What Have You Done For You Lately?

How are you doing? When was the last time that you took a moment to check in on your health and wellness?

It's so important that we listen and have a keen sense of our bodies to know the signals and symptoms that are gentle memo's to take note that something needs to be checked on.

Although you may be working to improve on your health and wellness through diet and exercise (which is excellent) you need to get a physical. In addition, it is important to know your family health history as well as your own. Some screenings may be more important than others based on your family's health history. No need to panic, your family's health history serves as a guide for the illnesses/diseases that may place you at a high risk level for the illness/disease.

Other suggestions are to treat yourself to a day at the spa. You can also place an order for some specially made to order spa products from Smell Good Spa They have a wide variety and great specials/sales.

But wait, there's more....
Yoga
Meditation
Healthy Eats/Treats

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

Celebrate Life!!

Life is what you make it.......

This past weekend was a big weekend for my family and me. I celebrated my birthday. As March 1st begins, the pre-celebration begins. It is another countdown for me, my very own personal new year. My family has all joined in to help me celebrate and although they say that can't wait for it to be over, they really make it a special time for me as well. With all of the excitement of adding another year to my life, it is also a moment where I can review and renew my commitment to being the best me that I can be.

Here's what I do to celebrate life.........

** begin each day with meditation
** give thanks for another day and all that it has to offer - challenges and all
** pray throughout the day - seek guidance
** give a shout out to the sun thanking it for doing such a great job
** take notice of the sky, see how beautiful the color is and acknowledge it
** on cloudy or rainy days, give thanks for the provision of water
** when it snows, admire the beauty of the snow
** show appreciation for the trees, plants, flowers, animals
** seek out positive affirmations
** smile, laugh, encourage
** give hugs and kisses to your loved ones, tell them I love you as often as possible
** work to make each day a great one and if it does not work out quite that way, look
forward to the next day
** be kind, thoughtful and considerate of others
** exercise and try to maintain a healthy diet
** pamper myself, treat myself to something nice :-)
** attend church, visit museums, go to the movies, concerts, plays, dine out, travel
** sing, dance, listen to music, read a good book
** make time for family and friends
** make time for me
** end each day with thanks

Do I ever cry, get angry, upset, disappointed, discouraged? Of course! I acknowledge those emotions as they are valid for the moment. However, as with the seasons, they are sure to come and go. I let them go and in some cases, it may take a bit longer to let go of the anger/disappointment. In the end, it is all up to me to let go and move on. The goal is not to pretend that life is all about sunshine, flowers, giggles and fun but to exercise the option to accept the challenges, seek solutions, let go of the things that hinders my happiness/progress - move on and celebrate life!

How do you celebrate life? (think about it)

Meditation - Get It Right

Every now and then I receive emails with questions about various topics that I've discussed on the Health and Wellness Show. Lately, I have received quite a number of emails that have a similar inquiry - Meditation.

Does it seem like everyone else who meditates and talks about the benefits have it together? Well, the truth is, I talk about meditation and how great it is. However, it took me quite some time to get it right - well, I am actually a work in progress. I have heard about the benefits of meditation by many successful people and even more importantly, I have seen references to meditation in the bible. Needless to say, I decided that I would go for it. My family was alerted to my plan and they knew that I was not to be disturbed unless the house was on fire.

I would go into my room, turn the lights off, sit on the floor with my feet folded in front and my eyes closed. I sit and begin to clear my mind, listen to my breathing and try to center myself - sounds impressive? Well, far from it. I find that even though I am doing all the things I am supposed to do, I am distracted by the silence. I am thinking of dinner, my tasks, my goals, etc. I would sit there and then force myself not to think of those thoughts and try to block out the thoughts and focus on nothing. What is nothing? How do you focus on nothing? I try to blank it all out and by the time I think I have found that space of not being distracted, I am now disappointed at myself for not getting it sooner. There's goes my meditation.

Well, that went on for quite some time. The best thing ever was that I did not give up. Here are a few tips that I found to be helpful:

1. Give yourself time to get it right
2. Set aside 10-15 minutes to try it out every day at the same time (if you can)
3. Go into a quiet room where you wont be distracted
4. Get comfortable sit on the floor, you can turn the lights off, light a candle, or dim the
lights
5. Allow yourself to quiet your mind by focusing on a mantra - repeat it to yourself until you
are comfortable to let it go and just be still

Keep in mind that it may take up to 20 minutes before you can clear your mind into silence. By the time you achieve silence, stick with it for as long as you can. As time goes by with consistency you will master the art of meditation. Who knows, you may be getting up at 5:00am to meditate for an hour.

