Relax And Thrive ☺

So if you read my newsletter you have some tools in place to start working on your overall reactions to stress and how to soothe your body with nutrition.  An important start.

Now I'd like to talk a bit about those things you can do daily or off and on during the week that can also make a large improvement in your current health, which if practiced regularly..I guarantee you will see and feel the improvement.

Yoga - Not just 'exercise' yoga is actually a science that has been used over thousands of years.  It is technically considered therapeutic.  It helps you become more aware of your body's posture and alignment. It makes the body more flexible and helps you relax even in the middle of stressful situations. 

Even if you start with basic yoga poses and stretches daily, you will begin to feel progress - quite quickly.  You can rent, buy or borrow from library DVDs on yoga to start seeing how you can incorporate it into your day.  I even watched free on youtube.com and typed in 'beginners yoga' and did some poses like that! Classes in your area are everywhere now...many places will allow you to attend a free class to see how you like it.  (This video above it just one of many!)

Some physical benefits: All systems in the body improve...cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, respiratory etc.  The body becomes more efficient.  Dexterity and flexibility improve, energy and immunity increases, sleep also improves.  You look and feel younger.

Emotional benefits:  Anxiety and depression decrease, mood improves, memory/attention improves, well-being improves and overall feeling of self improves dramatically.

This is a free, and do-able practice to incorporate into your daily schedule...whether 10 or 45 minutes...I highly suggest you get started. Who cares how little you can do at first or how funny you look!   Look into it at the very least.  I also saw an hour special on PBS not long ago on the benefits of Yoga and pain in the body - very enlightening and at any age - even doing it from your chair! Many on pain meds or restricted in their movement are now off medications and enjoying a better quality of life.

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Meditation

You probably knew this was coming next.  And since I've been doing this quite regularly since before Christmas I am here to attest to the difference I've noticed consistently.  I'm much more easy going - more upbeat and find it easier to turn around a mood that would have a tendency to stay with me too long.  I laugh more, tease and joke more...quite frankly I'm feeling like the better part of me is more upfront on a regular basis.  The other day a customer said to me...you look happy...ha...I mean we were just chatting and he said this out of the blue...I just laughed and said...well why not?  But it was funny to notice as it was not a day different from many others..however my outlook was not the same.  

My boss even asked me a week so ago...when I said "Good morning"  when passing him in the hall...- he said "What's so funny?"  I  turned around and said..'What do you mean?' and he just said because of the way I was smiling...lol  Again...too funny, I said "I'm just in a good mood." And the funny thing is I tend to think I am usually in a fairly good mood - compared to many I come in contact with. Guess I needed a wake-up call too!  But this was all due to 10-15 min of daily meditation.  Wow.

Try and take timeout where ever you can - at home, work, on a break - it can just be for 5 minutes of concentrating on your breathing.  It's not meant to be difficult or stressful! lol That would defeat the point.  Guided meditations help me and I find I can sit still much longer this way.  

Meditation has been proven to help with depression and anxiety - immensely.  So again this is free, easy and accessible no matter who you are how crazy your life might seem.  Just do it.  ☺ 



Childhood home



My Attitude of Gratitude

I actually do this in an email to myself 'most' days.  Most of the time means could do better!  Luckily the Thanksgiving holiday makes me more aware of my laziness!

What am I thankful for?

My daughter Rachael of whom I am infinitely proud and love more each day
My sister Joan, my brothers and their families
My boyfriend Kevin
My parents, sister Linda and loved ones who have moved on to non physical who are always near
A happy childhood
My best friend Heather and close friends
My ongoing curiosity that keeps me moving forward and wanting to know and be better
My love of reading!!
Cooking
The internet and computers/technology
Nature - grass, woods, birds, (some bugs lol) water, mountains, sunshine
Our cat Jasmine who understands my moods!
Natural therapies and answers to anything we need if we ask
Law of Attraction and knowing we choose what we want
Travel
My new car
My 2 business's
My job as a stepping stone
Money in the bank
Laughter
Good movies, music
My new exercise bike
Fun memories that make me laugh till I cry
Writing

Living in the United States

Did I say reading? :o)

Things that smell good to me - cut grass, the ocean/beach, horses, good food, rainy mornings, suntan lotion, musty basements, cold days with no snow, dollar bills, wood fire...

