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Body Appreciation Day

3/30/2015

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Our bodies are an amazing feat of engineering. There are trillions of chemical reactions happening simultaneously as part of the many processes that keep the body alive. These processes include respiration, excretion, growth, movement, sensitivity and reproduction. Thank goodness we can go about our day and not consciously think about what chemical reactions need to occur or what enzymes need to be activated to keep us going. Our physical bodies have a constant goal of trying to maintain balance or equilibrium within its cells. The body is very resilient for the most part, but it does have its limits and it indicates that in the form of illness.

We have appreciation days for so many other things during the year, so why not take a day to officially recognize the tireless, often times thankless job that our body does to keep us in the running. Unofficially we should be thanking it every day but instead we take it for granted, abuse it or feel ashamed of it.

We buy into western society's unrealistic view of the ideal body. The world of modeling and media endorse the idea that the perfect body for women is excessively thin, youthful, boyish and above average in height. In some cases, you are suppose to have a thin body but voluminous breasts (biologically impossible - hence surgery) or a tiny waist with a large bottom (again padding would be required). Designers prefer very thin models because they want their clothing to hang in a straight line and not be thrown off by a curvacious figure. The Vogue magazine is designed to appeal to the women and therefore its photos tend toward the malnourished look. Playboy on the other has the male audience in mind. Their models have more male appeal - curves, larger breasts and bottoms.

The point that I am trying to make is that 95% of the population will not meet the requirements of that perfect female or male image. Even those "perfect" models or celebrities themselves are imperfect and subject to Photo Shop touch ups. So don't waste your time or your life buying into an unhealthy illusion.

I know this is hard to swallow but you are perfect the way you are. You were given the ideal physical frame for what you need to participate in life's adventure. So be grateful when you look in the mirror and don't criticize. That body of yours is working hard to keep you in the game of life and all that it asks in return is a little respect, cooperation and appreciation. Change your goal from wanting to lose weight so you will be more accepted by society (a very critical group anyway) to the goal of  partnering with your body in maintaining its health, its strength and its vibrancy for as long as possible - let it decide your ideal weight in the process.

This past week I read Harley Pastrnak's latest book 5 Pounds which attempts to simplify a method to kick start a healthier approach to getting in shape. I agree with his philosophy of keeping things simple to follow because as we all know drastic changes never have lasting effects.

His 5 step plan includes:

1. Getting 7-8 hours sleep at night
2. Taking at least 10,000 steps a day (about 5 miles of walking)
3. Focus on one resistance exercise for 5 minutes a day
4. Eat 3 meals a day, 2 snacks always including protein and fibre
5. Unplug from all electronic devices for at least one hour a day

The above list at first glance may seem a little challenging but not insurmountable and it would definitely go along way to forming a healthy lifestyle. 

Benefits of a good night's sleep:
-curbs inflammation
-improve memory, mood and ability to learn
-increases creativity
-helps body to do repairs
-more focused
-lowers stress levels
-increases immune system strength
-live longer
Try getting a power nap of 10-20 minutes during the day to help compensate somewhat for a poor night's sleep and give you a energy boost - napping beyond 30 minutes increases the period of impaired alertness before the benefits can be felt.

Movement:
-the body is made to move
-get up every hour or so and move around; take the stairs; walk when possible instead of driving, move during the commercial breaks, stand when on the phone etc.
-going to the gym 3-4 times a week is great but moving is something the body needs daily
-try using a pedometer to track the number of steps you take a day on average and see just what 10,000 steps looks like

Resistance training:
-you don't need to have a gym membership to work those muscles
-check out 5-10 minute videos online; invest in dumbbells and do some curls and lunges while watching TV
-muscle tone decreases the more inactive you are and it also decreases with age
-increasing muscle tone, increases metabolism and helps to maintain strength and balance

Eat:
-don't skip meals because it affects your energy level and metabolism
-eat at least every 4 hours or you risk binging on empty calories when you do sit down to eat
-include protein sources (ex. meat, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, yogurt, eggs, cheese, fish, tofu, milk) and fibrous carbohydrates (ex. leafy greens, legumes, carrots, peppers, mushroom, flax seed, bran, chia seeds, hemp seeds, cauliflower, cabbage, berries, celery, squash, beans, apples, peas etc.) with every meal or snack so that you feel satisfied quicker and for a longer period of time and your body is properly fueled
-empty calorie foods are those foods that you can eat and eat and never seem full - be aware
-don't exercise so you can eat more because that is just an excuse to binge - exercise because it does the body and mind good
- if you want that "treat", have it after the protein and fibre intake, to avoid sudden spikes and dips in sugar levels and that quick feeling of energy and then the feeling of sluggishness that soon follows

