Squeezing in Some Tips

Hi Everyone,

How have you been dealing with this crazy weather?  Ish!  I recently returned from a cruise to Hawaii, and unfortunately the state was in the middle of horrendous rainstorms! So, that was a downer, even for this Mary Poppins clone.  GIVE ME SOME SUN!  There, that felt good.

Anyway, I haven't written a post for March, and it's almost over, so I'm trying to squeeze one in.  First, here are some quotes I've recently posted on my Pinterest "inspiring thoughts" board.  I'm sorry that I don't know who to give credit to for coming up with them.

Never regret anything, because at one time it was exactly what you wanted.

Here are three simple rules in life:
1.  If you do not go after what you want, you'll never have it.
2.  If you do not ask, the answer will be no.
3.  If you do not step forward you will always be in the same place.

I need to be skinnier love myself.

Did you like those?  They sure made me stop and think.

Have you ever wondered how much more a stability ball pushup works your muscles?  About 30%Consider cranking out a few during the commercials of your favorite TV show.

Have you ever seen the Omega-3 enriched eggs at the store?  Three of those will have the same amount of those healthy fatty acids as 3 ounces of salmon.  Which do you prefer?

That's all folks!  I hope all is going "well" with you,

Mary R.

Have You Ever........?

Hi Everyone,


Well, shucks.  I wrote this post a few days ago, when the sun had been out for a few days and I (for one) was on a super emotional high. Why didn't I send it out then?  I guess I felt it needed more editing.  Now, it's been raining steadily, and I wonder if I should even go ahead with my post.  Well, what the heck, I'm an optimist, so, here goes:

Isn't time just flying by?  Where did January go?  At least here in Oregon we're getting some very pleasant weather.  The sunny (rainless!) days seem to be motivating people around me to begin their spring cleaning; dust the bike off for a nice country ride; or try some other fun project/activity.  With all this energy I'm seeing and feeling, I'm hoping this post can help motivate you to try something that might put a smile on your face, or on someone else's face. Some of the ideas listed below were gleaned from a book titled, "Keeping Life Simple," by Karen Levine.  What does this list have to do with wellness?  Everything, in my opinion.  Like I've said before, I think a holistic approach to improving our quality of life is the best approach to being healthier and happier.

How about trying some of these suggestions:
*Keep a dream journal next to your bed.  Write down your dreams the minute you remember them,  then try to analyze why you were dreaming about that topic.  Or, how about a gratitude journal?
*Check out the hiking trails in your area.  Invite a friend!
*Roast a marshmallow over candlelight.  Or, have a campfire on a nice evening.  Invite the neighbors.
*Bake bread from scratch.  Kneading can be so relaxing.  Then there's the smell and taste of the finished product, too.
*Try selling something on Craigslist, Ebay, or at a consignment shop.
*Interview an elderly family member about his or her childhood.  Take notes, and a picture.
*Wash the car, inside and out, instead of going through a car wash.
*Invest in a set of wind chimes.
*Purchase fruit, vegetables and flowers from local farmers.
*Donate your time, your blood, something!
*Try stretching first thing in the morning, to beautiful music.  How about 21 days in a row--make it a habit!
*Take a warm bath, with candles, and nice music.  Put a towel in the dryer to use right after you get out of the tub.
*If you've never listened to a book on tape, give it a try.  Check your local library's selections.
*Make a list of the medicines and supplements you take, and put it in your wallet or in your car's glove compartment.
*Are there any young children in your life right now?  Make a memory game for them, using double sets of photographs.
*Consider putting a clothesline up outside, so you can dry your sheets.
*Start an herb garden.
*Make a list of the family vehicles, put it inside your kitchen cupboard, and keep track of tire rotations, oil changes, repairs etc.
*Keep a file of the paint color names and brands you've used in your home.  List the names of the stores where the paint was purchased, too.
*Purchase or make a birdhouse, and start feeding the birds. 

Can you add anything to this list that can help streamline our lives, and/or bring more enjoyment?  I'd love to hear  from you.

Meanwhile, I wish you wellness.  I hope the dry days come back, too!

Mary R.


 

Obstacles

Hi Everyone,

How is 2012 going for you so far?  If you made a resolution, or goal, it's time to check on yourself to see how it's going, and whether or not you want to revise it.  Remember the resolution I shared?  I said I would try to schedule an appointment with myself, at least one day a week, to work on my book.  Well.......  it's not happening quite that way, so I need to revise that goal.  Successful goals are specific and measurable.  

Some obstacles have gotten in my way.  Nothing bad, really.  I've just had to make a lot of adjustments lately.  Here's a visual that helps me.  Maybe you will find it helpful as well.  Are there obstacles that block the path you're trying to take?

I don't like scheduling things too far in advance.  Last week I traveled, and this week I had company. A flexible schedule works best for me, at this point.  So, here's my goal, now revised:  I will make a chart and color in every individual hour I spend researching and writing for the book, aiming for at least 8 hours a week.  That way, I can try to find moments here and there, if indeed I can't schedule a large block of time.  Some weeks will be easier than others, and I will eventually know what it's like to spend a good chunk of time at the library. 

Looks like today's post is mostly about me, and my goal, but I hope the lesson I've learned about being even more specific, and being willing to revise, will help you as well.  I like the path pictured below a lot better than the one pictured above, don't you?

I hope this finds you all well and happily moving forward towards any goals you might be working on. 

Mary R.