Health and Lifestyle
TODAY
Getting up each morning to face the day is a real delight. There are so many circumstances that people face that are overwhelming. Just being grateful for the daily routine is beautiful. Opportunities abound when we are open to them. Today the sunshine is a welcome to the day. The skies are clear and the air brisk for a January day. Being in the northern suburbs of Illinois, I tell you this is wonderful!
There is an old adage that we are to think before we speak. Well that is so true. It is better to think things through and reflect on what our words say. Even far truer is that we are to think about the behaviors people take when we speak to them. It is easy to react to what someone says. We may go into a defense mode when we don’t need to do so. And likewise we need to not put others on defense. Everyone is responsible for their own actions. We are meant to work together as a team for our communities, our families, and our country.
Teenagers and young people however, need direction and guidance. They need to know how their actions and behaviors affect other people. Recently I watched a younger person stop and do a u-turn on a small street near a few stores. Obviously, they did not consider the danger it put others in. I stopped and watched in amazement how they just assumed everyone else was to stop and watch out for them. Now some of the best drivers are the young ones who are following the rules and being conscientious of other people. I applaud them.
Selfishness seems rampant these days! What is that all about? I have noticed that often during these past holidays. It is as if everyone has become self-centered. Now is the time to look at ourselves. I have been trying to be aware of how my schedule affects other people. I am trying to be thoughtful and I invite you to join me in this conscious behavior. We need to think before we act or speak unkindly.
Look for the Mini Miracles and gracious people. Thank them and help them to continue being that way. Have a great day and a beautiful Wednesday.
Why Fight It?
As a sophomore in high school, we had gym classes every day. I recall having a horrible cold and feeling awful. The teacher had tough guidelines. I had to play volleyball in spite of feeling lethargic. By the end of the class, I felt excellent. My nose was not running; my energy was great.
That experience was the first time I recognized the power of moving. It happened so long ago, but I still remember the feeling. I try to remind myself to just start moving whenever it is I feel poorly. 
Exercising your body can bolster mental health. It helps us clarify our thoughts. It’s like a booster shot that works almost instantly. It is the feeling of exhilaration one gets after accomplishing something new. A good workout transforms a person. The tiredness goes away. The achy muscles seem to ease and the head just clears up!
The benefits are so good. Even if one just takes a walk, it is uplifting. Sleeping improves, stress is relieved, and the desire to workout more often becomes addictive. Runners say they get a high.
If the benefits are so good, why do we push away from exercising? Is it because we have to change clothes? Is it too much too get in the car and go to the gym? Is it that it isn’t seen as a priority? So why is it we fight establishing a habit? I used to do water programs, but the water and chemicals made me itchy and it was hard to make classes. Working out takes time away from my work? It is hard to do consistently when one is a caretaker. I remember for 2, plan for 2, watch out for 2, and for 24/7, I am on alert for 2. It is all the more reason to stay fit and give myself the gift of moving.
So throwing all the excuses out the window are necessary. Let’s help one another be successful. Take an interest in someone you like. Call them. Write them a note. ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER. WALK WITH ONE ANOTHER.
What do you do to conquer these issues? Perhaps you don’t have these issues. Or you somehow resolved them. Send ideas to me so I can share them with others via this blog and in coaching. We need to learn along the way for ourselves and for one another.
I asked myself the question a few months ago of “why don’t I stay consistent with working out?” I keep coming back to the same answers. I hate getting sweated up. It takes planning to drag extra clothes with me. I need to look halfway decent and never do after working out. And how do I take time out of the day to do it? I joined a club and still didn’t do it after a long day.
So I am back to a version of what did work.
First, I realized I was best at not being demanding on myself. I actually told myself that just 10 minutes on the treadmill was easy. It always expands into more time, when I have the television on in front of me. It is just starting that is the hardest for me. Just show up. Although I hope to get down there more often, I have it in my calendar for every other day. Kudos if I do more.
Secondly, I also like to see cumulative progress. I worked on Duolingo for over 240 days, then started again. Then for 555 days until I missed one day and lost the status. That was so frustrating that I lost interest. I think I will get back into another program to keep myself from losing the progress I made up until last week. It just was such an insight for me that I need to visualize and SEE progress.
