Thursday, May 31, 2007

OKAY RIGHT NOW DO THIS!



DO THESE THINGS SLOWLY AND ENJOY! IT'S YOUR BODY AND YOUR LIFE!

Sit back just a bit. Sit up straight, holding your tummy in and pressing your lower back into the chair.

Stretch your arms up in the air as far as you can reach. Clasp your hands and take a breath. Now exhale through the mouth. Put your arms down.

Lay your right ear towards your neck. Stretch it but don't bounce. Take a breath and exhale in the same manner.

Lay your left ear towards your neck. Stretch - no bounce. Take a breath and exhale in the same manner.

Now wiggle your toes and your fingers. Take another breath and exhale.

Say out loud: "I am happy" (put the emphasis on happy). "I am alive. No matter
how challenging things are, I can handle it."

We are training the brain and creating new, positive cells. How cool is that, and a great thing to do for yourself. We are such creatures of habit. GET IN THE HABIT of thinking positive thoughts.

Just think - this has been probably less than a minute, and you have treated your body and mind to a brief period of relaxation. You will benefit from this - I PROMISE!

Remember during the day, or even in the evening - every 30 minutes just do some simple moves and rest your eyes for a few moments. It will keep you sharp, more relaxed, and YOU NEED IT! Remember....I am YOUR personal trainer and I CARE!

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Easy techniques to be rid of MANY STRESSES

.......if you just take the time to do these things. We are all, of course, rushed these days. Too much to do, too little time. These three things are primarily for women to use, men can use them too. Actually my husband does (only two of them.)

1. How easy is it to loose your keys? Have you ever had your purse stolen? (I have!)
Simply buy a clip like the one in the photo and put it on your key ring. You may have to get used to "the look", but I will guarantee you won't loose your keys, or have to struggle looking for them in your purse, if you have one of these little lifesavers.

I hook the keys to my belt loop or to my purse. Easy to find, securely there. Another trick that I love is this. You've heard how purses are stolen at times when you leave yours sitting in your shopping cart. Well it takes one second to hook your purse from your attached key ring, to one of the metal parts of the shopping cart.

Guaranteed, if someone goes to pick up your purse they will get a jolt as it will be attached to the cart. So easy. So effective. Believe me, yesterday in the store I noticed it was a thief's paradise. There were so many purses sitting in the shopping carts with women totally looking the other way. This does relieve stress!

2. Purchase a timer. I don't care if it's from the dollar store or an expensive one. Just get one. I cannot tell you how much this thing has saved both my husband and myself LOTS of stress. For mom's - when your the baby is sleeping and you have food in the oven (for me it's cookies usually:), and you want to sneak a minute or two on the computer - use a timer. It will save the fire alarm from going off when your cookies are burnt!

I use my timer for everything - even what time I have left before I have to leave for an appointment. My husband uses it regularly too! A great way to lighten your stress load.

3. Lastly, (and this one is mostly for women), get a whistle to put on your key ring. I bought my daughter a pepper spray when she lived in L.A. and she proudly displayed it to a police friend of hers. He said, "Get a whistle". It makes sense to me.

If, God forbid, you are attacked, a whistle while you are fending off the attacker would really attract attention. Besides, it is a known fact that if an attacker hears a whistle sometimes they will just leave. Really.

You might think it could never happen to you. WRONG. I had an attempted rape. It
does happen. It could save your life. To be prepared is certainly one way to defend yourself before anything happens!

So there it is. Three little tiny things you can use to remove MANY STRESSES!!! Just take a few moments out of one day to make three small purchases and get in the habit of using them effectively.

Have a wonderful day, and BE SAFE, not paranoid!

Monday, May 28, 2007

Read this and PLEASE, treasure each moment you are alive!

We often take for granted the simple fact that being alive is truly a gift! We are poised to dwell on the challenges, the tough times, the almost impossible probability of how life can drain us if we allow it to do so!

Yesterday began as any other day. Within hours the phone rang and my neighbor said, "Marsha, I need you." It was only then I realized that the fire department and an ambulance were parked in front of her home.

As I entered the home my neighbor said, "Marsha, the paramedics have been working on mom for 5 minutes. She fell out of bed and was turning blue. I called them right away."

