tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25975323699918652532024-03-13T23:51:52.239-07:00Stress Management MagicAfter studying stress management for over thirty years, I have some simple but life altering techniques, observations and realizations I hope to share with you. We all have the power to transform the natural stress that comes from living into energy capable of improving our physical and spiritual well being. Secret number one is that the essence of life is transformation. These simple words hold the key for changing your life for the better. Join me and see if it is not so.Marsha J. Obrienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734661524974816648noreply@blogger.comBlogger110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597532369991865253.post-91142885169439334602008-02-20T11:06:00.000-08:002008-02-20T11:19:35.994-08:0020 simple "at your desk" exercises for web workersI normally don't post anything I've copied....that is unless it is extremely valuable, and I think these exercises are great! <br /><br />Not everyone has the time to make it to the gym during their lunch break. But just because you can’t get out of the office (or your cubicle) doesn’t mean that you can’t get some exercise, or “deskercize” during the day. Here are some suggestions for web workers who want to get a work out and get their work done at the same time.<br /><br />1. Buns of steel<br />Exercise at your deskNo, you don’t need a shiny lycra bodysuit or big hair to do this popular glute workout. All you have to do tighten and squeeze your buttocks, hold five to ten seconds, and release. Repeat these squeezes 8-10 times, as many times during the day as you feel up to, and notice your newfound buns of steel in just a few weeks.<br /><br />2. Upper back stretch<br />The upper back can be a place where tension accumulates throughout the day. By taking just a few seconds to stretch it out, you can release tension and work your muscles. What you need to do is extend your arms in front of you, grab onto your wrist with the other hand and gently pull your arms forward as you round your upper back. Hold it for twenty seconds and then switch sides.<br /><br />3. Body lift<br />This is a really easy one. Just place your hands on the arms of your desk chair and lift yourself up. Repeat (if you can).<br /><br />4. Chair squats<br />This is another simple “deskercize” as it simulates a motion we’re all pretty used to: standing up and sitting down. To do the “chair squat”, place a chair behind you and stand in front of it with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees and squat toward your chair until you’re hovering just over it. Hold it for a second, then stand back up. You can do this throughout the day, or just try to hover each time you sit down.<br /><br />5. Cherry picking<br />This exercise can help release tension in your upper body and looks just like it sounds. Stretch your arms up, one at a time, as high as you can, as if reaching to pick fruit out of a tree. Repeat 10 times, alternating sides as you go along.<br /><br />6. Neck stretch<br />All you have to do for this one is relax your shoulders and let your head roll forward. Slowly rotate your head in a circle and repeat five times.<br /><br />7. Inner thigh squeeze<br />A great trick for working on your inner thighs while you’re working on that spreadsheet is to stick a full water bottle between your legs and squeeze against it with your thighs. The bottle offers some resistance (and is there for hydration should you over exert yourself!)<br /><br />8. Use an exercise ball<br />Here’s a list of ten reasons that you should consider swapping out that uncomfortable office chair for a healthier alternative. Using an exercise ball can improve posture and give you a work out.<br /><br />9. Side stretch<br />Eating too many hot pockets for lunch and looking for a way to get rid of those love handles? Here’s an easy stretch you can do to work out your obliques: with your arms raised over your head, lean gently over to each side as far as you can safely go. Just be careful if your chair has wheels!<br /><br />10. The funky chicken<br />This is an exercise that can help loosen up your upper body. You just might want to wait until none of your coworkers are looking. Put your fingertips on your shoulders and lift your elbows up and then push them down to your sides, as if you’re trying to fly. Repeat 10 times. Here’s some inspiration if you need it.<br /><br />11. Leg lift<br />This exercise is made for web workers. Just straighten your knees and lift your legs out in front of you.<br /><br />12. Seated crunches<br />Put your feet flat on the floor, and make sure that you’re sitting up straight. Then, rest your hands in your lap. Breathe in deep through your nose, “crunching” your upper and lower abs, pushing your lower back against the chair.<br /><br />13. Yoga<br />Ever find yourself holding your breath or gritting your teeth as you get through the work day? You might want to try some desk yoga. It’s a way to use your breath to work for you, not against you. You can check out all sorts of desk yoga poses at this site.<br /><br />14. Shoulder shrugs<br />If you’re feeling less than ambitious but still want to give yourself a gold star (or early happy hour) for getting your exercise in, just replicate that gesture you perfected as a teenager when your parents asked you a question. With your head at your chest, shrug your shoulders up and down.