Monday, June 25, 2007

Two short poems by Mercy Richey - 1901

These were written by a woman I never met. I helped a friend clean up her apartment after she passed on. My friend told me I could keep what I liked as she had no family.

The few things I kept are precious to me. I am not sure why. Her written thoughts were given as a gift to me and part of her Spirit now resides inside of me.

She wrote with heart and intellect: Hope you enjoy!

"The fabric of my life is gray - hard work in one small place.
I'll concentrate on trimming it, with lots of laughs for lace."

"We clean our houses every day, and throw the useless things away.
But often let our minds for years, be filled with foolish thoughts and fears."

Saturday, June 23, 2007

For Sandi, my friend, and anyone else who may have stress to deal with this weekend!

ANYONE WHO HAS CHILDREN must go through such varied stress over the years, sometimes it is almost mind warping. It happens to all parents, so take a bit of comfort in the fact we are not alone in learning to manage these stresses.

Keep in mind, sweet lady, that there could be MANY reasons you are feeling unusually stressed out about this problem. The week could have been more stressful than you realized, your hormones and body chemicals may be altered some by your concern. It does happen. The body responds to stress and will make it worse by changing!

When we are fearful about anything, we take smaller breaths - making our situation much worse. When we are shallow breathers, we get less oxygen to the brain, which affects our thoughts and decisions, and not in a positive manner. Our muscles and ligaments and even the organs within suffer from this lack of oxygen - which adds to the problem.

These things will help if you DO THEM MINDFULLY this weekend. That means whenever the worry starts taking over, flip from "emotion" based control to "intellect". What I mean is remember, you are in charge of your thoughts, so when that fear enters, think: "This is not productive. It is not good for me or my family. I will
not succumb to fear. I will use my intellect and make immediate changes for the better!"

May sound silly at first, but it works. Divert your attention by taking a couple of minutes alone (or if that is impossible, include the children in this "game"). Sit, straighten up a bit and breathe! Inhale slowly through the nose (which will give you needed oxygen and help you relax-REALLY, it's the physiology of the body); exhale
through the mouth slowly. As you exhale visualize all the negative thoughts and fear flying right out your fingertips. You are in charge. Do this for a couple of minutes minimum.

Whenever you start to fret again, DO IT AGAIN! It's your life. You have a family to care for, so CARE FOR YOU and be in the best frame possible. It takes a bit of practice to get in the habit but YOU and your family deserve the best! (If the kiddos are around and you play the "breathing game" - it will also teach them and help them in every way.) I promise.

Lastly, here are a few thoughts to ponder. Mama always said, "What's the worst that can happen? We have to handle it no matter what, so when you figure that out, then every incident above the worst can be handled too." Made sense to me.

FEAR doesn't change ANYTHING. It only does damage. Besides (and this is factual too), 95% of what we spend our lives fearing NEVER HAPPENS!

If you like, check out my website: http://www.stressmanagementmagic.com/
as there is a bit more there on fear.

Draw positive, healing thoughts to yourself. Think in terms that will pull good energy and healing power towards you and YOUR FAMILY! Some may think this silly, but we have magical powers yet untapped. They work!

My first line of defense is my faith. It's tough, but I try to always leave the results of a scenario in God's domain...that's faith. I pray, pray, pray. I will pray for you and your son, and family. Remember, we can only change some circumstances in our lives. Some are out of our control.

What we can change is our RESPONSE to those circumstances. We can empower ourselves and our families by our positive, loving, and confident response! I have confidence enough in you to know YOU CAN HANDLE IT! Keep the faith my friend. I KNOW you will create a GOOD weekend for yourself and family.

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Happiness Hog

You bet I am! We all have a right to be happy in our life here on earth as humans!
Misery runs like a raging river and it's out of control. It's reported on every news broadcast on television, in the newspapers and magazines, the radio, and yes on my beloved internet!

There is something in the air that seems to draw individuals to tragedy. Whether it is because we feel empathy, or compassion, or even are secretly grateful it didn't happen to us, misery sells!

I am not buying.. Let me say it again I AM NOT BUYING!

It is a fact that the things we dwell upon will eventually become our lives and eat us up from the inside out. I have a friend who split up with her mate after 27 years. He was terrible to her. Violent, bossy, and selfish. She can recalls easily his negative traits. Yet she mourns. I pray she will begin to retrain her mind, filling it with new potential scenarios and positive thoughts.