Then she cried as I hugged her. I told her that she had done everything she could do to help. For 15 years I watched this young woman care for her grandpa and her mama. She dedicated her life to doing so.

Never a smoker, she lived in this home, filled with smoke from these two chain smokers. She faithfully cared for them over the years. Her grandpa died from cancer, and her mama.....yesterday, passed on from congestive heart failure.

As I hugged my neighbor, I whispered in her ear. "The quality of your mama's life was diminishing ever so fast. You know she hated being able such a burden to you, being so trapped in a 300 pound body that she needed help just to sit up in bed."

"If she doesn't make it, you must know that her spirit will be with God."

She looked at me and said, "And with grandpa too?"

"Yes," I replied, "and with my mama - who will probably drive her crazy." She smiled through the tears and told me she knew.

The fireman was young. He came out of the bedroom and said, "Maam, we've done
everything we could do. Everything that would have been done in the hospital. I am sorry, but she is gone."

I held my neighbor again as she cried. Then she stood up straight and said to the paramedic, "We know what to do. Grandpa died in October so we'll just wait for the coroner to arrive."

She will be okay. She will survive, and at some point, her life will begin again. There are stages of grief, but she is strong, so I know she will begin to heal soon. She somehow knows that it happened as it should.

I say again, TREASURE EACH MOMENT YOU ARE ALIVE! LIFE IS FLEETING. DON'T FORGET TO LOOK AROUND YOU AND LOVE THE ONES YOU LOVE. SMELL THE FLOWERS, FEEL THE BREEZE AS IT MAKES THE LEAVES IN THE TREES SING. AND IF YOU FEEL YOU ARE ALONE, REMEMBER - YOU ARE NEVER ALONE!

God loves you and so do I - you are, afterall, my human family!

This process, this thing we call life, it goes quickly. Cherish it.

Sunday, May 27, 2007

Take a breath - Not a drink...

...at least not at 10:00 AM. I went to the post office on Friday. As I got into my car a vehicle passed by and the music was very loud. The driver was singing and laughing. At first I thought it was great that someone was actually singing and having fun.

When I backed out and drove by the couple they happened to look at me, so I simply smiled and said, "You two are having way too much fun for so early in the morning."

The guy smiled back and said, "Well, it's five o'clock somewhere, isn't it?" He slurred his words. Get it. He was already drinking and driving. Not good!

It was only a few weeks ago I saw a five car pile up at 1:00PM at an intersection near my home. Someone was drunk as a skunk and plowed into a vehicle stopped for the red light. Like a domino effect - four other cars were immediately involved. SMASH, CRASH. Ambulances on their way, police too. It was terrible.

It was unnecessary. I am NOT SAYING, "Never have a drink". I would be a hypocrite, if I did, as I still have one occasionally. I truly believe alcohol is one of the most insidious drugs on the market, legal and condoned and advertised. Drink and you'll get the sexy women. NOT. Drink and you won't remember who you were with is more like it!

This is a PLEA! PLEASE DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE. Don't die for a drink. Don't start out your day with a drink. I was married to an alcoholic who used to do that. He's dead now.

Value your life and the lives of others and take a breath......it WILL relax you!

Friday, May 25, 2007

THANK YOU PATTI!

You know who you are! Just in case you didn't read my response, I wanted to thank you
for letting me know you are there and you enjoy what I am doing. I think people should be given appreciation and a thank you for the good things they do. We are always told when we mess up.

I appreciate you taking the time to let me know - I am not alone:) Blessings and true caring from me to you!

BREATHE!

This is a quick thought, a quote from an uplifting little book I read daily - the
Daily Word.

"If I should let my thoughts remain on concerns, I would experience an increase of emotional stress and physical tension. What I'm thinking affects how I'm feeling. So whenever I realize that stress and tension are interfering with my natural rhythm of breathing, I take a deep breath and relax. Taking the next breath, I focus on Spirit as the presence of life within me and the very breath of life that is continually revitalizing me. Calm and at ease, I breathe in and feel renewed as a rush of energy flows though out my body and peace fills my mind."

You know,it is TRUE! Not just a group of words put together to make us feel better. The physiology of the body works this way. When we think about concerns we actually have a tendency to hold our breaths and give our mind and body less oxygen than we need.

