Health and Lifestyle
Total Makeover
Sometimes we need a total makeover and that is where I am at. I came into the office with stacks of projects to attack and suddenly the whole office was under reform. Yes I mean it! From this magazine rack, to file arrangements, and updated notebooks. Lots will be changing in the next few weeks. In addition to taking 3 different coaching modalities and studying Counseling updates, it seems like I got a bolt of energy to change things up.
How about you? Do you ever do something like this? Where you walk into a room and start tossing things in the garbage or begin to give things away? Where do you start? Do you consult with someone or just dive in with the hopes that all the planning and thinking is 
ready to be applied?
Our Mini Miracles Cafe Women’s Entrepreneurial group has just revved up and there is so much more to be highlighted. I think the ability to listen and take away good ideas is primary to everything we attempt. That starts with personal changes as well as transforming a business. With social media the buzz, we can’t help but learn to use it effectively.
So here are 5 starters to help with your business:
- Call some of your contacts for the names of businesses and firms that can help you grow. Do it today while the idea is fresh in your mind.
- Create internal systems within your business. I can help you organize your company to be more effective and efficient.
- If you don’t already have one, purchase an Internet Password Organizer. It is a blessing and easy to keep up to date. Why not?
- Although we all use or phones, back up things in files. You’ll be glad you did!
- Read, read, and read some more. Continue to use the library resources and local book stores to keep us on task. Not all of the information we have on line is the most accurate.
Have a great day and wonderful week. Forge ahead with confidence and goals in place. Delight in all the Minor Moments that will bring on Mini Miracles!
The Maze of Resolving Problems
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What you’ll discover in this weeks podcast my offer you some insights about maintaining, growing, and resolving problems!
- Tearing down the chimney.
- Rebuilding a wall.
- Watching kids play in sand
- Addressing issues with coaching
- Overcoming addictions by taking action to create new habits.
Hi, You’re listening to Mini Miracles from Minor Moments with Linda Gullo. This is Podcast # 54. Welcome as we unfold a few stories about rebuilding. Rebuilding things physically and then addressing how to rebuild and renew your own life to the fullest.
We all have learned ways of moving forward when it comes to making decisions. What is your system for resolving issues? Do you have system in place? Perhaps you do the PRO and CON lists? What you’ll discover in this weeks podcast my offer you some insights about maintaining, growing, and resolving problems!
This week there continues to be a great deal of action happeningat our home. The hedges that create a boundary between the street and a fence to our yard are being trimmed. It takes a couple men several hours to trim the top 20 inches of growth. It is only May and will probably need another clipping during the summer. Well the crew to trim them came earlier in the week and got the street side complete as the rain began to come down. Now several days later the bushes were still in need of being completed, when I saw the men arriving this morning. I was indeed pleased that they were following through. When things need to be completed it seems like another thing on my to do list. I like to follow through and see that goals are accomplished.
Two weeks ago I noticed a change in the family room flooring and called in a builder that I trust for some advice. It was discovered that moisture was between a portion of our lower siding and the foundation. Apparently river rock was too close to the wall. It required removing the rocks and relocating them. One of my older grandkids came to help me do that project! I was pleased that he is strong and was able to carry the rock to another part of our yard.
The builder was also checking out the roof and in the process of seeing where the dampness was coming from, our gutters were cleaned and blown out. On the roof was a carcass of a rabbit that had become a meal for a bird of prey, probably it was an Owl or Hawk that had visited us and decided our roof was a good place to set up his dinner. It was a sloppy eater however, and left parts of its dinner on the roof that needed to be cleaned up as well. So the roof was washed down and the gutters cleaned out well.
Upon further inspection the brick surfaces of our chimney were showing wear and tear over the last 43 years. Yes, you guessed the rest of this story! The chimney needed to be replaced. The name of man who specializes in Masonry work was given to me. He came and found that while the mortar was in place, the integrity of the brick had been giving way. We had the option of waiting a few years or addressing the problem now. We decided now was the time to rebuild the chimney. As you might expect, brick had to be selected to match our home and set up to remove and replace the chimney began. He built an elaborate scaffold to go up and down with concrete and bricks. Fast forward after several days of rain to finally days without rain, and the process began.
