Click on the below link to obtain background information to this blog post:
Examiner article
What a great time of year for a three day weekend; in Michigan the weather is just moving from Spring's torrential down pours turning the world full of deep green, earthy colors blooming beautiful flowers transitioning to sunny, warm days. It is the perfect time of year for cookouts with family and friends.
It is critical though to remember and recognize why we're gifted with, for many, a 3-day weekend. I know several people who have served for our country and they are no longer with us but fortunately they returned safely from their time serving. Many families are not so lucky. The tally of military loss increases around the clock. These brave individuals are aware of this when they enlist and they still move forward serving. I can't imagine these circumstances although I'm so grateful for what they've done and continue to do for our country.
I will be sending special prayers for those lost serving and their families. What will you do?
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!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Princess is my service dog, continued...
Click on the below article link to obtain background information to this blog post:
Examiner article
I'm so intrigued by the relationship between Princess and Kelly; it is so special, loving and critical! Kelly helped educate me about the intelligence of animals; they are such amazing little creatures. Not only dogs but cats, lamas and many others are also trained to help people in need.
It really does reinforce that animals can support us mentally and physically. Princess is Kelly's little angel here on earth and it warms my heart to have learned about their relationship!
Is your pet able to help you in any way; if so, share your stories with me!
Examiner article
I'm so intrigued by the relationship between Princess and Kelly; it is so special, loving and critical! Kelly helped educate me about the intelligence of animals; they are such amazing little creatures. Not only dogs but cats, lamas and many others are also trained to help people in need.
It really does reinforce that animals can support us mentally and physically. Princess is Kelly's little angel here on earth and it warms my heart to have learned about their relationship!
Is your pet able to help you in any way; if so, share your stories with me!
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Healthy living top ten tools of success
Click on the below article link to obtain background information to this blog post:
Examiner article
It is really hard to believe that I have written over 90 articles so far. I remember when I wrote my 1st one, How to ground yourself using nature, and wondering if I could continue to come up with ideas for each article. It is about 1/2 year later and I still have a spreadsheet full of topics. I find myself going through life now with a much more curious perspective; I'm always looking for new ideas. I'm much more in tune with things that used to rush by me; I live more in the present moment. It really has helped me to stay grounded and be more positive. I'm hopeful it is touching you in a positive way also.
Please share your ideas for more healthy living topics. I love to learn about new alternatives. I'm so grateful for your help!
Examiner article
It is really hard to believe that I have written over 90 articles so far. I remember when I wrote my 1st one, How to ground yourself using nature, and wondering if I could continue to come up with ideas for each article. It is about 1/2 year later and I still have a spreadsheet full of topics. I find myself going through life now with a much more curious perspective; I'm always looking for new ideas. I'm much more in tune with things that used to rush by me; I live more in the present moment. It really has helped me to stay grounded and be more positive. I'm hopeful it is touching you in a positive way also.
Please share your ideas for more healthy living topics. I love to learn about new alternatives. I'm so grateful for your help!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Clearing space does more than just organize
Click on the below article link to obtain background information to this blog post:
Examiner article
I clean everyday but it is more of a surface cleaning. I force myself to unload and scrub my home (white glove) twice a year just in time for both of my son’s birthdays. Fortunately, they are 6 months apart; in January and July. I usually just about kill myself; it’s like a crazed wild sense comes over me and there is no turning back!
It’s hard to describe the feelings of satisfaction and relief I achieve in the aftermath of this process. I’m always tired initially but it is really worth my efforts. It clears my head at the same time, grounds me and gifts me with a fresh start; like we’ve moved in all over again and I’m re-creating the possibilities of our home!
What helps ground you and brings you clarity?
Examiner article
I clean everyday but it is more of a surface cleaning. I force myself to unload and scrub my home (white glove) twice a year just in time for both of my son’s birthdays. Fortunately, they are 6 months apart; in January and July. I usually just about kill myself; it’s like a crazed wild sense comes over me and there is no turning back!
It’s hard to describe the feelings of satisfaction and relief I achieve in the aftermath of this process. I’m always tired initially but it is really worth my efforts. It clears my head at the same time, grounds me and gifts me with a fresh start; like we’ve moved in all over again and I’m re-creating the possibilities of our home!
What helps ground you and brings you clarity?
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Parallel illnesses; both her father and her dog were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, continued...
Click on the below article link to obtain background information to this blog post:
Examiner article
I met Essie through Facebook and it didn't take long for me to realize she is a loving soul! She invited me to be a guest host in a pet bereavement chatroom, at the Animal Love and Loss Network, which she is involved.