Use the gift of cultivating your oxygen and you will find your life changing for the better. EVEN IF CIRCUMSTANCES DON'T CHANGE - YOU WILL CHANGE! You will think more intelligently, your muscles and ligaments and all the organs of your body will be more relaxed and you will feel better for it!

It seems too easy, almost silly. It is the TRUTH! The best way to get high in the world - BREATHE! It's natural, free, and legal. It is addictive though....the one
addiction you can really profit from using!

PLEASE
have a wonderful and safe holiday and remember the reason behind it. It is to honor those in the military, men and women, who have died in service for their country and our freedom. Honor the days by staying sane and sober and not getting behind the wheel if you drink.

Moderation is a wonderful word! Have fun!

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

WALK, WALK, WALK!

In many places the age of someone considered to be a senior citizen is 55. That seems awfully young to me! Nonetheless.......so be it.

Mama used to say, "Be nice to the elderly, for it is you in the future." Makes sense to me. Time scoots by quickly, and if we are lucky, and work at it a bit, we can live to be a senior citizen and a healthy one at that.
This morning I went for a brisk walk. At the end of the walk I saw three cheerywomen setting up a table. There were sheets of information being placed on the table, and all sorts of things. I was just too curious to pass by without asking: "What is all this?"

Come to find out, they were there to celebrate a fitness walk for seniors. They were loaded with information, other "goodies" and a calendar of events for seniors that included classes to stay fit and limber. Many of the classes were free, and some just a minimal cost.

These women were obviously motivated and absolutely charming. I asked if they might pose for a photo so I could share it with you. WHAT A GREAT THING TO DO....help people stay fit and healthy. As I've said before, you know you only have one body to live in - cherish it!

I was without a pen or pencil and the name of the group they represented flew away the moment I got into traffic. I called the park all day to get a name, but the gentleman who could tell me never came back into the office.

So "ladies of the walk". I apologize. I don't know your names either, but won't forget your great smiles and dedicated motivation.

I do want to honor what you are doing and suggest to everyone in the blog world (no matter what age) remember to MOVE. Walk, skip, jump, glide, hop, side step, do retro-walks, just MOVE. Your body will work so much better for you when you take care of it.

When you walk, breathe! Enjoy these moments of your life and the beautiful summer by getting outside and taking care of yourself! Do it! :)

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Quick thoughts that are important!

Stress hormones,like cortisol,can put a damper on your metabolism. When you become "stressed out" about something, these hormones are activated. When your day is hectic, close your eyes and take five deep breaths. Exhale through the mouth. You will lower your heart rate and keep that metabolism "rockin' and rollin'"(particularly important for those of you who are trying to lower your weight.)

Think yourself stronger. "Researchers at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation found that people who imagined contracting their biceps for 15 minutes, five days a week for 3 months increased their arm strength by more than 13 percent."

I am not surprised. MIND OVER MATTER and BRAIN MAGIC - we all have power available from within us. Power that truly does work! It is all about three things: 1. believe it. 2. bring it to the surface. 3. Practice, practice, practice.

Think and improve your lives: "I know better than to waste time and energy worrying about my future. I only can truly live in the present. I pause and gently wave all worry thoughts away from me - no negative concern, large or small can interfere with my peace of mind."

As you exercise these thoughts your power to make good choices and think in a positive manner will increase daily.

Monday, May 21, 2007

No one out there wants to guess!

Heck, maybe no one is reading all my stress management information on this blog.
Maybe no one is reading this blog!

I hope someone out there is, and can use some of the information - I love to share! But if no one is reading, I am STILL enjoying writing and playing,and sending out love and positive thoughts anyway.

The photo is actually a bud. A flower about to blossom. A beautiful creation on this earth.

Tomorrow is another day, and another chance to breathe and enjoy each moment. Sleep well.

Thursday, May 17, 2007

Guess and Win!

I am going to be out of town until Monday, but the first person who guesses what the
heck the latest picture I posted is, gets a NEW relaxation CD FREE!

MAKE SURE you have a great weekend. Do some mindful breathing, stretch a bit, and
even walk or do some activity. You body, mind and spirit will all thank you by working better and feeling better!

