The Health and Life Mixing Bowl

Make it a Great Day

Sunshine and flowers, originally uploaded by kuddlyteddybear2004.

Here's ten things you can do to take today from just a regular day to a great day:

1. Treat yourself to a cup of gourmet coffee.
It's small thing--relatively inexpensive--but stop on the way in to work today and pick up a cup of excellent gourmet coffee to treat yourself.

2. Take a walk after lunch.
Even if it's 10 minutes down the block and back. Just get out, take some deep breaths and move your body around. Take a friend with you if you can.

3. Find a great joke online and tell it to someone.
The only thin better than a good laugh is sharing it. Need some help finding jokes?

Comedy Central
Jokes Place
Miss Cellania

4. Call your mom. Or husband. Or girlfriend. Just to say you love them.
It doesn't have to be a long call. If they don't answer, leave a message. Just a quickie to say you love them. It will make their day--and you'll feel wonderful.

5. Write a poem.
Don't worry, its not going to be published. You can even throw it away as soon as your write it. Just sit down and do it. It can be funny, or sweet, or even serious and sad. But writing a poem is a great way to exercise your mind and get your thoughts down on paper. If you like it, give it to someone and make their day special, too.

6. Stop and stretch for five minutes.
Not just a weak little stretch--but a good, long, body tingling stretch that gets your blood moving and makes you feel lighter.

7. Make some comfort food for dinner.
What makes you feel good? Chili? Macaroni and cheese? Forget your diet for one day and make yourself something good and warm and comforting for dinner. Just thinking about it all day will make the day better.

8. Practice friendly driving.
Drive time is the worst time of the day for a lot of people. So today, make it a point to be extra courteous to other drivers. Give a little wave and let people cut in front of you. Smile, and relax. Don't plan on getting anywhere fast--just chill and let your good vibes give the rest of the commuters a much-needed boost.

To Whom Much is Given...

Non Red Cross Volunteer Line, originally uploaded by got80s

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The Beauty of Poetry

Tree, originally uploaded by Adnan Yahya.

Everyone has gone through a “poetry phase”, most likely in high school or college when our romantic sensibilities are at their highest. As we come down to earth and learn to deal with day to day realities like grocery shopping and car payments, poetry fades in to the background, classed as impractical and pointless.

But poetry has an important place in our lives. It makes our minds focus on the depth of language, not just the breadth. A poem uses few words, but they are the essence of a idea—the rich juice of a concept.

I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the sweet earth's flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.

--Joyce Kilmer. 1886–1918

There is plenty of poetry online, but I recommend getting a small book of verse and going out side to read and reflect. You might feel silly at first, but it is a great way to rediscover your inner romantic. He or she is not dead. Just buried under all that “important” stuff.

Meditation

Meditation, originally uploaded by Suzanne Graves.

The hardest thing in the world is to do nothing at all. After cramming our heads full of thoughts, egotistic responses to stimuli, fears, emotions, and ideas--sitting down and emptying your mind can seem impossible.

Anyone who has attempted meditation can tell you what a challenge it is to not think of anything. Even five minutes can seem like torture for someone with a busy life.

So then, why even try?

Because meditation has proven itself to be an invaluable way for people to regain their senses and refocus on what really matters. When you stop what you're doing and empty your mind, you have a chance to 'reboot' your mind and body--existing in just the moment without the pain of the past, the stress of the present, or the uncertainty of the future.

True, meditation shouldn't be used as an "escape" from negativity, but it does allow you to take time away from negativity (and positivism for that matter) so that when you resume your daily routine, you see things from a fresh perspective.

Here are a few online resources for individuals hoping to begin or refine their meditation practice:

How to Meditate
http://www.how-to-meditate.org/

Project Meditation
http://www.project-meditation.org/how_to_meditate.html

White Tea

White Tea leaves, originally uploaded by ~Mers.

If you have not been converted to white tea yet, I want to convince you to go out and buy some immediately. I know what you are thinking: We tried the green tea when they told us how good it was for us and it tastes like hell and there's no way I'm giving up coffee again for tea so forget about it!

Well, I too was as victim of the green tea revolution. I tried valiantly to give up coffee in favor of this elixer that promised antioxidants, lower caffeine, and immunity boosters. But it just...tastes icky!

After watching a program about tea on television, however, I decided I'd give white tea the benefit of the doubt. Much to my surprise, it turned out to be delicious! No bitterness, no aftertaste--just sweet, simple tea.

Turns out that white tea is actually better for you than green tea! While it is derived from the same plant, white tea is made from the immature leaves from the Camilla Sinensis tea bush. It undergoes little processing and no fermentation (which explains its mellow flavor), and you can buy it with different fruit blends that make it quite tasty for drinking any time.

Does this mean I'm ready to give up my morning latte? Not quite. But I'm definitely adding white tea into my daily routine. Give it a try!

Just Be

Reflection On a Boat - Alter-ego, originally uploaded by Twistiti Photography.

So much of our life is spent distracting ourselves with every possible concern or entertainment. It is a rare and precious moment when we are allowed (or rather, when we allow ourselves) to simply BE.

Whether we are keeping ourselves from facing inner demons, or providing fodder for our egos, the constant “busyness” of modern life is unhealthy. While it may seem challenging in the beginning to do something as simple as stopping and letting all our cares go, it is an invaluable exercise and a vital first step toward a better life.

Take five minutes each day for a week and just BE. Clear your mind, and feel the air around your. Close your eyes and listen to the sounds in the room without fixating on any of them. Just let yourself “reset”.

