Health and Lifestyle
Don’t Quit
Years ago when I was in college, I worked as a Switchboard operator. The type of switchboard was with cords and plug ins. The company was large and had contacts in another part of the world. It was hard for me to understand the accents of other cultures as people spoke. I soon learned to ask lots of questions and loved the variety of people I came in contact with via the telephone. We needed to log all the time and charges following each call. It taught me to document and follow through. I remember having to concentrate on all the details.
I was trained by a lady who was very conscientious and precise in her methods. She insisted on sanitizing the headphones each morning and cleaning the work area on a regular basis. She was very polite and a great example for working in the business world.
I learned that she had had a stroke early in life and her small children helped her to read and write again. She was probably in her early 40’s, and very religious. Her faith had sustained her during this difficult period in her life. Over the years following, I have thought of her many times. Her perseverance was something I wanted to replicate in my own life. Although circumstances were different I could see how small steps added to the progress of any situation. Mini Miracles come from Minor Moments!
It is easy to give up and quit things that take time and effort. It is hard to stay with a job we don’t enjoy. It is a challenge to stick with things that we have tried to do over and over again. Whether it is a diet program, exercise regime, or caring for another person, challenges persist. The little things we do add up.
This is the time to take charge and lift yourself higher and above the daily grind. Embrace the healthier lifestyle; confront the demons that plague you. Check out the classes for things you’d like to learn and let the warm summer months work on your behalf. Visit the museums and places you’ve talked about and enjoy all the opportunities around you. Go to the plays and musicals you want to attend. Be active and stay engaged in life.
Life doesn’t have to pass you up because you lack money. Many things are free and available to enjoy. We just need to make the time and concerted effort to do them. Community fairs, parks, and festivals are noted in the local papers. Baseball, bowling, and other groups are always looking for participants.
Take time with your spouse, children and extended family. Best of “Delight in Living”!
Emotions Are Contagious
Emotions Are Contagious
Emotions tell us a lot about what is going on at the present moment. Years ago, after I had graduated from college I heard a newscast that startled me. One of my Sorority sisters and my husband’s Fraternity brother had been killed in a senseless murder at the side of a major highway. They were engaged to be married and were coming home from a First Communion Party. The side- by-side closed caskets were devastating to me. Everyone there was downhearted and miserable. Being with all these sad people was emotional for me. It took me forever to lift the veil.
Another time when emotions were at the opposite end of the spectrum was years ago. Our family attended a Family Convention in Florida. We were in a stadium with thousands of people attending a Mass. It was being said in Korean, Spanish, and English. There was singing and laughter combined with prayer and reverence all at the same time. Children were everywhere and the power of so many happy people is still engraved in my memory.
When we are thrust into a setting that reels emotion we must be aware. Our emotions are powerful. They can be dangerous and lead us to make bad choices. Or even worse, lead to poor behaviors. We see that all the time when people perform spontaneous actions. They pick up a gun while raging about something. They run into a house on fire without thinking of their own danger or that they are putting firemen in danger to save them!
Our cognitive abilities allow us to be rational. We are able to be judicious and make common sense choices. Teaching children to control their emotions is important. Yes, it is fine to feel the emotion. We just can’t let it lead us into temptation or into danger.
That is why it is important to know ourselves. For me even the slightest temptation to eat the wrong foods is present to me. I try not to have sweets around me or go to parties where there aren’t alternative options to highly salted and fried foods. We all do know our weak points and must exert control.
If you are prone to anger, learn to control it. Engage with therapy or people who are calm and can help you work through things. Keep yourself under control.
Here is a picture of a child on a fire engine. The puppy was evoking a happy response for her. In other circumstances, it was good for her to learn that not all dogs are friendly. Emotions are contagious and can be meant to help us enjoy life!
Enjoy your weekend and “Delight in Living”!
Keep Moving
Keep Moving
Move, eat well, and be involved.
I watch young people who are full of energy. The more they do, the more they want to do. At the end of the day they rest well for the night. As we age, our bodies go through changes. In many cases, we are not as active as we once were. Our jobs changes and the amount of activity does too. The secret is to make exercise part of the day. A challenge for all of us. How do you do it?