Losing weight and firming up seem to take such a long time, that at least seeing something on paper helps for the short term. So I have the new 2017 Calendar posted nearby my equipment to list the smallest attempt. It propels me to do more and more.
3rdly, the treadmill, light weight bike, and new rowing machine are lined up with bouncing board in our basement. It is warm down there, easy to get to, and I don’t have to look good for anyone except Rosy. She seems to have found a comfy rug next to the bike to recline on and keep me company.
So with all that figured out, I have a plan to do something in addition to using my Fitbit. That little helper has encouraged me to walk! Now, it is another number on my workout calendar each day.
So friends, let’s do this. Get up and go. Walk the length of a store, walk from your car, take out the dog, or find something you can do each day. It is 2017 and we are all going to be Healthier! Let the Mini Miracles of being consistent work for us. Embrace change!
Goodbye 2016 – Welcome 2017
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Just a few helpful ideas to help you enjoy 2017 to the fullest!
Be the best version of yourself and a think about a few steps on getting there. Enjoy this free flowing inspiration from Linda as you go into the Best Year Ever 2017. And check out her upcoming coaching package. Enrollment starts January 15th. 
Where is it?
On more than one occasion, I have misplaced a slip of paper, a note, or something of importance. “I just had that!” It happens less than it used to because I am more aware of losing stuff. What usually happens is that I pick up a pile of papers or bills and it is at the bottom of the pile. Then I began to think that often when we misplace things in our minds it is often the same. For the moment it is not of importance and we lay it aside to do the most urgent thing.
So I ask you, does this happen to you? What have you “lost” for the moment? Have you tucked it away? I recall after my mother-in-law died, that we looked all over for her telephone. Our son had bought her a cell phone so that we could reach her or so that she had an emergency phone with her. Often she did not turn it on. Once we found it tucked in the kitchen cabinet and she said that she took it with when she needed it. So of course after she died it was the first place we looked and it wasn’t to be found.
Later it was discovered safely tucked away in the Safety Deposit Box. I understand completely that she treasured it enough to save it.
Do you want to learn more? Are you content with what you know and just move along? Are you in a place where you don’t think it is necessary? Everyone makes their own decisions in that regard, but I don’t want anyone left behind who wants to learn more. I guess as a counselor and coach I am always trying to empower people to feel the best they can about themselves.
As we get older, some things appear to be just too much to grasp. And that is what I am addressing today. It is a “PEP TALK” for all of us. Please don’t get frustrated when you misplace something. Just keep looking until it reappears. If something appears too hard to do, try to find a way to learn about it.
There are already so many things you have learned and one more thing isn’t too much. In fact, the more we learn the better we feel equipped to handle other things. It is a domino effect of sorts of empowering yourself. As we enter into another year, see it as an opportunity for growth. A New Year = new opportunities for loving and learning about yourself and others.
Find the mini miracles around you today. They are waiting to be discovered and to be found. Maybe in a safety deposit box or your cabinet. But they are there as a means of safety and a propeller for new information.
Finding Your Niche – Looking Outside Yourself
Ok, so we hear this often, “Find your niche and go for it!” I just said it to a lady this morning. We all know people who are successful, because they have indeed found their niche. They have a passion and love for what they do. Somehow, somewhere, early in life they knew what they liked to do and were able to make a lifestyle that included that desire.
Have you thought about what you “played” as a child? Were you playing teacher and suddenly find yourself teaching school? How about nurse, doctor, or vet? Did you play accountant and become a CPA? I used to play secretary with my dad’s old forms from the bank. I played teacher as I read to my stuffed animals and gardener as I watered my mom’s old cactus. In the process I realized that I didn’t want to be a secretary and that the cactus didn’t really crave all the water I was giving it.
What do you see?
The idea of retirement sounds so good. I can tell you most people who are driven have to find a meaningful replacement. The temporary weeks of rest and the thrill following retirement soon fade. One lady I know loves to get in a camper and travel. Another friend is searching for volunteer work. People, we need a purpose and an interest.
It is never too late to find a hobby. Perhaps the local schools need that person who can read to the children needing one-on-one help. Or better yet, the math wizard can help a local small business stay afloat.