Moments of solitude and quiet are the cornerstone of spiritual development.

Nourish yourself with silence.

Fresh Fruit: Just Eat It

fruit at the canberra show, originally uploaded by justinKnol.

In nature, fruit is like precious gems that are collected by man and beast--colorful spots of fragrant sweetness that bring both benefit and pleasure. Studies show, however, that Americans are eating less and less fresh fruit. People used to live by the motto, "An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away." But in 2005, it was reported by the U.S. Center for Disease Control that only 32.6% of the U.S. adult population consumed fruit two or more times per day.

For years doctors have been telling us to add more fresh produce in our diets. Maybe we should start taking that advice. The antioxidants in fresh fruit are known cancer fighters. They provide us with fiber, energy, and essential vitamins.

They also provide us with a link to the natural world. In a daily grind full of plastic wrappers, paper cups and microwave meals, taking a few minutes to savor a fine piece of organic fresh fruit reminds us that there's a big beautiful world out there that we're naturally a part of. Drink in the scent of the fruit, enjoy the color, and savor the unique flavor. It is such a joy!

Try going to a local farmer's market and picking out some choice pieces for you to take to work throughout the week. Or visit an organic grocer and pick up some new variety of pear or berry that you can experience with your breakfast. Forget dessert! Buy a mango and take time after eating to carefully peel and cut it into thick slices that you can enjoy with your tea as much as any cake or cookie.

Smile!

smile!, originally uploaded by sean-b.

Smiling isn’t just an involuntary display of happiness. It is also a primal response to positive situations, and can have a profound affect on our health, our psychology, and our appearance.

When we smile, our bodies automatically release endorphins. This causes us to feel good, and relaxes our body acting as a stress reducer. Smiling also boosts your immune system, and lowers your blood pressure.

When you smile, the muscles in your face are built and you take on a naturally youthful expression. Smiling also communicates openness to others, giving you countless opportunities to receive positive energy from strangers, friends, and family alike.

Even when you don’t “feel” like smiling, by making yourself smile—even when you’re alone—you can improve your mood and overall outlook. Try giving yourself a big smile each morning before you head out of the bathroom. Regardless of what happens when you go out in to the world, you’ll have the foundation for a great day.

Final Edition of the Carnival of Personal Change

Welcome to the April 10, 2008 edition and final of the carnival of personal change.

Kenton Newby presents Focusing on Leverage posted at KentonNewby.com.

Jirel presents Learning to live with the present posted at Positive and Successful Life Style tips.

Ariah Fine presents What If We Wiped for Our Great, Great, Great, Great Grandchildren? posted at Trying to Follow.

Joel Gruber presents Who Are Your Enemies? posted at Fearless Dreams Personal Development.

Lin Burress presents Understanding Assertiveness: Getting The Respect You Deserve posted at Telling It Like It Is.

Christine presents Is Marriage Outdated? posted at Me, My Kid and Life: An American Single Mom Living in France.

Nadege presents Holding on to the things that we don't want posted at Clearly Envision.

ananga presents Hidden Anger: How Your Journal Can Help You Let off Steam in a Healthy Way posted at Ananga Sivyer's Living by Design Blog.

Jade presents Saying "No" to Possessive Urges posted at Offbeat Love.

FitBuff presents Friday's Fitness Quotes: "To fear death…" posted at FitBuff.com's Total Mind and Body Fitness Blog, saying, "Interesting and thought-provoking quote on life and death from Socrates..."

DotLobby presents Reality Therapy - 3 Steps to Change Your World! posted at DotNLP, saying, "Reality therapy is an interesting concept, encompassing the ability and technique to change, improve, and enhance your world and your reality..."

daniel santos presents Creating A Dream posted at Creating a Dream, saying, "That first moment you glimpse your destiny - that cosmic bolt hit you yet?"

Patricia Twitchell presents Comfort Comes from Unexpected Places posted at Just Bears and Stuff, saying, "So often people take the things they treasure the most for granted. Life has a way of offering us the opportunity to evaluate and review those things in our life that are important. Many times this occurs through a tragedy. Yet, many tragedies turn into amazing blessings, which help us to clearly understand our path in life. Learn how one woman turned the tragedy of her father’s heart attack into the blessing of having the courage to live her dream. A dream that has blessed so many others who have come to know her as The Teddy Bear Lady of Myrtle Creek."

Alex Landis presents Dealing With The Negative People In Your Life posted at AlexLandis.com, saying, "Alex discusses how to deal with the negative people in your life by understanding where their pessimism comes from and by providing tips to handle that negativity."

Gary Evans presents 3 Tips To Install New Beliefs posted at Good To Feel Good.

Tupelo Kenyon presents Make a Decision Easier posted at Tupelo Kenyon, saying, "Decisions needn’t be a chore. In fact, it’s a profound privilege to be able to make decisions for yourself. Consider the alternative. Would you rather have someone else make your decisions for you? The ability to make your own decisions is a good definition of freedom. Here are some tips on how to make better decisions easier. (Enjoy soothing instrumental music as you read plus song selections with lyrics related to each article – all free"

Lori Jewett presents Living More Fully - Death as a Motivator posted at Between Us Girls, saying, "Living life to the fullest requires that we learn to accept and value the reality of death. We can live in fearful denial, or we can harness the power of death to fuel our life's journey."

Aaron Brandon presents Overcoming Negativity posted at Aaron Brandon.

Jeanie Marshall presents How Do You Know When You are in a State of Balance? posted at JMviews Meditation and Empowerment, saying, "Jeanie Marshall focused on the topic of “Balance” every March for thirteen years on a transformational process called DailyAffirm, guiding thousands of individuals through their own unique experiences of balance."

