Reflections of 2015!!!

May I begin with a big Thank You to 2015!!! Whew, what a year it has been. In fact, let's sing a few lines.
You take the good, you take the bad, you take them both and there you have the facts of life - The Facts of Life.
2015 began with me going to check on my health. I knew that this would be the year of health matters. The body is starting to show signs of an adult of a certain age. I was in the pre-diabetic stage, overweight and in need of a complete overhaul.

As Spring appeared, we prepared to celebrate the upcoming graduations in the family. Up first Ally who made it happen - plotting and planning her way through life. She sets her goals and goes after it.

We also began a Family Fitness Challenge which was exactly what we ALL needed. We set our personal goals and went on to shedding the pounds, changing the diets and monitoring our progress. There were many days where I had to pull out the pom poms to get to working out. With consistency, I was able to improve my health. The doctor was impressed, everything changed for the better. My clothes were impressed as they began to lose the grip as they had been working hard to keep it together - holding on n for dear life to keep me from being exposed.

A few weeks later, we were at the Lincoln Center in New York City watching another graduate Aimee walk across the stage to accept her degree. She also received an award and performed a solo, singing The Impossible Dream to a rousing ovation. Needless to say, it was quite an emotional moment.


In the meantime, I have already received the green light to have the documentary shown in the theater again in the Fall. With great anticipation, I look at my book where I write my vision and goals - keeping track of my ideas. While going through a run at the theater, I place it on the seat in the theater as I spoke with the manager. Suddenly, I became aware of the manifestation of my ideas.

Just in time before the summer began, Autumn graduated from Kindergarten. We are just as thrilled to celebrate Autumn's graduation as we are the college graduates. It's the stepping stones that they have all had to make. In comes July.

My colonoscopy revealed that I had cancer in the colon. Fortunately, I was able to have it caught early. However, I will also have to be on the alert through screenings and paying attention to any changes that may occur.
In the grand scheme of it all, I have always managed to cheer myself on through just about everything. It really makes a difference. You cannot depend on others to cheer for you, they may have so many other things going on in their lives. Grab your pom poms.

The summer was fantastic. Aoki celebrated her 1st birthday. The family picnic was wonderful. The King and I enjoyed our monthly date nights, summer concerts, taking our rides on the Road King (Harley) as well as the sport bike. As we nurture our commitment to each other, we are extremely grateful to God for the success of our children.

Aimee became a 6th Grade teacher. Ashley is loving her position as a Community Liaison. Dorothy is creating her own jewelry line and taking great care of Autumn and Theo. Ally went on to work for a cruise ship as her goal was to travel and get paid at the same time. Her next step, graduate school. Albert is doing wonderful and he's doing an excellent job carving his way through his college career.

Those pom poms took me to audible.com and other online audiobook sites, and they led me to the Off Broadway stage and once again to the big screen. The pom poms that I use are affirmations. I speak to myself, I tell myself that I can do it, I back it up with the scriptures from the bible. I can do all things. With God ALL things are possible, etc. In addition, I use affirmations from empowering speakers, Victor Hugo, Les Brown, Walt Disney, Dr. Wayne Dyer, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., Louise Hay, among many others.

After this amazing year has gone by and I say Thank You to 2015, I will continue to reflect at the end of each day and give thanks. I am tremendously excited about the incredible opportunities that awaits in the New Year. Of course, I have goals. I'm plotting and planning everyday. I'm also reviewing and revising as I go. Flexibility has proven to be the best path for me. Each day I begin with "I am open and ready to receive all the things that are in store for me." I trust the process as I believe that God has all things in order - all I have to do is step out on faith.



Reflections 2014
Reflections 2013
Reflections 2012
Reflections 2011
Reflections 2010
Reflections 2009
Reflections 2008

Family Fitness Challenge

Spring is almost over and summer is just a few weeks away. The goal to improve on our health and wellness continues as it has moved on to another level in the form a family fitness challenge. The Beast (my husband) has placed a call out to the family to join us as we work to shed the excess weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. It all began the day after Memorial Day we submitted our weight and the goal weight. The challenge is to get in a workout everyday, make healthy choices when we eat and we get one day to relax. On our relax day, we can indulge a bit in the thing/s that we love. On my relax day, I enjoyed a slice of apple pie and a bowl of ice cream after dinner on Sunday.

We check in daily, sharing our workouts of the day and cheer each other on. It's actually a fun way to hold each other accountable to stick to the challenge.


While we're all in this together, there's a bit of a competitive spirit that lies within us. Almost everyone has claimed to be the winner at the end of the challenge.