<br /><br />15. Push ups<br />Technically you can’t do this one at your desk. And technically it’s not really a push up. But work with me here. All you have to do is stand facing a wall, with your feet shoulder-width apart and about a foot away from the wall. Rest your palms on the wall at about shoulder height. Bend your elbows and lean toward the wall as far as possible. Keep your legs and back straight. Then push yourself back to starting position.<br /><br />16. Hug your hamstrings<br />This is a great exercise for working out the muscles in the backs of your legs that don’t get much use when you’re sitting at a desk all day. And you can do it right where you’re sitting. Just sit back and place your hands under your thigh. Then pull your knee toward your chest and extend the leg straight in front of you. Hold it (if you can) and then switch sides. Do it a couple of times with each leg for maximum results.<br /><br />17. Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee<br />Did you get an email from your boss that’s making you livid? Put that energy to good use and get some muscle tone out of it. Just scoot your chair back (so you won’t actually punch a hole in your computer screen) and do some tae-bo action, punching your arms out in front of you and switching sides.<br /><br />18. Touch your toes<br />Another easy exercise that will help you work out some tension and maintain flexibility. Stand up in your chair and let your body hang forward, touching as far down on your body as you can. Then, take your right hand and touch it to your left toe and vice versa.<br /><br />19. Balancing act<br />You can put that budget report sitting on your desk to good use. By sitting with something on your head, it forces good posture and works your inner core muscles. And hey, you might even learn by osmosis.<br /><br />20. A-OK<br />And last but not least, we can’t forget a web worker’s best friends: his fingers. Just touch the tip of your thumb to the tip of each finger in turn, making the circle as round as you can. Straighten your fingers in between touching each finger. This will keep your fingers nimble and increase mobility.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Thanks again Amy for turning me on to these!</span><br /><br />Check out all the articles at: <a href="http://www.ondd.org/">http://www.ondd.org/</a>Marsha J. Obrienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734661524974816648noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597532369991865253.post-73388909238693535652008-02-07T07:12:00.000-08:002008-02-07T07:14:35.928-08:00MAKE IT SO!This day is yours - CREATE a beautiful one for yourself and those around you.<br />THINK before you speak. Take a breath and it will spark your intellect.<br />Remember words are sharper than any knife and they pierce the heart.<br />Take THIS opportunity to tell someone you love or appreciate them.<br />Make these moments of value and the worth of your actions will ultimately<br />come back to benefit you! It always works.....Marsha J. Obrienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734661524974816648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597532369991865253.post-66544638610871673272008-02-06T17:29:00.000-08:002008-02-06T17:30:52.770-08:00A disgusting health tipHere’s a fairly disgusting health practice - but it works for me, so I thought I would share it with you! I call it the “Chew and Spew” method of eating beef or pork and saving your colon a lot of work digesting the stuff. <br /><br />I love a good steak, but many women suffer from irregular bowels (often times due to childbirth. ) We have a tendency not to have the blessing of being regular every day.<br /><br />Meat takes a bit for our bodies to digest, and so here is a way to enjoy the meat you eat, save calories, AND not tax your digestive tract or plug up your colon.<br /><br />Are you getting an inkling of the “Chew and Spew” method? I’d been having very sharp pains in my abdomen and was very constipated (a crappy thing to talk about, eh:) -hee hee. Anyway, I found myself chewing the heck out of each bite, but if it had fat or was tough, I would graciously put my napkin to my mouth and try to put the remainder of the bite in it without too much fuss.<br /><br />Well, my honey and I have been married a long time and so before long he asked what I was doing. He had been my champion and rubbed my “congested” tummy MANY times to help the “process” of digestion along. I told him. He said, “Cool-whatever works!”<br /><br />That was it. Now (when it is US and ONLY US), I regularly use the “Chew and Spew”<br />method. To make it easier I simply put my hand to my mouth and take the remaining bite and set it aside on my plate.<br /><br />Now, like a bird feeding her baby, I take the remains and mix it with my dog’s food. He<br />loves it! “Waste not-want not” mama always said.<br /><br />There it is. Practical advice. Not pretty, but if you are with someone you love, or by yourself - they will want the best for you, and you can be discreet about it all.<br /><br />If you don’t care for your company or want to gross somebody out - do it in public! Then simply declare “Obviously you aren’t familiar with the chew and spew method, are you?”Marsha J. Obrienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734661524974816648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597532369991865253.post-64775399348791636022008-01-24T08:52:00.000-08:002008-01-24T08:58:34.255-08:00Life is like excavating............you have to dig, dig, dig, until you find what you want!<br />Don't settle.<br />Don't dilute yourself with "justification" for what you do. That's simply a lie.