The pounding was excessive to break it apart and take the old chimney parts away. Our poor dog, Miss Rosy could not understand who was on our roof or intruding into her space. In an attempt to relieve some of her anxiety I took her to the office for a couple of hours. Several of my neighbors are not around on Wednesdays, so it was quiet. She curled up in her bed next to me and took a snooze. It was a bit quieter when we returned home, but she curled up next to me once more and seemed to recognize that even though there was some activity going on nearby it was much better. Guess we all need to take breaks from stress and go hideout for a few hours.
The man who originally diagnosed the initial issues, returned to cut away a section of insulation and boards underneath the siding. It was then aired out, insulated, and put in plastic barriers to prevent damage to our inside wood flooring. Things have once again come back together at the Gullo homestead.
If you’ve ever watched kids playing in the sand along a beach near water, they become artists. The castles and houses they build are formed with great intent, adding in roads and pools of water. Then swoosch the waves arrive and the creations are instantly destroyed.
I am telling you about the things that are created must often be lost so bigger, better, and more up-to-date options can take their place. Once things are completed or changed out, we accommodate and see them as normal.
I have listened to those who have won over addictions. Addictions are hard to break. It may take numerous attempts to change the habits and patterns that keep people addicted. Often they are aware of their addiction, but believe it isn’t that bad or really necessary to take action. Information means nothing until it is acted upon. Resolutions, work, accountability, and support help us through such transitions.
Resolutions to cleaning up overgrown hedges and replacing old chimney’s may be easier to fix then the more abstract and mental thoughts that plague us. Being creative and building imaginary castles from sand may be the fun times to take our minds off of the everyday stresses. The sounds of splashing water on a beach or the rain pouring over a skylight really are not in our control. We can see them as refreshing or threatening. So the water can destroy our sandcastles, but one can laugh and giggle and begin again or get mad and frustrated. Changing our reaction can be as simple as changing our thought patterns. We can reframe the things that bother us.
But to truly make progress toward developing workable patterns in our lives is important. Take the pianist who has practices the same song over and over again to get the timing and melody just right, we too need to practice. We need to change our habits by repeating new ones. We need to break away from injurious thought like the ones that cause us to keep us addicted to bad behaviors. We need to understand the thoughts we have in our heads are the ones that can lead us into better actions and into better places.
If you have ever watched a duck swimming along in the water what do you see? They seem to glide effortlessly along the surface. They have been doing it since they were tiny ducklings. They have been practicing and learning where it is safe to swim. Like ducks we need to let things roll off our backs, to deal with rain upon our heads, and to be able to swim great lengths. Yes we need to have learned who is safe and where to go for help. Maybe today is a good day to think about your next step in moving ahead. “Just one step may put you on the escalator of success!”
Join me in the coming weeks as I interview women entrepreneurs who with minor moments of clarity and insight have begun seeing Mini Miracles explode in their lives.
Until then “Delight in Living” and have a great week! Bye for now.
Where Did You Get That Idea?
Books are one of our best friends. They persuade us to think differently. They take us to far away places where we will never go. Books are the friends who don’t judge us, but hang around to amuse us. They come in all shapes and sizes and are easily carried around.
Physically we embrace books, write in the margins, put check marks next to the things we want to hang onto, and refer back to them over and over again. Once we have learned to read and enjoy the written word, we are hooked to pick up anything written.
As a child, my family lived close to the library. Our home was just a 5 minute walk. My mother could watch us walk there and back. We had our own book bag to keep them in and we used it. I loved the free bookmarks that you could take from the counter when you checked out your book. They were always different because groups would donate them, community agencies donated them, and school children created them. Bookmarks are lovely accessories to keep us on task.
Like the bookmarks, books also seem to make us accountable. We are called to challenge ourselves through the biographies we read. Our intellect is challenged by the historical things we read and the mind is constantly called to a place where our imaginations can soar like a birds wings. There are no limits to what the written word can do to engage and confront us intellectually.