Here's an example of one of my workout sessions with The Beast
3 miles of running
3/4 miles walking
50 mountain climbers
20 Jumping Jacks
20 Jump Squats
20 Squats
30 Burpees

Needless to say, I think I know who will be the winner in the end ;-) How about you? Wouldn't it be great to encourage your family to join you in a fitness challenge?

A Happy Healthy Home - Living with Pets

Don't you just love your pets? People are becoming more involved in their pets way of life from style and transportation - I've seen it all. While at the airport, there was a couple with their small dog in a stroller. I thought it was the most ridiculous yet funny thing ever - clearly they were serious. We've since seen pets in strap on carriers, booties, leather outfits, etc. At one point the pet in the purse was all the rage. The love is oh so overwhelming. However, hugging and kissing your pets, handling their food and treats may cause you to become ill.

Dr. April Hodges, Nutritional Scientist with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) discusses the importance of handling pet food with care to avoid illness. Although it is rare that pets can become sick due to salmonella, the chances exist and most importantly, it can be very dangerous for humans, especially children.




The latest pet food recall and withdrawal lists:

FDA Pet Food Recall & Withdrawal List 2014

Reflections of 2013!!!

Au revoir 2013, it was so good to have the opportunity to experience you :-)


I am happy to share that it was another great year, yes it was. Of course there were challenges some tough ones and disappointing moments but I focused on being at peace even if I had to fight for it ;-) Peace won every time.

Each day is filled with thanksgiving as I acknowledge the good things. In fact each morning when I sign on to my laptop, my calendar pops up and a banner appears - Gratitude Celebration Day!!! It automatically brings a smile to my face and there are times that I actually applaud and say "Yay!"

My birthday was an extra special one as my grandson decided to crash in on my party - my personal new year. Theo made his debut and all the attention went straight to him :-) I have accepted that my birthdays will never be the same, I will be happy to share the spot light.


Once again, The Day That Changed My Life team participated in the Revlon Run Walk for Women's Cancers in New York City. Our team has grown and promises to be even bigger this year. We are also happy to report that a major company has contacted us and will sponsor our team for the upcoming walk in May.

As I worked on my assignments, I was given more work. Three books in the works!!!

Family
2013 was a year that allowed me to bond even more than I could have ever imagined with my family. Nothing beats the love and security of having my family. It was a thrill to be able to spend time with my siblings as we would meet and have dinner while discussing family business. In addition to my business travel, my husband and I had a get away weekend almost every month. We spent more time with friends, the ones we've been meaning to share more time with for the last ten years. We had so much fun, we actually got together again a few more times. We even traveled to New England to celebrate my cousins birthday, a huge deal for me as we normally visit the area when there is a death in the family. You know the unplanned family reunion that happens at funerals, this time it was just to enjoy another year of life earned.

2013 ushered in as I was well into working on improving my health and wellness, loving he Cross Fit experience. Sadly, I injured my knee which caused a bit of an interruption in my exercises. Having to suspend my Cross Fit was a tough transition, things were going so well. However, I worked my way through it and although I am not where I want to be, I am getting there - I promise.

I Believe in Miracles!!!
My spiritual life was enhanced as I committed to my early morning prayer and meditation. I began to experience a new level of awareness as I surrendered and asked for guidance. Among the highlights of 2013, here is one that I would love to share with you.

It happened on September 17, 2013. While out for a morning run, my mind was focused on the documentary that I have been working on for a few years (The Day That Changed My Life®). I use the time during my run to have conversations with God. Later on that evening, I was on Twitter. I noticed a tweet that stated: Did you meditate today? I thought to myself - Yes, I did but I can do it again now. I muted the TV, extended my arms and said "I am open and ready to receive" as things would happen, my phone rings and I thought to myself (I can't even meditate in peace) I knew it was on of my girls, and it was - my daughter Ally.

My daughter called to tell me that her best friend's boss wants to sponsor The Day That Changed My Life and our upcoming projects.

Well, at that moment I almost lost it. I screamed into the phone a couple of times "Are you serious???!!!" She said yes and they will call you in the morning.


I hurried up and went to sleep, welcoming the morning with a great big smile. Meditation, prayers, a good long run, showered and held onto the phone like my life depended on it. First a call at 10:38 am from her friend to find out if it was okay for her to give her boss my number. "YES!!!" I thanked her profusely and promised her a cupcake.

