Health and Lifestyle
The Values in Linking UP Together
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The Values in Staying Connected
Welcome to our latest session of Mini Miracles from Minor Moments with Linda Gullo.
What do you want to do next? What do you deserve to do for yourself that you may not be doing yet?
Share your Smile
Values in Linking Up with the people around you.
You need to stay informed and learn the newest things. The latest grouping here is a Book Study where we will discuss books and help one another grow in wisdom. Check-in at our registration page. It is time to connect again with groups you belonged to prior to the Pandemic or jumping into new adventures. Perhaps it is a community church that you once attended or the local bowling alley for some well deserved time with friends. Just reconnect and get involved. We have all been virtual for quite awhile, now let’s connect in person.
Linking up
We need to be positive with everyone we encounter. Is it your neighbors that are awesome? Perhaps your team at work? We all need to continually learn how to be sociable and interact in positive ways? What values do you want to have? Who can teach you the things you need right now? What can you share with those who come in contact with you?
A Postage Rate increase may be coming soon. Maybe this is a good time to get those FOREVER stamps that will help you stay connected with mailing out personal birthday cards and special notes. Do it now before the prices escalate. Sending out personal messages is always a good idea and everyone loves the personal touch of a note.
Talents show up in many ways. Some of these talents are visible where others are not. Are your talents highly visible?
Be sure to connect with our Winner’s Circle Mastermind
Delight in Living Studios
Also big thank you to Jim Haisler for his continued support in our Podcasts in helping all of us feel included.
Remember taking the first step may put you on the escalator of success. Take yours now, don’t let fear stop you!
Measurements, Tags, & Self Love
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MEASURING- A MATH SKILL/IMPORTANCE
Linda starts by talking for a few minutes about the concept of measuring. We need to learn these things that are used every day. We take it for granted that everyone knows simple math skills, but it isn’t true. Listen as you are encouraged to recognize and acknowledge how lucky you are to know your numbers.
This little segment is about measuring and shared for many reasons! First of all, we all have the same basic needs when it comes to learning things. 2ndly, we take it for granted that everyone knows how to do these things, 3rdly, thinking things through and taking the time to be accurate with measurements is really important to have a quality lifestyle. When we dress in clothes that fit us well, drive a car big enough to adapt to one’s 6-foot frame, or sit comfortably in the chair we need to know sizes. This week be conscious of how important these skills are and be thankful for this knowledge.
Measuring temps
SCHEDULING TO MAKE YOU FEEL IN CONTROL/HELP OTHERS
Mini Miracles from Minor Moments allows one to see the joy that comes from the smallest happenings in time. Scheduling in the opportunities for growth and diversity in our days is good. They don’t need to be hourly sessions, but just wholesome and authentic moments. One needs to do that for making the most of time, talent, and quality. Not only do we help ourselves, but we help everyone around us feel appreciated. Enjoy the smallest events and successes.
Scheduling & Notations!
FRAMING FROM A WINDOW IN CHICAGO
Linda shares looking out of a window overlooking the City of Chicago and how framing can help us move forward. Seeing things in the daytime may look totally different to us in the evening because of the lighting. Obstacles and challenges are framed differently when one is alert as opposed to being tired and worn out. Sometimes we see how others resolve problems and find excellent solutions when we know what they are sharing is the truth. We see obstacles that may be in front of us and then we can avoid them.
Framing is having a purpose and a plan to see clearly.
COMPLIMENTS AND HELPING ONE ANOTHER
Linda shares how sometimes we do not hear and absorb nice compliments. Make sure others hear your compliments. Often people don’t take in the average comment as a positive thing. You also need to receive kind thoughts others share with you and see that they are blessings.
LABELS, TAGS, AND STIGMAS
Comments we hear are not always accurate. Be careful that we don’t label others or make comments that are negative. Be careful not to let tags and comments hold you back or make you fearful. We can be hurt by a label —“you are too fat, too loud, ADD, unkind,” etc. We need to throw them away. Just like a broken bone or a physical injury, many tags are temporary. We need to be careful not to put labels, tags, or impressions from others into our minds as permanent. Things change as we grow. Don’t be put in a corner or get stymied because of some label. It isn’t a good thing. Believe in yourself. Get a team of good people around you to help you know the truth and see things as changeable. Take into account self love as a gift.
