Dear Uncertainty...

Yeah I just wrote a letter to " Uncertainty", seems odd but strangely enough seeing it made me think about the last few years of my life. According to the dictionary, uncertainty:is the unknown, the doubtful, the one thing that has not been revealed. In the last few years uncertainty has been the one thing in my life that has been constant among other things.  If anyone knows me well enough and close enough they know that things have not been easy. I have at times questioned, wondered and prayed about these uncertain times.
And guilty mostly at allowing it to ruin my day sometimes. I get caught up in the sadness, disappointments, or setbacks. I have had to ask forgiveness, reset, and regroup over and over again.
There are so many things that we will never understand. The past few years I have dealt with all of this personally or have seen this happen within my inner circle: the death of those we loved or didn't have a chance to love, rejection from those we trusted in, accidental deaths, incurable sickness, the bipolar and untreated toxic family member who continues to cause chaos, mental illnesses, the job losses, the financial crisis, depression, loved one's who betray us, loved ones who choose not love you or be part of your life! All of it happens and all of it hurts,confuses, and bewilders even the strongest of souls.
How does anyone even get past it all? How can you go on with this darkness in your spirit sometimes that you feel is beyond being lit again, how can you soar when you feel like you have lost all will or reason?
I have learned that to question is ok... but in times where it seems "bittering" we need God. Not a god, but the one true GOD. We can stand on the corner of bitter or better and choose to walk in bitter but if we do it will destroy you from the inside out. We need a hope to believe in, we need a foundation stronger then who we are, and what we think were made of, and it only comes from obtaining faith. Faith is not a crutch, faith is the reason and hope that we all need when we go through things we don't understand.
We must choose in our minds that today will not be a day we will allow uncertainty to ruin us.
Whatever it is that you are going through today, you have to know that you are certainly not alone, this time is only temporary, and tomorrow is a new day.
But as for today... do not allow what you don't understand keep you from all that God has purposed you for in this lifetime.

Become all you were meant to be!

Do you feel like you constantly are up against a wall? Discouragement and sadness can come in like a flood and overwhelm. There are so many things that can come against us from day to day that can feel like everything is gone, you will never be happy, your life will never turn around. But it can! Reclaim your life...reclaim what negative things have tried to take from you. God wants you to soar and be all you were created to be.
In this FREE ebook which downloads automatically you can experience renewed perspective and hope.
Download today!!

Are you setting up to fail?

Let's check out some of the warning signs or red flags so to speak.

Keep in mind failure is not bad, unless as you learn from it. We all have all failed or made mistakes. Learning from them and getting up is what will make the difference.Ask yourself some of these questions, ask some trusted people in your life what they think as well.

Ask ... Am I this way or do I tend in this direction? 

- You are a major people pleaser. When big choices need to be made, you consult with everyone around you. Come up with a team and getting everyone's opinions about a decision you just need to make but won't because you don't want to offend, is a warning! 

- You stay in places and relationships that are not healthy or working. What would cause you to stay around people or places that you know are not beneficial? Is it low self esteem? Are you willing to let it go so you can be stronger?

- You secretly thrive on drama whether yours or everyone else 's. Gossiping about others whether you are in a professional group or not is wrong. Pretty good chance is they are talking about you too. Leadership needs to function at a higher standard. Adding fuel to the fires of slander and gossip only destroys people and unity. 

- You have no specific plans on how to reach a goal. Dreams are planted in all of us but without a plan you will never reach the goal. Set steps up as mile markers to achieve along the way. 