I could go on, but you get the drift.  Take some time out to email yourself or write a list when you have 5 minutes - anytime is the right time.  Feelings that go with your appreciation or gratitude draw more good into your life.  Worth the 5 minutes.

Katy

Happy Halloween!!

I've decided to try and think of the fun holidays coming up instead of dwelling on the soon to come winter weather. My mom always embraced all the different reasons to celebrate the various holidays...each had their own set of window decorations or home 'decor' she would set out. Food, and special cookies or recipes too! I must say, as a kid I enjoyed it and made all the different holidays something to look forward too. Halloween, My Birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Valentines...See? If you put it that way the next 5-6 months CAN be something to anticipate!



Hopefully you have some fun traditions, decorations and treats you can use to enjoy the next few months - positive distractions make everything more enjoyable. Have a few friends over, learn how to knit or crochet, cook or bake a family favorite and how about volunteering occasionally to cheer up someone else?



The colder months tend to keep us closer to home, keeping warm and a bit of hibernating. I love this as I like having projects or changing rooms or furniture around, making my space more homey in general. Don't forget your office too! And then there are times you must get outside and get some air... enjoy the crisp days, especially when the sun is out. Bundle up, go for a walk or visit someone or grab a coffee and read the paper. Cabin fever can set in if you stay too isolated, so know the signs of feeling blah or bored and do something about it! Vitamin D3 is flying off the shelves right about now, and with good reason. Extremely helpful with your Immune System, hormonal system and prevention of SAD (seasonal effective disorder) - don't write off Vitamin D3 as unimportant.



So get out the couch blankets, fuzzy slippers, flannel sheets and hot chocolate - stock up on soups, teas and some immune supplements and snuggle in. This can be a wonderful time of year when you plan on it!

It's Never Too Early or Too Late To Start
Aging Well!

Well that's certainly a relief, but realize how true it is. I was listening to something recently about "getting older" and how we accept aging and decline as going hand in hand. But does it really? We all know those seeming exceptions to the rule - Those up in age a bit (or alot) who are still working, traveling, volunteering, gardening, attending parties etc and just enjoying daily life. These don't have to be exceptions - and that all starts with your belief and how you can tweak it and start enjoying life to the fullest where you are.

How can you encourage more Strength and Energy?

Starting tomorrow, how about stretching when you wake up? At least 2 minutes before you even leave your room. Staying limber is always to your benefit. How about setting a goal of being able to grab you toes/touch floor without bending your knees? Bet it won't take that long. For those with physical limitations, do your best. Also some resistance workout or muscle building is soooo beneficial. Holds off bone loss and keeps you stronger. Those resistance bands or light hand weights are perfect. DVDs or YouTube.com has basic workouts if you need ideas. Other simple add ons to your day...parking further away. Obviously if you have a health condition that limits you, don't worry about this one...but otherwise how much of a big deal is it to get the closest parking spot? I see so many able bodied folks cruising and circling the parking lots waiting for someone to leave! Sheesh...park where there's a spot and get on with it! I purposely park far a way to get some exercise. Basically all of this benefits you, keeps you active and builds you up.

B vitamins, Circulatory Herbs, OPC3 (srtongest antioxidant out there), Green Drinks - all play a role in encouraging and maintaining energy, youthfulness and graceful aging. And for those wanting some facial products that really do get results...watch for my next blog entry on items that can make a visible difference! (samples for those who comment on this post, so include your email)

What can you do to stay Mentally Sharp?

When did you last read a book? When did you last play a card game or board game - even a crossword puzzle? Have you written anything lately, ie letter, short story, goals? Maintained or started a new hobby? What are you waiting for? These are enjoyable, and very do-able but you have to keep it up and not just do it on rare occasion. I look forward to reading more than TV or movies and I always keep a book in my car or purse. So much to learn about or just lose yourself in - I love when I read something I had no idea about and it gets me interested in something brand new!

