A "mini break"

Stop for a moment and sit back in your chair. Take one of those deep breaths in through the nose, and exhale from the mouth. Do it a few times. Remember: when stress enters we slow our breathing down - almost stop when we are angry! As you breathe think "I am relaxing myself, slowing my heart rate, lowering my blood pressure, maintaining optimum oxygen so I can think better, and giving myself and the only place I have to live (my body) - a few moments of regeneration!"

Believe me - it will do all those things for you. After a few breaths, stretch your arms up in the air, blink your eyes several times, wiggle your toes and if you need to take a bathroom break - don't put it off! Do it now. The walk will do you good anyway and get that oxygen moving through the body again.

NO STRESS is worth your life! It will all work out somehow. Don't add to your problems by stressssssssssing out!

CREATE a wonderful day, and better yet, a great life for yourself. I really care!

Unexpected trauma II - the continuing story:)

I could have been upset when I was getting ready to serve dinner to my husband. One
of the baked potatoes decided to BLOW UP! Of course I had just cleaned the oven, and I
was very hungry.

I have no idea why it blew up. In all the years I've baked potatoes and there have been thousands (no lie), I've never had this happen!

So my stress management technique: Laugh. It actually was funnier than upsetting...I
opened the oven and there was my potato (of course it was mine, my hubby was starving)
all over the oven. :)

I reckoned that I wasn't supposed to have the potato as I always use too much butter and sour cream, and I am trying to loose a few pounds before the holidays. Dinner was still great, and I was not "over-stuffed", nor did I feel guilty.

So when something happens that could be unexpected trauma, but it's really not life altering, take it with a sense of humor. Laughter saves many a day!

USE IT - laughter is free and always cheers up those around you. Besides, it's fun.

I need to breathe!

After reading the newspaper, news on the web, magazines, and so forth, I need to take
a breath and relax myself!

So much waste, so much dwelling on horrible incidents and potential disasters.
So right now, and I hope you join me, I am going to take in a few deep, mindful breaths.

As I do so, I am going to visualize all the trauma, all that which I CANNOT do anything about, leaving with my exhalation. This is not to "deny" problems, but to attend to
my own well-being. For if I am to do ANYTHING about ANYTHING, I must empower myself
with positive thoughts and strong intellect.

In breathing my inhalation I think about drawing in fresh oxygen, getting it to my brain (which needs 50% more to think optimally), and regenerating my spirit and my body.

In breathing out I am letting negativity push out down my arms and through my fingertips, and I am releasing in order to think in more positive terms. That will enable me to "handle" what is happening in MY WORLD....and to touch, what I am able, in the world of others.

Another few minutes of mindful breathing and I am up from the computer and out to accomplish a few things, and enjoy the moments of my life. I hope you do the same.

Money that isn't there

When you are stretching to meet the demands financially, when you have unexpected expense, when you just can't figure out what you are going to do.......

Take a breath! Say a prayer. Take another breath.

You know, you can only do the best that you can. Circumstances change momentarily.
One moment I had a bit of money coming in....the next, I broke my tooth ($750.00),
have to pay a prepayment penalty ($2,800.00), have to pay back money ($400.00) the
state overpaid my hubby on unemployment last winter.....and so forth and so on!

That is lots of money for unexpected expense (THIS WEEK!). So you know what I did when I found out?

I took a breath! Said a prayer, maybe it was 20 prayers. Took another breath and thought, "Doing the best we can. It will all work out somehow. Not going to let money destroy our lives. Won't do it!"

I feel better. Truly. Try the techniques. PRACTICE them as we are creatures of habit and will get into the habit of thinking in positive terms.

Have a wonderful weekend no matter what! Love on somebody. Enjoy your life!
Your health will be better for it, your family will, and you will feel better about it all. HONEST.

Whatever you are doing right now............

