Why Garden? You Just Have To Do it All Over Again

Let's get one thing clear.  I ain't no gardener.  I hate gardening and when someone tells me that it is therapeutic, it makes me wonder.  What is fun about bending over all day in the hot sun, getting sweaty and filthy?  I suppose some people feel that way about housework or any number of things that we consider chores.  


The weeds grow back, the house needs cleaning......

HOWEVER...last week I looked at the flower garden and decided it was time!  It extends around the entire yard and has a million or so different plants.  Almost all of them bloom, including the weeds.

I spent four-and-a-half hours weeding one day and could hardly walk for a day or two afterward.  I found no satisfaction in it and after looking at the yard, it looked as though it hadn't been touched.  That means I have to do it soon - AGAIN.

Can You Tell the Difference?

Do You Have Health for Your Time Tomorrow?

I live in a world of miracles.  Every.  Single. Day.  Do you have any idea what that feels like?







Now many of you will nod and agree that life, in itself, is a daily miracle.  But I am one of those fortunate people who gets to experience outstanding miracles on a regular basis.  I get to be the recipient of hugs and I mean, really big tight hugs....when I have been able to give someone hope who has lost hope.

I am a health coach.  I have been one for thirty-five years.  I am also a symptomologist.  A WHAT?  I assess a client's symptoms and determine what nutrients they are missing in their diet that is causing distress.  So what in the world does that mean?

TAKE TIME FOR YOUR HEALTH TODAY

SO.......

YOU HAVE HEALTH FOR YOUR TIME TOMORROW

This is NOT the End of Your Story

As beautiful as the Christmas season is, it can be very difficult for many people to enjoy.  There are those of us who have lost someone close, perhaps a family member or dear friend.  It has been said that the 'first' Christmas after such a loss is especially challenging.  There are so many triggers to the memory of that loss.  

But we pick ourselves up off the ground and know that each year it will be a bit easier.  Or is it?  For some, it is still a serious emotional struggle.  They may hide it well and few people know or understand the pain of that loss.  When my son and his family walked away from our family five years ago, I maintained an attitude of hope that he would return before the year-end.  I will continue to maintain that attitude although sometimes that thread of hope gets thinner - I still hang on.  I will never give up.  I know it is not the end of the story.

What that loss has done is make me more empathetic to those who have lost much more than I have.  We cannot measure the bereavement for anyone other than ourselves because each of us process pain differently.  

But the season of Christmas is a reminder that we have much to be thankful for, to be joyful and enjoy the good memories and new ones we are about to make.

What memories we will make this
Christmas with these precious ones

You Are Going to Die - Now What?

When we hear the word 'cancer' something happens to us. It may feel like we got kicked in the stomach or our heart skips a beat. We react in fear whenever someone we care about receives that diagnosis.

That happened to me decades ago.  The doctor told me that the only possibility I would have of living more than a year would be to have a total hysterectomy.  Although I was very sick and struggling with a lot of pain and discomfort, I knew in my heart that I was born to be a mom and that couldn't happen if I didn't have the working parts.

As a young woman who had zero knowledge about cancer and no idea what I could possibly do to win this battle, I told my doctor "No, I won't accept that.  I am going to walk in here pregnant one day."

At that point, the doctor got extremely angry and almost spit at me when he shouted, "Then, lady, go home.....suffer....and die!"

Are You the Same Person You Were a Year Ago?

Are you the same person you were a year ago?  Have your views or opinions changed? 





There are often times in our lives when we feel like the world is crashing in around us and are overwhelmed with the drama in our lives.  There are other times when we may feel that life just couldn't get any better.  I have experienced both as many of you have as well.  

Someone dear to me jokingly often said,  "One thing is certain: If things don't change they will stay the same."  But I think you will agree that that is not true.  Everything changes. People. Circumstances. Everything.  One thing that must remain constant in our lives is our focus and our positive attitude.  This is crucial.  

