Author: Frederica R. Burrage

I am a passionate, eclectic Artist. A published author of two books- NOT ONE TEN PASSIONS and Flowers Radiate Beauty. I'm married, with two beautiful daughters, a stepdaughter and we have a spoiled cat, named Casper. I work in Philadelphia, PA as a veteran Firefighter of 20 years. I consider myself an avid Gardener and an amateur Photographer. Other hobbies of mine includes: reading, painting and doing puzzles. Lastly, I enjoy volunteering with various organizations in my community.

Fill Your Jar With Joy

Frederica R. Burrage

Do you see the “Looking Glass of Life”, as half-full or mostly empty? Thinking with an open mind, we can transform our outlook on just about anything. Naturally, there will be setbacks in one’s lifetime. However, learning to adapt to stressful situations, we can prepare ourselves to heal in a healthy way and within a reasonable time frame.

Life is what you make it. If you fill your “Jar” with good things, then your focus will be positive. Everybody has a way of viewing reality- that is unique to them. If we all saw obstacles as too difficult to conquer, no one would be successful. Once you remove the negative influences in your Jar, you have to replace them with an abundance of positive energy. If everyone believed in overcoming challenges, opportunities would continue to be competitive and worth stressing over. You only have a fighting chance if you are able to hold your own in the war. The battle will be won by the fearless and most powerful. Use your inner voice as a strength. What you think… what you tell yourself… BELIEVE IT!

Being stuck in a rut or wavering on a sticky surface, is unhealthy. If time allows, you should be ready to make tough decisions when faced with hard choices. If your Jar is full of cheer and optimism, then you have options. Use your resources wisely. Don’t deplete your energy too soon or gamble on frivolous items. Once you tap into your stash, replenish it when you can. Never run empty because life rewards those who help themselves.

Maintain a calm attitude and be steadfast on your journey towards the fulfillment of your goals. Trust your intuition and practice good, mindful habits.

ALWAYS LOOK AT THE GLASS AS HALF-FULL… FULL OF POSITIVITY AND MEANINGFUL POSSIBILITIES. THEN, FOLLOW YOUR INSTINCTS.

Fill Your Jar With Joy! #MyPassionsin5Words

When the Giver Needs Care

Frederica R. Burrage

You can’t help anyone, if you need help. CARE FOR YOURSELF!

Being a caregiver requires a great deal of responsibility and patience. It can be stressful and time consuming. While focusing a lot of attention on someone else, it would be wise to be cognizant of your own wellbeing. What good are you to anyone, if you are not emotionally okay?

It is not selfish to put yourself first. If you need help, ask for it. You will do more harm to everyone if you try to please others when you are not in optimal health. Don’t try to be a superhero and prove your strength. The many challenges you face, can take its toll in the long run. Having a reliable support system will benefit you and your patient(s).

It takes a special person to become a caregiver (even to family members). Usually people get paid to assist with strangers though. Choosing such an undertaking, can be both physically and mentally exhausting. When it all seems overwhelming, it is best to pause and reconsider one’s effectiveness. There is no shame in trying and then throwing in the towel. Recognize when you’ve had enough. At least you gave it a shot. KNOW YOUR LIMITS.

Once people attempt to honor a commitment, fear can surface, that if they quit, they will have failed. Feelings matter and no one is to blame for expressing themselves respectfully, when the going gets rough. BE CLEAR and CONCISE. Speak your Intentions and don’t sugarcoat any issues.

When you lose sight of your own self care, you cannot possibly give adequate time and affection to others. Don’t feel guilty in taking some time away to pamper yourself once in awhile. NURTURE YOUR WANTS. De-stress and you will bounce back.

We all need to identify our emotions and concentrate on our positive attributes. Sometimes we hit bumps on the road. Then, we regroup and keep moving forward. No one should be expected to give what they don’t have or do the impossible. Just wanting to make a difference, makes a difference. Look for alternatives and resources to combat negative thoughts. Let it be a mission to practice self-love, before you devote a substantial amount of energy elsewhere. If not, you risk “burnout” and may feel like a burden also. Alleviate your strain… LET GO and find other constructive ways to be productive. 20180803_0856173657246972389799107.jpg

Spiritual Wellness

Frederica R. Burrage

Take a break from your hectic schedule and make time for YOU. Sit quietly in a comfortable setting and let go of outside noises. Don’t be tempted to look at or answer to any electronic devices.

We can all benefit from a mental timeout, every now and then. We need to sit still. Sleep is good, but we may only have a few minutes to meditate… to pray. Find reasons to laugh. Cry if you must release tension. Relax. Slow down. Detach from stress. Pause. Breathe deeply. Unwind. Alleviate anxiety and elevate your conciousness.

In order to thrive, we all must focus and devote attention to our own spiritual wellbeing. First, practice good habits and maintain healthy boundaries. Second, remove negative substances and toxic people from your life. Lastly, balance your thoughts, feed your body with nutrients, and do what makes your soul happy. These tools will increase your quality of life, your energy and overall physical health. Your mood will be calmer- allowing you to make rational choices. Your behavior will reflect your positive attitude and your radiant spirit will influence others. Your stamina will increase and help you to move more freely- to enjoy all the things you hope to create or conquer.

Challenge yourself to take care of YOU, first and foremost. YOU matter!