tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68322471406900348192024-03-13T03:51:53.465-07:00Stress Free Moments by Barbara Mitchell DCHStresslesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15804987929546822836noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832247140690034819.post-80556217915065632842013-11-18T07:26:00.000-08:002013-11-18T07:26:12.606-08:00Learning the Joy of Relaxation<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Learning the Joy of Relaxation</span></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsg9n7Zyf2RUZcd7j30lHKtqWLfZGm3H9QEoYMMxh4uZp-TNSI_OGodadK4fy4K8nSO48GW3FMyZSYP36a9oZxNQeXUof_RL3HASYhl9-q03HmNEGjhctlL7Jetr1BP7T6TIb5i8vzR6A/s1600/Spa+Relaxation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsg9n7Zyf2RUZcd7j30lHKtqWLfZGm3H9QEoYMMxh4uZp-TNSI_OGodadK4fy4K8nSO48GW3FMyZSYP36a9oZxNQeXUof_RL3HASYhl9-q03HmNEGjhctlL7Jetr1BP7T6TIb5i8vzR6A/s320/Spa+Relaxation.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
That's the name of the online relaxation course I created for the education site <strong>Udemy.com. </strong><br />
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This is a fun way to learn to relax. A how-to-do-it class delivered<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> in three formats to accommodate your learning style:</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(1) Download the PDF <strong>text</strong> documents.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(2) Sit back and listen to the<strong> audios.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(3) Watch the PowerPoint <strong>videos.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do you find it hard to let go
and just relax?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tried mind/body
techniques that took too long to get results.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And never experienced that blissful peace everyone talks about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Does this describes your self- talk</span></span>:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I find it hard to
relax when I take a deep breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
am I supposed to feel?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe I’m not
doing it right.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I try to meditate
but it takes too long to learn. I get bored.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I can’t stop my mind from wandering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So why bother?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Visualizing…what
does that even mean?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Am I supposed to
see pictures?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What is the
relaxation response anyway?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Learning how to relax should
be a<strong> joy</strong>…not a chore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I designed this
course to address those worries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is
a five-part experiential workshop revealing four techniques to experience the
ultimate radiant relaxation response. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In each <a href="http://www.udemy.com/learning-the-joy-of-relaxation">Learning the Joy of Relaxation</a> workshop you will discover:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></strong></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Calming Deep
Breath</strong> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The first thing you should do for effortless results.</span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mindful and
Mantra Meditation Parts 1 and 2<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">What you should know to stop the mind chatter.</span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></strong></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Vivid Imagery
Visualization Parts 1 and 2</strong> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">How to do it even when you don’t see images.</span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></strong></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Deep Muscle
Progressive Relaxation</strong> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Why it is called the anti-anxiety technique.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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</span></strong></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>How to Create a
Radiant Relaxation Response</strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The secret formula.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></i></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When you complete <a href="http://www.udemy.com/learning-the-joy-of-relaxation">Learning the Joy of Relaxation</a> you will have experienced relaxation methods that add to your coping ability, energy and quality of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will be able to release tension in minutes and create a calming inner peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At any time. Any place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every day. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Receive a discount on this new course through December 31, 2013 with coupon code: <strong>Joy to Relax. </strong></span></span><br />
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Stresslesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15804987929546822836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832247140690034819.post-64086581295712218602013-05-14T07:35:00.000-07:002013-05-14T07:35:40.631-07:00Ten Powerful Stress Busters for the BAM VP Woman in You Wins Gold Award
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong>Ten Powerful Stress Busters for the
BAM VP Woman in You Wins Gold Award <o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Piscataway, NJ – May 6,
2013</strong> - Ten Powerful
Stress Busters for the BAM VP Woman in You was honored with the gold award in
the 2013 eLit Book Awards, Women’s Issues category.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The eLit Awards are a global awards program dedicated to
honoring the best e-books published each year. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fourth annual eLit Awards are committed to
illuminating the very best of the English language digital publishing
entertainment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The book was written by Barbara Mitchell to empower women to
take charge of their health and wellbeing with simple, effective stress relief
tips and techniques.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Inspirational
quotes, guided meditation and links to additional resources encourage anyone
new to stress management to continue this wellness journey. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">To quote the author, “Taking time to relieve the stress and
tension in our fast-paced lives is not just a ‘guilty pleasure’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Managing stress is vital to our emotional and
physical fitness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scheduling ‘me time’
to relax, refresh and reenergize should be part of everyone’s daily routine”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">And who isn’t stressed out these days?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Just reading the whole book, I found myself
releasing my stress through meditation and communing with God as I walked on my
treadmill," Tiffany McCullough, a customer, said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It is expected that Ten Powerful Stress Busters for the BAM
VP Woman in You will gain the commendations of readers around the world because
of its rich content. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>About the Author</strong>:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Barbara Mitchell, DCH is an author, Stress Management Consultant, Doctor
of Clinical Hypnotherapy, and a retired college administrator. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She helps clients experiencing emotional
distress, trauma, and burnout move from stuck to enjoying a productive life
once again.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Her BAM VP – Be A More Vibrant Person techniques were first
introduced during an author interview on the Balancing Act on Lifetime
Television.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is also the author of
the award winning book, “When You Need a Timeout” and the relaxation CD, “Just
Relax Like This”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Ten Powerful Stress Busters for the BAM VP Woman in You is
an Amazon Kindle eBook available at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A8INZ4C"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A8INZ4C</span></a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Stresslesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15804987929546822836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832247140690034819.post-27493356303576074752013-05-09T07:14:00.000-07:002013-05-09T07:14:07.552-07:00What Do Mothers Really Want?
<br />
<h1 style="margin: 24pt 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #365f91;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What Do Mothers
Really Want?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h1>
<br />
<h1 style="margin: 24pt 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="color: #365f91; font-family: Cambria; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></h1>
<br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“God could not be everywhere
and therefore he made Mothers” – Jewish Proverb<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sunday is Mother’s Day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The day we lavish Mom with the best Mother’s
Day gifts ever. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition to flowers
the most popular gift ideas include jewelry, perfume, sweets, clothes and gift
cards.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If the amount of money spent was the measure of our love,
then take a look at these figures. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 2012
we spent over $18 billion dollars on Mother’s Day gifts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to the National Retail Federation we
will top that figure this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A Look at the History<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anna Jarvis, like her mother before her, envisioned a
memorial day to honor mothers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even
though she never had children of her own, she made the celebration of a Mother’s
Day her lifelong mission. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In 1907 she launched a letter writing campaign imploring
politicians, clergymen and civic leaders to institute a national holiday for
mothers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After seven years of
unrelenting advocacy her efforts paid off.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On May 8, 1914 President Wilson signed a resolution establishing
a national Mother’s Day to be celebrated on the second Sunday in May.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What Mothers Really
Want for Mother’s Day<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So what do mothers really want? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hint: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
does not come with a price tag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have
birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas and other holidays for all of those expensive
gifts. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When our Mothers were asked this question, this is what they
had to say:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A
recent poll showed that nine out of ten mothers wished their adult children
would call them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spend some time with
Mom reminiscing about the good times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Recounting happy memories that bring smiles. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In
another poll 43% of Mothers said they wanted sentimental and handmade gifts. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mothers
of small children would enjoy time off from being a Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be served breakfast in bed - without
having to clean up afterwards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Other
mothers would enjoy time alone to relax in any way they see fit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Someone else can take the children to the
park or to the movies for a couple of hours.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anna Jarvis was upset by the way commercialism took over
Mother’s Day. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her vision was a day for
mothers to feel loved, appreciated and cherished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In her
own words, “I wanted it to be a day of sentiment, not profit”. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most mothers would agree that is what they
really want for Mother’s Day. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What was your most memorable Mother’s Day Gift?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
Stresslesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15804987929546822836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832247140690034819.post-33450071587612396752013-03-18T07:18:00.000-07:002013-03-18T07:18:25.944-07:00Why Celebrate Women's History Month?
<br />
<h1 style="margin: 24pt 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #365f91;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why Celebrate
Women’s History Month?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h1>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></span></v:shape><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Let’s look at the history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For over a century women have been in the
forefront, struggling and strategizing for fair treatment in their public and
private lives. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spent stress-filled,
anxious hours envisioning a day when they would enjoy the rights all Americans
should have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Persistent efforts paid
off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Landmark decisions have been handed
down regarding the right to vote, equal educational opportunities, birth
control, domestic violence and consumer credit practices.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The struggle to end
discrimination in the workplace however has been a seemingly insurmountable
saga.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1961 President Kennedy
established the President’s Commission on the Status of Women chaired by
Eleanor Roosevelt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Commission
issued a report in 1963 documenting substantial discrimination against women in
the workplace. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The recommendations
included fair hiring practices, paid maternity leave and affordable child care that
led to:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1963 – Equal Pay Act.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Title VII bars discrimination on the basis of
race and sex.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1968 – EEOC ruled
sex-segregated help wanted ads in newspapers are illegal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Women can apply for higher paying jobs previously
only open to men.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1970 - Schultz v.