<br />Don't be angry and unforgiving - it just takes a toll on you physically and mentally.<br />Don't think of problems as such. Make them "challenges".<br /><br />Do show kindness to someone today.<br />Do remember we only have this very moment - live it fully.<br />Do remember happiness is a choice.<br />Do MOVE your body and feed it nutrition - it is the only place you have to live.<br /><br />If you push away the negativity it will diminish.<br />If you get in the habit of positive thoughts and actions it will pull positive things toward you.<br /><br />If you think no one really cares - think again! I do.<br />Do CREATE a wonderful day!Marsha J. Obrienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734661524974816648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597532369991865253.post-48499979281657004112008-01-20T15:56:00.000-08:002008-01-20T16:04:49.980-08:00when the unexpected happens, just handle it!You could have knocked me over with a feather when on my husband's one day off, he said, "You go to so much work making your tacos, let's invite dad and mom over for dinner."<br /><br />First of all, last week he said, "I've had enough of them for a while". Secondly, the irony of it is to me, if I work sooooo hard to cook - then let's invite two people over so you have to cook more food, chop more side dishes, set a fancier table, and make sure the house is cleaned up (oh yes, and more dishes!).<br /><br />Perhaps it was a compliment, and I am now ready for company in half an hour. He now is saying, "Hmmmmm. Kind of wished I hadn't asked them over!" :)<br /><br />"Yeah", I thought, "Could have ran naked in the house!" Oh well.<br /><br />When he brought up the idea I told him - "It's your day off-whatever you want to do is fine with me." I meant it. Marriage is a give and take partnership and he holds up his end of the bargain - so I am too. Anyway, life is fleeting and I do love my in-laws (now that they love me after being nasty to me 15 out of 20 years). That was their problem. <br /><br />So whenever a problem or change in plans arise - take a breath and ACCEPT what it is.<br />There is another way - fight it and have a fight! But if it's reasonable, keep the peace with love and a positive response, and it will come back to you! I promise.<br /><br />Now it's taco time.Marsha J. Obrienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734661524974816648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597532369991865253.post-62104407544311877962008-01-17T08:43:00.000-08:002008-01-17T08:53:43.278-08:00Easy to get caught up in all the negativity!<span style="font-weight:bold;">BUT DON'T DO IT......</span> Life is just too short to waste a moment being a sour ball. We all have problems. I am no exception. If it's not a CASH problem, health problem, family problem, car problem, work problem, then its a neighbor problem, <span style="font-weight:bold;">etc. etc. etc</span>. So what is your choice when problems arrive? I tried being miserable. It sucked, so I gave it up. Even when I slip a bit and allow all the negativity that is presented in the media to affect me -<br />it's <span style="font-style:italic;">not for long</span>. I can't stand feeling horrible and so I remember to practice thinking in positive terms and remembering what mama used to tell me. "This too shall pass. Life is about change. Just when you think you can't take any more, something changes."<br />Take a breath. Practice finding the GOOD in something. Remember, it's your life, don't let life steal it from you. Start now. Take a breath and when you exhale, let all the problems fly out your fingertips. Do it again. YOU WILL BE IN CHARGE OF YOUR LIFE AND YOUR RESPONSE TO LIFE, if you JUST PRACTICE being in charge!<br /><br />Not pie in the sky. The truth. I face the challenge of aging and it could suck....not happening in my world. I am still glad just to be alive and kicking. Change your day by changing your thinking - NO MATTER what CHALLENGE you face.<br />YOU CAN DO IT!Marsha J. Obrienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734661524974816648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597532369991865253.post-75112893316899529762007-12-21T12:27:00.000-08:002007-12-21T12:33:10.259-08:00A "mini break"Stop for a moment and sit back in your chair. Take one of those deep breaths in through the nose, and exhale from the mouth. Do it a few times. Remember: when stress enters we slow our breathing down - almost stop when we are angry! As you breathe think "I am relaxing myself, slowing my heart rate, lowering my blood pressure, maintaining optimum oxygen so I can think better, and giving myself and the only place I have to live (my body) - a few moments of regeneration!" <br /><br />Believe me - it will do all those things for you. After a few breaths, stretch your arms up in the air, blink your eyes several times, wiggle your toes and if you need to take a bathroom break - don't put it off! Do it now. The walk will do you good anyway and get that oxygen moving through the body again.<br /><br />NO STRESS is worth your life! It will all work out somehow. Don't add to your problems by stressssssssssing out!<br /><br />CREATE a wonderful day, and better yet, a great life for yourself. I really care!Marsha J. Obrienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734661524974816648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597532369991865253.post-34223060079904999612007-12-12T12:44:00.000-08:002007-12-12T12:56:18.962-08:00How do I relieve stress during this busy time?1. I remember to breathe! Breathing can calm you down, lower your heart rate, make you think more intelligently, and help any pain you might have to diminish. That is just a partial list of the good things that will happen to you when you remember to use your oxygen. It's a gift. Try holding your breath for 4 minutes and see how precious your oxygen is to your life!