Archive for June 2010

How to be a Kid

06/25/10 Jan Comments (0)

The Self Care Scoop

Need some ideas on how to be a kid?

Treat yourself( see box above) to ice cream from the ice cream truck.
Go to a water park like Water World or just a park with a water feature and cool off! Take the squirt guns and make sure you get the good one!
Ride your bike to the farmer’s market and enjoy the colorful display!
Swing on the swings so high that you get that funny feeling in the pit of your stomach!
Learn how to play a new sport.
Learn how to make music.
Sit in the coolness of your basement and color a picture.
Catch lightning bugs.
Bake bar cookies early in the morning before it gets hot.
Go to a baseball game.
Enjoy a summer concert.
Watch the fireworks.

Take time to laugh,
Laugh at yourself.
Lighten up!
Bring more joy into your life.

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Categories : Inspiration and Connection

Tags : Be a kid, be joyuful, laugh, lighten up, music

Making Lists Only to Check Things Off!

06/23/10 Jan Comments (0)

We are on our way to Boston tomorrow to drive up the coast of Maine for a wedding. I can’t tell you how many lists I have made to get ready for tomorrow. A few days of relaxation and celebration sounds amazing. Countless grocery lists, and clothing lists, and to do lists have kept me on track to make sure that when I get on the plane tomorrow, I am as ready as I can be.

Last night, I attended Women, Wine and Wellness, and Lisa Schultz, the Founder, presented on the eight things she does every day to keep organized. Starting the day off right, calling new prospects and existing customers, writing thank-yous or notes of appreciation, reading, writing, exercising, and recalling reasons for gratitude are all on Lisa’s list. Once she has that done, then she moves into other important tasks for the day. Lisa loves days when her top eight things are done before lunch.

I knew a woman once who would make her list part way through the day and write down things she had already done, only to check them off. There is something magical about checking off, or crossing things off a list. It gives us a sense of accomplishment, no matter how small the task. I am one of those people who never feels like my work is done. I believe that using Lisa’s system, I can not only organize my day in a more efficient way, but I will be able to look back and see the work that has been completed. Checking off each of the eight things as well as the important tasks will let me know that I indeed have something to show for my efforts. And the more accomplished I feel, the more successful I feel, and that just leads me to complete the whole process again.

I love that Lisa focuses so much on relationship building, which is truly the only way to grow your business. Sending notes of appreciation and connecting to others on a daily basis creates relationships that will become strong over time. Any business is not grown overnight but must be developed and nurtured, just like connections, so that when a person is in need of a service you offer, you come to mind easily because of the work you have done beforehand.

If you have not made it to one of Lisa’s events, it is a real treat. Get on her website and see how you might get yourself connected. www.womenwineandwellness.com

Δ Meet New People and Build Relationships

Then you too can check something off your list!

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Categories : Inspiration and Connection

Tags : appreciation, building relationships, checking off accomplishments, creating lists, gratitude, Women Wine and Wellness

Snacks vs. Treats

06/20/10 Jan Comments (0)

What is the difference between a snack and a treat?

Snacks are nutritious and filling mini meals meant to be eaten in between big meals in order to keep your blood sugar levels normal. Treats are occasional indulgences. Unfortunately, our kids are eating more treats than they are snacks. And they spend more time in front of the television with no time to burn off the calories of the treats.
Here are a few ideas to help you feed your kids healthy snacks this summer. Notice how each snack contains a bit of protein to curb hunger by keeping blood sugar levels even.
kids with fruit

These snacks all have about 150 calories. Kids and adults only need two snacks a day.