Remember to take the first step, it may put you on the escalator of success!
Living Fully Alive
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Today’s Podcast discusses a number of things. The first is about nourishing our bodies. Listening to what our body needs will look different for each of us. We all come from different cultures, different experiences, and different food traditions. How and what we eat is connected to our mindsets, beliefs, and of course, our habits. One thing to recognize is that we are an accumulation of our habits. Those small steps that we do every day often unconsciously move us forward or stall us. It is like making a pot of grandma’s soup. We just do it because that is how it has been done. But now, we need to think differently about what we put into our stomachs. Are we feeding an emotion like anger, anxiety, or just boredom? As a Health Coach, I help people look at their nutrition as one part of the solution. We need to think about how we see and vision food as well. Do you see a large amount of food as nourishing or is there one small plateful that really fills you up?
Eating Well
Several years ago I bought a stack of 9-inch plates from Pier One Imports that really are a perfect size. A complete meal fits comfortably on it and keeps me in check. The American Diabetic Association suggests a 9-inch plate for us so I felt good with this decision.
Simply focusing on freshly cooked or steamed vegetables is filling and can help a person feel healthy. Our skin, our digestion, and our attitudes about junk foods seem to disappear. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a burger, roasted chicken, or a favorite fish. Those things are wonderful proteins that give us strength and should remain part of our diets. Eating well means giving our bodies the nutrients and fuels it needs. We all want to flourish and the quality of our eating can then be supplemented with great hydration. Fresh water and moving complement our bodies. What visions do you have for food? Is it just to fill you up?
Mental Health Check-ups!
Find a good counselor or psychotherapist to keep yourself mentally well. We are ready to help you in this regard! Changes continue to challenge us to grow! So here are a few of the newsy things to read.
A few thoughts regarding last week’s Crain’s News
Just a few thoughts on a couple of articles that may ignite your thinking. Enjoy this section. The looks at Malls as they become apartments. And what are the shortages now. Manufacturers having problems getting metals, woods, and chips. It is affecting all of us.
Education – Where do you get yours?
Nelson Mandela has said that “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” I do believe that. But I wanted to say that there are many forms of education. Education to think for oneself, education to learn a wide variety of skills and plateaus and education that is from self-experience. Not all education comes from going to a school and copying what someone else knows as the truth. We need to learn vicariously, but not necessarily regurgitate what is shared with us. Books offer us the content to read, absorb, or claim. It also allows us to disagree and question. Today I hope the young are not just learning from the internet that is often incorrect in one direction or another. We need to be resourceful and question the things coming our way. The basics of reading, writing, and being kind and sociable are also part of the educational system. We need to be respectful of all people as the commandments of God teach us, but we need to protect ourselves and our families also. The secret to a good life is learning to be content with yourself and your own choices.
Education can be Formal from a University, learned on a job, or experienced in life!
Reframing & Adapting to Change
Linda talks about looking out of a window. It can be refreshing and offer many opportunities for clearer thinking. Changes give us opportunities. Linda shares a story about her father’s car being crushed by a cornice and a number of changes that can be for us or seemingly against us. It is the way we frame change. Now to look at the generations around you!
Look to the Generations Around You
Looking to different generations offers us a good perspective. We can be there for one another. We can be mentored by others if we are open to changes.
Our podcast is meant to drop pieces of Education, Motivation, and Spirituality into your pathway to use as needed. We are here to help you. We plant seeds of kindness, opportunities to grow, and the best of everything. Listen often as we drop pieces of newsworthy information for you. Remember to take the first step, it may put you on the escalator of success.
Have a great week and join us here or at the podcast Mini Miracles from Minor Moments about every two weeks.
Listen to Our Weekly Podcast
The Value of Good Mental Health
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The Value of Good Mental Health
Each side of our brain serves us and allows us to function well. This was discussed in the last podcast with great enthusiasm. What profession are you in often is often reflected by the side of the brain you use the most to accommodate to life. What profession have you chosen? Why have you gone into that area of work?