When I was in college, I met a man confined to a wheel chair from birth. He had great expectations of using his voice for his future work. He was a Liberal Arts Major with a quick wit! In fact, he had a voice that any DJ would have loved. He was planning on a career in Broadcasting. Perhaps our limitations are good because they help us focus on our other God given talents.
Think outside the box. Look outside yourself for answers Join in with people for a Brainstorming Session or two.
Have a great day and enjoy the sunshine. It shines brightly today. A Mini Miracle for December 28th in Northern Illinois.
Post Christmas Meltdown
How do you feel the day after a Holiday? Are you in a good place? Is it a letdown feeling? Is it quiet at your house? Are you napping? Watching TV? Are there teenagers or college kids home? Are you expecting more company or a late celebration?
It happens every year to me and you’d think I’d be aware, but like a monster from the dark, it bounces out. I love the Christmas theme of Jesus’ Birthday and the essence of HOPE. I love the gathering of family and sharing a dinner together. I enjoy the beauty and fullness of the church each year! I enjoy the grandchildren, their excitement, and all the delicious traditions!
Come the following day, and I am wiped out. Yes, I said wiped out.
Wiped out of energy! I put so much time into planning the different facets of the Holiday. I focus on Advent, the preparation of the Feast, the responsibility to be inclusive and giving. It is an odd feeling that overcomes me. Maybe it is all the extra physical and emotional energy that is spent over the days and hours until our family gathers.
This year I had extra help with the food preparation and with the physical work of moving furniture and tables. I am so grateful for it. As in the past, I am prayerful and attentive to those who going through medical and health issues. I have experienced the highs and lows of the Holidays for many years, so I have empathy. I am grateful for the thoughtful gifts given to me. And for the chance to unwind today. Sigh.
Maybe it is the sudden quiet after the loud noise of the season with all its commercialism. Did you I notice weeks of sales magazines flooding into your mailbox and requests for money?
Did the extreme colds and then the flurries of snow seem oddly draining? The weather did drain me. Out came all the scarves and gloves. And then today, it is oddly warm, sunny, and a mess from a heavy rain in the last 24 hours. The sun is so welcome and feels so warm and revitalizing, as long as, one is inside.
Before our company arrived, I sat down for a 5 min. texting break with my diet coke.
I actually did lots of cleanup outside and to our basement storage area this morning. I got up earlier than expected due to an excess of achy muscles and a sore back. The last few days of moving furniture and additional demands was a bit much.
Thanks to my husband’s cousin who stayed and helped with the final cleanup, much of the house was put back in order last night. I ran round with a hand vacuum and a broom this morning. This afternoon is “FREE” and unscheduled, except for a load of table napkins and kitchen towels.
Now I am just taking it all in. I love all the thoughtful gifts and well wishes. Rereading the cards, looking at a pile of new books to consume over the next 6 months. I had 8 non fiction next to my chair and a devotional book. Just added another 5 to the pile; 2 of them are fictional, and another devotional. They all look so inviting that I will have evenings filled.
So may you receive many Blessings as we go forward. I know we move on into the New Year with high expectations and opportunities. It is good to be positive, acknowledge your post holiday monsters and move them aside. Thanks to all the readers—mini miracles are yet to appear!
The Traveling Trunk Show
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Welcome to the Podcast of The Traveling Trunk Show where we unpack the past year and prepare for the year of 2017!
Good morning and Happy Holidays. As we enter into this Christmas week, I thought of how easy it would be not record an episode, but I promised myself and those that listen regularly that I would do one each week of the year. So here is just a short hello and a wish for a wonderful day.
Hear about my mini miracle of reconnecting with a former intern.
Please enjoy this and I’ll see you next week! Do have a great weekend.
Exploded Expectations?
We all have “bad hair days” or bad days! It may be a day when the littlest things seem to blow up in our faces. A time when we have a full agenda or when we have been on a high! I recall one New Year’s Eve where the kids decided to come out and spend an evening of playing games. Just as they were about to leave, my son-in-law went out to warm the car, and there was a flat tire on their car. Thank goodness he was easy going and just changed it without much ado. It could have wrecked an otherwise great night.