*1 cup grapes and one serving of string cheese
*1 cup baby carrots and 4 T hummus
*1/2 cup berries and 6 ounces low-fat plain yogurt
*3/4 cup melon and 1 ounce cheese
*3 stalks celery with 1 1/2 T peanut butter
*1 banana blended with 1/2 cup low fat milk

USA weekend article April 23-25, 2010

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Categories : Inspiration and Connection

Tags : 150 calories, snacks vs. treats

Power

06/19/10 Jan Comments (0)

Power

When she learned that she

didn’t have to plug into

something or someone

like a toaster into the wall

When she learned that she

was a windmill and had only

to raise her arms

to catch the universal whisper

and turn

turn

She moved

Oh, she moved

and her dance was a marvel

Carol Lynn Pearson

As I was walking through my daughter’s room today, I noticed this poem on her shelf, her altar that contains precious stones, pictures, feathers, and all things that remind her of her divinity. I gave this poem to my daughter at her Coming of Age ceremony, a time of welcoming her into the sisterhood of women. On this special day, the women in her life told stories, gave gifts and let her know the joys and sorrows of being a woman.

Today, as I reflect on this poem, I am aware of how many times I have “plugged in” to someone or something to find meaning, and I come away empty handed. I am reminded that the only place to truly find meaning is in my relationship with the Divine. When I am centered and focused on the love that comes from God, I can do my own happy dance and move more freely in the world.

In a week’s time, I will be on the beach facilitating a bridal ceremony for my friend Emily. We will talk about this poem, because I have watched Emily time and time again, unplug from that which doesn’t serve her and plug into her own power. The only way to be in relationship with another person is to be strong in your own power and connect with another at the heart level. If you come into a relationship expecting another to be your power, you are setting yourself up for failure.

Emily is strong in her convictions, faith and love. She is already an amazing person and will make a great life partner for Rob. And I will rejoice in the dance they will create together.

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Categories : Inspiration and Connection

Tags : courage, plugging into your inner power, power, self care, unplug

Little Pieces of Light

06/17/10 Jan Comments (0)

Originally Posted in March to another blog.

Today in my Philosophers Notes, I was asked to answer the question, “What lights me up? What is my passion?” It was easy for me to answer writing because I have been doing it all my life. It is my way of expressing myself and understanding the world around me. I also have to say that what lights me up is being able to sit with a friend, hear her pain, and respond with love. This morning I was with a friend who is suffering from adrenal exhaustion. We talked about how hard it is to take care of ourselves when we have a family. It is easy for us to always put their needs above our own, leading to more exhaustion.

I know how difficult it is to travel a journey toward wholeness after an illness. I spent 150 days in the hospital fifteen years ago due to a Strep A infection. I was forced to take care of myself in order to get out of the hospital. My journey did become more complicated when I returned home because now my husband was taking care of three little girls and his wife! There were many days I felt guilty taking time for myself to nap or rest. It is much more difficult to take care of yourself when there are others whose needs may feel more pressing.

As I shared part of my own healing journey with my friend, I realized how powerful it was to say, “I have been there, and although it isn’t easy, you will get through this.” It was as if little pieces of light feel across her face shining some hope into her worn out spirit. Sitting with her today reminded me of the story below.

The Story of the Ashes

“Jacob, where do you find the strength to carry on in life?

“Life is often heavy only because we attempt to carry it,” said Jacob. “But I do find strength in the ashes.”

“In the ashes?” asked Mr. Gold.

“Yes,” said Jacob with a confirmation that seemed to travel a great distance.

“You see, Mr. Gold, each of us is alone. Each of us is in the great darkness of our ignorance. And each of us is on a journey. In the process of our journey, we must bend to build a fire for light and warmth and food. But when our fingers tear at the ground, hoping to find the coals of another’s fire, what we often find are the ashes. And in these ashes, which will not give us light or warmth, there may be sadness, but there is also testimony. Because the ashes tell us that somebody else has been in the night, somebody else has bent to build a fire, and somebody else has carried on. And sometimes, that can be enough.”

Noah ben Shea

I have my own story to tell. I think that my healing journey may help others find their way through difficult situations. Maybe my words will be the coals someone bends to find in the midst of their pain. It is time to write so that others can hold the pages in their hands, and be warmed by the hope that they too can carry on. I look forward to bringing you excerpts from my book as I begin to tell my story of finding God in the midst of pain, and healing even though a chronic condition remains.