Wheaton Glass Co. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>– U.S. Court of
Appeals ruled employers cannot change job titles of women workers in order to
pay them less than men<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1974 – Corning
Glass Works v. Brennan – U.S. Supreme Court ruled employers cannot justify
paying women lower wages because of going market rate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In other words, a wage differential “simply
because men would not work at the low rates paid women” is unacceptable.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1978 - Pregnancy
Discrimination Act – A woman cannot be fired or denied jobs or promotions
because she is or may become pregnant, nor forced to take pregnancy leave if
she is willing and able to work.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1986 - Meritor Savings
Bank v.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vinson – The Supreme Court finds
that sexual harassment is a form of illegal job discrimination.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<ul>
<li>
1993 - Family Leave Act - Federal law requiring covered employers to provide employees job-protected and unpaid leave for qualified medical and family reasons. Includes personal or family illness, family military leave, pregnancy, adoption or the foster care placement of a child.</li>
</ul>
<u><em><strong></strong></em></u><br />
<strong><em><u>
</u></em></strong>But it does not end there. The struggle for parity in the workplace spans four decades. Fast forward to the 21st Century.<br />
<u><em><strong>
</strong></em></u><br />
<ul>
<li>2009 - President Obama signed the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act allowing victims of pay discrimination to file a complaint with the government. Named after a Goodyear employee who alleged and later proved that she was paid 15-40% less than male counterparts.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Women continue to be in the
forefront of the struggle for their rights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This legacy of faith, hope and strength continues with each generation
of daughters and has influenced women all over the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A proud legacy with impressive gains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s why we celebrate Women’s History
Month. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Stresslesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15804987929546822836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832247140690034819.post-2984648811016966532012-12-27T07:08:00.000-08:002012-12-27T07:08:48.013-08:00Ten Ways to Get Your Groove Back After the Holidays
<br />
<h1 style="margin: 24pt 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #365f91;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ten Ways to Get Your
Groove Back After the Holidays<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h1>
<br />
<br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Christmas waves a magic wand
over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful” – The
Rev. Norman Vincent Peale<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_l7GKqh7HPwnrh_1zHMXJMqE-w_kKm61p5CYmsSM_TEUtabrides5MI6mjqPWoiIGfB4d468icTBBrNa9SaG1_Ai8P38oMd7uLOEJO3i0o3yU62SaPf1Im-G_nMTov_xuI95AyEZD_Y/s1600/Christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_l7GKqh7HPwnrh_1zHMXJMqE-w_kKm61p5CYmsSM_TEUtabrides5MI6mjqPWoiIGfB4d468icTBBrNa9SaG1_Ai8P38oMd7uLOEJO3i0o3yU62SaPf1Im-G_nMTov_xuI95AyEZD_Y/s320/Christmas.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The joy - and stress of Christmas is over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The office parties, family gatherings and
gift giving will soon be a distant memory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The holidays give us time to
pause and remember the things that are important in life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep the traditions with which we are
familiar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We love making merry and hate
to see it end.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But the demands and expectations, the rushing to get things
done have taken their toll.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re left
feeling exhausted and burned out from all that magic and joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And perhaps a little regretful.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Maybe you ate too much and gained a few pounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe you spent too much even though you had
a strict budget.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe it’s just the
quiet of winter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some people experience
serious mood changes when the season is over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Tiredness, fatigue, depression and irritability. Or just the blues. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s safe to say that
after expending so much energy over the last few months, your body needs down
time to recharge and rejuvenate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You need outlets that help you reduce stress
as well as stay positive and upbeat.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s easier to lift your spirits when you have something to
look forward to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
activities you choose to get involved in for stress relief should afford you a
sense of overall well being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Practicing deep breathing, affirmations,
meditation, visualization and progressive relaxation (BAM VP) top the list for
emotional balance. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Plan some low energy activities over the next few days that you
enjoy doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> 1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Get out and enjoy
nature – fresh air and sunshine are terrific mood boosters.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> 2. See the show you
missed during the holidays. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> 3. Meet a good
friend(s) for lunch and share holiday trials and triumphs.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> 4. Rent a funny movie
and get a good laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Laughter is another
great mood booster.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> 5. Listen to music
that makes you nostalgic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Puts you in a
good mood.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> 6. Replace negative
thinking – the “why does everything happen to me” thoughts – with
self- </span></span><br />
affirming talk (I deserve to be happy and healthy)!<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Interact with a
child, laugh and let your “inner child” come out to play.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> 8.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Spend the day enjoying
a favorite hobby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Create something with
your hands.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> 9.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Take that Christmas
gift certificate and buy something just for you.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> 10.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Get a full body massage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An excellent way to feel pampered,
invigorate the body and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
increase those feel good endorphins.<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Taking time
out to take care of you is a form of self-therapy that eases the tensions from
the joy and stress of the season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pleasurable
outlets that help you reduce stress are vital when you need to beat the holiday
blues and get your groove back. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As for
those few extra pounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well that’s what
New Year’s Resolutions are for.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
Stresslesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15804987929546822836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832247140690034819.post-41080015028111985352012-10-03T08:10:00.000-07:002012-10-03T08:10:10.054-07:00More Than Willpower: How to Break an Unhealthy Habit<strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">More Than Willpower: How to Break an Unhealthy Habit</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">"...Understand your actions, for they become habits. Study your habits, for they become your character..." - Oliver Wendell Holmes</span></strong><br />
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<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgujbFhbym0B0eSHU89U2AnVRMpMelQiG0B85POrP4KZ01TdOCSIPj0nv6T22DigbLXrkVKXHHofK0JGVxDIh1kN3YDIm0b6oxGvyg0-x_xBbGVlHXZFdSl1x2_TuShbmDXQ9de0WQvGok/s1600/Unhealthy+v+Healthy+Habits++dreamstime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgujbFhbym0B0eSHU89U2AnVRMpMelQiG0B85POrP4KZ01TdOCSIPj0nv6T22DigbLXrkVKXHHofK0JGVxDIh1kN3YDIm0b6oxGvyg0-x_xBbGVlHXZFdSl1x2_TuShbmDXQ9de0WQvGok/s200/Unhealthy+v+Healthy+Habits++dreamstime.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Why do I keep doing this to myself? Whether it's overeating, not exercising, smoking too much or biting your nails. You know it's not healthy. But all your efforts to break the habit by sheer will have left you stressed and exhausted. And eventually they failed.<br />
<br />
Here's why. Habits form on a subconscious level. Often as a learned response to stress. The habit supports, calms and sooths you. The reward is a chemical release of dopamine - the natural high runners often talk about. Repeating the behavior delivers the same pleasurable reward. The brain reverts to the learned response making it automatic.<br />
<br />
Willpower may interrupt this automatic response temporarily. But to make a lasting change you must create a new healthy habit to take the place of the old ingrained habit. To be successful it is essential you know the answers to the following:<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: blue;">Why Change the Habit</span></strong><br />
<br />
Know your motivation to change. You have to have a compelling "why". Ask yourself, "Why make the change now? What gives me the determination to change? What will I gain? What will happen if I don't change?"<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: blue;">What Triggers the Habit</span></strong><br />
<br />
Understand your pattern: What triggers the habit i.e., where are you, who are you with and what are you doing? What is pleasant and unpleasant about the habit? What's in it for you besides the feel good "rush"?<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: blue;">How to Link the New Habit to a Reward</span></strong><br />
<br />
What healthy habit can you create to replace the unhealthy habit and get similar rewards, satisfaction? You must enjoy the change as something that brings joy in your life. Give yourself small rewards often to link pleasure to your new behavior. Because if it doesn't feel good, permanent change won't happen.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: blue;">When Will the New Habit Stick</span></strong><br />
<br />
Studies show it takes from 21-28 days to make new pathways in the brain for a new habit to become ingrained. To make it "stick" the new habit needs practice, consistency, focus and repetition for it to become automatic.<br />
<br />
The only thing left for you to do is mark your calendar for day 1:<br />
<ul>
<li>Post your motivation and rewards list everywhere for continued incentive.</li>
<li>Get support from family, friends, role models for positive reinforcement if you need it.</li>
<li>Avoid temptation - the old triggers - until you feel strong enough.</li>
<li>Give yourself small rewards often. Factor in a long term reward to celebrate your success.</li>
</ul>
Finally, to ensure long term results, visualize the new you repelling the unhealthy habit and replacing it with the healthy habit. Several times a day. Be consistent. Every day for the next 28 days.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Your comments: What if anything did you do to overcome an unhealthy habit? What worked?<br />
<br />
Stresslesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15804987929546822836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832247140690034819.post-80130271717924294272012-09-07T09:13:00.000-07:002012-09-07T09:13:17.095-07:00How to Say "No" Without Making Enemies<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><strong>How to Say "No" Without Making Enemies</strong></span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">"I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody." - Bill Cosby</span></strong><br />
<br />
<br />
You just said yes to something you did not want to do. Again. And why? Because you did not want to appear rude or make the other person angry. It's not in your nature to be confrontational. And even though you sometimes feel used, or could kick yourself for being such a pushover, it's too stressful to just say no.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: blue;">You're Too Nice</span></strong><br />
<br />
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You always put yourself last and people expect that. But you are tired of trying to please everybody. It's time for a change. And that change begins when you decide your time has value. No one can do that for you. Once you acknowledge that your personal responsibilities take priority, saying no to new commitments becomes that much easier.<br />
<br />
Fortunately there are several ways to decline a request when you...<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: blue;">Don't Want to Alienate</span></strong><br />
<br />
Your pushy neighbor appoints you to coordinate a fund raiser for a worthy cause she is sponsoring. It's an enormous responsibility you don't have the time or inclination to undertake. On the other hand you don't want to cause bad feelings between the two of you.<br />
<br />
Solution: In this case it may be easier to decline while offering an alternative. Say no to the request. "I'd love to but I can't do it at this time. I don't have time in my schedule to give this the attention it deserves." Then offer to do whatever part you feel you can handle. Don't allow yourself to be manipulated into helping further. Only you know and can protect your limits.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: blue;">Don't Want to Anger</span></strong><br />
