Just for Today
Just for today, I will try to live through this day only,
and not tackle my whole life problem at once.
I can do something for twelve hours that would appall
me if I felt that I had to keep it up for a lifetime.
Just for today, I will be happy.
This assumes to be true what Abraham Lincoln said,
that "most folks are as happy as they make up their
minds to be."
Just for today, I will try to strengthen my mind.
I will study. I will learn something useful. I will not be
a mental loafer. I will read something that requires effort,
thought and concentration.
Just for today, I will adjust myself to what is, and not
try to adjust everything to my own desires. I will take
my "luck" as it comes, and fit myself to it.
Just for today, I will exercise my soul in three ways:
I will do somebody a good turn, and not get found out.
I will do at least two things I don't want to--just for exercise.
I will not show anyone that my feelings are hurt;
they may be hurt, but today I will not show it.
Just for today, I will be agreeable. I will look as well as
I can, dress becomingly, talk low, act courteously,
criticize not one bit, not find fault with anything and
not try to improve or regulate anybody except myself.
Just for today, I will have a program. I may not follow
it exactly, but I will have it. I will save myself from two
pests: hurry and indecision.
Just for today, I will have a quiet half hour all by myself,
and relax. During this half hour, sometime, I will try to
get a better perspective of my life.
Just for today, I will be unafraid. Especially, I will not be
afraid to enjoy what is beautiful, and to believe that
as I give to the world, so the world will give to me.
-Kenneth L. Holmes
Monday, December 14, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Simple Recipe
Simple Recipe
Just sharing this nice reminder. Author unknown.
It came as one of those typically annoying mass e-mails, but with some surprising relevance to it.
Hope it does something for you, too.
Best,Robert
******************************************************************************A GREAT RECIPE
1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Talk to God about what is going on in your life. Buy a lock if you have to.
3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to __________ today. I am thankful for______________'
4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
5. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli , almonds & walnuts.
6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
7. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.
9. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
11. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
12. You are not so important that you have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
14. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'
17. Forgive everyone for everything.
18. What other people think of you is none of your business.
19. GOD heals everything - but you have to ask Him (or Her, or It, or whatever you're into.)
20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
21. Your job won't take care of you when you are in need. Your friends will. Stay in touch!!!
22. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
23. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________.
24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
25. When you are feeling down, start listing your many blessings. You'll be smiling before you know it.
Just sharing this nice reminder. Author unknown.
It came as one of those typically annoying mass e-mails, but with some surprising relevance to it.
Hope it does something for you, too.
Best,Robert
******************************************************************************A GREAT RECIPE
1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Talk to God about what is going on in your life. Buy a lock if you have to.
3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to __________ today. I am thankful for______________'
4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
5. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli , almonds & walnuts.
6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
7. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.
9. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
11. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
12. You are not so important that you have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
14. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'
17. Forgive everyone for everything.
18. What other people think of you is none of your business.
19. GOD heals everything - but you have to ask Him (or Her, or It, or whatever you're into.)
20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
21. Your job won't take care of you when you are in need. Your friends will. Stay in touch!!!
22. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
23. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________.
24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
25. When you are feeling down, start listing your many blessings. You'll be smiling before you know it.
Keeping Positive, Day Seven
KEEPING POSITIVE: DAY 7, 2009 Flashback
From: Robert Sayre (robertsayre2@hotmail.com)
Sent: Wed 1/07/09 9:18 AM
Rolling with the punches!
Minutes after I sent yesterday's daily plan, I checked Mom's voice messages. There was a call from her at the doctor's office she had gone to for testing.
The message was garbled and cut off, but she was obviously shaken. The next message she got a little more out, but again very emotional and only got out that she was being admitted to the hospital. I had no contact number and was still in the dark as to what was happening; my body seized up, my mind started darting to worst-case scenarios.
Without even realizing it, I stood up and walked to the refrigerator and opened the door. (Whether I had in mind booze or endless binging, I honestly don't know.)
I caught myself, assessed what was happening, and reminded myself of the hard-learned truth that emotional avoidance not only doesn't really make me feel any better, it leaves me with (literal) baggage that hurts me for a long time to come.
I shut the door and centered, detaching from the old methods and their 'safety net.'
(Got through on the phone finally, and Mom is in for some additional tests; they're concerned, but no news and no reason to fear right now....just tests.)
I steadied myself, and focused on the task at hand; getting signed up for classes at school so I can continue working towards my goals. Utilizing the money I have worked so hard for these last six months. (Yesterday was the last day to register!)