<br /><br />2. Prioritize - Make sure that the tasks you are trying to accomplish don't cause you<br />to loose your temper with those people in your life you are trying to please! People first (LOVE), all the other stuff next. <br /><br />3. Loosen the old thought that Christmas is about "presenting" a great dinner table,<br />buying the best gifts, or decorating the house with a million lights. It's not. It's about LOVE LOVE LOVE. For us Christians it is the time we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior. For non-Christians it can be a lovely time to celebrate family and the spirit of giving. Don't diminish one moment with frustration and anger. Take it easy...take a breath!<br /><br />4. Don't forget to give yourself a hug once in a while. You work hard and you know it. Count small blessings we skip over each day. I was shopping and looked up and saw an awesome sight-so I took out my little camera and captured it (photo on the right). What a blessing to see such beauty!<br /><br />Have a wonderful holiday season and DON'T spend it drinking too much. You loose your spirit when it is saturated with booze. Yes, I have a drink now and then - but I<br />am in charge; not the alcohol. Be safe. Be YOURSELF!Marsha J. Obrienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734661524974816648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597532369991865253.post-24300434465961351962007-11-28T17:31:00.000-08:002007-11-28T17:36:28.048-08:00Quick thoughtsA collage of thoughts for you...busy time of year!<br /><br /><br />Turns out sitting up straight is actually bad for your back. Sitting at a 90 degree angle puts pressure on the lower back-enough to squeeze fluid from the disks that cushion vertebrae. Adjust the height of your chair so your hips are 3 to 4 inches higher than your knees. Recline slightly, with a small pillow behind your lower back, so you backbone is at a 135-degree angle to your thighs. These conclusions were found in Scotland as researches took MRI scans of 22 volunteers. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">You can learn from your children, be led by them, keep young through their eyes, and get many blessings in return from loving and guiding them.<br /></span><br /><br /> Water: First thing in the morning drink 12 oz. Your body loses fluid stores overnight, which can make your mind foggy. Star the day with H20 and it might keep you from seeking out coffee or tea -at least cut back or dilute. Drink 30 meals before meal to help you fill up a bit. German study- drink 50 oz. of cold water a day-can help you burn up extra 50 cals per day-5lbs. a year, without exercising. metabolism boost due to extra effort needed to raise the water’s temp to 98.6F.<br /><br /><br />Interesting -<span style="font-weight:bold;">students who drink too much may be setting themselves up for heart problems.</span><br />AMA excessively - double levels of C-reactive protein, a biological marker for inflammation associated with higher chance of cardiovascular problems. (heavy drinking defined: 3 or more alcholic drinks at least 3 days week or at least 5 drinks two days of week. Moderate: 2-5 drinks at one time, one or two days week. CRP levels on heavy MORE THAN DOUBLED, placing them in zone associated with moderate risk of heart disease More studies on way-still, setting up a dangerous pattern. Not to mention “date rape drug”, blackouts, risky behavior-aids, pregnancy, drinking and drive, turn into big A holes!<br /><br />Hope you are using your wits and not over eating throughout the holidays. Take a bite of everything but don't be a pig. It's your body - the only place you have to live! Whatever is on the plate is NOT TO DIE FOR!<br /><br />Blessings and love!Marsha J. Obrienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734661524974816648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597532369991865253.post-65756022503015523262007-11-14T08:41:00.000-08:002007-11-14T08:53:08.788-08:00Unexpected trauma II - the continuing story:)I could have been upset when I was getting ready to serve dinner to my husband. One<br />of the baked potatoes decided to BLOW UP! Of course I had just cleaned the oven, and I <br />was very hungry.<br /><br />I have no idea why it blew up. In all the years I've baked potatoes and there have been thousands (no lie), I've never had this happen!<br /><br />So my stress management technique: Laugh. It actually was funnier than upsetting...I<br />opened the oven and there was my potato (of course it was mine, my hubby was starving) <br />all over the oven. :)<br /><br />I reckoned that I wasn't supposed to have the potato as I always use too much butter and sour cream, and I am trying to loose a few pounds before the holidays. Dinner was still great, and I was not "over-stuffed", nor did I feel guilty.<br /><br />So when something happens that could be unexpected trauma, but it's really not life altering, take it with a sense of humor. Laughter saves many a day!<br /><br />USE IT - laughter is free and always cheers up those around you. Besides, it's fun.Marsha J. Obrienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734661524974816648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597532369991865253.post-36016078705931943872007-11-11T10:18:00.000-08:002007-11-12T10:48:12.808-08:00Unexpected TraumaOk, this is a "little" trauma, but it could have been WAY BIGGER if I had let it!