How does practising gratitude help you?

The benefits of practising gratitude

I decided to practice gratitude after reading the benefits of practising it and making it a part of your everyday life. 

I had just been recovering from a serious bout of depression, that took me to very low levels of thinking.  I had not suffered depression before and people had usually commented on how I smiled a lot. 

But things changed drastically for me and I did not realise I was going into a downward spin until it was too late. 

 I also had a big void in my life and life does not like a vacuum! It seeks to fill it and not always with great things. 

I did not take control and things just got worse and worse. I felt alone, with no one to turn to. I also did not like to let others into my very private thoughts, so others misread me and judged what they saw on the surface. 

They were seeing the symptoms, and not the terrible feeling of desperation and not having anywhere to turn to when I needed help. 

There was always judgment and that's not helpful when you're on a downhill slide. 

Resilience and Gratitude

As I was growing up, I had developed resilience and I reminded myself that I had to believe there was a light at the end of the tunnel.  I kept saying that but I really did not believe it. 

Although I am not saying that you should not take medication for depression, it was not for me. 

I met someone who helped me enormously by supporting me in a very troubled time. He saw things that others did not see so it was easier for him not to judge me.

He knew I was making bad decisions but he also saw through lies leveled at me and my complete burnout. I had no mental strength left. 

I could not say 'no' and life was very demanding for me, as well working a very demanding job entailing 3 hours travel a day. 

He saw why I was struggling and the candle was burning at both ends, and ready to snuff out! 

My Plan to Improve my Mental Wellness with Gratitude

I had learnt with my last job that you need to fill the vacuum in your life.

I started a new job and found that I liked what I was doing. After the demands of the last job, it was a very pleasant change.

So keeping busy with a job I liked was my first step towards better health.

As it was a casual job with an agency, I still had panic attacks on my days off but I then thrust myself into learning to blog, on my days off. 

So keeping busy helped me as I did not have time for negative thoughts. 

My introduction to gratitude. 

While blogging, I came across articles on Gratitude.  They really resonated with me!

After a late divorce, and my totally giving up on ever making up the money and house I lost after 28 years of marriage, I knew I had to work hard and gain a reputable name with the agency and schools so I could get a fair amount of work throughout the year. 

I started to actively practice gratitude until it became a habit.  I read articles and sat down at the end of each workday and thought about what were the positive experiences I had that day. 

 I wrote them down so they became more concrete. 

When working with a troubled student, we made a Gratitude Jar so that we could pull a gratitude strip out, at random, and reflect on what had happened on any particular day.  

It's so easy to focus on the one bad thing that may have happened and let it sum up your whole day.

I was happy and smiling again. I became an Ambassador for my agency and was being requested by schools to be their first call when teachers were absent. 

I loved working with the kids and did not get involved in work politics. I treated my support workers well and knew how to handle difficult children, with my background in special ed. and autism. 

I did things cheerfully! 

Yes, finding the little things to be grateful for each day instead of focusing on the negative had a positive effect on my life. 

I have been the only casual teacher employed throughout the pandemic on an ongoing basis, and the school has employed me in another capacity when I finished the first placement.  

How practising gratitude can help you?

Speaking in general terms, practicing gratitude will:

make you a happier person

have a more positive outlook

improve your relationships 

attract success and abundance with the Law of Attraction

A Gratitude Toolkit is an easy way to help you develop the habit of gratitude. It takes 30 days of practice to change the habits of mind.

How Gratitude underlies the Law of Attraction:

When you send out good positive vibes, you attract others effortlessly.

Your thoughts determine your experiences so positive thoughts will attract positive experiences in a person's life and vice versa. 

Another fundamental belief in the Law of Attraction:

What you give out, you receive. 

I started to sponsor individuals and families in third-world countries.  I cannot even measure the happiness that my friends from African countries have given me. 

I have a new family and circle of friends that love me very much. 

I have sponsored starving widows and their children through the local church during the pandemic. There is a lot of poverty and I'm humbled by their gratitude.

Unfortunately, many African leaders do not pass all the community aid to their communities so I have been able to establish trusting relationships to help them.

 

A small amount of money goes a long way in third-world countries. 

 

 My African friends always show gratitude and humility while living a simple life.

My greatest desire is to meet them and also to seek further ways of helping them.

It is now my primary concern, overriding my work goals. 

So, following the Law of Attraction, the mind can translate our thoughts and materialize them into our reality. 

