This weekend, the fall leaves on the mountains by my home were full of color.  I knew that if I didn't take an afternoon to explore them, I would miss out on the beautiful colors of fall.  I got my family loaded into the car and we went for a short hike and scenic drive.  It was a perfect afternoon.  The air was crisp, the colors were at their peak and we even got to see a moose! 

Afterwards, I began to think about the importance of 'seizing the day!"  The power that taking action brings into your life...

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This season of Fall is a reminder that certain things in life are only available for a short time and you have to take action to experience them.  The colors change, the leaves fall, and the season passes.

Is there something you have been wanting to do in your own life?  Do you want to learn how to play the piano or how to cook an apple pie?  Do you have the desire to visit a foreign country or see the ocean?  Take a moment today to focus on your greatest desires.  Maybe you just feel like hanging the pictures on the walls of your newly decorated nursery!  When you take action towards a goal, your life follows a path of order.  You have a destination and you are moving towards it.  It feels good.

So, as we begin this Fall season, watch the changing leaves and remember that life is yours for the taking!  Be productive and live to the fullest.  It will bring happiness into your life! 

Did you know that laughing is good for you?  It’s true!  Laughter triggers healthy physical changes in the body. Humor and laughter strengthen your immune system, boost your energy, diminish pain, and protect you from the damaging effects of stress. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free, and easy to use.  Everyone knows how to laugh! 

Laughter makes you feel good. Think back to the last time you had a good hard belly laugh.  Did you feel amazing?  Remember that light feeling you had without a single care in the world?  The good carefree feeling that you get when you laugh remains with you even after the laughter subsides.  After a good chuckle, your mind is clear and your outlook is more positive.  Your heart feels good.

Humor helps you keep a positive, optimistic outlook through difficult situations, disappointments, and loss.  That lack of stress gives your body a break and allows you a chance to heal.

So, we prescribe for you a good hearty laugh at least once a day!  It is easier to swallow than a pill and has a much nicer aftertaste. 

If you are having a hard time finding something to giggle about, take a look at this:  The Pregnant Chicken Blog.   It is hilarious!

Fall is just around the corner.  You know what that means; it's Back to School season.  Have you been tempted to buy some school supplies for yourself?  How can you resist a pack of crayons for only 25 cents?  When notebooks are four-for-a-dollar, it is crazy not to throw a stack in your cart!  Don't feel guilty if you come home with a pack of pens or mechanical pencils, because you can put them to good use.   This week’s Happy Mommy Tip is Journaling.  (Click Read More to See Article)

You might be surprised to find out that there are actual health benefits to putting thoughts down on paper.  It has been proven that writing in a journal actually decreases the amount of stress in your life.  Being stressed out and pregnant is not a good combination.  When you write about the events in your life and the feelings associated with them, you can reduce the impact of stressful experiences and decrease their impact on your physical health.  It also improves your overall well-being. 

There are many benefits of journal writing.  It helps you get to know your inner voice.  You can find out what you are really about.  You’ll discover what makes you laugh, cry, smile, or fume.  Writing about experiences gives you a new perspective on your relationships and life situations.  Have you ever felt all jumbled up inside, not knowing what direction to go or who to talk to?  You can use a journal to clarify your thoughts and feelings and get a ‘birds-eye view’ of your own life.   If anything, it is always fun to read back on your previous posts. 

As you approach your due date, take time to write about your feelings about your future birth experience.  Record your feelings about being pregnant.  Make notes about funny things that have happened during your pregnancy.  Have you had any unique cravings or unusual symptoms?  How did you decide on your baby’s name?  Are you nervous about being a mom?  How did you tell people you were expecting?  When did you find out?  You might think you could never forget what you are feeling at this moment, but you’d be wrong.   Having a record of your pregnancy and birth experience will be a treasure for both you and your child. 

So, go ahead and throw a composition notebook or a box of fine tip markers into your cart next time you’re at the store.  Start doodling.  Jot-down your feelings here and there.  Keep a record of special moments that happen each day.  Start the writing process.  Get your creative energy flowing.  It is good for your brain and over-all health. 

When you feel good, it’s easier to be happy.  And—“Happy Mommies, Grow Happy Babies!”    

1. Love yourself. This is the first and most important part of the process. The popular public speaker and author Mike Robbins said, "When we truly love ourselves, most of what we worry about and even much of what we strive for in life becomes meaningless. We may still have some worries, and we'll definitely continue to have goals, dreams and desires. However, from a place of true self appreciation and self love, the fear behind our worries and the motivation for our goals dramatically changes from something we have to avoid or produce in order to be accepted and valued to something we're genuinely concerned about or really want to accomplish." When we love ourselves, our goals become part of who we are and we are not effected by the thoughts and actions of others around us. We know of our true power and are able to believe in our ability to accomplish the tasks we set out to do.

2. Learn to laugh. Being pregnant is a lot of work. Our bodies are in a constant state of change. Hormone levels fluctuate and cause emotions to seem out of control. If you can learn to take a step back and laugh at yourself, it really does relieve stress. Being happy allows you to avoid taking other people's comments too seriously. If you can keep a real smile on your face, you aren't likely to be offended.

3. Speak about yourself positively. Women are amazing. Birth is such an empowering experience. As a pregnant women you are actually creating life. What could be more important that that? If you are to have the confidence necessary to have a natural childbirth, when it seems no one else believes you can do it, you need to talk about yourself as you truly are. Recognize your true divine nature. Speak about your abilities in a positive way. If you believe in yourself, others will also.

4. Surround yourself with cheerleaders. You might not be able to control what people think, but you can control who you spend time with. Pick people who have the same beliefs as you do. Find the friends that will boost you up and cheer you on towards your goals. Take some time away from those who doubt you or put you down. You don't have time for negativity! If you tell your friends and family how you feel about having a natural childbirth, and ask for their support, there will be plenty of them that will surround your with their love and support. Spend your time with them.

5. Prepare your mind and body. Birth is natural. Women were born to have babies. It is innate. But, things do go more smoothly when you have prepared your mind and body to deal with it. Learn how to relax. Spend time each day meditating. Focus on your breathing and how you can control your emotions with your breath. Memorize positive affirmation statements about womanhood and birth to give you confidence. There are many free programs available to women at local hospitals and women's centers. Attend some. Knowledge is power. The more you understand about the birth process the better. Fear is replaced with confidence.

You have the right to create the birth you desire. Don't let other people influence your decision to have a natural childbirth. It is an amazing experience. You can do it!