STOMP THAT STRESS AWAY

Make your very own “tantrum mat” and have fun throwing a tantrum whenever you reel stressed, grumpy, uptight, or frazzled.

 Supplies:  paint, markers, collage materials (whatever you have on hand), a surface you can decorate and use as your tantrum mat (such as heavy paper, canvas, or cloth), a sense of humor

 This activity has two sections:

Make a Tantrum Mat

Throw a Tantrum!

 You are invited to take time to create a “tantrum mat”.  Maybe your stress is just a sign that you need a break.

MAKE A TANTRUM MAT

 1.   Step on the surface you selected for your mat, and trace around each of your feet.

      You can keep your shoes on or go barefoot.

 2.   Decorate your mat.

       Use your artistic license to decide what works best for you.  You might even think about  

       painting it with your feet.  That’s kind of fun.  The paint is squishy and cool between your    

       toes.

 To get your creative juices flowing, check out a tantrum mat I made.

Whenever you are stressed step on your mat and "throw a tantrum".   You will be surprised how much better you'll feel.

Recently my friend Kitty Katz, shared with me something written by Dinah Chaudoir Federer, “Chasing Normal, a Guide for the Newly Disabled and for Those Who Love Them”.  Whenever I find a good book I love to share it. This is a book worth reading.

I don’t consider myself disabled or exceptionally abled as I like to call my friend Scottie who suffered a stroke.  My bouts of chronic fatigue and mobility issues are minor compared to others I know.  One thing I do know is I found “Chasing Normal” to be inspirational and uplifting throughout.  Something else that stood out is that the format is easy to read and retain.  When I am especially tired I find it difficult to focus and read at all.  Not so with “Chasing Normal”.  The chapters are short with space for thought after each one.  And each chapter deals with real issues in a concise and profound way.  

Chasing Normal uses the author’s personal and professional experiences to help people survive and learn to thrive with disability challenges.  But the book helps more than the “disabled”.  It is an inspirational book for everyone.  Among the bits of wisdom Dinah shares is something her mom taught her.  She said “just because you can’t see their disability doesn’t mean they don’t have one.  Everyone in the world has something that they have to deal with.  Everyone has challenges whether you know about them or not.”  

 I want to give kudos to Dinah for sharing her story.  No matter our circumstances, each and everyone of us are “exceptionally abled” and our purpose is to share our gifts with others.

A note from Dinah:

Hi💜