Health and Lifestyle

Avoiding Self-Sabotage

Avoiding Self-Sabotage

Welcome to Podcast on Self Sabotage

1- Do you find that you don’t follow through with promises you have made to yourself?  Are you creating self sabotage moments?

2- Are you avoiding things you should be doing?

3- What kind of thinking do you have?   Are you positive?  Are you always doubting your choices?

4- What steps forward are you taking?

5- Are you learning to be mindful of time, of when you procrastinate, or of the times you sabotage your own goals?

6- Find time to breathe, to think clearly, and to find balance by journaling, listening to music, or taking a walk.

Unplanned Surprises Can Be Delightful

What neat things are happening to you that weren’t planned?  Linda tells us about her cornstalks that surprised her.   What surprising things have happened to you this week?

Bucket List Ideas

This section of the podcast talk about what a bucket list includes.   Why even have a bucket list?   Does it mean that you need to plan and dream about?   Bucket Lists are meant to be up lifting.

Buckets have all kinds of contents!

1- Do you want to travel?

2- Do you want to connect with special people?

3- Do you want to learn a language?

4- What goals do you want to eliminate?

5- Do you have an old bucket list that doesn’t have meaning anymore?  Throw it out and begin again.

6- Do you need to talk to friends or  learn a new hobby?

“Take the first step forward, it may put you on the escalator of success”    —Linda’s Own

Clear Your Thinking & Feel Great

Clear Your Thinking & Feel Great

Clear Your Thinking & Feel Great

Creating headspace is so important.  It means having clarity to think, function, and communicate well.  It means one is able to read well and retain the material.  Or it is having a thought that turns into a behavior that is a positive one. Headspace allows us to enjoy our days and keep from procrastinating.  When we have good headspace we can think abstractly. 

A few months ago I had a hip replacement.   When I returned home a few hours after the surgery I was able to move, talk, and think fairly well, but it was obvious in the days that followed that I still had a “med” head.  Yes, medication had slowed me down physically, as well as, mentally.  I remember looking at the list of medications and the time schedule, but so happy my daughter was there to monitor it.  I was conscious of my movements so that I won’t pull myself out of place, but I was definitely not totally clear thinking.

This 6-year-old helped me recover.

My attention span wasn’t as long as normal either.  I couldn’t get into reading a book or having deep conversations.  The medication and anesthesia were still in my system.  As I came off of medications in the weeks that followed, there was a change indeed.  I  began to move more easily, and clarity in my thinking returned.  I was able to focus well on Sudoku puzzles and enjoyed picking up a magazine or two.  My desire to connect and be productive picked up immediately.   As physical therapy went on, I was able to drive, fulfill chores on my own, and get back into the office.  I gained the confidence to move ahead.

Medication however is not the only thing that brings on a fog into our thinking.  Often we have that fog in our minds when we are dealing with pain, grief, losses, or failing relationships.  So I plan to address some of these issues and suggest a few ways to handle them.

Let’s start with pain.   Pain comes into our lives in any number of ways.  We stub a toe, twist an ankle, have arthritis in our wrists, or suddenly are attacked by a back spasm.  We may have fallen and are recovering from pain in any number of places.   The pain distracts us and we try to deal with it.  We may see a doctor, get on meds, or try to exercise it away with physical therapy.  It takes more time than we expect to heal and distracts us from doing all the things we want to do or normally do. 

Pain is real and many people suffer on a regular basis.  The medications one takes can even cloud the person’s thinking more. So when you are dealing with pain, give yourself some space and consult others if you have a major decision to make.  Team up with people who have the skills or ability to help you.  Asking for rides like when I was coming out of surgery was a given.   I was not able to drive and had to be humbled.  Pain sidetracks everyone. 

Next is grief.  Grief is something everyone deals with in a different way. Often losing someone comes unexpectantly and there was no goodbye exchanged.   Having a loved family member die is a void that is dealt with differently by each person. Some people keep repeating That may leave a big hole and a lack of closure for a long time.   People around are not sure whether to bring up the situation and talk about it or avoid it. There may be silence when one really has the need to discuss the loss.   If you are a person who has lost a family member let others around you know that you want to talk about the loss—that you need to hear yourself say the things that keep bouncing around in your head.  Otherwise, people may be silent.

