Think 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.

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.

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.

Do something different today. Walk down the stairs instead of using the elevator.
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
looked up and paid attention to them. It was beautiful.

When I looked back down I realized there were four or five people standing near to me and we were all watching together.

It's your day. Take a breath and ENJOY!

I need to breathe!

After reading the newspaper, news on the web, magazines, and so forth, I need to take
a breath and relax myself!

So much waste, so much dwelling on horrible incidents and potential disasters.
So right now, and I hope you join me, I am going to take in a few deep, mindful breaths.

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
my own well-being. For if I am to do ANYTHING about ANYTHING, I must empower myself
with positive thoughts and strong intellect.

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.

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.

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.

Whatever you are doing right now............

TAKE A 60 SECOND BREAK TO REFRESH AND REGENERATE!
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."

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.

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.

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.

Roll your wrists one direction, then the opposite direction. Now blink your eyes several times.

If you NEED to use the restroom DON'T HOLD IT AND WAIT! THAT IS TERRIBLE FOR YOUR BODY. GO NOW.

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!

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!

Tale of Two Wolves

The first exercise I teach, regardless if I am teaching high intensity aerobics, low-key exercise, relaxation, or even dance....is to EXERCISE THE MIND. These two short tales go hand
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.


-Native American-

A grandfather was telling his grandson, "There is a conflict
inside of me and in every one of us. Two wolves live within me.

One wolf is jealous, angry, covetous, rude, disrespectful,
lazy, unkind, resentful. The other wolf is kind, loving,
grateful, compassionate, happy, helpful. They are battling
within each of us"

The grandson asks, "Which one will win?"
The grandfather thoughtfully answers, "The one you feed."
**************************************************************
Tale of unknown origin

A man who had been traveling a long way approaches the
gate to a small village. Sitting outside the gate is an
old, wrinkled woman.The man asks the woman "What kind of
people will I find here in this village?"

The woman answers "What kind of people did you find in
the last village you were in?" The man said, "They were
terrible people. Greedy, obnoxious, hateful, rude,
Thieves all of them. It was awful." "You will find the same
sort of people here then" she answered. And the man hung his
head, turned around and walked away.

Later that day another man who had also been traveling a
long way approaches the same gate to the same village
and sees the same old woman sitting outside the
gate. He asks, "What kind of people will I find in this
village?"

The woman in turns asks, "What kind of people did you
find in the last village you lived?" He said "They were
wonderful people! Kind, generous, thoughtful, helpful, loving
people. I hated having to leave."
The woman looked at the man and answered

"Then you will find the same sort of people here."
And the man happily walked through the gate into the
village.

Which wolf do you feed daily? What expectations of people
do you have?

How to handle UNEXPECTED expense!

SAME OLD TECHNIQUE (but always effective).
First TAKE A BREATH.

One thing I have learned in this life is that just when the bills are paid and you might have a few dollars extra - SOMETHING jumps in to grab those bills!

It is exhausting, discouraging, makes us angry, and unfair! BUT WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO?

Are you going to let money problems RUIN your life, your relationships, your family?
DON'T YOU DO IT! This too shall pass.

Whatever the problem a resolve will come if you maintain your cool. Remember, it's just one of those circumstances that happens and you STILL have the CHOICE of how to respond.

Here's an example: Yesterday I attended a workshop I could little afford. I am trying to create a business that is successful on the internet. They provided lunch, and just before the part I really wanted to hear, I bit down on a piece of uncooked rice and totally broke my tooth.

I had to excuse myself, go to the dentist, and was told "You need a crown. That will be $800.00 please!"

I took a breath. ALLOWED myself to be sad and discouraged for a few moments, and then took another breath. I arranged for payments, called my husband and told him I felt badly about the cost. He teased me for a minute and said, "Gosh you are expensive!" I responded by "But I'm worth it, huh?" He agreed. (Phew, got him fooled:).

Then I returned to the seminar. (Of course I didn't smile my normal big mouth smile...it looks terrible:). This morning I am so glad I picked a positive response.
You know life is going to hand you troubles year after year. That doesn't mean you have to CHOKE on them and ruin the MOMENTS of EACH DAY. All we have are these moments.

