Health and Lifestyle
Wholesome Living for A Healthy Life
Wholesome Living is something we all want but find hard to achieve. It should be so easy, but today’s routines are rushed and so structured. We have our calendars full of appointments, chores to do, and phone calls to return. We drive to most destinations. Our once leisure trips to buy groceries is done in a rushed manner. We purchase packaged foods, some are processed. Our juices have additives and some frozen foods too. Canned foods have chemicals that make them last longer. Even bread has due dates that are 2 weeks out. If you make your own, you know they are short lived.
Exercise and good eating sum up the best equation for a healthy life. E & GE=Health
This sounds so simple and yet it is so difficult to do consistently. Walking used to be incorporated into our daily living. People walked to the bus stops or work. My parents did not have cars for many years. They walked to store and carried shopping bags of food home. Can you imagine carrying 5 pound bags of flour, sugar, coffee, or oats? This was all done on a regular basis. The vegetables they bought had to be washed well and used while fresh. 
Others worked on farms and naturally got in their daily walks and exercise they needed to stay well. People would carry feed to the animals, rake the grounds, and bale hay on the farms. The fresh air and day time hours dictated their schedules. They got the good rest that came from hard physical labor. When darkness came, it was time for rest. The foods they ate were naturally grown and freshly eaten. Root vegetables were stored and used in the winter, so vitamins were freshly incorporated into their diets regularly. Fruit trees were grown on their property, potatoes, corn, beans, and other vegetables came from land that was tilled and chemical free. The sun was a source of Vitamin D. They covered their heads and wore long sleeves to protect their skin. Sundays were a day of rest.
To take this to the next level, people wore cotton and natural fiber clothing. They didn’t waste anything. They spent time learning domestic arts, crocheting, cookin
g, hunting, farming skills, woodworking, creating natural remedies for health. They prepared their foods with spices, fresh water, and lots of tender loving care.
I wanted to share with you a food site I found. It is totally refreshing and promotes a healthy lifestyle. Simple ideas are the easiest to ignore. We seem to think that procedures need to be difficult and complicated in order to give us good results. 
One of the sites that I have come to enjoy and want to share is http://www.elliekrieger.com It is a cooking site filled with simple ideas, refreshing food, and wholesome dishes. She is also on Facebook Ellie Krieger @Ellie Krieger Official
Join us here tomorrow for ideas on how we can glean the best of the olden days into the knowledge we have today!
Take the first step and put yourself on the escalator of success and good health!
Coloring Outside the Lines
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Every day gives us opportunities to color outside the lines. Kate Halma and Linda Gullo discuss “She couldn’t keep her color inside the lines so, she drew new lines.” Do you do that? Do you color outside the lines? Do you think about other people and how your words or actions affect other people? Do you find it hard to stick to rules, or do you bend easily with the circumstances?
Learning the rules and knowing when to apply them is of great importance. The ladies talk about safety and the boundaries that rules provide for us. Listen to their short stories and enjoy them. There are times that rules are designed to protect us. Often they help us stay healthy and require us to follow guidelines. Enjoy the new picture you color and remember to adapt what works well for you on paper and in life.
One step can put you on the escalator of success. Have a bright and happy day!
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Note the Signs, While Reaching Success
There are signs all around us, but they don’t have to stop us from growing and trying new things. In some cases, once you are on the path to a goal, you cannot stop the roller coaster effect. In fact, the faster you go and the closer you get to the finish line are encouraging.
An illustration of this is pregnancy. Once you have discovered you are pregnant, there is a natural progression to having a baby. You’ll see the signs that come with the development of the baby. The body takes on different feelings, movements, and the mother’s body changes to conform to the baby’s growth. The child will with proper care of the mother, grow and develop. Eventually at full term, the baby will emerge. Voila, the miracle of birth has blessed the world with another child.
Cones may provide a warning sign, but don’t get fearful and run unnecessarily. Use the warning as a opportunity to proceed with caution.