I got ready, drove to Bainbridge, waited and when I finally went in, was told that the tuition and add-on fees would be $ 160 more than what I was quoted; nearly $ 500 for one class for one semester, not including texts, etc.
I was crestfallen. I took measure of the situation, refrained from getting angry with the message-bearer, reassessed my options. It's a few month delay...not an eternal one.
No more emotional reacting and burning bridges. No point in taking it out on an intermediary. I made the mess with Student Loans, I have to clean it up before I am eligible for a grant...that's the reality.
So I made a new plan, and went to the health store while I was in the 'big city' and got some items needed. (My doctor's office informed me earlier today that the assistance I was being given in the form of reduced payments would not be continuing.) So I made peace with that and determined that my 'numbers' have been solid good and I know what I did to get them that way, so I'll simply keep doing it and not worry about the doctor for now.
The new job I spent a month angling for was denied me finally because I 'failed' a personality test! (I sure thought I had one!)
I made the fatal mistake of being honest, I suppose, on a test determined to evaluate a stranger's honesty. It's all good. I'll keep working on finding something....I still know I'm meant for bigger and better.
It is hard to maintain focus and determination in the face of unexpected adversity and disappointment. That's why it's so important to face down our demons all along, every day, as training for the times when the subconscious may take over.
Our powerful sponge brains can change..they can develop and strengthen even as we age.
All we need do.... is believe.
Hold good thoughts!
Best,
Robert
From: Robert Sayre (robertsayre2@hotmail.com)
Sent: Wed 1/07/09 9:18 AM
Rolling with the punches!
Minutes after I sent yesterday's daily plan, I checked Mom's voice messages. There was a call from her at the doctor's office she had gone to for testing.
The message was garbled and cut off, but she was obviously shaken. The next message she got a little more out, but again very emotional and only got out that she was being admitted to the hospital. I had no contact number and was still in the dark as to what was happening; my body seized up, my mind started darting to worst-case scenarios.
Without even realizing it, I stood up and walked to the refrigerator and opened the door. (Whether I had in mind booze or endless binging, I honestly don't know.)
I caught myself, assessed what was happening, and reminded myself of the hard-learned truth that emotional avoidance not only doesn't really make me feel any better, it leaves me with (literal) baggage that hurts me for a long time to come.
I shut the door and centered, detaching from the old methods and their 'safety net.'
(Got through on the phone finally, and Mom is in for some additional tests; they're concerned, but no news and no reason to fear right now....just tests.)
I steadied myself, and focused on the task at hand; getting signed up for classes at school so I can continue working towards my goals. Utilizing the money I have worked so hard for these last six months. (Yesterday was the last day to register!)
I got ready, drove to Bainbridge, waited and when I finally went in, was told that the tuition and add-on fees would be $ 160 more than what I was quoted; nearly $ 500 for one class for one semester, not including texts, etc.
I was crestfallen. I took measure of the situation, refrained from getting angry with the message-bearer, reassessed my options. It's a few month delay...not an eternal one.
No more emotional reacting and burning bridges. No point in taking it out on an intermediary. I made the mess with Student Loans, I have to clean it up before I am eligible for a grant...that's the reality.
So I made a new plan, and went to the health store while I was in the 'big city' and got some items needed. (My doctor's office informed me earlier today that the assistance I was being given in the form of reduced payments would not be continuing.) So I made peace with that and determined that my 'numbers' have been solid good and I know what I did to get them that way, so I'll simply keep doing it and not worry about the doctor for now.
The new job I spent a month angling for was denied me finally because I 'failed' a personality test! (I sure thought I had one!)
I made the fatal mistake of being honest, I suppose, on a test determined to evaluate a stranger's honesty. It's all good. I'll keep working on finding something....I still know I'm meant for bigger and better.
It is hard to maintain focus and determination in the face of unexpected adversity and disappointment. That's why it's so important to face down our demons all along, every day, as training for the times when the subconscious may take over.
Our powerful sponge brains can change..they can develop and strengthen even as we age.
All we need do.... is believe.
Hold good thoughts!
Best,
Robert
Keeping Positive, Day Six
KEEPING POSITIVE DAY 6, 2009 Flashback
From: Robert Sayre (robertsayre2@hotmail.com)
Sent: Tue 1/06/09 10:17 AM
ARETHA KNEW IT--AND SHE TOLD IT!