At 11:22 am the phone rang and once we exchanged hellos, my enthusiastic voice took over. He had heard of our work with the Off Broadway Play and our other projects and was interested in being a part of our projects through sponsorship. Thanks be to God, the documentary is scheduled to be shown in a theater this Fall.

Needless to say, this was no coincidence. I'm staying on the prayer and meditation track, it really makes a difference. I've even committed to the daily conference 5 am call to the 52 Days of Prayer/Focus which is hosted by my church.

Today and each day of 2014, I will set the intentions to make it a great day. I will give thanks and express my gratitude.
I am open and ready to receive all that 2014 has to offer, some days will require the seatbelt to buckled while I ride through the turbulence and other days I can release the buckle and run free through the clouds. It's just the way each year goes :-)

So with my arms open wide, I embrace the New Year. Come on 2014, let's do it :-)


Reflections - The Years in Review

Reflections 2012
Reflections 2011
Reflections 2010
Reflections 2009
Reflections 2008

It is Good to Give Thanks - Happy Thanksgiving!

There is something special about the holidays, at least for me. Thanksgiving and Christmas has always been my favorite holidays as it is a time when the family gets together and the room is filled with joy and laughter. The excitement of seeing your loved ones who travel from near and far makes for a wonderful reunion. It is also a time to share, inviting friends who may not have a family to celebrate thanksgiving. My friends would always fit right in and become a part of the family.

Thanksgiving is also a time that reminds us of our loved ones who are no longer joining us at the table. I miss my father, he was a great cook and I really wish he was still here. I also miss my father in-law, we would laugh and talk about any and everything. I loved his pies, they were the best pies ever made. However, there are those of us who have loved ones in the hospitals, assisted living facilities and nursing homes. Take a trip to visit your loved ones and if possible, see if you can arrange for them to be released for the day. Sharing the holidays not only lifts the spirits of your loved ones, but it also sends a subtle yet profound signal to the staff. Family involvement is extremely important.

Whether you are watching the parade, the football games, your favorite marathon movies, reality shows or sitcoms, talking and laughing loudly - remember to cherish the moments. Give thanks not only for the food and family but give thanks for being able to share with others. With that said, make a plate and take it to someone who may live alone and are unable to get around. Enjoy and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Do It Your Way?

We all have choices to make and I would love to make a few suggestions as you work to improve on your health and wellness.

I take great pride in making the declaration that I dance to the beat of my own drum and I really do. I consider myself to be one who loves life, enjoys being a mother even though it has some turbulent moments which we always manage to sustain. I love being a wife and a friend to my King that's what I call my husband :-) I have raised my children to be respectful, love life and to be a positive source with their time here on earth. I am what my parents would call their wild child. I was raised in a house with strict rules, we never missed a church service and could not wear pants. Somehow, I managed to be the rebel with my own cause getting spankings along the way and not one to be disrespectful, I just could not help myself - I had to be me. Now that I am a parent, I have a greater appreciation for my own parents yet I also understand my children as I see myself reflected through them (times 100). Don't smile, I can handle it.

There is joy in living life with an understanding of your own self. Take time to enjoy life. Be patient with your children, think of the child that you were and if by chance you were perfect, then forgive your children for their imperfections. Be a guide, express your concern. Let them know that you want to see them succeed. It's in no way easy watching them make the wrong choices but never let them feel that they are alone. Be the balance. Do not condone or make excuses for their bad behavior - call them out on it. You will be better off as it keeps you out of the denial/enabler category. Your child may not want to go to college, encourage them to become the best in whatever interests them (except for the illegal forms of making quick money which leads them to prison/grave). My relationship with my King works not only because we love and respect each other but also because we work out our disagreements without the intervention of others and we make time to do things that we love together and maintain our own individual activities.

You will be over the moon with a love of life once you are able to balance your life. Keep in touch with your friends or make new friends if your friends have moved or you have grown apart, it happens. Get a hobby or join a new club. Be active and make time to exercise. You do not have to join a gym, turn on the tv and work it out. Watch your portion size. You should see me working out frantically to shed these excess pounds before the holidays, they just don't belong on this frame of mine besides I have far too many cute items hanging in my closet waiting to make their grand return. If you have access to Veria TV you should check it out, it is a great resource of all things health and wellness. You will find great cooking recipes and programs to work out and at your own level.

