I usually post others' articles here. Since weight loss has been such a difficult issue for me, I didn't feel I had much to add to this discussion. But recently, I am making strides in weight loss, healthy living and being at peace with myself.
A couple years ago I started a vegetable garden. I always "tried" to be healthy, but it seemed like a huge effort. And whenever I saw sweets, my efforts were derailed. But I am finally doing better by eating my home-grown vegies and fruit, as well as buying locally grown vegetables and fruit, sometimes I even splurge for organic if the price is reasonable.
I am eating more whole grains and I started buying more low-fat items. The non-fat Greek yogurt tastes better than the full fat regular yogurt. I guess we have to experiment a little to find healthy foods that we like. My husband is diabetic, so after two years of going without rice, he finally decided that brown rice and grains are not so bad. Personally, I've gotten to the point where processed food actually tastes bad to me. That helps a lot.
I decided that I am not giving up coffee anymore. There is more evidence that it is good for you than there is that it is bad. Plus, drinking coffee helps you lose weight, especially if you drink it in the morning, then wait two hours to eat breakfast.
I am also eating less. It was hard at first. I don't really like to waste food, so my doctor's suggestion of throwing 1/5 of the food on my plate into the garbage didn't work. My secret is a sweet treat after dinner. Knowing I'm going to have something later has helped me cut down to where I am eating half as much. The sweet treat is usually healthy: low fat ice cream or sorbet. I don't feel like I am depriving myself anymore. I think that is the key.
I've also been exercising. I have an elyptical machine. I walk a lot and cleaning the house and/or gardening is actually pretty good exercise.
But perhaps the most important thing I am doing is working on my dreams. I am trying to get a good draft of my novel done. This is a dream I have had for years, and the time I spend writing or thinking about writing is time I am not thinking about eating.
So . . . Relax . . . Enjoy your life . . . Have fun with your family . . . But most important, start making your dreams come true.
Life is good. It is meant to be enjoyed. Like the song says "Don't worry. Be happy."
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Travel Dreams, Get on the Right Track
DreamCast: Travel Dreams, Get on the Right Track for the New Year
December 25, 2011
By Cortney Litwin
Are You on the Right Path?
Are you on the right path, one that will lead to joy, prosperity and success in the coming year? The answer can be found within your dreams. After all, your dreams are reflections of your desires, needs and aspirations, as well as messengers from your Higher Self.
Travel dreams are particularly revealing about your life path. Dreaming of a plane (the greater perspective), train (getting on track) or automobile (what’s driving you) will reveal if you’re headed in the right direction, if you need to get clear about your direction, or if you need a change of direction. Pay special attention to how you feel within the dream (and upon waking), who is doing the driving, and the condition of the vehicle and roads. These clues will help uncover the dream’s message.
Feeling Lost
Annie in New York City obviously needs some clarity about her direction. She writes:
I have a recurring dream of being lost in the subway and unable to find the right train to get home. If I could just once succeed in my dream, I feel it would be a breakthrough. Is there something I can do? I’m stuck.
Typically, subterranean locations, like Annie’s subway, symbolize the subconscious. Being lost underground points to hidden emotions that are blocking her ability to get home (choose the right path). If Annie can discover what is hindering her ability to move forward, she’ll find her way “home.”
Taking Control
In dreams, the driver of the vehicle is the one in control. If you’re not in the driver’s seat, look to see who is influencing your choices. Betsi in Prescott Valley, Arizona, is in the process of creating a new path for herself—if she doesn’t let some emerging fears derail her progress. She writes:
I have been married 30 years and I recently opened my own small business. In my dream I’m sitting in the backseat of my husband’s jeep, and he’s driving. It’s nighttime, and he’s looking for a street. He drives down one street that ends up being fenced off, so he drives further and finally parks between a blue trailer and a house, which is a very tight fit. He opens the door to the jeep, extends his hand to me and says, “This is where you get out; it’s time for you to die.” I slap his arm and tell him “No!” because I’m scared. What does this mean?
Stepping out of your old life and into something new is often scary, especially if it affects another person. Because her husband was driving, Betsi may be overly influenced by his feelings. She may also be afraid to exhibit her independence (stepping out of the Jeep), which will allow her old self to pass away—likely a good thing, because it would be a “very tight fit” if she let her fears prevent her from growing.
Accidents and Car Trouble
If something is amiss with your dream vehicle, something is likely amiss with your inner or outer life as well. Recently divorced, Carmen from San Diego, California is likely struggling with some emotional issues. She relays this dream:
I am driving my car with other people, when all of a sudden the car overheats and I see smoke coming out of the engine. I stop and ask for help.
The overheated engine and asking for help indicate that that Carmen needs assistance in dealing with her anger. Seeking the advice from a therapist or trusted friend will help jumpstart her new life.
Dreaming of an accident is another sign that you’re headed for trouble, and that it’s time to take a good look at where you’re headed and/or how you’re getting there. Nazela in Georgetown, Guyana witnessed an accident in the following dream:
I dreamed that people were killed when a trash truck crashed into a house.
This succinct dream points to some “trash” in Nazela’s life, such as a negative attitude, habit, situation or person that she needs to release so she can move forward.
On the Right Track
If you’ve eliminated the “trash” from your life and are ready for a fresh start, you may have an encouraging dream that shows you’re headed in the right direction.
Lil from Orange, Connecticut had such a dream. She writes:
I am the driver of a long train. The road is good, and there is clear water on the side of the road.
As the conductor of the train, Lil is making decisions based on her own inner guidance. The good road symbolizes a good path, while the clear water symbolizes emotional clarity, which will enable her to see where she needs to go and make good choices about her direction.
May your own direction be true, your choices clear, and your path unimpeded in 2012 and beyond.
December 25, 2011
By Cortney Litwin
Are You on the Right Path?
Are you on the right path, one that will lead to joy, prosperity and success in the coming year? The answer can be found within your dreams. After all, your dreams are reflections of your desires, needs and aspirations, as well as messengers from your Higher Self.
Travel dreams are particularly revealing about your life path. Dreaming of a plane (the greater perspective), train (getting on track) or automobile (what’s driving you) will reveal if you’re headed in the right direction, if you need to get clear about your direction, or if you need a change of direction. Pay special attention to how you feel within the dream (and upon waking), who is doing the driving, and the condition of the vehicle and roads. These clues will help uncover the dream’s message.
