Click on the below article link to obtain background information to this blog post:
Examiner article
At 5 foot 6 inches tall (maybe a bit shorter if I've shrunk in my old age), today I'm in the mid 170's weight class. I was over 180 pounds when I started my personal training appointments during the on-set of winter. Like I said in the article, my goal was to make it through the holidays and winter without gaining so the fact that I lost weight was a bonus. My newest goal is to work my way back down to the mid 150's. This was the weight where I felt most comfortable and I'm excited to settle back into this familiar place.
I don't have the money to continue training with a trainer but I feel pretty good about continuing what I have learned when I was mentored. It is my goal to workout at the gym 5 days a week and, on the off days, continue to be active at home. As I mentioned in the article, I don't want to diet but I want to take ownership of my choices and health is guiding this venture. At the close of the first quarter, I feel pretty good about my health improvement so far this year.
What are you doing to improve your health? Drop me a note and share your story!
My blog, Inspirations by Kathryn J. Raths includes posts from 2009 to 2016 that were an extension of my Healthy Living Examiner column which has been closed. However, the articles are being revamped as an extension of Kathryn J. Raths.com, which is in the making! The image is a self-portrait I drew in oil pastels; the woods gift me a deep connection with nature and safety!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
How to learn from mistakes of others, continued...
Click on the below article link to obtain background information to this blog post:
Examiner article
I believe when I was younger and fearless I had to trudge through the trenches of suffering even when forewarned about its agony. I did feel like I was more in control than my predecessors and, of course, it was my ego that instilled this stupidness. I'm hopeful that today I'm more wise and compassionate. I do feel the pain of others, both loved ones and strangers. I have connected to an overall energy of human kind. This has gifted me with "a vested interest". I'm not saying I won't continue to make mistakes but I'm more in tune with the risk and impact of my decisions. I'm coming from a less ego driven and more humbled place, which makes all the difference!
Can you share your thoughts about learning from the mistakes of others? Leave a comment and start a dialog!
Examiner article
I believe when I was younger and fearless I had to trudge through the trenches of suffering even when forewarned about its agony. I did feel like I was more in control than my predecessors and, of course, it was my ego that instilled this stupidness. I'm hopeful that today I'm more wise and compassionate. I do feel the pain of others, both loved ones and strangers. I have connected to an overall energy of human kind. This has gifted me with "a vested interest". I'm not saying I won't continue to make mistakes but I'm more in tune with the risk and impact of my decisions. I'm coming from a less ego driven and more humbled place, which makes all the difference!
Can you share your thoughts about learning from the mistakes of others? Leave a comment and start a dialog!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Heal your winter health, cruise, continued...
Click on the below article link to obtain background information to this blog post:
Examiner article
I started cruising after I divorced in the year 2000. I felt it was a relatively safe way to travel for a single mom. When booking excursions through the ship, you go out onto the islands with a guide and in a group. I didn't have to worry about catching cabs or language differences etc.
I used my tax return to treat me and my boys to a cruise a year since. We've been extremely fortunate to explore Mexico and many other Caribbean islands. We've also cruised the West Coast. The most exciting cruise ported out of Hawaii.
I've got a lot of beautiful pictures, we share a lot of awesome memories and we have had a lot of hands on experiences. My boys and I have swam with the sting rays, dolphins & sea lions. We've explored the ocean in submarines, the water on pontoon boats (whale watching), walked through volcano tunnels, rain forests, Mayan ruins and much more.
It is my favorite type of vacation. Our last cruise was in February and, for the first time, I didn't care where we were going or if we even got off of the ship. I was just happy to escape Michigan's cold weather and, what has already been, a challenging year. It was a blessing we were able to get away. I also love the wide variety of food on the ship. The standard dining room and buffets are included in your cruise vacation booking. You can eat 4 course meals and try everything from strawberry soup to lobster. The caliber of food is unbelievably great. Desserts are to die for and, of course, I took the stairs everywhere and worked out each day to try to offset the overeating!
In the aftermath of my latest vacation, I'll be scrimping to save and make ends meet but it was truly worth it. I hope to continue our tradition but, if not, I'll treasure our memories forever. It is my wish everyone can enjoy a cruise during their lifetime.
What is your favorite vacation? Drop me a note and tell me about it!
Examiner article
I started cruising after I divorced in the year 2000. I felt it was a relatively safe way to travel for a single mom. When booking excursions through the ship, you go out onto the islands with a guide and in a group. I didn't have to worry about catching cabs or language differences etc.
I used my tax return to treat me and my boys to a cruise a year since. We've been extremely fortunate to explore Mexico and many other Caribbean islands. We've also cruised the West Coast. The most exciting cruise ported out of Hawaii.
I've got a lot of beautiful pictures, we share a lot of awesome memories and we have had a lot of hands on experiences. My boys and I have swam with the sting rays, dolphins & sea lions. We've explored the ocean in submarines, the water on pontoon boats (whale watching), walked through volcano tunnels, rain forests, Mayan ruins and much more.
It is my favorite type of vacation. Our last cruise was in February and, for the first time, I didn't care where we were going or if we even got off of the ship. I was just happy to escape Michigan's cold weather and, what has already been, a challenging year. It was a blessing we were able to get away. I also love the wide variety of food on the ship. The standard dining room and buffets are included in your cruise vacation booking. You can eat 4 course meals and try everything from strawberry soup to lobster. The caliber of food is unbelievably great. Desserts are to die for and, of course, I took the stairs everywhere and worked out each day to try to offset the overeating!