**Water, Gingko, Rosemary, OPC3, Omega 3, my Brain Formula, even walnuts all help to improve or maintain healthy brain function! **

How Do You Stay Emotionally/Spiritually Grounded?

I like to have some routines that bring peace of mind or relief from daily stress or concerns. Whether it's prayer, meditation, reading uplifting books, church, volunteering, nature- the outcome of all of these practices is to bring relief and hopeful outlooks. This should be a daily practice - NOT just when things seem troublesome. Having a good foundation and appreciative mindset when things are going pretty good or great, set the stage so you don't have such lows in the future. Quiet time anywhere is rejuvenating. A cup of tea/coffee or yummy fruit smoothie is a great way to nurture and practice some self care while enjoying that down time.

Having outlets that make you smile, laugh or just let loose are great too! I love having little and big things to look forward to. Constantly!! Like a carrot in front of the horse...it can propel you towards more of what you want for yourself and those you are close to.

All of the above are simple ways to keep on the path of wellness physically and emotionally. How do you stay on top of your well being?

Katy

What A Butt Head!

"Lame driver! What the heck kind of move do you call that?? Honestly, is it too much to ask to drive around people who have courtesy for the other drivers?" Insides churning, I then get home and proceed to recap the person's lack of driving skills or lack there of, to the next person I talk to and we agree and find even more instances of 'butt heads' on the road.


Ok I better stop there as I can feel myself going down that road and I'm not even on the road! lol But whether it's the inconsiderate driver on your way home from work, or the 'dip' on the phone who still can't fix your order when it was their error in the first place (these are our thoughts of course..not verbalized out loud!) ;o) we all have had those instances of impatience, anger or frustration that we let get to us and it stays with us much longer than needed. I'm all for venting your frustration at events that push our buttons, cause I certainly do -but harboring it longer than necessary or continuously bringing it up hours or days after the fact also brings up those same unpleasant feelings that accompany it. I am one of those folks who tends to put a humorous slant on something eventually...so then I end up laughing at it. However sometimes not even that is a good thing as there can always be 'residue' of upset feelings lingering in there somewhere.


Maybe that's why I resonate so well with shows like King of Queens, Seinfeld, As Time Goes By, Golden Girls or Everybody Hates Chris. I literally laugh out loud at these shows..responding to their drama and of course humorous spin on it. THAT is much healthier as we have no attachment to 'their' stuff...so I do recommend shows like this that poke fun at everyday life and let you laugh at how silly or small most of this stuff really is! Finding ways to laugh at life is a gift and the folks who wrote these shows did it well. Why not bring more of that into your everyday life?


I also catch myself more lately when one of these instances does come into my experience/day...to take a deep breath and then ask myself...ok...what is the opposite of this situation? I find myself doing this a lot lately and maybe about time as walking around irritated is getting old! So I may ask myself, "Alright Katy, what is the opposite of a jerk driver?" Wellll, I guess it would be...competent drivers who are courteous and safe. What would be the opposite of a rude or annoying customer service person on the phone? Hmm - someone who is funny, polite and sincerely helpful. Okay, get where I'm going here? Even imagining the more desired scenarios feeels better!


I am increasing my awareness of how I feel on a daily basis and I am getting better at it. Instead of stewing in a lousy feeling that literally in the past has ruined an entire day or put a damper on a weekend - I am instead taking time out, telling myself this feels like crap and what can I do about it! I try refocusing on the opposite as I stated above and after making a few statements in my head, I may then find something positive to uplift myself with even briefly. Seems lots of this happens when I'm at work. lol Go figure (Thank goodness my new business is soon to replace my J.O.B.) Happily this has been working rather well which is making me more consistent. I am also meditating more and hope to lead a class on that soon too, so stay tuned.


Stress just isn't worth it. Long term it just takes its toll and I'm for EASE more than anything else. See? Ease is the opposite of Stress. What do you know, I'm on to something here! Smile and feel free to share your comments on how you bring about Ease in your life!!