Feeling Lost
Annie in New York City obviously needs some clarity about her direction. She writes:
I have a recurring dream of being lost in the subway and unable to find the right train to get home. If I could just once succeed in my dream, I feel it would be a breakthrough. Is there something I can do? I’m stuck.
Typically, subterranean locations, like Annie’s subway, symbolize the subconscious. Being lost underground points to hidden emotions that are blocking her ability to get home (choose the right path). If Annie can discover what is hindering her ability to move forward, she’ll find her way “home.”
Taking Control
In dreams, the driver of the vehicle is the one in control. If you’re not in the driver’s seat, look to see who is influencing your choices. Betsi in Prescott Valley, Arizona, is in the process of creating a new path for herself—if she doesn’t let some emerging fears derail her progress. She writes:
I have been married 30 years and I recently opened my own small business. In my dream I’m sitting in the backseat of my husband’s jeep, and he’s driving. It’s nighttime, and he’s looking for a street. He drives down one street that ends up being fenced off, so he drives further and finally parks between a blue trailer and a house, which is a very tight fit. He opens the door to the jeep, extends his hand to me and says, “This is where you get out; it’s time for you to die.” I slap his arm and tell him “No!” because I’m scared. What does this mean?
Stepping out of your old life and into something new is often scary, especially if it affects another person. Because her husband was driving, Betsi may be overly influenced by his feelings. She may also be afraid to exhibit her independence (stepping out of the Jeep), which will allow her old self to pass away—likely a good thing, because it would be a “very tight fit” if she let her fears prevent her from growing.
Accidents and Car Trouble
If something is amiss with your dream vehicle, something is likely amiss with your inner or outer life as well. Recently divorced, Carmen from San Diego, California is likely struggling with some emotional issues. She relays this dream:
I am driving my car with other people, when all of a sudden the car overheats and I see smoke coming out of the engine. I stop and ask for help.
The overheated engine and asking for help indicate that that Carmen needs assistance in dealing with her anger. Seeking the advice from a therapist or trusted friend will help jumpstart her new life.
Dreaming of an accident is another sign that you’re headed for trouble, and that it’s time to take a good look at where you’re headed and/or how you’re getting there. Nazela in Georgetown, Guyana witnessed an accident in the following dream:
I dreamed that people were killed when a trash truck crashed into a house.
This succinct dream points to some “trash” in Nazela’s life, such as a negative attitude, habit, situation or person that she needs to release so she can move forward.
On the Right Track
If you’ve eliminated the “trash” from your life and are ready for a fresh start, you may have an encouraging dream that shows you’re headed in the right direction.
Lil from Orange, Connecticut had such a dream. She writes:
I am the driver of a long train. The road is good, and there is clear water on the side of the road.
As the conductor of the train, Lil is making decisions based on her own inner guidance. The good road symbolizes a good path, while the clear water symbolizes emotional clarity, which will enable her to see where she needs to go and make good choices about her direction.
May your own direction be true, your choices clear, and your path unimpeded in 2012 and beyond.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Take Control of Your Life in 2012
Take Control of Your Life in 2012
December 30, 2011
By Holly Allender Kraig
Your Life Doesn’t Just Happen, You Make It Happen
With this year on its way out, I envision who will I be this time next year. Will I be stronger? Will I get over my anger issues? Will I lose the weight? Now here’s the difference between me today and a few years ago: now I can firmly answer “Yes!” to all those questions. Here’s why: I took control over my life.
Psychic Liam has empowered people all over the world to take more responsibility in their lives. In his video, Liam tells the story of one women who realized through working with Liam how she has allowed things to “just happen” to her. Have you ever said, “I don’t know. It just happened!” That’s a pretty lame excuse for not taking control of your life.
As my mom told me after I broke the vase, “Holly, things don’t break on their own.” Same as your life. It can’t break down without agreeing to let it break down! So this next year, are you going to agree to let yourself continue to break your life? Are you going to agree to “just let it happen?” Or would you like new ways to take control of your life?
1. Get Help!
The definition of insanity is repeating the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. So look very closely at what you do when you encounter change, crisis or an issue. Do you go for the cigarette immediately when bad news hits? Do you immediately call your best friend to gossip about the drama you now find yourself in? I’m willing to bet these don’t help. Get real help! Find real solutions. My favorite methods are talking with a psychic, writing it down, hypnotherapy, NLP sessions, massage therapy, exercising and screaming (at the top of my lungs driving down the highway). This year, find new ways to solve old problems. And you’re not weak, stupid or wrong to ask for help. Anyone who tells you different can talk to me.
2. Catch Yourself
This year, I’ve learned to be more aware of what I’m doing, when I’m doing it and asking myself, “Why am I doing this?” In a meeting, if I get annoyed, I immediately catch myself and ask, “Why are you so annoyed?” When my husband does something that annoys me, I ask myself about it before I jump down his throat. Yoga and NLP are great ways to explore how to become more mindful of your actions, emotions and reactions.
3. Change Your Perspective
How long have you been upset at your sister, family member or friend? Do you even remember why you are? Do you get angry or dread going into work? Do you know why? It’s time to change your perspective. Between catching yourself and asking for help, you will be well on your way. But now is the time to also question how you think about stuff.
There are really good reasons why you’re angry, defensive and/or emotional. You just need to take the time to understand why. When you do, you’ll be empowered with information to change your life. It might even be time to change your perspective or update your out-of-date thinking. Psychic Liam is great at helping getting to the root of issues and uncovering new paths. With his background, he can help open doors that you never knew existed. (Don’t just take my word for it! Call Liam and find out for yourself!)
Find out who you really are, embrace it and have a wonderful New Year celebrating the wonderful You!
December 30, 2011
By Holly Allender Kraig
Your Life Doesn’t Just Happen, You Make It Happen
With this year on its way out, I envision who will I be this time next year. Will I be stronger? Will I get over my anger issues? Will I lose the weight? Now here’s the difference between me today and a few years ago: now I can firmly answer “Yes!” to all those questions. Here’s why: I took control over my life.
Psychic Liam has empowered people all over the world to take more responsibility in their lives. In his video, Liam tells the story of one women who realized through working with Liam how she has allowed things to “just happen” to her. Have you ever said, “I don’t know. It just happened!” That’s a pretty lame excuse for not taking control of your life.