Linda talks about creating a Sphinx she created in elementary school and how often our culture and family help develop our talents. You will be able to hopefully think of a time in your life when you too enjoyed a time of learning.
Next Linda shares an experience of being on a bus in Italy that was stalled due to an emergency on the road ahead. It turned out to be a fun and unique event for her. It remains such a good remembrance of how people were able to connect. A normal moment was not tense, but rather a beautiful time. Our minds interpret things in different ways. For someone else, the experience may have been uncomfortable or nerve-racking, but that is because we are from different backgrounds.
Fragrances also connect us to different moments. It is like listening to music. Certain songs take us back to fun or even tragic moments. Have you ever been to an auction? Have you ever experienced something that gets you into a new place? Just think for a moment about a trip to Disney or the local zoo. The characters and animals are entertaining. Our imaginations seem to blossom.
We are here to help you!
We all learn on different levels. It is good that we perceive things differently because we can share them with one another. So If you are having problems learning or dealing with things, travel and try new pathways.
Pathways to Dealing with Anxiety
1-Have regular exercise or movement as part of your day. Moving helps us get past the anxiety.
2-Stay in the moment and take time to breathe.
3-Og Mandino’s University of Success says the only event in the entire world you can control is what you are you are thinking and feeling at the present moment.
4-Enjoy the weather right now, especially if it is pleasant. Feel the sunshine and the fresh air. If it is raining, feel the moisture as a wonderful thing. Take each day one at a time. Stay in the moment.
Now what?
What is it that you need to do or accomplish this week?
Is it a language you want to learn?
Linda talks about her Father’s journals. How it went from factual information and costs when her dad was younger. With time the journal entries evolved into feelings and emotions and as time progressed so many other things seemed relevant. You’ll learn why. Listen and enjoy this section..
Learn in whatever way is easiest for you. If it is in art, then express yourself that way. If it is with people, then immerse yourself with them. Perhaps music speaks and teaches you to appreciate yourself. It can be from fragrances, smells, or foods. At every age, we can learn from board games.
Linda is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and also certified by Optavia in partnership with the MacDonald Center for Obesity Prevention and Education & M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing at Villanova University. She is here to help you feel your best and succeed.
Take the first step forward, it may put you on the escalator of success.
Staying Mentally Well
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Staying Mentally Well
We have minds that have unlimited potential and Linda addresses some basics about learning.
Are you creative? Do you like books? Are you able to communicate well? Do you memorize well? What do you like to do in our free time? What are you thinking about? What are you doing to improve your health?
Good mental health is the basis for all of us so we can enjoy life. Our brains are made to work well for us.
Um? Will that get me into trouble?
Health Coaching is now available through Linda. If you are interested in losing weight and feeling better call 815-459-5161 to set up a time to talk.
Adaptability Quotient
IQ’s measure intelligence. EQ’s measure emotional intelligence. AQ refers to how well a person reacts to the inevitability of change. So what supports the capacity to make changes well? Linda talks about unlearning old information! Listen and see what insights you can talk away.
Boundaries
Call us if you need help, want to suggest topics, or what to share some good information.
Remember to take the first step forward, it may put you on the escalator of success!
How Conscious Are You?
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How conscious are you? Welcome to 2021 and the opportunities this year presents to you. What is a good word that can set you up for success this year? For me, the word for the month is “Connect.” I actually change out the word each month and it is a word that involves action.
Here are some of the topics on this podcast:
1- Are you familiar with the new social app Clubhouse? Well, it is a new tool to learn. A tool to connect us with others interest in the topics you like. You will meet new contacts and can listen to the opinions of other entrepreneurs and/or people of knowledge.
2- Jon Acuff, an author talks about completing a goal you have set. He shared that at the University of Scranton they studied New Year resolutions and only 8% get to their goals. That can be disappointing and discourage us from even starting. Here you will get some steps toward encouragement. Listen to some of Linda’s ideas on reaching the steps that will move you ahead. What do you want? Who is helping you get to the end you want?
3- What are the relationships you want to develop this year? Do you want to develop specific skills? 