R.Pettinger presents Effective Ways To Get Out of a Negative Mindset - Sri Chinmoy Inspiration posted at Sri Chinmoy Inspiration, saying, "some suggestions for effective ways to get out of a negative frame of mind"

Gabriella Kortsch, Ph.D. presents Your Beliefs and Your Health posted at Psychology, Transformation & Freedom Papers, saying, "The state of our health is not genetically pre-determined. The state of our health is determined by our environment. The state of our health is determined, therefore, by our beliefs, as they form part of our environment, so if we believe that we will get cancer, or have a heart attack, or suffer from Alzheimer's because it runs in our family, then that is what will happen, but not because we are genetically pre-determined for these diseases, but because we believe we are."

Mike Reeves-McMillan presents One Simple Step Towards Managing Emotions posted at Living Skillfully: Hypnotherapy and Health Science, saying, "Naming emotions - in talk therapy, journalling or just talking to a friend - helps to diminish their power. This post looks at a study which shows what's happening in the brain when you do this, and teaches a simple technique you can use to apply the effect."

ananga presents Flow: The Fluid & Happy State of Getting Things Done posted at Ananga Sivyer's Living by Design Blog.

Matthew Spears presents I ’should’ heal and grow. posted at Loving Awareness, saying, "As much as you desire change, understand it is because you think you “should”. This desire for change, is usually allowed to come to you from an external source rather that from inside yourself. In other words, true change will not occur unless and until you are connected to your inner Self and the desire to change comes from there."

Gwendel Rodriguez presents Making Changes? Aristotle Says Why - Part 1 posted at 40 Something and Mean, saying, "If you are making changes in your life, Aristotle explains the reasons why."

Silveral presents Celebrity Rehab posted at Celebrity News, and Gossip.

Rose Walbrugh presents Beliefs of happy people posted at FreeMyMind.Net, saying, "How do we set about discovering a set of well grounded beliefs certain to result in a happy, constructive life?"

Roger presents Life Really Is Amazing Even When It Doesn’t Seem So posted at The Happy and Prosperous Blog, saying, "This is a way I found of breaking out of a rut. Could it work for you too ?"

Alvaro Fernandez presents The Power of Mindsight-by Daniel Goleman posted at SharpBrains, saying, "Daniel Goldman asks, "When you were young, which of these did you feel more often?""

GreatManagement presents What You Can Learn From Me, Sam, A Border Collie posted at The GreatManagement Blog, saying, "We have learned so much from Sam - over and above staying calm in a crisis"

Ali Hale presents How to Stop Making Excuses and Start Making Changes posted at The Office Diet, saying, "A comprehensive article for anyone who wants to change but always manages to find some reason to put off improving their health and fitness. Deals with the most common excuses for not changing and gives easy, practical tips on getting over them and getting on with starting a better life!"

AlexBo presents 10 Health Tips Everyone Know But Nobody Follows posted at Healthy Health List (heheli.com), saying, "The key is to change our mind"

Warren Wong presents How To Solve Problems By Changing Your Frame Or Perspective posted at Personal Development for INTJs, saying, "How seemingly unsolvable problems can be solved by changing your frame or perspective."

Wayne C. Allen presents Non-Habitual Living and Being posted at The Phoenix Centre Blog, saying, "This article: The way we view our lives, and 'reality' is not true. In fact, it's simply an unconscious habit. Learn ways to let go of habitual living - to live in the moment.

That concludes this final edition.

Thanks to the blogging community for participating in this short carnival series! 

Not Just for Valentine's Day Anymore!

Fairtrade chocolate pieces, originally uploaded by net_efekt.

Just because something tastes good, doesn’t mean it has to be bad for you. Recent research in to the properties of chocolate show that it contains potassium, magnesium, vitamins B1, B2, D, E, and antioxidants.

Cocoa, the main ingredient of chocolate, contains phenols which are known antioxidants and which contribute to fighting free-radicals, heart disease, and boosting the immune system. Some ancient cultures used chocolate as a medicine and as a tranquilizer; it contains Trypophan and when eaten releases seratonin in the brain.

Like anything else, of course, over-indulgence can be bad for you. The sugar and cream used to make "milk chocolate" are not part of the health benefits; in fact, milk is thought to block the absorption of chocolate's antioxidants, so choose dark chocolate for the most benefit to your body.

Additional reading: http://scicom.ucsc.edu/scinotes/0001/chocolate.htm

Sing to Your Health!

sing, originally uploaded by raysto.

Singing is good for the spirit. You don't have to be a classically trained artist. Heck, you don't even have to sound good-- it is something you do for yourself, for the pure joy of it. So many people are self-conscious even when all alone. But take a tip from this little girl...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Q1c6Q830-o

There’s a reason song is a part of almost every faith tradition in the history of the world. Because aside from being entertaining, music and song can help us go beyond the mundane. It is a way for us to bypass logic and immerse ourselves in sound, rhythm, and melody. We allow our entire bodies to reverberate with a noise that is inspired by love, pain, faith, fear, or joy.

Don’t worry that the people in the car next to you are looking…put your heart and soul into it, and sing--because it just feels good!

Books from your Childhood

Being a grown up is hard.  It seems like after Kindergarten our lives are all about work, work, work.  There's always too much to do and not enough time to do it.  The world has unending demands and it us up to us to draw the line and nurture our inner child--the one who used to have chicken soup for lunch and a two-hour nap in the afternoons.