Unplug:
-give the brain a rest from always being plugged in
-the lights from the devices can interfere with your melatonin levels and thus disturb your ability to get to sleep or wake you up if you glance at your phone or ipad during the night

I would like to add another point to the list:

6. Feed the soul everyday
-laugh, play, be silly; hug your children and partner; soak in some sun; get out in nature; take some deep breathes; be in the moment; forgive; do something kind; be grateful; read something positive; turn off the news; do something that feeds your creative side; meditate; soak in a bathtub; listen to some inspiring music; monitor your thoughts-changing your perspective when negative thoughts and emotions arise; take some "me" time

Your body is the temple for your soul. If that temple is continually abused, neglected or ridiculed, then it will deteriorate and so will the soul's ability to fully express itself during this life experience. I talk more about holistic health in my topic entitled Mental Physical Emotional Spiritual Balance (free download from website).

So today, begin a new relationship and appreciation for your body just as it is. Be a conscious partner that has the body's best interests at heart. We can't control everything that may come up but we can certainly lower the risk factors. Happy Body Appreciation Day.



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Using Your Angels in Love and Adventure Webinar Part 3 - Final Installment

3/25/2015

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Mike Dooley's final segment with Lorna Byrne opened up with some general but uplifting comments about life:

-Life is a gift and we are here to experience the joy of life
-We are the eyes and ears of the Divine
-Life is an awesome adventure - we decide what happens next
-Enjoy the simple things of life
-Give up wanting what someone else has
-Enjoy whatever happens today - laugh & smile
-We are here to live life to the fullest - it is not about being a big test
-Live in the moment - don't waste time worrying about the future or fretting about the past - the only thing you have control over is this moment
-We tend to remember the good more than the bad parts when you look back
-There is no such thing as good or bad - unless we make it so - nothing can make us any less than who we are - spiritual beings having a human experience
-The Universe works in our favour - we just have to get out of the way and not be so attached to outcomes
-"set backs are only setups for something better" Mike said and I agree - life's challenges are opportunities for strength, to better prepare us for an even more meaningful and joyful life
-Only the human body dies but our spirit and those of our loved ones live on - we miss their physical presence but spiritually they are near and will welcome you when it is time for your return home

Lorna went on to talk about the Angel of Hope, Romantic Angels and the Earth Angel Jimazen.

Angel of Hope:
-one angel with other angels helping
-purpose is to encourage people to see hope in their lives
-call upon him during times of struggle
-Lorna sees the angel as being enormous, the height of a mature tree, like a massive flame with a faint human appearance that is masculine and a beautiful dazzling emerald colour holding a torch similar to the Olympic torch
-has an expression of love and encouragement, constantly moving, looking back and beckoning to the person instilling hope and courage to keep going despite the challenge ex. financial stress, sickness, depression, heartbreak, death of a loved one, a feeling of helplessness etc.
-not restricted by time and space so can be omnipresent
-a person may receive a thought, feeling or vision of hope ex. a picture of his or her family in the mind's eye to stir up courage to go on
-Lorna has more examples of the workings of the Angel of Hope in her book Message of Hope from the Angels.

Romantic Angels:
-Lorna stated that there are quite a number of these angels
-they tend to carry a golden string of light
-can be seen binding people together that are romantically involved
-ask these angels for help when it comes to issues of the heart
-don't be stuck on this idea of "soul mates" and miss out on an opportunity for a loving relationship - soul mates do not always involve a romantic relationship
-romantic love whether long or short-lived has a powerful impact
-call on the romantic angels to guide your heart and to keep it open to growth and new experiences or to deepen the love experienced in your current relationship 


Earth Angel Jimazen:
Lorna said that she was terrified of this angel when she first saw it as a child.