You deserve it!

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Yahoo!

This blogging, and the whole internet "process", is a great learning experience! It's like learning a new language, new ways to develop and fix photos, and a wonderful way to share and learn from others.

I LOVE IT! I have also made some genuine friends during the process, and hope to actually, physically, meet them some day.

Today I have just posted the first website I have ever made on my own. It still has a ways to go, and I am sure I will be updating and changing it over the coming months,
but I feel wonderful that it's actually posted!

If you are interested in taking a peek, check out: http://www.stressmanagementmagic.com.

Sunday, May 13, 2007

Happy Mother's Day to ALL Mothers

Before I begin a post dedicated to my mama, who has been gone now over nine years,
if you have lost a child, or know of someone who has, please send them to read the post for them at http://marshaobrien.wordpress.com

To Mama, with love.

I love you. I always will. You were an exceptional mama to me, and one to many other children in your world. I honor you by remembering a few of the things you did to change my life forever. Your spirit of love lives brightly in my heart.

You taught me about God and Jesus, a gift I have treasured throughout my life. You taught me about unconditional love, and gave it freely to me every day you were with me.

You loved my children and proved it time and time again.

You taught me how to step into another man's moccasins, and how to truly forgive. You stepped in my shoes and by doing so helped me get out of a deep hole I was digging for myself.

You rescued me, more than once, from abuse inflicted by others and by myself.

You never judged me, or anyone. You helped even strangers. You were a protector of the underdog and encouraged me to stay firm in what I believed.

You gave me a spirit of adventure and I always knew I could count on you.

You told me there were two things I could always count on. God and love. You were right. Both truly never fail.

You took me in when I was struggling, listened when I went on a rampage, counseled me when I'd been hurt. Though sometimes I pretended not to listen, I always did.

You were an example of how to live with terrible pain gracefully. You taught me about aging, and were an example of how to rise about the loss of a loved one.

You built me up no matter how life tried to tear me down. You made me know the joy of giving. You gave of yourself and your bounty, with no expectation of a return.

You taught me to be tough and bounce back. You taught me how to stay healthy and strong through nutrition and movement. You were ahead of your time.

When I was in need of anything, or deep in despair, you would appear, like an angel.
Positive, packed with problem solving ideas, you would do do anything to help, and always offering hugs and a hand to hold.

You reminded me to laugh and never let a challenge in life overcome me.

.....and towards the end, you said: "I can bear the pain, and it will be worthwhile if we can share what we've learned about osteoporosis with other woman, to deter and perhaps diminish their pain." You were selfless.

Your consistent love and dedication as a mother has sustained me through out my life,even after your passing.

I remember your words written in the diary I asked you to keep for the family.

"The only things that count in life are the imprints of love which we leave behind us after we are gone."

My little mama....... Marjorie Grace Phillips Walker (1916 - 1998)

Friday, May 11, 2007

This weekend

GO OUTSIDE AND MOVE YOUR BODY! Enjoy the springtime and do something that works your body, refreshes your mind and senses, and helps you to remember there is more to life than the internet! I love the internet, but I only have one body to live in! Take care YOURS and enjoy good health and the freedom of movement as long as possible!

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

How to correct a mistake

Fess up to it! I am still in the midst of “pressing things” but someone brought to my attention that I made an error in the spelling of a word. YES I did. For my entire life I have spelled GREAT, as it should be!

Somehow I have, over the last few months switched the spelling to GRATE. Wrong:). As my darling sister pointed out to me, “you grate carrots”. Right on!

I know it’s not life altering. I know I am not guilty of killing THAT MANY brain cells. It may just be one of life’s mysteries forever. Anyway, what this silly little post is about is to correct my error. I want to let you know, I know, GREAT is the spelling I intended in several posts. Since I don’t have the time, currently, to go back and read and correct the posts, I just wanted to say, “WHOOPS!” and tell you to have a GREAT day!

I copied this from my other blog as I still am "away" for a few days...just wanted to let YOU know I made my first mistake (hahahahahah).

Tuesday, May 8, 2007

Keep me in mind

I won't be posting for a few days, but will be back soon! In the meantime, take a breath now and then..a mindful one. You know, in through the nose, and out through the mouth. Nice and slow and deep. You will slow your heart rate and can even lower your blood pressure some!