<br />
When it comes to family you are the "go to" person. You are expected to get things done. But when it comes to making you responsible for planning and coordinating your sister's wedding...it is just too much. And though you don't want the family angry with you, you resent being the one everyone dumps on. <br />
<br />
Solution: This is your opportunity to redefine your role without being defensive or argumentative. "I am flattered that you gave this awesome role to me but it is too much to take on alone. So I'm going to have to say no". Avoid the stress of feeling guilty by offering to discuss alternatives. "I'll tell you what. If you can get our relatives to pitch in I'll be more than happy to do my part". You can put your needs first and still be agreeable.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: blue;">Put it Off </span></strong><br />
<br />
Your coworker manipulates others to do the lions share on his projects. Now it's your turn. You tell him you will think about it. But the last thing you want to do is help someone who won't carry his own weight. You have enough work to do.<br />
<br />
Solution: Don't put off the inevitable. When you know you are not interested in the proposition, don't waste everyone's time with "Let me think about it". Let him know you already have a full plate. "I'd like to help you out but it is simply impossible at this time. I am swamped with my own projects". Don't make up excuses. And don't leave room for further discussion. Respect that you have a right to say no when the request is not in your best interest.<br />
<br />
At the end of the day you will feel better with the new assertive you. Less stressed and more in control of your time. You found ways to say no without appearing rude or alienating family and friends. And best of all the people who matter still like you. Even when you say no. Stresslesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15804987929546822836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832247140690034819.post-56277936255002050612012-07-30T07:49:00.000-07:002012-07-30T10:49:44.585-07:00Accentuate the Positive for this Beauty Secret<span style="color: blue;"><strong>BAM VP - Be A More Vibrant Person in 2012</strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><strong>Be Awesome, Motivated, Vibrant and Passionate! A daily energizing routine of Breathwork, Affirmations, Meditation, Visualization and Progressive Relaxation will make you feel your best every day.</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><strong>________________________________________________</strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><strong>Accentuate the Positive for this Beauty Secret</strong></span><br />
<br />
<strong>"If someone in your life talked to you the way you talk to yourself, you would have left them long ago." - Carla Gordon</strong><br />
<br />
<br />
Think of all the negative things you say to yourself every day. I'm not smart enough, good enough, pretty enough. I'm too fat, skinny, tall short. My nose is too big, hips too wide, legs to thin, feet too large. Today is a bad hair day because my hair is too straight, kinky, curly, long, short. Oh no, not another wrinkle!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><strong>Nobody's Perfect</strong></span><br />
<br />
Although you've heard it before, it bears repeating: Nobody's perfect. We all have something about ourselves we would like to change. The cosmetics and plastic surgery industry is a multi-billion dollar testament to that. "Insider secrets" to enhance your looks by changing the way you apply makeup, what you wear or the way you walk, talk and more are easy to discover on the Internet.<br />
<br />
The point is no matter how big the flaw, it's usually cosmetic. Be grateful that you have that nose, those hips, legs and feet and that they function the way they should. Because in this world there is someone, somewhere without, who would gladly trade places with you.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: blue;">Accentuate the Positive</span></strong><br />
<br />
While it is easy to find superficial faults in ourselves, take care when choosing the words you use to describe yourself. Negative words cause an emotional backlash that will chip away at your self-confidence. On the other hand, positive words build your self-esteem and lift your spirits. <br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: blue;">Real Beauty</span></strong><br />
<br />
You can change your outer appearance but it is how you look and feel inside that count. That is where real beauty begins. There is where real change happens. And that is where a healthier outlook on life thrives.<br />
<br />
Question: What does beauty mean to you?<br />
<br />Stresslesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15804987929546822836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832247140690034819.post-40295929298136653642012-07-03T07:07:00.000-07:002012-07-03T07:07:00.954-07:00Give Me A Break: 7 Resources that Make Life Easier for Caregivers<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><strong>Give Me A Break: 7 Resources that Make Life Easier for Caregivers</strong></span><br />
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<strong>"I must do something' always solves more problems than 'Something must be done'". - Unknown Author</strong><br />
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Julia, a divorcee was one of the "sandwich generation" balancing life between an adult child who had come back home to live and aging parents who need more of her time and resources. Between the two, it was worry about the failing health and ongoing care of her parents that caused the most stress.<br />
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And it was not just the finances - although she did not know where the money for their care would come from. Signs of deterioration showed they could not live alone much longer. And Julia knew she would not be able to shoulder the burden of full-time caregiver if they moved in with her.<br />
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The weight of having all the decision-making fall on her shoulders - some of it crucial when it came to her parents future needs - was making Julia feel overwhelmed and emotionally drained. She did not know where to begin to turn for help.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Caregivers Are...</span></strong><br />
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Caregiver is the term for anyone who looks after a person who needs assistance with daily tasks. Whether you move your loved ones into your home or keep them in their house, caregivers report that the daily challenges will leave you feeling guilty because of the anger, frustration and sometimes loss of patience you feel. You begin to feel there is no escape. It becomes even more complicated if the loved one suffers from dementia and Alzheimer's disease.<br />
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Fortunately there are agencies and community organization with services that can make life easier. Senior Centers offer meals and activities and some medical care. Senior Corps sends volunteers age 55 or older to visit the elderly at home. Occupational therapist can evaluate a home and recommend safety improvements such as grab bars in the bath tub as well as help the elderly improve their balance and strength.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Resources That Make Life Easier</span></strong><br />
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Research in the June 2012 AARP Magazine offers an extensive list of resources including:<br />
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<ol>
<li>AARP'S Caregiving Resource Center at <a href="http://www.aarp.org/caregivers">www.aarp.org/caregivers</a>.</li>
<li>Your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for living options your loved one may be entitled to <a href="http://www.n4a.org/">www.n4a.org</a>.</li>
<li>SNAP for Seniors lists residential facilities on its website <a href="http://www.snapforseniors.com/">www.snapforseniors.com</a>.</li>
<li>The National Association for Home Care & Hospice lists home-care agencies on its website <a href="http://www.nahc.org/">www.nahc.org</a>.</li>
<li>Leading Age represents not-for-profit senior residences on its website <a href="http://www.leadingage.org/">www.leadingage.org</a>.</li>
<li>Medicare's website ranks local nursing homes and health agencies <a href="http://www.medicare.gov/">www.medicare.gov</a>.</li>
<li>Geriatric-care managers help with all aspects of caring for older adults <a href="http://www.caremanager.org/">www.caremanager.org</a>.</li>
</ol>
After researching her options, Julia got help for her parents by working with community agencies in her area. They also steered her toward programs that help relieve some of the financial costs. On her own Julia explored The National Council on Aging website for sources of government aid <a href="http://www.benefitscheckup.org/">www.benefitscheckup.org</a>.<br />
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For more comprehensive information and resources that make life easier for caregivers, AARP's Caregiving Resource Center at <a href="http://www.aarp.org/caregivers">www.aarp.org/caregivers</a> is a one-stop shop.. Stresslesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15804987929546822836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832247140690034819.post-51867645334843154902012-06-08T07:15:00.000-07:002012-06-08T07:15:38.801-07:00What Every Woman Should Know About Stress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><strong>BAM VP - Be A More Vibrant Person in 2012</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><strong>A daily energizing routine of Breath, Affirmations, Meditation, Visualization and Progressive Relaxation will help you feel your best every day: Bold, Awesome, Motivated, Vibrant and</strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">Powerful.</span> </strong><br />
_____________________________________________________________<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><strong>What Every Woman Should Know About Stress</strong></span><br />
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<strong>"We can do whatever we wish to do provided our wish is strong enough. What do you want most to do? That's what I have to keep asking myself, in the face of difficulties". - Katherine Mansfield</strong><br />
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<strong>Last week's horoscope read, "The biggest threat to you is stress</strong> - and that's something you can manage if you put your mind to it". Finding ways to manage stress is wise advice for all of us. But when it comes to women's health, practicing some form of stress relief is crucial.<br />
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<strong>Stress exacerbates a woman's cycle from pre adolescence to post menopause.</strong> That is because hormones like estrogen rule our cycles. Add to it the stress hormone cortisol, which is produced in abundance when we become overwhelmed juggling the responsibilities of home, family and career. These hormones make a volatile mix that affects balance, mood changes, changes in metabolism, heart rate, respiration, blood pressure and memory.<br />
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<strong>Stress also makes PMS symptoms worse.</strong> Extreme levels of stress trigger psychological and physical symptoms during ovulation and menstruation such as cramping, mood swings, fatigue, insomnia, rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath.<br />
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<strong>Menopause symptoms such as night sweats and hot flashes</strong> are far more intense for women under chronic stress.<br />
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<strong>According to Dr. Susan Lark and other authorities on women's health</strong>, the underlying cause of eighty percent of doctor's visits is stress. Chronic stress can increase one's susceptibility to virtually every major disease.<br />
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<strong>Studies now link urinary infections, postpartum depression</strong>, acnes, psoriasis, diabetes and autoimmune illnesses with chronic stress symptoms. Studies show an indirect link between stress and cancer because chronic stress weakens the immune system - the body's natural defense to contain and destroy cancer cells. Recent research from the Association for Cancer links stress to an aggressive form of breast cancer in African American and Latino women.<br />
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<strong>The problem is that many women don't hear the warning message</strong> their bodies send out. Partly because women are too stressed out to listen. They don't connect the symptoms to stress. But the irritability, insomnia, appetite changes, tense muscles they experience are signs of stress.<br />
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<strong>The good new is there is something you can do today</strong> to relieve stress in your life. Try several relaxation techniques to find what works for you. Yoga, meditation, deep breathing, journaling, walks in the park, a hobby, pampering spa treatments, etc. Reassess your to-do list and cross off all non essentials. And ask for help when needed. <br />
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<ul>
<li>Make a commitment to yourself to practice some form of relaxation every day.</li>
<li>Find a routine you can stick with that fits your lifestyle.</li>
<li>Practice daily, consistently until managing stress becomes your habit.</li>
<li>Monitor your self-talk when tempted to skip out. Make an affirmation like, "I am doing this everyday...for me and my health" to keep you motivated.</li>
</ul>
<strong>We now know that taking time to relieve the stress</strong> and tension in our lives is not just a "guilty pleasure". Managing stress is vital to our emotional and physical fitness. So start now and dedicate time for relaxation and relieving stress, knowing you are contributing to your health and wellness.<br />