-he appears in gold and red protective army with a tinge of black and he carries a stake that he touches the earth with
-his purpose is to look after the earth but still respect the free-will of the human inhabitants
-we have not been doing a very good job of protecting the earth
-Angel Jimazen is trying to calm the earth but says we are the cause of climate change, pollution and taking the earth and its resources for granted
-extreme weather is a sign of the earth trying to heal itself and re-balance
-if we refuse to see the signs that he tries to show us and to co-operate, then he is powerless to override our mistakes
-respect and extend gratitude to the earth, reduce waste, speak to our government, voice environmental concerns, walk the talk, conserve and perserve

The talk ended with a reminder that the angels are here to help us to enjoy life to the fullest. They admire us and our souls (something they do not have) and want to celebrate with us, cheer us up and guide us. Your guardian angel is always with you and there are millions of other angels waiting to be called upon. Don't worry about angel names or specific duties just voice your request and the perfect celestial candidate will be at your service.

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Relationship Advice from "The Experts"

3/23/2015

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What better way to learn about ourselves then to enter into a relationship. There are many types of relationships that we encounter in our lifetimes but for this blog I would like to refer to Karl Pillemer's latest book 30 Lessons for Loving. He created the Marriage Advice Project that gathered information by interviewing about 700 American couple (65 years and older) who were married happily or some not so happily for an average length of 43 years with the longest being 76 years. These couples are referred to as "The Experts" when it comes to marriage advice because they have lived their lives, they are at the other end of lives and know how things turn out. They have experienced the joys, the sorrows, the failures, the successes and the compromises that result when you commit to living and making a life together with another human being. Whether you are officially married or not all, the expert's insights can be of value to all romantic relationships.

What do the experts say about:

How do you know s/he is the right one?

1. Listen to your heart - are you in love or is there a gnawing feeling in your gut that something is not quite right

2. Listen to your head - is this person a "good" person or totally self-absorbed, is able to hold a job, financially responsible or deep in unnecessary debt, thinks about the future and has goals

3. Have the same core values - so you are headed in the same general direction

4. Can you get along with the in-laws - when you marry a person, you marry into the family as well

5. Same sense of humour

6. Able to communicate honestly


Three warning signs that you better run:

1. None of your friends or family like your partner

2. Explosive or disproportionate anger

3. Lacks control with alcohol or drugs

Test your potential life partner:

1. Make a list of what you would like in a partner and what are the deal breakers - how does your current love interest score?

2. Watch how the person plays a game - how does s/he handle stress, success and failure

3. Do something together that is challenging to see how you get along - ex. 8 hours in the car together, camping or anything out of each others comfort zone

How do you keep the marriage alive, vigorous and interesting?

COMMUNICATION is the key. Without it there is no true intimacy in a relationship.
Going into my 36th year of marriage, I can definitely agree with the above statements. A couple needs to talk rationally, respectfully, constructively and freely when important issues or decisions need to be made. Just taking the time to talk to each other every day is so important.

Communication tips:

1. No one is a mind reader so express how you feel - get the other person to repeat back to you what they heard so there is no misunderstanding

2. Mind your manners - be polite when you talk to the person you love - words spoken in anger can't be taken back

3. Find a good time to talk - free from distractions, when both are in a calmer, more rational space and no one is hungry

4. Have code word or system that signals to the other person that you need to put off the discussion to a later time because emotions are getting in the way

5. Try to see your partner's side of the argument so that you can have a more objective view of the situation and  can better decide the level of importance of the disagreement - will it be important when you are both 80 years old?

6. Really listen to your partner and don't try to fix things- just listen

I like to remember the "WIN" formula for communication.
When this happens - I feel - I need .....
ex. When I get dressed up, I feel unappreciated when you don't compliment me and I need you to notice and say something nice.
Avoid the accusing "you" - ex. You don't appreciate me when I try to look good for you. Your partner is much more apt to go on the defensive when there is fingering pointing.

Also remember that your partner may not verbally state that s/he loves you as often as you would like, but rather s/he shows it through his or her actions. Again ask for what you need in the relationship.

Getting through the difficult times?

1. Put your relationship before the kids- make time for each other on a regular basis - nothing elaborate- take some time to re-connect

2. Don't bring the stress of work home - don't let the bad mood carry over to your family life

3. Put your spouse first and then your parents

4. Share chores and assign according to strengths - ex. there are no strictly male and female household chores - what are you good at?