Most communities have a library and if they don’t, the schools have collections in more rooms for that level of reading. I wish I had taken even more time reading and comprehending books. I recall a 3 Great Aunts who were all school teachers. None of them married and they all lived in a Chicago home. Whenever I was with them they were encouraging me to read the magazines on the radiator seat at my Uncle Jack’s and Aunt Lu’s house. They had the Look and Life magazines plus lots of National Geographic. Many of the words I did not understand, but I’d read the captions under the wonderful and seemingly life size photos. I was in awe of the world that seemed beyond my scope of understanding.
Today we have everything digitally and so much seems to be lost. It was the flipping of the pages, the beautiful glossy images of movie stars in magazines, or the glacial ridges of the travel articles that intrigued me. I recall searching through stacks of old ones that we cut up for projects and researched. Things were tangible and more real. We were responsible for researching and looking for articles on topics for school. Maybe it is time to bring some of the printed forms of information back into life for this generation. Just a thought to spark you today.
Thanks for reading these blogs. Have a great day and “Delight in Living!”
The Desire for More
Have you ever had something sweet and just loved it so much that you went back for seconds? Maybe it was ice cream, or the phenomena of snacking on potato chips? You just couldn’t stop eating them! Then comes the sickening feeling. It can be a physical effect of being sick or the mental one of chastising yourself for overdoing it!
We all seek pleasure. We want more and more. More food, more sex, more stuff, and attention. Better electronics and updated systems call our name. We desire to look better and be smarter so we buy more cosmetics, lotions, and potions. We buy book after book and take courses galore. We seek the better house even though the one we have is just fine. It’s all very natural to want more, but can be self defeating.
In the process of seeking more we are running ourselves ragged. We can’t stop long enough to enjoy our jobs or relax. We want more for our kids and it costs to have them in activities. As a result we work more and put pressure on ourselves. We eat fast foods because it is easier that taking time to chop, dice, and slice things. We don’t have the time to cook plus we are tired. We are chauffeuring children around town so we need better cars, more time, and end up with crabby and entitled children. And we become resentful and sick. We get competitive to the point of never being satisfied. Stop. Look. Listen.
Look
We seem to lose our way. Perhaps it is time to learn something new by taking in less. Less is best. We don’t need so much. Having one or two nice things that we can wear well is quite satisfying. Quality time with a friend is so much nicer than running around and rushing through 3 other social contacts or obligations. Enjoying a simple meal of soup & a light salad is tasty and enjoyable.
Let the kids play tag in the backyard. Better yet, play with them or go out and watch them. Have them play hopscotch or walk to the local tennis courts. I am sure there are old rackets around somewhere in the garage? Find time for an old fashioned backyard party to clean up the yard. Work makes everyone humble and appreciative. It isn’t all bad and calls for teamwork.
This weekend I set aside a few hours to catch up in the office. I methodically went from one unfinished project to another, and got lots down in a short uninterrupted time. I didn’t need to be there for hours or rush around; it felt good to be productive. I came home and mended something from the pile that has been on my ironing board for weeks.
Stop, Look, and Listen to yourself the next time you are bored and consider what the alternatives might be calling you to do. Less may be best. Stay home, enjoy the yard, call in friends, and just enjoy one another. Clean out the junk drawer and play with the “ball and jacks” that has been there for ages. Be content with the smaller things in life and enjoy your time without rushing around.
Peace for the day and have a great week!
Tomorrow I will tell you about my famous Chenille Housecoat and why I preserve it!
Save
Who is Your Caretaker?
Being the week before Mother’s Day I began to think of all the things my mother did and gave up for me. Her time to prepare my clothing, to set an example of how to be in relationship, and of course teaching me to learn the rules of how to be safe. She was with me most of the time when I was a toddler and in my formative years, because my dad had a late night shift with the United States Post Office in the City of Chicago. He would sleep mornings, run a few errands for my mom since she did not drive, and he’d be gone for the afternoon and evening. Mother liked being a homemaker and she took her job seriously. She was always cooking, cleaning, sewing, and walking with us.
I was also listening to the radio today and heard that the Bible contains 247 references to the Good Shepherd. That got me thinking about an experience I had in Ireland watching a Shepherd with his sheep. He was quite the caretaker making sure the animals were sheltered, protected in the fields from prey, and rounding them up after eating and exercise. The Good Shepherd is of course Our Lord who is vigilant and present for us at every turn. We go through our day often unaware of His presence just as we are often unaware of the caretakers who have watched over us. 