It is the same thing if you are on a sled going down a steep hill on an icy day. Once in the process, you will be exhilarated as the sled makes it way down to the bottom. On the way, you may hit a bump or slow down, but you will no doubt reach the base of the hill. Along the way, you may even see warning signs or find cones like the one shown here to suggest caution. Let it be a guidepost for a safe trip.
Those of us who are planners and achievers are comfortable with putting ourselves on the track of completing new goals. We think through the potential obstacles and decide to go ahead anyway. When we do hit a glitch, we may already be alerted to the remedy. We consider the risks before we start and often do research ahead of time.
During the month of February, the articles and Podcasts here at www.lindagullo.com will help us all to grow and reach our full potential. We may along the way hesitate to make progress or even think twice about attempting new endeavors, but I encourage you to put aside concerns, and try new things. It is in trying that we grow and make accomplishments blossom. We can even grow through making mistakes and find joy in successes. Each step along the journey helps us develop into more resilient and educated people.
Remember that one step may be the one to put you on the escalator of success. Do just one thing today to reach your goal! Have a bright and beautiful Monday.
The Secret of Accomplishing Goals
What works is really very simple in accomplishing goals. The secret of making worthwhile goals is not a secret at all. It took me by surprise that just a few moments of repeating habits is all it takes to accomplish a big task. The answer comes from scripture! It is the simplicity that comes through the many AA programs. We must focus on small steps and do them everyday. One day at a time has been my mantra since 1980 when my parents were both very ill. I learned to plan each day as it arrived and with the circumstances that were presented to me. It helps us get through tough times when we don’t think in “long stretches.”
Many coaches will tell us to use the word SMART to help us in accomplishing what we set out to do. S is to be specific with our resolutions and intentions. M stands for something measurable. For example if you want to lose weight and watch your sugar levels, you might decide to lose 10 pounds by walking 2 miles a day, and stay off sugar. You can measure your success in terms of energy, inches lost, and seeing your sugar levels drop. M stands for a goal that holds meaning. What meaning is behind your goal. Is it for confidence, for health or to learn? A stands for something to achieve. What do you want to achieve? Is is to learn to drive a car? Do you want to earn more money? R is for realistic. If you work a night job, it may not be realistic to pay for a health club membership. Or it may mean finding one that is open 24 hours to accommodate your needs? All programs tell us to write things down. Make them visible for yourself. We are told not to hide the goals, but to review them daily. Write down the why’s behind each one. T is for time. Make what you do timely. Put your written goals near the computer you use each day. Make a screen shot of them for your phone. Post them in your daily appointment book. Make them visible to yourself!
Just this week I listened to Brendon Burchard and he says to divide our goals into themes. Productivity, Physiology, Psychology and Persuasive were the 4 themes. He had us focus on the specific areas were we wanted to be productive. Maybe it is to find a new job. Maybe we want to meet more people. He discussed setting health goals and ways to attain them in physiology. What do I want my body to look like or feel like in the next 3 months. Do I want to improve my diet or eat on a better schedule? In psychology, he addressed doing things with intention. Perhaps you want to continue learning. If that is the case, will you take a class? Or are you committing to reading a new book every week? Is that possible? Maybe you have little time to read and decide to find 15 minutes every evening to begin a new reading habit? In the area of Persuasiveness, he reminded us to ask others for what they need and to learn what we need.
Over the years I have followed many strategies for attaining Goals. Some worked well and others not so well. So here is what I came up with after studying Michael Hyatt, Success Magazine, Brendon Burchard, Mel Robbins, and trying them all. I found my own system. You can find yours too. Pick and choose what works well for you.
Linda’s own mix and match system includes:
#1. Create your own guidelines by writing them down. Decide on time slots in your regular schedule to add in or replace habits. Try things, change them for success, and don’t be afraid to rework what you do.
#2. Decide 3-4 areas to focus to work on for the year and decide to break down the year into quarters. Each quarter naturally creates a space and time frame to work on each. Just 2 or 3 goals may make it possible to really attain them. Fewer things accomplished well is excellent.