Of course, grief comes to us in a number of ways.   We can lose a pet that we are attached to for many years and that companionship just can’t be replaced.  That pet that kept you happy and chuckling isn’t around for you.  I recall when our Rosy died, I’d find a toy of hers tucked under a chair.  It was just another reminder of the joy she brought to me.  I thought of how I could honor the time we had with her and added something special to our garden.  I also gathered her medals and strung them together in a decorative way for our Delight Den 3 season house. I gave some of her things to another person who could use dog blankets, beds, toys, and bowls.

Losing a job is another big reason for grief.  Layoffs, pandemics, and other situations may be problematic.  Something that has given a person a meaningful purpose for a long time is suddenly gone.  The income is gone. Getting your mind wrapped around what step to take next may be rather difficult.  Be sure to share with others your needs.   It is not a time to be embarrassed and people may give you insights and leads you could follow up upon. 

Small moments can lift us up and give us hope!

If you are intentionally retiring make sure you have specific things to do.  Volunteering your time in the community, helping at church, connecting with friends, taking time to make short trips, learning to play an instrument, or whatever hobby you like may make the transition awesome.

Even if you are changing jobs it is wise to create a few days in between to catch your breath or unwind.   We see this is often the case when one finishes a semester of school in June and doesn’t need to jump into another curriculum filled with syllabuses and requirements in Fall.  It may be good to take a few weeks off and read a book of fiction and jog through the neighborhood.

Faith & Hope are valuable during difficult moments!

  In summary 

  1. We need to create headspace during times of taking medications or recovering from medical issues.   Recognizing the need will actually help you recover better.
  2. We need to recognize the need for headspace when we are enduring pain —a toothache, earache, broken bones, post-surgery, or even a simple cut that is distracting us from our routines and/or driving.  Knowing the pain is temporary is a great mindset.
  3. When one is out of a job, it may be time to consider learning a new skill or connecting with others.  It may be a blessing in disguise.  You may meet new friends, develop new interests, and even make your commute easier.
  4. When we have lost a family member, a pet, or a relationship, now is the time to recognize them somehow.  Perhaps plant a tree in their honor, donate in their name, or talk with a counselor about the loss.  Recall the good times and gather pictures you enjoy.  
  5. In times of a divorce, there is a shift in the people and the places you may have enjoyed.  Now is the time to make that shift with a smile on your face and stay connected.   Isolation is dangerous and makes one even sadder.  Don’t criticize or blame.  Accept the situation and move forward.
  6. Finally, it is essential to keep our thinking clear by recognizing who we connect with, the purposes for getting up every day, and looking for positive things to stay involved in.  
  7. Changes are happening in all respects and all the time.   Although they may not always be big changes they happen and call us to shift our thinking.  

Learn who are the people on your team.  Those that you support and those that support you.  Enjoy this week and move ahead.   I look forward to connecting again in two weeks.   Please share this podcast with other people who may help.   

Stop Sabotaging Yourself

Stop Sabotaging Yourself

We all sabotage ourselves in some respect. It is easy to do when our emotions take over.  An example is when you are following a great eating plan and something goes wrong with your business or a relationship.  Suddenly one is eating a quart of ice cream or having a Frappuccino with whipped cream and drizzle to drown out the sorrow.  Or one is extremely hungry and runs into the store for a vegetable, but instead ends up with potato chips and snacks.

We sabotage ourselves by putting our exercise to the end of the day and an unexpected tornado watch pops up.  In this episode, Linda talks about ways to reclaim yourself and find balance when everything goes astray.   In the midst of stress and problems, we need to seek one another out for support.   Listen and try some of the ideas she suggests.

We must get out of our own way fast and take action.