For two years in a row, I had problems with my hands. I accidentally hit one very hard and although it was not broken, it seemed to take forever to heal. A year later I fell while outside with my dog and hurt the other hand. That one healed a little faster with therapy. It kept me from playing the piano and guitar. Now I have to get back to practicing and taking lessons again. But the secret is making it a regular part of my week so it seems natural. I hate adding another “to do” into my schedule.
I am thankful for being able to move and walk easily, but my stamina needs work. How about you? Are you limber? Do you work out? Do you have a partner or someone to do things with each day? I think that might be good, so I have to seek out another walker.
Know where you are going? Mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally make a plan.
Our health is a major thing. When we have health, mobility, and our working senses, we can do many wonderful things in the course of a day. I was in the vegetable aisle today. I was busy looking at the freshness dates. A lady came up next to me and we began discussing health drinks. Her comment was that it is good to eat well, because illnesses are so hard to heal.
Even those people reading this may be in good health, some wear glasses, hearing aids or orthotics to enable us them to function well. We want to intentionally promote good health. Good walking shoes, well fitting hats, and gloves make our activities safe. Whether it is our bones, eyes, ears, internal organs, or skin, we need to be protective.
It is hard to be consistent with our eating. Unless we are propelled along by someone or something it’s easy to slip up. Right now I am in the middle of a detox trip! I love vegetables, salads, and soups. Hopefully since this program is based on vegetables and fruits, I think I’ll be fine. It will help me to keep moving forward. There are daily video feeds that help with the mindset.
Last week I had an event to attend. I think of the people I met there? I’d loved listening to their lives and what they were trying How did you keep motivated? Did they help? Did you reach your goals and have you maintained them?
Here is a photo of a young man hiking. He was one of a group and probably enjoyed it. He also regularly is active in soccer and wrestling so the variation of hiking was fun. I think finding your passion for a sport helps immensely.
In the next few weeks, I will share some recipes I find to be delicious and helpful.
Meantime, keep moving and “Delight in Living”!
Fill Yourself with Life Giving Fuel …
Fill Yourself with Life Giving Fuel …
It is easy to know if your vehicle needs gas. All you have to do is look at the gauge and you’ll know when it’s on “Empty” that it is time to stop at the gas station! If you have neglected to read the dashboard or if it is broken, your car may stop. That’s a clear message for you to take action.
But as people we are different. We need to be fueled in many ways. We need confirmation of our self worth. Initially we look for validation from our parents, caregivers, and teachers. When we get the feedback it either drives us forward or makes us stagnant. Highly encouraged children try many things. They attempt different sports, try various hobbies, and musical instruments. In the process of trial and error, they find their talents and meet like minded people.
Then as we mature, either peers or bosses direct our ways. Our jobs may seem unimportant, but the way we conduct ourselves and the people we deal with take note. I always tell people that what they do doesn’t matter, as much as, how they do it. Smile and enjoy where you are at in your career. Jobs are temporary. As a matter of fact, everything is temporary!
For those who are religious, they may look to God for direction and confirmation in themselves. They may feel secure in their gifts and stretch out to reach others. It is in their own state of calm that they are able to pursue many things.
Society may push us one way or another with the boundaries and limits of laws, codes, or rules. Obeying the rules of the road are for everyone’s benefit. Paying for services r
endered is the best way to get good services. Honesty in business gives us direction.
Are you an athletic person who thrives on jogging? Or are you a business person who can’t wait to get to work to get things done. Are you fueled by reading books on the latest subjects or from the most current fictional selections? Newspapers, books, magazines, and online reading offers plenty of thought providing material.
Fueling our bodies with fluids, particularly water, keeps us from dehydrating. It keeps our skin clear, helps us stay refreshed, and keeps our minds and body’s healthy. Just look to the people of Flint, Michigan who have had to turn to bottled water for their daily needs.
What season works the best for you? I know people who can’t wait for the heat of the summer to take in the out of door activities. Others, like myself enjoy the springtime and fall to get motivated.
