Sunday, December 16, 2012

Stay Healthy through the Holidays

Christmas is right around the corner as I write this. I am looking forward to our kids coming home for a visit; other family members joining us for a special meal; friends and neighbors getting together.  Just like everyone else there is lots of shopping, cooking, visiting, family dynamics. There is also more stress, more eating, less exercise; a break in the usual routine. It's wonderful to have the break, but it also takes it's toll on our immunity. Take a look at what you can do to build your immunity. And exercise for me...

3 Steps to Building Immunity

41 days ago by in ( Nutrition , · Science & Health )
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The immune system defends your body against bacteria, viruses and other harmful invaders. At full strength, it is an efficient protector against infection and illness. But like all aspects of your health, it takes healthy lifestyle choices to keep your immune system in top shape. Three vital areas in protecting and bolstering immunity are nutrition, exercise and stress reduction.

Immunity-Boosting Nutrients

Lunasin: Clinical studies continue to uncover the many benefits of this remarkable soy peptide. A recent study showed that lunasin boosts innate immunity by stimulating immune cell receptors. (See Dr. Carl Hastings’s message below for details.)

Antioxidants: Antioxidants are vitamins and minerals that remove free radicals from the bloodstream. Free radicals can damage DNA and suppress the body's immune system. A few of the most important immunity-boosting antioxidants include vitamin C, vitamin E and beta carotene.

Zinc: A review in the Open Respiratory Medicine Journal concluded that supplementing with zinc may shorten the duration of the common cold by up to 40%.

Vitamin D: A study at the University of Copenhagen found that vitamin D is needed to trigger the immune system’s killer T cells and that a lack of vitamin D can render these cells inactive.

Probiotics: Fight the flu bug with these friendly bugs! In a Swedish study, a group of employees given a probiotic missed less work due to respiratory or gastrointestinal illness than did employees who didn’t receive the probiotic. Another study showed people taking a probiotic plus vitamins and minerals daily for three months had reduced frequency, duration and severity of cold symptoms.

Get Moving

A study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found those who exercised the most were least likely to suffer from colds in the winter months. Researchers followed a group of 1,002 healthy adults aged 18 to 85 over a 12-week period during the autumn and winter seasons.
Each participant reported daily any symptom of respiratory illness they experienced (sneezes, coughs, fever, etc.). On average, they reported such symptoms for 13 days in the winter and 8 days in the autumn.
But those who exercised regularly were much less likely to develop a cold, and when they did, it was much less severe. The fittest 25% (those who exercised five or more days a week) had 43% fewer days with symptoms than those in the lowest 25% (one day or less of weekly exercise).

Don’t Stress Out

The negative effects of stress on the immune system have been well-documented. Stress impacts your susceptibility to infection and overall wellness in two important ways:
  1. Weakened Immune System: Chronic stress can raise cortisol levels, making us more vulnerable to colds and the flu, as well as more serious health problems.
  2. Unhealthy Choices: In stressful situations, we often fail to sleep enough, eat well or exercise, increasing the likelihood of illness.
Healthy energy shot 24K™ provides a nutritional approach to reducing stress. 

Monday, December 10, 2012

"Yes, Virginia, there really IS a Santa Claus!"

"Yes, Virginia, there really IS a Santa Claus!"


Is There a Santa Claus? was the title of an editorial appearing in the September 21, 1897, edition of The (New York) Sun. The editorial, which included the famous reply "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus", has become an indelible part of popular Christmas folklore in the United States.
In 1897, Dr. Philip O'Hanlon, a coroner's assistant on Manhattan's Upper West Side, was asked by his then eight-year-old daughter, Virginia (1889–1971), whether Santa Claus really existed.
O'Hanlon suggested she write to The Sun, a prominent New York City newspaper at the time, assuring her that "If you see it in The Sun, it's so." He unwittingly gave one of the paper's editors, Francis Pharcellus Church, an opportunity to rise above the simple question and address the philosophical issues behind it.
(From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

Many people found Church's newspaper article very moving, in a time (post-civil war) when many were suffering from a lack of hope and faith. I find it interesting how something written so long ago is still relevant today.