DAY SIX: pick up sticks! (No, wait--that's not right!)
DAY SIX: R-E-S-P-E-C-T...find out what it means to thee!
We owe it to ourselves to command respect, and we certainly are disillusioned and discombobulated when we don't receive it. But respect starts within ourselves, for ourselves. Respect from others follows suit.
If we didn't get what we needed as kids, then we have to parent ourselves now; be our own providers and nurturers. That need not be depressing; it's logical. It's never too late to get what we need.
Start affirming for yourself today;
"I am deserving of happiness."
" I am worthy of happiness."
"I will do things that are for my benefit."
"I want to be happy."
That last one may be the deal breaker. Seems obvious , sure, but when we evaluate the things we allow to happen in our daily lives, questions as to "Just how much am I trying to be happy?" or "Do I really believe I deserve it?" can come up a lot.
It's hard to change habits. It's new, it's strange, it may even run counter to our programming of all these many years. But it's worthwhile.
The journey of 1,000 miles begins with just one step.
Think of it like this; How many times in our lives have we spent many minutes travelling, waiting in line to order, and waiting to receive some greasy unhealthy fast food 'for' ourselves? Now, isn't a fraction of that time --spent on something geared towards improving our quality of life --worth the effort as well?
Learn to appreciate and value who you are, what you want, and how you feel.
If you can't, how can anyone else?
Much love,
Roberto
From: Robert Sayre (robertsayre2@hotmail.com)
Sent: Tue 1/06/09 10:17 AM
ARETHA KNEW IT--AND SHE TOLD IT!
DAY SIX: pick up sticks! (No, wait--that's not right!)
DAY SIX: R-E-S-P-E-C-T...find out what it means to thee!
We owe it to ourselves to command respect, and we certainly are disillusioned and discombobulated when we don't receive it. But respect starts within ourselves, for ourselves. Respect from others follows suit.
If we didn't get what we needed as kids, then we have to parent ourselves now; be our own providers and nurturers. That need not be depressing; it's logical. It's never too late to get what we need.
Start affirming for yourself today;
"I am deserving of happiness."
" I am worthy of happiness."
"I will do things that are for my benefit."
"I want to be happy."
That last one may be the deal breaker. Seems obvious , sure, but when we evaluate the things we allow to happen in our daily lives, questions as to "Just how much am I trying to be happy?" or "Do I really believe I deserve it?" can come up a lot.
It's hard to change habits. It's new, it's strange, it may even run counter to our programming of all these many years. But it's worthwhile.
The journey of 1,000 miles begins with just one step.
Think of it like this; How many times in our lives have we spent many minutes travelling, waiting in line to order, and waiting to receive some greasy unhealthy fast food 'for' ourselves? Now, isn't a fraction of that time --spent on something geared towards improving our quality of life --worth the effort as well?
Learn to appreciate and value who you are, what you want, and how you feel.
If you can't, how can anyone else?
Much love,
Roberto
Keeping Positive, Day Five
KEEPING POSITIVE DAY 5, Flashback
A suggested daily recommendation for changing destructive habits.
DAY FIVE: FOUNDATIONS
We're not "trying", we're doing!
Welcome to Day Five of a Revolution.
Quicksand won't support a house....the structure must be built on a solid foundation.
When you wake up in the morning, do you center yourself and determine HOW you will think, feel and act in your day, or do you crawl out of bed and gripe "Here we go again. Same shit, different day."?
Guess what happens when we start off that way?
You're right.
Recognize your strengths.
Count your blessings. (Our focus is too often on perceived lacking, overlooking gifts.)
Let go of the uncontrollable and the nonsensical.
Pace yourself.
Eat right.
Be nice....without expecting anything in return.
Distance yourself from others' rudeness/wrath/oversight; it has little or nothing to do with you personally.
Don't allow the B.S. to affect YOUR outlook.
Turn off the news...it's designed to depress and stress. The clatter influences your emotions.
Focus on the present..right now, today.
As somebody once mused; We are every bit as miserable or as happy as we make up our minds to be.
Decide your day in advance.
Peace, R
A suggested daily recommendation for changing destructive habits.
DAY FIVE: FOUNDATIONS
We're not "trying", we're doing!
Welcome to Day Five of a Revolution.
Quicksand won't support a house....the structure must be built on a solid foundation.
When you wake up in the morning, do you center yourself and determine HOW you will think, feel and act in your day, or do you crawl out of bed and gripe "Here we go again. Same shit, different day."?