She has been an angel to me. The experience of touching and soothing others just 1 week before I would have to suffer the loss of my cat, helped prepare me in a way. Who would have known?
Essie has coped through much loss and suffering and she has been able to empower herself in its aftermath. She is a strong person!
She values her family; she has found a way to stop resisting the inevitable changes involved with her Dad's Alzheimer's condition providing her the opportunity to continue to love and appreciate her every moment with him. She lost Smoke but only physically; she is able to still feel her beautiful dog with her!
Her story is very empowering. Have you had any parallel experiences that overlapped from your world with a loved one and your world with a pet similar to Essie's? If so, can you share it with me?
Examiner article
I met Essie through Facebook and it didn't take long for me to realize she is a loving soul! She invited me to be a guest host in a pet bereavement chatroom, at the Animal Love and Loss Network, which she is involved.
She has been an angel to me. The experience of touching and soothing others just 1 week before I would have to suffer the loss of my cat, helped prepare me in a way. Who would have known?
Essie has coped through much loss and suffering and she has been able to empower herself in its aftermath. She is a strong person!
She values her family; she has found a way to stop resisting the inevitable changes involved with her Dad's Alzheimer's condition providing her the opportunity to continue to love and appreciate her every moment with him. She lost Smoke but only physically; she is able to still feel her beautiful dog with her!
Her story is very empowering. Have you had any parallel experiences that overlapped from your world with a loved one and your world with a pet similar to Essie's? If so, can you share it with me?
Friday, May 21, 2010
Heroes inspire greater possibilities, continued...
Click on the below article link to get background information to this blog post:
Examiner article
The heroes the movies portray usually have some sort of cape and end up saving the world but real life every day heroes save the world one mind at a time. For me, I love nothing more than to see a loyal and loving father. In this world of divorce, the odds of a devoted Dad, fall in below average stats and it is really sad. I'm not saying there aren't any mothers who fit this category, I'm just saying it warms my heart when I see a genuine father who truly cares.
On a larger level, Oprah inspires me to continue to reach out to humanity and to raise my bar. I'm sure she inspires millions and this in itself, makes the world a better place. Who are your heroes, can you share them with me?
Examiner article
The heroes the movies portray usually have some sort of cape and end up saving the world but real life every day heroes save the world one mind at a time. For me, I love nothing more than to see a loyal and loving father. In this world of divorce, the odds of a devoted Dad, fall in below average stats and it is really sad. I'm not saying there aren't any mothers who fit this category, I'm just saying it warms my heart when I see a genuine father who truly cares.
On a larger level, Oprah inspires me to continue to reach out to humanity and to raise my bar. I'm sure she inspires millions and this in itself, makes the world a better place. Who are your heroes, can you share them with me?
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Student of life, continued...
Click on the below article link for background information to this blog post:
Examiner
I learn something everyday and sometimes from the most unusual places and unexpected people. My kids teach me a lot. Not just stuff I forgot from school but through their young perspectives. Keeping an open mind can be very difficult but I try really hard to do it. I try also to relate to the little trends they go through and I try to pick my battles. For example, if they are doing great in school, I'm not going to freak out if they choose to skip hair cuts to try out a longer style although I would argue about an earing or tattoo (neither scenarios have presented themselves so far; thank God). They are in their early teens so I'm sure I'll be challenged much more but for now, we're doing pretty good.
One thing I have been fortunate enough to do is take my boys on some wonderful vacations. We've explored a lot and we all love doing this. I love to visit a new place and learn about their culture, taste their local foods and explore hands on in their environment. It is so exciting and educating and at the same time, it really does help me realize that life goes on everywhere and the basics are universal. I love these memories and I hope to create many more!
What did you learn today? Can you share it with me?
Examiner
I learn something everyday and sometimes from the most unusual places and unexpected people. My kids teach me a lot. Not just stuff I forgot from school but through their young perspectives. Keeping an open mind can be very difficult but I try really hard to do it. I try also to relate to the little trends they go through and I try to pick my battles. For example, if they are doing great in school, I'm not going to freak out if they choose to skip hair cuts to try out a longer style although I would argue about an earing or tattoo (neither scenarios have presented themselves so far; thank God). They are in their early teens so I'm sure I'll be challenged much more but for now, we're doing pretty good.
One thing I have been fortunate enough to do is take my boys on some wonderful vacations. We've explored a lot and we all love doing this. I love to visit a new place and learn about their culture, taste their local foods and explore hands on in their environment. It is so exciting and educating and at the same time, it really does help me realize that life goes on everywhere and the basics are universal. I love these memories and I hope to create many more!
What did you learn today? Can you share it with me?
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