I have watched this show undergo many changes through the years and watched it a little…but I plan on devoting some time to this campaign and finding out more about the show and the topics covered.

Disclosure: I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for ABC Daytime and will receive a tote bag or other The View branded items to facilitate my review.

Now that a new year is upon us, it’s a great time to clear out the old so that we can bring in the new.

People and relationships: Clear out the energy vampires in your life who drain and/or exhaust you. Spend more time with the people in your life who support and energize you. Cut back on the amount of time you spend with drama queens, constant complainers, whiners, “meanies”, and “gimmes“. Start saying “no” to people and commitments that no longer fuel you. It’ll feel a bit uncomfortable at first, but it will make room in your life for more fulfilling relationships.

That seems like super advice, to me.  How often do you have someone in your life that you think is helping you–when all along they are truly only draining you of all your energy and keeping at you constantly with needs FROM you instead of assisting you in a balanced way?  I have friends that are “gimmes” but they balance it out by letting me be a “gimme” at times, too.  It’s those that only “gimme” and never give back that are the ones you should rethink being friends with.

I have always been one to think I could help others or save them from themselves…it usually gets me into friendships or relationships that are troubling.  I realize now that unless someone desires that change in their lives, truly desires and is willing to take steps to change, they will remain the same forever.  I’m all about second chances (and third, or fourth) to those that I know want to change.  I feel it’s important, though, to sever ties with those that only want to take, take, take.

I haven’t lived the apartment life before, It has been over a year now since I moved in and it’s been extremely quiet where I live. I like it but I also realize that when you live among so many people there will be times that you are privy to outbursts or domestic issues. It’s always upsetting to wake up hearing a pleading cry outside your window or catching the yelling sounds of a stranger.

I know enough about times like those not to step in, but to observe from afar, and if I feel someones life in danger or the issue get out of hand, help is a phonecall away. It doesn’t mean I don’t want to help. I just know 9 times out of 10 they are so emotionally involved that my stepping in is not only a danger to me, but also would more likely increase the heightened emotions, not calm them.

I lay here in bed wondering what the story is behind all the crying. I won’t sleep well after this. It brings back feelings I’ve not felt in a long time. Touches nerve endings that I thought were deeply buried. There’s something primal about hearing these sounds that are not your own. Like you are in the middle of someone elses movie.

I’ll try to sleep now…it’s quiet and I saw them walk to their apartment. Feels helpless to not know the reasons. Feels odd to have memories like that surface in coordination with the event. I feel strong enough that I will be safe and secure and my littles or worried parts won’t feel threatened. It takes a little “self talk” to move forward sometimes. I hope it stays quiet.

So far it’s worked pretty good for dictating short text messages and emails. I don’t know how often I would use a program like this because I do enjoy typing. It might be useful if you’re driving and need to speak out a quick note and add it to your iPhone. I’ll continue testing and let you know how goes!

– Post From My iPhone