It does make a huge difference. What we think about, what we roll over and over in our minds, can become our lives. I knew one wonderful woman who spent over twenty years being miserable without the need!

When you hear all the horror, all the terrible things, it's ok to review what is happening. Pray, do something within the realm of your world to help, discuss it with a friend, but when you've done what can be done - release it.

Take a deep breath in through the nose, and exhale through the mouth. Do it as you inhale as if you are filling a balloon from the bottom upward. As you exhale, let the balloon collapse from the bottom upward, and let the worries fly out your fingertips into oblivion.

You HAVE A RIGHT TO BE HAPPY. If you suck in all the problems it will weaken your physical, mental, and spiritual being. Use the breathing technique above after you've done what you can do....it will all work out as it will......

Remember: to be your best self, to be the best for your family, friends, and peers,
to do the best you can to KEEP misery from happening - YOU must be able to be in charge of your mind, body and spirit.

YOU CAN DO IT! (Nobody else can do it for you! :)

Monday, June 18, 2007

Male climacteric

Hey guys (around age 35 +) notice ANY of these symptoms?

* Decreased mental quickness and sharpness
* Decreased energy, strength and endurance
* Less desire for activity and exercise
* Decreased muscle and increased body fat
* Mild to moderate depression and irritability
* Depression and/or loss of eagerness and enthusiasm for daily life
* Decreased sex drive
* Decreased sexual function and/or sensitivity

Before I continue I want to clarify something. This information is not to belittle or injury anyone! It is not shameful to experience NORMAL physiological changes- if we are lucky enough to age!

We’ve all heard of the menopause happening in women, but not too many of us have heard about a man’s challenge in facing this time.

All women hear is that men are scoundrels, screwed up, or just a mess all together. The reasons behind this (in most cases) are real, and they can be helped. That is why I want to share this with you.

The most happy men and women I know have “understanding” of each
other’s physical challenges. I say challenges because there is such a nasty misnomer about so many of the natural changes men and women see in a lifetime. Knowledge is power, and I hope to empower you with the means to greater understanding, patience and peace

For women, it is the menopause, and for men it is “climacteric” (or andropause) , the corresponding time in the life of men 35 and older. The word climacteric comes from the Greek word klimakter, which means literally a rung of a ladder, or figuratively a critical point.

Climacteric is the l physiological process that marks the end of maturation and the beginning of new stages in life. It’s defining point normally takes place without any external influences. The changes in personality and a man’s actions often reflect a decline in male hormones. There is life after the climacteric period!

There are some who feel that hormone replacement therapy helps. The body declines in testosterone, thyroid, human growth hormone, and DHEA. I also TRULY BELIEVE that when people (male or female) are aware
of what is happening to their bodies, it is much easier to find a plan
to help the scenario.

When I entered the menopause , younger than most at 34, my mama had told me all about it. She swore that much of it was “placed” in our heads by well meaning authorities that assume everyone will experience the same symptoms and problems. This is simply NOT TRUE!

We are all different, have different background, genes, health histories,
and face these things individually. I truly believe in the power of mind over matter, and know that the way we tackle a challenge depends on our mental state.

I knew a fellow once who was hurt in an accident. He kept thinking, “I’m really hurt. I won’t heal.” The doctor’s couldn’t find anything and attributed it to possible nerve damage. I think he “thought himself” permanently disabled, and is this way after 20 years.

I was in a serious accident and was told I wouldn’t heal and do the same work. Well, I believe in prayer, but I also refused to believe that I would be permanently kept from being me. It took time, but gratefully, everything healed and I kept on doing what I do!

Back to you guys. Don’t think, “I am getting old” , “there is nothing I can do, etc.” BS. Start thinking in positive terms and realizing that there are hormone treatments, natural therapies, and mind over matter works, if you work at it!

Besides, most older guys I know haven’t aged badly at all. In fact, it seems for men, that most men age beautifully and are still sexy and handsome - gray hair and all.

JUST BE AWARE THAT CHANGES YOU MAY BE FEELING MAY NOT BE BOREDOM IN A RELATIONSHIP, BEING WEARY OF A JOB, WANTING TO MOVE OR CHANGE SOMETHING........You may simply be going through something that is very natural and happens to most men at this point in their life. Chin up! Knowledge is power!