Guess what happens when we start off that way?
You're right.
Recognize your strengths.
Count your blessings. (Our focus is too often on perceived lacking, overlooking gifts.)
Let go of the uncontrollable and the nonsensical.
Pace yourself.
Eat right.
Be nice....without expecting anything in return.
Distance yourself from others' rudeness/wrath/oversight; it has little or nothing to do with you personally.
Don't allow the B.S. to affect YOUR outlook.
Turn off the news...it's designed to depress and stress. The clatter influences your emotions.
Focus on the present..right now, today.
As somebody once mused; We are every bit as miserable or as happy as we make up our minds to be.
Decide your day in advance.
Peace, R
Keeping Positive, Day Four
KEEPING POSITIVE Day 4, 2009 Flashback
DAY FOUR : BREATHE!
DAY FOUR OF REVOLUTION:Back to Basics.
Breathe.
Sounds ridiculous, but we get so distracted in the course of our doing and thinking that we forget to do something so vital... correctly.
Do it while driving, waiting in line, sitting watching t.v.;
Deep slow breath in through the nose, then breathe slowly out through the nose.
(No, it doesn't have to be dramatic or attention-drawing!)
Congested? Difficulty? Feel weird? Just do it for short periods as often as you can. Your ability will improve. Before long you'll feel a difference from being in touch with it, and you'll also start doing it subconsciously on a regular basis.
Proper inhalation of oxygen and exhalation of toxins is healthy in many ways. It is a release of the gases we don't need, it releases tension,it regulates other functions.
When we just barely breathe (through rote) we typically are hunched over, or not breathing fully. Expanding the chest, lifting up, straightening spine and having the mind focused on our life-giving activity is a great exercise.
Very empowering.
Breathe in vitality.
Breathe out stress.
Breathe in acceptance.
Breathe out resentment.
It's a miniature therapy session, and it also relieves boredom in line!
DAY FOUR : BREATHE!
DAY FOUR OF REVOLUTION:Back to Basics.
Breathe.
Sounds ridiculous, but we get so distracted in the course of our doing and thinking that we forget to do something so vital... correctly.
Do it while driving, waiting in line, sitting watching t.v.;
Deep slow breath in through the nose, then breathe slowly out through the nose.
(No, it doesn't have to be dramatic or attention-drawing!)
Congested? Difficulty? Feel weird? Just do it for short periods as often as you can. Your ability will improve. Before long you'll feel a difference from being in touch with it, and you'll also start doing it subconsciously on a regular basis.
Proper inhalation of oxygen and exhalation of toxins is healthy in many ways. It is a release of the gases we don't need, it releases tension,it regulates other functions.
When we just barely breathe (through rote) we typically are hunched over, or not breathing fully. Expanding the chest, lifting up, straightening spine and having the mind focused on our life-giving activity is a great exercise.
Very empowering.
Breathe in vitality.
Breathe out stress.
Breathe in acceptance.
Breathe out resentment.
It's a miniature therapy session, and it also relieves boredom in line!
KEEPING POSITIVE, Day Three
KEEPING POSITIVE Day 3, 2009 Flashback
DAY THREE: CHOOSE
REVOLUTION Day Three; Wise focus.
Einstein said that there are two ways to go through this life; choosing to view everything as being a miracle, and choosing to see everything as NOT being a miracle.
Find ONE positive point of focus for the day.
ONE solid, good thing to keep forefront in your mind through the trials and tribulations both big and small.
When the bad weighs on you, pull out the good and recall it.....value it. Realize that we bear no promise for ANY thing positive occurring in this world. Every last bit--a call from a friendly voice, a fond memory, the ability to walk, food in our cupboards, one person that cares for us, a mind that works--it's ALL a blessing.
Even when things are completely 'dark', in our estimation, there is still light somewhere in the universe. We can either:
Wait for it,
Seek it,
Cultivate it
or create it.
But it's there, even in we forget about it.
Embrace that truth.
Namaskar!
Robert
DAY THREE: CHOOSE
REVOLUTION Day Three; Wise focus.
Einstein said that there are two ways to go through this life; choosing to view everything as being a miracle, and choosing to see everything as NOT being a miracle.
Find ONE positive point of focus for the day.
ONE solid, good thing to keep forefront in your mind through the trials and tribulations both big and small.