#3. Create a support system that will make each goal doable and fun. ei. I plan to walk to work this Spring in order to get exercise. It’s easy and doable. The weather will be on my side. It will be fun! Once I begin I can carry it through the rest of the year with ease.
#4. Write down the why for each goal. ei. I want to put aside “x” number of dollars every week to buy a bike by June 1st. I want to be more efficient so that I have more time to walk. KNOW YOUR WHY!
#5. Dump all your doubts and talk with someone about how to do this. If people used counselors for nothing more than being successful in accomplishment their goals, they would be so happy!
#6. Make it simple and doable by preparing. Plan each day and review your plans the night before. Gather what you will need ahead of time. ei. Packing you gym clothes into the car. Preparing your lunch. Making a list of the people you need to call the next day. Prepare.
This takes me to the summary of making goals work. Whatever you decide to do or whatever habits you are trying to break and replace, take one step each day. If you are quitting the habit of drinking wine, then decide each day to avoid wine. If you are convinced you need exercise, get up and select what you will do that day. ei. I will walk around the mall 6 times, or I will go to the YMCA for a swim today. Make it simple and doable. Make yourself accountable to a friend. Be competitive with yourself.
Good luck. Take the one step that will put you on the escalator of success! (Linda’s Own)
Let the Calendar Work for YOU!
A calendar is designed as a way for us to keep order in our lives. Without the daily numbering system and the change in the days into weeks and weeks into months, we’d have no way to track ourselves. I thought about that this morning as I was making out a check to pay a bill. Once again the filing system is set up for the monthly bills. It is a way of tracking what we spend and when we spend money.
When I was at Loyola’s School of Ministry in New Orleans, I remember being encouraged to let the process of taking things in order work for me. I was younger and wanted things done quickly. I am not sure I have changed completely, but I do understand the wisdom in order and time. We were to read, follow a syllabus, and do the lessons on a schedule according to the academic calendar provided. By the end of the term, ideas and concepts fell into place. We were being taught not only content, but a way of learning that would be of value forever.
January starts us off!
Ever since that time, those words “let the process work for you” have helped me through daily events. Stop, look, and proceed with caution. When I see a long term goal or a far away date, I reflect on the advantage of using the process set in place work for me, not against me. Applying this principle has been a big help. I will mark my calendar clearly so I can track how I am advancing.
Sometimes cutting time or skipping steps toward what we see as an advantage isn’t good. It is good to make the most of minor moments and build on them. Learning to read instructions is also a process that may protect us from harm. We are taught to read for a reason. Whether it is a warning on a gasoline pump or instructions for using a lawnmower, directions keep us safe.
Directions help us fill out our tax papers and pay our bills. Steps on assembling a chair insure it will withstand a heavy person or a child jumping on it. Reading and processing goes beyond directions and calendars, but the time and the strategies of monitoring our progress forward is noteworthy. It is important that we do not ignore the smallest of details, for they may insure safety and be teaching us some skill we’ll need in the future.
Skills that we practice daily help us to learn them. We gain confidence and can aid other people when we know our crafts and professions well. We need to buoy up our vocabularies, engage with other people verbally everyday, and write meaningful notes to each other. Start the month of January off to a good practice of reading, writing, and tracking your progress. Note the smallest steps toward staying well. Mark off the money you have saved with coupons or cutting back. Note your time in prayer. Use the calendar as a guide and friend in pursuing your New Year Goals. Have a great New Year 2018.
Remember that “one step may put you on the escalator of success!”
Legacy, What Do You Want to Leave Behind?
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Legacy can be defined in many ways. What do you want to leave behind? Kate and Linda discuss the different ways people are remembered and encourage you to think about the legacy you are building. Is a quality of some sort like inclusiveness, kindness, hospitality, genuineness, availability, being an aunt, or monetary?
What do you want to leave as your legacy?