As for the women folk, I think we need to keep these things in mind and be supportive of the guys....just like I hope they will be for us!

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Happy Father's Day to all you guys out there!

IT'S A TOUGH JOB, AND NOT ALL GUYS ARE UP TO THE CHALLENGE......but for those of you who take it seriously (and there are plenty of you) - God bless you!

Too many people these days don't realize the important effect a father has on his children. You teach them patience through your example, and though just like HOMER SIMPSON, sometimes you feel like choking them (I say this with humor) , you forge a head day by day, experience by experience.

There is no master book specifically for guys on the complex functions fathering requires. Women multi-task because it's part of our nature. You guys learn to do and say things you never dreamed of as a young man. But that is LOVE:)

It's NOT ALWAYS genetic connection that makes a great father! Sometimes a step-father steps up and does magnificent work. My husband, for instance; he'd never had children and yet when we married he melded into the job of step-father like he was the children's own genetic father! He did a splendid job and the children adore him!

What it takes is love, dedication, developing extended patience, and unconditional loyalty to the job. We've all made mistakes as parents, so for you father's that think you aren't doing a good job - IF YOU ARE THERE for them - IF YOU LOVE THEM - IF YOU ARE TRYING, then accolades to you! Keep up the GREAT job!

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Einstein Quote

"Try to become not a man of success, but try rather to become a man of value."

Have a wonderful weekend. Treat yourself to some activity outside. Think about breathing. It's free and will heal your body and your mind! Whatever you do, also be grateful for just the fact that you are able to do it!

Share love with someone who needs it, for whatever love you give will return to you multiplied. Maybe not at the same instant, but it will be returned to you. I promise!

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

BE CAREFUL ABOUT THIS OVER THE COUNTER WEIGHT LOSS DRUG

I know - it's barely on the market, but please be very careful. The name is Alli. I know the food and drug administration has approved it, but didn't they also approve
quite a few other things that NOW they are backing down and saying these same drugs are dangerous.

This drug is supposed to help you "loose weight while you sleep." DUH! You are not
eating while you sleep! It is supposed to help "along with exercise and diet." Well, DUH! Those two things alone will help you get to where you want to be health and weight wise.

The side effects include "gas and loose stools" - Nice. It also makes no claim to keep the weight off "long term."

In my humble but researched opinion - STAY AWAY FROM IT. Don't spend your money dreaming to loose as you sleep. Wake up.

Moderate exercise (as little at 20 minutes a day) and just slightly changing your calorie intake (drop 100-200 calories a day) - will REALLY help you achieve your goals.
Just be consistent and patient. There is NO quick fix!

Be safe with your choices for your body. I care!

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Today's tips on staying robust and relaxed!

TAKE A BREAK! TAKE A BREATH!

It's your life. Even if it is only for a couple of minutes. Stretch, move around,
and blink your eyes for 15 seconds. Now rub your hands together until they get warm
and place them on your eyes for a few seconds. Give those poor babies a rest for a minute!

We so abuse our bodies and forget to give them time to recover. PLEASE.....remember
to love your body (and not just it's shape or tan), but think: "My body is the only place I have to live. It works for me 24/7-even when I sleep it is regenerating.
I will get into the habit of taking a couple of minutes every hour during the day to let my body and mind rest."

I care!

Monday, June 11, 2007

WONDERFUL ADVICE! "How to stay YOUNG"

I never much cared for George Carlin as to me he was a pretty nasty comic - HOWEVER,
a friend just sent me his "advice" on how to stay young, and I think it is positively appropriate and wonderful advice. Therein, I wanted to share it with you.

George Carlin
(Absolutely Brilliant)


HOW TO STAY YOUNG
1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay "them."

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.

3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, music, art, stock, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keep sakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

We all need to live life to its fullest each day!!

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Don't forget to stay hydrated in the summer heat!

For a human to stay hydrated, means your body chemistry combines chemically with water molecules. Water molecules are chemically "bound" to another compound or element within your body.

When someone says,"You don't drink enough water", they probably care for you! When you don't drink enough water various things happen.

First, remember that next to oxygen in the importance of life sustaining things we take into our bodies, water comes in second in importance. That is pretty high in the order of things we need to sustain life! We can live for only minutes without oxygen, and only days without water.