As my mom told me after I broke the vase, “Holly, things don’t break on their own.” Same as your life. It can’t break down without agreeing to let it break down! So this next year, are you going to agree to let yourself continue to break your life? Are you going to agree to “just let it happen?” Or would you like new ways to take control of your life?
1. Get Help!
The definition of insanity is repeating the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. So look very closely at what you do when you encounter change, crisis or an issue. Do you go for the cigarette immediately when bad news hits? Do you immediately call your best friend to gossip about the drama you now find yourself in? I’m willing to bet these don’t help. Get real help! Find real solutions. My favorite methods are talking with a psychic, writing it down, hypnotherapy, NLP sessions, massage therapy, exercising and screaming (at the top of my lungs driving down the highway). This year, find new ways to solve old problems. And you’re not weak, stupid or wrong to ask for help. Anyone who tells you different can talk to me.
2. Catch Yourself
This year, I’ve learned to be more aware of what I’m doing, when I’m doing it and asking myself, “Why am I doing this?” In a meeting, if I get annoyed, I immediately catch myself and ask, “Why are you so annoyed?” When my husband does something that annoys me, I ask myself about it before I jump down his throat. Yoga and NLP are great ways to explore how to become more mindful of your actions, emotions and reactions.
3. Change Your Perspective
How long have you been upset at your sister, family member or friend? Do you even remember why you are? Do you get angry or dread going into work? Do you know why? It’s time to change your perspective. Between catching yourself and asking for help, you will be well on your way. But now is the time to also question how you think about stuff.
There are really good reasons why you’re angry, defensive and/or emotional. You just need to take the time to understand why. When you do, you’ll be empowered with information to change your life. It might even be time to change your perspective or update your out-of-date thinking. Psychic Liam is great at helping getting to the root of issues and uncovering new paths. With his background, he can help open doors that you never knew existed. (Don’t just take my word for it! Call Liam and find out for yourself!)
Find out who you really are, embrace it and have a wonderful New Year celebrating the wonderful You!
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Why Positive Thinking Can Heal
By Psychic Verbena
March 24, 2011
Consciousness and the New Biology
In his groundbreaking book The Biology of Belief, Bruce H.Lipton, Ph.D. uses the leading edge biological science of epigenetics to demonstrate why and how what we believe and what we think about affects our physical reality, right down to the healthy function of individual cells.
Maybe you’re already convinced about the power of positive thinking and the effects of the Law of Attraction, but if you’re like me and like to have a few facts and a smattering of logic to support what you intuitively understand, then you’re going to want to read Lipton’s book.
Lipton doesn’t just talk about new biological theories, either. He’s an epic myth-buster in several areas, using the latest science to help us move light years beyond the ideas of Newton and Descartes and into the leading edge of scientific thought in the 21st century.
His book is so compelling that every time I found Lipton’s detailed scientific proofs a bit daunting and skipped ahead in a chapter, I found myself so amazed by his conclusions that I inevitably went back and read what I’d skipped.
Starting with a new understanding of the role of our genetic strands of DNA, which until recently was believed to be the primary cause or director of cell behavior, Lipton painstakingly builds a clear, comprehensible scientific case for the new belief that the primary cause of cell behavior is its response to its environment.
This completely trashes the idea that humans – or, indeed any living things – are helpless victims of genetic programming (remember the movie “Jurassic Park”?). Your physical body is not a machine endlessly replicating programmed behavior, but rather a collection of individually conscious cells which, through a complex system of intercommunication, work together for the health and well-being of the whole (you).
Next, he explains how the new physics, quantum mechanics, interacts with biology to remind us that solid matter is not actually solid, that it is at its core pure energy. As Lipton says, “…we do not live in a universe with discrete [sic] physical objects separated by dead space. The Universe is one, indivisible, dynamic whole [author’s italics] in which energy and matter are so deeply entangled it is impossible to consider them as independent elements.”
This concept is a key to how your thoughts affect not only your health but the unfolding reality of the world around you!
For the next important concept, Lipton refers us to scientist Candace Pert’s book Molecules of Emotion, the ideas in which were featured in the mind-blowing 2004 movie What the Bleep Do We Know? Pert’s studies of how the brain interacts with the body revealed that your mind, rather than existing solely in your head, is actually distributed throughout your body via signal molecules. And, even more important, her studies show that the larger self-consciousness of your forebrain can intentionally use the rest of your physical brain to “generate ‘molecules of emotion’” which can override the unconscious, faulty programming which many agree produces unhappiness or disease.
These “molecules of emotion” are key to understanding why traditional ideas about positive thinking often don’t work, especially over a sustained period of time. Most popular positive thinking focuses on your rational mind through self-talk, but it’s actually the chemical reactions created by your emotional responses that are most important, and your emotional responses are usually triggered or controlled by your beliefs.
Using the placebo effect (in which patients are cured by taking harmless substances which they believe are medicine) and the effectiveness of hypnosis as examples, Lipton next discusses the stages of human learning and the levels of consciousness in which they take place.
He describes the various frequencies of brain activity, from Delta (slowest) to Beta (fastest), which frequencies are typical at which ages, and why reprogramming of subconscious beliefs and retraining in positive thinking are most effective by accessing the Delta or Theta states, which are the normal frequencies for infants to six-year-olds. In adults, Delta state is reached in deep, dreamless sleep or deepest relaxation, which is why subliminal sleep programming can be so effective. Theta is reached in meditation.
In his epilogue, Lipton finally allows himself to cut loose and speculate about how these discoveries can positively impact our future, as individuals and as a society, bringing in everyone from Mickey Mouse as the sorcerer’s apprentice in “Fantasia” to Darwin through fractal geometry and Rumi, stirring them all together into vision to inspire even the most hardened cynic.
By Psychic Verbena
March 24, 2011
Consciousness and the New Biology
In his groundbreaking book The Biology of Belief, Bruce H.Lipton, Ph.D. uses the leading edge biological science of epigenetics to demonstrate why and how what we believe and what we think about affects our physical reality, right down to the healthy function of individual cells.