Happiness or another bill? I CHOOSE HAPPINESS....no matter what the cost!

Have a wonderful day. I care!

Is your neck tired and stiff?

I love input from those who are also in the field of making us healthier
and stronger! Here's one I think works beautifully!

Try this:
"Breathe and sigh often, as you rest your left palm on your right shoulder.
Pull down from your shoulder to your breastbone (sternum) as your
fingers sink into those muscles.

Repeat 3 times. Switch sides and repeat."

It works and it feels wonderful and is soooooo good for you!
Thanks Lynn, you sweet little angel!

Electronic devices and STRESS!

I read that the average American has at least 26 electronic devices between their home and place of employment, and they are literally DRIVING US CRAZY!

Yes, they are wonderful and helpful. But in all honesty, haven't you sometimes felt
like picking up your computer and throwing it? Haven't you cussed when the cell cut you off from an important conversation, or someone in traffic cut you off because they were busy using their hands to talk on their cell phone?

We all have endured STRESS caused by one of our electronic devices at one time or another. As wonderful as they are, we CANNOTallow an electronic "object" to control our emotions and our lives!

Here are a few tips to help when you feel like flushing one of these things down the toilet. (80% of respondents in a recent survey confessed to at least cursing out loud at a machine!)

1. Reboot and relax. Stop for a moment and drop your shoulders. I will guarantee under stress that they go up. When they do you limit circulation to the brain - and the brain needs 50% more oxygen to function optimally. So think, drop the shoulders, take a breath and remember you are restoring the flow of oxygen and blood so you can be calmer and think clearly.

2. When we stare at computers we deprive our eyes of tears. We blink less and our eyes become tired and dryer. When we age our eyes are dryer anyway, so this isn't good. Stop. Every 20 minutes or so look away from the screen for 20-30 seconds.
Blink your eyes a few times. You can even rub your fingers together until they are warm, close your eyes and place them on the lids. This will feel great and help to relax them.

3. Stop typing once in a while. Your hands take a beating. Shake them. Stretch them. Do a bit of self massage. Breathe into them. They work hard for you ALL day, not just at the computer!

4. TURN OFF THE CELL PHONE in the car! Cell phone use is the cause of many accidents. Cell phones are terrific for emergency use, or something that is critically important. But think. What did you do before adding this device to your life.

Probably no business while driving. No "emotions" caused by conversations. No
anger from other drivers because you aren't paying attention. Turn off the phone!
TAKE A MINI-VACATION........listen to your favorite music! Think, plan, just enjoy the drive if you can.

Okay, that's it for now. CREATE a beautiful day and remember: It's YOUR LIFE!
Save it, use it wisely, remember to laugh and smile. I care!

PAPERWORK NIGHTMARE!

All of us deal with having more paperwork than we know what to do with these days. We
are afraid to throw anything out, but we don't have file drawers enough to keep it all.

This is a list I complied (after doing a bit of research) to help you get rid of excess paperwork lying around the house. Be sure to remember that when you dispose of "stuff", if you don't have any way to shed your things, you at least make sure names, numbers, etc. are REALLY minced up small.

Identity theft is no small problem to face, so guard yourself and your family.

Here is what you much keep for at least a good while, and perhaps forever:

1. Canceled checks that are related to tax deductions or major purchases. If you pull these checks out from the rest each month it will save you lots of time later. Also keep any charitable giving and medical expenses. You can file these in an envelope saying CHECKS for TAXES 2007.

2. Keep a file with purchase and sale documents, including IRS Form 2119 for every home you've owned.

3. Keep a file of capital home improvement costs. Routine repairs don't count. Only things like new roof, remodeled kitchen, etc.

3. Credit card records - keep for 6 years.

4. Health records are forever.

5. Contracts (even those paid) are to be kept for 7 years past the expiration date.

6. Investments, contributions to IRA's, and brokerage accountings.

7. A will. (VERY important for your family - even if handwritten and witnessed by
three people is better than nothing!).

8. IRS returns. The IRS has three years to examine your return, and six years if there is a substantial under-reported income.