Here is a little known fact. When you don't get enough water for your internal organs, they begin to take water from other organs. Amazing, eh? The body knows water is to maintain life. Often we don't realize it.

When you don't get enough fluid in your tissues, your cells start to draw it from your bloodstream. Your blood will thicken (it makes sense - think about it), and it can put a strain on your heart or make you feel weak or light-headed.

Particularly for those of us who perspire profusely, you must replenish your fluids.


I've heard, "But I don't like water. It tastes awful." "I feel like I am drinking nothing and it makes me feel too full." That can be a blessing for those who want to loose a few pounds. Drink water about a half hour before a meal and you won't eat as much. Really!

When I first made the transition from wine to water, (only Jesus can turn water to wine:), I would put my ice water in a lovely crystal wine class with some ice and a twist of lemon. It looked lovely and each time I took a sip I thought "Ummmmmmm -
no calories, no headache, no organs starving for water, and no guilt!

It worked. I got in the habit and I have over the years always taken a bottle or jug of water with me where ever I go in the summer. It is mandatory.

If you need variety, drink caffeine free sports drinks or iced fruit juices (add water to keep calories down). It's fun to be creative. I like sparkling water just flavored with a twist of lemon, lime or orange peel.

Fruits and vegetables can supplement some water intake if you eat five servings a day.

Watermelon, cantaloupe, oranges, apples, and so on. Fruit in the summer is magic. For veggies how about tomatoes or carrots. Be creative.

Lastly, remember ALCOHOL and caffeinated drinks deplete your water supply.

This body will work for you for years and years, and in great health, if you just treat it with as much respect and care as you do an automobile. The requirements are easy, not as costly as auto repair, and will absolutely make you feel better!

You may not think so at first, but give it time and THINK: If I do the right things for my body and mind my spirit will function better too, and my health will improve.
That is simply the physiology of the body!

Now get up and stretch a bit, walk out to the kitchen and get a glass of water (doesn't have to be huge-just frequent). It is the nectar of God and a great healer!
ENJOY> I care!

Saturday, June 9, 2007

Take time to go outside and enjoy nature!

Nature itself is healing. Breathe! Walk, ride a bike, skip, take a drive (and then get out of the car and stretch and walk around a bit!)

Whatever it takes, it's the weekend - it is time to enjoy our still beautiful world.
I went kayaking yesterday, which is a blessing to me, for sure. My face hurt from
smiling all day. Saw lots of birds, ducks, geese, turtles, fish, and children playing on the shores. Families camping, children swimming.

Nature is available to most of us, so take advantage and it will help to heal you in body, spirit, and mind. If you are, for whatever reason, unable to do anything, then please enjoy the Canadian geese family that visited me in my kayak, and roll through past photos and become a part of them by visualizing the sights and imagine the sounds and smells. Take a breath and enjoy your moments!

Have a wonderful weekend and remember a stranger really cares!

Thursday, June 7, 2007

Please take 2 minutes to watch this YouTube video

I normally don't forward things, nor recommend too much, but as a human being, I think this is one of the most touching things I have seen for a long time. I think we need reminders that all those fighting this horrible war are just doing their job - loosing limbs and lives, and they need our love, support and prayers. Thanks for taking the time to watch this.

Tribute video made by 15 year old...VERY GOOD

This is powerful and so well done. Imagine a fifteen year old. This video is the hottest thing on the internet and on Fox News today. Lizzie Palmer who put this YouTube program together is 15 years old. There have been over 3,000,000 hits as of Tuesday 5/8.

In case you missed it, here it is: look to your right above my photo headed
"Watch this please" and click on it!

Monday, June 4, 2007

Have you taken a breath yet today?

A MINDFUL BREATH! We breathe without thinking about it, and remember, when we are stressed, we almost stop breathing. So if you
haven't thought about taking a breath today - do it now. Slowly inhale in through the nose, and slowly exhale through the mouth. Do it several times, and when you exhale, visualize all the negativity and stress flying right out your fingertips into infinity.

You can only do what you can do! Hope you had a wonderful weekend, and a good day today. Remember, EVERY moment is a new life - begin again, and CREATE a relaxing evening (no matter what) and a good day tomorrow!