. So ask them questions. Let them tell you a few things. If you disagree with them you may be tempted to interrupt. But don’t. It is dangerous. They won’t pay attention to you while they still have a lot of ideas of their own crying for expression. So listen patiently and with an open mind. Be sincere about it. Encourage them to express their ideas fully.” (Chapter 6 – pg 190)

Criticisms and complaints are unavoidable at times. Recognizing this to be the case and responding to them accordingly may help us keep this “real-time data” in perspective as we look to enter a new year with a confident, collaborative, and cooperative outlook.

Sharon M. Biggs, M.A., is a wife, mother, and 21st Century educational leader who serves as Co-Chair & President of Lifeline Foundation, Inc.  This 23-year educator is also Founder, Editor, and Chief Writer of LifelineExtensions.blog.  View Sharon's other published works at http://www.examiner.com/.

Contact Sharon directly for more information: sharonbiggs@mylifelinefoundation.org

"Children are the globe's most precious commodity."
(Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)

Do we always see what others see when we look in the mirror?

One reflective question on many minds at the close of every year is:  Do others see me the same way I see myself?

The performer affectionately known as The King of Pop, Michael Jackson, reminded us in his famous song “Man in the Mirror;” that in order to affect change both intrapersonally and interpersonally, we have to take a look in the mirror to see what’s actually being reflected in our local and global worlds.

 

We can’t always easily recognize the signature behaviors, nuances, or idiosyncrasies that we’ve comfortably adopted as our “normal behaviors;” but are in fact the same behaviors that drive other people crazy and as far away from us as they can get.

So, during the transition from an old year to a new year, it might be healthy to take hard looks in the mirror when we are alone so that we can self-reflect and self-correct; and, to also take additional hard looks by asking those around us to share their mirror images of us so that we can see how we’re perceived in the eyes of others.

It’s been said that “perception is reality.”

One targeted New Year’s Resolution may be to keep our perceptions of ourselves attuned and aligned with the perceptions others have of us by asking a few trusted individuals to tell us how we are viewed by the world.

Asking individuals who will tell us what we need  to hear vs. what we may want  to hear can help us continue to pursue current and positive behaviors so those shared reflected perceptions are positive, current, and fruitful.

Mirror Photo: Copyright PhotoXpress.com

Sharon M. Biggs, M.A., is a wife, mother, and 21st Century educational leader who serves as Co-Chair & President of Lifeline Foundation, Inc.  This 23-year educator is also Founder, Editor, and Chief Writer of LifelineExtensions.blog.  View Sharon's other published works at http://www.examiner.com/.

Contact Sharon directly for more information: sharonbiggs@mylifelinefoundation.org

"Children are the globe's most precious commodity."
(Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)

Realistic resolutions for the average teen girl ~ A Teen Girl’s Perspective

                                                               Photo: Copyright PhotoXpress.com

As 2009 comes to an end, some teen girls may look back and think about all of the mistakes they made in 2009, and recall all of the year’s bad and embarrassing moments.

They will plan to do better in 2010.  But what does, “Plan to do better” really mean?

For some it means things like: get a boyfriend, get invited to a lot of parties, or just to be more popular. (Whatever that means…)

But for others it can mean: try harder in school, don’t give up on things so easily, or listen to mom/dad/guardian more…

While the tasks like trying harder and listening may seem smaller in comparison to getting a boyfriend or suddenly becoming popular, they might actually be more realistic.

This New Year when thinking about your resolutions, make sure you focus on the ones that will help you the most in the long run.  These are the ones that will lead you to true happiness.

Danielle M. Biggs
High School Student
Trustee & Administrative Assistant ~ Lifeline Foundation, Inc.



Sharon M. Biggs, M.A., is a wife, mother, and 21st Century educational leader who serves as Co-Chair & President of Lifeline Foundation, Inc.  This 23-year educator is also Founder, Editor, and Chief Writer of LifelineExtensions.blog.  View Sharon's other published works at http://www.examiner.com/.

Contact Sharon directly for more information: sharonbiggs@mylifelinefoundation.org

"Children are the globe's most precious commodity."
(Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)

Out with the old & in with the new ~ mental detoxification before a new year

Photo: Copyright PhotoXpress.com

Around this time, a lot of thought and energy are put into making needed behavioral and mental adjustments/corrections before enjoying a healthy transition from one year to the next.

Many people prepare to make New Year’s Resolutions by reflecting on those areas they believe they didn’t succeed in during the current calendar year.

Mental detoxification, or the elimination of toxic and unhealthy thought processes, occurs when individuals honestly pursue targeted growth, improvement, and development prior to taking on the challenges of a new year.

Detoxing the mind demands transparent self-reflection; admittance about past mistakes and poorly thought-out decisions, and sometimes apologies to others if a person’s behaviors have caused minor or severe damage to interpersonal relationships.

Purposeful mental detoxification may not always be the easiest thing to do, and may even cause a certain degree of emotional and mental discomfort and strain during the process.

However, unloading the mind of unneeded dead weight, toxic and wasteful thoughts, and unhealthy and addictive mental ingredients can serve to help a person live a more fruitful, healthy, and enjoyable life in an upcoming year.

Here is a sampling of basic aids to help with the mental detoxification process:

• 
  
  Talk openly with one to three people who are closest to you about which areas your mind may need detoxing they will likely know what these areas are.  Make sure these are people who will not broadcast your inner thoughts to the world, and have live vs. virtual conversations.
  
  
  
• 
  
  If talking about the process is too difficult, try writing out your thoughts.  You may or may not decide to share these written pages with another trusted relative or friend.  Be ready to shred the hard copy pages or delete the electronic pages before the New Year begins.
  
  
  
• 
  
  Go through your paperwork and files (hard copies and electronic files) so that you can shred or delete all of the papers/documents that no longer represent who, what, and where you currently are and/or aspire to go in life.  Keeping these papers/documents to look at and brood over periodically will only take you back to a toxic mental wasteland in the New Year.
  
  
  
• 
  
  Before the close of the old year, begin putting into practice those new thoughts and new behaviors you resolve to pursue in the upcoming year.  Practice makes permanent.
  

Regardless of the course of action you may need to take to achieve a complete and cleansing mental detoxification, engaging in this process will help you achieve a degree of growth, development, improvement, and success in the year to come.  That alone makes it a worthwhile thing to do.

E-mail or post a comment to let us know of other approaches you've used to achieve mental detoxification.


Sharon M. Biggs, M.A., is a wife, mother, and 21st Century educational leader who serves as Co-Chair & President of Lifeline Foundation, Inc.  This 23-year educator is also Founder, Editor, and Chief Writer of LifelineExtensions.blog. View Sharon's other published works at http://www.examiner.com/.

Contact Sharon directly for more information: sharonbiggs@mylifelinefoundation.org

"Children are the globe's most precious commodity."
(Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)