5. Work as a team- have each others back- what is good for the unit?

6. Avoid unnecessary debt and the urge to keep up with the "Jones"

7. Schedule monthly family meetings to manage stressful issues

8. Honest, respectful communication - worth repeating

9. Hopefully your relationship started out as friends because youthful good looks does not last forever

10. Associate with couples that are good mentors

11. No one is perfect so focus on your partner's good points

12. Don't hold grudges - agree to talk things out at a good time so you don't go to bed angry and wake up  feeling worse

13. Get professional help before ever considering divorce - a neutral party's perspective may be all that you need to re-charge and re-new your relationship

How do you keep the spark alive?

1. Little unexpected surprises aside from the usual holiday ritual

2. Give compliments to each other

3. Do the other person's chore on occasion

4. Have fun, laugh  and spend time together

5. Travel

6. Volunteer together for a community cause

7. Keep up your health and appearance to the best of your ability

8. Share an interest of your partner's as well as pursing your own

9. Communicate regularly - builds a strong and effective team

Finally, the question that every young couple wants to know and yet doesn't want to think about it - is there sex after 40? The experts say that sexuality does continue throughout your whole life. If your mind is intact and your body willing it is still an important component to the intimacy of a marriage. Maybe not at the same level of youthful intensity and vigour but nevertheless it has its place in the latter years of life. Experiencing life together, overcoming struggles and celebrating life's magic moments together has the potential to deepen love and re-define the sexual appetite. The definition of sex tends to expand as does the definition of love. Cuddling, hugging, a tender touch, kissing and holding hands can become just as intimate and potent as the sexual act itself.

Again continued communication, respect and appreciation for each other, taking time for each other, having some fun, and not stressing about the small stuff (will it matter 50 years from now) are the emotional ingredients to help keep the physical aspects of marriage kicking.

Marriage or any committed relationship allows you the opportunity to share life experiences together, to discover the real person that you are and to love and be loved in the process. Marriage is a process and it is forever changing - you and your partner determine how it unfolds on a day to day basis. It is worth the effort and you have to put in the effort.

I feel that a good relationship is not based on the quantity of years but the quality of the partnership - although you hope to work towards both. Whatever the outcome, the experience is a success if personal growth is realized, life lessons learned, an open heart is maintained and love is still the ultimate goal.

For more details and anecdotal dialogue from "The Experts", check out Karl Pillemer's book.






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A True Confession of a Dog Dresser

3/19/2015

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A new study found that dog lovers  tend  to be lively, outgoing, energetic and rule-followers. Cat lovers on the other hand seemed to be more introverted, sensitive and open-minded. Dog lovers valued their pets for companionship while cat lovers were looking for affectionate from their felines. Nothing however was mentioned in the study about some dog owner's and their tendency to dress their dogs depending on the occasion. Was this a oversight or a subject best left for a special psychological study all of its own.

Yes I confess I am a dog lover and I do enjoy the occasional dressing of the dog but only to signify an upcoming special holiday - Easter, Christmas, Valentine's, Hallowe'en etc.. Is this something I should worry about? The dog study did say that cat owner's were more intelligent - mind you I have seen some better weird cat fashions. Maybe intelligence has nothing to do with it.

I think (unofficially) the top 10 reasons that we are drawn to dress our pets are:
1. Bad case of empty nest syndrome that needs to be filled
2. Not enough Barbie or GI Joe time when young
3. The internet is down
4. Easier to get them into no pet allowed places
5. To see how what they will do for food
6. To see if they can be any cuter than they already are
7. No one should be stuck with the same coat all the time
8. Forgot they have 4 legs and not 2 - they seem too human at times
9. The kids won't wear it and its brand new, non-returnable
10. They are our companions that show us unconditional love - wanting to please us and not judging us for our quirks or strange display of affection.

I know that Cesar Milan would stage a special intervention if he knew about my strange ritual with my miniature Schnauzer, Mojo but I think Mojo and I have a mutual understanding or compromise.

Moderation in everything. The occasional dress up/photo shoot I thnk is okay. But even I have my limits - I draw the line at matching outfits.