Think about what fuels you and provide that for yourself. It will help you “Delight in Living”!
It’s OK to be Happy . . .
It’s OK to be Happy . . .
Somewhere people learn that one must be entitled to be happy. But that is part of who we are! We are born to be people with great dispositions and the potential to experience joy. We also experience pain and a host of other emotions as they occur!
Here, this child is enjoying an apple! What joy the simple act of eating brings to her. We all learn to love some foods. Often we transfer that to mean we turn to food for relief from problems and that definitely is not the purpose of food. Food is a means of nourishing ourselves and in the process, we can come to enjoy it.
Happiness is contagious. When one is in a good mood it flows over the edges like a glass of highly carbonated soda. It just can’t stay bottled up inside. Think of a time you had wonderful news and you wanted to share it with everyone. Or the times people came to share good things with you. Hopefully you rallied around for them as they won that football game or had that new baby.
Do you know what makes you happy? Is it running a marathon after weeks of preparation? Is it getting the car washed after a rough winter when it has been covered with salt and dirt? Is it getting up in the morning feeling rested?
Name your moments of happiness and they seem to bounce back and make you grateful.
Enjoy your day and “Delight in Living”!
Making Deposits for being healthy…
Deposits come in all forms when it comes to our health.
Sleep is a necessity! Yes sleeping well may come and go in your life, but it is important. We all need rest just like a small baby that is maturing. Our bodies need to shut down and restore! Take simple steps like going to bed and getting up at the same time each day. Make your place for sleeping strictly for resting, not television, or eating time. Shutting off Facebook and the light of the computer can be extremely helpful. Relax with a book to relieve stress .
Using our time well. Having 24 hours a day is too short for some people. They use every minute to complete the things on their schedules. Arranging time for everything may take practice, but it pays dividends. Giving away time actually helps one rearrange priorities.
For others, time drags on and on. This is true for the elderly, or those with a lack of mobility. As good neighbors and citizens it is good to help drive people around, visit them, or listen to their woes. If you are closed in or alone, ask for help and make yourself available. I knew a lady who always complained about being lonely, but then made excuses when people reached out to her.
To Play and remove oneself from routine is a needed deposit. One of my best memories from a few years ago was walking to the playground in the late afternoon. I’d get on a swing for a few minutes and just relax. Usually the kids weren’t there at that time of day and I had the playground to myself. Silly, well maybe, but it felt good and took me away from issues of the day.
To Engage with people is an essential deposit. Particularly those people who inspire you. These do not need to be people in your profession or nearby. They can be as near as the telephone.
They can be friends of friends, relatives, or neighbors who share the same ideas. Sometimes carpooling children, attending the same church, or engaging in a sport brings people together. Bowling leagues, softball games, and volleyball are for adults too. We can watch or participate.
Actually the best tips for my business come from individual who worked for large corporation with a business totally diverse from my own counseling practice. He advised me through an email ways to build my business.
When it comes to business though, a few common denominators are the same for all of us. Looking at how we bill, how we track our clients, watching the bottom line, and cash flow are universal. So connect with others and learn together.
We need to be well spiritually and engaged with a community of like minded people. Being genuine with our beliefs and acting in congruity with our values is best. Scheduling time to meditate, read scripture, and pray is essential. Quiet time is good for our minds and our souls.
To invest in a profession or job that provides money. Certainly money is needed for basic needs like food, transportation, and shelter. Earning it brings satisfaction and motivates us to be assets to our communities. Also regulating how much we use and save can bring peace.
Finally, eating and exercising enhance our bodies. Trying recipes and learning how to cook can be a blessing. I am always amazed at how good the simplest meals taste. Try different foods. Eat in moderation and experiment to see how foods affect you.
Finally, take time to “Delight in Living”!
Building a Foundation …
This past week I was on my way down Rt. 14 and I noticed a large building that once housed our Walmart was gone. It had been there for years empty and I personally hoped it would fill up again. Earlier in the week on the way to Geneva, I noticed a office building gone that stood on a corner. It was there one week earlier.