Here are some of the books mentioned: Wise Moves by George Ludwig, The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene’ Brown, PhD., LMSW, Your One Word by Evan Carmichael or Giftology by John Ruhlin.
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Join us as a Mastermind Participant or think of signing up for one of our workshops. We’d love to work with you.
You Want Me to Go Outside?
You want me to go where? That is what many people in the Midwest were thinking this morning as the dry cold winter weather was blowing outside. And well, maybe it pertained to the animals too! Their paws and hairless chests don’t appreciate the cold either.
I’m staying nestled under here!
I wanted to snap this photo of Rosy under the edge of the bedspread for you. I had already made the bed, dressed, and was preparing to go downstairs when I looked over, and saw that she had left her head under the bedspread for at least 10 minutes. She usually pulls it out after I have made the bed and waits patiently for me. Today, she nestled underneath and didn’t move. As you can see the sun was shining in! It was obvious that the outside winds were making for a colder than usual day outside. It is 3 degrees this afternoon so it was worse this morning.
Some days it is harder to face going out to work or to appointments than on others. We have all had a few days off after the Christmas break. No snow today, but harsh cold was messing with our thinking. Cars just never seem to get warmed up! Everything is creaking!
Counting our blessings goes a long way in this weather. A warm house, cozy clothes, and vehicles to move us around are all so appreciated. I saw a homeless person standing on the corner near the train station. He has been there often over the holidays. Many stop and talk with him or give him handouts, gift cards, and hope.
On days like these,we need to think of the value we can bring to the world by moving! Does what we do or have to do for the day really count? That is the question we all need to ask and then move forward in contributing. We do have responsibilities to help one another. With the season slipping past quickly, it is time to assess the most important things we need to do.
It is the time of year that pushes us into making New Year resolutions. Do we want to get out of bed? Do we need to move to a different location? Do we need to make phone calls? Do we need to make different choices as to the people we hang around with in 2018? Is it time to make a career change? How about planning a trip to a foreign land? Do you want to take a trip across the United States?
Eventually Rosy came out from under the edge of the bedspread and went downstairs. She still hesitated to go outside, but did sit with her coat on and thought about it. Funny since usually she is out and about quickly to access the yard! Guess even older dogs do think about things. You can tell my her look and the ears tucked back that she was not about to go outside and play today.
Hope wherever you are at that it is warmer! Keep your spirits high and enjoy the ending of 2017 with good health, much fun, and a hardy purpose! Have a great day and stay warm.
The Circle of the Seasons
It is the circle and changing of the seasons that keeps me located in the upper Midwest. The brilliant greens and coming alive of all the flowers each spring are so refreshing. They call us outside to hear the returning birds and see the budding vegetation. It is truly a time of awakening for birds, rabbits, and people. Add in, the liturgical changes with the season of Lent and Easter time; these increase the lively desires to improve our health. Spring adds great joy to our lives!
Then comes the awesomeness of summer and fall. No extra foot coverings like boots to wear or coats to lug around when the temperatures rise to the 70’s. The plants and fresh vegetables call us to eat better and more wholesome foods. Our gardens thrive on the rains and warm sunny days. We tend to gather with one another. We walk more and have outside picnics. We share our vegetables and come out of the cocoons we have tucked ourselves in!
By Fall, the colors are so rich in warm golden tones, oranges, and crisp brown leaves. The crunchiness under our feet and the falling acorns send squirrels fetching food for the long season ahead. The days may be warm, but the afternoons call us to put on coats and head gear! The circle of change is becoming apparent as we bring in the plantings that are too tend to embrace the cold nights.
Which takes us to this time of year. Yes, we are now in the season of Winter. Winter officially started yesterday. The chilly damp air, the bouts of snow, sleet, and fog dominate the news. We are rearranging our schedules to accommodate safety issues like traveling and/or avoiding to slip outside. We add moisture to our homes to protect ourselves from bloody noses and dry throats. We celebrate many holidays with one another. That means gatherings, where we share traditional foods, cultural kindnesses, and colorful decorations. We listen to each others stories and give one another meaningful gifts. Often they are gifts of love and time. We listen to musical sounds. There are bells from the local churches, songs on the radio, and hymns sung around the house. We decorate our homes and offices, bake, call one another, and shop till we drop!