Life happens and it isn’t always according to our expectations. Expectations are dangerous, because when things don’t play out as we want them too, we are disappointed. Perhaps our disappointments make us act inappropriately. We lash out at others, slam doors, drive foolishly, or just lose it. Some people pout and become terrible to be around.
It takes a decision on our part to change our behaviors. Not always easy as we are all creatures of habit and just react. Do you know what habits you’d like to break? Working on one at a time is the way to go.
That is particularly true with business and when we want to keep on schedule, but something steps in our way. The telephone calls start taking priority. Today I have a combination of business and play that I plan to do, but who knows as I begin seeing white flakes come down. Learning to be adaptive and working through obstacles is what it is all about.
Today’s the big news story is on John Glenn who died at 95. The news tells us he was a calm and relaxed man. He orbited the planet in 1962 and I remember the thrill of it all. Our eyes were focused on the skies and our prayers were with him. So many things we now take for granted; the Space Programs for #1. So many advances have been made that we are able to fly, take trains, buses and cars everywhere! What joy there is in traveling.
It was my thought that we should all strive to be less anxious; to be more relaxed. We all need to focus on the here and now and now worry about what will happen next week. Personal experience tells me that when you get to next week, you’ll have what you need available to deal with the problem.
So enjoy your day and “delight in living” everyday of the year. Peace be with you. And watch for the Mini Miracles from Minor Moments unfolding around you.
Arm-in-Arm
It feels so good when people are arm-in-arm with one another. We feel supported and find strength when we work together. I have seen that many times when to comes to our Community and this weekend proved it again.
For those around me, you know I have been a Chamber of Commerce member for many years. I worked on a variety of committees, took my turn as a Leader of the President’s Council, worked for 8 years on their Board, and many more as an Ambassador. My last commitment to them was as a contributor to their Foundation Board. I only say these things, because I enjoyed and benefited from all the wonderful people I met and still know. I continue to be a member, but not as involved on such a deep level. It is time to link arm in arm with still many people, some are just across the country and not in my own back yard.
This past weekend my engagement with the CL Kiwanis sought my attention. I am so excited to be with a group of benevolent and thoughtful people. We began as a Charter group in 2005 as newbies.
We coordinate with many of the other groups in town. On the first Sunday in December we bring about a fun packed, yearly annual 5 K Santa Run. Thanks to so many who worked arm-in-arm to get this done. This year was another successful year of fun time with one another. Seeing all the people on a brisk winter morning coming together to raise funds is exhilarating. Thank you!
Now the real joy comes when we teach the next generation that it is important to be involved and engaged in life. It is important that we see ourselves as individuals with a larger circle of “family.” Families work together to make everyone feel included. They help one another learn skills, build self esteem, and have a unique purpose. We need to mentor and walk hand-in-hand and teach them what we have learned. In the process, we also grow.
We can do that for the upcoming generations by teaching them to be involved in our local groups. And also by learning what the needs are around our country and world. Already so many church mission groups are providing volunteer opportunities for children to become involved.
Have a great day and continue to “Delight in Living!”
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Bob Blazier, A Man of Vision
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Welcome to this post Thanksgiving show.
It is my wish that you were able to find a few Mini Miracles throughout this past week. For me there were many small, but precious moments with the grandchildren, family, and friends. Much to my own surprise, I was able to catch a funny video of an unexpected moment. It was a highlight that has already spread throughout the family.
Well today I have the pleasure to introduce a delightful man. His list of accomplishments include being an educator, administrator, and Accomplished Board member on many Foundations. He has worked with Centegra Hospital and our local Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce. He continues to be recognized along with his wife Rosemary for their contributions to our world. We have seen both of them actively participating when they were well, and the times when in spite of a health issue– kept moving forward.
But Bob Blazier is much more than all his accomplishments. He is an admired man for this giving nature and genuine sense of humor. He has and continues to mentor anyone who comes in his path. He is an encouraging spirit about him.
Bob is a man of faith and can be seen attending church and praying. He is known for his daily fitness routine. Bob Blazier has an annual run for the Arts to help our Raue Theater. He also appears at other 5 K’s such as the Kiwanis Santa Run (featured picture) to help children. Bob is so very appreciated for all his contributions to our Community.
AND HERE’S BOB who was a Gem to join us. Thank You BOB!