Dealing with manipulative people

Manipulative people can surface in many relationships. It is important not to confuse manipulation with "influence" . Someone that is influential creates balance and health and spurs you on to be a better person and reach your goals. Manipulation however is a tactic used to control others through lies, remarks, stories, actions,financial means, etc. It can rear its ugly head in many ways. What do you do and how do you handle this, especially if you have someone close to you has been manipulating people all their life. For some it is a way of life. It is not the correct way of life though. People like this are fearful, and in most cases can be very dramatic with their every day life. Most of the time their ultimate desire is self based and they will not have close personal relationships with others. Ultimately their manipulation backfires. But nonetheless, they can be difficult to deal with and you need to be able to recognize manipulation and stand up to it.
In some cases the manipulative person can and will target who they "can" and can't manipulate. Keep in mind....from an earlier post,.....There is no show without an audience! Same for manipulators....they can not manipulate others, if they are not allowed. If someone feels they can manipulate you, they will keep calling, keep coming back, and continuously showing up in your life for something unhealthy.
Keep a balance in your relationships. Keep manipulators at a distance. It takes two to tango...and it always involves two when their are unhealthy patterns. Have nothing to do with it! So, I know the question is there, what do you do when this person is someone in your family? A spouse, parent, or child. Obviously those relationships you can not walk completely away from. BUT, you need to be very specific, clarify what you will and will not allow and enforce that you have boundaries. This will not be easy, you will have differing opinions, but you need to keep unhealthy people in your life at a distance and make them understand how far they can go.
Maintain your character. Manipulative people lie. Keep this tactic in mind. Remember, manipulative people are driven by fear and insecurity and will do whatever it takes to make themselves feel better. Be true to who you are,  who have you always been, manipulators have a pattern and I guarantee you are not the only one in their lives who sees it.
Set limits with people who try to manipulate you and clarify what it is that the relationship will be. Some people you just can not be close to in all of the ways you want to be because of unhealthy patterns or destructive habits.

 photo:http://www.activatemg.co.nz/middle-management-development/

Leave the NOT POSSIBLE, behind!

Success is not a far off dream that you cannot attain.Success is not a dream that doesn’t happen.
Success is not a “maybe”.... Success is leaving that, "NOT POSSIBLE" behind. Turn all of the obstacles into stepping stones.Get out of your own way, sometimes you are the biggest reason things have not changed. Never accept defeat.Get excited.Think big.Make it happen.Be part of the one percent that DO IT! Leaving behind the people or the things that make you believe that your dreams are not possible....can be a very tough thing to do. Obstacles come in all kinds of forms. I have really had my share of obstacles, too many to write on here and honestly, I really do not want to focus on them anymore. Learn to use the things that trip you up as a tool to get higher to your ultimate goals and dreams. It does not matter what town you are from, it does not matter what family you had or did not have, it does not matter who has come against you, what matters is that you make a choice today to never be the same. Look to the future. Know that the plans and purposes are planted deep in your heart and it is up to you to fulfill them and get out of your own way.

Good News...The power of happy thoughts

I love getting good news, don't you? I really can not imagine anyone not loving good news. I know for me and my family we have had some tough few weeks. It seemed like we had bad news every day last month. Today I am thrilled and celebrating for two very special people in my life. I have two very dear friends who have had an "out of the blue" surprise and it proves that all things can become beautiful in time, and how God always makes things new.
In our world it seems that stress and gloom can bombard our thinking, it can weigh us down, make us sad, and even depressed.Taking time to think about the good things that have come into your life makes you value what is important and re-evaluate some of your goals. Filing our spirits and minds with good and happy thoughts actually improves the quality of our life. When we constantly focus on the negative or live a life of comparison it creates a breeding ground for unhealthy thoughts to take over.

By changing the way you think you can create a more positive environment for yourself and those around you. I am taking today to rejoice, it is so important to love others enough to be able to rejoice with them when good things come their way. Celebrate all of life's big and small surprises!!

The Guts and Glory

This week I have been reviewing and reading a new book co authored by Jordan Rubin. Dr. Rubin had incredible health problems and came out of this horrible experience and now is on a mission to help restore the health of other people. This new book is called, "Restoring Your Digestive Health".
He talks about a program called the Guts and Glory:
THE GUTS AND GLORY PROGRAM HELPS HEAL:

• Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Gluten and lactose intolerance
• Candida (yeast) infections
• Food allergies
• Recurring or persistent nausea
• Chronic constipation
• Urinary tract infections
• And many other serious ailments


From the Foreword:Restoring Your Digestive Health: How the Guts and Glory Program Can Transform Your Life offers new hope and help to the millions of people who are suffering from digestive disorders and are tired of treatments that do not address the causal factors responsible for their disease. In this book, Jordan Rubin and Joseph Brasco give not only a guided tour of the major reasons why our guts revolt against our modern ways of living, but step-by-step directions on how to reverse gastrointestinal complaints. 
This book is awesome.....check it out !!


http://www.amazon.com/Restoring-Your-Digestive-Health-Transfom/dp/0758202822

The Choice

"I've learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our dispositions and not on our circumstances." 
—Martha Washington


What an awesome quote. I have to agree! I have been through the valleys and stood on the peaks and every time it was the attitude that either made my day or broke my day.
How many people have had terrible things happen to them and yet remain ever still so humbled and sincere. Many times it takes someone to be broken into such small pieces that the only way for them to recover is to be made into something so "new" , beautiful, and rare.