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Categories : Inspiration and Connection

Tags : Awareness, communication, health, illness, journey, Little pieces of light, Living in the present moment, pain, reflecting on encounters with others, self care, Story of the ashes, strength, The Book Project

Not just fair weather friends

06/14/10 Jan Comments (0)

Yesterday, my daughters and I went out in the rain to support our friend Jen Koralewski who has epilepsy. We did a 5K walk with a thousand other people who know someone affected by this disease. 43,000 people in Colorado have epilepsy. One sign that got me was the one that said, “I have epilepsy and I am not even three yet.” I think Jen realized how many people truly love her because we walked through rain to support her.

I know of fair weather friends. They are the ones who show up when your life is good. They don’t want to hear the real answer to “How are you.” They like being a surface friend, one that only wants to skim through your life and not really be a part of it. Then there are those friends who only have to look at you with their hearts, and you are connected by their love.

Jen and I share a special bond, because we have both faced health challenges. Although my health is no longer in acute danger like Jen’s, we have many experiences that tie us together and help us to understand the difficulties of living with a chronic condition. In the writing of my story, I am looking back to those days when my illness was at the forefront of my life, and sometimes, I just barely made it through the day. Writing about where I was gives me great perspective, especially in those days where I feel stuck.

Jen has a lot of courage to face this illness head on, and to become a warrior for all those who have epilepsy. She is an amazing example to her family and friends that you keep on keeping on, no matter what life throws you.

Here’s to Jen, and her husband Ski,and their two beautiful children. I am grateful to have them in my life, and to get to see Jen’s courage in action. The thing is, she doesn’t think she is courageous. Yet anyone who lives with a chronic condition and still smiles her way through a day is very courageous in my boat.

Thank you Jen, for being a living example of God’s love in the world.

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Categories : Inspiration and Connection

Tags : acceptance, allowing, courage, epilepsy, Faith, gratitude, trust, walking

What are you Playing at?

06/09/10 Jan Comments (0)

Happy Summer! The season is just a few weeks away and already, families are into the swing of the summer routine: backyard BBQs, swimming, baseball, vacations. It is fun to watch families out riding bikes together, and walking in the park. I think summer can be a real time of slowing down and focusing on family time. Yet it can also be a time of filling the schedule so full that we don’t have time to breathe. A friend of mine mentioned that her high school son plays 60 baseball games in 45 days. He doesn’t have time for a summer job, and probably not a lot of time with friends, except on the field.

When did we become a society that forgets that unstructured play is necessary for our bodies and souls to find balance in this busy world? I remember spending hours at the pool each day without a care, bouncing around in the water so much that I would have rubbed the skin off the bottoms of my toes. Or I would hang out with my friend, playing in the cool basement just to get out of the heat.

What was your favorite summer activity? What is it today?

I know that as an adult, I have let my play slip out of my life. Luckily I have a family that revels in play, so my summer resolution is to add more laughter and play into my daily routine. (See, I even want to schedule play, just like a meeting!) Instead, I am going to be open to the moments when spontaneous laughter shows up, causing tears to roll down my face. I vow to take time to play in the dirt and plant flowers, swing on a swing at least once, and let the wind blow across my face.
I hope you find an abundance of and/or create play, delight, laughter, and joy this summer!

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Categories : Inspiration and Connection

Tags : creativity, laughter, leisure time, Play, playing games, unstructured play

Blessings for my friend Darleen

06/02/10 Jan Comments (1)

My wonderful friend Darleen took a tumble a few nights ago while staying in an unfamiliar house. She fell down a flight of stairs and broke both of her arms, which will require surgery tomorrow. Her husband heard her calls for help and tumbled down the same stairs, although he didn’t break anything. Although Darleen will be fine, they are looking at several months recovery where she will be dependent on Bruce for everything.