4- Looking to diets, habits, exercise, Moving on from unhealthy relationships, refueling ourselves,
5- Simple kindnesses start out as mini miracles. Linda shares about a gift she received that was not related to the Holidays, but rather as an unexpected kindness from a friend.
6- Be aware of the boundaries you set. Are you putting yourself among people that are offensive or adding pressure to you? Listen here and see if you are in a similar place.
7- A few words about “GUILT”. What is it? Do you suffer from it? What value does it hold?
8- Deepak Chopra and Ervi Laszlo discussed how we are connected. Linda addresses what they discussed. It is a very insightful selection.
9- How one person named Wayne set a great example for me and how Deepak’s conversation related.
Join us at our weekly Mastermind. You’ll love the personal touch and the business insights. 
Take the first step, it may put you on the escalator of success!
The Art of Thinking Clearly
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Enjoy listening to a Variety of Important Thoughts on moving forward. These will help you develop the Art of Thinking Clearly
Linda shares about a few highlights from Thanksgiving. Yes, many families and friends connected by ZOOM. The man who created zoom, Eric Yuan, has gotten us beyond physical limitations. We are so lucky to use technology to stay connected.
Staying optimistic during these times allows us to grow. We can help each other. We are able to feel complete. Send Linda your ideas for topics.
SWEET SYSTEMS HELP
A few thoughts on an article from Success Magazine in the January/February 2121 issue talks about practices for setting goals. Although the article is directed at Money goals, Linda shares how these steps can help us in every aspect of our lives.
1-Systems help us, don’t rely on willpower.
2-Allow Habits to move you ahead, don’t focus on outcomes
3-Being flexible helps us; don’t be rigid. See things with humor.
4-Stay committed, but don’t try to be perfect. It is good to complete things.
Take that first step, it may put you on the escalator of success! 
RESPECTING YOURSELF
What makes things complete for you? Is it good relationships? Finishing a book? Calling your children and embracing them? What makes your life rich? How do I develop the art of thinking clearly? What relationships are important to you? What do you do that makes you feel better? Even though things may be difficult, now is the time to creative something special. It could be a hobby, a new area of learning, or way to make changes intentionally. Get a coach —Call me.
LOSSES
Dealing with losses can be a difficult thing.It causes us to change and adapt to situations. Losses can be dealt with by changing ones perspective. What will bring you joy?
Integrating self care helps us with adapting to our needs and those of others. Linda shares a few ways to help us change our thinking.
What do you need to focus on? With the holidays in full swing we all need to apply new skills and reflect on the things that are wonderful. Are you learning something new?
Be creative, complete things, and be deliberate. Keep a variety in your life. Do small things, as well as, larger things. What feelings are controlling you rather than using good mental thoughts. Make lists. They can be destroyed and torn up but they help us think things through.
Saying YES or NO?
“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?” ISAIAH 43.:19
Note that these are just a few topics and they are not the "word-for-word content of this podcast!
Dealing with Changes
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Dealing with change takes on challenges and allows us to reframe our thoughts as time goes forward. We need to approach a new attitude with every change in direction.
Time is measured by events in our lives as well as changes in the environment. Taking steps to prevent problems means we have to make choices to move, to change direction, or to take measures to prevent dangerous issues. Linda talks about having trees in her yard that needed to be removed before there was a problem from them falling.
Pivoting from one thing to another is difficult, but we must evaluate just how we see things. Linda shares about having to take in her car into the dealership and the way she was treated. She had fears about how to give an honest review. She had an internal conflict. Have you ever had a similar experience?
FEARS
What are your fears? Where did they originate from? Who do you talk to when you have concerns and fears to discuss? You may have more control than you think you do!
Do you react quickly and impulsively? Emails and texts have taught us to react quickly and it isn’t always a good idea. We need to think things through.
Self-care can go a long way in helping us stay well. As parents, as providers, and as community members we need to be there for one another.
CAL, a Gift from a good friend!
A little bear named Cal sits on my desk at work and reminds me of a dear friend who gave it to me after a trip she made to Calgary. Even though this is a small thing in my life, it represents a time when there were normalcy and happier moments. 
It’s all about paying attention to the small things in our lives that help us maintain stability and a positive outlook.