As I watch our community grow, I also see things disappearing in the name of progress. Property is leveled to make room for roads, new businesses, or housing. I recalled my trips to Europe where buildings are hundreds of years old. I was able to compare ideas, stories, and photos with others who also went to those sites. History came alive from the textbooks I studied. It made me feel complete. Will our children or future generations ever feel that?
I have been in my office condo for over 10 years now and love its location in town. The building had a foundation that I watched being poured. I have the memories of them building my plans into the building before other neighbors arrived. I am so glad I took lots of pictures.
Translate this into “people” and it is wonderful to have strong roots. Roots that are filled with wholesome values, great memories, and stable morals. The consistency of parents that look after us, feed, cloth, and give us opportunities to grow makes us into strong and resilient people.
The foundations of our educational systems, local park districts, and community sports help us to build our identities. Identities that will launch us into good careers, strong leadership positions, and develop us into faith driven people. People who love and serve one another.
I personally love people most of the time. I find them so unique and exhilarating. I want to be involved and helpful and I hope people will do the same. I was taught that from my parents. They were honorable, committed, and responsible citizens. They led simple, but charitable and thought filled lives. They were there as great parents, supported others through times of sickness and sadness. They followed through with obligations, payments and deadlines. Are you helping the next generation to love one another? What can you do to invest in your children and those in your neighborhood?
Let’s all build more than long lasting buildings. Let’s care for what we already have so it lasts a long time. Let’s set a great example for our future generations. Building on good foundations is easier to see when it is poured in front of us, but giving children roots is a lot harder to do.
Have a great day, and “Delight in Living”.
Eating Well and Embracing a Healthy Lifestyle
Insights for me and hopefully you!
Well it has happened to me before. I get to a place where I am eating the wrong foods. I suddenly begin to crave healthy foods and find I feel so much better. It usually follows a holiday when I have indulged in rich foods or eaten too much.
To reset my eating, I turn to green vegetables. I love sauteed onions with spinach or escarole. I find kale and other greens necessary to inch back into my diet. I make a spend of celery, apple, and cucumber. I also find that a Bolthouse Farms Daily Greens drink of kale, spinach, and romaine hit the spot. I’d like to know what works with you too.
I decided to start munching on crunchy fresh vegetables this week and bought some Anise (aka Fennel). It is an Italian custom my husband’s family would eat after a large holiday dinner. For me, it is just a refreshing snack cut up in the refrigerator! It resets my appetite for good things. 
What are the foods you like to eat that are healthy? Make a list of them and try to introduce them into your diet. I also love vegetable broth and cooked veggies of many kinds. Are you a confident eater? Do you feel you are taking the eating part of your health with responsibility?
Sometimes I wish I had a personal chef to prepare them for me. I feel foolish admitting that I can be too rushed or lazy to take the time to prepare the things I need to eat.
Today as I was listening to Sirius XM radio, Nutritionist Dr. Mary Flynn of the Miriam Hospital and Brown University was being interviewed. She spoke of her many years of studying various eating patterns. Patterns established in different cultures. She works with food kitchens and patients to readjust their diets. Diets that are designed to lower cholesterol, to control high blood pressure, and to lose weight.
Listening to her means of adjusting ones eating had such a common and sensible tone about it. She was talking with a host of a show who kept asking her questions on how to adapt menus to his busy lifestyle. She believes in vegetables and the use of olive oil. I really liked her menu ideas and the cumulative effects of the Mediterranean diet. She clarified why it worked. Check her out on the Web. It is easy to find her.
So with that in mind I am off to do some grocery shopping. Hope your day goes well, “Delight in Living”!
Back to Work Monday
Children make learning fun. They can be encouraged to be self starters! Encourage them to try new things, to read, and to write. Let’s learn from them!
Every week I see on Facebook, friends who are disgruntled about returning to work and feel badly for them. For me, I look forward to Mondays. It means a week of opportunities and growth. And it calls us to have a new vision. To put behind us what didn’t work and move forward to new ideas.
1- Pick up the phone and tackle leftover business, birthday calls, or just reach out and start new business.
