Somebody said something that really hurt your heart. Set a 20-minute timer on your phone. Hurt, cry, grieve, and be angry for those 20 minutes. The timer is your signal to say, "Enough is enough! My self-worth will not be dictated by the opinions of others who don't know me and aren't invested in my well-being."

Say it loud, like you believe it, "discouragement, you DO NOT, and WILL NOT own me!" Every time it reappears, say the same thing. In time, the grumbly, whiney, joy-stealing grouch will leave you alone.

Studies have shown that a loving and understanding pet can help its owner feel less lonely, soothe a hurting heart, and give hope for the future. Why not adopt DJ as your very own encouragement companion?

Have you learned to accept the things that life brings your way without kicking and screaming? That starts with understanding that you don't have to like something to rise above it. Say NO to those everyday irritations and inconveniences threatening to ruin your week.

Life can get complicated with so much pressure, endless thoughts, and constant comparison. Every now and again, pause. Take a deep breath. Calm yourself and focus on what's happening around you. Don't let the past or the future rob you of the joy of right now.

The beautiful boat tied to the dock was named Stress Relief. The owner, who was busy cleaning it, said, "It is a stress reliever to me now and then. But, honestly, the overtime I work to pay for it and all the responsibility of taking care of it probably outweighs the 'remedy' two to one."

Please don't give up on gathering a support group around you. It takes some persistence, but it is worth it! Let your group know you respect and appreciate their time. Tell them you are working hard to mentally and emotionally stand on your own two feet. You do need them. But be sure to respect their needs too!

Imagine this: You make a no-turning-back decision to take 10%—yes, just 10%—better care of yourself intellectually, emotionally, and physically. You can do 10%! Bigger and better changes will come when you make those minor improvements over time.

Set aside time for you. Don't hide behind "I'm too busy." Allow yourself time to mentally/emotionally soar by:

• Recharging your inner batteries
• Planning and dreaming
• Letting go of hurts and disappointments
• Talking positive to yourself - even if that doesn't come naturally.

When we focus on everything that we must do, it can feel overwhelming and impossible to get started. Got a minute? Think of one thing that you must do. Now, force yourself into motion. Start on that ONE thing. You just made your self-esteem and your day a little better.

You can do it! Identify two or three things that you like about yourself. Enjoy the positives and consider how you could continue to grow in those areas this week.

You could aim to be perfect, work to be perfect, or give life's responsibilities and goals your best shot no matter how far from perfect that leaves you! Decide in advance to be satisfied with the end result of your best effort!

Don't feel guilty if accomplishing something feels so natural to you that it was a breeze to do it well. It's good to try things out of your comfort zone, but it can be exciting to succeed in an area in which you are truly gifted.

You have a good, a better, and a best life to live. The choice is yours. But remember, the best life likely may not be identified by fame or fortune or always having your way. It is an accumulation of little benefits. That is people, places, things, and small rewards of life like:

• Reading a good book
• An unexpected smile
• A thoughtful encouragement
• A text from a friend
• A good grade, or a better grade than you expected!!
• The opportunity to do a good deed
• The smile you shared with someone
• And hundreds more!

Hold both hands as high as you can stretch. Breathe in, then breathe out. Try to breathe as slowly as you can while counting. You are here, and you do not have to have all the answers to all your problems today. Calm your breathing and remind yourself that you are right here, right now, and knowing that is enough for right now.

You deserve a break today. Pick one area of life that's causing you frustration, even if YOU are the reason for that frustration, and decide to chill out for a day or two. Give yourself a mental vacation. Even though you know the source of that frustration will eventually have to be dealt with, take a break by taking it out of your mind and putting it on the shelf for a day or so.