A HOT situation

   I've been busy this last week. Driving over 24rs in a 72hr time frame is wearing. It felt good to have some alone time drifting in and out of thought. Through out this week it dawned on me that our thoughts really do rule! At one point during my drive episode I was stuck on a freeway for nearly 2 hours moving as slow as the DMV does on the last day of the month. It was miserable in the middle of the Utah desert where the temperature was reaching 120 F (according the couple who inched back and forth next to me) and the air conditioning wasn't working moving that slow. There was nothing I could do but wait...No control. Then when  my eyes started to roll , and all patience went out the door a 1/2 mile back I realized what I was grateful for.

   I was so grateful I didn't bring my 15 month old daughter on this trip. My friend contemplating going with me and her newborn, wow that prevented disaster! When the air conditioning was running, it was definitely heaven sent. Before the trip I was contemplating taking our little Toyota (that is known to over heat in stop and go traffic) for better gas mileage. Last minute I changed my mind and took the SUV, again thanking the Lord.

   Things could have been worse and really there was nothing life threatening. Why is it that when we know we have no control over certain situations, we feel we are beat or lose patience? We do have control, just over number one! Lesson learned! And more than likely be relearned at some point in my life. Constantly changing my thought process from BOO-HOO!! to WHA-HOO!! or WHEWW...

  “Positive anything is better than negative nothing.”
Elbert Hubbard


  

Let It Go----And Forgive

   How good are you at forgiveness? What kind of behaviour do you display when you are hurt?
              Revenge, Being a Victim, Entitlement, Blame, Negative Thoughts?

 We all have a healing process. Through time are we able to move on and let it go? Our energy is like our most precious treasures, we should  guard it and protect it from harm. Our thoughts harbor emotion that can clearly be displayed in our body language and aura. We can get so worked up planning our revenge or playing the blame game, that the sweet things in life literally pass by. When we learn to let go we free ourselves of the heavy burdens and guilt. We are not asked to forget. Remembering makes us more resilient to what comes our way.

  There was a time in my life where I needed to forgive someone without having the apology I wanted. I'm sure many of us have been in this situation. It took me to say to myself that I didn't want this feeling anymore. My decision to rise above the crap was not easy at first. Was I angry, sure! Did I deserve an explanation and apology, For Sure! Who was it really hurting? I decided to work on letting go, controlling my thoughts. Giving myself the A-okay to move on. The pain was turned  into peace.

  Forgiving ourselves is a whole different can of worms to open. We beat ourselves about the same things over and over.Remember that life is an experiment Our decisions have consequences, every outcome it different.  Reach down and pull up them boots! Rise above the crap, don't sabotage yourself and grab for those cookies!     Recognize, Resolve and Release!

Bucket Lists

   A couple of years ago I wrote a list of things I wanted to do before I turned 41. At first it started as a joke, tossing around crazy plans. Then ideas started to flow and I started writing my dreams Well to make a long story short the list got shuffled around and I stored it in a journal that I had half way forgotten about. About a month ago I found the list and while reading it was surprised to have completed 8 of them. Just think what would have been accomplished if the list  had been in front of my face everyday.

So what is on your Bucket List? Where had you always wanted to go?What talent do you want to create? What crazy thing has been in the back of your mind? Don't think about the BUT'S... But if this was right I could.... Just start writing, even the crazy stuff.

Creating Better Order

  At the end of the day exhaustion sets in. Only to find out when you glace around the room you have laundry piled up, dishes scattered, piles of junk mail waiting to be read, food finger prints all over the wall, and you dodge stepping on the toys  that make noises so you don't have to listen to them again! So how can we get organized while still hold down camp everyday.

   Creating order into our life takes effort. Starting small is a way we can be productive without being overwhelmed. Here are some ways that can help a little when getting started:

1.Making Lists-- This is so important , this can help a day go from disaster to smooth sailing. Make a weekly dinner and errand calendar.

2. Make your bed-- It's simple and you feel better.

3. Living Room---- Clean up the living room before going to bed each a night. Make this a family chore. Take five or ten minutes to do a sweep through the living room and put everything back where it belongs.

4.Clean up After Dinner--- We all want to sit down and relax but it really helps when this too is made into a family event and it takes pressure off you.

5. Only Touch Mail Once or Twice--- Right when you get the mail stand by a trash can so you can get rid of the junk. Then put it into two piles/files bills or other. Make a time to go through that mail.

6. Make a Homework/Learning time---Turn off the television and eliminate any other distractions. It's important to set a standard of what you expect form them. This is a great time to find out about there day and help them out.

7. Big Piles/Projects---If you have a big project schedule a time.ONLY put in enough energy and effort to achieve what really matters to you – don't waste your time or energy. Don't over organize.

8.Pick Clothes Out the Night Before---You will save time and will help keep the drama to a minimum.


Arrange your life around things that are important to your success and satisfaction. Don't fret over the small stuff. And have a way to confidently know what is small stuff and what is big stuff. Just choose one of these to work on then keep adding.

YOU!

  I've discovered that there is a book or article on everything!!! I've known this but since doing research on a few subjects my mind has been riding on a roller coaster. I can't believe how much information we have in every little corner. With  many opinions I've adopted a take it or leave it attitude. We are not all that different wanting similar stuff but it different forms . We want to succeed in life and hope that through our journey we learn and overcome the pitfalls. We want love but not just the word we want to be cherished and liked. The joy we find , we want others to have. Every book I've read seems to have the same tone( the subjects vary), the same solution. It's that pretty little face that is staring at you when you look at a mirror! YOU!