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Angels in Love and Adventure Webinar Part 2

3/17/2015

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In an earlier blog this month, I talked about part 1 of the webinar hosted by Mike Dooley and his interview with Lorna Byrne . Take a moment to read about her background and why she is a perfect teacher of angels and their purpose with regard to humans. In part 1 of this 3 part webinar, Lorna discussed the fact that we all have a guardian angel who is assigned to us before we enter this world and sticks with us no matter what our religion or beliefs may be. They are there to encourage and to gently guide us as we navigate our way on this earthly plane. They love us unconditionally, they respect our free-will but are always willing to assist when called upon. Our job is to be attentive to their guidance and not second guess it. Synchronistic events, a "gut" feeling or an unexplained knowing often times goes unnoticed or is ignored because our logical brain talks us out of it or discredits it. Attune to your heart a little more rather than giving your brain full control and see how the bumps in the road of life are a little easier to maneuver.

In part 2 of the webinar, Lorna stated that the angels had encouraged her to talk about 5 types of angels in particular. Teacher angels, unemployed angels, the Angel of a mother's love
, Praying angels and Healing angels.

Teacher angels - can be called upon to assist in the better
learning or understanding of something. Whether it is related to school work, career, relationships or personal development, they are ready and willing to guide us if asked.

Unemployed angels - humans like to put names to things so Lorna was told by the angels to refer to this group as unemployed or unassigned angels. These angels can be called upon to help with the mundane or trivial duties that we do day to day - ex. give that extra strength to carry those grocery bags or to walk a little steadier,  help find a parking spot,  locating lost items, raising someone's mood or energy
or any other task that would make life a little easier.

Angels of Prayer - anytime we pray, these angels enhance our prayers. Lorna visually sees this and likens it to a waterfall except the flow is upward and the water is replaced with millions of angels ascending. We never pray alone - prayer angels and our guardian angel intercede on our behalf to make sure the message is heard - much more reliable than a regular mail system and with much more clout.

Angel of a mother's love - Lorna said that there is only one of this type of angel - thank goodness time and space is not an issue for angel so all requests for services can be filled. This angel is like a "mother hen". It provides when beckoned, an experience of unconditional motherly love to those that may have lost out on a earthly display of motherly love or to those that long to feel nurtured, bathed  and comforted in unconditional love.

Healing Angels - Lorna talked about a particular incident in the hospital when she was visiting a patient. In another bed in the same room, was a young man who was in critical condition. She witnessed the healing angels encircling this person. She described these angels as 3-4 feet taller than a normal person, slender, with crystal clothing of silver white, wearing a hood, and the wings are the length of the body but are folded back
. Their arms are outstretched and their hands were lite up with healing energy. Healing energy was passing through them to the young man. Healing angels she said, will appear when asked to assist with a serious condition - skinning a knee or paper cut don't make the list. Whether the healing is physical, emotional or spiritual, is between the soul and its maker, but rest assured, healing of the highest good does take place when these angels are called upon do their work.

Lorna was given the following prayer by Archangel Michael to be shared with anyone needing healing be it physical, mental, emotional or spiritual.

Prayer of Thy Healing Angels
That is carried from God by Michael, Thy Archangel

Pour out, Thy Healing Angels,
Thy Heavenly Host upon me,
And upon those that I love,
Let me feel the beam of Thy
Healing Angels upon me,
The light of Your Healing Hands.
I will let Thy Healing begin,
Whatever way God grants it,
Amen.’



Part 3 of the webinar is scheduled for later this week so rest assured that next week I will be blogging about it. In the meantime, remember the angels are at our beckon call. Their desire is to support us in living life easier, being more positive, being happier and laughing more. Angels want to work with us so that the world is filled with more hope, understanding and compassion. Keep those angels employed.

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Wanted: The Real You

3/13/2015

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As an infant we come into this world so innocent, so open, so vulnerable and so filled with unconditional love. Somewhere along the way this world teaches us about fear in the form of being belittled, embarrassed, disappointed, shunned, ridiculed and a whole host of other things. As a result, our protective masks and layers develop to shelter us and help us avoid future hurtful situations. In the process we lose the true connection with ourselves and with those around us. There is a reason that each of us are here on earth. We each have a  uniqueness and  a creative talent that we need to share in order to bring joy and healing to ourselves as well as to the world around us. These gifts cannot be fully accessed unless we are willing to drop our masks, open our hearts and deal with life situations in an authentic manner.