TAKE A 60 SECOND BREAK TO REFRESH AND REGENERATE!
Sit back from the desk. Take a deep breath inhaling though the nose, and exhaling through the mouth. Do it again and think: "Whatever my challenge, I will approach it refreshed in one minute, knowing I will do the best I can."

Take another breath. This time as you exhale, visualize all the negative thoughts you may harbor, and all the past anger or disapointment you may feel - flying out your fingertips into oblivion.

Now stretch your arms up overhead, clasping your hands together, as you lean back in your chair slightly. Put your hands behind your head and gently lift the head elongating, the neck and holding the weight of your head in your hands. Release.

Wiggle your toes and fingers and take another breath! Point your toes away from you. Press the heels away from you. Do this several times.

Roll your wrists one direction, then the opposite direction. Now blink your eyes several times.

If you NEED to use the restroom DON'T HOLD IT AND WAIT! THAT IS TERRIBLE FOR YOUR BODY. GO NOW.

Other wise, one more mindful breath and smile (No particular reason - it just feels good.) You could do this maybe once an hour. That's only 8 times in 8 hours....only 8 minutes. You are worth it and you will be better for it!

I won't be posting for a couple of days, so in the meantime - ENJOY your work, enjoy your play, and PLEASE enjoy each moment of every day. Time is accelerating - make it precious time!

Tale of Two Wolves

The first exercise I teach, regardless if I am teaching high intensity aerobics, low-key exercise, relaxation, or even dance....is to EXERCISE THE MIND. These two short tales go hand
in hand with using our brains and finding magic can happen to each of us, if we just EXERCISE our powers and believe! CREATE a wonderful weekend! I care:) Thank you for sharing my sweet spiritual friend and sister - Lynn.


-Native American-

A grandfather was telling his grandson, "There is a conflict
inside of me and in every one of us. Two wolves live within me.

One wolf is jealous, angry, covetous, rude, disrespectful,
lazy, unkind, resentful. The other wolf is kind, loving,
grateful, compassionate, happy, helpful. They are battling
within each of us"

The grandson asks, "Which one will win?"
The grandfather thoughtfully answers, "The one you feed."
**************************************************************
Tale of unknown origin

A man who had been traveling a long way approaches the
gate to a small village. Sitting outside the gate is an
old, wrinkled woman.The man asks the woman "What kind of
people will I find here in this village?"

The woman answers "What kind of people did you find in
the last village you were in?" The man said, "They were
terrible people. Greedy, obnoxious, hateful, rude,
Thieves all of them. It was awful." "You will find the same
sort of people here then" she answered. And the man hung his
head, turned around and walked away.

Later that day another man who had also been traveling a
long way approaches the same gate to the same village
and sees the same old woman sitting outside the
gate. He asks, "What kind of people will I find in this
village?"

The woman in turns asks, "What kind of people did you
find in the last village you lived?" He said "They were
wonderful people! Kind, generous, thoughtful, helpful, loving
people. I hated having to leave."
The woman looked at the man and answered

"Then you will find the same sort of people here."
And the man happily walked through the gate into the
village.

Which wolf do you feed daily? What expectations of people
do you have?

EVERYONE "SAYS" THEY WANT TO MANAGE STRESS MORE EFFECTIVELY

OVER 80% of medical visits originate from stress induced reactions upon the human body! Stress changes chemical combinations within us and drives us to the "fight or flight" stage, which in turn accelerates wear and tear on the organs, muscles and all the inner workings of the body. It also plays havoc with our minds, and can literally be debilitating!

This culture is the instant gratification culture. We want what we want, and we want it now! In learning to TRULY change your life, and MANAGE any stress, you must dedicate time to practice techniques, and be consistent. Does that sound so very difficult?

Herein lies the problem. This culture has us going so many directions at once, and believing the list of duties MUST be completed, that we are driving ourselves mad!

Each day has 1,440 minutes in it....that is 525,600 minutes in one average year. Ten
minutes a day devoted to stress management education and practice still leaves you
1,430 minutes a day....and 521,950 minutes a year to devote to all these other tasks you deem important enough to leave you frazzled, irritated, and less than feeling wonderful! Come on now, that doesn't make sense.