The only way we can become successful, happy, a champion, a better friend, a calmer momma, a better writer is allowing ourselves to be free of our fears. I love the quote "Freedom isn't free." It's not free. We'll have to go through A LOT  to be released by all the garbage that has been pumped through us. We have to get through the coal pressing to become the diamond. And a very HOT confident diamond I may add! It's all up to you to change.

First--Your Belief. 
Second --Your Thoughts
Third--The Attitude
Fourth -- Your Actions

"We can't become what we need to be by remaining what we are."  Oprah Winfrey

The Perfect Day

   If you could do anything tomorrow what would it be? Imagine your perfect day.

 When would you wake up? Where are you? What are the smells around you? What are you wearing? What activities are you going to do? Who are you with? 

Take a time out and figure out how you can make that perfect day come to a reality. Write out a rough draft of what that day holds for you. Close your eyes and picture your perfect day in detail. Think of the small stuff like the color of your favorite flowers, if they're animals around, or maybe the heat of the sun is a part of your day. Then share that idea to whom you're spending it with and make a plan on how it's going to happen.

 It doesn't have to happen all at once at first. Start with taking the small details  of your perfect day and incorporating them into an average day. When you see or create a part from that day take thought, and be grateful. Then when you have prepared and planned you can have that perfect day. Remember all the other days in our life can have perfect moments. Look for those moments!

"The only real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes."
Marcel Proust

Do it Today!

10 Things You Can Do Today To Change Your Attitude

1. Be Generous

2. Be Kind

3. Smile---At Everyone

4. Make a New Friend

5. Praise Others

6. Be Happy About Your Successes

7. Make A New Friend

8. Compliment

9. Tell A Funny Joke(even to yourself)

10.Call Someone To Ask Them How They Are


Creamy Celery Soup
5 c. sliced celery
3 c. chicken broth defatted
2 c. evaporated skim milk
1/4 c. cornstarch
1/2tsp dried basil

Combine celery and 1 cup of broth. Bring to boil, reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 8-10 min. Transfer celery mixture to a blender. Blend( celery will be in tiny pieces).

Stir 1/4 cup of milk and the cornstarch until smooth. Then stir cornstarch  into celery mixture. Add remaining milk and remaining broth. Cook and stir until thicken. Stir in basil. Simmer for a few more minutes. Then serve.

Resistance is GOOD!

   Weight training is very important in having our bodies change. We can do aerobics all we want but we must have resistance training in  order to increase the rate your body burns fats. I discovered this when I did kickboxing in my early 20's . I remember coming out of class completely hammered. The whole class was hitting against the bag and half the time we had our neighbor holding the bag for more resistance. Our teacher taught us how to isolate our muscles , maintain focus, and use that energy to kick the bag's butt. I have never had anything change my body like kickboxing did.

   How do we start? Where do we start? Like everything else, start small. Make sure you don't get into the rut of only doing the same old 5lb bells forever. To really change you need more weight with every set, then gradually going down in weight with more reps. Finally, push yourself where you feel like arms or legs are turning into jelly and those muscles are on fire. Do this for 40 min, and 3 times a week and you will see results.

   The parts of the body to begin on depends on you. Exercises that are very effective for strength training are:
Squats with a body bar
 Lunges( I hate them but they work!)
 Bench press
 Triceps( those sisters need all the help they can get!)
Arm curls
 And of course hitting and kicking a bag( it's great for releasing tension or anger)!

There are  many so just begin with a few and then keeping adding on.  Pump it up!!!

Renewal

   When do you feel renewed, at peace and refreshed?

  Going into the mountains, breathing the crisp air and listening to the sounds of nature centers me.   Watching the sunset on the beach rolled up in blanket is calming. Things, places, and people effect our outlook and energy. We need  to find what renews us and be around those who support us. Think of a time when you felt vibrant. What were your surroundings like? What kind of music inspires you? Where is your favorite place to be? Do you need to forgive someone? Are you setting and accomplishing goals? Are you accepting of others and yourself?

  Every second we can renew ourselves from the previous moments before. Find what restores you.

Taking Charge of Our Spending Habits

When I see a great deal it is hard for me to pass it up. I pride myself on being a bargain shopper and love love love to find a Smokin' Deal! I love playing the guessing game( Guess how much I spent?) with my husband when he gets home. At times I end up buying something I may not need or even want! Gifts, Right!? Saving money is important but we must make sure we stay within a budget that we have planned. Controlling our shopping habits can help us maintain balance.

One of my goals for a time period was to not spend any money unless it was food, bills or gas. This was a challenge! I noticed myself unconsciously finding deals that were hard to pass up. I love the skit on SNL "Don't Buy Stuff You Cannot Afford." It's hilarious, check it out sometime. But really sometimes it's that easy. Don't get into the trap "Well I can afford it." We need to be aware of what we are spending. So how can we stay aware of our spending habits? And make good choices? Here are some tips---

-When you go shopping, use a list
-Give yourself a budget for food, clothing, household items, etc...
-If you're temped to buy something ask yourself if you can live without it.
-Don't give into advertising.They are sucking you in for a reason.
-Say no when you don't need it! A salesperson purpose is to give you the info., you make the decision .
-Resist the last minute items by the checkout stands.
-Use cash if your credit card is too tempting
-Remind yourself of what you already have and enjoy it.
-Write down how much you spend every week.
-Buy food in season and plan meals around what is on sale
-Keep receipts in case you return any items( and know the stores policy for returning).
-If you buy clothes that you haven't wore in 3-4weeks, return it( unless it's for a special occasion).
-Last but not least STAY within your budget!!!