<br />Several months ago my husband bought me a new Schwinn sidewinder bike (designed particularly for women). A couple of days ago I put it in my vehicle and went to a bike trail and rode. It felt great. I do that as often as I can.<br /><br />When I got home I took the bike out and as I sat it down the phone rang. I quickly opened the kick stand and ran for the phone....last time I'll do that:).<br /><br />By the time I got there no one was on the line, so I used the restroom and thought I'd<br />run a few pressing errands. When I came back out the garage door I didn't see the bike so never thought a thing about it! Obviously the kick stand wasn't fully opened and the bike was laying on the ground.<br /><br />I jumped in the vehicle and backed up - right over my new bike! THUD! I thought I had wrecked it! I did cry (crying is good as it cleans out the tear ducts) - then I called my husband and told him.<br /><br />He was not mad, but felt terrible I had been crying. He said it's okay - "Stuff happens". We'll just get it fixed." I was fortunate as I know some men can be nasty<br />about things like that. (Just to clear this up: I don't accept material things being more important than people, so if he'd been upset about the cost, I would have dealt with it differently-but peacefully:) War never ends, as we see all over the world!<br /><br />Anyway, I felt better, will be more careful next time, and am prayerful and happy it wasn't a child or adult! I will be more careful and that is my lesson learned.<br /><br />Have a wonderful day and you be careful too!Marsha J. Obrienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734661524974816648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597532369991865253.post-92066910259919583772007-11-06T12:07:00.000-08:002007-11-06T12:17:28.290-08:00Think about it.....When was the last time you lit a candle in the day time? Have you played any warm and cozy music just for you? Pick a rhythm that makes you sway to it.<br /><br />When was the last time you stood outside? Just stood. Quietly listening, looking, smelling all that is around you, for all these things are life and have a place in this world. Accept that and you will learn to love all things, because all things will change according to the light and love you share.<br /><br />I took a picture of the moon before sun up this morning. There was a star way above it. I didn't really see just shadows from the tree branches. When I put it in photo shop I just changed a few things and now I can see the branches too.<br /><br />Do something different today. Walk down the stairs instead of using the elevator.<br />One day I watched a group of Canadian geese flying in perfect formations. I watched them until they were gone. I was in the Costco parking lot. I heard them and just<br />looked up and paid attention to them. It was beautiful.<br /><br />When I looked back down I realized there were four or five people standing near to me and we were all watching together.<br /><br />It's your day. Take a breath and ENJOY!Marsha J. Obrienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734661524974816648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597532369991865253.post-63718063504448680462007-11-04T14:47:00.000-08:002007-11-04T14:56:59.755-08:00Right now - do this for YOURSELF, please!Since you are sitting down just push your chair back for a moment and press your shoulders down and back. Make that posture count for good oxygen intake. Now hold the abdominals in and take a few deep breaths. Breathe in through the nose, and out through the mouth.<br /><br />Slowly again - in through the nose, and out through the mouth. Two or three more mindful breaths remembering we need oxygen to live and good breaths make our thinking<br />clearer. When you exhale you visualize all the negative thoughts you hold within fall down to the fingertips and dissipate.<br /><br />Now turn your neck to the right and hold for a moment. Now back to center and then to the left and hold. Bring your head back to center and let the right side of your head fall towards the right shoulder. Hold a few moments. Now back to center and lay the left side of your head to the left shoulder. You'll feel the stretch on each side and this is good.<br /><br />Roll your shoulders back in circles a few times, then roll them forward.<br /><br />Blink your eyes quickly 10-20 times and close them. Rub your fingertips together until they feel warm and lay them on your eyes. Take in two more mindful inhalations and exhalations.<br /><br />Open your eyes and SMILE! You have done something wonderful for yourself and it didn't take that long at all! Now resume whatever it was you were doing and remember someone out here on line REALLY CARES!Marsha J. Obrienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734661524974816648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597532369991865253.post-49686109255622593792007-11-02T11:00:00.000-07:002007-11-02T11:11:22.248-07:00Be careful what you dwell upon in thought or vision<span style="font-weight:bold;">TRUE FACT</span> the things we think about repeatedly, and the things our eyes behold really have an affect on us!<br /><br />You know this innately. For instance, children watching violence does affect their<br />thought process. It will desensitize the horror of violence and make it more acceptable in their minds. <br /><br />We create brain cells according to what we see and hear habitually....and the thinking does become altered accordingly.