On Stage, Michael Jackson Felt Alive

Yes, being on stage made Michael Jackson feel alive. And his love of dancing and singing - obvious to anyone who saw him perform - thrilled his fans. In efforts to savor the memories, fans worldwide have bought more than 9 million of Michael Jackson's albums since his death.



Try to think about what makes you feel alive - especially if you or loved ones are struggling emotionally at this time. Implement some of these ideas and see if they help:

Honor your body by noticing what makes you feel better, both physically and emotionally. Pay attention to your exercise routine, what you eat, your sleeping habits and what gives you pleasure. Reduce the situations that cause stress and increase the ones that make you feel healthier and more alive. Spend time relaxing and rejuvenating as you counteract burnout. Attend to your mind and your spirit - set aside quiet time to practice your own form of meditation.

Implement what you know about resiliency. Recognize how your character strengths support what you do. Integrate your values and ideals into how you view the world. Knowledge is power, so use it to your advantage. Gather information about ways to deal with how you are feeling - explore Internet search engines or the self-help section of bookstores. Release tension through laughter and watch yourself begin to bounce back.

Clicking on the title of this post will take you to HerMentorCenter.com and more tips on How to Nurture Yourself.

As a member of the Sandwich Generation, you may be used to setting aside your own needs so you can deal with the challenges of children growing up and parents growing older. Taking care of grandchildren because your children can't, for whatever reasons, adds another layer to a sandwich that may already be difficult to digest.

Maintain a bond with your child's partner and extended family, even if, for the time being, you put these relationships on the back burner. By keeping the lines of communication open, your grandchildren will transition easier if they move from one home and family to the other. And a grandchild can't have too many loving arms.

There will be a huge void to fill and you may be confused about your role now. Don't be afraid to seek out a parenting coach or a family therapist. Although you likely were a natural when your kids were young, this is a unique situation. Learning skills and techniques from experts can make a big difference the second time around and talking with someone outside of the family about your worries and frustrations can be a lifesaver.

Do whatever is necessary to maintain familiarity and continuity in the lives of your grandchildren. By nurturing them and stabilizing their environment, they will begin to feel more secure. The structure in their lives and the support you give them will relieve their feelings of anxiety and stress. Children are resilient - as you model positive thinking and hope, they will thrive.

Our Virtual Book Tour with Amy Sherman yesterday was lively and the questions from our readers all had a common theme. How do I maintain a positive attitude when facing health and relationship challenges - my recent MS diagnosis, constant back and knee pain, the stress of aging, a Father with Alzheimers moving in with my family, the loss of my husband?

Amy's responses were consistent and right on. While validating each reader's concerns, she also had practical suggestions - educate yourself about the problem, reach out for support, work on changing your mental attitude, don't self sabotage, get help from experts, take control where you can, make effective choices.

So take Amy's advise. As you ease into this long weekend, remember that you don't have to let your challenges define you. Relax, enjoy your family and make sure to take some time to nurture yourself.