In the aftermath of my latest vacation, I'll be scrimping to save and make ends meet but it was truly worth it. I hope to continue our tradition but, if not, I'll treasure our memories forever. It is my wish everyone can enjoy a cruise during their lifetime.
What is your favorite vacation? Drop me a note and tell me about it!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Peace and happiness found within, continued...
Click on the below article link to obtain background information to this blog post:
Examiner article
It doesn't surprise me that Caryn and I have somehow crossed paths. I believe like-minded souls attract. This universal process works beautifully when you are generating good vibes such as those emulating from both Caryn and myself. Both of us, like many others, have shifted our priorities and living devoting our efforts into living with good intention, connecting spiritually and reaching out to others to help them find the peace and happiness we are experiencing.
I'm excited Caryn has been able to offer inspiration and empowerment through her newest book (being released today), Living the Life of My Dreams: Essays & Interviews with 30 Ordinary People Living EXTRAordinary Lives.
Click here to take a look at Caryn's blog, Embracing my Journey.com where you can interface with her and learn more about her work. If you're not embracing spirituality, I encourage you to step out of the rush of everyday life and tap into nature and prayer/meditation. It is a door worth opening. It is my wish everyone finds their way to such fulfilling inner peace. God bless you on your journey!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
A young wild cat, continued...
Click on the below article link to obtain background information to this blog post:
Examiner article
Charcoal has earned her keep. She is featured on my cat bereavement card along with my precious cat Scruples (shown in the picture. They are such different souls but both very special to me. I know we'll meet Scruples again in heaven but until then Charcoal and I are living our best lives. I've been blessed with beautiful little fury angels!
Click here for information on the bereavement and sympathy cards. They were created as part of my Love of Light for Scruples product line after my angel crossed over.
My life has been impacted positively by my fury friends. How have your pet relationships helped you? Drop me a note and share your story!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Life Logistics, continued...
Click on the article link to obtain background information to this blog post:
Examiner article
I believe I am more motivated than most. Or, perhaps the unmotivated person lives within me but I continue to push this person out of the way. I believe in Life Healing Art and my creative passion fuels a fire to continue to push forward and share my message. Of course, at times I get burned out. I have waves of motivation, burn out and renewal. Although, I'm confident I control the waves so instead of letting the water knock me off of my feet, I ride the wave and choose when to float when I need time to retreat.
I rested in February, treading lightly while educating myself in the publishing world I am starting to realize. My vacation from the grind of my "to do" list has re-ignited my flame and fueled my drive 10 fold. I'm excited about conquering the media market. I believe I will reach new markets and help people in a larger scale. As I continue to achieve my dream, I'll inform you of my progress, failure and revised game-plan along the way!
What are you working to achieve? Leave a comment and share your story. I would love to hear from you!
Examiner article
I believe I am more motivated than most. Or, perhaps the unmotivated person lives within me but I continue to push this person out of the way. I believe in Life Healing Art and my creative passion fuels a fire to continue to push forward and share my message. Of course, at times I get burned out. I have waves of motivation, burn out and renewal. Although, I'm confident I control the waves so instead of letting the water knock me off of my feet, I ride the wave and choose when to float when I need time to retreat.
I rested in February, treading lightly while educating myself in the publishing world I am starting to realize. My vacation from the grind of my "to do" list has re-ignited my flame and fueled my drive 10 fold. I'm excited about conquering the media market. I believe I will reach new markets and help people in a larger scale. As I continue to achieve my dream, I'll inform you of my progress, failure and revised game-plan along the way!
What are you working to achieve? Leave a comment and share your story. I would love to hear from you!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Life can change in a heartbeat, continued...
Click on the below article link to obtain background information to this blog post:
Examiner article
I believe, if you've been betrayed by a loved one, you understand the pain I'm talking about in this article. It takes your breath away and pulls the floor from beneath your feet. You're stunned and left in disbelief. You're world is shattered in a moment's time. Suddenly, you're taste for food changes, you see in glum shades of grey and you toss and turn in sleepless nights. The disloyalty finds its way under your skin and it is very difficult and timely to find your way to a healing place.
But, it is possible. YOU CAN LIVE ON WITHOUT THIS PERSON'S SUPPORT. After all, at this point, you have to realize it wasn't genuine support; more like back stabbing.
You have to endure bereaving the life YOU THOUGHT you once had. This illusion I discussed in the article. Every part of you wants to erase the event and go back to where you were but you can't because everything has changed!
Reality sucks but you are now wiser and stronger. The bottom line is you will survive!
Examiner article
I believe, if you've been betrayed by a loved one, you understand the pain I'm talking about in this article. It takes your breath away and pulls the floor from beneath your feet. You're stunned and left in disbelief. You're world is shattered in a moment's time. Suddenly, you're taste for food changes, you see in glum shades of grey and you toss and turn in sleepless nights. The disloyalty finds its way under your skin and it is very difficult and timely to find your way to a healing place.
But, it is possible. YOU CAN LIVE ON WITHOUT THIS PERSON'S SUPPORT. After all, at this point, you have to realize it wasn't genuine support; more like back stabbing.
You have to endure bereaving the life YOU THOUGHT you once had. This illusion I discussed in the article. Every part of you wants to erase the event and go back to where you were but you can't because everything has changed!
Reality sucks but you are now wiser and stronger. The bottom line is you will survive!
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