<br /><br />An old Cherokee tale explains it quite beautifully: <br /><br />An old Grandfather said to his grandson, who came to him with anger at a friend who had done him an injustice... <br /><br />"Let me tell you a story. I too, at times, have felt great hate for those who have taken so much, with no sorrow for what they do. But hate wears you down, and does not hurt your enemy. It's like taking poison and wishing your enemy would die." <br /><br />"I have struggled with these feelings many times. It is as if there are two wolves inside me; one is good and does no harm. He lives in harmony with all around him and does not take offense when no offense was intended. He will only fight when it is right to do so, and in the right way. <br /><br />But...the other wolf... ah! The littlest thing will send him into a fit of temper. He fights everyone, all of the time, for no reason. He cannot think because his anger and hate are so great. It is helpless anger, for his anger will change nothing." <br /><br />"Sometimes it is hard to live with these two wolves inside me, for both of them try to dominate my spirit."<br /><br />The boy looked intently into his Grandfather's eyes and asked, "Which one wins, Grandfather?" <br /><br />The Grandfather smiled and quietly said, "The one I feed."<br /><br />So pay attention to what you FEED your mind and the minds of your family and those you share life with daily. We can help change the world if we work at it from within our own minds!<br /><br />CREATE a beautiful day!Marsha J. Obrienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734661524974816648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597532369991865253.post-72416441039665767802007-10-13T10:04:00.000-07:002007-10-13T10:49:22.643-07:00FAMILY visits can be Fun and not Stressful!We recently had a family of five stay with us for almost three weeks. The guest room was used and the office was full of children on the floor. The small kitchen was always fragrant with something cooking, and the table squeezed us all in for meals. Every chair was used in the living room, and someone <span style="font-style:italic;">usually</span> was patiently waiting for a shower or to use the toilet.<br /><br />We had a ball! Would you like to know how? We were as polite to each other as we would have been to strangers. We picked up our own messes and helped share in the responsibility of cooking, cleaning and doing laundry. No one took advantage of anyone else, and when the children began to squabble - the parents / or grandparents attended to resolve the problem instead of ignoring because of adult conversation.<br /><br />No one drank alcohol. Let me repeat that: <span style="font-weight:bold;">NO ONE DRANK ALCOHOL!</span> No I am not a prude and yes I do have a glass or wine or a drink once in a while. But this is what I've learned over the years:<br /><br />If no one drinks while at a family gathering, misunderstandings WILL NOT happen. Children will not be left on their own. Arguments will NOT happen.<br /><br />I've seen it so many times in "past" days. Keep in mind. Alcohol is a drug and if affects everyone differently. Most can handle a drink or two, but many simply cannot.<br />There is always (guaranteed) one who gets mad or upset or just plain drunk and stupid.<br /><br />Don't take that chance with your family - or anyone else's for that matter. You will remember the gathering with love and joy. Keep in mind also - children LEARN what they see and hear - and they see and hear MUCH MORE than you will ever know....until perhaps it's too late.<br /><br />Have fun. Stay away from alcohol at your next family visit and you will be part of the pleasure, not the problem!<br /><br />Honest!Marsha J. Obrienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734661524974816648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597532369991865253.post-49648104180023246942007-09-18T17:01:00.000-07:002007-09-18T17:04:43.642-07:00A quick post - CELL PHONESJust a small stress management technique!<br /><br />If yours is stolen or lost......do you have a hard copy with a list of all the numbers available? <br /><br />Yes, I know you can get them from email, but would it not be simpler to have that hard copy?<br /><br />My daughter's phone was stolen, so I know it can happen! Hold on to your "stuff", make hard copies of your numbers, and PRAY FOR PEACE!Marsha J. Obrienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734661524974816648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597532369991865253.post-32177642592138384582007-09-15T16:37:00.000-07:002007-09-15T16:40:05.727-07:00GONE BUT NOT PERMANENTLY!I won't be posting for a while....at least I don't think I will. I have family coming to stay and I will try to be spending the majority of my time LOVING them! They are <br />moving from the east coast and I am so excited I could literally jump out of my skin!<br /><br />I hope you don't forget to check back with me in a couple of weeks. In the meantime,<br />love those who are around you. Don't ignore them for someone on line! <br /><br />Keep the priorities of life in order and remember to laugh, move, have fun and bless<br />your hearts!<br /><br />I care!Marsha J. Obrienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734661524974816648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597532369991865253.post-59119497391282417522007-09-02T09:48:00.000-07:002007-09-02T09:56:15.859-07:00I need to breathe!After reading the newspaper, news on the web, magazines, and so forth, I need to take<br />a breath and relax myself!