So the Law of Attraction does give you the freedom to change and free yourself from self-doubt and worry. 

I'm fighting the demons that I picked up after going broke after my divorce and become more proactive and positive in my life's decisions and who I want in my life. 

I've learnt that doing the same thing over and over again, will only get the same results-so make sure you're making choices that get you to your vision of where you want to be. 

Our choices and actions will create our intended life, in line with our vision of where we want to be.

It's important to visualise what you want and then make the needed effort to get it. 

The Law of Attraction can further help you as it can: 

improve your money situation

increase your self-confidence

combat anxiety

get fit, lose weight

So you have nothing to lose but everything to gain by practising gratitude and understanding the Law of Attraction.

I have made a Gratitude Bundle to start your journey to a better life, with more confidence and happiness. 

Please feel free to share your journey below too! 

Life is not smooth sailing and sometimes it's community that gets us through- our tribe. 

 

 

What is Mindfulness? PLR

What you will get in this mindfulness PLR

You will get  the following basic advice and strategies:

• an explanation of what mindfulness is
• what are mindfulness actions and where to begin
• explanation of intuition and intentions
• emotions and mindfulness
• thoughts and mindfulness
• breathing in mindfulness
• the physical body 
• relationships 
• mindfulness and disorders
• stress and anger and their impact
• ADHD and its impact
• mental illness
• moods
• pain, medical and sleep disorders 
• how to track your progress 

You can get your Mindfulness PLR pack here

The Top Ways To Use This PLR program:

• lead magnet for building or nurturing your list
• bonus content for your products
• membership-a new item for members
• digital product for sale on your website
• sales funnel-use as part of a sales funnel
• coaching- as a module or handout for clients

I hope you find this Mindfulness PLR pack useful, either for your personal use or as a content blogger or coach.

How Can This Mindfulness Workbook Help You?

How can this Mindfulness Workbook help you?

Practicing mindfulness can have a variety of physical, social, and psychological benefits.

It can help you stop rumination and ground you in the present. Don't get caught up thinking about the past.

Or be constantly overwhelmed with negative thoughts and anxiety about the future. 

Mindfulness is good for your body, your mind, your brain, helps you to focus, and fosters companionship.

What you will get in this mindfulness PLR

You will get  the following basic advice and strategies:

• an explanation of what mindfulness is
• what are mindfulness actions and where to begin
• explanation of intuition and intentions
• emotions and mindfulness
• thoughts and mindfulness
• breathing in mindfulness
• the physical body 
• relationships 
• mindfulness and disorders
• stress and anger and their impact
• ADHD and its impact
• mental illness
• moods
• pain, medical and sleep disorders 
• how to track your progress 

You can get your Mindfulness PLR pack here

The Mindfulness Workbook can also be used as PLR so you can customize it for your tribe. 

You can check Mindfulness Workbook here.

.MINDFULNESS CONTENT

In this Workbook, we will be discussing tools to help you with:

• Specific Mindfulness Actions
• Mindfulness Skills for Specific Mental Health Disorders
• Simple Questions, Thoughts and Exercises
• Journaling your Mindfulness journey
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• How to set up a Mindfulness Business

• 
  If you are interested in starting up a Mindfulness Business, with all tools-graphics, articles, keywords, and more- you need for a quickstart-up, check out this post  How Do You Build A Mindfulness Business? 

• How To use PLR?

• If you're not sure of how to use PLR, I have an in-depth article on the many ways you can use PLR and successfully monetize it. See How To Use PLR Successfully.

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The Ultimate Meal Planner for Diabetes

 

I am an affiliate for this product and will receive a small remuneration for each sale. I have purchased this product and can wholeheartedly recommend it.

Are you looking for a meal planner for diabetes?

I purchased Delicious- The Ultimate Diabetic Cookbook as my partner was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and he is a sweet tooth!

 I was so frustrated with his cheating and so worried about whether my cooking was appropriate to his needs, that I bought this great book in an effort to allay my anxiety with cooking.

And to make food that was so delicious that he would stop his intake of really bad, bad, bad, food for diabetics.

Yes, if you feel deprived, you make bad choices! That was him.

I even sneaked off to the supermarket to do the shopping without him as he would fill the trolley with biscuits, cakes, chocolates, icecream, and prepackaged frozen meals (he liked to eat more at night while I slept and he worked on the computer). 