TRUST ME ON THIS ONE - my husband and I were audited about eight years ago and I had to come up with a TON of paperwork.

My bookkeeper made huge mistakes and we were fined, both for the errors and every day
they hadn't been paid! We had no idea we owed money. She didn't have to account for a penny of it, not even a fine. If someone does your books make sure they are
qualified.

These are the papers you should make sure to keep in a safe deposit box or someplace very safe.

1. Deeds and records of ownership. Documents as to the condition of your home and a written inventory of goods in it.

2. Birth, marriage and death certificates. Also passports.

3. Stock and bond certificates

4. List of all insurance policies and agents.

5. Adoption papers, divorce decrees and child custody agreements.

Even if you don't have a lock box to keep them in, make copies of these items and store them separately in case you need them.

YEAH! Now we are down to the toss out stuff!

1. Expired insurance policies.

2. Non-tax related checks (but they have to be more than three years old:(.

3. Records for items you no longer own. (Cars, boats, etc.)

4. Pay stubs going back more than two years.

That's pretty much it. If anyone out there can think of anything else, please drop me a comment or email and I will post an addendum to these lists!

Have fun and get to shredding and trashing all the useless garbage!

How NOT to start the day

Check out the photo on the right. I got up at 6AM - brushed my teeth (in order to kiss my husband goodbye. Drank a glass of water (to dilute the acid in my two cups of coffee), and proceeded to spill the coffee all over the table, the chair cushion, and the floor I had just cleaned the night before!

So you know what I did? I LOVE the fact I teach stress management - it's made my life paradise! I looked at it and thought: "You know, it's a good thing mama taught me to be flexible and accept change. We never know just what will happen."

I looked at the mess again and actually giggled. That wasn't the way I intended to start the day. Tried to get the dog to lick it up, but dogs are smart-they don't like coffee:).

So - I poured another cup - got the mop out and began the cleanup. Washed the cushion and finished by dry mopping the floor so I wouldn't slip and break my fanny!

All in all, it was nothing. It was rather funny as it reminded me we have little control over what happens to us, but ultimate control over our response. I love it.
Was kind of like a Saturday night live skit....

It's not WHAT happens to you, but HOW you respond that changes your life and the lives of those around you!

Keep hold of that sense of humor and all will be okay. Have a WONDERFUL day where
ever you are and whatever time of day it is! It's your choice. I care!

If you are "under pressure".........

........just remember: You can only do so much in one day! Believe me, whatever doesn't get done will be waiting for you tomorrow.

We put so much pressure on ourselves to achieve perfection, to accomplish all our tasks, to be the perfect parent. You know what I mean. Well let it go! None of us will achieve perfection in this lifetime.

What we can work up to is a heart attack if we take all the stress placed in front of us DEAD serious. I don't mean to slack and procrastinate. I simply mean, step back and take a breath. Appraise what can ACTUALLY be accomplished this day. Step forward now into a realistic picture.

Don't let others push your buttons. Guard your life and your heart. You are the only one who can do this, and remember, you only have one place to live - YOUR BODY!

If you screw it up by overplaying every day, and suddenly die from a heart attack...or go insane, how good will that be towards all you are working to achieve?????

Don't be blind and say THIS WILL NEVER HAPPEN TO ME." It can certainly happen to any of us if we don't take care of ourselves and let stress run us over!

Please stop throughout the day and take a breath. Remember this is your life, and
return to your days with a more positive attitude, keeping in mind - You can only
do so much in one day!

I mean it. If you have a boss that is trying to put you into an early grave, perhaps you should re-think things a bit!

TAKE CARE OF YOU AND YOU WILL BE TAKING CARE OF THOSE YOU LOVE BY DOING SO!

EVERYONE "SAYS" THEY WANT TO MANAGE STRESS MORE EFFECTIVELY

OVER 80% of medical visits originate from stress induced reactions upon the human body! Stress changes chemical combinations within us and drives us to the "fight or flight" stage, which in turn accelerates wear and tear on the organs, muscles and all the inner workings of the body. It also plays havoc with our minds, and can literally be debilitating!