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Remember the biggest threat to you is stress. An that's something you can manage if you put your mind to it.Stresslesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15804987929546822836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832247140690034819.post-12095087958251280982012-05-14T10:44:00.000-07:002012-05-14T10:44:06.638-07:00How Do You Relieve the Stress In Your Life? Take the Stress Quiz<strong><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> BAM VP - Be A More Vibrant Person in 2012</span></span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">A daily energizing routine of Breath, Affirmations, Meditation,Visualization and Progressive Relaxation will help you feel your best every day: Bold, Awesome, Motivated, Vibrant and Powerful.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">_________________________________________________________</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">How Do You Relieve the Stress in Your Life? Take the Stress Quiz</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: black;">"Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it." - Dennis P. Kimbro</span></strong><br />
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We can't go through life without some stress. But when stress is chronic, unrelenting, ongoing, it can affect your health and compromise your immune system.<br />
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There are people who see stress as a challenge and take it in stride. And there are others who become overwhelmed and end up physical wrecks. Since unrelieved stress is detrimental to your health, it is helpful to understand exactly how you handle stress. are you making yourself more vulnerable because your coping strategies are less than resourceful?<br />
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Below is a list of some common ways people cope when faced with stressful situations. Take the stress quiz and check all that apply to you.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">When Under Stress</span></strong><br />
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1. _____I withdraw emotionally and do nothing.<br />
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2. _____I confront the problem and work to resolve it.<br />
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3. _____I eat or sleep more than I should.<br />
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4. _____I engage in physical activity to "blow off" the pressure.<br />
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5. _____I drink and/or smoke too much.<br />
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6. _____I unwind with a hobby or creative interest or other relaxing pastime.<br />
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7. _____I worry to the point that I can't sleep nights.<br />
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8. _____I talk with family and friends for input and support.<br />
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9. _____I become irritated and take my anger out on those around me.<br />
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10. ____I practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, etc.<br />
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11. ____I ignore my needs and try to please others.<br />
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12. ____I get away from it all periodically to rejuvenate.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Your Score:</span></strong> Did you check more of the even-numbered answers or more of the odd-numbered answers? The even-numbered answers represent the more constructive coping strategies. Take a look at the odd-numbered strategies you checked. Those are the areas you need to work on. Recognize them as opportunities to take charge of an aspect of your life that you are not handling to the best of your ability.<br />
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Focus on what is possible and set your sights on accomplishing it. Begin by drawing from the self-assertive (even-numbered) answers. Adapt those strategies to fit your specific needs. When you believe you are in control, you are better able to handle stressful situations. That's empowering.<br />
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The lesson to learn from the Stress Quiz is this: it is not the stress but the way you handle it that is most important to your physical and emotional health.<br />
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For an in-depth look at life events that raise your stress levels, Google "Holmes-Rahe Life Stress Inventory". <br />
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<br />Stresslesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15804987929546822836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832247140690034819.post-55562440762835390012012-04-28T13:33:00.001-07:002012-04-28T13:33:52.913-07:00Don't Worry, Be Happy - Your Choice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">BAM VP - Be A More Vibrant Person in 2012</span></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><strong>A daily energizing routine of Breath work, Affirmations, Meditation, Visualization and Progressive Relaxation will help you be your best every day: Bold, Awesome, Motivated, Vibrant and Powerful.</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">______________________________________________________</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><strong> </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><strong>Don't Worry, Be Happy - Your Choice</strong></span><br />
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<strong>"Keep your mind on the things you want and off the things you don't want." - Hannah Whitall Smith</strong><br />
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You can create a happier, healthier outlook by choosing to celebrate the joy in your life rather than despair. Here's a tip or two:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Replace negative thinking with self-affirming thoughts. The next time you are beating yourself up over something you did or something done to you - STOP. Instead think of a compliment, thoughtfulness or kind word someone gave you. Remember the times you coped with a difficult situation and succeeded. Overwhelm and collapse negative thinking by stacking and accentuating the positive moments in your life.</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>Do something special each day just for you. Buy yourself flowers. Listen to music that lifts your mood and brings back fond memories. Get out and walk, hike, bike and enjoy nature. Interact with a child. Lend a helping hand and feel great. Be silly and share a laugh with family and friends (laughter is the ultimate mood lifter). Pursue a goal or hobby. Create something with your hands. Buy something new. Meet a friend for lunch. Get a massage. The list is limited only by your imagination.</li>
</ul>
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Each day is a brand new opportunity to improve something in your life. And at the end of the day, the ability to be happy is yours to choose.Stresslesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15804987929546822836noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832247140690034819.post-60039412004631497282012-04-20T07:18:00.000-07:002012-04-20T07:18:43.139-07:00A 5 Minute Morning Meditation to Lift Your Spirits and Put a Smile on Your Face<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="color: blue;">BAM</span><span style="color: blue;"> VP - Be A More Vibrant Person in 2012</span></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><strong>A daily energizing routine of Breath work, Affirmations, Meditation, Visualization and Progressive Relaxation will help you meet each day more Bold, Awesome, Motivated, Vibrant and Powerful.</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><strong>_______________________________________________________</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><strong>A 5 Minute Morning Meditation to Lift Your Spirits and Put a Smile on Your Face</strong></span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony." - Mahatma Gandhi</span></strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7PlRmcTr5aDweIbBTuJbdOv9B01noghFcMhPaH9xM54WkZsiWNthPD-nDxYwcu3kky3ZWiEEAnCv47p7uAuh-7WCjzxh2huDI-dgsUT7zPgw5aE90kHYv_ANZZjzBpSUmUQihdfrOJw/s1600/Sky+and+Clouds+Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7PlRmcTr5aDweIbBTuJbdOv9B01noghFcMhPaH9xM54WkZsiWNthPD-nDxYwcu3kky3ZWiEEAnCv47p7uAuh-7WCjzxh2huDI-dgsUT7zPgw5aE90kHYv_ANZZjzBpSUmUQihdfrOJw/s320/Sky+and+Clouds+Photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Set your alarm five minutes earlier tomorrow. When you get up, find a quiet place to sit and gaze out a window. Look up at the sky. Really notice the color and expanse. Follow the shape and movement of the clouds. <br />
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Let your thoughts drift as you enjoy the morning stillness. This is your time to focus on what is good in your life - not the worries of yesterday, today or tomorrow.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Begin your meditation by focusing on your breathing.</span></strong> The rhythmic rise and fall of your breath. Since breathing has a strong effect on emotional change, it is a natural bridge to begin to meditate. Slow measured breathing has a calming effect.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Gently close your eyes and tune into your body</span></strong>. A word will come to you that describes what you are feeling. Calm, relaxed, peaceful, happy, confident. That is your relaxation keyword. Spread the word throughout your body. From the top of your head to the tip of your toes.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Put your relaxation keyword in a phrase</span></strong> that inspires you to handle stress differently today. For example, <span style="color: blue;"><em>"I am calm and relaxed"</em></span> when you are feeling tense and anxious. Use this phrase whenever you need it throughout the day.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">*Inhale slowly and mentally repeat</span></strong>, <em><span style="color: blue;">"I live with a happy heart, a peaceful mind and a playful</span></em> <em><span style="color: blue;">spirit".</span></em> Stay with it for a minute or two. Inhale deeply and in the privacy of your own mind quietly shout, <em><span style="color: blue;">"I deserve health and happiness!"</span></em><br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Just before you are ready to open your eyes</span></strong>, begin to stimulate that positive energy that is a smile by recalling something you enjoy. Something that makes you feel good. Let the corners of your mouth turn up. <em><span style="color: blue;">Smile.</span></em> Send this smiling energy into every bone and every organ and every nerve and every cell in your body.<br />
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<em><span style="color: blue;">Now take that smiling energy up into your heart.</span></em><br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">De</span><span style="color: blue;">cide what you would like to take with you into your day.</span></strong> Something of a positive, inspiring nature. Open your eyes and start a day you look forward to!<br />
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*From Quantum Focusing - Finding the Zone by Michael Ellner and Alan Barsky.Stresslesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15804987929546822836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832247140690034819.post-90568815534972092352012-04-10T07:44:00.001-07:002012-04-10T08:46:40.226-07:00Is It Stress or Burnout? 7 Signs You Should Know<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><strong>Is It Stress or Burnout? 7 Signs You Should Know</strong></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihAbIU2e-_dW_sVVQghg2KXD4az6NLhpwiNl-fPEknpO7m9zFaZJoyc2CCQnvzBhIa8s5c5BrFNA-CKGfivrS_iF4xjInxxCLHVa6IDFgnmVaQEb1VFrVm-W4fyN8SFHRrlF7gwEAvMoU/s1600/burnout+istockphoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihAbIU2e-_dW_sVVQghg2KXD4az6NLhpwiNl-fPEknpO7m9zFaZJoyc2CCQnvzBhIa8s5c5BrFNA-CKGfivrS_iF4xjInxxCLHVa6IDFgnmVaQEb1VFrVm-W4fyN8SFHRrlF7gwEAvMoU/s200/burnout+istockphoto.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">BAM VP - Be A More Vibrant Person in 2012</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">A daily energizing routine of Breath work, Affirmations, Meditation, Visualization and Progressive Relaxation will help you meet each day Bold, Awesome, Motivated, Vibrant and Powerful</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">__________________________________________________</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></strong><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Simplicity means taking charge of a life that is too busy, too stressed, and too fragmented...focusing on the essentials - whatever those may be for each of our unique lives" - Duane Elgin</span></strong><br />
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One third of Americans live with extreme stress, naming money and work as the leading cause. Stress is a significant reason for problems with family and friends. Eight percent connect stress to divorce or separation. These are the statistics reported by the American Psychological Association.<br />
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Anyone can suffer from stress or burnout. From the frazzled office worker putting in late hours, to the frenetic homemaker struggling with children or caregiving, to the Type A personality with control issues.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Stress is About Too Much Pressure and Responsibility</span></strong><br />
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You are expected to be too many things to too many people. Symptoms include feeling irritable, fatigued, frustrated, overwhelmed. Physically your body aches and your blood pressure is up. Despite this, you still feel optimistic that if you can just get things under control everything will work out.<br />
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The good news is stress is easier to handle at this stage - before it becomes chronic.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Burnout is About Having Too Little Left to Give</span></strong><br />
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It is the more intense form of stress. Symptoms include feeling empty, helpless, hopeless. Loss of motivation and interest. Feeling nothing you do is appreciated or makes a difference. Problems seem overwhelming and you are unable to meet the demands. <br />
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Because burnout is gradual, you may not realize you are past the breaking point until it is too late.<br />
In the early stages stress reduction strategies may be enough. Though it will take a good amount of time and effort. If symptoms persist or become worse, however, it is best to see a doctor. <br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">7 Signs of Stress</span></strong> <span style="color: blue;"><strong>7 Signs of Burnout</strong></span><br />