Here is the choice: 1. Watch your stress levels keep rising with no resolve in sight. Prime your body for a heart attack and your life for constant turmoil. 2. Love yourself and your family enough to take 10 minutes a day to CHANGE YOUR LIFE and the lives of those around you.

I think the second choice is worth 10 minutes of consistent practice on managing stress. You WILL FIND YOU LIKE IT! You WILL FIND YOU WILL INCREASE YOUR practice
time as you get "in the habit". We are creatures of habit and we can develop habits easily. Why not a pittance in time to develop a life style that will enhance your mind and the health of your body simultaneously?

Whether you try my CD or someone else's, in my heart of hearts I WANT YOUR LIFE TO BE BETTER FOR ALL CONCERNED! Of course I believe you should pay a one time fee for the CD and let me help you create new brain cells, and be rid of negative thoughts and actions. I charge much more than that for 1 hour of personal training. I personally selected the original music, and put 3 relaxations on the CD - for "newcomers" and for those familiar with it all. Over 30 years I have seen people change their demeanor to an empowered and calm personality - miracles can happen.

Please go to my new website to check it out. I have a couple of samples of the CD you can listen to, a couple of articles and my complete biography.

http://www.stressmanagementmagic.com or go to "links to my resources" on the right of this page.
My husband calls me "The human happy face" - I practice what I teach :) and I want this joy and empowerment to be YOURS! I TRULY CARE!

Airline passenger? Be prepared!

The first day of my trip I stood 7 1/2 hours in line. My flight was canceled. So here are a few tips to help if your day comes and circumstances radically change for you!

Of course, ALWAYS take a deep breath or two. The additional oxygen will help you to calm down and keep your brain thinking optimally.

Remember: whatever the circumstance - whether you like it or not - though you may
not have the control to change things, you always have the CHOICE to respond in a positive manner. After all, if you CANNOT CHANGE THINGS, ACCEPT IT - and find a way to put a positive slant on the situation. You can always do that if you just try.

When you allow the "challenge" to upset you, you are simply wasting energy and actually making the situation worse! You will chemically change your body and can (ultimately) do damage to yourself by getting stressed out about something you haven't control over anyway!

Try to make reservations way a head of time. Request your specific seat. When through security, buy water and snacks and wear comfortable shoes. Keep your focus on the fact that the only thing you have control over is your attitude-your response.

You will really help yourself, and others, by using your oxygen, your intellect, and remembering if you are calm and relaxed it can change others to follow your example.

It's a beautiful day and I am home from my trip!

Will be writing a new post today or tomorrow. Had a wonderful trip, but kind of trying at the airport the first day!
Will expound soon.

.... Take a breath! Take a moment to tell someone you love them! Hug someone today (even if it is hugging yourself:)!
Time is fleeting and it's time to enjoy the moment.

For Sandi, my friend, and anyone else who may have stress to deal with this weekend!

ANYONE WHO HAS CHILDREN must go through such varied stress over the years, sometimes it is almost mind warping. It happens to all parents, so take a bit of comfort in the fact we are not alone in learning to manage these stresses.

Keep in mind, sweet lady, that there could be MANY reasons you are feeling unusually stressed out about this problem. The week could have been more stressful than you realized, your hormones and body chemicals may be altered some by your concern. It does happen. The body responds to stress and will make it worse by changing!

When we are fearful about anything, we take smaller breaths - making our situation much worse. When we are shallow breathers, we get less oxygen to the brain, which affects our thoughts and decisions, and not in a positive manner. Our muscles and ligaments and even the organs within suffer from this lack of oxygen - which adds to the problem.

These things will help if you DO THEM MINDFULLY this weekend. That means whenever the worry starts taking over, flip from "emotion" based control to "intellect". What I mean is remember, you are in charge of your thoughts, so when that fear enters, think: "This is not productive. It is not good for me or my family. I will
not succumb to fear. I will use my intellect and make immediate changes for the better!"