I am reminded of when I fell in January on the ice and broke my wrist and had to have surgery. It seemed like the longest time that I couldn’t do anything with my dominant hand. I had to learn to use my left hand for everything, including writing. I felt like I was at such a disadvantage, right a the time I wanted to be writing my book. I had to re-evaluate my goals and be realistic about what I could accomplish during my recovery period.

Darleen will have a much more difficult time. With no arms to use, she will depend on Bruce for all of her care, and that could be weeks, depending on how long she is in splints or casts. There will be many lessons for Darleen to learn and she sits back and learns to let others help her.

Darleen has always been an amazingly independent woman. I have known her for almost 10 years. I have looked to her as a leader in the two businesses we have worked in together. Now her way of leading will be to show us how to graciously accept help. Her many friends will rally around her and help her with a speedy recovery.

Darleen’s team is stepping up to create some income so that she doesn’t have to worry about the business. That is one of the best gifts of network marketing: When you have built relationships with others, and life hands you lemons, your team will help you make lemonade! All of us wish her the best and are praying for strength for the next few months. And we will be doing our best to help her by building our own relationships with people who are looking for a change in their lives. As we bond together and share the gifts we have in our company’s products and unsurpassed business opportunity, we will grow our businesses and in turn, create a financial cushion for Darleen. Network Marketing is one of the most ethical business models I know, and I am proud to be involved in making the world a better place by helping others take charge of their lives, and working with a team of people who want to make a difference.

Comments (1)

Categories : Inspiration and Connection

Tags : acceptance, allowing, ethical business, letting go, network marketing, self care

Guest Blogger: Andrea Constantine

06/01/10 Jan Comments (2)

I continue to be inspired by Andrea’s writings and thoughts about being in the flow. We are our own worst enemies, pulling ourselves off track. Andrea’s columns are a great reminder to be in a state of awareness and allowing, and trusting that you are in the right place. Enjoy! Jan

A Sign For Change

There comes a time in our lives and businesses that things begin to unravel. We may feel restless, exhausted, confused or hopeless. Whatever the feelings may be we know that in our core that these are not the feelings that we want to live in.

These emotions; however, daunting they may feel bring out a truth that we cannot deny. Wherever we are, or wherever we are headed is not aligned with our spirit. These feelings come as a warning sign that we have misdirected our course, that we’ve gotten off track, or perhaps the pathway we’ve been on has simply expired and a new one is ready to emerge.

Whatever the outcome may be, the truth is that these feelings and emotions are simply a sign for change.

As scary as change may be, in times of distress or duress, it can be the fastest way of moving towards something that is more aligned with who you are now in this very moment.

There comes a time when you simply have to shake things up. You let go of commitments, beliefs, people, ideas, and ways of being that no longer serve you. You open up the space to allow what is needing to come through to evolve and be shown to you.

You drop your guard and surrender – knowing that the Universe never takes you down a path that doesn’t serve your highest good. You simply give up your will, for the will of the divine.

As you allow yourself to be lead, as you stop leading your life, and you simply wait for the answers – the inspired action to move you forward, you are able to move into a new space, a new direction.

Despite the painful feelings of the past you know they were simply a sign for change, a message from the Universe that things are about to get shaken up.

And while you may not see the steps of the new path, you trust that what lies ahead is a way for you to be more, serve more people, and achieve your greatest purpose.

But you see none of this could happen if you keep holding on to where you are right now, if you are still forcing things to look the way you want them to look, and if you are fighting the signs of change.

But what if you simply surrendered, you moved out of the way, opened up the gates of divine wisdom, stepped aside and said out loud – I’m done, I’ll let you lead now.

How beautiful would your life look then?

Andrea M. Costantine is the Service & Soulful Marketing Strategist, helping conscious business owners find easy and authentic ways to market their services utilized whole person and spiritual marketing strategies. She’s passionate about freedom, self-expression, and inspiring human potential. You can find out more about Andrea and her work at www.andreacostantine.com

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Categories : Inspiration and Connection

Tags : allowing, in the flow, journey, letting go, soulful marketing, trust