How I Broke Myself from Asking “What Are You Thinking?” Written by Tracey Winfrey
Continued from page 1 usually case), there also lies possibility that it is something you really don’t want to hear or know at that particular moment. And it didn’t happen that I ever asked question and received knowledge of something I did not want to hear. Oh no, it was much, much worse. I was asked question! It was quite possibly one of worst dates of my life. The type of date that reminds you some fates are far worse than torture and death. Even prison seemed a brighter, more appealing option than another hour on this date (and I look terrible in flip-flops and orange), one I wished would end quickly. We were finally in car driving me home and he was telling a story that seemed to go on forever when he paused and asked, “What are you thinking?” I was dumbfounded – my mind a whirl of possible explanations and answers. Do I tell him something simple? Do I tell him actual truth – that given relatively smooth terrain to side of road, I am calculating at what speed could I safely jump from moving vehicle and maintain minimal physical damage? Do I just jump now (as we were approaching a stop sign) and escape question altogether? In just a brief, few seconds, these thousand thoughts going through my head in a vicious flurry when suddenly, a soothing thought entered into my head. I looked at him, smiled, and said “nothing.”From that moment on, cycle was broken and I was free from ever uttering question again! The cure was as simple as having question asked to me.

Copyright 2003 Tracey Winfrey Tracey is an author and founder of www.pig-dogs.net; A Different Type of Relationship Advice Site. Visit Tracey there to sign up for her newsletter, read her advice column, other articles and other fun things. Or, you may email her at tracey@pig-dogs.net.
| | January Soul SnacksWritten by Susie Michelle Cortright
Continued from page 1
Day Four A recent study indicates that a weekly talk with a friend can be as effective against moderate depression as counseling or antidepressants. Even if you're not feeling blue, call a friend who may be having a tough time. Meet her for coffee or a jog through park. Let her know how much she means to you. Day Five Put aromatherapy to work for you. Try an energizing scent, such as orange - or a soothing scent, such as lavender. Combine two drops of essential oil to a teaspoon of safflower or canola oil, whatever's on hand. Massage blend onto your pulse points. Another affordable luxury: you can download aromatherapist Francoise Rapp's "Spa Recipes for All Seasons" for free here: http://www.momscape.com/aromalchemy Day Six Treat yourself to a new magazine full of new recipes that are just right for season. Bon Appetit and Cooking Light (if you're watching your calories) are great choices. Get good deals and free gifts on these magazines here: http://www.momscape.com/a/bluedolphin.htm Day Seven Brainstorm ways you can get away from it all in 15 minutes or less. Whether it's an indulgent bath, a phone call to a distant friend, or quiet time with a good novel, schedule one of these "escape tasks" for today. Then call a friend and encourage her to do same.

Susie Michelle Cortright is the author of the Soul Snacks booklet series-- http://www.momscape.com/soulsnacks -- and founder of the award-winning website Momscape.com, featuring exclusive resources to help women balance their busy-ness. Visit http://www.momscape.com today and get her "6 Days to Less Stress" course free.
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