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Keep Moving to Fight Memory Loss

7 days ago by in ( Nutrition , · Healthy Living Tips )
There are many ways to help prevent Alzheimer's Disease and keep your gray matter in top shape.
Movers and Shakers
Research has shown that it is not one but a combination of activities and lifestyle choices that keep the brain healthy. Here are some ways to keep your mind agile and your memory healthy:
  • 1. Participate in recreational activities like chess, book clubs and discussion groups that encourage conversation and interaction
  • 2. Implement activities that require planning and forethought like gardening and scrapbooking
  • 3. Challenge yourself to complete common activities in reverse order or with the opposite hand (i.e. brushing teeth, getting dressed, etc.)
  • 4. Keep low-impact aerobic activities like dancing, cycling and swimming as part of your routine
Don't Forget to Remember
Recent studies have shown a strong correlation between vascular health and the influence of an active lifestyle. There are also activities that have been proven to increase memory retention. Give these a try and see if you experience improved memory capacity:
  • 1. Stay mentally active by working puzzles, learning to play a musical instrument or taking alternate routes when driving
  • 2. Socialize regularly with loved ones and friends or by volunteering with people of various ages
  • 3. Keep your appointments, tasks and other events organized in a single place or notebook
  • 4. Focus on one task at a time and give it your full attention
  • 5. Eat a healthy diet and include supplements like ReversAge® to promote youthfulness
  • 6. Make regular checkups at your doctor a part of your routine, particularly if you are managing chronic conditions
You're only as old as you feel, so treat your body well and remember to laugh and play. Surround yourself with young friends (especially the young at heart) and don't be afraid to act like a kid. When you reconnect with your younger self, you'll think and feel your best!
Now you can get better with age. With three proprietary complexes that address aging at every level, ReversAge delivers the most complete array of youth-promoting ingredients available anywhere — at a fraction of the cost of alternative anti-aging treatments. The Longevity Complex, containing Symbiotropin® and GPC, battles hormonal declines. The Antioxidant Complex, including Co-Q10 and Protykin®, fights free radical damage at the cellular level. And the Herbal Complex, rich in ginkgo biloba, maca, chlorella and more, cleanses, protects and revitalizes. Feel young again with ReversAge®.

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Sunday, October 28, 2012

For Women Only

WHERE does the time GO? It seems the older I get, the faster it goes. I have heard my mom say this before, but I never paid her any mind. I have had a busy, wonderful summer, and here we are getting into the holiday season already. As we get into the winter months, our moods can take a downward turn. Some women feel this more than others but I thought we'd tackle the ups and downs of hormones...

In the Red Zone

As women we know that fluctuating hormones are a fact of life throughout our lives – wreaking havoc on our moods as we battle challenges from PMS to menopause.  Beyond the inconveniences, there are deeper issues afoot.  Did you know that heart disease is the number one killer of women?  Heart attacks alone kill 200,000 women a year  – five times the rate of deaths due to breast cancer.  As our hormones decline, our risks of heart disease increases.  Look to some key nutrients and lifestyle improvements to protect your heart.

Key Players

  • Protykin – antioxidant and cardio-protectant helps to reduce hot flashes, balance mood swings, improve bone density and promote cardiovascular health.
  • Grape Seed Extract & CoQ10 – protect cells from free radical damage, supports the immune system and protects heart heath.
  • Calcium – essential mineral that reduces bone loss, strengthens bones and may help improve cholesterol levels.
  • Vitamin E – helps boost immunity, reduce heart disease and promote proper function of nerves and muscles.
  • Soy Isoflavones – help alleviate common menopause symptoms, promote healthy cholesterol, maintain normal blood sugar and promote bone health.
  • LunaRichTM  which contains 5-10 times the amount of bioactive lunasin found in ordinary soy powders. (See bottom of article for product resources).
  • Herbs – look for herbs like black cohosh, chasteberry, dong quai, and green tea extract to name a few that promote overall wellness and help combat symptoms of PMS and menopause.

Calcium Killers

As women’s hormones decline which can begin as early as our 30’s, the rate of osteoporosis (thinning of bone tissue) increases.  While I always thought it was a lack of calcium in our diets (women should get 1,200mg of calcium daily), I was surprised to find that our lifestyles and diets can cause us to lose calcium from “calcium wasters.”  Listen up, guys, this info is for you too.
  • Animal Protein – A diet with a high ratio of animal protein to veggie protein can increase bone loss and risk of fracture. Look for protein sources like beans, soy, grains and vegetables.
  • Sodium – the greater your salt intake the more calcium is lost through the kidneys. Keep your sodium intake below 2,000mg per day.
  • Caffeine – a mild diuretic that can again cause calcium loss through the kidneys. Keep your intake as low as possible as levels over 300mg can accelerate bone loss.
  • Tobacco – just quit smoking, period!  Even second hand smoke interferes with calcium absorption.
  • Sedentary Lifestyle – if you’re inactive you are at a higher risk for bone fractures.  Opt for at least 30 minutes a day of weight-bearing exercise and be sure to include strength training to maintain healthy bone mass.