May sound silly at first, but it works. Divert your attention by taking a couple of minutes alone (or if that is impossible, include the children in this "game"). Sit, straighten up a bit and breathe! Inhale slowly through the nose (which will give you needed oxygen and help you relax-REALLY, it's the physiology of the body); exhale
through the mouth slowly. As you exhale visualize all the negative thoughts and fear flying right out your fingertips. You are in charge. Do this for a couple of minutes minimum.

Whenever you start to fret again, DO IT AGAIN! It's your life. You have a family to care for, so CARE FOR YOU and be in the best frame possible. It takes a bit of practice to get in the habit but YOU and your family deserve the best! (If the kiddos are around and you play the "breathing game" - it will also teach them and help them in every way.) I promise.

Lastly, here are a few thoughts to ponder. Mama always said, "What's the worst that can happen? We have to handle it no matter what, so when you figure that out, then every incident above the worst can be handled too." Made sense to me.

FEAR doesn't change ANYTHING. It only does damage. Besides (and this is factual too), 95% of what we spend our lives fearing NEVER HAPPENS!

If you like, check out my website: http://www.stressmanagementmagic.com/
as there is a bit more there on fear.

Draw positive, healing thoughts to yourself. Think in terms that will pull good energy and healing power towards you and YOUR FAMILY! Some may think this silly, but we have magical powers yet untapped. They work!

My first line of defense is my faith. It's tough, but I try to always leave the results of a scenario in God's domain...that's faith. I pray, pray, pray. I will pray for you and your son, and family. Remember, we can only change some circumstances in our lives. Some are out of our control.

What we can change is our RESPONSE to those circumstances. We can empower ourselves and our families by our positive, loving, and confident response! I have confidence enough in you to know YOU CAN HANDLE IT! Keep the faith my friend. I KNOW you will create a GOOD weekend for yourself and family.

Happiness Hog

You bet I am! We all have a right to be happy in our life here on earth as humans!
Misery runs like a raging river and it's out of control. It's reported on every news broadcast on television, in the newspapers and magazines, the radio, and yes on my beloved internet!

There is something in the air that seems to draw individuals to tragedy. Whether it is because we feel empathy, or compassion, or even are secretly grateful it didn't happen to us, misery sells!

I am not buying.. Let me say it again I AM NOT BUYING!

It is a fact that the things we dwell upon will eventually become our lives and eat us up from the inside out. I have a friend who split up with her mate after 27 years. He was terrible to her. Violent, bossy, and selfish. She can recalls easily his negative traits. Yet she mourns. I pray she will begin to retrain her mind, filling it with new potential scenarios and positive thoughts.

It does make a huge difference. What we think about, what we roll over and over in our minds, can become our lives. I knew one wonderful woman who spent over twenty years being miserable without the need!

When you hear all the horror, all the terrible things, it's ok to review what is happening. Pray, do something within the realm of your world to help, discuss it with a friend, but when you've done what can be done - release it.

Take a deep breath in through the nose, and exhale through the mouth. Do it as you inhale as if you are filling a balloon from the bottom upward. As you exhale, let the balloon collapse from the bottom upward, and let the worries fly out your fingertips into oblivion.

You HAVE A RIGHT TO BE HAPPY. If you suck in all the problems it will weaken your physical, mental, and spiritual being. Use the breathing technique above after you've done what you can do....it will all work out as it will......

Remember: to be your best self, to be the best for your family, friends, and peers,
to do the best you can to KEEP misery from happening - YOU must be able to be in charge of your mind, body and spirit.

YOU CAN DO IT! (Nobody else can do it for you! :)

Male climacteric

Hey guys (around age 35 +) notice ANY of these symptoms?