A Powerful Health Benefit - Meditation

A Powerful Health Benefit - Meditation

Meditation has become quite the subject of controversy. The conflicts arise in the various religious takes on the act of meditation. The bible has many references to meditation. The spiritual benefit is to experience the ultimate connection with God. However, some Christians believe that Meditation has shifted away from God and moved to the power of the self and in some cases, other Gods. Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, New Age, Taoism and Jainism all embrace and promote meditation. It is an integral part of practice that they strongly believe will serve to enlighten and empower us. With respect to all religions, I would recommend mediation based on the findings of research studies that shows some of the great health benefits:

 It leads to a deeper level of relaxation
 Increases exercise tolerance in heart patients
 Slows the heart rate and increases the blood flow
 Reduces pre menstrual syndrome
 Lowers oxygen consumption
 Assist in chronic diseases like arthritis, allergies, etc.
 Boosts the immune system
 Reduces anxiety attacks
 Builds self confidence
 Helps keep things in perspective
 Provides peace of mind, happiness
 Helps you discover your purpose
 Increased self-actualization
 Gain compassion
 Wisdom
 Clearer understanding of yourself and others
 Unites the body, mind, spirit in harmony
 Higher level of spiritual relaxation
 Increases acceptance of oneself
 Helps you to learn forgiveness
 Changes your attitude toward life

The great news is that meditation does not cost you anything but your time. It requires consistency and a quiet place, preferably the same time if possible. Some place where you can focus on being still and cleanse the mind of negative thoughts while replacing the mind with positive affirmations. Keep in mind that this will take some time as your mind is filled with many thoughts that you have held over the years that’s where consistency is key. Don’t be alarmed if you find that you are having a tough time concentrating on being still – that’s when your mind begins to distract you with thoughts (what you would like to have for dinner, something you needed to do at work, plans for an event, etc.). Keep focused on being quiet let the thoughts flush through and begin to focus on quieting the mind. You may want to repeat a line in your mind “Nothing is impossible” or “I can do all things” - something that will give you a sense of calm. The goal of meditation is to lift your spirit to another level which should sustain you even when you are up and about. Why not give it a try, it may be the best thing you have ever done. Remember, consistency is key to experience the benefits of meditation.

What's More Important?

Having your own business requires consistent review. Ideas are continuously flowing and ways to improve are being flushed through your mind. Taking it up to the next level is the main goal - not wanting to miss out on being able to provide the services that your competitors are able to deliver. In fact, you want your business to be even better - stand out - completely unique in delivering services that others really need and you can give it to them.

Well, I have a list of questions that I often ask myself

• How am I doing?
• What can I do to improve?
• Am I offering my clients an invaluable service?
• What about my internal clients? Are they feeling appreciated?
• Are my external clients referring me to others?
• How effective is my networking?
• Am I investing enough time into my business?

More questions can be added to the list. However, most important in keeping your business report, be sure to take an honest look at yourself. Your well being - your physical, emotional/mental health are vital in doing business. Your purpose in doing business is not only to be your own boss, be in control but to also enjoy life on your terms. You want to live a prosperous life - well, you also need to live a healthy life. Be sure to take care of the business of your own health.

• Stay hydrated (drink water, 100% fruit juices)
• Make time to get pampered (spa, massage, body rub/scrub)
• Exercise (enjoy a yoga class)
• Meditate (quiet time to center yourself)
• Make healthy eating choices (salad, fruits, vegetables, vitamins, etc.)
• Visit your doctor and follow the standard health screenings
• Travel (plan a vacation - go see other places)
• Spend quality time with your family
• Donate your time, clothes, other items or money to a worthy cause
• Go out for a night on the town (concert, dinner, Broadway show, museum)
• Make time for a social gathering (group of folks who share common interests, friends)
• Play golf, tennis, chess, dominos, basketball, softball, base ball, etc.
• Go to a book store pick up that book you've been meaning to read
• Relax and begin to read your book - even just a chapter or two - then be sure to make some time to continue reading it again - even if you have to take it to the mandatory room (the place we all have to sit for a while).

You are in business with the goal of enjoying life. It's hard to step away especially when you are constantly working on something new or something that requires your attention, or just having to put that time in to see the business grow. It will grow but you will be surprised at the growth you can achieve by taking care of yourself. It builds your confidence - you will feel like a billion bucks, and most of all your business will improve.