I’m introducing a new series on my blog – The Power of 10. In numerology, the number 10 resonates with the vibrations of so many positive energies, among them creativity, originality, adaptability, and individuality.

Today, I’m thrilled to welcome author and social media consultant Joanne McAlpine.

Here’s Joanne!

This week, I met someone who lectured me for a half hour. The topic had nothing to do with me, rather her fears and that I should be fearful too. I don’t want to go into details but it left me with a depressed feeling that typically sticks with me for a few days, sometime weeks. As some of you know, I was participating in the free e-course given by a procrastination coach. There was great energy in that group so I brought my issue to them and asked for advice on how to shake this bad juju. I was amazed by the great advice and by the end of the day I was in good spirits again. I thought I’d share the advice here. Disclaimer: Keep in mind, this is just advice from your average joe schmo, I’m not a professional. I’m just passing on what has worked for me and others.

1. Run – It was the first advice given to me and that’s exactly what I did. It was a sunny day too which I think helps the mood.

2. When you are in work, find a private place to meditate a bit then go to the gym at night to work it off.

3. Change your body posture – and was given this great youtube video, I highly suggest because I find it works.

4. A walk in nature – when I went for my run, I was thinking this and went for a run in the park. I interval run so I run a bit and walk a bit. I find nature to be non-judgemental and un-demanding.

5. Get your brain to work on it – ask yourself, “What can I do right now to make myself feel better?” And the great and glorious brain that we have will go to work on it.

6. Call a friend.

7. Brain Gym – this was a new one for me. I’ve used it to help DD with her left and rights when she was little but never used it as a way to put myself in a better mood. I’ll say this, you get so focused on the exercises you forget what was bothering you.

8. Yoga – I agree. It has helped me in the past and I need to get back to it. I found a free monthly class through meetup.com. Check it out, you never know what you might find.

9. Gratitude List – list what makes you grateful.

10. Ask for Help.

Other ideas for fighting the blues: gardening, getting that sunshine, standing on your head (if you can’t do this try hanging off the side of your bed, being inverted for a couple of minutes has helped me hold back the blues), spending some time with pets, watching fish, healthy eating.

In the end, it was a beautiful day, with the sun shining brightly. I ran and walked in the park. I listened to music for a bit then turned it off and asked myself why I was upset. I didn’t want to suppress the feelings but rather understand why I had them without dwelling on them. When I realized this was about her fears and not mine, I was able to let it go. By the time, I got home, that nagging feeling was gone and my good jujus were back.

Joanne’s Video

Joanne’s Debut Novel

At the dawn of colonizing planets, humanity supports a bold new experiment on Earth to create three self-sustaining habitats, one underground, one above, and one under the sea. With dreams of colonization, they test human capacity by isolating the inhabitants from the outside world for a year.

Telsa and Simon join the first inhabitants on Oceanus, the undersea habitat. Simon leaves his youngest, Rosie, with her grandmother. It would only be a year, what could go wrong?

Everything runs smoothly until Simon discovers a network of surveillance throughout Oceanus, then Telsa uncovers a rumor of a devastating virus on the Earth’s surface. Central Command insists on their isolation but a new security force infiltrates the habitats under the guise that they are there for everyone’s protection.

All the while, unbeknownst to any of them, a religious zealot sees the habitats as his destiny, a place where he and his fellow believers can embark on growing a new country.

Where to find Joanne…

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