We need to get out of the way before getting run over by our emotions. Sometimes we stand in the middle of the tracks waiting for another day to pass before we start the diet or exercise program.  We think we can wait to contact Aunt Suzie and suddenly we are attending a wake.  Taking action is not the hardest thing to do when we recognize our emotions are taking over instead of clear thinking.  To delight in living means we need to be grateful for the things that are going correctly.  It is a matter of learning,living, and shifting behaviors.

Enjoy this week’s podcast and send us ideas for future podcasts.  In the meantime, watch for situations that will allow you to self-sabotage.

Take the first step forward, it may put you on the escalator of success.

Traditions

Traditions

Traditions

Today’s podcast is all about making traditions.    Times when things were different, but oh so very relevant in setting a happy tone for today.   Every family is busy creating traditions in the things they do together, in the places they have lived, and with the things they experienced together.   Traditions are created and reinforced in just about everything we do; the times when families gather to share special birthdays, anniversaries, or celebrations.

Education can be Formal from a University, learned on a job, or experienced in life!

We share these moments in photographs like the one above here.   We gather trinkets like a matchbook cover from a restaurant to connect us with a special dinner.  Perhaps a place you met your significant other.  In this session, Linda shares stories of things her family did that were markers in history.   Where are your memories coming from? And where do you need to reconnect the dots to make more moments special.  Talk with your family and relive these special times.

“Taking the first step may put you on the escalator of success!”

 

Vitality Plus

Vitality Plus

Thinking Outside the Box to Create Vitality Plus

Do you know anyone who is excellent at thinking outside the box?  sometimes thinking from a different perspective creates vitality for us.  Linda talks about the founders of the Clubhouse app.  These men thought outside the box and kept working on the idea.   Good ideas roll over into great transformations.  

Do computers disconnect us?  We are all being challenged to communicate and be with one another.   What are your goals?   Are you in any of the Community groups like Moose, Kiwanis, Rotary, or a Veterans group?   Do you need to reach out more?  

It seems when we have children in the formative years, we are forced to be with others.  We join parent groups, drive kids to and from activities, and get involved.   As our kids grow it is easy to sigh away from getting into groups and volunteering.  Our energy slides elsewhere.  Why is that and how can we continue to connect?

What old-time thoughts do you need to shift from or into?    Release some stress by reaching out to others.  Ask others how they deal with circumstances.  Become interested in what others have to share.  It is valuable.

Our emotions change with different people.   Linda talks about the encounter she had at a dealership.  It started out as something she had to do, but flipped it over in her mind and turned out to be a lovely experience.

Planting vegetation and help for one another.

Plantings are so uplifting.   Do you have any to share?  Do you offer plants from your garden to others?  I have shared lots of Rose of Sharon Bushes and Hosta over the years.   It is so nice to share.   We need not only to share plantings, but the experiences we have had.  They can help others accommodate to difficult things.   It helps the budget and spreads love.  We leave footprints behind us.   What kind of footprints do you want to leave?  Where is energy coming from?   From dancing and playing or from working hard 24/7?

Please send us suggestions.

Jim Haisler invites you to give us ideas for topics.   Your thoughts and concerns are valuable to us and to others as well.  

Please listen today and enjoy the podcast. Take the first step, it may put you on the escalator of success.

Top-Notch Habits

Top-Notch Habits

The Bright Side of a Serious Situation

Linda shares a story about Joel Boyers and his fiancee, Melody Among. She had just earned her pilot’s license on August 21st. Her brother who lived in Waverly, Tennessee was trapped on a roof with his daughter. Could Boyers help? The floods killed 20 people that day. In many situations, helicopters cannot come into areas for a number of reasons, but Joel was cleared under these circumstances and with the help of Melody saved 17 people. Listen now as Linda connects how this story focuses on this scene.  Being top-notch in your field means going beyond the normal routine; especially if it means saving lives or helping others.

A  Top-Notch Habit includes reading books.

We all wear many hats. Here is a book by Edward de Bono wrote a book called the Six Thinking Hats. Available to us are White Hats that allow us to have data, Red hats encourage us to use our Intuition, and Black Hats allow us to consider how things may not work. Yellow is an uplifting hat and Positive. A green hat is one of creativity. The blue hat is one of Control and Leadership. Put on a hat that will help you get ahead of the game.  Which of these habits can help you be top-notch?