The Warrior Goddess Training
book by Heatherash Amara is in my opinion a great resource or guide to help us come out of our shells. I feel that her book is a good read for both women and men. Some of the concepts that struck me were:

-the need to be inner-focused rather than focused on what society dictates how you should be and act
-if your past or story is bringing you internal and external drama then change your perspective about it so that you can find peace, fulfillment and spiritual growth
-you are your greatest resource so learn to love all of you including your strengths and weaknesses
-stop looking outside for what you want and create it for yourself
-being your real self is a process of moving forwarding and sometimes sliding back depending on what life dishes out- forgive yourself, get up and keep going
-life is imperfect, unpredictable, uncontrollable and often unexplainable but nevertheless it is a perfect cyclic flow of change and growth
-our job is to consciously choose what we want and then let go of expectations or outcomes and be grateful for every moment of existence
-being too attached to something causes suffering
-take care of yourself physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually so that you are better equipped to handle what life throws at you
This is one of my favourite topics:

Mental Physical Emotional Spiritual Balance: Getting it all Together
Contact me if you would like a copy
-be open to what happens in life and be mindful of how the body, mind and emotions are doing and respond in a healthy way
-don't blame your parents  because they did the best that they could from what they learned - put a positive spin to what they taught you ex. from emotional neglect can come resilience and independence
-find your passion and pursue it
- what brings you joy
-don't play it safe by trying to control the situation, by being a people pleasure or by isolating or distracting yourself from life's challenges
-speak your truth with an open heart, from a place of love and not fear
-listen to your intuition
- look for a "gut" feeling, rather than a thought- a flash of energy, a smell or an image in the mind - it comes from a place of love not fear

Of course the book goes deeper into the ideas expressed above but the message is clear. It is important for everyone to choose how they want to define themselves and not to get stuck in any particular role. The totality of who you are is too diverse to pigeon hole. The world is in  need of the real you. Once you are willing to open your heart and be your true, authentic self, quirks and all, then you experience empowerment and a healing while influencing others to do the same.

Wanted: The Real You.  Please fill this Ad.






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Mind Your Brain

3/11/2015

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With an increase in the number of individuals getting up there in age comes the increase in cases of cognitive and functional decline. Dementia is a general term for a set of symptoms such as memory loss, difficulty with problem-solving, thinking and language, as well as possible mood and behavioral changes. In some cases the conditions are treatable depending on the cause and in other types, there is a progressive decline in brain function over time.

Alzheimer is a form of dementia and has been called "the plague of the twenty-first century". If you are interested in the science behind the disease, its natural history and what we are doing today to combat it, then check out Jay Ingram's latest book, The End of Memory. You don't have to be a biochemist to get some value from it.

With a father presently experiencing a form of dementia, I can see first hand how the symptoms play out. He has gone from a intelligent, witty, musical, hands on, social individual to a person that is no longer capable of walking, feeding himself, retrieving memories, making a choice or connecting his thoughts. Fortunately for everyone, his mood and behaviour are surprisingly accepting, mellow and content.

Is there something that we can do now to lower our odds of getting some form of dementia?

Here are some basic suggestions:

1. Exercise regularly and move more during the day
2. Eat healthy food - limit processed foods, increase real food
3. Challenge your brain - learn or try something new
4. Reduce negative stress-increase positive stress-meditate**
5. Get more sleep- turn off the electronic devices at night
6. Make healthy life choices -  ex. avoid smoking, recreational drug   use, excessive alcohol - wear a seat belt, a bike helmet
7. Have a regular medical check up

**My favourite topic called Brain on Ice gives some practical ways to train the brain to chill.

Mind your brain and the brain will help mind you in the years to come.




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Getting Older Doesn't Mean Getting Old

3/9/2015

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Talk to an elderly individual (to most that means over 50 years old) about getting older and they will often say, "I don't  feel old until I look in the mirror" or "I feel in my mind that I am still young". Just because a person is advancing in years doesn't mean that a rocking chair and shawl awaits his/her fate. The movie, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel does a humorous but insightful portrayal of individuals navigating life in the latter years. The majority of the actors in this movie are in their seventies. There have been no nips and tucks performed to make the characters appear younger. Yet despite the natural physical signs of aging, these individuals exude a beauty and glow that transcend the mere superficial. The source of their appeal is an inner confidence, wisdom and a sense of freedom to be themselves. They no longer buy into society's pressure to look and act a certain way or to accumulate possessions in order to be happy. As you age, you realize that true happiness is a chose and it comes from within. Getting older still allows you to enjoy life - even more so because you understand that it is precious and fleeting. Getting older still brings new relationship jitters or new opportunities to learn or the continued desire to be loved and valued.