Protecting the “Girls”

While heart disease is the number one killer of women, cancer is next in line and for women breast and gynecological cancers top the list.  Enrich your diet with vital nutrients to protect breasts and beyond.
  • Fiber – helps remove toxic compounds and carcinogens. Get the best protective benefits with at least 30 grams per day of multi-source fiber.
  • Soy -  wide ranging studies and evidence conclude that “regular moderate consumption of soy foods lowers the incident of breast cancer and may lower the risk of dying from breast cancer.” (JAMA, Journal of Nutrition, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition)  Be sure to get a minimum of 11 grams of healthy soy per day.
  • Vitamin D – regulates cell growth, cell death and other cellular mechanisms which may play a role in cancer development.  As a result of studies showing a 30% decrease in breast cancers among women who had higher levels of vitamin D, a recommended intake is between 1,200-2,000UI per day.
  • Green Tea – with antioxidant and anti cancer properties in its flavonoids, green tea has been shown to inhibit breast cancer cell growth and increase our immune systems.  Go for 1-4 cups per day.
While there are some areas of our life we can't control, we, as women, can make the right call when it comes to our hormonal health.  A few changes in diet and lifestyle can promote hormonal balance, reduce our risk of disease and result in a winning record for women in every season of our lives.
Women’s Health Product info: Here’s a coupon to pass along www.My24kVIP.com  vip code: myshot  offering discounts on 24KTM (healthy energy/focus loaded with CoQ10, Grape Seed extract) and ordering info on SoySentials®  (Lunarich, 20mg of hormone-healthy isoflavones and a comprehensive array of women-protective herbs).

Authors: Julie Waterman and Chris Toriello

© Copyright 2012 Chris Toriello. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without written consent from the author.


Thursday, July 12, 2012

3 Health Benefits of Papaya

Once called "the fruit of angels” by Christopher Columbus, the papaya is the USDA's featured fruit for the month of June. Learn a little bit about why this fruit is so amazing!
Varieties
There are several types of papayas. In the U.S., we typically see the Hawaiian papayas in our grocery stores. The Hawaiian papaya is approximately one pound, whereas the Mexican fruit can weigh up to 10 pounds!
Benefits
Papaya is one power-packed fruit, offering benefits to your whole body.
·Antioxidants. Papaya is known to be rich in antioxidants and can benefit the immune system because of its high levels of vitamin A and C.
·Fiber. High-fiber fruit can help improve cholesterol. One cup of chunked papaya contains 2.5 grams of fiber.
·Enzymes. The papain enzyme, found in papaya, aids in digestion. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect that speeds up the healing process.
How to Eat It
First, you should wait for the papaya to ripen fully so that it offers the most antioxidants. Papaya can be added to anything to give your meal a boost. Some suggestions are:
·salads
·cereals
·yogurts
·smoothies
Papaya — Reliv Style!
Adding some papaya to your morning Reliv shake is a tasty way to begin the day with all the vitamins that you need. Reliv Now® is packed with all the daily essential nutrients you need to perform your best. Plus, LunaRich gives Reliv Now improved cholesterol management and cellular health benefits you won't find in any ordinary multivitamin pill.
Try this recipe! Blend Reliv Now, lemon Innergize!®, papaya and ice for a June celebration treat! 


Author :
Midwestern girl with a love for small dogs, sushi, and Broadway musicals. Social Media Enthusiast. Marketing Communications Intern at Reliv International Inc. Favorite Reliv Product: ReversAge

Friday, June 8, 2012

I don't want to exercise!!

I don't want to exercise because....
I hate to sweat
It takes up too much time (because when I sweat, I need a shower)
It's hard!
It hurts - why would I want to feel my muscles work and ache?
I end up missing out on a favorite TV show
What's the big deal? Our ancestors didn't "run" or go to a "fitness class"!!!

Ok, well you probably know where I'm headed with this one. I am one that could easily skip exercise. I don't. I have conditioned my mind and body to expect it. I don't give myself enough time to talk myself out of it. I certainly would rather sit around with the extra cup of coffee in the morning. (or if you work, go straight home and actually have time for a glass of wine before dinner).