Create those good habits to help you in the next 2-5 years.

Now scales help us know where we stand on pain and in different areas. Scale yourself between 1 and 5. 5 is the best possible. Being creative, planning, clutter habits at work or home, eating habits, sleeping, social media time, or staying connected with others can be evaluated. Enjoy Linda’s commentary.

“It is easier to prevent bad habits than to break them.” Benjamin Franklin

 

We all need to develop Self Knowledge to be Top Notch

Here are some of the questions.  What inhibits me? Or what may help me to grow? Where are the props I need? Which people offer me the best feedback? Who are the ones that help me be creative? Who are the people that help me stay creative? What time of day am I the most inspired? Do I prefer ambient noise or silence? Does a computer help or hinder me when it comes to using my time well? Do I still want to use a piece of paper and pen to make notes and encourage myself?

As a coach, I am always trying to help people build on their best attributes.  Just call 815-459-5161 and see how this may help you succeed in the days, weeks, months, and years to come.  Mini Miracles from Minor Moments is a podcast filled with education, motivation, and a touch of spirituality to help you grow and mature.   Enjoy!

“Taking the first step may put you on the escalator of success!”  Linda Gullo

Taking One Step Forward

Taking One Step Forward

Taking One Step Forward

Starting at the beginning of any project or goal requires preparation and clarity. Today on Mini Miracles from Minor Moments we are addressing how to move forward.  We will look at the Power of One, the value of Clocks, a book called the Dip, Empty Nest Syndrome, the emotion of Anger and Juggling. One goal, one change, one step at a time. Minor moments may seem unimportant, but they are essential in making your dreams a reality. Each small step or event can add to your success.

The Power of One

1- The Power of ONE! Starting at the beginning of any project or goal requires preparation and clarity. Today we are addressing the Power of One. One goal, one change, one step at a time. Minor moments may seem unimportant but they are essential in making your dreams a reality. Each small step or event can add to success. Focus on one thing at a time! Allow others to make you accountable; you’ll step ahead faster and feel better of dealing with one thing.

Time is on Your Side

2- Clocks are all around us and help us stay on time. They help keep us on track.

A Book Suggestion

3- Achievers access great things by being on the top of the news. Here is a book that may help. The Dip -the little book that teaches you when to quit and when to stay with something! Godin is the author of numerous books.  He will guide you on how to move forward.  So you may want to check it out.

Empty Nests

4- The empty nest syndrome can be overwhelming. It helps us to pay attention to the adjustments that are available for you.  Look at this time with excitement for you and your loved ones.  Linda gives several examples and permission to grow and move forward on your own as a parent or caregiver.

Emotions

5- Anger is an emotion that shows up when we least want it to manifest. As a secondary emotion to fear it is all around us.  It creates a fuel that promotes behaviors we don’t want. How do you deal with it.  Now this section helps us work through thoughts and actions that can be positive and helpful to avoid inappropriate behaviors.

Actions

6- Juggling is something we all do. And it is not the fun activities like in a circus. Chaffering kids, juggling schedules, and finances. We learn to constantly rearrange. It takes practice and a creative spirit. Learn to go with the flow of things!

Remember here at Delight in Living, Ltd. we offter Coaching to help you excel and create goals as well as Mental Health Counseling.   Take the first step forward, it may put you on the escalator of success.

 

Memories in the Making

Memories in the Making

Memories in the Making

Welcome to this week’s podcast of Mini Miracles from Minor Moments with Linda Gullo. Jim Haisler welcomes all of you to our 200th podcast. Linda shares a trip to Carmel, Indiana. This town was very joyful, safe, and took on the look of a Hallmark story. Here she made memories with friends and family.   The people there were cordial; the visit was comfy and fun.   You too might enjoy a trip there. And they had many statues on the street that we embraced with laughter.  Enjoy this section.

Wow, Bread

Feeling connected

Bub’s Burgers is getting a free advertisement here. Because we enjoyed a couple of lunches there it may be a place for you to check out!