* Decreased mental quickness and sharpness
* Decreased energy, strength and endurance
* Less desire for activity and exercise
* Decreased muscle and increased body fat
* Mild to moderate depression and irritability
* Depression and/or loss of eagerness and enthusiasm for daily life
* Decreased sex drive
* Decreased sexual function and/or sensitivity

Before I continue I want to clarify something. This information is not to belittle or injury anyone! It is not shameful to experience NORMAL physiological changes- if we are lucky enough to age!

We’ve all heard of the menopause happening in women, but not too many of us have heard about a man’s challenge in facing this time.

All women hear is that men are scoundrels, screwed up, or just a mess all together. The reasons behind this (in most cases) are real, and they can be helped. That is why I want to share this with you.

The most happy men and women I know have “understanding” of each
other’s physical challenges. I say challenges because there is such a nasty misnomer about so many of the natural changes men and women see in a lifetime. Knowledge is power, and I hope to empower you with the means to greater understanding, patience and peace

For women, it is the menopause, and for men it is “climacteric” (or andropause) , the corresponding time in the life of men 35 and older. The word climacteric comes from the Greek word klimakter, which means literally a rung of a ladder, or figuratively a critical point.

Climacteric is the l physiological process that marks the end of maturation and the beginning of new stages in life. It’s defining point normally takes place without any external influences. The changes in personality and a man’s actions often reflect a decline in male hormones. There is life after the climacteric period!

There are some who feel that hormone replacement therapy helps. The body declines in testosterone, thyroid, human growth hormone, and DHEA. I also TRULY BELIEVE that when people (male or female) are aware
of what is happening to their bodies, it is much easier to find a plan
to help the scenario.

When I entered the menopause , younger than most at 34, my mama had told me all about it. She swore that much of it was “placed” in our heads by well meaning authorities that assume everyone will experience the same symptoms and problems. This is simply NOT TRUE!

We are all different, have different background, genes, health histories,
and face these things individually. I truly believe in the power of mind over matter, and know that the way we tackle a challenge depends on our mental state.

I knew a fellow once who was hurt in an accident. He kept thinking, “I’m really hurt. I won’t heal.” The doctor’s couldn’t find anything and attributed it to possible nerve damage. I think he “thought himself” permanently disabled, and is this way after 20 years.

I was in a serious accident and was told I wouldn’t heal and do the same work. Well, I believe in prayer, but I also refused to believe that I would be permanently kept from being me. It took time, but gratefully, everything healed and I kept on doing what I do!

Back to you guys. Don’t think, “I am getting old” , “there is nothing I can do, etc.” BS. Start thinking in positive terms and realizing that there are hormone treatments, natural therapies, and mind over matter works, if you work at it!

Besides, most older guys I know haven’t aged badly at all. In fact, it seems for men, that most men age beautifully and are still sexy and handsome - gray hair and all.

JUST BE AWARE THAT CHANGES YOU MAY BE FEELING MAY NOT BE BOREDOM IN A RELATIONSHIP, BEING WEARY OF A JOB, WANTING TO MOVE OR CHANGE SOMETHING........You may simply be going through something that is very natural and happens to most men at this point in their life. Chin up! Knowledge is power!

As for the women folk, I think we need to keep these things in mind and be supportive of the guys....just like I hope they will be for us!

Einstein Quote

"Try to become not a man of success, but try rather to become a man of value."

Have a wonderful weekend. Treat yourself to some activity outside. Think about breathing. It's free and will heal your body and your mind! Whatever you do, also be grateful for just the fact that you are able to do it!

Share love with someone who needs it, for whatever love you give will return to you multiplied. Maybe not at the same instant, but it will be returned to you. I promise!

BE CAREFUL ABOUT THIS OVER THE COUNTER WEIGHT LOSS DRUG

I know - it's barely on the market, but please be very careful. The name is Alli. I know the food and drug administration has approved it, but didn't they also approve
quite a few other things that NOW they are backing down and saying these same drugs are dangerous.

This drug is supposed to help you "loose weight while you sleep." DUH! You are not
eating while you sleep! It is supposed to help "along with exercise and diet." Well, DUH! Those two things alone will help you get to where you want to be health and weight wise.