Martin Seligman later popularized the concept of learned optimism. By deliberately explaining events to ourselves in a constructive manner, we free ourselves from feelings of helplessness. Even when events in our lives come out of nowhere and tackle us, we can bounce back and gain control.
Here are a few trick or treaters who had a great time!
Linda shares about her focus on a few specific positive measures. What are the positive things you have chosen to think about or do for yourself? How have the people in your community been creative in making the holidays special?
3 suggested books: Millionaire Success Habits by Dean Graziosi
Do Over by Jon Acuff
Off Balance by Matthew Kelly
Take the first step, it may put you on the escalator of success! Linda’s own!
Striving for Advancement
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Striving for Advancement
Books provide us with insights. Insights to help us put into practice things to make our days better and allow us to strive. Jon Gordon wrote The Energy Bus. It is a book that allows one to move ahead with a great transformation. This week our podcast is all about striving for advancement in your life and this book is an excellent resource. 
The Dip by Seth Godin is a small book and a quick read, but it talks about eliminating the negative things in life that take us away from using our time wisely. He shares that some of the winners in life are actually those who have become the best quitters. In lieu of reading this book, I made the decision to move away from 3 different things that have kept me busy for the last 15 or 20 years. I don’t think I wasted time in contributing to projects, committees and the sort, but after reading this simple book, it was apparent that it was a time for change and advancement. 
Reading helps us focus. It sets dimensions and boxes us in for a span of time. Focus helps us accomplish the things that make you feel better. Let new ideas grow when you are focused. Transform your life!
Dealing with Changing time…
The way we deal with the Pandemic or any transitions time can help if we put the right things into place. We need to engaged with others, stay physically active, and mentally healthy. We may need to give ourselves new direction and open ourselves up to new ideas.
Last week I participated in a conversation with Rev. Paul White and another Counselor like myself, Geri Condon . We talked about deep breathing, about moving well, and ways to shake ourselves from stress. It is important to stay prayerful, keep busy, and engage in conversations and opportunities that connect us with one another. Being isolated is not healthy on any dimension. We must talk and help find productive ways of moving forward. Linda shared about stretching out one’s shoulders and shaking one’s arms losely. She shared how an older uncle of hers taught her about how dogs realign themselves.
Living with your whole heart and whole soul means knowing what is authentic for you. How are you engaging with others? Linda talks about the things that make us feel connected and certain about rest, joy, and connecting. Find things that lift you and are meaningful. An old hobby, dancings, and music lift us!
Back to the Energy Bus…
How do you fuel yourself? People who share your vision may be help you advance and progress. Who are your energy vampires? Who are the “driven people” in your life?
The Carpenter is the book that I am reading. It is also by Jon Gordon You may relate to the struggles of a man who is racing through life. The Carpenter helps him by building a new mindset!
Getting Replenished
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Getting replenished takes insight and time. Sometimes we need to make simple changes. Enjoy a few thoughts on this matter with this week’s podcast.
What have you had to assemble?
Reading directions helps us to put things together. We are all given roadmaps, and directions to succeed. Affirmations move us forward. Learning comes from trying new things. Letting change help us go forward calls us to turn to other people.
GPS helps us and we don’t realize how learning to read a map is still important. Maybe it doesn’t seem that way as it was years ago, but it is a good skill. Schedules, deadlines, and calendars move us into a productive mode. Linda talks about a wren and how it set an example
What is relaxing for you?
Having Passed Labor Day Linda talked about a relaxed day. She recommended a book by Anne Lamot called Bird by Bird. It talked about instructions on writing and life. A good book stressing how habits set us up for success. Linda mentions the value of listening to books being read to us.
Trust your own judgment!
People that seek help are usually good about working through issues. I am fortunate to have people coming into my office who want to excel.
Confidence grows when we share our knowledge with other people.
What are you good at doing? What do you share with other people? Being happy for other’s joys and celebrating with them will help you grow!
What forces you to make a change?
Loss of jobs, needing a doctor, or getting gas in your vehicle may seem insignificant until you have no choice. Maturing continues until the day we die so we need to be patient with teenagers and ourselves. Roadblocks are often good for us because we are forced to change.
Take the first step, it may put you on the escalator of success.