Katy

Lookout Here I Come!
Just thoughts that feel good to think about ☺

I was eating exhaust fumes while driving behind this VERY LATE model station wagon the other morning...I had to laugh as I got close enough to read the model of the car "Caprice Classic". Classic alright! lol But even funnier is as a kid my siblings and I were carted around in the exact same one, although ours was light blue. We thought it cool - wow- all 7 kids jammed in there with mom and dad, and if you were lucky mom would let you sit in the 'way back'. Facing out the back window.

We did graduate to a 'family van' as we got bigger. The Caprice couldn't hold us once we all started getting bigger/taller etc. I still remember driving the monster van. But my driving experience at 16 was in my dads pride and joy, a candy apple red 'Studebaker'. No power steering or power brakes - winding in and out of a nearby department store parking lot on a Sunday. I was exhausted by the time we were done and I was ready to turn over the wheel to dad and he says, "you can drive home". Lordy...such faith!! Then again, they did make the cars pretty solid back then! ha This was the only family car to grace the inner sanctum of our garage.

I love how something as simple as a car spotting can bring up some great memories. I can appreciate a good looking older model car - it makes it suddenly real that there was a time and place when you or your family were either MUCH younger or not even born and life was rolling along. Come to think of it I've always had dreams of a time machine.

That would be something else again.

Katy

Just Give Me Some Relief!

Stomach and intestinal woes are on the rise! I can't be the only one who's noticed that a large part of the population are on stomach meds? Prilosec, Nexium, Prevacid, Zantac...these are becoming household names! Understandably, since our bodies are sending off uncomfortable symptoms many are looking for relief!

Sooo...I've been giving it some thought as I tend to go backwards to the source of problems. I'm all for getting relief, but since the stomach basically does its thing from birth, I'm guessing it knows how to keep things balanced when we take care of it, at least most of the time. Normally our diet and lifestyle are to blame...stress, convenience foods, sweets, too much coffee, soda or alcohol... all of these contribute to the stomach not being able to keep up and causing our entire body to have a more problems digesting and absorbing nutrients, and having more acidity than not.

Guess what ? It's fixable! And here's the shortened version. Stop doing what you've been doing to cause it! lol Ok...maybe I can expand on that a bit.

Diet considerations- I've been doing some re-educating on the benefits of eating more 'alkaline foods' as opposed to acid causing foods. No surprise that pretty much all fresh vegetables are 'safe' and gentle on the body and digestion, so these should be the higher percentage when meal planning. Beef, Poultry, Fish...dairy, (goat milk/cheese are better), coffee, processed juices, alcohol, canned veggies, pickled veggies, sugar, and artificial sugars, are just a partial list. You may be getting the picture. Just start eating LESS of these foods and start eating healthier in general. A good rule is 75% safer foods and 25% of the more acid producing.

Along with dietary changes are some proven, safe remedies to help balance the acid in the body, help digestion and heal the digestive tract.

Digestive Enzymes - We need them! The body produces some, and all fresh uncooked foods (veggies/fruits) come equipped with them...no surprise there! But think of how many processed/cooked meals we've consumed! And as we age, we make less. Most of us need some help. Enzymes are required for the proper digestion and assimilation of the foods we eat - they actually help unlock the vitamins, proteins, minerals and hormone activity, and allow them to work in the body. Not having enough enzymes can add to quite a few problems - Acid reflux, belching/bloating/gas, bowel/intestinal disorders, poor immune function, food allergies and less energy. I'm sure there's more but that's more than enough to get me started on them! This is such an easy fix, I highly recommend having some on hand - as they also help with that 'heavy' feeling after a big meal. I like a tasty, easy brand to take as they work immediately due to their quick absorption. Oh...and added bonus... pro-biotics are also included for a more complete healing for the digestive and intestinal tracts! Awesome! Even comes in portable packets which are $21.95, Bottle is larger for $31.95

Ginger - Yes it's true! Hence our mom's giving us ginger ale when we had an upset stomach. Very soothing and helps adjust the acid in the stomach. I like crystallized ginger, found in health food stores or the bulk dept in grocery stores. Tea and herbal capsules are also great!

Aloe Vera - Secondary to Enzymes for digestion, Aloe comes thru with flying colors for Acid reflux. Giving almost instant relief. I know because I've used it and keep on hand as well as the enzymes and ginger.