One of the best ways to recapture a few moments of sweet innocence is to pick up one of you favorite childhood books.  Winnie the Pooh.  The Velveteen Rabbit.  Even Curious George.  The stories and the illustrations can instantly transport you to a simpler time and place, bringing comfort and feelings of security.

It is so important to let yourself remember the innocent and even naïve outlook you had before you were jaded and roughed up by the harshness of the outside world.  That sweet innocence is what Jesus of Nazareth referred to when he told his followers to “become like these children”.  It’s good advice for anyone, regardless of their faith.  Children are born with an innate sense of right and wrong; they have the ability to see clearly and to be honest with themselves and other people.

Revisiting your childhood via children’s books can be a way to remind yourself of who you really are—who you started out to be.

Rituals

Rituals are powerful things.  From the dawn of time people have created sacred space and taken time to recreate important events or pay homage to ancient symbols that have molded their very existence.  Many people in our modern times feel lost and this has been attributed to a significant lack of meaningful ritual in our daily lives.

In our day and age, most of us know that the foundation of many ancient rituals was superstition and a lack of scientific knowledge.  We are not willing to throw reason or logic out the window and sacrifice a goat or toss around some chicken bones with the hope that it will satisfy our soul's longing for spiritual fulfillment.

But a ritual doesn't have to be based on superstition, nor does it have to belong to anyone except you; and it doesn't have to represent a religion or a deity.  A ritual can be something as simple as teas in your back yard each morning, or a bath or long walk on Sunday afternoons.  It is about doing something that represents what is important to you, and doing it on a regular basis--daily or weekly if possible--being mindful of what you're doing and why.

Starting a ritual may seem confining at first.  OR you may feel silly, depending on what it is.  Your friends and family may not fully understand it, but after you've established it, it will become an important part of your life.  You'll find yourself looking forward to your ritual, planning for it, savoring it.  It will become a part of you--and you a part of it.

I'd love to hear comments from people who have rituals, telling me what they do and why it is important to them.

Think Global: Eat Local

Peppers at the Farmers Market, originally uploaded by alltrain43.

Almost every town has a local farmers market these days. Not only are they a great place to meet people and learn about foods, but buying locally grown produce is smart for three reasons:

First of all…you're saving the planet! Most of the produce you buy at the grocery store is shipped an average of 1500 miles, contributing to oil dependence and creating pollution.

Second, you're supporting local business! Only 18 cents of every dollar you spend on groceries goes to the grower. The rest goes to middlemen. Support local and family-owned farms who are striving to keep high quality organic produce available to the public. Smaller farms tend to be more environmentally friendly with less strain on air, water, and soil.

Third: It's healthy! Locally grown produce doesn't spend days or even weeks in trucks. It is fresher and contains less preservatives. Local produce can also help you build up immunities to seasonal allergies.

For more information on how you can eat locally take the 100 Mile Challenge!

The Art of Bathing

Glowing Bath, originally uploaded by Daniel KJ.

A bath isn't just a way to clean your body. Immersion in water has long been a symbol of cleansing for the spirit--from the Christian baptism, to the ancient custom of bathing in a holy river or lake to purify the spirit. Taking a bath doesn't have to be a chore. It can be a way to recreate your self; a ritual, or a soothing element that helps calm your mind and body.

The first important element in the art of bathing is to ensure your bathing space is clean and special. You don't have to have a huge tub or a marble-tiled bathroom. But make sure it is clean and pleasing to the senses. Light a scented candle or some incense, buy bath salts infused with essential oils, or sprinkle some flower petals in the water.

Don't worry about washing your hair or any of the other personal hygeine tasks that people associate with bathing. The purpose of your bath is to relax and enjoy the healing properties of the water. A glass of wine or sparkling mineral water can be sipped, and perhaps some music played to enhance the experience.

Lie back and visualize the water washing away any negativity, anxiety, fear, or anger. Let your physical body relax as the warm water relaxes your muscles. Listen to the music, and forget about anything going on outside the bathroom.

Twenty or thirty minutes bathing can make a difference in your entire week. Allow your self to be healed, comforted and rejuvenated by the sacred substance that sustains all life on this planet.

Music--Not Just for Drive Time!

Everyone loves music. We all have our favorite bands or singers, sometimes even going as far as labeling ourselves "fans" and devoting a serious amount of time and money to following the careers of certain musicians.

But music can do more than just entertain.  It can move, inspire, uplift, and even heal our spirit.  Spirit Music is made for the specific purpose of nourishing our minds, bodies, and souls.  It can soothe us when we are anxious or frustrated; or energize us when we are in need of inspiration.

I encourage you to take the opportunity to try some new music this week.  Here are some of my suggestions for spirit music from various traditions.  If you have any recommendations for music that has made a difference in your life, leave a comment and share them with me and your fellow readers!

Innersong.com
http://www.innersong.com/

The Spirituals Project
http://www.spiritualsproject.org/

Oliver Rajamani - Forty Days and Forty Nights
http://www.oliverrajamani.com/

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan - Night Song
http://www.amazon.com/Night-Song-Nusrat-Fateh-Khan/dp/B000000HPH/ref=m_art_li_3

Native American Winds
http://www.nativeamericanwinds.com/index.html

Just the Flax Please...

flax seeds, originally uploaded by digiyesica.

If you've been paying attention to any health-related discussion in the past ten years, you've no doubt heard of flax seed, also known as linseed. The plant is native to the Mediterranean and has been in constant use by humans from as far back as the ancient Egyptians who were the first to cultivate it.

So why the sudden popular interest in the 22nd century?