Yes, life many times is not fair. You have the choice to make though in how you will handle yourself. What kind of decisions will you make? Will you choose to be healthier? Will you choose to be an overcomer? 
There are times to be sad, grieve, or mourn the loss of someone or a circumstance. But the fact is this, sooner or later you will stop crying and then you are going to have to do something about it!
Make the choice today that is will help you be a better, stronger, and more healthier individual. 

Fighting off post holiday depression

There is so much hype and excitement in the weeks prior to Christmas. However, afterwards there tends to be long winter months that may lead to depression. Depression can be treated naturally. Extreme cases may need medication. However, mild to moderate cases of depression can be treated with alternative measures.
Some ways to beat depression and get through the winter months.
1. Continue to get exercise. If you can not be outside, try to get to a gym or workout in small spaces of time indoors. Exercise is important to keep your mind and body healthy. Even if your walking it is better than doing nothing at all.
2. Take vitamins and incorporate more Vitamin D. Certain vitamin defiencies from an unhealthy diet can lead to depression. Also take Omega 3 as a daily supplement.
3. Watch what your eating and drinking. Caffeine and alcohol can deplete serotonin levels. An imbalance of serotonin can lead to depression.
4. Make sure you balance your diet and as many fruits and vegetables as you can. These are very high in antioxidants and help prevent disease and give you energy.
5. Get enough sleep. Sleep is a way that your body can restore itself. If your not getting enough sleep your body will break down over time.
6. Herbal remedies are extremely effective. St. Johns Wort for example has very few side effects and in many cases just as effective as a prescription. By taking this route is also allows you to be in control of what your putting into your body and your treatment.


More information and articles below for your own research:
Serotonin and Depression
Vitamins for Depression
How to Survive the Mid-Winter Blues

The Energy Crutch

You know it well....caffeine. That morning cup of coffee or two or even three that most people need to "wake" up. I too have found that there are days when I feel I need a cup. Caffeine in and of itself is not horribly unhealthy for you. It is when it is in huge amounts that it can be addictive. What makes the coffee unhealthy in large doses is the cream and sugar that is added to make it taste better. If it is becoming an addiction you can start to suffer from dehydration, anxiety, headaches, or even problems sleeping. There are some  things that have caffeine that you may not even be aware of that you are consuming.

DECAF- surprise! It does have caffeine, just on a lower level.
Mountain Dew- just because a soda is not cola, does not mean that is has no caffeine. It does!
Ice Cream- different variety's of the cold stuff can whip up a heavy dose of caffeine, in some cases it can be as much as a can of soda.
Weight Loss Pills- These little "trick" drugs actually can pack up to as much caffeine as 12 cups of coffee.
*(Zantrex 3) According to 2005 analysis conducted by ConsumerLab.Com.
Pain Reliever- Excederin, for example can have 130 milligrams of caffeine.

It is important to know what your consuming on a daily basis so you can respond to what your body is telling you. If your getting a headache you could be dehydrating, start to recognize early warning signs that you need to give your body what it is designed to process in order to work properly.
For more detailed information please visit: Health.Com 
Sources of Caffeine

For natural sources of energy without the caffeine...click here for product information and ordering.

Music Therapy Keeps You Healthy

Music has long been used to alleviate stress. Using this music technique has been documented even long ago in biblical times as David used the harp to alleviate depression in King Saul's life. Music can lift your mood, and elevate your spirit in moments. Everyone has a different favorite style of music. What could help one person may stress someone else out. It really depends on personality and music choice. The body responds to the beats with an increase of serotonin which helps fight depression and stress.
Some easy ways to use music therapy for your health.
1. Take a walk and listen to something motivating or soothing depending on your mood.
2. If you had a somber type of day listen to music that has uplifting tones and beats.
3. To create more relaxation find some music that has nature sounds or soothing sounds like water.
4. If you have had a bad day listen to a tune that can take you back to a fond memory or something you enjoyed.
5. Light candles and turn off bright lights as you listen to the music that will relax you the best for your overall health and wellbeing.