Now with all that said on how you should do it your way, I would like to admit that as a child who did not like being in church every time the doors opened, I appreciate the teachings as they have kept me grounded. I am a better person for the lessons I have learned from my parents. I am often praying and meditating on the teachings of the bible. I believe that we have all been assigned to live and while we are here, we need to make the best of it. We are all here to fulfill a purpose and cannot do that if we try to be a duplication of someone else and you will know that because it wont feel right. Be still and ask for guidance, you will know it as it will come to you. I hope that you will make the best of it for years to come. Go ahead and do it your way!

Coping with Illness & Loss During the Holidays...

♪♪Tis the season to be jolly♪♪ you know -- the songs, the smiling faces, the decorations, the gifts, the atmosphere is all in a festive mood yet not everyone is sharing in the joy of the season. There are families who are having a tough time sharing in the festive season.

This may be the first time that everyone is gathered to spend the day as they always do except that there is something different this time, someone is obviously missing. The loss may be from a divorce, separation, military deployment, illness or death. Whatever the reason, it can affect the mood of those who are facing the holidays without their loved one.
In the case where your loved one is in the hospital, nursing home or rehabilitation facility, perhaps a visit will cheer everyone up. It will definitely make your loved one feel better knowing that he/she is not forgotten.

Remembering the good times is key. Memories may deliver a mixture of emotions. One moment there may be tears as you wish that your loved one could be with you all, while the next moment may be filled with laughter as you recall the happy times. Laughter is the best medicine, I know, laughter has helped us through some very tough times during the holidays. It sure takes adjusting especially in the cases where there is a permanent loss.
There is a saying 'Time heals all wounds' which it does. However, it takes time - some longer than others. The best way to cope is to acknowledge your feelings then allow yourself to embrace the transition of understanding that while life will never be the same, your life must go on.

Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, Christmas Sales.....

All the media and businesses are a buzz with the special themed sales. Nothing new here except that it just seems to be a bit more intense this year. What's really going on? Are we out of a recession and no one sent an alert or a memo to those still unemployed or barely making ends meet - population.

The lines of people waiting for special deals often begin in the wee hours of the morning or in some cases, days in advance. Of course, some people may think that this is ridiculous while those on line believe that they are at an advantage of getting the items they need at a price that they could either afford or will never be able to get if not purchased at that price even if it means sacrificing their payments on other important bills.

Many people turn to their credit cards to splurge well beyond their means. They want to be a part of the celebration season exchanging gifts. No one wants to look as though they are a Scrooge, cheap skate or just too broke to participate. Well, if you are unemployed or working for a minimum wage or in a part time position, then you should not stress yourself.

So be honest with yourself. No need to go out shopping and impressing others. At this point, there is no need to keep up with the Joneses. The Joneses can no longer afford it either, many of them have also suffered quite a bit financially. Tell your family and friends that you wont be able to purchase gifts, perhaps you can bake a pie, cookies or something made with love. They will understand and if they don't - they're being inconsiderate and that's not your problem. If you get caught up and shop then you will most certainly be sorry later on. If you avoid spending money or using your credit cards (if you have any) you will be surprisingly richer and happy when the season is over. Don't stress yourself.

Reflections of 2009!

2009 is rapidly coming to an end and I am reviewing the year for all that I have encountered. What a year this was for me! There were exciting moments and of course the ever consistent challenging moments. My year began with the completion of my first audio book The Day That Changed My Life Cancer an uncertain journey which was completed in January and by April it was available worldwide on line. In June, the audio book was translated in French and German and was also being picked up by other on line audio book stores. I traveled quite a bit for professional and personal reasons. I spoke at symposiums and conferences. I became a mentor and I am actively engaged in mentoring which by the way is quite rewarding.

By August, the second audio book The Day That Changed My Life Cancer an uncertain journey (Parents Edition) was released. It was also translated in French and German and available world wide all on the same day. While celebrating the accomplishments of the audio books, I began working on the book that will feature many more stories submitted by survivors. As I have worked on my assignments, more ideas were added and now I have three big projects that are currently in progress.

With all of the exciting achievements, there were also those family moments of celebration, health related concerns, graduations, deaths and births. My nephew who is more like a son, joined the army and left for Korea. I became a guardian of a wonderful 2 year old boy. My mother and I shared some great conversations that gave a deeper insight to her life as a little girl all the way to her present day. My husbands' grandmother celebrated her 100th birthday! My daughter gave birth to her daughter and I became a grandmother!!

And for all the years that have passed, I have noticed that they have all had the same things in common - unfinished goals. I will continue to set my goals but I am so pleased that there are things that are not even thought of but will somehow become a part of a great achievement as I am open and I look forward to it!

2010 I say -- Bring It On!!!!!!!

Refelctions of 2008