Well it seems that flax seeds are high in a little something called alpha linolenic acid (ALA), which is an omega-3 fat. Omega-3's are valuable in preventing blood clots, reducing cholesterol, reducing blood pressure, and keeping cells supple, flexible, and able to fight off disease. Additionally, flax seeds produce two hormone-like substances called enterolactone and enterodiol which are known to help prevent breast cancer in women.

It is important to note, however, that the benefits of the seeds mainly lie in the oil. The seeds themselves can be a great source of fiber, but to really get the most out of them, the best bet is to grind the seeds in a spice grinder or by hand.

You can also buy flax seed oil that has been extracted from the seeds, a more convenient solution to grinding the seeds each day. The oil and the seeds can be purchased and almost any health food store, or through an herbalist.

A couple teaspoons each day can make a drastic difference in your health.

Life Enrichment via Telephone

The Health and Life Mixing Bowl is proud to introduce a series of free life enrichment tele-classes to nourish the body, mind and soul!  The classes will take place the second Wednesday of each month at 8:00 PM EST.  Click here for the spring schedule.

Our preview tele-class held a few weeks ago was a huge success.  It was great fun and a wonderful learning experience for everyone.  If you participated, thank you!

To all my regular readers and blogging buddies, it would be an honor to hear your voice on one of these calls! 

Registration information is at the link above.   

Obama Works Out at a Stevens Point Y

According to the Wausau Daily Herald, presidential candidate Barack Obama got in an early morning workout while campaigning in Wisconsin.  He reportedly visited the Stevens Point Y to use the elliptical trainer, treadmill and bike. 

Now this is a man after my own heart. Our excuses not to exercise pale in comparison to what is on his plate.  Thanks, Obama, for the inspiration! 

February 20th Edition of The Carnival for Personal Change

Welcome to the February 20, 2008 edition of the carnival for personal change!  Hold on to your hats!  We have a phenomenal compilation of posts this month. Thanks to all who contributed. 

Before we get started, just a quick reminder to join my 100 Person Challenge to turn your good intentions into real change.  Read more here.  Here we go: 

Rob Moshe presents Live Your Best Life By Serving Others posted at Rob Schaumer, saying, "This is not necessarily a fitting post for your carnival. Once the project starts, each day I will recognize a fellow blogger that "Helped""

Terri:  This is a great fit, Rob!  :)  Thank you!

Rose Walbrugh presents The inflexible brain posted at FreeMyMind.Net, saying, "Never ever forget and realize as soon as possible, that the brain is NOT a flexible a thing. We are creatures of habit and have to learn to use this to our advantage..."

Frederic Patenaude presents The Power of Rituals: How to Build Positive, Energizing Daily Rituals posted at Frederic Patenaude Talks, saying, "Frederic Patenaude discusses the hows and whys of instilling automatic rituals into your daily routine for fulfillment of personal goals."

Jeanie Marshall presents What to Be or Feel, that is the Question posted at JMviews Meditation and Empowerment, saying, "Years ago I made a decision to be happy. It was one of the single most important decisions of my life. I consider this a “high level” or “broad” or “over-arching” decision. It was life changing. It was the type of decision that helps me to make the everyday decisions to choose something that makes me happy rather than something that makes me unhappy. This broad decision serves as a barometer, a gauge so that I can hear my inner guidance more clearly."

Maxine-Yvette presents Women Finding Joy After 40… » Blog Archive » Who Is Your First Love? posted at Women Finding Joy After 40..., saying, "The most important love of your life is...YOU."

Tim Gary presents Drama = Rocket Fuel For Success posted at Internet Success Bites.

Tupelo Kenyon presents Finally the Truth About Diet – The China Study Review posted at Tupelo Kenyon, saying, "Finally, here’s an authoritative diet and nutrition book based on hard science and exhaustive research. This revealing book is written by one of the world’s most respected authorities in the field of nutrition. In his own words, he has been “in the system for almost fifty years, at the very highest levels, designing and directing large research projects, deciding which research gets funded and translating massive amounts of scientific data into national expert panel reports.” There is so much useful information in this book, I consider it one of the most important books I have ever read and give it my highest recommendation. Change your diet and change the quality of your life. (Enjoy soothing instrumental music as you read plus song selections with lyrics related to each article – all free.)"

Larry presents Apply The secret of law of attraction (Part 1): Creating a Manifestation Poster posted at Mind Power Hacks: Tap The Subconscious Mind Power.

Evan Hadkins presents Embracing Our Conflicts: One Method for Personal Change posted at wellbeingandhealth.net.

Rose Walbrugh presents Are you addicted to your emotions? | Free My Mind posted at FreeMyMind.Net, saying, "Are we just as blatantly addicted to our emotions as the smoker to his cigarettes? And instead of merely popping into the corner shop to feed our addiction, do we inadvertently orchestrate our lives around our emotional addictions?"

Mike Remer presents Celebrating! | My Path To Fitness Blog posted at My Path To Fitness Blog.

Goldfish presents Think Negative posted at Contrarian Goldfish.

David presents Dads Redefine Success posted at Worldwide Success.

Semi-Charmed Wife presents Time Keeps On Slippin', Slippin', Slippin'... posted at Semi-Charmed Wife, saying, "How practicing good time management can improve your quality of life and help you make your dreams come true!"

darryl heron presents Using 43Things to Support Your Goals posted at Systems Overload, saying, "Here is a post that I did about using 43Things to support your goals."

HL Grove presents Kill Procrastination Before It Kills Your Happiness posted at MoneyWeb24.

