Life's Equilibrium

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A recent news story about the Moth Story Slam detailed on Detroit’s Channel 4 news inspired this article. This Moth Story Slam is sweeping the nation. It is where individuals go on stage to share 5-minute true stories from their lives; it is theme-based. The forum allows these individuals to be heard. Stories may be funny, sad, upbeat, and so on. On the update broadcast, I heard a guy talking about his challenge to balance his life equilibrium, and this resonated.

It seems like I am always chasing a mind, body and spiritual balance. Most of the time, I work to align one while the others become a lower priority. As of late, it's my physical body; I shared about 1 month ago that I started the Body Shred program. What I like about this is that it works on physical balance, but this also gifts some spiritual balance; I’m experiencing a yin-yang. Of course, this is challenging because I feel like I’m dying a slow death each morning as my body hurdles awkwardly through the workout, but in the aftermath, spiritually and psychologically, it feels pretty awesome.

I’m prompting a change for a healthier body. Both halves of this change are chasing each other, but as long as I continue on my path, I will better myself, and the halves will come together, charging the vibration or rhythm of my life equilibrium.

What yin-yangs are you going through in your life currently? Are you able to grasp both sides of the whole? Tell me about it.

Mind, body and spiritual upkeep, continued...

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Click on the below article link to obtain background information to this blog post:

Examiner article

What is your self-care routine? I have increased my significantly since I’ve entered my forties. I have embraced flossing daily, double brushing, daily vitamins, lots of water, more helpings of fruit and vegies, less red meat, and more prayer and mediation. I have noticed, although I try to stay active daily, my exercise routine comes and goes. For example, I didn’t go to the gym this weekend but I did work hard in the yard cutting down dead flowers and getting it ready for winter. I’ll be very sore tomorrow and, this is my way of knowing, my activity is working me out just fine, at least for now!

I exfoliate and give myself facials at least once a month. I get massages when I can afford it and I read a lot. I’m in a Master’s program so I have absorbed many textbooks over the past 2 years. I continue to challenge myself through new endeavors and I am creative often. I love writing, drawing, cooking, problem-solving and serving others in creative ways.

I have tried many types of holistic healing processes and I will continue to engage in this world. It is sincerely intriguing to me.

I have a lot of short-term and long-term goals such as, finishing my masters in counseling and then serving others in this role. I want to finish writing my second book as it has been taking me far too long. I will marry my fiancé in the near future, and continue to travel when we can. I hope to get accepted into a doctorate program and obtain a doctorate in Art Therapy. Eventually, I want to open a clinic in southeastern Michigan.

As a woman, I serve many roles and while I do live in the present, I am keeping my eye on the horizon. And, with all of this on my plate, it is important that self-care is a priority in my routine.

What are you doing to better you as you grow older? What is your self-care routine?

Autumnal equinox and balance, continued...

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Examiner article

If you’re like me, your body has already layered in preparation for the cold weather.  Okay, perhaps all of the junk food I ate led this layering process but as I state in the article, I can’t think of a better date to start my initiative for balance than the Fall Equinox. I am marking my calendar to start an improved self-care initiative in my life; more sleep supportive of a healthier routine.

I actually love the fall weather. I wish we could stop the calendar in the beautiful and crisp days of this season. I’m not a fan of the name but I sure do enjoy all that it entails. I like the thought of the harvest that comes with the season. According to Microsoft’s dictionary, it is defined as “season in which crops are gathered.” If we look at this philosophically, Fall offers a time to both reflect and gather our strengths. As I say in the article, “the abundance in our lives.” Take inventory of your crops for this appreciation will create more of the same.

Even on my worst day, I feel blessed. The drama may temporarily layer on top of the feelings of bliss but I am wealthy in love, health, creativity and passion.

Who could want more? These intrinsic blessings are priceless, a plentiful crop. Really, does anything else really matter?

What is your harvest this season? Leave me a note; I am sincerely interested.

Key to your success, continued...

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Examiner article

Are you or do you know someone who is an adult and still plays the blame game? You know, it’s so and so’s fault for my misery! It is really difficult to be in the sidelines of this type of person; they have an external locus of control and until the figure out that they are responsible for their own destiny, they will continue to wallow in dysfunction.

I am a person who feels accountable for everything and everyone in my circle; it is an internal locus of control. I have to remind myself of the Serenity Prayer often. I must get out of my own way and surrender to the Universe. To me this means manage what I am responsible for, to the best of my ability, and then leave the rest for God to work out since I can’t control things beyond my reach (like controlling the actions of others). It is a hard pill to swallow if you are a nurturer like me. But, the reality is, my perspective is self-sabotaging. I have to learn to appreciate my essence of accountability but in order for me to be realistic, I must be logical about what I have control over.

Life is truly a roller coaster and although we may not feel we can control the actually ride we’re buckled onto, we did get to choose the roller coaster at the park. We have a choice on how we respond to life circumstance; we can be flexible, positive and have some fun or fight the process entirely. What is your stance? Let me know!

Staying in the present, continued...

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Examiner article

I met a friend at St. Joe Hospital in Ann Arbor Michigan this week and this is where we walked the Labyrinth circle. I have been to this hospital hundreds of times and I had never realized they had a Labyrinth on the campus. It was a delightful experience.

Have you ever walked one? It can be confusing at first until you understand the pattern. This one had light and dark bricks and as long as I stayed on the dark bricks, it turned in and out and led me to the center. Once I arrived I prayed for clarity and healing. I was really surprising how my migraine lifted as I settled into this sacred walk.

It did remind me how powerful the mind is and how this strength can be a friend or an enemy. Self-imposed stress is stifling. It will drain the life from you. It is important to realize the severity of negative thinking otherwise you too will suffer ill health.

My migraines are becoming less and less as I harness my thinking ability and learn to better channel these negative thoughts and emotions. This understanding is the ultimate find.

What are your thoughts? Leave me a note and let’s talk about it.

Being fully present, continued...

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Click on the below article link to obtain background information to this blog post:

Examiner article

We recently held a birthday party at my house and we had a great turn out. In this mix of participants, we connected with our friends and family. There were several little ones running around and these precious little angels gifted light to our party.

Regardless of what someone is going through, the innocence and joy of a child clears the raincloud and warms the heart.

I find this to be similar with animal lovers and the connection they share with their pets. Feeling the unconditional love of a loyal fury friend will lighten the weight of any sorrow (at least during the encounter).

This type of support is important to understand and recognize as being essential to your wellbeing.  If you unable to find this relief in order to soothe your blues, explore your passion; what devours your attention (remember I’m speaking in terms of health so addiction doesn’t count). I want you to develop positive channels of joy.

How do you feel after a workout? Are you happy and proud of yourself for enduring the task? If so, bottle this feeling. Do you enjoy a good laugh? If so, look for funny movies to positively charge your body. Does nature gift serenity to you? If so, take a walk often and/or surround yourself with photos to offer moments of bliss.

Whatever your healthy source, appreciate it and gift yourself with this blessing to counter sorrow. The more you can inspire your life, the better you will feel and you, my friend, are worth a healthy life!