Yep, I know how you feel. Let me give you some reasons why you should move: (and by the way, our ancestors worked physically demanding jobs and chores, even in the home so they got their exercise!)

It decreases your risk for cancer, heart disease, diabetes.
It decreases stress.
It actually makes you feel better (in the long run)
You will probably sleep better.
If you are exercising, you'll probably tend to eat better just because you have to put on those tight little leggings and go to class.
You'll live longer and probably need less medical care and medications.
You'll look better!
You will feel more energized!
You are less likely to get sick.
You will recover quicker from surgery and illnesses.
Lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
Better mental (cognitive) function (no brain fog)
You will make friends!
You will feel more confident.

There are more reasons TO exercise than not....so get out there and DO SOMETHING!! PS -- If you have arthritis, diabetes, asthma or something else going on....check with your doctor, but every little bit will help move you forward to a better place. I had sarcoidosis which left me with asthma, and I won't let it slow me down.
Happy Exercising!
julie

Monday, May 14, 2012

Star for a day! and update on running...

It's been a while...I don't do a very good job of this blog stuff. First, an update on my running. (See post below) I have been running a mile about 2 - 3 times a week for a month. I actually ran while I was in Florida for 2 weeks. Amazing that I got up and ran before I did the lazy-sit-on-a-beach-chair thing. But I did. And I found it easier to run there than here. Not sure why. More sleep? Flat ground? Warmer temps? could be anything. I am still plugging along. I figure at some point it will get easier...right?

Now about being a star for a day -- my company sent a professional film crew to my house to interview ME on why I take our products. That was easy. (I know the answer: I FEEL GREAT on our products;more energy, no aches and pains, headaches gone, hot flashes diminished!) Next, we went out to the Portland Head Light - a well known landmark here and a big tourist destination. I guess that's called being "on location" when talking film speak! Anyway, the idea is to show lifestyles of some of us distributors. Since I paint, they thought it would be REALLY COOL to film me painting a picture of the most photographed light house. Yea, right. No pressure there. Worse yet, just as I was getting ready to paint, the weather decided to get colder, cloudier and windier. Try drawing a straight line with the paintbrush in the wind.

I have to say, it was a remarkable experience in many different ways. I was the center of attention for a day for 4 people who make a living in marketing, photography and production. Second, I got to see first hand the tremendous amount of work that goes into a 1and 1/2 minute video. (Can you say, ALL DAY? and you should see all the equipment!) Thirdly, I got to try my hand at a little bit of acting....smile, hold the paintbrush this way, stand that way and look out over the ocean, etc). I certainly won't be heading to Hollywood anytime in the near future. I only wish I had taken pictures of these incredible guys taking pictures!!

When the video gets released, I will certainly share it -- probably won't be until August or September. In the meantime, here is a photo and the painting....take care!
Julie

Sunday, April 1, 2012

I hate running. OK I said it. I have a lot of friends who are runners, so don't hate me. I used to run when I was in my 20s; I grew up dancing (ballet) but after college, I knew I had to keep physically fit especially after securing the dreaded "desk" job. So I ran. And never liked it.
So what makes me think I'll like it now? Hmm, nothing. Except this: My aerobics class isn't enough cardio, walking is great, but maybe not quite enough. And I really want to lose weight.
So....I started running mailbox to mailbox. Even for 5 or 10 minutes at a time, with walking in-between. And I started eating kale and spinach salads.
So far, it's helping. Adding just 2 extra days to my weekly 3 day a week aerobics class  (which is actually 20 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of strength training) I have noticed it's easier to lose weight. So while you may not see me sign up for the 5K races, I am always trying to improve my own performance! (and someday look like the lady above???)
Here's a great salad dressing for your spinach salad:
1/3 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
1 1/2 teas sugar (no, I use stevia)
1 1/2 teaspoons of mustard
1 clove garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
pepper to taste
Mix together and pour over fresh organic spinach mixed with cut up apple and walnuts. Yum!

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Eggs, Bacon,Spinach and Cheese...