Maybe you’re already convinced about the power of positive thinking and the effects of the Law of Attraction, but if you’re like me and like to have a few facts and a smattering of logic to support what you intuitively understand, then you’re going to want to read Lipton’s book.
Lipton doesn’t just talk about new biological theories, either. He’s an epic myth-buster in several areas, using the latest science to help us move light years beyond the ideas of Newton and Descartes and into the leading edge of scientific thought in the 21st century.
His book is so compelling that every time I found Lipton’s detailed scientific proofs a bit daunting and skipped ahead in a chapter, I found myself so amazed by his conclusions that I inevitably went back and read what I’d skipped.
Starting with a new understanding of the role of our genetic strands of DNA, which until recently was believed to be the primary cause or director of cell behavior, Lipton painstakingly builds a clear, comprehensible scientific case for the new belief that the primary cause of cell behavior is its response to its environment.
This completely trashes the idea that humans – or, indeed any living things – are helpless victims of genetic programming (remember the movie “Jurassic Park”?). Your physical body is not a machine endlessly replicating programmed behavior, but rather a collection of individually conscious cells which, through a complex system of intercommunication, work together for the health and well-being of the whole (you).
Next, he explains how the new physics, quantum mechanics, interacts with biology to remind us that solid matter is not actually solid, that it is at its core pure energy. As Lipton says, “…we do not live in a universe with discrete [sic] physical objects separated by dead space. The Universe is one, indivisible, dynamic whole [author’s italics] in which energy and matter are so deeply entangled it is impossible to consider them as independent elements.”
This concept is a key to how your thoughts affect not only your health but the unfolding reality of the world around you!
For the next important concept, Lipton refers us to scientist Candace Pert’s book Molecules of Emotion, the ideas in which were featured in the mind-blowing 2004 movie What the Bleep Do We Know? Pert’s studies of how the brain interacts with the body revealed that your mind, rather than existing solely in your head, is actually distributed throughout your body via signal molecules. And, even more important, her studies show that the larger self-consciousness of your forebrain can intentionally use the rest of your physical brain to “generate ‘molecules of emotion’” which can override the unconscious, faulty programming which many agree produces unhappiness or disease.
These “molecules of emotion” are key to understanding why traditional ideas about positive thinking often don’t work, especially over a sustained period of time. Most popular positive thinking focuses on your rational mind through self-talk, but it’s actually the chemical reactions created by your emotional responses that are most important, and your emotional responses are usually triggered or controlled by your beliefs.
Using the placebo effect (in which patients are cured by taking harmless substances which they believe are medicine) and the effectiveness of hypnosis as examples, Lipton next discusses the stages of human learning and the levels of consciousness in which they take place.
He describes the various frequencies of brain activity, from Delta (slowest) to Beta (fastest), which frequencies are typical at which ages, and why reprogramming of subconscious beliefs and retraining in positive thinking are most effective by accessing the Delta or Theta states, which are the normal frequencies for infants to six-year-olds. In adults, Delta state is reached in deep, dreamless sleep or deepest relaxation, which is why subliminal sleep programming can be so effective. Theta is reached in meditation.
In his epilogue, Lipton finally allows himself to cut loose and speculate about how these discoveries can positively impact our future, as individuals and as a society, bringing in everyone from Mickey Mouse as the sorcerer’s apprentice in “Fantasia” to Darwin through fractal geometry and Rumi, stirring them all together into vision to inspire even the most hardened cynic.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Thursday, December 22, 2011
How to Handle Unrealistic Relatives at Christmas
How to Handle Unrealistic Relatives at Christmas
by Robert Preston
Robert Preston is a professional writer who majored in journalism at The College of New Jersey. In addition to work for various websites, Preston has done public relations with Major League Lacrosse's New Jersey Pride organization, where he served as the team's beat reporter.
By Robert Preston, eHow Contributor
updated January 31, 2011
Holiday gatherings can be joyous occasions, with relatives coming from afar to be together and share a meal. But a family gathering can bring as many headaches as it does smiles, particularly when you must deal with a difficult relative. One of the more frustrating experiences at a Christmas gathering is dealing with a family member who has unrealistic expectations and demands. Whether commenting on the gifts, the food or the weather, an unrealistic guest always has something to complain about.
Instructions
1. Prepare responses to problems a complainer is likely to find in foreseeable areas, such as the food.
* 2 Remain calm when dealing with the unrealistic guest. Responding with anger or complaints of your own will escalate the problem.
* 3 Take breaks away from the unrealistic family member when possible.
* 4 Ignore the complaints on a personal level. As you anticipate the member with unrealistic expectations to find faults, it becomes easier to prevent his or her complaints from upsetting you.
* 5 Deflect complaints when possible by pre-empting them or agreeing. Making a simple statement like, "The biscuits are a bit overcooked" as they are brought out can cut the complainer off before he or she starts.
* 6 Remember that your time with the complainer is temporary. This realization can help keep you calm as things get irritating.
* 7 Have an exit plan, such as a specific time you must be on the road, if you are not the host.
* 8 Relax in the days after the family's visit. Failing to properly unwind from the stress of dealing with a difficult relative can cast a shadow that hangs for weeks if you don't allow for a proper relaxation period.
* Life Coach TrainingErickson.edu/Coach-Training
Professional ICF Coach Training. The Gold Standard of Coaching!
Read more: How to Handle Unrealistic Relatives at Christmas | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_7875582_handle-unrealistic-relatives-christmas.html#ixzz1hIyk9OdE
by Robert Preston
Robert Preston is a professional writer who majored in journalism at The College of New Jersey. In addition to work for various websites, Preston has done public relations with Major League Lacrosse's New Jersey Pride organization, where he served as the team's beat reporter.
By Robert Preston, eHow Contributor
updated January 31, 2011
Holiday gatherings can be joyous occasions, with relatives coming from afar to be together and share a meal. But a family gathering can bring as many headaches as it does smiles, particularly when you must deal with a difficult relative. One of the more frustrating experiences at a Christmas gathering is dealing with a family member who has unrealistic expectations and demands. Whether commenting on the gifts, the food or the weather, an unrealistic guest always has something to complain about.
Instructions
1. Prepare responses to problems a complainer is likely to find in foreseeable areas, such as the food.
* 2 Remain calm when dealing with the unrealistic guest. Responding with anger or complaints of your own will escalate the problem.