Jeanie Marshall presents Give Yourself Permission to Relax for 60 Seconds Every 60 Minutes posted at JMviews Meditation and Empowerment, saying, "I’m very practical. I like to suggest empowering practices and simple techniques that clients can incorporate into their lives which consume very little extra time. While there are certainly situations when I suggest time-consuming activities, I more frequently suggest activities that require attention or observation or re-framing."

GP presents The 10 Commandments of Horse Management posted at Inside Montana-Your Home at the Range, saying, "How can you apply the 10 commandments of equine management to your life?"

Arun presents From Chubby to Studdly Part 1 posted at Arun is bringing you...Your Daily Remedy, saying, "How I changed my lifestyle to become physically fit, and how you can too!"

Lori Jewett presents Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing posted at Between Us Girls.

Gabriella Kortsch, Ph.D. presents Looking In All the Right Places posted at Psychology, Transformation & Freedom Papers, saying, "Where do you look when something goes wrong? What do you focus on when you can't seem to get ahead? Which thoughts run through your head when you've just bungled something? Which feelings course through you when your world turns upside-down? The answers to all of those questions tell you a great deal about the current quality (or lack of quality) of your life."

Tiffany Colter presents Lesson Learned and How I got here posted at Writing Career Coach, saying, "This blog discusses how to have success beginning from the first day of this new year, and how technology is changing the way books are made and sold!"

LifeBalanced presents The Secret to Being a Great Friend posted at Life Balanced, saying, "The secret to having great friends is to BE a great friend. This post includes eight things we can all do to strengthen relationships with people who are important to us."

ananga presents Have you De-cluttered Your Head Lately? posted at Ananga Sivyer's Living by Design Blog, saying, "Some of my fellow bloggers have been writing lately on the subject of de-cluttering. De-cluttering cupboards, de-cluttering rooms, workplaces etc. And that got me thinking about another key area that really benefits from being free from clutter. The clutter in our heads. What are we tucking away in corners and lugging around with us that we don’t need anymore?"

GreatManagement presents What I learnt From One Of The UK’s Best Selling Business Authors posted at The GreatManagement Blog, saying, "This idea is that you describe your future life in the present tense."

SJ Yee presents Do you have dreams you are afraid to go after? posted at Personal Development for the Book Smart, saying, "A story that will force you to rethink about abandoning your dreams..."

JC presents How To Use The Divide-And-Conquer Approach To Life posted at A Journey Of Dreams.

Todd Goldfarb presents 4 Pillars of Effective Personal Growth posted at We The Change, saying, "4 wonderful "pillars" of personal growth from we the change...enjoy!"

Alex Marlin presents 50 Personal Development Questions That Will Improve Your Life posted at Life Improvement Tips For Thin and Small People.

Brendan McPhillips presents How to Overcome Your Temptations posted at Brendan McPhillips.

Katherine Reschke presents First steps to making a plan posted at Passions That Pay.

Mark McClure presents “Work Is The Arch Enemy Of Free Time” posted at Mark McClure Today, saying, "Success is not measured only in profit and growth"

Dr. Mike Skinner presents Does Meditation Protect Us From Stress? posted at meditation for the masses, saying, "This articles looks at the research linking meditation to a physiological state of relaxed alertness, adn then discusses how we can induce ths response in ourselves."

GreatManagement presents Get Rid Of Procrastination Once And For All posted at The GreatManagement Blog, saying, "Everyone suffers from procrastination at some stage in their lives."

Nick Pagan presents Antidote to Perfectionism posted at Nick Pagan, saying, "Perfectionism can prevent us from moving forward. You can read the embarrassing story of how I learned to overcome perfectionism by getting clear about the underlying problem behind perfectionism"

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of the carnival of personal change using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

Turn Good Intentions into Real Change: The 100 Person Challenge

   

Do you remember the last time you listened to a speech that totally and completely inspired you?  You know, the kind of presentation that ends in a standing ovation?  The audience was mesmerized, the presenter was highly praised and everyone was practically in tears?  I like to call these "experiences" rather than speeches. 

I attended one of these powerhouse presentations after deciding to make a big change a few years ago. The energy, enthusiasm and excitement permeated the room.  The entire audience was on fire!  But as wonderful as the presentation was, I knew most of what I heard.  In fact, I was an expert in most of what I heard. I could have been the one delivering the speech!

Instead of becoming drunk with inspiration, I left the presentation angry.  I was angry at myself for not taking action on what I knew to do.  I was disappointed with allowing too much time slip by without moving forward.  I was ashamed of letting the "Play it Again, Sam" routine ruin my chances of experiencing a lifelong dream. I was livid!  There wasn't going to be a standing ovation for my inaction!  It was time to make some changes. 

I left the presentation determined to take action and accept total responsibility for anything less.  That was a few years ago. Today, I can proudly say, I am a full time entrepreneur and the owner of a burgeoning life coaching practice. 

It's a common scenario:  Having all the information we need yet remaining resistant to change.  Perhaps these scenarios sound familiar: 

You have a physical with your health care provider and she tells you (again) to lose a few pounds.  On your way home, you stop by the health food store to stock up on fruits and vegetables.  After a few "good" weeks, you find yourself eating the same old way.

You read an article about going green (5th time) and you go out and purchase the latest and greatest recycling bins, chemical-free cleaners and pesticide-free soaps.  A month later, you return to throwing things in the trash and using your favorite old cleaners.

You hear about someone having a quadruple bypass (3rd person) and decide it's time that you managed stress.  You give up caffeine, begin meditating regularly, and proudly get eight hours of sleep.  A few weeks later, after a stressful day at work, you are on your laptop at 2:00 AM, drinking coffee to stay awake and have no plans to meditate any time soon.   

