3 essentials for a balanced life, continued...

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Anytime we embrace something new in our lives, it seems to throw off our momentum. This past week was my first week of school and with only 2 classes added to my routine, I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. I realize as long as I keep up my sleep, exercise and healthy food intake, I'll be fine but it doesn't change the fact that it takes time to adjust.

The practice of deep breathing is really something that most overlook and, therefore, under appreciate; it really is essential to achieving balance. I discovered this when I took my son to an asthma specialist. The stomach should actually rise and fall as apposed to the chest when you are properly breathing. The diaphragm, when fully utilized, is a God given tool that enables balance.

I am sure that if you're hungry, overly tired, feeling lethargic and your practicing shallow breathing (as most do), you are not in the best shape to handle a high energy day. Prepare yourself appropriately for your daily success. Because, my friend, when you do, you and those around you benefit from your best self and this person can rise above the static and appreciate life for what it really is, a true blessing!

Valuable revelations, continued...

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The book I've been working on for the past year shares a lot of the lessons or treasures I've collected through the hardship I've suffered in life. Bright days are warm and wonderful but darkness does find its way in the forefront and before you know it, you're blinded by the cold, drum circumstances. It is difficult to navigate each and every time but once you're able to get over the initial stock, you gather the strength to stand up and find your way. I have survived:

• Domestic violence (as a child)
• An economically poor upbringing
• Betrayal
• Divorce
• Loss of many loved ones
• Job loss
• Hardship from the unhealthy choices of those in my circle

And, much, much more.

But, each and every hardship that has impacted me, taught me something. Had I not loss my job, I wouldn't have embraced my soul-work (as an artist working to help others). Had I not lived in the sidelines of unhealthy choices of others, I wouldn't have learned from their mistakes. With the loss of my father, I now more fully treasure the time I have with my family. Divorce taught me the wrath of enabling unhealthy behavior. It gifted my independence, which strengthened me. My poor upbringing gave me hard work ethics and appreciation for the value of everything I've achieved. Because I've endured the trenches of domestic violence, as a child, I have a passion to better our communities through my work with Safehouse.

These events have and continue to shape me. It is part of my past and it gifts me a better and bright future. I'm excited to embrace this year whatever high's it gifts and for whatever lessons I will learn because, although difficult, they will make me a better person!

More than 25 years on a spiritual journey, continued...

Photo provided by Mari Selby care of Ron Chapman; Ron and his daughter Brianne

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Ron Chapman continued the interview.

In his words, “I wish I could announce these as my personal success story. But they are not mine to claim. They are the results of a Power that sometimes flows through me now that the self has been reduced enough to permit it. I am allowed to observe these matters, sometimes with joy, and sometimes with sadness, but always with wonder and curiosity.

A spiritual teacher once taught me that the secret is not in getting what you want, but in wanting what you get. Probably, this is the means to happiness. And probably it is the only path to genuine service to others.”

Ron’s perspective, “While I now reside in Atlanta and regularly retreat to Upstate South Carolina, the world is my home. Seeing True is a core practice. In short, it is the manifestation of the great scriptural motif ‘was blind but now I see.’ When we see, problems can be resolved and inner peace becomes possible.

Magnetic North is another core notion. It proposes that each of us has inner guidance sufficient for all our needs though we may have to find it and learn to navigate it. Hummingbirds are the living metaphor given their capacity to travel unerringly across continents to the same backyard they frequented in previous years.”

His advice, “With all this as my story, what can you do? Do not allow your fears and reluctance to keep you from going forth on your path. As much as we seem to think that someone can point us and guide us, the journey unfolds as every step. In the end, no one can take a step for us and no one can do our inner work.

Faith is not gullibility, it is certainty based on experience … hammered out on the anvil of that experience. Hope is realized when we move ever so hesitantly forward.

And sometimes we will meet our fellow travelers with a glance, a perfectly timed word or a hand extended.”

Ron closed with his contact information, “Find my hand at rccgroup@bigplanet.com.”

Lifespan significance, continued...