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Over engagement (doing too much) Disengagement (not worth it)<br />
Over reactive (hypersensitive) Emotions blunted (past caring)<br />
Urgency and hyperactivity Helplessness and hopelessness<br />
Loss of energy Loss of motivation, ideas, hope<br />
Anxiety disorders Detachment and depression<br />
Primary damage is physical Primary damage is emotional<br />
May kill you prematurely Life seems not worth living<br />
<br />
Source: Stress and burnout ministry<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">What You Can Do for Relief</span></strong><br />
<ul><li>At work: speak with your boss to clarify job description, renegotiate new job duties. Give yourself a break and take time off when needed.</li>
<li>At home: set boundaries, learn to say no and get help where needed. Carve out daily "me time" to relax.</li>
<li>For the high achieving Type A personality: take a break from the laptop, email, Blackberry. Find a fun project, hobby or other non-work related activity to get away from responsibilities.</li>
</ul>Begin to understand that stress management and relaxation are a vital part of your physical and emotional fitness. Learn breathing routines, affirmations, meditation, visualization and progressive relaxation to find what works for your lifestyle. Take a "time out", eat healthy, exercise and get plenty of rest. Finally, reassess your goals, simplify your life and rediscover what what makes you happy.Stresslesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15804987929546822836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832247140690034819.post-55970827934709739722012-03-26T12:14:00.000-07:002012-03-26T12:14:39.653-07:00Did You Celebrate Women's History Month?<strong><span style="color: blue;">BAM</span><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"> VP - Be A More Vibrant Person</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">A daily energizing routine of Breath work, Affirmations, Meditation, Visualization and Progressive Relaxation will help you meet each day more Bold, Awesome, Motivated, Vibrant and Powerful.</span></strong><br />
__________________________________________________<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Did You Celebrate Women's History Month?</span></strong><br />
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<strong>"I am strong, I am invincible, I am woman" - song lyrics by Helen Reddy</strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjIE4ERUlCMOr1MfgwEIJVg3T3eEyKeZxc1C2Gxw5Nh6dreNr67LtbW0I1wlzv3PO7aTrfOeXalHaABqHH0BfuRz0sA73oEPgyaV28tckhjTDBOTN7Tuu_Dfe_8iVwCkHvZa9dUhui7DI/s1600/working+women+dreamstime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjIE4ERUlCMOr1MfgwEIJVg3T3eEyKeZxc1C2Gxw5Nh6dreNr67LtbW0I1wlzv3PO7aTrfOeXalHaABqHH0BfuRz0sA73oEPgyaV28tckhjTDBOTN7Tuu_Dfe_8iVwCkHvZa9dUhui7DI/s200/working+women+dreamstime.jpg" width="175" /></a></div>The women's and feminist movement of the 1970's played a pivotal role in the fight for equal rights in the workplace for women: (1) equal work for equal pay, (2) equal opportunity for promotion, (3) breaking through the glass ceiling and (4) moving into senior management. Having it all. Now that you have it...how's that working for you?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">You already have an important job.</span></strong> You have a household to run. Washing, ironing, cooking and cleaning. Married? With children? You have a family to nurture and raise. And that is a 24-7 job, thank you. You take pride in this part of your life. You love what you do and you do it well.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">At work you have a career to pursue.</span></strong> You take on duties beyond your job description. Present reports, chair committees, attend conferences and seminars for continuing education. Thanks to mentors in your field you learned the politics of promotion and advancement in your field. Stay on the radar of the decision makers. Don't be sidelined to a supervisor role. Your sights are on a management path. Director, vice president, senior management. That's your goal. You take pride in this area of your life. You love what you do and you do it well.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Each role in your life brings you happiness.</span></strong> But together they can be overwhelming. No one's taking up the slack and no one figured how you were supposed to do it all. The stress, irritability and mood swings are draining. In your body, the stress hormone cortisol, if left unchecked will wreak havoc with your immune system. If you do nothing you are heading toward burnout, illness and disease.<br />
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<ul><li><strong><span style="color: blue;">Make your well-being a priority now</span></strong>. Learn relaxation methods like breath work, affirmations, meditation, visualization and progressive relaxation to help you manage overwhelm, and handle the problems that cause dis-stress.</li>
<li><strong><span style="color: blue;">Carve out some time away from responsibility to celebrate you</span></strong>. If necessary ask for help with the household duties and put a "do not disturb" sign on your bedroom door. Have breakfast in bed. Read that novel you haven't been able to get to. Or go out for a walk and enjoy nature. Take in a movie. Lunch with friends. Get a mani-pedi and/or treat yourself to a massage. Spend the time doing something that you enjoy.</li>
<li><strong><span style="color: blue;">Take as much pride in "me time" as you do for your household and career</span></strong>. Take a time out from worry and responsibility once a week, twice a month, as often as you can. Love what you do for yourself and do it well. You've come a long way baby and you deserve it.</li>
</ul>Celebrate your awesome womanhood every month of the year. For all that you give and all that you do and all that you are. You are the reason we celebrate Women's History Month. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>So, how did you celebrate Women's History Month? I'd like to know.Stresslesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15804987929546822836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832247140690034819.post-61081602791647387882012-03-19T13:50:00.001-07:002012-03-19T14:12:37.622-07:003 Ways to Conquer Procrastination<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_otJBu4J6o_eMouUTR34koxtHUlEJWkklsqz9f6oy6Vr4csM84NXX_rvCReQWAvyqXb9yWqryo8-0L1wcJJS92lDr6nrYaRuo2CIuBIgaMfAw3pCRYR2Ci3rzzjRx73YIg86DZ6qS_Bs/s1600/Do+It+Now+Procrastination+istockphoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_otJBu4J6o_eMouUTR34koxtHUlEJWkklsqz9f6oy6Vr4csM84NXX_rvCReQWAvyqXb9yWqryo8-0L1wcJJS92lDr6nrYaRuo2CIuBIgaMfAw3pCRYR2Ci3rzzjRx73YIg86DZ6qS_Bs/s200/Do+It+Now+Procrastination+istockphoto.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Procrastination is my sin. It brings me naught but sorrow. I know that I should stop it. In fact, I will - tomorrow!" - Gloria Pitzer</span></strong><br />
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Ah, spring time. People feel motivated to get out and get things done. But not you. You are a procrastinator and to you spring means more chores to add to your to-do list. You'd rather put things off until tomorrow.<br />
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You were the student who started your book report the night before it was due. You spent an extra year in college because your term assignments were never in on time. Today you are the adult who puts in long hours at work. You hope your boss believes the late hours are part of your work ethic. The truth is you hate to tackle those reports so you struggle to get through your workload.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Feel My Pain</span></strong><br />
<br />
Fears of failure, success or rejection are the leading reasons most people procrastinate. You don't know if that describes your reluctance. All you know is that procrastination is a bad habit that has not served you well up to this point. You are always playing catch up because whatever you put off today just adds to your list tomorrow.<br />
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There is a voice in your head constantly nagging you to get started. Roll up your sleeves and do the chore whether you like it or not. You want to change. But how do you get started when you don't want to do it in the first place?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">1. Anchor in Motivation</span></strong><br />
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<strong> </strong>Negative self-talk like, "I don't want to do this" or "Do I have to do this" is counter-productive. Certainly not motivating. Changing your self-talk to "I want to do this" or "I choose to do this" is an easy way to start.<br />
<br />
Use the *NLP technique of "anchoring" to install feelings of excitement, success, motivation, pride and other positive emotions to a sight, sound or part of your body. Your ear lobe for example. Now any time you start a task that is distasteful to you, touch your earlobe. This will trigger those positive feelings you installed. You will automatically feel motivated to begin.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">2. Give Your Task a Timeline</span></strong><br />
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Research suggests that the unconscious mind nags until you make a plan, timeline or deadline. Once the task has some structure your unconscious is satisfied that it is done and you will relieve some of the stress.<br />
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Spring is also tax season so let's use that example. It is a complex, overwhelming task you dread doing. It usually means an all-nighter just going through your papers, notes and receipts. Pledging to start your income tax preparation today will satisfy the first step in structuring a plan. You have given a timeline.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">3. Start With Small Steps</span></strong><br />
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Deconstruct any project into smaller tasks that you can complete in a reasonable time. Let us apply this to your income taxes. You have approximately four weeks before the filing deadline. If you break it down to weekly tasks it will look something like this:<br />
<br />
<ul><li><strong><span style="color: blue;">Week one</span></strong> - gather all receipts, papers etc. Do a thorough search. Place them all in one box, folder or stack. Task completed.</li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><strong>Week two</strong></span> - Separate and put receipts in tax categories. Example, income, business expenses, charitable donations, etc. Task completed.</li>
<li><strong><span style="color: blue;">Week three</span></strong> - Total items in each category. Look for any receipts etc., you may have missed to add to these totals. Task completed.</li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><strong>Week four</strong></span> - Transfer your totals to your tax form. Mail in your tax return.</li>
</ul><strong><span style="color: blue;">Feel My Pleasure</span></strong><br />
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Taxes done and filed on time. You feel a sense of pride and relief as you check this off your to-do list. Best of all you now have a plan to overcome procrastination in all your future projects.<br />
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*Learn more about Anchoring (NLP) at Wikipedia.org. View Anchoring (NLP) video demonstrations on YouTube. NLP is the abbreviation for Neuro Linguistic Programming.Stresslesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15804987929546822836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832247140690034819.post-41550591953590818932012-03-10T14:13:00.000-08:002012-03-10T14:13:55.426-08:00Daylight Saving Time: Wake Me When It's Over<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><strong>BAM VP - Be A More Vibrant Person in 2012</strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><strong>A daily routine of energizing Breath, Affirmations, Meditation, Visualization and Progressive Relaxation will help you meet the day Bold, Awesome, Motivated, Vibrant and Powerful.</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><strong>_____________________________________________</strong></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLP63C3VQEvK4i9shr4JpxIRsMF4crkkJU15tO4TOO9TufHff43D06xC_ZAJlGdrZNeA2dCRPI61O-kHbChudNXDStfO_bpAyGUELYLr67_liB-SEHKxLmwFMc1FFWyQE3WJ3whwtpdE/s1600/clocks+dreamstime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLP63C3VQEvK4i9shr4JpxIRsMF4crkkJU15tO4TOO9TufHff43D06xC_ZAJlGdrZNeA2dCRPI61O-kHbChudNXDStfO_bpAyGUELYLr67_liB-SEHKxLmwFMc1FFWyQE3WJ3whwtpdE/s200/clocks+dreamstime.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Daylight Saving Time: Wake Me When It's Over</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">"If you have time to whine and complain about something then you have the time to do something about it." - Anthony J. D'Angelo</span></strong><br />
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<br />
You awaken at 9:00 am Sunday morning, same as always. Turn on the TV to watch your favorite show. But it is not on. Wait a minute. Something's off. You glance at the clock and see it is actually 10:00 am. Oh no...you forgot to set the clock forward for Daylight Saving Time!<br />
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You know it could have been worse. It could have been a weekday. You'd be in a frenzy trying to get breakfast, get the kids to the bus stop and start your commute to work. Still, you lost an hour today. Sixty minutes that you won't get back any time soon. And it's unsettling. You feel off balance, disoriented, like someone suffering jet lag.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">But It's Only 60 Minutes</span></strong><br />
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But those sixty minutes make a difference in your Circadian Rhythm. This is the system that regulates your sleeping and waking pattern. It is already set for your daily routine and Daylight Saving Time throws it off. Your body clock needs to readjust. It will take time for you to get reoriented.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">This Is Why We Do It</span></strong><br />
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The overriding reason that we take one hour from morning and add it to the end of the day is to save energy. Research shows that the average home consumes less energy for lighting and appliances during Daylight Saving Time. Longer sunlight in the evening encourages people to spend more time doing outdoor activities.<br />