So when did you begin to care for yourself? Were you pretty independent by the age of 21? Are you still in need and appreciative of the shelter from a loved one now? It is often necessary because of finances, health, or circumstances that we are dependent on others at various times in our lives. That isn’t all bad because we are encouraged to rely on one another.
Having fun with one another is essential for good health and to keep a smile on our faces. Welcoming one another back into the fold when circumstances change is also essential. Look around today and reach out to family and friends.
Like the Good Shepherd and our parents, we are called to pass on what we have learned. We are expected to spread joy and love. We need to care for one another and prosper. Be excited for the advancements people make and encourage them. Have a good day! And don’t forget to thank your Mother this weekend. If possible be with her and give back a hug or two. You will be Blessed.
Hang on as we go through this week for more on reaching out to others. “Delight in Living!”
What Do You Want?
Yesterday I discussed the things we don’t want to catch that may come our way. But today there are things that are necessary to catch in order to be a success. Is it winning the lottery, getting a raise, resolving a health issues, or finding a good virtual assistant? Maybe it is getting credit for making a suggestion in the office that creates a bonus or adds to your reputation?
Catching what we want may help with a few suggestions.
- Be present and show up in spirit and on time.
- Listen, ask questions, and follow through with action.
Welcome and catch the right things with joy!
- Do your homework. Read and research what it is you want.
- Welcome and catch the right things with joy.
- Take care of the responsibilities you have and do them well.
- Stay organized-plan your work and work your plan.
- Consistency pays off in many forms.
- Write down what goals you are trying to reach.
- Place the goals where you will see them.
- Connect with people who have already become successful.
- Make the right connections by shopping around and talking to other people.
- Be with the younger people who are aiming high; their energy is contagious.
- Continue learning whatever you can even if you don’t think it is important, it will be!
Don’t give up! Whatever small steps you take can be the ones to a bigger and more successful ending. Be honest and open with the people and the business you conduct, it always comes back to bless us. Being authentic is easy! Just be yourself.
Delight in Living!
What Are You Catching?
The guy behind you in line at the local hardware store sneezes and forgets to cover his mouth. The Softball is coming at you so you duck down to avoid being hit in the stands at a kids game. The estimate for the new roof is more than you expected and the boss is now attacking you for what you see as some minor offense! You download a file from a local company to later learn it carried a virus. What have you just caught?
Did you get in trouble as a child for things you did not do? Just like the above situations, we can’t control if people are spreading germs, if a car doesn’t stop at a light, or if someone is hacking into your system. Life happens and it isn’t always fair. Some people are better than others in dealing with these annoying issues, but I certainly empathize with you. 
In the last few weeks, I have had a number of acquaintances, friends, and relatives deal with medical issues that came out of no where. We all rise to the occasion when things go wrong and seek the help and expertise we need. I pray for healing for them and a doable treatment plan. It did get me thinking though that there are all these other things that we have to dodge and we have to educate our children about as well for their safety.
We never know if someone is being honest or pulling our strings when it comes to receiving good service. We tend to trust, because most of the time people and what they provide are honest. We don’t want to be the prey!
Keep that “rolodex” of contacts up-to-date so that when you need help it is there for you. When anything happens, we often cannot think well and tend to panic. The more you do to keep informed the better you will fare. Things will come together quicker and easier.
So the best way to be safe is to be aware of what is happening. Look both ways crossing the street. Look to others you trust for a good direction and for people to hire. Stay well feed, and as healthy as you can. Stretch, exercise, and move daily. Keep a balance of work, interacting with friends, and variety in your life. You’ll be glad you did!
Peace for your week and “Delight in Living!”
Podcast 50-Embracing Change
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Happy Friday, I am your host Linda Gullo and this is Podcast #50. Welcome to Mini Miracles from Minor Moments where just a few tiny changes can make a big difference in your happiness.