Less Stress!- Of course you may have guessed this was coming. Stress can trigger that 'fight or flight' response, which then reduces blood flow to the abdomen and the production of much needed enzymes. And it all starts again! Meditation, Yoga, Exercise, Relaxation techniques all help, again don't hesitate to ask for assistance. It's what I do!

Katy

Being Nice Really Does Have Rewards

Ok ....guilty over here of not blogging! But no fear, Katy is here...(sure all were losing sleep over this). I just had to write as I'm so very happy that spring/summer is making it's appearance in numerous ways! Longer days, warmer temps, green grass, birds, flowers and farmers markets! It's all good!


And what's also good is my just minding my own business sitting here at my 'day' job and having a patient bring me a quart of fresh local organic strawberries! This is after yesterday talking with my sister about getting our own berries for our yearly jam making event. I love how simple, positive vibrations just spread out into the cosmos and bring back the goodies! I'm all for it. Hmmm..I will have to do some more vibe intentions and see what else I can materialize!


What this gesture has done was to remind me of my ongoing desire to do for others. I come from a family of 'helpers and givers' so it's in my blood. Really can be such a rush of good feelings when we take time to do something nice and usually unexpected for someone else. Doesn't have to be a grand gesture, something thoughtful is all that's required! The fact that I have a lovely quart of fresh strawberries on my desk has lifted my mood by many notches, this morning...so obviously the 'act of kindness' is always a 2 way street. We all feel good!

A couple things. I'm in the process of re-doing my website so you will notice changes here and there as you see me updating etc. I'm working with a young computer wiz who can help make the process easier and yes affordable. What a relief. http://www.root2health.com/

The next 'thing' I wanted to fill you in on, is a basic necessity of Vitamin D especially this time of year. We all know about Vitamin D and healthy bones, but what other benefits are there? How about to help decrease or prevent future colds and flu. Many in my circle of friends and health professionals are on the bandwagon of good old Vitamin D. In this instance it's the Vitamin D3 that is getting all the attention. I can tell you I sell out of it at my Doctors weekly. And since it's such an easy addition to your daily regime I wanted to let you in on something that can make a big difference this winter. Pill or powder form (ask me about the powder great for kids or adults alike), face it Vitamin D is worth supplementing this winter. Not only does Vitamin D3 show promising studies on helping prevent flu and other health complications, it also is known for it's role in helping with SAD. It has been suggested that seasonality and the symptoms of SAD may be due to changing levels of vitamin D3, the hormone of sunlight, leading to changes in brain serotonin.

And I don't know about you, but feeling more upbeat also sends a message to our immune system, thus strengthening it, as well. So I see it as a win win! Blood tests can be taken for Vit D levels...but the research I've seen states approximately 5000IU for adults daily who are not in the sun..and for children about 1000 to 2000 IU daily, depending on weight. Feel free to do your own research. Great article by the way...
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/11180df8-beaa-11de-b4ab-00144feab49a.html

Something I use and recommend! MochaTonix

I've been using this off and on and am starting to use it more regularly to keep my metabolism boosted! I use the packets as then I can take it with me. I use one third of the recommended dose suggested...as I am somewhat sensitive to caffeine...the energy is great...you do feel more 'clarity' and it tastes really good. I have only used the Mocha flavor...but the Cappuccino flavor equally as popular.

I either mix a teaspoon in my coffee or it can be mixed in milk (hot/cold) or hot water, like a hot chocolate! Worth trying!!

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you'd like to try it or want more info! rt2health@yahoo.com

Mochatonix:

Promotes cognitive health
Promotes mental focus and memory
Promotes mental alertness
Helps heighten energy and endurance
Helps to alleviate fatigue
Helps to improve physical and mental performance
Promotes thermogenesis and lipolysis Assists in weight loss as speeds metabolism!

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.This product(s) is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease

Eeek....has it been too long since I've blogged or what? I can blame summer (well ok...maybe not) but either way, I'm back and feel like getting into the swing of things!