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An interesting fact is that the observance of Daylight Saving Time is not mandatory in the United States. Some states have opted out. Arizona and Hawaii are two that never moved from standard time, so their residents do not change their clocks.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Make It Easy On Yourself</span></strong><br />
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Over the next few days while your body adjusts, practice this simple breathing exercise to restore your energy levels:<br />
<ol><li> Sit where you will be comfortable.</li>
<li>Place your hands on your abdomen. Breathe out air until you feel your stomach pull in.</li>
<li>Continue to inhale and exhale rhythmically for one or two minutes.</li>
</ol>That's all there is to it. This breathing routine floods your body with oxygen - the energy you will need to help you cope while your body clock realigns. The good news is that most people adjust in a day or two. The better news is that you will get back those 60 minutes when you turn back the clock on Sunday, November 4th.Stresslesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15804987929546822836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832247140690034819.post-2852331331037727202012-03-03T17:34:00.001-08:002012-03-04T08:20:12.097-08:00Empowering Self-Talk: How to Make Affirmations That Inspire Change<strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">BA MVP - Be A More Vibrant Person in 2012</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">A daily energizing routine of Breath work, Affirmations, Meditation, Visualization and Progressive Relaxation will help you meet each day Bold, Awesome, Motivated, Vibrant and Powerful.</span></strong><br />
____________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><strong>Empowering Self-Talk: How to Make Affirmations That Inspire Change</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>"Change Your Thoughts and Change Your World" - Norman Vincent Peale</strong></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8CJEOApdxBQZFNz8wg8qWgw3zQPPaAUZTRYvkn_szdxM35mmL3TgPgMsGvd0nXZ35jabsPrw1ipjFakO8JPRuWko0R7VkTEGVFT-Jj0pI6lqgNJkU9TrSrOO-v8kMHHD_0LMRxNoBCPA/s1600/optimism+balloons+dreamstime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8CJEOApdxBQZFNz8wg8qWgw3zQPPaAUZTRYvkn_szdxM35mmL3TgPgMsGvd0nXZ35jabsPrw1ipjFakO8JPRuWko0R7VkTEGVFT-Jj0pI6lqgNJkU9TrSrOO-v8kMHHD_0LMRxNoBCPA/s200/optimism+balloons+dreamstime.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">"Every day in every way I am getting better and better".</span></strong> You probably heard this famous affirmation popularized in the 1920's by Emil Coue, a French pharmacist and psychologist. After observing his patients heal faster when they focused their mind on positive healing images, Coue developed this therapeutic method he called optimistic autosuggestion. His belief that, "you are what you think" proved to have great success in rehabilitating the thousands of patients he treated each year.<br />
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You might ask what makes this deceptively simple affirmation so powerful. And how can I duplicate it?<br />
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<ul><li><strong><span style="color: blue;">Start with the area you want to work on</span></strong>. Emil Coue addressed the health concerns of people who were ill and wanted to get well. Your challenge may be with finances, career, family, relationships, physical or emotional health, etc. Define your source of stress.</li>
<li><strong><span style="color: blue;">Make your affirmation simple and specific.</span></strong> Coue's autosuggestion is a simply stated imagery for healing. Yours may contain specific relaxation instructions, or suggestions for improved self esteem or a mantra for success. Make sure it describes exactly what you want to achieve. For example you want to ask for a raise, "I am clear and direct asking my boss for a raise".</li>
<li><strong><span style="color: blue;">Powerful affirmations are positive and carefully expressed.</span></strong> Phrase them as if they are occurring now. Notice Coue says, "I am getting better and better." Avoid negative statements. For example instead of "I will not be nervous asking for a raise". Use a positive version such as "I am letting go of tension when I talk to my boss" or I am calm and assertive asking for a raise".</li>
<li><strong><span style="color: blue;">An affirmation works best when combined with an image or mental picture.</span></strong> So write it down, close your eyes and visualize the touch, taste and feel of the change you want to create.</li>
<li><strong><span style="color: blue;">Repeat your affirmation throughout the day, every day.</span></strong> The more you say it the more connected it becomes to your desired outcome. Routine repetition was an important part of Coue's method. He recommended his patients repeat "Every day in every way I am getting better and better" upon awakening, throughout the day and before going to sleep at night. When he put the power of healing into the hands of his patients Coue had great success curing them of illness and disease.</li>
</ul>Affirmations are good for your mental health. Evidence proves that serotonin and endorphins, those feel good hormones, are released when we focus on positive thoughts. This scientifically based evidence works even if you are a skeptic.<br />
<br />
So take a cue from Emil Coue. Practice positive thinking. Make affirmations that work to improve your life. You have nothing to lose but time and everything to gain. Like a happier outlook on life, less anxiety, and better health. The power to change is in you.Stresslesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15804987929546822836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832247140690034819.post-34213134839293239192012-02-25T13:52:00.000-08:002012-02-25T13:52:05.888-08:00EFT: What Is It, And Why Should You Care?<span style="color: blue;"><strong> BA MVP - Be A More Vibrant Person in 2012</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><strong>A daily energizing routine of Breath work, Affirmations, Meditation, Visualization and Progressive Relaxation to meet the day Bold, Awesome, Motivated, Vibrant and Powerful.</strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="color: blue;">____________________________________________________</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">EFT: What Is It and Why Should You Care?</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">"...It is our relationship to fear that determines the choices we make. By changing our relationship to fear, we reduce its credibility, robbing it of its power... - Thom Rutledge</span></strong><br />
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Your boss has asked you to make a speech for him at the next board meeting. You graciously accept. But inside you are freaking out You are terrified of speaking in public. Every time you think about it your heart pounds and you get a sick feeling in the pit of your stomach. The stress is causing you sleepless nights. Is there any way to handle this panicky feeling so you can make the speech?<br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><strong>Emotional Freedom Technique</strong></span><br />
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Here is where EFT comes in. Founded by Gary Craig in the mid 90's, EFT is an acronym for Emotional Freedom Technique. It is a self-help procedure for quickly releasing emotional distress and traumatic memories by neutralizing the fears and phobias that trigger them. The end product is to defuse the emotional charge so the distress or trauma no longer has power over us.<br />
<br />
EFT has been used to alleviate performance anxiety, fear of heights, panic attacks, sports performance, cravings and compulsions animal phobias and more. Its ability to enhance the outcome on health issues, psychological problems and performance issues has been scientifically studied and presented in peer review journals, research and outcome studies. EFT success stories have been reported on TV, magazine and newspaper articles.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">So Easy You Can Do It</span></strong><br />
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EFT is easy to learn and apply. You use your finger to gently tap on points of the body. The impact is similar to acupuncture but without the needles. The best part is you can do it yourself in minutes and get results even with no understanding of the process:<br />
<ol><li><span style="color: blue;"><strong>Measure the intensity</strong></span> of the feeling associated with a bad memory. Using a scale of 1 to 10. 10 being the highest.</li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><strong>Setup phrase</strong></span> - Tapping the Karate Chop (side of hand), state the problem and include an affirmation about you. Example, "Even though I have this fear about speaking in public, I love and completely accept myself." Pairing exposure to the traumatic ordeal with self-acceptance is a well-researched psychological technique.</li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><strong>The sequence of tapping points</strong></span> - (1) Top of head (2) Inner eyebrow (3) Side of eye (4) Under eye (5) Under nose (6) Chin (7) Collarbone (8) Under arm.</li>
</ol>Repeat stating the emotional event while doing several rounds of the tapping sequence. Check in after two or three rounds to measure the intensity of your feelings. Notice what is different. Continue if there is remaining anxiety. You are aiming for 0, but getting down to 1 or 2 may be sufficient.<br />
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This is the short version of the tapping points sequence. There are many variations based on the presenting problem. YouTube has great footage of EFT demonstrations.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">EFT for PTSD</span></strong><br />
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An area where EFT has been working wonders is with our returning war veterans suffering post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Many vets suffer from hyper vigilance, anger, insomnia, emotional distancing, nightmares and flashbacks. One organization, EFT Universe, filmed a documentary showing how they work with veterans and their families. The film, Operation Emotional Freedom the Answer" is graphically candid and demonstrates healing the physical symptoms of emotional trauma by tapping down the high levels of anger and frustration intensity.<br />
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The EFT Universe website has a wealth of information, practical applications, educational material and practitioner resources available for anyone who wants to learn more about EFT.Stresslesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15804987929546822836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832247140690034819.post-32908799777247116762012-02-14T07:30:00.000-08:002012-02-14T07:30:09.247-08:00Is He Your True Love? One Way To Know For Sure<span style="color: blue;"><strong>BA MVP - Be A More Vibrant in 2012</strong></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmz8s_q9eMtg5yGqla4AZpYocuVB0qhQvvmBixEXHmJtuqpdYO7AHsG2wVtP_HidP8Dlqiv41hT9It1WkBe7fUHy1fwcMvWokHIqtapQlrh8IgvGbQEbEzYfiouxsKuLiH22CihFiKcA/s1600/Falling+in+Love+Dreamstime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmz8s_q9eMtg5yGqla4AZpYocuVB0qhQvvmBixEXHmJtuqpdYO7AHsG2wVtP_HidP8Dlqiv41hT9It1WkBe7fUHy1fwcMvWokHIqtapQlrh8IgvGbQEbEzYfiouxsKuLiH22CihFiKcA/s200/Falling+in+Love+Dreamstime.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>A daily 11 minute energizing routine of Breath, Affirmations, Meditation, Visualization and Progressive Relaxation and you will meet the day Bold, Awesome, Motivated, Vibrant and Powerful.<br />
___________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><strong>Is He Your True Love? One Way to Know for Sure</strong></span><br />
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Close your eyes and visualize your perfect mate. What features are you most attracted? Dark, dreamy eyes or eyes with a twinkle in them; a strong masculine jaw? Notice every detail in his face.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><strong>What Makes Us fall in Love</strong></span><br />
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Studies of what makes us fall in love conclude that we are attracted to symmetry in the features of a face. The perfect ratio of eyes to ears to mouth yields the ideal face in our standard of beauty. But how many people have you found very attractive, but did not fall in love with?<br />
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So we know that there must be more to this equation. Check out any online dating site and you will see the in depth questioning it takes to come up with a profile of a compatible partner. You are asked to think about and provide preferences in appearance, background and education, values and beliefs, lifestyle etc. in hopes of finding that someone who is perfect for you.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><strong>A Visual Connection</strong></span><br />
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But what if falling in love is not as complicated as we try to make it? What if we instinctively know our true love just by looking at the features of his face? A visual connection that gives an inner view of the thoughts, feelings and values of that certain someone.<br />
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According to the art of Face Reading we can. Its principle is based on the ancient Chinese observations of nature and the human life cycle. This circle of life, from beginning to end to beginning again, is the law that governs all life. The Chinese defined the cycles in five stages or the Five Elements known as Water, Fire, Wood, Earth and Metal. <br />
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Each element has an energy that is represented in each of us and has characteristics that reveal something about our personalities. It is reflected in our face and our face tells who we are inside.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">What Does His Face Tell You</span></strong><br />
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Remember I asked you to visualize your perfect mate. For illustration let us say his eyes have that dark, dreamy, mysterious look and his hair is wavy. Those are Water characteristics. This person's qualities include determination, courage, innate wisdom, creativity, a nurturing depth of feeling and a need to not be confined.<br />