<br /><br />So much waste, so much dwelling on horrible incidents and potential disasters.<br />So right now, and I hope you join me, I am going to take in a few deep, mindful breaths.<br /><br />As I do so, I am going to visualize all the trauma, all that which I CANNOT do anything about, leaving with my exhalation. This is not to "deny" problems, but to attend to<br />my own well-being. For if I am to do ANYTHING about ANYTHING, I must empower myself<br />with positive thoughts and strong intellect.<br /><br />In breathing my inhalation I think about drawing in fresh oxygen, getting it to my brain (which needs 50% more to think optimally), and regenerating my spirit and my body.<br /><br />In breathing out I am letting negativity push out down my arms and through my fingertips, and I am releasing in order to think in more positive terms. That will enable me to "handle" what is happening in MY WORLD....and to touch, what I am able, in the world of others.<br /><br />Another few minutes of mindful breathing and I am up from the computer and out to accomplish a few things, and enjoy the moments of my life. I hope you do the same.Marsha J. Obrienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734661524974816648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597532369991865253.post-27055187500266323992007-08-23T08:05:00.000-07:002007-08-23T08:13:18.296-07:00Fill your mind with positive thoughts...and be grateful for all the small blessings we take for granted every day! We so forget to appreciate all that is given to us without asking!<br /><br />To walk, to talk, to have food on the table, to love, to be able to love, to breathe<br />freely and enhance your life in doing so, even to be able to use an indoor toilet!<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Sounds silly, but take away the "small" blessings and our lives would echo with so<br />much less joy than we have now. <br /><br />And remember.....<span style="font-weight:bold;">DWELL on positive things. Pay attention to anything that will feed your mind with WHO you want to be, and WHAT you want out of this life. Drop the negative and push away nasty garbage that is fed to us daily.</span><br /><br /> The following is just a small blurb from an email I received this morning. I think it is worth posting:<br /><br />"Sometimes we are</span> so busy adding up our troubles that we forget to count our blessings.<br />Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture you can change a person's life, for better or for worse.<br />God puts us all in each other's lives to impact one another in some way. Look for God in others.<br />The best and most beautiful things cannot be seen or touched - they must be felt with the heart ~ Helen Keller<br />Happy moments, praise God.<br />Difficult moments, seek God.<br />Quiet moments, worship God.<br />Painful moments, trust God.<br />Every moment, thank God."<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />CREATE</span> A WONDERFUL DAY!Marsha J. Obrienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734661524974816648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597532369991865253.post-72951237865271821292007-08-21T19:02:00.000-07:002007-08-21T19:04:05.639-07:00Sometimes being still is the best to manage it allTo the right of this brief post is a blue sky and cloud for you. I was going to the market after a rain and the sky was so blue and the cloud so white - I felt like I <br />needed to snap it......it might never happen again! ENJOY!Marsha J. Obrienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734661524974816648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597532369991865253.post-29647000238231497032007-08-17T20:52:00.000-07:002007-08-17T20:58:27.929-07:00Money that isn't thereWhen you are stretching to meet the demands financially, when you have unexpected expense, when you just can't figure out what you are going to do.......<br /><br />Take a breath! Say a prayer. Take another breath.<br /><br />You know, you can only do the best that you can. Circumstances change momentarily.<br />One moment I had a bit of money coming in....the next, I broke my tooth ($750.00),<br />have to pay a prepayment penalty ($2,800.00), have to pay back money ($400.00) the<br />state overpaid my hubby on unemployment last winter.....and so forth and so on!<br /><br />That is lots of money for unexpected expense (THIS WEEK!). So you know what I did when I found out?<br /><br />I took a breath! Said a prayer, maybe it was 20 prayers. Took another breath and thought, "Doing the best we can. It will all work out somehow. Not going to let money destroy our lives. Won't do it!"<br /><br />I feel better. Truly. Try the techniques. PRACTICE them as we are creatures of habit and will get into the habit of thinking in positive terms. <br /><br />Have a wonderful weekend no matter what! Love on somebody. Enjoy your life!<br />Your health will be better for it, your family will, and you will feel better about it all. HONEST.Marsha J. Obrienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734661524974816648noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597532369991865253.post-17800216248254183622007-08-14T18:01:00.000-07:002007-08-14T18:03:13.118-07:00Urgent for all parents!www.ToyRecall.biz is just one site to check. Mattel is recalling millions of toys that are potentially deadly for the little ones. You've probably heard, but just in case,<br />please check this out for the safety of your children!