* 3 Take breaks away from the unrealistic family member when possible.
* 4 Ignore the complaints on a personal level. As you anticipate the member with unrealistic expectations to find faults, it becomes easier to prevent his or her complaints from upsetting you.
* 5 Deflect complaints when possible by pre-empting them or agreeing. Making a simple statement like, "The biscuits are a bit overcooked" as they are brought out can cut the complainer off before he or she starts.
* 6 Remember that your time with the complainer is temporary. This realization can help keep you calm as things get irritating.
* 7 Have an exit plan, such as a specific time you must be on the road, if you are not the host.
* 8 Relax in the days after the family's visit. Failing to properly unwind from the stress of dealing with a difficult relative can cast a shadow that hangs for weeks if you don't allow for a proper relaxation period.
* Life Coach TrainingErickson.edu/Coach-Training
Professional ICF Coach Training. The Gold Standard of Coaching!
Read more: How to Handle Unrealistic Relatives at Christmas | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_7875582_handle-unrealistic-relatives-christmas.html#ixzz1hIyk9OdE
Sunday, December 18, 2011
5 Steps to Letting Things Go
5 Steps to Letting Things Go
December 17, 2011 By Psychic Yemaya
Let Go to Find Happiness!
We are moving in a very fast paced world these days, and if we aren’t careful, it’s much too easy to get stuck! It’s hard to know when you yourself are stuck; however, a few clues or symptoms are: you feel confused about “what to do,” and no matter how you try to make yourself think about “moving forward” away from the person, place or thing that’s holding you back from being happy… you still go right back to the old behaviors.
One popular definition of “insanity” is to keep going back to the same thing, doing the same thing, over and over and somehow expecting a different result. Once you realize in your intelligential mind that some thing, some place, or SOMEONE, is bad for you, how can you make yourself let go and move forward? Use these five steps!
1. Clearly simply knowing something is bad for you is not enough. You need to gather the evidence and the proof. I will write down the things that I KNOW for sure, events, situations, moments and the way they made me feel in that moment. If it applies, then perhaps asking your friends and loved ones to supply their notes or moments for your “proof” box. Get a box or container and gather these.
2. In order to “let go” of something, it helps us to “see” what will take that place. So come up with ideas of what to do with your time, how you can use the space, or what you will do differently ONCE that negative energy is gone from your life. I like to decorate the outside of that “letting go” box with these things, but I’m an artsy-crafty kinda gal. You can make a list, or whatever allows you to compare them.
3. Now is the deeper work of deciding HOW to best take action. What do YOU need to do, buy, create, say, to move the game piece forward on this? You need to sit down and come up with three to five solid steps to take, and the timelines of when to take them; it will then start to become “doable.” Now commit to yourself the date you WILL take the first step. Mark that on your calendar, and remember to keep actively reviewing this process and your calendar with updates for the next steps.
4. Stay honest with yourself. Stay on the deadlines you create… if you cannot do that, then it’s time to admit that you cannot control this aspect of your life, and seek the help or counsel of someone that can help you to face up to this change.
5. Don’t be afraid of conflict or emotion. Avoiding those can keep you stuck, and being stuck can be like being in a jail cell which you yourself created!
Most of all, love yourself, and remember that you deserve to be happy, and that you are the one that creates your life, and no one can hurt you without your permission! It’s time to change!
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Gandhi
Coach Sherrie says: I need this advice as much as anyone does! 8-) Sherrie
December 17, 2011 By Psychic Yemaya
Let Go to Find Happiness!
We are moving in a very fast paced world these days, and if we aren’t careful, it’s much too easy to get stuck! It’s hard to know when you yourself are stuck; however, a few clues or symptoms are: you feel confused about “what to do,” and no matter how you try to make yourself think about “moving forward” away from the person, place or thing that’s holding you back from being happy… you still go right back to the old behaviors.
One popular definition of “insanity” is to keep going back to the same thing, doing the same thing, over and over and somehow expecting a different result. Once you realize in your intelligential mind that some thing, some place, or SOMEONE, is bad for you, how can you make yourself let go and move forward? Use these five steps!
1. Clearly simply knowing something is bad for you is not enough. You need to gather the evidence and the proof. I will write down the things that I KNOW for sure, events, situations, moments and the way they made me feel in that moment. If it applies, then perhaps asking your friends and loved ones to supply their notes or moments for your “proof” box. Get a box or container and gather these.
2. In order to “let go” of something, it helps us to “see” what will take that place. So come up with ideas of what to do with your time, how you can use the space, or what you will do differently ONCE that negative energy is gone from your life. I like to decorate the outside of that “letting go” box with these things, but I’m an artsy-crafty kinda gal. You can make a list, or whatever allows you to compare them.
3. Now is the deeper work of deciding HOW to best take action. What do YOU need to do, buy, create, say, to move the game piece forward on this? You need to sit down and come up with three to five solid steps to take, and the timelines of when to take them; it will then start to become “doable.” Now commit to yourself the date you WILL take the first step. Mark that on your calendar, and remember to keep actively reviewing this process and your calendar with updates for the next steps.
4. Stay honest with yourself. Stay on the deadlines you create… if you cannot do that, then it’s time to admit that you cannot control this aspect of your life, and seek the help or counsel of someone that can help you to face up to this change.
5. Don’t be afraid of conflict or emotion. Avoiding those can keep you stuck, and being stuck can be like being in a jail cell which you yourself created!
Most of all, love yourself, and remember that you deserve to be happy, and that you are the one that creates your life, and no one can hurt you without your permission! It’s time to change!
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Gandhi
Coach Sherrie says: I need this advice as much as anyone does! 8-) Sherrie
Monday, December 12, 2011
Get Busy Working Towards the Dream! by Carmen Honacker
Stop the BS and Grow
December 11, 2011
By Carmen Honacker
Stop Feeling Sorry for Yourself and Get Busy Working Towards the Dream!
The top killers in the US, and quite arguably in the Western World, are heart attacks, diabetes and obesity. What do all of these have in common? Well, stress, of course! And what causes continuously high stress levels that can no longer be dealt with by the body? Being unhappy, feeling powerless, not getting what you want in life and feeling stuck.