The side effects include "gas and loose stools" - Nice. It also makes no claim to keep the weight off "long term."

In my humble but researched opinion - STAY AWAY FROM IT. Don't spend your money dreaming to loose as you sleep. Wake up.

Moderate exercise (as little at 20 minutes a day) and just slightly changing your calorie intake (drop 100-200 calories a day) - will REALLY help you achieve your goals.
Just be consistent and patient. There is NO quick fix!

Be safe with your choices for your body. I care!

Today's tips on staying robust and relaxed!

TAKE A BREAK! TAKE A BREATH!

It's your life. Even if it is only for a couple of minutes. Stretch, move around,
and blink your eyes for 15 seconds. Now rub your hands together until they get warm
and place them on your eyes for a few seconds. Give those poor babies a rest for a minute!

We so abuse our bodies and forget to give them time to recover. PLEASE.....remember
to love your body (and not just it's shape or tan), but think: "My body is the only place I have to live. It works for me 24/7-even when I sleep it is regenerating.
I will get into the habit of taking a couple of minutes every hour during the day to let my body and mind rest."

I care!

WONDERFUL ADVICE! "How to stay YOUNG"

I never much cared for George Carlin as to me he was a pretty nasty comic - HOWEVER,
a friend just sent me his "advice" on how to stay young, and I think it is positively appropriate and wonderful advice. Therein, I wanted to share it with you.

George Carlin
(Absolutely Brilliant)


HOW TO STAY YOUNG
1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay "them."

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.

3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, music, art, stock, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keep sakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

We all need to live life to its fullest each day!!

Don't forget to stay hydrated in the summer heat!

For a human to stay hydrated, means your body chemistry combines chemically with water molecules. Water molecules are chemically "bound" to another compound or element within your body.

When someone says,"You don't drink enough water", they probably care for you! When you don't drink enough water various things happen.

First, remember that next to oxygen in the importance of life sustaining things we take into our bodies, water comes in second in importance. That is pretty high in the order of things we need to sustain life! We can live for only minutes without oxygen, and only days without water.

Here is a little known fact. When you don't get enough water for your internal organs, they begin to take water from other organs. Amazing, eh? The body knows water is to maintain life. Often we don't realize it.

When you don't get enough fluid in your tissues, your cells start to draw it from your bloodstream. Your blood will thicken (it makes sense - think about it), and it can put a strain on your heart or make you feel weak or light-headed.

Particularly for those of us who perspire profusely, you must replenish your fluids.


I've heard, "But I don't like water. It tastes awful." "I feel like I am drinking nothing and it makes me feel too full." That can be a blessing for those who want to loose a few pounds. Drink water about a half hour before a meal and you won't eat as much. Really!

When I first made the transition from wine to water, (only Jesus can turn water to wine:), I would put my ice water in a lovely crystal wine class with some ice and a twist of lemon. It looked lovely and each time I took a sip I thought "Ummmmmmm -
no calories, no headache, no organs starving for water, and no guilt!

It worked. I got in the habit and I have over the years always taken a bottle or jug of water with me where ever I go in the summer. It is mandatory.

If you need variety, drink caffeine free sports drinks or iced fruit juices (add water to keep calories down). It's fun to be creative. I like sparkling water just flavored with a twist of lemon, lime or orange peel.

Fruits and vegetables can supplement some water intake if you eat five servings a day.

Watermelon, cantaloupe, oranges, apples, and so on. Fruit in the summer is magic. For veggies how about tomatoes or carrots. Be creative.

Lastly, remember ALCOHOL and caffeinated drinks deplete your water supply.

This body will work for you for years and years, and in great health, if you just treat it with as much respect and care as you do an automobile. The requirements are easy, not as costly as auto repair, and will absolutely make you feel better!

You may not think so at first, but give it time and THINK: If I do the right things for my body and mind my spirit will function better too, and my health will improve.
That is simply the physiology of the body!