<br /><br />Wasn't going to post, but our children are so helpless and dependent on our decisions...protect them, and God bless them!Marsha J. Obrienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734661524974816648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597532369991865253.post-80129808380118965832007-08-14T11:46:00.000-07:002007-08-14T12:00:10.636-07:00Whatever you are doing right now............<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span>TAKE A 60 SECOND BREAK TO REFRESH AND REGENERATE!<br />Sit back from the desk. Take a deep breath inhaling though the nose, and exhaling through the mouth. Do it again and think: "Whatever my challenge, I will approach it refreshed in one minute, knowing I will do the best I can." <br /><br />Take another breath. This time as you exhale, visualize all the negative thoughts you may harbor, and all the past anger or disapointment you may feel - flying out your fingertips into oblivion. <br /><br />Now stretch your arms up overhead, clasping your hands together, as you lean back in your chair slightly. Put your hands behind your head and gently lift the head elongating, the neck and holding the weight of your head in your hands. Release.<br /><br />Wiggle your toes and fingers and take another breath! Point your toes away from you. Press the heels away from you. Do this several times.<br /><br />Roll your wrists one direction, then the opposite direction. Now blink your eyes several times. <br /><br />If you NEED to use the restroom DON'T HOLD IT AND WAIT! THAT IS TERRIBLE FOR YOUR BODY. GO NOW. <br /><br />Other wise, one more mindful breath and smile (No particular reason - it just feels good.) You could do this maybe once an hour. That's only 8 times in 8 hours....only 8 minutes. You are worth it and you will be better for it!<br /><br />I won't be posting for a couple of days, so in the meantime - ENJOY your work, enjoy your play, and PLEASE enjoy each moment of every day. Time is accelerating - make it precious time!Marsha J. Obrienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734661524974816648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597532369991865253.post-32748289552816365102007-08-12T14:27:00.001-07:002007-08-12T15:45:41.284-07:00Truth that does not waiver“The relation that exists between the mind and body is very intimate. When one is affected, the other sympathizes. The condition of the mind affects the health to a far greater degree than many realize. Many of the diseases from which men suffer are the result of mental depression. Grief, anxiety, discontent, remorse, guilt, distrust, all tend to break down the life forces and to invite decay and death....<br /><br />Courage, hope, faith, sympathy, love, promote health and prolong life. A contented mind, a cheerful spirit, is health to the body and strength to the soul.”<br /><br />Ellen G. White<br />1827-1915Marsha J. Obrienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734661524974816648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2597532369991865253.post-22927287718209705972007-08-11T11:36:00.000-07:002007-08-11T11:41:34.546-07:00Tale of Two WolvesThe first exercise I teach, regardless if I am teaching high intensity aerobics, low-key exercise, relaxation, or even dance....is to <span style="font-weight:bold;">EXERCISE THE MIND</span>. These two short tales go hand<br />in hand with using our brains and finding magic can happen to each of us, if we just EXERCISE our powers and believe! CREATE a wonderful weekend! I care:) Thank you for sharing my sweet spiritual friend and sister - Lynn.<br /><br /><br />-Native American-<br /><br />A grandfather was telling his grandson, "There is a conflict <br />inside of me and in every one of us. Two wolves live within me.<br /><br />One wolf is jealous, angry, covetous, rude, disrespectful, <br />lazy, unkind, resentful. The other wolf is kind, loving, <br />grateful, compassionate, happy, helpful. They are battling <br />within each of us" <br /><br />The grandson asks, "Which one will win?" <br />The grandfather thoughtfully answers, "The one you feed."<br />**************************************************************<br />Tale of unknown origin<br /><br />A man who had been traveling a long way approaches the <br />gate to a small village. Sitting outside the gate is an <br />old, wrinkled woman.The man asks the woman "What kind of <br />people will I find here in this village?"<br /><br />The woman answers "What kind of people did you find in <br />the last village you were in?" The man said, "They were <br />terrible people. Greedy, obnoxious, hateful, rude,<br />Thieves all of them. It was awful." "You will find the same <br />sort of people here then" she answered. And the man hung his <br />head, turned around and walked away.<br /><br />Later that day another man who had also been traveling a <br />long way approaches the same gate to the same village <br />and sees the same old woman sitting outside the<br />gate. He asks, "What kind of people will I find in this <br />village?" <br /><br />The woman in turns asks, "What kind of people did you <br />find in the last village you lived?" He said "They were <br />wonderful people! Kind, generous, thoughtful, helpful, loving<br />people. I hated having to leave."<br />The woman looked at the man and answered <br /><br />"Then you will find the same sort of people here." <br />And the man happily walked through the gate into the <br />village.<br /><br />Which wolf do you feed daily? What expectations of people <br />do you have?Marsha J. Obrienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03734661524974816648noreply@blogger.com0