INPUT ARTICLE: Article: You may think that you should eliminate your ex from your thoughts altogether. However, this strategy can very easily backfire. If you try to force yourself not to think about something, you'll only think about it more. Instead of trying not to think about your ex altogether, limit the time you spend thinking of them. This is a more sustainable strategy.  Choose a certain time in the day where you can thoughts of your ex out of your system. You could, for example, think about your ex for half an hour every morning. If you're having trouble coming up with memories, try listening to a song or thinking about a movie the two of you loved. Writing down some of your thoughts in a journal can also help you work through your feelings and process what happened. After this, try to avoid thinking about your ex for the rest of the day. If thoughts creep back in, say something to yourself like, "I've already thought about this today. I can save these thoughts for tomorrow." If you're reeling from the loss of a first love, you may be prone to catastrophic thinking. For example, you may think things like, "I'll never love anyone again" or "I'll never be happy again." When you catch yourself engaging in such thoughts, stop and challenge them.  No two relationships are alike. You're right to think you'll never feel exactly the same way again. However, this does not mean you'll never love or be happy again. Be realistic. Most people do not end up with their first love. Think about your parents, friends, or other family members. They probably all experienced the loss of a first love, but ended up in healthy relationships later on. Be specific. For example, if you find yourself thinking that you will never find love again, replace that thought with something like, “If I start dating again when I'm ready, I'll almost certainly find love again. It's very unlikely that I'll end up alone.” Remind yourself that, while things are difficult now, in all likelihood you will love again and be happy again, even if it takes time. Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or counselor about the thoughts you are having. They can help you gain perspective and challenge unrealistic thoughts. Remind yourself of what you have going for you right now. Think about things like your friends circle, job, interests, and passions. While you may not have the romance you want right now, there's a lot in the present to focus on.  Do things to keep you grounded in the present. Take up a new hobby. Join a club. Volunteer somewhere. Join a gym. Anything that can keep you in the present moment can help. New memories can help you get over the past. Taking concrete steps towards making new, better memories can help you let go of your ex. It's important to take time to practice mindfulness and reflect on your feelings and thoughts in the moment. However, it's a good idea to balance these moments of introspection with activities that distract you and help you focus on other things. It's very difficult to think positive when you're not caring for yourself. You may find it hard to sleep, exercise, or eat right after heartbreak. However, you need to keep up with basic self-care. This will allow you to stay strong and avoid negative thinking.  In addition to sleeping and eating right, give yourself treats. Do not be afraid to baby yourself slightly after a breakup. Have a night out with your friends. Order takeout. Go for a long walk or bike ride. Watch a movie you love. Ask a trusted friend or family member to check in on you now and then and gently remind you to take care of yourself, or to get you out of the house from time to time if you're spending too much time alone. Remember that it's okay to ask for help when you are dealing with sadness or loss.   Sometimes it can be helpful just to talk to a supportive friend on the phone for a little while. Talking about your feelings can help you work through them. If you feel guilty about leaning on friends or family, make a commitment to being there for them in the same way when and if the time comes.

SUMMARY: Limit time spent thinking of your ex. Watch for unrealistic thought patterns. Focus on the present. Practice self-care. Reach out to your support system.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: The mirror needs to be the same size as the glass that goes in the picture frame (if it has any). This is easiest to do with square or rectangular mirrors. If you can't find a frame and mirror that fit together, then you can have a mirror custom cut to fit a frame you want to use. You can also have a frame custom built to fit a mirror that you already have. Remove the frame's backing that holds the glass in place and set everything aside so you just have the frame. You don't want glass in front of a reflective mirror. You might be able to use the backing to secure the mirror in place, but you can recycle or save the glass for something else. Put a thin bead of silicone around the edge of the mirror or inside lip of the frame. Carefully align the mirror to the back and press it into place.  If the picture frame has a backing material, you could also attach the mirror to that instead and use it to secure the mirror inside the frame. Just make sure it all fits together in place before you start using silicone to attach the mirror to the backing. Once the mirror is secured to the frame, there are lots of ways you can decorate it, like by putting stencils on the glass of the mirror, or even gluing things like fabric or shells around the frame. A mirror is heavier than a picture. Check by lifting up the mirror and frame slightly off the ground by its hanging mechanism (the wire or the hooks) to make sure it's strong enough to support the weight before you hang it to a wall. If the frame doesn't already have a hanging mechanism, or the existing one isn't strong enough, then you will have to hang it yourself.

SUMMARY: Find a mirror and frame that match in size. Remove the frame glass from the frame if there is any. Attach the mirror to the back of the frame using silicone. Test the weight to make sure the hanging mechanism is strong enough.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: To successfully treat your cocker spaniel's ear infection, you must administer the medications exactly as prescribed. For example, treat the ears for the full treatment course—do not stop treating the ears when they start looking better! If you stop the medication early, you may not completely kill the microorganism causing the infection, making a reinfection more likely.  If you are giving ear drops, use only the prescribed number of drops. Do not forget or skip any treatment doses. A missed or skipped dose could increase the likelihood of a reinfection. your cocker spaniel's ears properly. Cleaning your cocker spaniel's ears is essential to treating—and preventing—ear infections. To clean his ears, you will need a high-quality ear cleaning solution (available at your local pet store), and cotton balls or cotton gauze (available at your local pharmacy). Do not use a cotton swab—it will push debris down further in the ear and possibly damage the ear drum.  Lift the flap of one ear and squirt some ear cleaning solution in the ear, according to the label instructions. Gently massage the base of the ear for about 20 to 30 seconds, then wipe the ear dry with some cotton balls or gauze. Repeat with the other ear. Your cocker spaniel will probably want to shake his head after you put the solution in his ear. Let him do so.  Make sure the tip of the bottle does not touch your cocker spaniel's ears. Whatever is in his ears could contaminate the solution. Clean the ears 30 minutes before giving the medicated ear drops.  Do not clean his ears too frequently (once or twice week may be adequate). Overly frequent ear cleanings can cause ear infections. You may have heard about home remedies for cleaning a dog's ears, particularly homemade products containing vinegar. Do not use them! Home remedies and vinegar-based ear cleaning products can irritate the skin in your cocker spaniel's ears, causing swelling and an increase in secretions than can lead to infection.

SUMMARY:
Follow treatment instructions exactly. Clean Do not use irritating or homemade ear cleaning products.