Now get up and stretch a bit, walk out to the kitchen and get a glass of water (doesn't have to be huge-just frequent). It is the nectar of God and a great healer!
ENJOY> I care!

Take time to go outside and enjoy nature!

Nature itself is healing. Breathe! Walk, ride a bike, skip, take a drive (and then get out of the car and stretch and walk around a bit!)

Whatever it takes, it's the weekend - it is time to enjoy our still beautiful world.
I went kayaking yesterday, which is a blessing to me, for sure. My face hurt from
smiling all day. Saw lots of birds, ducks, geese, turtles, fish, and children playing on the shores. Families camping, children swimming.

Nature is available to most of us, so take advantage and it will help to heal you in body, spirit, and mind. If you are, for whatever reason, unable to do anything, then please enjoy the Canadian geese family that visited me in my kayak, and roll through past photos and become a part of them by visualizing the sights and imagine the sounds and smells. Take a breath and enjoy your moments!

Have a wonderful weekend and remember a stranger really cares!

OKAY RIGHT NOW DO THIS!

DO THESE THINGS SLOWLY AND ENJOY! IT'S YOUR BODY AND YOUR LIFE!

Sit back just a bit. Sit up straight, holding your tummy in and pressing your lower back into the chair.

Stretch your arms up in the air as far as you can reach. Clasp your hands and take a breath. Now exhale through the mouth. Put your arms down.

Lay your right ear towards your neck. Stretch it but don't bounce. Take a breath and exhale in the same manner.

Lay your left ear towards your neck. Stretch - no bounce. Take a breath and exhale in the same manner.

Now wiggle your toes and your fingers. Take another breath and exhale.

Say out loud: "I am happy" (put the emphasis on happy). "I am alive. No matter
how challenging things are, I can handle it."

We are training the brain and creating new, positive cells. How cool is that, and a great thing to do for yourself. We are such creatures of habit. GET IN THE HABIT of thinking positive thoughts.

Just think - this has been probably less than a minute, and you have treated your body and mind to a brief period of relaxation. You will benefit from this - I PROMISE!

Remember during the day, or even in the evening - every 30 minutes just do some simple moves and rest your eyes for a few moments. It will keep you sharp, more relaxed, and YOU NEED IT! Remember....I am YOUR personal trainer and I CARE!

WALK, WALK, WALK!

In many places the age of someone considered to be a senior citizen is 55. That seems awfully young to me! Nonetheless.......so be it.

Mama used to say, "Be nice to the elderly, for it is you in the future." Makes sense to me. Time scoots by quickly, and if we are lucky, and work at it a bit, we can live to be a senior citizen and a healthy one at that.
This morning I went for a brisk walk. At the end of the walk I saw three cheerywomen setting up a table. There were sheets of information being placed on the table, and all sorts of things. I was just too curious to pass by without asking: "What is all this?"

Come to find out, they were there to celebrate a fitness walk for seniors. They were loaded with information, other "goodies" and a calendar of events for seniors that included classes to stay fit and limber. Many of the classes were free, and some just a minimal cost.

These women were obviously motivated and absolutely charming. I asked if they might pose for a photo so I could share it with you. WHAT A GREAT THING TO DO....help people stay fit and healthy. As I've said before, you know you only have one body to live in - cherish it!

I was without a pen or pencil and the name of the group they represented flew away the moment I got into traffic. I called the park all day to get a name, but the gentleman who could tell me never came back into the office.

So "ladies of the walk". I apologize. I don't know your names either, but won't forget your great smiles and dedicated motivation.

I do want to honor what you are doing and suggest to everyone in the blog world (no matter what age) remember to MOVE. Walk, skip, jump, glide, hop, side step, do retro-walks, just MOVE. Your body will work so much better for you when you take care of it.

When you walk, breathe! Enjoy these moments of your life and the beautiful summer by getting outside and taking care of yourself! Do it! :)