Self Doubt And Your Confidence Levels...Just Do Not Go Hand In Hand

Self doubt is a real killer. It can destroy your dreams, goals, business, or confidence. You need to be able to continue to recognize when it creeps in to rob you of your peace of mind and overall contentment in who you are as a person. In some cases your subconscious mind can be trying to protect you from getting hurt, burnt, or let down. Acknowledge that feeling and move on from it, because if you do not you could find yourself getting “stuck”. The worst and scariest place to be is a place of denial and self doubt.
Keep moving! Working towards your ultimate goals and dreams is what is going to keep you motivated. Action works! If you find yourself in a place where your unable to concentrate, your mind is wandering, or your feeling self doubt; get up and move around.
Take a walk, go to a new location, changing your surroundings is a simple task but can make a world of difference in your thought process.
Believing in yourself and who God has created you to be is key for being successful, healthy and for being able to move forward in your life.

Dream On!

Dreams! They are amazing and I am sure most of us all have a dream or a few we still want to see become alive and active in our every day life. There are some who let go of dreams because of heartbreak, financial instability, fear, or even insecurities. However, you are going to miss out on what your life was intended for unless you start believing in the reality of your dreams.
Even if other's do not support you or even provide encouragement to your dreams, keep pressing through until you make progress. Unfortunately, there are those people in your life that will never be happy for you because they are not happy with themselves. It is a harsh reality that at times is hard to understand, but you have something amazing that needs to take place in your life. Do you know what it is? Are there dreams you want to see come alive for you and your family?
Start today and do one thing to get yourself in motion to seeing the dreams unfold. All things are possible!! They really truly are possible.

The Importance of Self Care

As you pursue overall wellness and health in all area’s of your life. It is extremely important if you want to meet your goals,  that you take into consideration the following common factor in all of them.
YOU! There is nothing selfish in making sure you are a healthy individual. In fact, it is one of the most important things you can not only honor God with, but those who love you.
You are the one in which the power lies to choose. You make the choices every day that ultimately affect your overall vitality, spirituality, wellbeing, and health.
Why is self care so important?
- Self care and pampering leads to overall health to your spirit and emotional health almost as much as a healthy diet and exercise program. Proper relaxation techniques can help reduce stress, anxiety and tension which all can cause a variety of serious health problems.
-Self care is important because you matter! By taking time to care for the inner most part of who you are, your allowing others to see that you care about your body enough to make sure you are nurturing yourself so you can be the best person overall for those around you. This sends a clear message that you value healthy wellbeing.
-Self care makes you a better caretaker. How can you provide or care for other’s when you do not see the importance of making time for yourself to refuel and re-energize.
-Avoiding self care leads to overall feelings of unhappiness, exhaustion, sadness, depression, and often resentment.

Ways to incorporate self care:

-Enjoy a quiet bath.

-Make a place in your home a retreat and spend a few minutes there each day.

-Schedule time to meditate on the good things in your life/pray.

-Take walks or join a gym.

-Meet a friend for coffee or just to have some conversation.

-Schedule a massage.

-Sip on some herbal tea to relax your body.

-Get into the sunshine for at least 15 minutes a day.

Step Outside...of the Comfort Zone

Comfort Zone! The place where fear can keep you and life will pass you by before you know it. It is comfy in the comfort zone, it feels normal, nothing is to threatening, and you will most likely have a pretty average life.  But scary is a place when comfort becomes your best friend. Life is full of so many pieces and just like a puzzle you were given many pieces that make you an unbelievable creation meant to fulfill your purpose. There are places in your life you may be excelling in and feel you have complete control over, yet inside you feel like your dying for more! Or maybe your at a point where you are just sick and tired of staying the same, I don't know where you are at in your personal situations. It is time to step out of the familiar and get your feet into some new uncharted territory. Will you be scared? Most likely you will be petrified! The doubt and the fear though can keep you paralyzed and in a state of mind that literally keeps you from moving forward! You have to move forward. Keep your vision. If you don't have a vision, Get One! Vision is important and essential and without it people can not exist.
Be encouraged!

My Comfort Zone 
By Author Unknown

I used to have a comfort zone where I knew I wouldn't fail. 

The same four walls and busywork were really more like jail.

I longed so much to do the things I'd never done before, 
But stayed inside my comfort zone and paced the same old floor.

I said it didn't matter that I wasn't doing much.  
I claimed to be so busy with the things inside the zone, 
But deep inside I longed for something special of my own.

I couldn't let my life go by just watching others win. 
I held my breath; I stepped outside and let the change begin. 
I took a step and with new strength I'd never felt before, 
I kissed my comfort zone goodbye and closed and locked the door.

If you're in a comfort zone,
afraid to venture out, 
Remember that all winners were at one time filled with doubt. 
A step or two and words of praise can make your dreams come true.

Reach for your future with a smile; 
success is there for you