When you sit for long periods don't forget to sit back, stretch, wiggle your toes, stretch out your fingers, and take another breath! This is YOUR LIFE, YOUR BODY, and for all the hard work you do, if you don't take care of yourself - your body, mind and spirit, all will SUFFER.

Besides, realistically, in order to do your best work this awesome oxygen machine needs to be taken care of at least as good as you would do for your car. Please remember to love YOU, and you will find you have more energy, better health, and optimum intellect to solve all the tasks that face you!

Now take a breath and remember someone who doesn't know you TRULY CARES!

Friday, May 4, 2007

For a better weekend, think about this

The past is OVER. The future is UNKNOWN. Enjoy the present. The only moments you have. Marvel in the NOW!

Mama used to say, "I know what that look is on your face. It's the look that tells me you are loving me. You don't have to say a thing."

So look at those you love and speak with your eyes....and then your actions. Hug somebody!

CREATE a spectacular weekend!

Wednesday, May 2, 2007

Keep this in mind

For every pound you gain, your body creates about an extra mile of blood vessels.
Blood must travel that much farther, which strains the heart and ups your risk of high blood pressure.


When you start to go for that third cookie, think of your poor heart and say, "No thanks." Your heart will appreciate it and your health will reflect it sooner than you think!

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF - You know :), as I've said before, "You only have one place to live, and that's YOUR BODY!

Smile. Somebody really cares!

Tuesday, May 1, 2007

A Promise

The main reason I began this blog is because I made a promise many years ago to get health of "body, spirit and mind" to as many people as I can, for as long as I can!

I have tried to share over the years, classes with some folks who just didn't have the money, by trading for their services or something they wanted to trade in exchange. Bartering. It was actually fun too.

One time I had a class wherein if someone brought a heart - the classes were free for the week. I got so many wonderful hearts. Cookies, an apron, drawings, sachets, a bracelet, a headband with hearts, and so on. It was wonderful and we had a grate time. What I got in return was an unbelievable feeling in my own heart!

I have enjoyed excellent health because of the training I consistently do, and the stress management techniques. I believe EVERYONE HAS THE RIGHT to learn how to get healthy and manage the stress we all encounter on a daily basis. Not everyone has the money to take classes, but I will say it again, EVERYONE HAS THE RIGHT to find out how to change their lives, and the lives of those around them.

One time I mustered up the courage to do a cable television program. I did twelve one hour shows. The first six were different types of instruction. The last six I had guest instructors show their styles of "fitness training."

The last six shows I hadn't rehearsed with the guest instructors - on purpose. I wanted to show that even if you can't do all the class or all the moves - it's okay, do what you can do! I was the perfect example of not doing all the right moves:).

I even got my 78 year old little mama to come on and we did a show helping seniors to learn they can do lots of things, and more than they might realize. It was fun and from the response I got, it helped some people. They replayed the videos for 5 years because of requests. I didn't get paid for those shows (well, not money). I wanted to reach and teach as many people as I could.

My PRIMARY GOAL in writing this blog, as I mentioned before, is to share what has been given to me, and without cost to you. I will even answer specific questions if I can help you, if you just ask!

Of course that doesn't mean I still don't need to make some money. I've put thousands of hours in schooling, specialized classes, and training over many years to do what I believe in. I've seen miracles. The moment someone makes the first step towards changing their life, the miracle begins to happen.

So here is the deal: Once every couple of months I will mention the fact that I do have relaxation CD's for sale. Also a book to help those who care for an elderly person or parent.

So far, the response has been incredible. From both the book and CD I have gotten comments and letters that warm my heart and my spirit.

PLEASE
- if you know of someone that needs help in this area check out my website. Both the book and CD are listed there.

For a one time payment, you can help YOURSELF or someone else! A gift to someone you love - or a gift to love yourself!

Now here's the other promise to you. I promise I won't fill this blog with various advertisements and clutter it up. I promise I will keep it positive and clear in purpose, and try to share as much important information for you that I can. I will keep current and up to date and share all that I know to help you change your life and the lives of those around you for the better!

I promise. Now move your eyes just to the right and go look at my website:)