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Let's say your ideal mate has sparkling eyes that seem to dance with light and has curly hair. That's the Fire element. He has a quick smile, loves excitement, upbeat personality and great at communicating.<br />
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Okay. Your perfect mate with his strong, prominent jaw is a Wood energy. This is the element of logic and structure. He loves a good argument, needs to keep active, into outdoor and competitive team sports.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><strong>Look at His Eyes</strong></span><br />
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When I first read this book on face reading, "The Wisdom of Your Face" by Jean Haner, I got an "aha" moment that helped me understand and appreciate my husband even more.<br />
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He has the soft dreamy eyes characteristic of the Water element. At first sight they drew me right to him! He is adventurous, goes by his inner map to explore the world, and knows exactly what to say when I'm not feeling confident. There's some Fire in him too. He loves to play and joke. Perfect for me because I love to laugh.<br />
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And he has one Water characteristic that has caused me many frustrated, stressful moments over the years. True to his element he is almost always late. And he does not seem to do it purposely. I have observed him leave the house at the same time he was supposed to arrive for an appointment. Hard to figure. Once I understood that time restrictions don't fit well with Water energy's need to flow, my "aha" moment allowed me to be more relaxed and not take it personal.<br />
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Did I forget to say that my energy is Metal? I am organized, precise, creative, value beauty and to quote, "running late is not a Metal quality!" Wow. It just goes to show that opposites attract. And, like my husband and I, love happily ever after. <br />
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Stresslesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15804987929546822836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832247140690034819.post-74103437824724211982012-02-04T12:33:00.000-08:002012-02-04T12:37:28.543-08:00Trouble Sleeping? The Top 5 remedies for a Good Night's Sleep<span style="color: blue;"><strong>BAM VP - Be A More Vibrant Person in 2012</strong></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRDx2BGMp1dqGW8kUD9Zfk01wneeQTq7syx4lvs-15jLF4_oa9meREC9eB6iBdELMszusVdq9E-puck51tdP3IkuwCmJOSY4tmTm1BTsP58zXOYl0XatKTa18ALIHI6b1_6Ov_9KypY4/s1600/sleeping+dreamstime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRDx2BGMp1dqGW8kUD9Zfk01wneeQTq7syx4lvs-15jLF4_oa9meREC9eB6iBdELMszusVdq9E-puck51tdP3IkuwCmJOSY4tmTm1BTsP58zXOYl0XatKTa18ALIHI6b1_6Ov_9KypY4/s200/sleeping+dreamstime.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><strong><span style="color: blue;">P</span></strong> is for progressive relaxation. A technique of systemically tightening and relaxing each muscle group until your entire body is relaxed. Feels like a deep muscle massage. At the end of a long day progressive relaxation is an excellent sleep aid.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Trouble Sleeping? The Top 5 Remedies for a Good Night's Sleep</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day..." - Ralph Waldo Emerson</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">"It's 2 am. Why can't I fall asleep?"</span></strong> A recent study revealed that insomnia affects 6% to 10% of adults and is twice as common in women as men. If you lie awake at night worrying about falling asleep your anxiety actually prevents you from doing so. This internal dialogue becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><strong>From time to time we all have bouts of insomnia.</strong></span> A bad night once in a while is a normal part of life. If your insomnia is a new situation or a chronic one, investigate the cause. A new medication keeping you too alert to relax? Diuretics or a more serious health problem causing frequent trips to the bathroom? Menopause with its erratic hormonal symptoms interrupting a woman's (and sometimes her husband's) sleep! In these situations check with your doctor to determine if there is a need for treatment.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">More often than not it is lifestyle,</span></strong> the hectic pace of too much to do and too little time to do it. The stress of work, family and finances. The anxiety spills into the bedroom and what should be a temporary problem falling asleep becomes a negative association with going to bed. But with a few tweaks your bedroom can become a haven for rest and relaxation.<br />
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<ol><li><span style="color: blue;"><strong>Think of your bedroom as your sanctuary</strong></span>. Reframe your self-talk. Instead of thinking, "I have to get some sleep tonight", put the emphasis on rest and relaxation. Tell yourself, "I'm going to lie here and just relax tonight". Give yourself permission to get a good night's rest.</li>
<li><strong><span style="color: blue;">Link bed time with your time to wind down</span></strong>. Take a warm bath, sip herbal teas, read a book, spray a relaxing lavender or chamomile fragrance in your bedroom, play relaxing music. Adjust the room temperature so it is not too hot or cold. Block out light as much as possible and use a sleep mask to ensure total Zen. You may have to experiment to find what works best to relax you. </li>
<li><strong><span style="color: blue;">Avoid all activities that may cause high anxiety.</span></strong> Turn off the TV, nightly news. Put away the laptop, iPad; turn off the phone and blackberry. Avoid caffeine, alcohol consumption and aerobic exercises in the evening.</li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><strong>Stop the mind chatter and worry before you go to bed.</strong></span> Set aside 15 to 20 minutes each night to write down everything that is stressing you. Sit in a comfortable chair. Set the timer. When the time is up, put down the pen and put your problems away for the night. Make a promise to yourself that the rest of the night is your time for relaxation.</li>
<li><strong><span style="color: blue;">*Progressive relaxation is one of the best techniques to channel your body's natural ability to calm down and fall asleep.</span></strong> While lying in bed begin to slowly tense and relax each muscle group systematically from toe to head - or head to toe if that feels more natural. Repeat at least once. During the second round visualize yourself enjoying a deep massage of each muscle group.</li>
</ol>Your bedroom is now your sanctuary. Your bed...a place for relaxation and a good night's rest.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">BAM VP - Breath, Affirmation, Meditation, Visualization, Progressive Relaxation</span></strong><br />
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*Learn more relaxation techniques in my audio recording, "Just Relax Like This".<br />
Stresslesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15804987929546822836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832247140690034819.post-2004617815533435902012-01-28T11:37:00.000-08:002012-01-28T11:45:20.296-08:00Visualize Yourself Thin: 3 Essential Steps for Amazing Results<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><strong> BAMVP - Be A More Vibrant Person in 2012</strong></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2h4pANRiNeiSZBeYZh2aoSNiAmrX5hooNGQ4NVcchPLnxVgRGs6bn39SdZCnwV1iGk41D08B7d66amed3iNfqFGj98ip02xLDgImT9gp-DB7d-gZSt63ymxpUQnSMU8oyahtdNlT5jSI/s1600/meditating+dreamstime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2h4pANRiNeiSZBeYZh2aoSNiAmrX5hooNGQ4NVcchPLnxVgRGs6bn39SdZCnwV1iGk41D08B7d66amed3iNfqFGj98ip02xLDgImT9gp-DB7d-gZSt63ymxpUQnSMU8oyahtdNlT5jSI/s200/meditating+dreamstime.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><strong><span style="color: blue;"><span id="goog_1010162327"></span><span id="goog_1010162328"></span>V</span></strong> <span style="font-size: x-small;">is for visualization. Close your eyes and visualize a beautiful memory, proud moment, memorable vacation. Make it real by noticing the colors sights, sound, and smells around you. Visualization encourages the release of feel good endorphins. Puts a smile on your lips. Now open your eyes and have a great day!</span><br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Visualize Yourself Thin: 3 Essential Steps for Amazing Results</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">"If I Can See It, Then I Can Be It" - I Believe I Can Fly lyrics by R. Kelly</span></strong><br />
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Do you visualize? Daydreams, memories and inner talk are all types of visualization. Imagine a goal that you want to attain. Then program your vision to reach it.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">The Carrot and the Stick</span></strong><br />
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Your goal is to lose weight. Specifically 20 pounds; or wear a size 8 again; or have enegy to play with your kids. That's the carrot, your reward. If you want to be successful in your endeavor you will have to acknowledge the reasons why you are pursuing this goal.<br />
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What was the incident, the last straw - "the stick" that set your plan in motion? Was it a long look in the mirror, a hurtful remark directed at you or a medical issue that would disappear if you lose the weight? Write it down and leave nothing out. No one has to see this except you. This is the motivation you will use again and again at those times when you are tempted to give in to cravings.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Picture Perfect Visual Aids</span></strong><br />
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Find pictures of you at your ideal weight. Place them everywhere. On the refrigerator, bathroom mirror, iPhone, ipad, computer screensaver. You could also use pictures of someone you believe ideal or even hang that size 8 outfit in full view.<br />
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This is not only about how you want to look. It is also about how you want to feel. Link positive affirmations to your visuals. Think, "I can do this", "I look awesome" or whatever works for you.<br />
Send love even to those parts you want to slim down!<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Wait For It...</span></strong><br />
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You knew this was coming. Food and exercise. What is your action plan to help make this weight loss happen? Link lots of pleasure to this planning phase. Visualize yourself selecting, preparing and eating healthy meals. Picture yourself savoring and enjoying the feel and texture of the food in your mouth. Adopt an "I eat only the best for my body" attitude.<br />
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You will want to give up foods that keep the weight on. But take baby steps so you don't feel deprived. For example, one less soda a day will save approximately 100 calories.<br />
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Exercise must be fun for you to stick it out. So visualize moving your body to something you enjoy and watching the pounds melt. Dancing, jogging, biking or walking. An extra 2000 steps a day will help maintain your new weight.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Now Visualize Yourself Thin</span></strong><br />
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Visualizing is a powerful tool. According to Emil Coue (who coined the phrase, "every day in every way I am getting better and better") "your thoughts become reality - you are what you think." You will be using all that you have learned to so far to create an image using your sense of sight, touch, sound, smell and taste. <br />
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Set aside 5 minutes two to three times a day. You can visualize while walking, exercising on the treadmill, sitting alone, in the morning or in the evening before falling asleep. Visualize yourself already at your ideal weight. Use your senses to bring the image alive. Give it detail. Are you wearing that size 8 dress looking proud and confident? Strolling along the beach in your bikini turning heads? Playing tag games with the kids with energy to spare?<br />
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Feel the air around you, the ground beneath you, the colors, sights and sounds you are experiencing. Visualize stepping into that picture and try it on for size. Fall in love with your body again. You are *BAMVP. Bold, Awesome, Motivated, Vibrant and Powerful.<br />
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*See 11/2/10 post, "BAMVP Be A More Vibrant Person: How to Fit Relaxation Into Your Busy Day"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Stresslesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15804987929546822836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832247140690034819.post-11700589380884522192012-01-21T12:52:00.000-08:002012-01-21T12:52:54.699-08:00Get to The Bottom of Addictive Behavior and Move On With Your Life<strong><span style="color: blue;"> </span></strong><strong><span style="color: blue;"> </span></strong><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPuesd2_9VEk46-Tt9WEVPMD9CNXkO_LficT229QpMTcWt4gnRuzyhVtMfuMKblmoHzr7VivlZ9f78xIY7NgCjEYgyEdOHYO5lbZrvhCXkGIC6QS7mZd6NswvyHXLm22sCN5j0rt6r0o/s1600/wine+glass+and+pearls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPuesd2_9VEk46-Tt9WEVPMD9CNXkO_LficT229QpMTcWt4gnRuzyhVtMfuMKblmoHzr7VivlZ9f78xIY7NgCjEYgyEdOHYO5lbZrvhCXkGIC6QS7mZd6NswvyHXLm22sCN5j0rt6r0o/s200/wine+glass+and+pearls.jpg" width="133" /></a><strong><span style="color: blue;"></span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;"> BAM VP - Be A More Vibrant Person in 2012!</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">M</span></strong> is for meditation. Allow time for quiet introspection and problem solving. Ease into it by daydreaming. Gaze out a window and focus on your breathing. While enjoying nature you are doing a form of meditation. Your thoughts are in the moment. Yesterday's worries and tomorrow's challenges do not exist.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Get to the Bottom of Addictive Behavior and Move On With Your Life</span></strong><br />