He had a double whammy too as he had gone through two very high level cancer operations and was told that he was not expected to survive.

On a routine checkup after his operation, the doctor bluntly informed Rob(my partner) that his cancer would return. 

No ifs and buts- 100%.

So. all the more reason to optimise his health regimen.

This book was the result of work with dietitians and chefs to create healthy, delicious choices for diabetics.

It takes th worry out of safe levels of carbohydrates, sugars, starches while planning meals.

Delicious- The Ultimate Diabetic Cookbook

It takes the fear out of planning meals, cooking for a diabetic and helps to enjoy food again. 

No more boring, bland foods. It brings back enjoyment when eating.

The problem with boring, bland food is that it makes one feel deprived so they 'sneak eat'. 

I saw this many times with a family member who limited herself greatly at home with boring choices but would go out and buy 2 chocolate eclairs to eat while walking down the street. Sprung!

The benefits of using these recipes as a meal planner

1. You will be able to control your blood sugar.
2. You will be able to better manage and prevent diabetes-related conditions.
3. It increases your good cholesterol.
4. It helps your immune system.
5. It helps your metabolism and weight loss.
6. It is suitable for all types of diabetes.
7. The whole family will enjoy the delicious recipes and their benefits. No need to cook separately.

What do you get with Delicious- The Ultimate Diabetic Cookbook?

You get 369 recipes with beautiful illustrations of the meal.

The recipes come in 9 categories;

• hands
• fish and seafood
• breakfast
• sides
• sauces
• desserts 
• soups and stews
• salads
• other 

Bonuses!

Their bonuses are amazing. It's such great value. Check the bonuses out - there are 4 bonuses that are of great value themselves. 

Check out Delicious- The Ultimate Diabetic Cookbook and 4 bonuses here. 

Happy eating! 

Best books for the management of Autism and ADHD

Best Books for Autism and ADHD 

In this post, I hope to provide a list of the best books to help parents and teachers manage autism and ADHD.

As an experienced mainstream and special education teacher, I am seeing many teachers and parents confused, stressed, and crying out for help as they try to come to grips with the many shades of autism and ADHD. 

When I don't understand something, I turn to videos, books, and courses to help me master what I don't understand. 

*For the best range of books, games, teaching materials, OT, and sensory needs. National Autism  Resources cover it all and are very reasonably priced compared to other providers.

  

National Autism Resources 

I have worked in an autism setting for eleven years so I am fairly confident with working with children with an autism diagnosis. 

I worked very hard to develop my understanding of autism and studied for my Graduate Diploma of Teaching students with ASD while working full-time.  

It held me in good stead in 2020 when I was asked to work with a student in a mainstream setting with autism and ADHD. This particular child was extremely anxious and his day consisted of regular meltdowns and aggressive behaviour, which were extremely concerning to his family and school.

It was an extremely successful year and I continue working with him and his classroom teacher this year. 

He is a different child now as he willingly works on his tasks and is now understanding consequences to his behaviour, and is more understanding of the perceptions of others in the room. He is more peaceful at home and can now go to camp with the other students. 

This year, we are focusing on developing his friendships and we have a SEL program in the classroom, which benefits all the students. 

My challenge this year is a new student with an ADHD diagnosis. I listen regularly to Seth Perler who sends my videos weekly through email. 

I have also turned to the books listed below for ideas on activities as he is very disengaged.

 I will start working with him regularly for one hour a week and hopefully be able to be of assistance to his class teacher. I have had some 'short getting to know you' sessions with him.  Absences and lateness to school are just regular occurrences with him.

I came across the Autism Discussion Page on Facebook as I have my own page, Autism Gems, which you are welcome to visit.

I have an Autism blog which is a good read for both parents and teachers.

I found the first three books listed on the Autism Discussion Page and can recommend them as the information is valuable in understanding autism and ADHD, which often co-exist.

If you are a teacher or a parent who is struggling, I recommend these great books listed. Once you start understanding and finding information, your own stress reduces dramatically.

 "As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases." 

Autism Discussion Page on Anxiety, Behaviour, School, and Parenting Strategies: A Toolbox for Helping Children with Autism Feel Safe, Accepted, and Competent

The Autism Discussion Page green book covers anxiety and stress, challenging behaviors, stretching comfort zones, discipline, and school issues.

 It also provides more general teaching and mentoring strategies for coaching children on the autism spectrum in basic daily living strategies to improve their day-to-day lives.

