Dear Diary, here are some quotes for today...

‎"A successful person is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at him or her."-David Brinkley

‎"Don't let people drive you crazy when you know it's in walking distance."--Unknown

Narcissists will suck you dry

NOVEMBER 30, 2008

The Love of A Narcissist is Like a Desert Oasis

I once asked one of my closest friends why she thought I fell in love with my ex so easily. She said that since I had been in a loveless marriage for so long that meeting someone like him was like finding an oasis in the desert. I had no idea how appropriate that metaphor actually was.

Narcissists are incapable of authentic or deep feelings for anyone. Like the desert Narcissists are vast, empty and dry inside. Like a desert oasis Narcissistic Love is a mirage, a shallow illusion, a mere reflection. It leaves you hopeful, but even more desperate and thirsty for the real thing.

The metaphor can be taken even one step further. The closest thing a Narcissist can feel to love is when he is receiving narcissistic supply in full potency. This feeling is very intense for him and what he gives in response to it feels very real to his lover (or child). However, just as real water in the desert is almost always poisonous to the body narcissistic love is just as deadly to the soul.

Narcissists are predators. They prey on any kind of vulnerability. If they suspect you’re a desert wanderer in need of a long, cool drink they will present the most glorious oasis for your pleasure.

But beware, once you find yourself in the middle of the reflective pool, marveling at all its beauty (and it is beautiful!) your Narcissist will give you a taste of the real stuff from the rancid desert puddle inside him.

Take Your Vacation Days!

By Jillian Michaels

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Ah, vacation... that precious time away from the hectic pace of life and the stress of work. Have you taken a vacation lately? If not, why not?! With all the travel deals available these days, you can put together a pretty amazing trip on the cheap. And if you don't have a lot of extra cash right now, there's always the good old "staycation," in which you can just relax at home. If you're the type who feels guilty taking days off, let me tell you — taking your vacation time is important to your health!

Sadly, overtime has become the norm in the American workplace. While the overtime might get you a promotion, research shows it definitely doesn't help your peace of mind. Researchers have found higher rates of anxiety and depression in men and women who work overtime, compared with people who work 40 hours a week or less.

Even if you aren't working overtime, chances are you're working too much. It's estimated that one out of every three workers doesn't take his or her allocated vacation time. Your bosses may appreciate all that hard work (at least, they'd better!), but your heart certainly doesn't. One study suggested that an annual vacation was a lifesaver for middle-aged men at risk of coronary heart disease. At-risk men who got away once a year were 32 percent less likely to die from heart disease than were those who never took a vacation. Another study found that when compared with women who vacationed twice a year or more, women who seldom took vacations — once every six years — were eight times as likely to develop coronary heart disease. Don't make yourself a sitting duck for a heart attack. You earned that vacation — take i