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Yesterday I gave my son an 18th birthday party. It is hard to believe he is already 18. I'm so proud of him and his efforts so far and I can't wait to see him move forward as an independent, contributing adult in whatever area he is going to choose. As he has communicated as of late, "I'm undecided." He is college bound but not sure of a long-term goal/career yet.

This made me think of the pressure he is beginning to feel about the decisions that are creeping into his life. What he decides at this time will greatly affect the rest of his life.

Between my boyfriend and I, we have teenagers at the ages of 15, 16, 18, and 19 years old. Each as an individual fighting through whatever life challenge that seems to take priority. I wouldn't want to be a teen again nor would I wish another teen on us. I say this with love! These kids are blessings but it is really a stressful time as they are challenged to become independent. It is a big responsibility to properly mentor these young minds.

As I've shared, I too am college bound again. I enter this new phase in my middle age and this carries its own share of heightened anxiety. It was helpful to read about the physical changes in preparing for this article. I'm intrigued by our psyche and our coping mechanisms as we try to successfully maneuver through lifespan stages. I'm holding my chin high, taking a deep breath and pushing forward! In 2013 I will challenge myself in an educational forum and raise the bar as I journey through my middle ages.

Where are you in lifespan? What are your thoughts about aging? Talk to me, I'm listening.

New year same you, continued...

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I must admit I’m pretty happy to bring closure to 2012. I’m healthy and skinnier (although I still have some work to do here). I’ve met my 66-day work out challenge (my last work out for the challenge was on 12/26/12) although I’ve continued to workout each and every day since.

I’m going into the New Year embracing a lot of positive change. Now that I have daily workouts into my schedule, I’ve made a true lifestyle change. I’m also blending a healthy eating routine that I’m hopeful will turn into a long-term practice and I’m going back to school. My Master’s program at Siena Heights starts 1/7/13.

I’m a bit anxious about getting into the school mode but I know deep within, this is the right track for me. It will be a busy year, but a great one because I’m doing something that supports my soul-work. A counseling degree will enable me to help others, and in the process, help me move my business forward in a new arena. Short-term, I’m anxious but long-term, I know it is necessary and, because of this, I’m excited about the opportunity!

What changes will you embrace this year? Leave me a note and tell me about it!

The inspired life, continued...

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The inspired life, Unleashing Your Mind’s Capacity For Joy by Susyn Reeve with Joan Breiner, is a book I recommend for your reading list. If you read my column you are aware that I live my life open to improvement and this book fits my criteria for renewal; it motivated me!

Examiner article

I reference the book section that offered detail supporting the science behind Neuro-pathways (how we create and respond to our thoughts either, with or without action and why).

Understanding that a new pathway is created and/or seeded and then nurtured into a well-traveled and healthy path can support a future full of positive action. It offers a different perspective to our familiar problems in creating change.

It hit home for me relevant to my journey of healthy living; this is what I need to do to improve my eating choices, create well-traveled paths! I think this is really profound.

Click on the below link to purchase a copy for yourself. I hope each and every one of you is motivated to lead your most inspired life. And, I believe Susyn Reeve’s and Joan Breiner’s book will help you do this.

http://www.vivaeditions.com/book_page.php?book_id=30

Meaning of the snowman, continued...

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I was talking to my oldest sister the other day and she was telling me that she was going to be babysitting my great niece this week. She also shared that her granddaughter was really looking forward to building a snowman. She is only 3 years old but she already appreciates the magic of the season and the joy it brings.

This made me think about all of the snowmen I built with my boys when they were little. I bought a big black top hat at a going out of business sale at a store. The boys loved picking the perfect twigs for the arms. We tried to make the largest snow balls that I could possibly lift.

It was a lot of fun. It wasn't too long ago when I actually made one myself, the year before last. Last year I got down in the snow and made snow angels, pretty glistening imprints.

Today, as I shoveled several inches of snow, first from my mom's driveway, and then from mine, I tried to stay in the present moment. As the hours passed I realized the mindless work, fresh air and workout actually made me feel better!

What are your thoughts about the snow? Do you take the time to enjoy it before the season vanishes into spring? If not, I urge you to try something new and enjoy it while you can!