How we feel and perceive the world creates our reality, and therefore determines how successful, happy and healthy we are. A twisted mind causes a twisted heart and body! And please, let’s not start with the excuse of happy people getting sick as well. I will always argue that a sick mind and soul are the top reasons for most chronic conditions, such as asthma, fibromyalgia, headaches, chest pains, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, obesity, etc.
Let me share how the chain reaction started and then progressed over seven years. I started out with a sick upbringing, which created a sick way of perceiving the world and those in it. I had no tools to attract good things, because I also had no knowledge of what “happy” looked like. I felt most comfortable with other broken people, because they allowed me to shift the focus away from me, as I tried to help them get well. Of course, this plan never worked; instead I kept finding myself betrayed, abandoned, back-stabbed and used; which made me more and more angry, hurt and feeling hopeless and powerless. The more powerless I felt, the less I spoke up and tried to fight back. Instead, I bottled it up, until my body started to become sicker and sicker. I had no energy anymore, which made me not want to move, but sleep all the time. Being inactive made me gain weight, which made me feel worse. Then I started developing asthma, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. I had heart palpitations, chest pains, joint pains and headaches all the time; at one point (six years ago) I had a nervous breakdown, and ended up hospitalized for two weeks. Finally, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
Years went by, in which my health would go up and down. The more stress I experienced, the worse things would get for me physically. The doctors would run more tests, give me anti-anxiety meds and steroids and send me on my merry way. My negative experiences and outlook literally turned my body into a toxic dump that was no longer able to properly dispose of stress (hence, high cortisol levels, because my adrenals were working non-stop). I had to make a conscious decision to get well, because I was, in the truest sense, sick and tired.
“Take the time for an honest life review as the most significant modifications are made from the inside out.” – Faith ext. 9608
I have talked about it many times, and feel it is important to repeat it: there has to be some kind of light that goes on in one’s head. Some people may call it rock-bottom, others may call it being tired of their own BS, but there has to be a moment of complete self-awareness. I call it the “oh-shit” moment. As long as people are still afforded some kind of comfort by feeding their own misery and story, they will not shift and continue with their patterns, no matter how miserable they are.
In the past three years, I have finally reached almost all the goals I have set. I finally found the career I wanted, with a company that rivals Yahoo in pay, environment and responsibilities. I am starting my new job on the first of November. I found the man that fits who I am and loves me unconditionally, and I married him. I resolved some of my left-over issues with therapy; I now know how to properly set boundaries. I have disposed of all people, situations and circumstances that were toxic to me, because I finally had the proper tools in my tool belt to do so. I started Pilates, after I completed almost two years of personal training, and bought a bicycle, which I love riding down to the beach. I started meditation again. I sold my house and moved with my husband to a beautiful, amazingly designed and huge space in Playa Vista, with a bathroom the size of a small country!
I left no stone unturned. I didn’t sit on my butt, feeling sorry for myself and waiting for things to magically change or come to me. I did whatever I had to, and while there are still things left to do, I am sure as hell a whole lot closer. I went through a lot, but I’m living the American dream, because I worked my butt off for it. And if I can do it, so can you!
“Going within and becoming the best of who you are is a spiritual goal.” – TeriLynn
December 11, 2011
By Carmen Honacker
Stop Feeling Sorry for Yourself and Get Busy Working Towards the Dream!
The top killers in the US, and quite arguably in the Western World, are heart attacks, diabetes and obesity. What do all of these have in common? Well, stress, of course! And what causes continuously high stress levels that can no longer be dealt with by the body? Being unhappy, feeling powerless, not getting what you want in life and feeling stuck.
How we feel and perceive the world creates our reality, and therefore determines how successful, happy and healthy we are. A twisted mind causes a twisted heart and body! And please, let’s not start with the excuse of happy people getting sick as well. I will always argue that a sick mind and soul are the top reasons for most chronic conditions, such as asthma, fibromyalgia, headaches, chest pains, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, obesity, etc.
Let me share how the chain reaction started and then progressed over seven years. I started out with a sick upbringing, which created a sick way of perceiving the world and those in it. I had no tools to attract good things, because I also had no knowledge of what “happy” looked like. I felt most comfortable with other broken people, because they allowed me to shift the focus away from me, as I tried to help them get well. Of course, this plan never worked; instead I kept finding myself betrayed, abandoned, back-stabbed and used; which made me more and more angry, hurt and feeling hopeless and powerless. The more powerless I felt, the less I spoke up and tried to fight back. Instead, I bottled it up, until my body started to become sicker and sicker. I had no energy anymore, which made me not want to move, but sleep all the time. Being inactive made me gain weight, which made me feel worse. Then I started developing asthma, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. I had heart palpitations, chest pains, joint pains and headaches all the time; at one point (six years ago) I had a nervous breakdown, and ended up hospitalized for two weeks. Finally, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
Years went by, in which my health would go up and down. The more stress I experienced, the worse things would get for me physically. The doctors would run more tests, give me anti-anxiety meds and steroids and send me on my merry way. My negative experiences and outlook literally turned my body into a toxic dump that was no longer able to properly dispose of stress (hence, high cortisol levels, because my adrenals were working non-stop). I had to make a conscious decision to get well, because I was, in the truest sense, sick and tired.
“Take the time for an honest life review as the most significant modifications are made from the inside out.” – Faith ext. 9608
I have talked about it many times, and feel it is important to repeat it: there has to be some kind of light that goes on in one’s head. Some people may call it rock-bottom, others may call it being tired of their own BS, but there has to be a moment of complete self-awareness. I call it the “oh-shit” moment. As long as people are still afforded some kind of comfort by feeding their own misery and story, they will not shift and continue with their patterns, no matter how miserable they are.
In the past three years, I have finally reached almost all the goals I have set. I finally found the career I wanted, with a company that rivals Yahoo in pay, environment and responsibilities. I am starting my new job on the first of November. I found the man that fits who I am and loves me unconditionally, and I married him. I resolved some of my left-over issues with therapy; I now know how to properly set boundaries. I have disposed of all people, situations and circumstances that were toxic to me, because I finally had the proper tools in my tool belt to do so. I started Pilates, after I completed almost two years of personal training, and bought a bicycle, which I love riding down to the beach. I started meditation again. I sold my house and moved with my husband to a beautiful, amazingly designed and huge space in Playa Vista, with a bathroom the size of a small country!