It's been an interesting summer, weather has been off for the most part, some nice days thrown in, just to remind us, "oh yeah...it's August etc" but overall we've really had to make due with some not so great days.

I wanted to compare that to our overall mental and physical health. We can plug along in our day to day...feeling 'ok' - not bad but not great...a few discomforts maybe or some upsets that affect our mood - and we find ourselves really not getting the most out of every day. Not good!

I've found that NOW is really all we have and trying to make the best of it works to our benefit in two ways. One - it helps us to make the most of where we are in life, right this second - allowing ourselves to just take it in, look for something, anything to appreciate and be relieved about - and to realize it's really not so bad. Secondly, making the best of our now, helps us to consider areas that we'd like to see improved, and to hold that vision of something better. Feeling good or better in our now, helps us to get closer to more of what we are wanting. Ah, but you may be thinking, 'well if I'm acknowledging that this situation is ok... then appreciating it will just keep me stuck here!' NOPE! Instead, it adds fuel and momentum to the next step or place you want to be...unless of course you haven't allowed yourself to want more or better!! Hmmm.....have you?? Have you allowed yourself to think about more for yourself or are you stuck? No matter what it is - a physical complaint or issue, or an emotional upset or life situation you want improved - have you allowed yourself to consider better for yourself? Or because YOU can't see a solution, you just don't let yourself go there? I've been there, done that...and it stinks. Not holding out hope for improvement keeps you on hold - and for some indefinitely. Start hoping and wondering what life would be like if you felt better or were in a different scenario - and then start feeling better about where you are - the ball will start rolling in a better direction, I promise. Pay attention and hold those thoughts.

I am a big believer in the Law of Attraction...and I didn't come by it easily. I've always been a 'searcher'...meaning I always am interested in finding easier and better ways to get stuff done. So early on when life would not be going my way..I turned to people and even my faith (Catholic) for answers. They helped...but never seemed to give me anything that really 'felt' like I had a handle on my life and wants and desires. I worked my way thru many self-help gurus...many who were helpful, actually and I'm sure it kept me on my path to where I am now. I still have my 'faith' and spiritual foundation..but no longer hold to many of the old beliefs that came with it.

I have learned over the past 7 yrs that I do have control, more than I thought. The overwhelming concept that keeps coming into play no matter HOW long you've been doing this..is you really have to become more conscious of your thoughts on a regular basis. Your feelings can give you a clue as to where they are taking you...cause if you are not feeling good...you know your thoughts are going somewhere that is not serving you, or lining up with what you want. Take the time to line up!! Here's a basic 'rant' from Abraham-Hicks that just sets a basic tone...you can come up with your own but anything is better than nothing!

I'm going to be happy. I'm going to be glad. I'm going to smile a lot. I'm going to be easy. I'm going to count my blessings. I'm going to look for reasons to feel good. I'm going to dig up positive things from the past. I'm going to look for positive things where I stand. I'm going to look for positive things in the future. It is my natural state to be a happy person. It's natural for me to love and to laugh. This is what is most natural for me. I am a happy person! --- Abraham - Sacramento, CA on Saturday, March 15th, 2003

What's Your Passion?

I can admit one of mine....I'm a Read-Aholic. That's the first step right? Admitting it?

I think I was hooked one summer at one of our cottages - a rainy day and nothing to do -I'm sure my mom at her wits end after countless questions of.."what's there to doooo?" Finally suggested: "Read" And I did. I haven't looked back since.

I'd say I got started with comic books. Archie and Richie Rich, and the occasional Spiderman or Superman. After the entertaining yet quick reads of comic books I graduated to Nancy Drew. I read every single one of those and when realizing I had nothing in the house I hadn't read, moved on to my brother's Hardy Boys series. Not quite the same, but hey...I had a habit to supply!! :o)

Both of my parents were veracious readers, my dad especially. I can picture him with a book pretty much since I can remember. My two aunts were also read-aholics (runs in the family) and they were my saving grace over my years growing up. We traded books and talked authors constantly! "Did you read the latest Sue Grafton or Dick Francis?" No? I'll let you have mine when I'm done. And around the family they would go of course writing our initials on the front page so we knew we had already read it. A good rule of thumb of actually. One rarely threw away a book...I mean...its still good! I used to and still do donate old books or those I just didn't like to the library. The library was and is a lifesaver. I remember seeing a paperback I had seen my dad reading in the garbage...I asked..."What, no good?" He was like...no, it was good, i just finished it. What??! I reverently snatched it out of the garbage and actually found a new author I liked! Yikes...threw it out...I was now lamenting how many books had he actually tossed till I knew this!