2- Make it a day filled with grace. Say prayers for those on your prayer list and include all those people in nursing homes and hospitals that need help.
3- Treat yourself to lunch with a friend so you have a reward built in!
4- If there is a lot to do, break it down into smaller chunks so it doesn’t seem so overwhelming.
5- It’s okay to feel reluctant, but don’t say it aloud. That behavior makes it worse. Just dive in! Wear something you feel good in! Smile!
This is the day the Lord has made, Rejoice and Be Glad! Delight in Living!
7 Things Animals Can Teach Us. . .
Six years ago, when our dog was a young puppy, she was enticed by something under one of our apple trees. I saw from a distance what looked like a small body laying there and thought it may have been a dead rabbit.
I called to her. She thankfully responded to me and came running. I let her in the side door of our garage and proceeded outside to a dark yard alone with a flashlight. There as I approached the back of our yard, I saw two beady eyes and a long animal slowly move across our lawn. It was a possum. It had played dead in what it perceived as danger. It displayed what was inherently natural for it.
Animals usually protect themselves and we need to do the same thing. What are the ways we can do that?
1-We need to avoid straying into dangerous territory. That doesn’t only mean physical territory, like places we don’t know well; it also includes exposing our senses to the wrong things.
If you are inclined to eat sugar laden foods, it might be good to avoid the bakery section of a grocery store where the aroma entices you to eat.
If you are trying to be financially prudent, it may mean staying off of online sites that encourage you to spend money.
2-We need to use and protect our noses from bad foods, from inhaling polluted air, or exposing ourselves to smoking. A dogs senses are designed to protect them. We need to use our senses to do the same. Sniff out the milk or other foods in your refrigerator; dates aren’t the only indication that foods may be stale or old. We need to keep our homes well ventilated. Sometimes driving in our cars with windows open is also healthy. We need to breath in fresh air.
3-Minding our own business and trying not to change others is a healthy way to live. If you have ever parented or taught a strong willed child, one learns quickly that it is difficult to change others. We can only change our perception of others and control our own behaviors.
4-We need to protect our eyes from viewing pornography or violent images and turn instead to good pieces of literature. Refraining from movies and on-line evil are good now and for the future. Instead, reading books is a high-minded activity. There are marvelous classic movies and musicals to enjoy. Keeping healthy literature available to read is excellent for all. We must put healthy ideas in our minds and cultivate them.
5-Ingesting fresh foods and taking in healthy liquids is good for our health. Animals drink plenty of water. They seem to know when they are thirsty vs hungry. In a society that has so many processed foods, we need to get back to naturally grown fruits and vegetable. Taking in fresh water and a variety of other drinks rather than carbonated, caffeinated, or sugary drinks is best. Back to homemade vegetable broths and iced tea may help fill our palettes and stay well.
6-We need to listen to one another, good music, and be aware of our surroundings. Listening to the needs and concerns of one another is a lost art. People are consumed with social media and losing valuable social skills. Well trained animals are alert and listen to their masters. They respond to strange noises and alert others.
The art of a healthy conversation has become argumentative and mean spirited. Everyone is striving to be right and then become defensive. We become jealous and power struggles ensue. This seems to be even more of a problem when it comes to politics, money, and/or religion. Maybe the old rule should go back into vogue where one doesn’t talk about these things quite as freely.
7-Begin seeing friends and family regularly. Pets are so good at greeting and enjoying people. They are also excellent at sniffing out people with ulterior motives. They remind us to make time to meet with others. Discern who you are empowered and like to be with on a regular basis. Listen to good music or pick up an instrument to relax with one another. Mingle more with neighbors for a cup of tea, cola, or beer and you’ll feel less lonely. Better yet start strolling with friends for exercise and quality time.
As people we are to be gentle, steadfast, diligent, and helpful to one another. We are called to be obedient to our elders and forgiving to one another. Self control, being caring, and acting with honesty bring me back to our pets. They are great instructors. They teach us loyalty and concern for one another by their example.
Have a wonderful weekend. As we approach Easter, reach out and encourage someone today. It’s a great way to “Delight in Living”!