Stay on Target

Treasure chests hold valuable things. Here we have a chest of rocks with words on them that hold value. Encouragement comes in many ways. Find a word that inspires you and mount it on your refrigerator on under the glass on your desk. Think about the customs and traditions that led you forward.  These stones were given to me at various times and made special memories for me as well that I absolutely loved.  They may inspire you.

Our Treasure Chest becomes yours too!

Join us at Winner’s Circle link or call our office for help, direction, and joy. Linda helps you with issues you are dealing with, losses in your life, or resolving problems. We promise you’ll feel better after discarding issues in conversation.

Book Suggestion

This week’s book review this week is called START YOUNG.  It is great if you are raising children or have special children in your life that you want to cultivate.

Just “Taking the first step may put you on the escalator of success!”  Join us every two weeks for a new podcast.  Next week’s is on taking the ONE STEP that will lead you to success.

Milestone Moments

Mini Miracles presents an Episode on Milestone Moments

What are Milestone Markers?

How do these markers stop and/or help you? Linda talks about a few stories that may help you find insight and awesome moments that identify you. These times allow you to go forward and thrive. Who helps you make milestone moments? When have you been transformed? Has something happened in the last few days that has given you insight?

Fresh Foods

Munch Time

Munch Time is our new section. It will take on a different look each time. Perhaps it will help you to eat better, to find new recipes or food studies, and/or thoughts about what to eat.  Today we talk about seasonings.

Accomplishments

Big projects that are broken down into portions that we can handle may lead you to bigger accomplishments. Are you doing something new in your home? Are you trying to accomplish something new at work? We develop systems and strategies to help us get projects done well.
Repeating habits and being consistent are essential to making strides.

Linda gives examples about training dogs, painting the outdoor furniture, praying consistently, exercising regularly, or ways of traveling. She talks about procedures and how you will get to the end well. Let time and processes work for you.

Entering into adulthood

Communicating is taking on a new vision after the pandemic. We are beginning to socialize again and reconnect. It may include doing things together or then just talking. It might include sketching together, taking photos with one another, or engaging in the arts. Not only do words give us a way to communicate, but emotions and doing things together can be a way to express ourselves too.  These feelings can be developed artistically, in playing musical instruments or physically moving.

Linda suggests a few ideas to help you become creative and grow. Maybe it is through volunteering, traveling, writing poetry, or learning something entirely new.

“Take the first step forward, it may put you on the escalator of success!”

The Values in Linking UP Together

The Values in Linking UP Together

The Values in Staying Connected

Welcome to our latest session of Mini Miracles from Minor Moments with Linda Gullo.
What do you want to do next? What do you deserve to do for yourself that you may not be doing yet?

Share your Smile

Values in Linking Up with the people around you.

You need to stay informed and learn the newest things. The latest grouping here is a Book Study where we will discuss books and help one another grow in wisdom. Check-in at our registration page.    It is time to connect again with groups you belonged to prior to the Pandemic or jumping into new adventures. Perhaps it is a community church that you once attended or the local bowling alley for some well deserved time with friends.   Just reconnect and get involved.  We have all been virtual for quite awhile, now let’s connect in person.

Linking up

We need to be positive with everyone we encounter. Is it your neighbors that are awesome? Perhaps your team at work? We all need to continually learn how to be sociable and interact in positive ways? What values do you want to have? Who can teach you the things you need right now?  What can you share with those who come in contact with you?

A Postage Rate increase may be coming soon. Maybe this is a good time to get those FOREVER stamps that will  help you stay connected with mailing out personal birthday cards and special notes.  Do it now before the prices escalate. Sending out personal messages is always a good idea and everyone loves the personal touch of a note.

Talents show up in many ways. Some of these talents are visible where others are not. Are your talents highly visible?

Be sure to connect with our Winner’s Circle Mastermind 

Delight in Living Studios

Also big thank you to Jim Haisler for his continued support in our Podcasts in helping all of us feel included.

Remember taking the first step may put you on the escalator of success.   Take yours now, don’t let fear stop you!