What keeps us stuck in good intentions?  And why is it that we entertain and even welcome redundant information?  I have some thoughts:

It’s a great distraction to hear information we already know, over and over again. Pretending like we still don't quite get it is an excellent procrastination strategy.  It’s the one big thing publishers bank on when a new diet book hits the market: procrastination disguised as "cluelessness".  Kids play this game all the time. Why can’t we?   I have a group of friends who ask me every January how to get rid of ten pounds. Every January, I give them the same answer.   Where is the disconnect?

It’s really safe to hear information we already know, over and over again.  If we hear the same thing over and over again, we can safely make the choice not to change. The stakes remain the same.  We can safely continue eating ice cream at  midnight--we’ve already been reminded why we shouldn’t.  We can keep up a pattern of skipping workouts—we already know the consequences.  But new information makes inaction much harder to justify.  Old news = Same old habits.  New news = Oh, crap!  How did we make hearing something again our comfort zone?

It feels good to hear information we already know, over and over again.  Getting intoxicated with inspiration yet having no real desire to change....well, it fascinates me.   What good is the information if we have no real desire to change?   How did we get knowledge and practice to mean the same thing? 

We believe it's really okay to hear information we already know, over and over again.  Our time on earth is limited.  Thinking that we can make desired changes when the time is right is based on false hope.  Nothing is promised to us.  All we have is this moment.  How did we get misled?

Our lives are worth more than good intentions.  It's time to break the cycle of inaction and move boldly toward the life we want. 

So here is the challenge:  I am challenging 100 people to turn their good intentions into real change.  You can accept this challenge by leaving a comment about your commitment.  My goal is to get 100 commitments by March 20, the first day of spring.  Start by leaving a comment then forward this post to one other person.  Help me spread the word!  Blog on this post or link to it.  Let's support each other to make change real! 

 

Believe!

Personal change begins with believing that you can.  Make it a great week!

Nutrition with a Twist: 10-Minute Super Bowl Party Sub

Italian Sub from Wilson Farms, originally uploaded by mhaithaca.

Have the basic rules for eating healthier got you stuck in a rut? Each week, The Health and Life Mixing Bowl will serve up some good stuff to expand your nutritional options and perhaps ignite a genuine interest in eating better. Read more about these posts here.

I found this relatively healthy sub at Women's Health.  Ingredients:

16-ounce whole wheat French loaf

Olive oil spray

2-1/2 cups shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce leaves

2 medium tomatoes, sliced

dried oregano leaves to taste

1/2 cup slivered white onion

12 ounces shaved extra-lean red pepper seasoned deli turkey

3 ounces reduced-fat provolone cheese slices

3 ounces reduced-fat salami slices

4 ounces shaved 97% lean smoked deli ham

1 medium green bell pepper, cored, seeded and finely sliced in to rings, or to taste

crushed red pepper flakes to taste

red wine vinegar, to taste

Instructions: Cut the loaf lengthwise to open, being careful not to cut all of the way through. Open and mist lightly with spray. Sprinkle lettuce evenly over bottom half. Top evenly with tomato, oregano, onion, then turkey. Lay cheese then salami slices over that. Mound ham over that. Arrange bell pepper rings over that. Sprinkle with pepper flakes.Sprinkle red wine vinegar over top half, then close sandwich. Slice into 8 equal pieces crosswise.

1 serving = one sandwich

280 calories, 21 g protein, 34 g carbohydrates, 6 g fat, 3 g saturated fat, 29 mg cholesterol, 3 g fiber, 969 mg sodium

Makes 8 servings.

Enjoy the game!

Deflating Your Excuses Not to Exercise

Have you ever wondered why the moon looks bigger on the horizon than it does overhead?  It's actually an optical illusion called the Ponzo illusion.  The Ponzo illusion suggests that our minds judge the size of objects based on it's background.  In our minds, we see the sky as a flattened dome so objects over our heads appear farther than near the horizon.  This image is reinforced by objects such as clouds, birds and airplanes which move across the sky at a uniform height and are indeed closer when they are over our heads and farther away when at the horizon.  All of this means that when we see the moon near the horizon, we will think it closer thus, it appears to be bigger.

When it comes to exercising regularly, it is easy to give in to one of these favorite excuses: 

I am too busy at work. 

I do not have enough time. 

I am too tired.

It is too cold. 

I do not have the right clothes. 

I am too old. 

I am too fat. 

I hate going to the gym. 

I don't like exercising. 

I am too busy with the kids. 

The list goes on and on.  But how many of our excuses not to exercise are inflated by the Ponzo illusion?  Just as the moon appears to look bigger on the horizon, our excuses might seem to hold more truth by the angle from which we perceive them.   

Take, for example, the most famous excuse not to exercise, "I don't have enough time." What if you were to separate this statement from your perception of "enough time" and your belief about how long you need to workout.  Now reexamine this excuse.  How much truth does this excuse hold now? 

Many times, our perception gives power to excuses that maintain the status quo.  It's a brilliant strategy! 

By the way, to see that the moon is not actually any larger at the horizon than overhead, look at the moon through an empty paper towel roll when it is near the horizon.  Without the dome-like space to refer to, it will appear smaller as it does overhead.

Thoughtful reflection:  How does your perception about age, weight or physical ability influence your excuses not to exercise?

How Big is Your Heart?