You Can Hang on to Hope, Even if it is Only by a Thread

Someday....but maybe not today, life will be easier.

Someday.....but maybe not today, I won't have to work so many jobs to try to make 'ends' meet.

Someday....but maybe not today, I won't cry every time I think of my son who left us four years ago.

Someday....but maybe not today, I won't think of my two grandsons who I have not seen in four years.

Someday....but maybe not today, I won't gasp a little when I walk into a room and see my husband holding his head in his hands because the pain is stronger than usual and unbearable.

Someday....but maybe not today, I will be able to go for a walk with my husband -- even a couple blocks would be awesome.

Someday....but maybe not today, I won't have to deal with the stress of running my husband's business and trying to keep it afloat until the economy turns around.

Someday....but maybe not today.

Sure-fire Way To Handle Discouragement

Do you ever get discouraged?  The definition of discouragement is 1) the act of making something less likely to happen or of making people less likely to do something 2)  a feeling of having lost hope or confidence

Find someone to make you smile

If that is the definition of discouragement, then what is the definition of encouragement?  It is 1) the act of making something more appealing or more likely to happen 2) something that makes someone more determined, hopeful, or confident

The interesting thing about the definition of both words is that discouragement and encouragement are an act that WE do.  It is not done TO us.  We perform the act.  We choose to be discouraged in a situation or encouraged by it and make the decision to change it.

In our darkest times, we need to find something or someone who we know will make us smile. It helps change our perspective and view the situation rationally.

Can a 4-Year-Old's View of Marriage Be Enlightening?

Ever get a brand new major appliance that DID NOT work?  I was so excited to finally get a new washer and dryer operated by a computer instead of the old fashioned dials. The first day I noticed that all the bells and whistles were not functioning but assumed it was the operator, not the machine. But I soon realized that the only water temperature I was getting was HOT.

I did NOT need my jeans to shrink!  After calling Sears, they assured me it was a simple fix and a repairman would be there shortly.  I'm pretty easy going in these situations because I realize that mistakes happen; there are lemons that can be from the factory.

For the year that followed, I had three motherboards replaced and four repairmen try to fix it.  Every single time I called to find out the status of the replacement parts or when the serviceman was going to show up, I got the same response.

"I understand you are having a problem with a machine that does not fill up with water."

Each and every time I would tell them that there is no problem with the machine filling up with water -- but that NONE of the settings work and I cannot change the water temperature.

F I N A L L Y.....they agreed to replace the machine with a brand new one.  They showed up the next day and once again, I was thrilled to have a new washer -- and one that worked.

I filled the washer, turned it on and viola....it lit up like a Christmas tree.  YAY!

Three.  Minutes.  Later.  I hear 'ding' indicating the load was complete.  Clean clothes in three minutes.  This must be some kind of miracle.

I assumed I was having yet another blonde moment and needed to try it again.  Obviously, I did something wrong.  But, no, it was the exact same scenario.

I took all the clothes out, started the machine again and used a flashlight to see what was happening. The machine started with a gentle spin, then stopped, another gentle spin in the opposite direction and that was it.  Why?  BECAUSE THERE WAS NO WATER.

I knew instantly that they had given me a refurbished machine and let's just say you don't need to know what I told them -- but they are delivering a new machine tomorrow with an extended warranty -- their gift to me.  I'll keep you posted.

Get the picture?

Friends came for dinner the other night and brought their new dog, a French Poodle by the name of Mister Red.  We snapped his picture while he was sleeping on our living room carpet and when I looked at it later, I couldn't stop laughing.

Return the Child - He Is Not Yours to Keep

I stood there...exhausted.  Staring at nothing in particular and everything in general.  It was all a blur; fuzzy, like my thoughts.

Shock does that.  Moments earlier I held my infant son in my arms, cradling him, cuddling him.  Now my arms were empty.  The ache in my heart was like none I had ever experienced.  It only exaggerated the pain in my empty arms. No one could ever take that pain away except my son - back where he belonged.

