Crazy Cuffs, Robocops and How to Stop Fuming and Fretting

WHAT:
Hello Girls! A male friend of mine recently wrote a Facebook post stating that “handcuffing your girl in the club is indisputably a sign of weakness.” I couldn’t agree more. He was talking about that crazy “robocop” kind of boyfriend who watches your every move like he’s the Terminator, keeps you closer to his side than his Fruit of the Looms, and won’t even let you dance with your girls or make a trip to the ladies room without hovering like Kevin Costner. Sigh. Cuffing of this sort is never in fashion. If you watched the runways this winter season, however, you know that a chunky arm accessory with a bit of flair is de rigueur.

When it comes to a jewelry cuff, there are no rules. Go for color, texture, or both. Look for unusual details like feathers, beading, braiding or jewels.

WHERE:

HOW:
Again, I don’t believe in playing by any rules when it comes to statement jewelry. After all, cuffs are supposed to stand out–start a conversation. So…don’t worry about matching. Throw one on to play up a little black dress or pair it with jeans and an oversize tee. If you’re going really gaudy, however, I would stick to wearing it at night.

EASY-LIVING TIP:
In his inspiring book, The Power of Positive Thinking, Norman Vincent Peale advises us on how to live happily and effectively. One of the easiest ways to increase your quality of living is to reduce your fretting. The pace of modern life must be reduced if we are not going to suffer the toxic effects of over-stimulation and emotional frenzy. How do we go about slowing down? Read on and find out.

1. Give yourself enough time in the morning to start your day calmly and comfortably. When you give yourself just enough time to race to the shower, down a coffee, and make it the train, you start the day at a frenzied pace, and more of the same is likely to follow. Even if you have to rise 15 minutes earlier, give yourself room to enjoy your morning routine. You’ll be more calm and productive if you do.

2. Work slowly and methodically to maintain the steady pace that wins. I’m sure my boss will love that suggestion you’re probably thinking. But you know the story about the tortoise and the hare. The quality of your work will not only be better, but you will also avoid burnout and enjoy your work more.

3. Practice serenity for at least 15 minutes a day. This is a recurring theme of Peale’s. He repeatedly tells us to clear our thoughts and envision a peaceful space in the midst of our chaotic days. Why? Because we operate most efficiently when we are stress-free and relaxed.

4. Don’t worry about where you have to be, enjoy where you are. Are you always anticipating your next move? Constantly checking your watch? Stop. Look around. Savor your train ride–even if you’re late. After all, fretting won’t get you there any faster, but it will destroy your mental health.

5. When you feel yourself getting angry, try lowering your voice to a whisper instead of raising it to a shout. It is difficult to add fuel to the fire of an argument when you’re speaking in a hushed voice. The sooner the debate is over, the less emotional energy you expend. And the less emotional energy you waste, the less tired you’ll be.

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