I was blessed with parents who really believed that to whom much is given, much is required.  Witnessing my parents' volunteer efforts, even when it was reciprocated with anger and hostility, has opened my heart up to a larger calling. 

As we continue to marinade in the theme of "personal change", how has your heart been called to open up wider this year? 

Here's a plus:  Medical and scientific research show that volunteering improves your health by lowering blood pressure, reducing insomnia, strengthening the immune system and improving self-esteem.

Make it a great week!

Nutrition with a Twist: Delicious Homemade "Skinny" Drinks

Have the basic rules for eating healthier got you stuck in a rut? Each week, The Health and Life Mixing Bowl will serve up some good stuff to expand your nutritional options and perhaps ignite a genuine interest in eating better. Read more about these posts here.

Starbucks' new Skinny drinks, or their repurposing of the word "skinny", is a hot topic these days.  Controversy aside, requesting a grande Skinny Latte is much easier than asking for a vente, no-whip, sugar-free, no foam, one percent, extra hot Cinnamon Dolce.   I appreciate the simplicity.  For those of you braving the cold weather, the abandonment of a warm bed for a weekend trip to Starbucks may not be the answer.  Perhaps one of these homemade, "skinny", and less expensive alternatives will do the trick:

Low-fat, Sugar-free Mock Latte at Recipe Zaar.

Spiced Cocoa Latte at About.com.

Cool Coffee Latte at My Recipes.

Enjoy!

Giving Yourself an "A"

The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone and Benjamin Zander is one of the most inspiring books I have ever read.   This beautifully written book contains poignant and powerful stories of hope, optimism and triumph. 

As a health and life coach, this book resonated with me on so many levels. The key learning I received was that simple shifts in our thinking can open us up to a realm of possibilities.  Simple shifts!  The Art of Possibility has an extremely relevant message for anyone making a lifestyle change, be it weight loss, tobacco cessation or striking a balance between work and family.  The book inspires the reader to take off the blinders, switch the paradigm, and tap into a limitless supply of personal excellence and greatness.  Reading this book was certainly a treat.

One of my favorite chapters in The Art of Possibility includes a story about a group of students at the New England Conservatory.  Suffering from performance anxiety, the student's willingness to take risks and perform effortlessly was tenuous at best.  Taking this into consideration,  Benjamin Zander, the veteran instructor, comes up with a brilliant plan: He decides to give every student an “A” before the beginning of the course, with one requirement:  Each student must write a letter in the past tense to explain how they deserved the grade.  Here are a few excerpts from the letters:

“Today the world knows me.  That drive of energy and intense emotion that you saw twisting and dormant inside me, yet, alas, I could not show in performance or conversation, was free….”

“I became a new person, I used to be so negative …I couldn’t accept my mistakes about a year ago, but now I enjoy making mistakes and I really learn from these mistakes…”

“All diffidence and lack of belief in myself are gone.  So, too is the belief that I only exist as a reflection in other people’s eyes and the resulting desire to please everyone…”

“I got my "A" because I became a great gardener to build my own garden of life…I love my weeds as much as I love my unblossomed rose.  I can’t wait for tomorrow because I am in love with today...”

Thoughtful reflection:  What would happen if you gave yourself an "A" for one of your New Year's commitments? 

I Still Have A Dream

Nutrition with a Twist: Pink Pancakes

Pink Pancakes, originally uploaded by paigewatkins.

Have the basic rules for eating healthier got you stuck in a rut? Each week, The Health and Life Mixing Bowl will serve up some good stuff to expand your nutritional options and perhaps ignite a genuine interest in eating better. Read more about these posts here.

One of  my colleagues, Margaret Graham, sent me a great recipe for Pink Pancakes from Jessica Seinfeld's cookbook, Deceptively Delicious.  The Recipe Zaar has all the details.  It's a pretty healthy twist on pancakes using beet puree, grated apples and ricotta cheese.  Thanks, Margaret!  Enjoy!

Premiere Edition of The Carnival of Personal Change

Welcome to the Premiere Edition of The Carnival of Personal Change.  Here are the top 12 posts that were most relevant to the theme.  There is some really good stuff here!   

Judy Lubin at Heart and Style Woman presents In Defense of New Year Resolutions. 

Christine presents Finding Your Special Talent posted at Me, My Kid and Life: An American Single Mom Living in France.   A great reminder that finding and creating a new life doesn't happen overnight.

Steve Atchison doesn't want any whines, excuses, or anything else as he presents The GOYA method for Personal Development posted at Change your Thoughts.

Is personal change mind over matter?  Alvaro Fernandez presents Brain Fitness Newsletter: December Edition posted at SharpBrains. 

Bill presents Shocking Course Correction Secret Revealed posted at The Bubble Planner.  Great reminder that small steps lead to big changes.

Alfa King shows us how we can make our goals SMART "ER" with Booze off with SMART resolutions posted at Alfa King Memories.

Dan-O gives us a broad overview of creativity with  Pushing the Limits of Creativity for Personal Development and Business Innovation posted at Danogo.com - Discover. Inspiring . Media.

Dan Taylor presents What Do You Want to Be Different This Year..? posted at The 45-Year Old Six Pack.

Dana Marie presents Wanted: Quiet Opportunities posted at Margarita Moments.  A great reminder to seize opportunities before they flee.

Louise Manning presents Change posted at The Human Imprint.  Great message for the workplace.

Todd at We The Change shares some fascinating research on brainwave technology as he presents The Greatest Self Improvement Tool You Know Nothing About.

Thanks to all who participated!  The 2nd Edition of The Carnival of Personal Change will take place here on February 20, 2008.   Submit your post February 1-15.