This morning I was listening to Satellite radio and the guest was talking about a book he wrote on Ignatian Spirituality. It encourages a person to reflect on their day and search out things that have happened. It is used as a means of recognizing how God is present and working in our lives. It is a means of growing closer to God and seeing all the wonderful things coming our way. It also reminds us to be 
receptive of good things and aware of how we might be better to others.
Well this whole week has been a series of small incremental steps in getting projects done. I decided to share some of them with you as a means of allowing you to think about things happening in your own life.
Please listen and enjoy.
How Do You Spell Contentment?
So with vacation time coming around for school children and adults as well, people are thinking of going to Disney, driving to see family across country, or planning a summer of local activities. Where are you going? What do you plan on doing? Are you going to see your parents? Will you fly or drive? What are your plans? Will you have kids along? Well I have a few thoughts for you to make this summer the best yet!
Maybe you’ll be going to an annual event in your neighborhood or doing local events. Taking a one day trip rather impulsively to Wisconsin, down to Chicago, or to meet a friend for a play may be your mode of enjoying the nice weather. Perhaps entertaining more or with people you haven’t seen in years? All of these ideas are wonderful. Usually they can be economical and scheduled according to the “FREE” days at the local zoo or museum. Take advantage of them and enjoy the sites!
Why do we vacation? Are we trying to get away from the day-to-day pressures that take the toil on our health and thinking? And if this is the case, why is that necessary? I think of past generations who found the weekend picnic or time with family on a Sunday afternoon. That was their pleasure. Simple and easy, not so expensive that they would set back the budget. So let’s take their example and expound on it. Pick a site and go with a bunch of people for safety and a fun time to a picnic site or a big backyard. It is fun. Each person can bring a dish to pass or a fruit to share. It takes down the stress that so many of us suffer from experiencing daily.
Stay connected with friends is so neat. Well staying connected with those we value is neat. We give away what it is we want from others. It may be time, money, energy, wisdom or ? We also seek out the wisdom we need to stay efficient. Find friends and brainstorm. Making time for others is the best gift we can get. Blessings and “Delight in Living” today and everyday.
Do You Network?
Do you NETWORK? With who? and How do you do it? Online? In person?
The thing I love about SOCIAL NETWORKING is that there are so many wonderful benefits for everyone. It is the best WIN-WIN for those who are involved in the activity. Let’s look at this closely.
Years ago, I had a dad who was involved in the Loyal Order of the Moose. It was a fraternal and service organization founded in the late 1800’s to help one another. At that time, they had Moose Heart for Children and Moose Haven for Senior Citizens. He’d talk about the Fraternal aspects that created opportunities for helping one another. Dad would attend meetings and donate yearly to them.
My father-in-law was a member of the Lion’s Club and he also was an active member. The monies and old glasses they collected helped those with sight issues. He knew many other businessmen who also contributed their time and money to helping. They often socialized at dinner dances and breakfasts to raise money. These Fundraising events unified and connected people.
Fraternal Lodges helped families by offering services and opportunities that one couldn’t obtain on their own. They still are very present in our society. The Moose, Rotary, Kiwanis, and Lion communities along with many others have expanded what they do and their presence in the world. Our fathers would be ecstatic knowing how much their groups have grown over the last 50 years. 
I am a Charter member of the Crystal Lake Kiwanis that started back in 2005. It was a new beginning as the original group dissolved due to deaths and people moving. We work year around to raise money and help children in our world locally and internationally. We have helped conquer mental illness with iodized salt programs in the world. Currently we are working with UNICEF to eliminate maternal/neonatal tetanus (MNT) from the earth. It is The Eliminate Project that has already saved many babies. Our group also runs the Annual Crystal Lake Santa Run for Kids. We are joined my other service agencies to help children.
But Social networking can be through your local Chamber of Commerce, Senior Citizens groups, or Churches. Networking is the key to helping others and helping yourself as well. In the last 10 years, we are all more involved in the “online” world of Networking. In the Digital world, we can communicate from anywhere and do it in minutes. Each networking group is, of course, different and even though contacts may carry over from one to another, each serves a different purpose.
We can all learn from one another and improve. May you be blessed with the richness of keeping in touch with warm, talented, and wholesome people through Networking. Join one of these groups and help make a difference for the next generations. “Delight in Living!”