I left no stone unturned. I didn’t sit on my butt, feeling sorry for myself and waiting for things to magically change or come to me. I did whatever I had to, and while there are still things left to do, I am sure as hell a whole lot closer. I went through a lot, but I’m living the American dream, because I worked my butt off for it. And if I can do it, so can you!
“Going within and becoming the best of who you are is a spiritual goal.” – TeriLynn
Friday, December 9, 2011
Easily Find Self-Fulfillment
Easily Find Self-Fulfillment
December 8, 2011
By S.K. Smith
Finding Fulfillment in the Process of Self-Improvement
Unlike the bulk of the other items on your day-to-day checklist of things to do, self-improvement is actually fun—and fulfilling. There’s no downside. Plus, it can generate change across the board in your life… anywhere you direct it, in fact! If you’re having trouble shifting gears from taking care of everyone else to taking care of yourself, it’s time to look at self work in a new way—as play. Here are three ways to do just that and incorporate some much needed me-time into your busy life in the process!
Shift Your Approach
Every team has a star player—and in your life, that’s you! Instead of putting everyone else first and telling yourself that you can afford to let your own needs slide (after all, you won’t be letting anyone down but yourself), get your head in the game, STAT! If you want to succeed in love, at work, as a parent or in any aspect of life it’s vital to be your best you. So instead of looking at your self-work as one more thing to add to your tedious to-do list, adjust your perception and instill this message in yourself as well as everyone around you: reflective, meditative “me-time” is good for everybody and everybody needs to take it. Not only will you taste the victory of taking control of your own life, you’ll have begun to shift the energetic playing field for everyone else!
Implement Your Strategy
Now that you’ve acknowledged your own need for fulfillment it’s time to put your game plan into action. Prioritize taking time for your own personal growth. That doesn’t mean squeezing in an hour to watch TV at night or having dinner with friends while your spouse watches the kids (though that stuff is important sometimes too), it means valuing yourself as an individual with wants, needs and dreams which need to acknowledged, evaluated and sometimes, adjusted. Balance is the goal of this game and if you can visualize how it will feel when you achieve it, you’ll be eager to get started. Remember, this isn’t meant to be torturous. Any activities you undertake for your own highest good should make you feel relaxed, present and reflective. Sure, you’re going to shake things up when you delve deep, but struggle leads to catharsis. Which is why you should.
Have No Fear
It’s not all fun and games when you’re facing down your demons. And while you may encounter some aspects of yourself you don’t particularly like when you’re totally honest with yourself – nobody’s perfect after all – you will probably find that the deeper you go, the more tension you release. A good cry goes a long way to alleviating years of pent up frustration and anger. Besides, what didn’t kill you the first time certainly can’t kill you now. The old adage is true, it can only make you stronger. So rather than running from your opponent (whether it be your own self-destructive patterns, a fear of change or anything else), recognize that you are up to the challenge of defeating it and remember: the prize—a life of endless possibilities—is truly worth it!
December 8, 2011
By S.K. Smith
Finding Fulfillment in the Process of Self-Improvement
Unlike the bulk of the other items on your day-to-day checklist of things to do, self-improvement is actually fun—and fulfilling. There’s no downside. Plus, it can generate change across the board in your life… anywhere you direct it, in fact! If you’re having trouble shifting gears from taking care of everyone else to taking care of yourself, it’s time to look at self work in a new way—as play. Here are three ways to do just that and incorporate some much needed me-time into your busy life in the process!
Shift Your Approach
Every team has a star player—and in your life, that’s you! Instead of putting everyone else first and telling yourself that you can afford to let your own needs slide (after all, you won’t be letting anyone down but yourself), get your head in the game, STAT! If you want to succeed in love, at work, as a parent or in any aspect of life it’s vital to be your best you. So instead of looking at your self-work as one more thing to add to your tedious to-do list, adjust your perception and instill this message in yourself as well as everyone around you: reflective, meditative “me-time” is good for everybody and everybody needs to take it. Not only will you taste the victory of taking control of your own life, you’ll have begun to shift the energetic playing field for everyone else!
Implement Your Strategy
Now that you’ve acknowledged your own need for fulfillment it’s time to put your game plan into action. Prioritize taking time for your own personal growth. That doesn’t mean squeezing in an hour to watch TV at night or having dinner with friends while your spouse watches the kids (though that stuff is important sometimes too), it means valuing yourself as an individual with wants, needs and dreams which need to acknowledged, evaluated and sometimes, adjusted. Balance is the goal of this game and if you can visualize how it will feel when you achieve it, you’ll be eager to get started. Remember, this isn’t meant to be torturous. Any activities you undertake for your own highest good should make you feel relaxed, present and reflective. Sure, you’re going to shake things up when you delve deep, but struggle leads to catharsis. Which is why you should.
Have No Fear
It’s not all fun and games when you’re facing down your demons. And while you may encounter some aspects of yourself you don’t particularly like when you’re totally honest with yourself – nobody’s perfect after all – you will probably find that the deeper you go, the more tension you release. A good cry goes a long way to alleviating years of pent up frustration and anger. Besides, what didn’t kill you the first time certainly can’t kill you now. The old adage is true, it can only make you stronger. So rather than running from your opponent (whether it be your own self-destructive patterns, a fear of change or anything else), recognize that you are up to the challenge of defeating it and remember: the prize—a life of endless possibilities—is truly worth it!
Friday, December 2, 2011
Anxiety Treatment Exercises by Ashley Brooks
Anxiety Treatment Exercises
Ashley Brooks
Ashley 'Ash' Brooks is a writer living in the Midwest. She has worked in the writing industry for over five years as a writer, editor and teacher. Brooks enjoys writing about animals (preferably cats), mental health, spirituality and computers. She has been published on Ehow.com. Brooks has a Bachelor of Arts in creative writing and a Master' of Arts in composition and rhetoric,
By Ashley Brooks, eHow Contributor
updated December 01, 2011
Exercises that help you relieve anxiety.
Anxiety disorders affect millions of people and are the most common mental illness in the United States. According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America website, there are a number of effective therapies and exercises available to treat the symptoms of anxiety. Self-help exercises that you can practice to lessen the symptoms of your anxiety include guided meditation, breathing exercises and relaxation exercises.
