Thursday, March 31, 2011

Cheap thrill, continued...

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

Examiner article

Okay, for me, when my budget allows me to, I escape the mundane and horrors of everyday life with a jaunt to a local casino. Of course, if you're not disciplined, this CHEAP thrill, can turn into an EXPENSIVE terror. I can hold my head high and say, I'm disciplined. My budget enables me to happily participate with those who gamble on the penny machine. Boy how things have changed in the past few years. There was once a time when I rushed past the pennies on my way to the dollars but today, I still have just as much fun regardless of the commodity I'm playing! This is low stake fun that I adore; mindless gambling where I await a bonus or musical wins!

Of course, this is very materialistic. The list I composed for the article is more authentic. It encompasses nature and the melody's of life's goods that lift our spirits in times of need. I love how ordinary things can change your mood like, for me, hearing the fizz sound when I first open a Coke.

What does it for you? Brighten my day by leaving a comment with a cheap thrill that you embrace (keep it clean)!

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Shamanic counseling, guided spirit journeys and bodywork, continued...

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

Examiner article

I connected with Liza Bancel through Safehouse, where we both volunteer.

Liza briefly talked about her passion and I found it very interesting. She described, “The work I do is different than counseling. While the person talks, I get a mental sense of what their form is missing. We have conversations of growth, aha moments. It’s a conversation about opposites (good and bad) and opening up to a third way, balance. Chaos is one sided if you don’t know how to balance it. Healing comes as a part of growth. The work I offer supports growing together. I do traditional shamanic journeying and I work with stones and meditation.”

Liza made it very clear to me that she is not a social worker. Her credentials include 40 years of study, prayer and group work.

Liza’s foundation to help others developed early, she explained, “During my childhood, my mom suffered from severe depression, and was often not available to help me with life issues or questions. In about third grade, I stumbled onto Ann Landers, and her newspaper column, which gave me enormous help and guidance for many years to come. I learned the meaning of the adage, we think we need a mother most to love us, but actually we need a mother most to teach us."

I feel like I’ve known Liza for years. This is because she is so warm and welcoming. This is her persona!

It is my hope other women will read this and benefit her services!

Do you have a mentor who helped you through tough times like Ann did for Liza? If so, I would love to hear about it. Drop me a not.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Questioning your parenting techniques, continued...

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

Examiner article

Parenting styles and how affective they are, is debated often. Two parents with completely different techniques (one strict and one who doesn't implement many restrictions) may end up in the same place. Both in a counselor's office with troubled teens or on a positive note, both with successful teens. And, if you are one of these parents, it is likely, regardless of how committed to your son or daughter you've been, you're blaming yourself for the negative result.

Yes, as a parent you are responsible for your child but there comes a point when your child physically matures into a body that is likely to be towering over you. While their physique might be adult-like, their mind hasn't quite caught up! They need your help. Keep challenging them, sharing responsibilities and rewarding them with more privileges as they step up to the task!

And, when they have fallen, it is important not to dwell in guilt. Educate yourself and your teen by navigating through the resources and consequences for unhealthy decisions. It maybe a disappointment and a set back but remember they are learning as they go and you both are human, use your remaining years to mentor and help them move forward into a successful future. Embrace this whole-heartily and enjoy every minute, both good and bad, while you can!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Boundaries limit your potential, continued...

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

Examiner article

It is easy to let our comfort zone take over and create boundaries that hold us back. I push pretty aggressively in all areas of my life, and, I still have to acknowledge the lines of limitation to move beyond my comfort/fear. I have to talk myself through it; this sometimes means repeating mantras, telling myself how strong I am, convincing myself to change my view of the outcome to help release anxieties and to find a way to become competitive so I can get this "game on" attitude to overcome the restriction.

The message in the article is to challenge yourself to seek adventure; to insert exploration into your life. Taking the route of discovery will overhaul your outlook and, in return, produce a life full of enchantment!

Tell me about your adventures, I want to hear:)

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Romance your life, continued...

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

Examiner article

I really do wake up each day awestruck by the miracle of my life. Some how and in some way I not only survive but I learn from the harsh reality of challenge. My heart warms with each connection I make. Each day my faith grows stronger as I continue to find my way and ends meet. I enjoy blissful moments and reach celestial heights from the most mundane things, what can I say, I'm in love with my life. Each day is a real gift that I cherish!

Tell me about your life, I want to know everything!

Saturday, March 19, 2011

A new way of thinking about church, continued...

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

Examiner article

I, like many others, am described in the article. I feel I'm very spiritual. I meditate, pray and work to stay on a positive and ethical path through my daily choices. I only recently started exploring a local church. It is very intimidating to me. I remember, when I was a child going to church, how some of the people looked down their noses at others. Not very christian like if you ask me but I guess this type of negatively is everywhere, even in the house of prayer!

Today, I feel it is my responsibility to expose my kids to a positive experience in this area. I want them to understand and feel the impact of a congregation's power. I will admit, I hate getting up on Sunday mornings but once I've found our place in the church, I'm better for doing it!

I've not tried to explore Internet church too much but I believe it is a worthwhile endeavor.

What are your thoughts about the power of group prayer and church? Share a comment!

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Feeling healthier, continued...

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!