I lean towards mystery and a good novel...on rare occasion a romance type, but I had my Harlequin Romance stage back one summer and found I needed more substance. I have favorite authors...Dick Francis is pretty much at the top of my list for fiction. Just something about the way you always end up liking his main character, unassuming and clever and wishing you knew him yourself. Not to mention the mystery aspect always got you. So much so, as my aunt and I will both agree to doing- putting his books down and NOT reading it because we never wanted it to end.

I know I am rambling about this subject..I really have only just begun - but I realize this is and always has been a HUGE passion of mine and I'm not afraid to say it. :o) What about you...what makes you forget where you are because you just get lost in it? Everyone has something I hope it's a healthy part of your life.

Treat yourself time!

I am ready for some food changes now that the weather is changing. Lighter meals...trips to the farmer's market soon, new recipes to try. I really do enjoy cooking and experimenting. What can I say..I love to eat!! Even as I type this I am thinking about what I will have for lunch today. As it's Friday I decided to make it a 'treat' day and why the heck not?? Do you do this for yourself? I'm always curious as to what others do that I may not have thought of! For me today it means venturing out of my usual routine and exploring a bit. Feel free to share what works for you!

I'm noticing an abundance of what I assume are California strawberries in the stores. Yay....something different and a sure sign of spring. I did buy a container, cut and washed them and ate the entire pint! No guilt - not to mention delicous! I'm going to really make a weekend out of gathering a few new recipes to try. I mean I love old favorites...what would we do without them? But I'm game for something new as well. So much abundance out there waiting to be experienced. That goes for food too! Have a wonderful Friday! :o)

What do you want? Do you know? And when you fine tune it a bit in your head or on paper ...Do you ever just ask for some simple clarity? I mean we all talk to ourselves...whether aloud or in our heads. But we all do it. I do it both ways! But lots of times I ask things without really being mindful of actually expecting an answer. I'm getting better at it. I tend to do better when it is something important and I am just getting to the end of my rope with knowing what to do.

Pretty much all of us were taught in order to get, be, or have something we have to DO something. Somewhat accurate. What I have learned over the last 7 yrs or more is that myself and lots of us tend to run around like a hamster on one of those wheels..."gotta be doing something, gotta be doing something" cause if I'm not doing 'something"- what I want will not be able to show up! Not correct. There's doing something and there's 'doing' something...(love that analogy). When you are asking questions...and by asking I mean asking your inner guidance or asking God, the 'Big Guy' upstairs, the Universe, Spirit...(whatever works for you) what the heck would be something I could do to help myself get to where I want to be. And then let go of it. Trust comes in here. And that is usually where most of us waver. We 'know' we should trust...we know pretty much that things can and do happen for us - but because we don't know how, or when exactly, we start doubting - thus starting the 'gotta be doing somethings' all over again.

What I have noticed for me...is lots of times I get these ideas or inspirations of something that feels like 'fun' or kind of exciting because of the possibilities or I may read something or talk to someone who is doing something similar. (I love that!). And lots of times (hate to admit) I sit there and analyze it to death. My recent clarity on the subject is that I tend to worry about failing or looking stupid, or what would people think. etc etc. I've decided to do less of THAT and instead more of what feels good - that means letting mself get excited about something, letting myself TRY some of my inspired ideas and knowing that by my getting out of the way more (playing more when I just get so frustrated or worried) because that just keeps it all at arms length!

I'm 40 something years old. And you know...I'm really getting tired of being less than I believe I could be. I'm very appreciative of where I am..and how far I've come. And yet I know there's more out there and darn it..I want some too. No more giving a RATS ASS what may or may not go right...time to just enjoy the 'getting there' part of it all too!