Related Searches:
* Muscle Exercises
* How to Reduce Anxiety
1. Guided Meditations
*Meditation is a practice that is highly praised by business executives, religious leaders, spiritual healers and everyday people. The difference between guided and unguided meditation is that guided meditation give you a kind of script to follow while you meditate. You are given visual clues, encouragement and techniques to control your breathing and ease your stress. Guided meditations can help you cope with anxiety as the technique has been shown to reduce the heart rate, create a sense of calm and well-being, and promote a positive self-image. The resources section at the end of this article provides links to websites that offer guided meditations for you to use at your leisure. When doing a guided meditation, remember you only need about five to ten minutes. If you're suffering from anxiety, it is helpful to try a meditation before entering into a situation that you find stressful, such as being around large groups of people or being in a small area.
Breathing Exercises
*According to the article "5 Simple Exercises for Managing Anxiety" by Therese J. Borchard, breathing from your diaphragm creates a sense of well-being and calm. For this reason, when you begin feeling anxious, focus on slowing down your breathing and pushing that air deeper into your lungs. This will ease your rising tension and help you bring yourself back to the present. HolisticOnline.com's article "Breathing Exercises" suggests you stand with your feet shoulder width apart and inhale slowly while raising your hands above your head. Exhale, and turn your hands up toward the sky. Inhale once more and slowly rotate your hands back toward the ground, and slowly lower your arms while feeling the air rush out from your nostrils. You can repeat this exercise in sets for more effectiveness, as the technique forces you to focus on your breathing and your body, keeping your attention away from your worries.
Relaxation Exercises
*The MayoClinic.com article "Relaxation Techniques" presents a number of relaxation techniques you can use when you feel your anxiety levels rising. You should also consult your physician or a mental health professional to give you addition tips and techniques, especially if you begin feeling uncomfortable or distressed while performing these techniques.
You can use visualization to reduce anxiety by imagining yourself in a serene environment. Visualization is a somewhat misleading term, because although you imagine what the place looks like, you also involve all of your senses and imagine what the place feels and smells like. For example, if your place of serenity is an open field looking out over a green valley, you'd not only see the valley but also smell the slightly sweet scent of clover in the air, and you'd feel the wind running softly against your skin. Initially, you may have difficulties making the "image" stick, but relaxation exercises take practice; the more you do them, the stronger they'll be.
You can also try progressive muscle relaxation, in which you tense up groups of muscles (such as your upper arm muscles) and slowly relax them. You can do this throughout your whole body starting with your feet and ending with your face. (You may be surprised how much tension you carry in your face.) Progressive muscle relaxation can also help you fall asleep if anxiety makes it difficult for you to fall asleep.
Read more: Anxiety Treatment Exercises | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/way_5626221_anxiety-treatment-exercises.html#ixzz1fQAjJkXw
Ashley Brooks
Ashley 'Ash' Brooks is a writer living in the Midwest. She has worked in the writing industry for over five years as a writer, editor and teacher. Brooks enjoys writing about animals (preferably cats), mental health, spirituality and computers. She has been published on Ehow.com. Brooks has a Bachelor of Arts in creative writing and a Master' of Arts in composition and rhetoric,
By Ashley Brooks, eHow Contributor
updated December 01, 2011
Exercises that help you relieve anxiety.
Anxiety disorders affect millions of people and are the most common mental illness in the United States. According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America website, there are a number of effective therapies and exercises available to treat the symptoms of anxiety. Self-help exercises that you can practice to lessen the symptoms of your anxiety include guided meditation, breathing exercises and relaxation exercises.
Related Searches:
* Muscle Exercises
* How to Reduce Anxiety
1. Guided Meditations
*Meditation is a practice that is highly praised by business executives, religious leaders, spiritual healers and everyday people. The difference between guided and unguided meditation is that guided meditation give you a kind of script to follow while you meditate. You are given visual clues, encouragement and techniques to control your breathing and ease your stress. Guided meditations can help you cope with anxiety as the technique has been shown to reduce the heart rate, create a sense of calm and well-being, and promote a positive self-image. The resources section at the end of this article provides links to websites that offer guided meditations for you to use at your leisure. When doing a guided meditation, remember you only need about five to ten minutes. If you're suffering from anxiety, it is helpful to try a meditation before entering into a situation that you find stressful, such as being around large groups of people or being in a small area.
Breathing Exercises
*According to the article "5 Simple Exercises for Managing Anxiety" by Therese J. Borchard, breathing from your diaphragm creates a sense of well-being and calm. For this reason, when you begin feeling anxious, focus on slowing down your breathing and pushing that air deeper into your lungs. This will ease your rising tension and help you bring yourself back to the present. HolisticOnline.com's article "Breathing Exercises" suggests you stand with your feet shoulder width apart and inhale slowly while raising your hands above your head. Exhale, and turn your hands up toward the sky. Inhale once more and slowly rotate your hands back toward the ground, and slowly lower your arms while feeling the air rush out from your nostrils. You can repeat this exercise in sets for more effectiveness, as the technique forces you to focus on your breathing and your body, keeping your attention away from your worries.
Relaxation Exercises
*The MayoClinic.com article "Relaxation Techniques" presents a number of relaxation techniques you can use when you feel your anxiety levels rising. You should also consult your physician or a mental health professional to give you addition tips and techniques, especially if you begin feeling uncomfortable or distressed while performing these techniques.
You can use visualization to reduce anxiety by imagining yourself in a serene environment. Visualization is a somewhat misleading term, because although you imagine what the place looks like, you also involve all of your senses and imagine what the place feels and smells like. For example, if your place of serenity is an open field looking out over a green valley, you'd not only see the valley but also smell the slightly sweet scent of clover in the air, and you'd feel the wind running softly against your skin. Initially, you may have difficulties making the "image" stick, but relaxation exercises take practice; the more you do them, the stronger they'll be.
You can also try progressive muscle relaxation, in which you tense up groups of muscles (such as your upper arm muscles) and slowly relax them. You can do this throughout your whole body starting with your feet and ending with your face. (You may be surprised how much tension you carry in your face.) Progressive muscle relaxation can also help you fall asleep if anxiety makes it difficult for you to fall asleep.
Read more: Anxiety Treatment Exercises | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/way_5626221_anxiety-treatment-exercises.html#ixzz1fQAjJkXw
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