Go Ahead! Make My Day!

Have you ever wanted to say something when you observed bad behavior in a public place?  Ever take the plunge and open your mouth to encourage a stranger who needed it?

It had been an exceptionally long day.   The summer heat was close to unbearable. It was my third day in a row that I had risen at 4:15 A.M. to travel to the city by ferry.  I was on my way home and missed the ferry by a few minutes.  I decided to have some dinner as the wait would be two hours for the next boat.

It was a long walk to the closest restaurant and I hoped the food would give me the energy for the walk back to my car.  I stopped at a little fish 'n chips place.  It was packed with only one table

available.  I grabbed it and realized how much hotter it was inside, but it felt good to sit down.

Only One Waitress.  I couldn't believe it.  Ceiling fans were the only source of moving air and I was relieved to be sitting under one of them.

"Miss!  I need you to turn down those fans as they are much too drafty!"  The 'lady' in the booth next to mine demanded.

Do Fragrances or Music Trigger Special Memories for You?

Walking through the meadow, I could smell the wild lilies.  This was remarkable considering I know little to nothing about gardening and flowers.  But I do recognize the difference between a rose and a lily (most of the time). Fragrance always triggers memories for me as much as hearing a song from the past.  Especially Rock from the 60s and 70s like the ones played in What memories are triggered when you hear these songs?  

Today was a day of reflections and my walk in the quiet country was what this Type A gal needed. The potent smell of lillies took me back to the most beautiful wedding I ever witnessed - my daughter's.  

As mothers everywhere, we hope and certainly pray that our children will make us proud, and I am no exception. What surprised and blessed me was how incredible my daughter turned out. 

Watching her grow up and mature into a beautiful woman and mother, I am awed by her wisdom and trust I had a little something to do with that.  As a mom, you will relate to my heart-warming letter in Dear Daughter, Why Did You Turn Out this Way?


Continuing my walk I reflected on my life and the major turn it has taken these past few months.  For years, I was a charter member of the club for people who had low self-esteem or poor self-image yet could hide it well.  So well, in fact, no one ever guessed what had happened in my life, tainted by abuse,

Do You Think it's True? Is Attitude Everything?

Since watching "Captive:  A Journey of Hope and Survival" with ABC's Robin Roberts, it confirmed what I believe to be a key factor to rising above insurmountable trauma.

Amanda Berry and Gina DeJesus were kidnapped and held captive for ten years by Ariel Castro, the father of Amanda and Gina's friend. Amanda was taken the day before her 17th birthday and is now 29 years old.  They were tortured, chained, and starved.  A bucket was their toilet and they were allowed one shower a week - with their abductor.

The house where they were held captive for 10 years

From the first day of Amanda's kidnapping, she kept a diary. Over the years she used every bit of paper she acquired to make her journal entries; i.e. take-out food bags.  The journal helped keep her sane and was priceless when writing her memoir.

I AM HERE - Untold Stories Of Everyday People

JUST PUBLISHED - FREE NEXT TWO DAYS

Something very exciting has happened – I have a story published in a book! It’s called I Am Here: The Untold Stories of Everyday People and is a collection of true, funny, heart-wrenching, and ultimately inspiring stories. It’s format is similar to Chicken Soup for the Soul and if you like those books, you’ll like this one.

Never Give Up Hope - Guest Post

When Corinne Rodrigues, blogger, writer, motivator,  asked me to guest post on her blog, Everyday Gyaan, I was honored.  I met her through a blogging challenge at Write Tribe less than a year ago.  She has graciously taught this novice various aspects of blogging with a lot of patience on her part.  She started the blog at Write tribe to motivate and support her fellow bloggers and writers.  I know you will benefit by connecting with her blogs.

Thank you, Corinne, for this opportunity.  