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<strong>"While we may not be able to control all that happens to us, we can control what happens inside us." -Benjamin Franklin</strong><br />
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*Jennifer had a life most women would envy. A beautiful home, well-behaved children and a husband who was a good provider. She also had a self-indulgence that she kept secret. It started with a glass of wine in the evening to relax after everyone had gone to bed. She told herself that one or two can't hurt so she added one, then two during the day. Eventually, the fear that she might be becoming an alcoholic began to alarm her.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Is Three Too Much?</span></strong><br />
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Women who drink at home alone are more likely than others to later have drinking problems according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, a component of the National Institutes of Health. Depression is closely linked to heavy drinking. Among women who drink 13 percent have more than seven drinks per week. A report from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans indicates this to be above the recommended limits for women based on the lower level of water in a woman's body to dilute alcohols effect.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Getting to the Bottom</span></strong><br />
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Jennifer questioned why she was in such a self-destructive mode. Meditation helped her probe deeply into her problem...take an honest look at what she was doing to herself and ultimately her family. <br />
Until recently she was the soccer mom. Her identity wrapped around her children, their activities, their wants and needs. However, as they grew older and more independent, they neither needed - nor wanted so much of her attention. <br />
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She felt she no longer had an important role in life. So who was she? What was she supposed to do now? Discontented with staying at home but afraid to venture into the job market made her feel more depressed. She finally resolved to start doing things for herself that would boost her self-esteem.<br />
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The **BAMVP stress reduction techniques and "time for me" getaways allowed her to reflect on who she was and what she wanted out of life. She joined a fun exercise activity - belly dancing; registered with a temp work agency to brush up on her job skills and ease back into the workforce. Best of all Jennifer renewed a past passion when she enrolled in a series of art workshops.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Stress Plays a Role in Addictive Behavior</span></strong><br />
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One of the reasons people drink, overeat, chain smoke, gamble compulsively, etc., is to help cope with stress. For people like Jennifer, getting to the bottom, uncovering the core issue, is all that is needed to begin to move on. Others may have to hit rock bottom, what I call the "Popeye fed up mode" of "That's all I can stand and I can't stands no more!" That's when they move to action and seek help.<br />
Counseling, outreach groups like AA, Gamblers Anonymous, over eaters programs, and faith help them to move on with life.<br />
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When you deal with what is causing the stress in your life, the addictive behavior becomes manageable. And for some like Jennifer, no longer necessary.<br />
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*From the book, "When You Need a Timeout."<br />
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**Breath, Affirmations, Meditation, Visualization, Progressive Relaxation. See 11/2/10 blog post "BAMVP Be A More Vibrant Person: How to Fit Relaxation Into Your Busy Day."Stresslesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15804987929546822836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832247140690034819.post-59720885886815173712012-01-14T09:18:00.000-08:002012-01-14T16:08:36.631-08:005 Strategies That Help You Stop Smoking for Good <span style="color: blue;"> <strong><span style="background-color: white;">BAM VP - Be A More Vibrant Person in 2012</span></strong></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>A</strong></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>is for Affirmations.</strong></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong> Positive thoughts about yourself to yourself will lift your spirits and strengthen your resolve. Take a look at the tasks ahead of you this day. State your intention to succeed in all your challenges. Make your affirmations fit your lifestyle. Make a daily commitment to BAM VP every day and rediscover your joy of living. Seize the day!</strong></span><br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;"> 5 Strategies That Help You Stop Smoking for Good</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">"When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goal, adjust the action</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">steps." - Confucius</span></strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiel8w1bXzbt3vvCyjNz6mQ3vi7SoPtAOKR0nuLwfO1fjEUrucTePEEU7bosHYF4B77c7-PuPGwL9PEGPYHSpllBjW2kaB7DX3fvYuokHGqJMtlqGUd49lOpKXEn3Hs5eOH3VCNE8MGQcQ/s1600/stop+smoking+dreamstime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiel8w1bXzbt3vvCyjNz6mQ3vi7SoPtAOKR0nuLwfO1fjEUrucTePEEU7bosHYF4B77c7-PuPGwL9PEGPYHSpllBjW2kaB7DX3fvYuokHGqJMtlqGUd49lOpKXEn3Hs5eOH3VCNE8MGQcQ/s200/stop+smoking+dreamstime.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>You resolved to stop smoking in 2012. Here it is week two and you haven't had a cigarette. Congratulations! It's no secret that stopping is one of the most challenging things you will ever do. According to the National Institutes of Health an estimated 85 percent of smokers have tried to quit or would like to quit. So when you find your resolve wavering, don't give in. Just recheck your strategy.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><strong>Understand Why You Smoke</strong></span><br />
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There are many reasons why people smoke. Some say it is relaxing, or creates a sense of comfort from anxiety or boredom, helps gain acceptance with peers, or they love the rush euphoria smoking provides. So why do you want to stop? Write down all the reasons you don't like smoking. Then add this to your stop smoking list, "Because I know that one day this habit will betray me and destroy my health."<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Replace the Smoking Habit with a Healthy Habit</span></strong><br />
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When you stop smoking you take away a familiar routine you have lived with for some time. You leave a void that cigarette smoking will quickly reclaim if you don't find a replacement.<br />
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Take the initiative and identify healthy alternatives that work for you. For example, the person who gets a rush from smoking can get that euphoric feeling from exercising, jogging, brisk walks or playing sports. The bored person needs activities that stimulate the mind such as puzzles, games of strategy, Sudoku, educational pursuits or creative interests. The healthy alternative for the person who smokes to relax is obvious. The *BAM VP relaxation techniques are the most effective way to relax muscle tension and produce feelings of serenity and calm.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Change Your Routine and Cigarette Associations</span></strong><br />
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To quit successfully you have to change the connections you associate with smoking. For example, if you associate the first breath of the morning with a cigarette, or you enjoy a cigarette with your coffee, what will you do to change? One suggestion is to drink a full glass of water first thing in the morning. Take your coffee on the patio instead of the kitchen. Small changes break your routine. It is up to you to have choices available to create these new connections.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Reward Yourself Often Throughout Your Stop Smoking Campaign</span></strong><br />
Link some pleasure and excitement to your campaign to stop smoking by rewarding yourself every time your reach a milestone. Think of a treat you really want - and get it. New shoes, jewelry, a new putter, movie, CD, book, spa treatment. The best part is you will be using the money you saved not buying cigarettes!<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Don't Let Other People's Smoke Bother You</span></strong><br />
If seeing other people smoke is your trigger then this advice may seem contradictory. But in order to quit for good you have to face your fear of temptation. At some point deliberately expose yourself to other people's smoke. You know by now that cigarette smoke smells a lot better than it tastes going down your lungs. Use your stop smoking list to arm yourself with strong convictions and affirmations. Recognize that this is a test that you are determined to ace. By actively courting each temptation and winning you be adding new strategies that strengthen your resolve to quit. You will become more confident with each victory and prepared for the next test of your will.<br />
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Mercifully after the ten days or so the urge to smoke will come less frequently. But it will pounce out of the blue when you least expect it. And when it does you will be a formidable foe with all the strategies and coping skills you need to handle and defeat these last remnants of the urge to smoke.<br />
These are the strategies that worked for me and I have not had a cigarette nor desire for over 20 years!<br />
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If you need additional help quitting there are on-line stop smoking programs, like QuitNet and The American Lung Associations that provide free help for people trying to kick the habit.<br />
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*BAM VP - Breath work, Affirmations, Meditation, Visualization, Progressive Relaxation. See 11/2/10 blog, "Be A More Vibrant Person: How To Fit Relaxation Into Your Busy Day" <br />
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</div>Stresslesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15804987929546822836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832247140690034819.post-24420599942693129242012-01-05T10:54:00.000-08:002012-01-05T13:50:11.054-08:00End Your Weight Loss Struggles<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVo929YkQdMwTw738jIN56QbYn6n12ESwUtdOMh6Fjd2r4sjr3actSXwJapecGkoscVDrKcoiH5rwsuJdLQuOYxTgJDRX0rcqzY2gu96B_qZv6BDDnv7WWtieXaNizTctcKB0DzFgX60/s1600/weight+loss+scales+dreamstime.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px; height: 133px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694265047183938146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVo929YkQdMwTw738jIN56QbYn6n12ESwUtdOMh6Fjd2r4sjr3actSXwJapecGkoscVDrKcoiH5rwsuJdLQuOYxTgJDRX0rcqzY2gu96B_qZv6BDDnv7WWtieXaNizTctcKB0DzFgX60/s200/weight+loss+scales+dreamstime.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyILXFykTjqezE52oYOTf2zewVBdgAs22F5IcpQg94SlZXVK7gI4FTzEM2BI9eafTR4qqvVaPWcHucfYTbyUxN1P5bM3qG1dYylF0kISXmNMrdGEZM0SydJMHX7Akxy7z5PsoBUuSOlaI/s1600/weight+loss+scales+dreamstime.jpg"></a><br /><div><div align="left"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> BAMVP - Be A More Vibrant Person In 2012!</span></div><div align="left"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">B is for Breath</span>. <span style="font-size:85%;"> Periodically during the day put the to-do list on hold. Take a moment to relax and recharge by focusing on your breathing. Slow, deep breaths from the diaphragm relax the muscles and flood the body with renewed energy. Make a daily commitment to BAMVP in 2012 and rediscover your joy of living!</span><br />___________________________________________________________________<br /> </div><div align="left"><br /> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:130%;" ><strong>End Your Weight Loss Struggles</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">"A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other". --Author Unknown</span><br /><br /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVo929YkQdMwTw738jIN56QbYn6n12ESwUtdOMh6Fjd2r4sjr3actSXwJapecGkoscVDrKcoiH5rwsuJdLQuOYxTgJDRX0rcqzY2gu96B_qZv6BDDnv7WWtieXaNizTctcKB0DzFgX60/s1600/weight+loss+scales+dreamstime.jpg"></a>Is your resolution to lose weight in 2012? The same weight you lost in 2011 and 2010? Why can't you make that weight loss stick?<br /><br /> *Dawn had the same question. For three years she resolved to lose 10 to 15 pounds to jump start her weight loss program. No diet was off limits. Low fat. Low carb. High protein. Even all liquid, all cereal, all cabbage soup. And each year she lost those 10 to 15 pounds. Unfortunately, when she started eating normally the weight came back. With an extra pound or two for added measure. Help!<br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> Eating to Relieve Stress</span></strong><br /><br /> Dawn slowly realized that dieting was not a permanent solution. And until she understood her compulsive need to eat it would always be a temporary fix. Dawn is a single parent with sole responsibility for raising her two children. Juggling parenting, household, commuting, a job she hated and a boss insensitive to her unique needs left her exhausted and frustrated by the end of the day. The stress was making her fat because food, and plenty of it, kept her company during the long, lonely nights after the children were put to bed.<br /><br /> Finally fed up, literally and figuratively, Dawn turned to BAMVP techniques to help her relax and eventually get control of over eating. She found that writing down the troubles of her day gave her peace of mind. And she spared no punches in her private journal letting her real feelings out! Using words she dared not say out loud, especially to her boss was freeing. Dawn found less need for food when asserting herself this way.<br /><br /> Permanent weight loss is no longer a struggle for Dawn. The need that drove her to compulsively eat has been replaced.<br /><br />*From the book, "When You Need a Timeout".</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Note: BAMVP Be a More Vibrant Person - see 11/2/10 post.</div></div></div>Stresslesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15804987929546822836noreply@blogger.com0