It all comes full circle like this outdoor wreath. May you enjoy this time with loved ones and later enjoy the new books you may have received. Relish in the quiet moments after the long days and the year comes to an end. Don’t forget to call your friends and stay in touch. Those are the moments that make life worthwhile. May these minor moments grace you with Mini Miracles. May the one phone call or visit put you on the escalator of a new friendship. Relationships are the cornerstones of life.
The Circles of Health, Wealth, Kindness, & Color brings us to completion.
Merriment is Spreading
By mid January, Merriment will have slowed down. We will all be in a different mind frame and looking ahead to more work, travel, or exercises. Are you ready for that change? Meantime, gaiety and fun is all around and I am taking it in. I love the colors, the music, the tinsel, and the smell of freshly cut evergreen boughs around!
I have yet to go into a floral shop to smell the life giving earthy fragrances given off my flowers and plants of all kinds. It is a gift to myself that I do around this time of the year. For the most part, the gifts are purchased, made, or in some cases mailed out to family and friends. The focus in the next week will be to do baking and preparing the house for company. There is the usual cleaning, pulling out the serving trays, and phone calls to friends who are unable to get out.
Advent has been preparing us the the arrival of Jesus. We have a tradition of having a Black Forest Cake with Whipped Creme for His Birthday Cake. It began when our children were young and continues to be a favorite. Like so many of the things we do, traditions bind us together and stretch from one generation to another. Along the way new ideas and practices grow. Sometimes they just happen and other times, they develop with intentionality.
Take this concept of tradition into your business or job. What are you doing to make your work fruitful and joy filled? Are you able to laugh and engage with other people? Are you happy with the disposition you sew? I have been thinking of the many options we turn away from when they could be so profitable to myself and others. How about you? What have you wanted to gift yourself? Is it time away from the hustle and bustle? Is it a mid day break with a walk around the outside of your work place?
I welcome your thoughts as I begin preparing the schedule for upcoming workshops. If you have ideas for one day workshops, please let me know. I hope you’ll be checking to our website here for them. They will be so worthwhile!
Let the many minor moments bless you with revelations and enjoyment.
Planning Ahead is Really Worth the Effort
Planning Ahead is Really Worth the Effort. Some of these things I have learned firsthand and want to offer them to you.
- Succession Planning is a must for businesses. A sudden death leaves a business in shambles under the best of circumstances and can leave everyone it serves in a state of need without help.
- Disability Insurance. An accident incapacitates the breadwinner in a family. Where does the money come from as things begin to stabilize? It can be months if not years until things go back to “normal.” Small disability insurance policies are a blessing. I can attest to this firsthand.
- Getting things done in advance. The power goes out and the ability to print out a much needed assignment or transaction is due with the hour. Now what? Just in the recent week a large store had their credit card system go down and the whole store was in jeopardy of much needed sales. Planning ahead is wise and backups are necessary.
- A simple backup is a lifesaver or business saver! Although everyone is saving things virtually, have things on backup systems or printed out is a good plan.
- Alternative speakers or plans can become a placeholder. Collaborating with others becomes a blessing when suddenly an airline cancellation postpones a speaker. Having a variety of acquaintances with skills around us is often a blessing. And sometimes it is a glitch that lets another person come forward to be known.
- Clean as you go. What I mean by this is that when you replace an article, a file, or a list at the office, discard the old one so that it isn’t mistaken for the up-to-date copy. You’ll save time and mistakes won’t happen as frequently. Shred old documents and tidy up before you leave the office or work space.
Have a great weekend. See you next week. Let the minor moments in your life lead you up the escalator of success.
Keep things ROCK SOLID by planning ahead!