This culture is the instant gratification culture. We want what we want, and we want it now! In learning to TRULY change your life, and MANAGE any stress, you must dedicate time to practice techniques, and be consistent. Does that sound so very difficult?

Herein lies the problem. This culture has us going so many directions at once, and believing the list of duties MUST be completed, that we are driving ourselves mad!

Each day has 1,440 minutes in it....that is 525,600 minutes in one average year. Ten
minutes a day devoted to stress management education and practice still leaves you
1,430 minutes a day....and 521,950 minutes a year to devote to all these other tasks you deem important enough to leave you frazzled, irritated, and less than feeling wonderful! Come on now, that doesn't make sense.

Here is the choice: 1. Watch your stress levels keep rising with no resolve in sight. Prime your body for a heart attack and your life for constant turmoil. 2. Love yourself and your family enough to take 10 minutes a day to CHANGE YOUR LIFE and the lives of those around you.

I think the second choice is worth 10 minutes of consistent practice on managing stress. You WILL FIND YOU LIKE IT! You WILL FIND YOU WILL INCREASE YOUR practice
time as you get "in the habit". We are creatures of habit and we can develop habits easily. Why not a pittance in time to develop a life style that will enhance your mind and the health of your body simultaneously?

Whether you try my CD or someone else's, in my heart of hearts I WANT YOUR LIFE TO BE BETTER FOR ALL CONCERNED! Of course I believe you should pay a one time fee for the CD and let me help you create new brain cells, and be rid of negative thoughts and actions. I charge much more than that for 1 hour of personal training. I personally selected the original music, and put 3 relaxations on the CD - for "newcomers" and for those familiar with it all. Over 30 years I have seen people change their demeanor to an empowered and calm personality - miracles can happen.

Please go to my new website to check it out. I have a couple of samples of the CD you can listen to, a couple of articles and my complete biography.

http://www.stressmanagementmagic.com or go to "links to my resources" on the right of this page.
My husband calls me "The human happy face" - I practice what I teach :) and I want this joy and empowerment to be YOURS! I TRULY CARE!

School and it's many challenges for YOU

Ahhhh, school is near and parents are all handling it differently! Some can hardly wait to send the children back to the learning environment. They envision a few hours a day with no one saying, “Mom (or dad), I’m bored”, “I’m hungry”, or even, “Can you take me to my friend’s house?”

Others are dreading the demands that children in school can bring home to the parents. The cost of books and supplies, new clothing, the tasks of shuttling children to school activities and sporting events, the required PTA, helping with homework, and all the parental duties that go along with those who have children in school.

When you begin to feel yourself paralyzed by “dread” of things to come,
do exactly what you are doing right now! Take a moment or two to do something for yourself.

Whether it’s reading a quick article, just sitting still for a few moments, or taking an unplanned trip to the store to pick up a few things you need or want!

You are DIVERTING your own attention from these dreaded fears surrounding “school is upon us”, and concentrating on something else for the moment.

Diversion is good. The definition, simply put, is “an instant of turning something aside from it’s course”. We are only capable of thinking about one thing at a time!

This does not suggest that you will never need to think about the challenges you face, but it will give you just a bit of time (while doing one of these activities or something you choose) to take a breath! When you breathe, your intellect is sharper. When you are stressed out you slow your breathing without even knowing it, which in turn stresses you out even further.

This is the bottom line. You will never complete the list of things that need to be done. When that happens it means you are dead! There are
on going demands that will bury you though, if you don’t realize that
the only way to be in charge is by making the best choices in handling
things, and then letting go.

95% of all that you spend your life worrying about NEVER COMES TO FRUITION! Honestly! Worrying about not being able to “take care of all that is necessary”, is simply a waste of your time and energy.

Prioritize, delegate, stay in the moment. You know what needs to be done and it’s about time you give yourself credit for handling so much already!

Remember that life always gives us stress to manage. We may not have the choice in what happens to us, or the demands that challenge us, but we ALWAYS have a choice in the response to these things.