The other morning, I made breakfast for my husband and me. It consisted of: organic eggs from a New Hampshire farm, organic spinach from a Durham, Maine farm, bacon from a farm in Northern Maine and cheese from Pineland, which is a farm just down the road. Everything we ate (at that meal) was from within a 150 mile radius of home. It got me thinking about how we get so busy with our lives, that sometimes we don't bother to take the extra step (to go to the farmer's market) or spend an extra dollar on a local product. Did you know here in Maine, we have farmer's markets through the winter? Our spinach grower has a green house and he grows it all winter long.
WHY is this so important? Support your local farmers? Sounds pretty, well, kind of "duh", right? But it does take an extra effort on our part to support them.
 One of our grocery store chains here in Maine (Hannaford) is pretty good about offering local produce. The other one, well, not so much. And Walmart? forget it. I like it best when they label where everything comes from. I will choose California strawberries over ones from Mexico any day. I look for "product of USA" If I'm really on my toes, I will pick my own strawberries and freeze a bunch to get through the winter.
Whole Foods? Be careful...they are not necessarily doing their part. The frozen "California Blend" of vegetables? Look on the back. Last time I checked it said (in small letters) product of China. Same with organic spinach from WoodStock Farms; -- you guessed it, product of China! Why are we importing food from China? We have plenty of our own right here. I don't know about you, but I'd rather put food in my body that was grown down the road. I know it will be fresher, and I know that means it will have more of the nutrients still intact.
So support your local economy any time you have a chance to do that. And our farmers and economy will thank you.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012


The Truth Behind 7 Cholesterol Myths

13 days ago by in ( · Healthy Living Tips )
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Everyone should understand how cholesterol factors into a healthy lifestyle, no matter what your age, body type or family history. Have you been tricked into believing a cholesterol myth?

1.    MYTH: Cholesterol is bad. Your body needs cholesterol to keep cell membranes stable and aids in the production of certain hormones. Cholesterol only becomes a problem when too much of it circulates in the blood and builds up inside arteries. If too much cholesterol builds up, an artery can become blocked, and a heart attack or stroke can occur.

2.    MYTH: Everyone should shoot for the ‘right’ number. There’s no ideal number for everyone. It depends entirely on your risk factors. Unless you have a risk factor — such as smoking, diabetes, or high blood pressure — you should try to get your levels of LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, under 160 mg/dL.

3.    MYTH: High total cholesterol is caused by a poor diet. While the consumption of saturated fats and trans fats does drive LDL cholesterol up, over 80% of cholesterol is produced in the liver. Along with a healthy diet, the most effective way to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol is to control the liver’s internal cholesterol production.

4.   MYTH: Foods labeled “cholesterol free” are better for your heart. Don’t let the label fool you. The cholesterol portion of the nutritional label refers to dietary cholesterol, which is only one thing that can cause your cholesterol to go sky-high. Saturated fat (found in animal foods and dairy products) and trans fats (found in packaged foods) have major impact on LDL cholesterol.

5.  MYTH: High cholesterol is only a problem as you age. Most people think high cholesterol is a problem for the middle-aged. But guess what? Research has shown that atherosclerosis — the narrowing of the arteries that leads to heart attacks — can start as early as age eight!

6.  MYTH: If your cholesterol is normal, you won’t get heart disease. Cholesterol levels are just one of several risk factors for heart disease. Other risks include high triglycerides, insulin resistance and high blood pressure. Smoking and living a sedentary lifestyle are also big risk factors for heart disease.

7.  MYTH: You always need medicine to bring cholesterol down. Some people do need to take prescription medications, such as statins, to help lower cholesterol. However, a nutritional regimen, healthier diet, weight loss and exercise can go a long way to whip cholesterol levels into shape, even with a family history.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Sugar, Dominoes and Temptation


EVERYWHERE I go, there are temptations: the discount store chocolate, checkout… candy, the craft store…candy! I am a recovering sugar-aholic. I had  so much fun at Christmas, eating everything I wanted; pies, cookies, candy, you  name it. Now, I am back to my usual way of eating which includes lean protein, vegetables, whole grains and fruits. Oh, I know that sounds boring, but I really do know how to make some very tasty dishes. However, I sure miss the twizzlers, m&ms, jelly beans and chocolate kisses. Seriously, I wish I could eat them with reckless abandon. Even if watching my weight were not an issue, I know that too much sugar is not good for me. Sugar is necessary for our bodies to function, as is fat and protein. However, too much simple sugar can cause a domino effect in your body. I’m not talking about the piece of birthday cake you had at your son’s party; but what if this is a normal everyday occurrence? Your body goes into fight or flight mode because it is under stress. Your immune system is compromised, making you more susceptible to colds, (and possibly other diseases). You produce more insulin than necessary. Which will cause 2 things: your body will store the extra glucose (sugar) as fat, and you may become insulin resistant. Dominoes…insulin resistance can lead to diabetes. Yikes.