Based on posts on the popular online community page and organised by subject for ease of reference, this book offers an excellent understanding of how children with autism process and experience the world and effective strategies for coping with the challenges.

The Autism Discussion Page-
Book 1

The Autism Discussion Page on Stress, Anxiety, Shutdowns, and Meltdowns.

Anxiety, meltdowns, and emotional regulation can be hugely challenging for autistic people. 

This book is full of proactive strategies for understanding, accepting and respecting the processing

 differences in autism. 

It contains tools for reducing sensory, social and mental drain, and offers strategies to protect from ongoing stress and anxiety. These help minimize shutdowns and burnout while maximizing self-esteem, autistic identity and mental health.

Learn strategies for matching environmental demands to the person's processing needs, how to support

vulnerabilities, and how to prevent and manage meltdowns while protecting the identity and self-esteem of the individual with autism.

The Autism Discussion Page-Book 2

Autism Discussion Page on the Core Challenges of Autism: A toolbox for Helping Children with Autism Feel Safe, Accepted, and Competent

The Autism Discussion Page blue book focuses on the core challenges associated with autism

 (cognitive, sensory, social, and emotional) and provides concise, accessible information and simple

 tools for supporting children with these vulnerabilities. 

Based on posts on the popular online community page and organised by subject for ease of reference, 

this book offers an excellent understanding of how children with autism process and experience the

 world and effective strategies for coping with the challenges.

The Autism Discussion Page- Book 3

The Asperkid's (Secret) Book of Social Rules: The Handbook of Not-So-Obvious Social Guidelines for Tweens and Teens With Asperger Syndrome

The Asperkid's (Secret) Book of Social Rules: The Handbook of Not-So-Obvious Social Guidelines for Tweens and Teens With Asperger Syndrome

Being a teen or tween isn't easy for anyone -- but it's especially tough for Asperkids.

 I know. I was one, I taught a whole bunch, and I am going to be raising three! 

That's also why I know that Asperkids deserve their very own guide to all of the hidden social rules that are awfully confusing to us, even if they seem obvious to everyone else. "The Asperkids' (Secret) Rule Book of Social Rules." This isn't your momma's Emily Post, and there is no "don't do this" finger-wagging or patronizing "high and mighty preaching" here.

 Instead, the "Secret" Book gives Asperkids (aged 10-17) respectful, funny insights written "for Aspies by an Aspie." Chock full of illustrations, logic and even a practice session or six (in comic strip style, thank you very much!), this is the handbook every adult Aspie wishes we'd had growing up, but never did.

• 
  

SEL From A Distance: Tools and Processes for Anytime, Anywhere

Make social and emotional learning a way of being―all day, every day, and in any setting
 
The pandemic and subsequent switch to distance learning combined with recent instances of racial

 injustice has put a spotlight on the cracks in the practice of social and emotional learning (SEL).

 More than ever before, schools are shifting their focus and prioritizing SEL competencies―around the 

nation and the world. 

The call for compassion has never been greater.

SEL From a Distance

To easily and effortlessly build SEL into virtual, blended, or in-person environments, behavior experts

 Jessica Djabrayan Hannigan and John Hannigan have drawn together a collection of tools and processes

 for SEL that can be applied in any learning environment. In SEL from a Distance, you’ll learn: 

• The five SEL competencies and dozens of easy to use processes for building skills in each

• How to identify challenging behaviors and prioritize, define mastery, and teach the SEL skills necessary to address them

• Tips for identifying, teaching, modeling, and reinforcing SEL skills i n a virtual setting

• Strategies for applying SEL to the needs of your unique learning environment

Let this practical, easy-to-use toolkit guide you through embedding these critical SEL competencies into

 your virtual classrooms and make SEL a way of being for you and your students―anytime, anywhere.

• 
  
• Thriving with ADHD Workbook for Kids: 60 Fun Activities to Help Children Self-Regulate, Focus, and Succeed 

Help your child understand and manage their ADHD with engaging activities for kids ages 7 to 12

With the right tools, kids can learn to think positively about their ADHD and see it as a special

 asset. 

Thriving with ADHD is filled with easy exercises to help your child with the many facets of ADHD,

 from self-control and organization to getting tasks done and making friends―so they can flourish at home,

 school, and beyond.

Kids will learn to reframe the way they think about ADHD as they discover their own unique talents. With

 fun activities that engage their busy minds, this workbook offers a strength-based approach to help your

 child gain a better understanding of themselves, their ADHD, and the simple things they can do to feel 

more confident and in control.