It's not necessary to implode, or explode. Loosing your cool will only worsen the scenario. When you find yourself in the position of having just too much to do, perhaps in too little time, and there is NO WAY to change it - If you are the person in charge of doing the multitude of tasks... then the only thing you can do is ACCEPT IT.

The truth is, unless you have someone you can “pass the ball to”, you’d better start using positive affirmations to create those brain cells necessary to take care of business.

Don’t let the negatives overpower you. Take a breath and think: “I will get things done to the best of my ability.” “I will take each moment as it comes and remember that I am capable and dedicated to finding resolve to challenges.” “I will remember that I can only do so much in one day, one hour, one moment.” “I will remember that my children and all the children who’s paths I cross will look to my attitude and demeanor as either horrible or positive, and they will learn from me.”

If you are a person of faith then truly the first thing that should be done is asking for help. Just as your children look to you for help and ask repeatedly for it, pray often! Of course with prayer must come letting go and letting God oversee your needs. That’s faith.

If you do not believe then your only choice is to decide whether you want to let things drive you crazy, or whether you will simply do what you have to do! Affirm your capabilities and breadth of intellect sprinkled with the right amount of emotion.

Get ready for a WONDERFUL school year. Anticipate all the positive things that will enhance your children’s lives, and remember this time is fleeting. One day soon you will recall the excitement of these days, wishing you could do it all again. Make them calm and joyous. Make your children glad to be alive and excited about it all.

YOU CAN DO IT! Take a breath and rock and roll.

Airline passenger? Be prepared!

The first day of my trip I stood 7 1/2 hours in line. My flight was canceled. So here are a few tips to help if your day comes and circumstances radically change for you!

Of course, ALWAYS take a deep breath or two. The additional oxygen will help you to calm down and keep your brain thinking optimally.

Remember: whatever the circumstance - whether you like it or not - though you may
not have the control to change things, you always have the CHOICE to respond in a positive manner. After all, if you CANNOT CHANGE THINGS, ACCEPT IT - and find a way to put a positive slant on the situation. You can always do that if you just try.

When you allow the "challenge" to upset you, you are simply wasting energy and actually making the situation worse! You will chemically change your body and can (ultimately) do damage to yourself by getting stressed out about something you haven't control over anyway!

Try to make reservations way a head of time. Request your specific seat. When through security, buy water and snacks and wear comfortable shoes. Keep your focus on the fact that the only thing you have control over is your attitude-your response.

You will really help yourself, and others, by using your oxygen, your intellect, and remembering if you are calm and relaxed it can change others to follow your example.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

A reminder for all of us

I know sometimes a problem seems to take on a life of it’s own whispering into our ears. If something is worrisome, shrink the problem to nothingness by commanding your mind to focus on the good in your life and not a perception of desperation. We waste so much time and energy on useless worry and fear. Time is fleeting if you haven't noticed.:) 99% of all we worry about never comes to being. Let it go.

There is unlimited abundant energy and you direct whether it be positive or negative. Refuse to be negative and re-affirm “I am getting better.” No matter how you feel at the time, whether you believe it or not, your positive affirmation makes the the statement true.

As you speak the words the body responds with positive energy growing and healing. You will create brain cell impressions that re-enforce your words. Be grateful for a possible joy that may not be known yet to you. Renew your mind, your heart and every fiber of your body.

We become “compelled” and then “consumed”. Compel yourself to seek peace and healing; be consumed by those things. Only allow yourself to be compelled and consumed by thoughts that will aid your peace and healing process.

CLEAR: "Free from anything that dims or darkens; bright; unclouded.
Without impurity or blemish. Free from obstructions or hindrances.
Able to discern; quick and orderly; free from uncertainty; free from guilt;
without roughness, serene. To remove; to disentangle; to become free."

Be Clear!

Believe it or not, I used to flip people off and say "p--s on you" when I got upset.
It upset me further. These days I add another finger making the peace sign and simply say "peace on you."

It's been grate. Nasty people will be nasty no matter what. I won't change for them. I just bless them and think "they must not be happy". I ALWAYS feel better in the long run!

Don’t give away your power. Help others but refuse to be stripped of your energy and your joy. Share, don’t give it away.