Here is the guest post I did on her blog:   Never Give Up Hope  

Over the course of ten years of writing my memoir, I struggled to find the perfect title.  The message I wanted to convey to my readers was that it did not matter what you have gone through, there is always the expectancy that tomorrow will be a better day.  I received a lot of title suggestions from family and friends but nothing seemed to click until my daughter was designing the book cover and suggested 'Battered Hope.'  The more I thought about it, the more I liked it.  I realized it told my entire story in two words.


Please go to Guest Post on Everyday Gyaan to read more.

Related articles:

• Guest Post at Everyday Gyaan: How Gratitude Will Help You Cope

Use your words - Attitude Is Key

I'm participating in two writing challenges today. This one is Use Your Words. After you've read it, be sure to click here to read my A - Z challenge on Dogs

 
I sat there. Staring outside. It was raining.

I watched the rain drops and tried to see them individually as I was trying to concentrate on each one. The harder I tried, the more difficult it became. I never minded the rain. Living in the Northwest U S, we get a lot of rain and people complain about it all the time.

Arrested, But Why?

The silence was deafening.  The only sounds I heard were coming from inside my head.  I could hear the blood rushing through my veins from the palpitations of my heart.  My sweater was moving to the uneven rhythm.

I had to keep telling myself to remain calm.  I must be very careful not to appear flustered or guilty.  I tried taking deep breaths to slow down the pace of my heart which took every ounce of my strength and fortitude.  I grabbed my knees with both hands in an effort to stop them from shaking.  But that didn't seem to help, and fear prevented me from thinking rationally.

Free Your Mind Now

No more pain.  No more tears.  No more worry.  No more stress. No more let-downs.  No more discouragements.  No more anxiety. No more bad news.  No more.

It's over.  I'm done.  I can't go on that way any longer.

It's a new day.  I will now live in hope.  In anticipation of good things.  

Turning my back on the past and concentrating on the future. Looking ahead instead of behind.  

Can I stay here?  Will I be pulled back?  

I must be strong.  I must focus.  I can do it.  I must.

Will you help me?

This was a 100 word challenge to write precisely 100 words without thinking - Free Your Mind

Photo courtesy of Flickr.com

• The Past, Mindfulness and Future
• I'll Pass On The Leftovers Of Anxiety
• Approaches To Follow While Confronting Anxiety - Tampa, FL

A Special Father and Lessons Learned

In a small German village on New Year's Eve 1903, my father, William Frederick was born. He was the oldest of thirteen children. Life was challenging and after his brother was born, my grandfather traveled to the New World to work and save enough money to bring his family to America.

TRAVELLING AS STOW-AWAYS

The day came when Grandma and her two boys could travel across the seas to unite with Grandpa for a better life.   There was not enough money for the three of them to travel as passengers; my dad and his brother were stow-aways in the hull of the ship.  It was a three week journey with little food for the boys to share.  My father was four years old and would beg the kitchen staff for table scraps that had been thrown away.  He was reprimanded for asking and given nothing to eat.

Yes, You Can Die Of A Broken Heart

There are many factors that contribute to a condition known as Broken Heart Syndrome.  Although it has been around for centuries, the medical profession has only begun to recognize it as a medical condition since the 1990's. 

They believe the condition is brought on by an adrenaline rush that happens shortly after a severe stressful situation. The left ventricle of the heart takes on a cone-like shape which resembles the shape of a pot the Japanese use to capture octopus called “tako-tsubo” which means “fishing pot for trapping octopus. “Tako-tsubo Cardiomyopathy” is now Broken Heart Syndrome's medical name.

How Do You Define Yourself?

Meet  Lizzie Velasquez.  She has a condition that is so rare only one other person in the world has it.  She cannot gain weight.  She has never weighed more than 54 pounds.  She looks at her disability as a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block and asks her audience questions to make us think how we use our negative situations to our benefit rather than our defeat.

I hope you enjoy this video and are challenged by this young woman who will definitely make you think.  She is not asking for pity, quite the opposite as she encourages you to see your circumstances in proper perspective.  She asks the question "How do you define yourself?"  Not  "How do others define you?"

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