I've been waiting for this... my first Robin sighting...I pride myself every spring to be one of the first people to see one. I'm sure I'm NOT the first but I like to kid myself to thinking that these springtime birds are flaunting themselves just for me. I saw 2 on my lawn early this morning...still not daylight completely but it was obvious. I felt like they were bouncing along the grass, looking back at me to make sure they were spotted! Sigh...feels good to know that spring has officially landed - on my lawn, mind you!

Yes...Monday - no getting around it.

I remember when I worked weekends and would have Mondays off - a different frame of mind entirely. But Mondays are also considered the beginning of the week and the beginning or fresh start of anything always deserves a positive outlook. Or at least we can try!

The sun is out..the birds are chirping away - the temps are warmer - folks around here wandering without coats, and the other morning someone had their convertable top down on their car! Yikes! I think it was still in the 30s that morning...but in Buffalo anything goes when spring is due.

I got up early and was almost the first person at the gym - so that felt good. Have some leftovers to take to work to eat, so that feels good - got to connect with my wonderful guy this morning and will again, so that feels good, I have the Golden Girls on and that always feels good, I also am off Thurs thru Sunday this week so THAT feels good...gee...I'm on a roll! :o) Guess the bottom line here is there is always something to feel good about and when you find it - MILK it.

Ah yes, it's Friday...and since I don't really work weekends anymore I am very much in appreciation mode! (Our cat Jasmine has it down pat as far as relaxation goes.)

As a natural health practitioner and coach I do work from home alot...but I also have a part time gig as well. I'm slowly making the mental transition to getting ready to quit as it really is not something I feel overly drawn to. It's a 'job' and while I know my skills are appreciated, I am one who needs to feel more productive in general. Over the years I have held MANY positions...and it's really been quite the eye opener. So many opportunities and ways to figure out what we are good at and what we enjoy. I recommend it if you really do not know what your niche is. I did figure out long ago not to 'settle' when it comes to just about anything. Its fine to make peace with where you are and find the positive aspects - but to stay put in a situation that doesn't work for you well...it's draining after a while. Not fun!

So much out there and experiences and people - somethings can start out as a hobby and grow to a job or business. You tend to meet folks who are also jazzed in what they are doing too and that helps immensely!

I'm rambling I know...but as I said..it's Friday, I am happy it's Friday and am going to make it a good day, even if work is involved! :o) You can too, just make the decision to look for what feels good and you'll find more of it.

Hello all...I'm off my part-time gig today...and was hoping for warmer temps to get out walking. Walking is my 'cardio' of choice..I walk fast normally, but turn it up even more for some fat burning. However 20-something degrees makes me whine till I get warmed up so lots of times I pass. Not good, I know. I do use the gym a few blocks down, but after a long winter the outdoors is really calling me these days.

For me, nature is a huge 'pacifier' - routinely improves my mood and uplifts me even if I was already feeling good. Nature is an 'absorber' of energy, while giving energy at the same time. Quite amazing really. When I was studying my herbal studies, one of the exercises we did regularly was to walk outside in nature barefoot...on the beach, the grass, or in the water - what this does is absorb alot of the extra energy we take in daily from TV, computers etc. VERY helpful for calming and improving sleep. Something I need to do more regularly, for sure. Of course I was in California at the time and it's a tad easier to be outside in nature year round there! But I find even in Buffalo there are still opportunities to be out there. For instance a few times this winter I was out late at night shoveling snow. I found this extremely peaceful and soothing...working up a sweat while the silence and new snow was all around me.

Don't take the beauty around you for granted...it really can be healing if you let it in regularly.

Wow...has time flown or what? I'm ready and waiting for spring in good ol' Buffalo NY...warmer temps today but the wind is cooling things off a bit. I'm finding myself into spring mode, regardless and am on a mission of cleaning things out of my house. I tend to do one room at a time but it's very freeing! I'm also looking for and trying new recipes as we tend to get in a rut it seems...and I must say I am BORED with what I've been eating of late. Also a vegetarian for yrs, I tend to experiment quite a bit for that reason alone.

Will share if I find anything good! Feel free to do the same