In the movie, there is a blending of younger and older generations and the benefits reaped because of that partnership are obvious- youthful enthusiasm, ambition and energy meets clarity, wisdom and gratitude.

I think Leon Eldred summed it up well when he said, "If I'd know that I was going to live so long, I'd have taken better care of myself."


With good health, a positive attitude and a continued curiosity about life, getting older never gets old.
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Using Your Angels in Love and Adventure

3/6/2015

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Last night I took in part 1 of a webinar on angels. It was a partnership between Mike Dooley and Lorna Byrne. Lorna has physically seen and communicated with angels since she was young child and continues to do so as an adult. I have read  3 of her books Angels in My Hair, Love from Heaven,  and A Message of Hope. Lorna reminds us that there is an angelic realm that surrounds us, loves us unconditionally, sees us as brave, perfect souls and is waiting to be called upon for service. I speak more about angels in my favourite topic called Angels on Call: Getting Some Outside Help. 

Last night's topic dealt with the subject of Guardian Angels. Lorna stressed the following:
  • we are all assigned a Guardian Angel before we transition into this world
  • that Angel never leaves our side during our time on earth
  • this androgynous creature does not interfere with our free-will but gently and lovingly offers guidance
  • Guardian Angels have never had an earthly experience and they are not relatives or friends that have passed on
  • Majority of the time, they quietly communicate through our intuitive mind
    
    Try getting acquainted with your Guardian Angel today. Ask for their help or a sign of its presence and then be mindful and present to feel hear or see what happens in the day ahead. Angels signs for me take the form of my frequent viewing of 444 (check out Doreen Virtue's numerology), stray feathers, coins, gently nudges to do something or unexplained synchronicities. Next week's topic with Lorna and Mike is on other types of angels and how they can be of service. One last thing - all angels have a sense of humour. Sometimes when I am walking the dog, I ask the angels for a visual sign of their presence, just for fun. They can be very creative as well as humourous. One day, I had asked for a sign during my daily walk around the neighbourhood. I was on alert to anything unusual as I strolled along. Low and behold, I came across one lonely piece of popcorn on the sidewalk. To me that registered as a humourous sign because at that time I was into my popcorn eating phase and I had eaten a bowl that day. So whether you belief in this loving celestial help be open-minded enough to test it out - you have nothing to lose  and a powerful ally to gain.




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Adjusting to My New Lifestyle

3/4/2015

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It is such a weird feeling to know that everyday is like a weekend. I am my own boss. My to do list is greatly reduced. I am not complaining but I am feeling very blessed and a little off balance. I am learning to just be and to be okay with that. I don't have to measure my self-worth by what I do. If I did that, I would be labelled in society's terms as an unemployed bum who is physically and mentally quite able to get out and work. I choose not to buy in to this definition, instead I am taking this time to go inward and focus on my inward resources to create my outward reality. This is not happening without a few trial and errors. Some days there is a few too many trips to the refrigerator or too much viewing of the daily talk shows or the lack of incentive to self-reflect. I have concluded that daily meditation is essential and the ability to re-connect with the outside world in some creative way is also required. I did just that last week, when I invited 3 lady friends all 50 plus years old, over for an afternoon of catching up. These friends had all taken Reiki courses and were very much into the quest for spiritual growth. The afternoon was filled with laughter and tears and ended with a commitment for all of us to read Warrior Goddess Training by Heatherash Amara. This may be what I need to assist me in focusing on my next creative endeavour.
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    Wendy R. Landry is a 64 year old woman, mother of 2 grown children and grandmother of 2. She has been married for 43 years. 

    Wendy acquired her B.Sc. in Chemistry and later certifications in Life Skills and energy work (Reiki).


    Wendy has a natural curiosity about life  and self-awareness. She enjoys expressing her take on things through word. In sharing her thoughts and perspectives, Wendy's desire is to encourage others to question and be curious as well. Life is much more than what it seems.
     

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