This ADHD workbook for kids includes:

• An overview of ADHD―Teach your child about common symptoms, different ADHD types, and how ADHD can be an advantage.

• Skill-building exercises―Establish key executive functioning skills, like dealing with anger and frustration, staying focused, controlling impulses, and communicating effectively.

• Action-oriented learning―Help kids thrive in their daily lives with fun lessons for creating a morning routine, making a homework chart, expressing themselves when they’re upset, and more.

This workbook will help guide the way.

Thriving with ADHD Workbook for Kids

ADHD 2.0: New Science and Essential Strategies for Thriving with Distraction--from Childhood through Adulthood

A revolutionary new approach to ADD/ADHD featuring cutting-edge research and strategies to help

 readers thrive, by the bestselling authors of the seminal books Driven to Distraction and Delivered

 from Distraction

“An inspired road map for living with a distractible brain . . . If you or your child suffer from ADHD,

 this book should be on your shelf. It will give you courage and hope.”—Michael Thompson,

 Ph.D., New York Times bestselling co-author of Raising Cain

World-renowned authors Dr. Edward M. Hallowell and Dr. John J. Ratey literally “wrote the book” on

 ADD/ADHD more than two decades ago. 

Their bestseller, Driven to Distraction, largely introduced this diagnosis to the public and sold more than a

 million copies along the way.

Now, most people have heard of ADHD and know someone who may have it. 

But lost in the discussion of both childhood and adult diagnosis of ADHD is the potential upside: Many hugely successful entrepreneurs and highly creative people attribute their achievements to ADHD. 

Also unknown to most are the recent research developments, including innovations that give a clearer understanding of the ADHD brain in action.

 In ADHD 2.0, Drs. Hallowell and Ratey, both of whom have this “variable attention trait,” draw on the latest science to provide both parents and adults with ADHD a plan for minimizing the downside and maximizing the benefits of ADHD at any age. 

They offer an arsenal of new strategies and lifestyle hacks  for thriving with ADHD, including

• Find the right kind of difficult. Use these behavior assessments to discover the work, activity, or creative outlet best suited to an individual’s unique strengths.

• Reimagine environment. What specific elements to look for—at home, at school, or in the workplace—to enhance the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit inherent in the ADHD mind.

• Embrace innate neurological tendencies. Take advantage of new findings about the brain’s default mode network and cerebellum, which confer major benefits for people with ADHD.

• Tap into the healing power of connection. Tips for establishing and maintaining positive connection “the other Vitamind C” and the best antidote to the negativity that plagues so many people with ADHD.

• Consider medication. Gets the facts about the underlying chemistry, side effects, and proven benefits of all the pharmaceutical options.

ADHD 2.0: New Science and Essential Strategies for Thriving with Distraction--from Childhood through Adulthood

Taking Charge of ADHD Fourth Edition: The Complete Authoritative Guide For Parents

The leading parent resource about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and its treatment has

 now been revised and updated with the latest information and resources.

Prominent authority Russell A. Barkley compassionately guides you to:

*Understand why kids with ADHD act the way they do.

*Get an accurate diagnosis.

*Work with school and health care professionals to find needed support.

*Implement a proven eight-step behavior management plan.

*Build your child's academic and social skills.

*Restore harmony at home.

New to the fourth edition are a chapter on health risks associated with ADHD, the latest information on the

 causes of the disorder, current facts on medications, a new discussion of sibling issues, advice for parents who might have ADHD themselves, downloadable practical tools, and much more.

Taking Charge of ADHD Fourth Edition: The Complete Authoritative Guide For Parents

Parent Toolbox: 125 Activities Therapists Use To Reduce Meltdowns, Increase Positive Behaviours and Manage Emotions

Get kids to listen, stay focused, and organised.

This book will help you start dealing with problem behaviours at home.

The Parenting  Toolbox is filled with easy-to-use strategies, backed by science to overcome challenges and strengthen parent-child interacton.

Each worksheet and exercise will:

-help kids manage stressful moments and anxieties

-improve social skills with siblings, friends and peers at school

-reduce tantrums and meltdowns and have a more peaceful home life

-diminish the fight time over screen time

You will learn how to focus on changing negative thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes through brief, targeted exercises.

Parenting Toolbox

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Your one stop autism shop. Don't ever pay high prices again.