SO…as hard as it is for me to pass up that candy, I figure it would be even worse to deal with the other consequences. Hence, as I sigh and walk past all the pretty packages, I am reminded that I am feeling much better now than I did in December. And I’m 5 pounds thinner.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Winter Blues


Ah...the winter blues. The time of the year that I could really dig into some movies, popcorn, pizza, wine, football junk food (even though I can do without the football)... I continue to teach my exercise class. (Thank goodness for all you great women out there that join me 3 times a week. I know you think I'm doing it for you, but I need you as much as you need me). And I'm loving the Zumba type dances we are doing. I thought this picture says it all....Hang in there, spring is around the corner (somewhere).
Well, if we can't laugh at ourselves, then life has gotten too serious!

Sunday, January 8, 2012

The Truth about Flat Abs

Over the years, I have had students come to me with that one problem spot: How do I get rid of the belly pooch? I eat right, I do all the ab exercises and I still don't have the flat abs that I want. (Well, I'm right there with you! I got more in my belly than I like too!)

But....what to do? Well, let's dispel some myths: It is still showing up on the magazine covers: "Blast that belly fat with 5 exercises a day!" or "Eat this one vegetable and watch your belly fat melt!" etc. You cannot work on one area in your body and make it thinner. It's called the "spot reduction" myth and it has been around forever. Having said that, what can you do to obtain the best abs possible? You probably already know the answer:

Cardio Exercise Regularly (5-6 times a week)
Strength Training (for the whole body)
Eat Healthy (unprocessed, nutrient dense foods)

There is nothing wrong with body sculpting (or strength training) to get well defined muscles. However, in order to see those muscles, you must reduce that fat around them. Cardio exercise and strength training will help reduce the fat by revving up your metabolism. Cardio (running, swimming,dancing, biking, etc) helps you burn more calories, even hours after you are done working out. Strength training (that is lifting weights) builds muscle  - and guess what? The more muscle you have, the more calories your body needs to maintain that muscle. So it just makes sense that you will be able to burn fat.
Reducing your calorie intake is the third element. Keep track of what you eat by writing it down or use one of the online fitness trackers, like www.myfitnesspal.com. Make sure as you reduce your intake that you pick nutrient dense, whole foods.

So one more thing about those abs. Most of us will never see those six-pack abs. Chances are you would have to be unhealthy thin in order to come close. Genetics play a role in what shape our body is. I, for one, have always been curvy - even when I was in my 20s. Be healthy, but embrace the fact that (and to quote Lady GaGa)...Baby, You Were Born this Way!!














Sunday, January 1, 2012

5 Things that happy people have in common

  Are you Happy? I used to wake up every morning with this question - is there anything I need to worry about today? Isn't that just the silliest thing you've heard? But that's what I would do...
Until I realized that this wasn't doing me any good...
So here are 5 things that happy people have in common:

1.Instead of worries and distractions, they find something that makes their heart grow. Start out the day being grateful. Forget the newspaper or TV. Take a moment to reflect on the good things in your life.

2 They have inner happiness: Inner happiness cannot be taken away; find uplifting material to read, find your core of peace and calm.

3.Instead of accumulating things, they work on relationships. If you define yourself by what you own, trouble lies ahead.

4.Happy people take care of their bodies. Wellness can make your body healthy. Oh yes, the mind and the body are intimately connected.

5 Their life has a purpose - Find this, and you'll find inner happiness. Here are the standards for purpose. Not one, but many things are a part of the cloth of life woven together.
Work
Family
Love
Service
Giving
Personal growth
Hobbies, recreation
Education, study
Creativity
Friendship

Welcome! Why are you here?

It's January -- Happy New Year! my Christmas decorations are put away, My closets are clean and organized, I have lost the holiday weight gain, I have a list of goals for the year and my taxes are done....OK, not really!
But I am excited for the new year. I feel that January brings a time of introspection that can only take place during the winter months when there is less distraction, no holidays looming. It feels like I can wipe the slate clean.
If you would like to comment on what kinds of goals or visions you have for the upcoming year, please do so. Not necessarily new year's resolutions; that always sounds to me like a do or die approach. We make goals, set them high but it's OK if we don't reach them; we need goals to keep ourselves growing and changing. Without a vision, we will perish.
Look for my next post to be some ideas and inspirations for you.