When the bad weighs on you, pull out the good and recall it.....value it. Realize that we bear no promise for ANY thing positive occurring in this world. Every last bit--a call from a friendly voice, a fond memory, the ability to walk, food in our cupboards, one person that cares for us, a mind that works--it's ALL a blessing.
Even when things are completely 'dark', in our estimation, there is still light somewhere in the universe. We can either:
Wait for it,
Seek it,
Cultivate it
or create it.
But it's there, even in we forget about it.
Embrace that truth.
Namaskar!
Robert
KEEPING POSITIVE, DAY TWO
KEEPING POSITIVE Day 2, 2009 Flashback
(You can use these as a starting block for the "first seven days" and then add your own stuff, or simply keep redoing the seven starters every week until these positive new habits become the norm.)
DAY TWO...are you a Revolutionary or just revolting? :)
RECOGNIZE!
It's Day Two, coming at ya early since I'll be out the door at the crack of Dawn!
Today's task; DROP PESSIMISM FROM YOUR LEXICON!
As the saying goes, "If you expect to be disappointed, you'll rarely be proven wrong!"Phrases that play like theme songs in our mind ("Things will never work out.", "This is as good as it's going to get.", "That'll never happen") are self-fulfilling prophecies.
Break the pattern and throw out the dirty over-used negativity, just like you would bath water or dishes water. These are worthless, negativity-producing, detriments to our happiness. Jettison these ideas from your mind, rid yourself of the comfort of expecting and accepting "business as usual."
Open yourself up to the possibilities.
The glass is not only half full, but maybe that's actually something better than water in it!
(Hey, go for broke!)
Excelsior!
(You can use these as a starting block for the "first seven days" and then add your own stuff, or simply keep redoing the seven starters every week until these positive new habits become the norm.)
DAY TWO...are you a Revolutionary or just revolting? :)
RECOGNIZE!
It's Day Two, coming at ya early since I'll be out the door at the crack of Dawn!
Today's task; DROP PESSIMISM FROM YOUR LEXICON!
As the saying goes, "If you expect to be disappointed, you'll rarely be proven wrong!"Phrases that play like theme songs in our mind ("Things will never work out.", "This is as good as it's going to get.", "That'll never happen") are self-fulfilling prophecies.
Break the pattern and throw out the dirty over-used negativity, just like you would bath water or dishes water. These are worthless, negativity-producing, detriments to our happiness. Jettison these ideas from your mind, rid yourself of the comfort of expecting and accepting "business as usual."
Open yourself up to the possibilities.
The glass is not only half full, but maybe that's actually something better than water in it!
(Hey, go for broke!)
Excelsior!
Daily Affirmations
IF I tell myself "This never works!", then truly, it never will.
If I say in my mind "I'll always be a screw-up," then surely it will become reality.
The same is true for looking at how the world views us, what kind of people we attract, what blessings we draw to us--or miss out on,...they all are in direct relation to how we see the world.
I kept wallowing in self-pity and self-centeredness and believing that the world had nothing to offer.
I recounted all the many times it had happened before as 'proof' or the phenomenon. I rehashed and held tightly to grievances and hurts. Rejection, and living my life in fear of rejection, were my closest allies. I have the power to change all of it, and it starts within my mind. Accepting my role in my life and choosing to use it for positive things.
Do I start the day groaning and worrying, or saying "I accept the blessings of the universe, and I draw them to me this day."
Do I dwell on traffic problems and catastrophizing speculation, or do I focus on breathing and put some relaxing music on?
Let me be aware of the intonation, and attitude, and lack of authority that I carry to situations.
Let me take responsibility for my own self, and no others.
Little things add up, and which little things we add is entirely up to us.
Just for today, I embrace possibility.
Just for today, I refuse to be down or out.
Just for today, I accept my power to thrive, not merely survive.
Just for today, I choose to believe in a happier better world than the one I have been part of previously.
The present is my domain.
Blessings to all,
Love
Robert
If I say in my mind "I'll always be a screw-up," then surely it will become reality.
The same is true for looking at how the world views us, what kind of people we attract, what blessings we draw to us--or miss out on,...they all are in direct relation to how we see the world.
I kept wallowing in self-pity and self-centeredness and believing that the world had nothing to offer.
I recounted all the many times it had happened before as 'proof' or the phenomenon. I rehashed and held tightly to grievances and hurts. Rejection, and living my life in fear of rejection, were my closest allies. I have the power to change all of it, and it starts within my mind. Accepting my role in my life and choosing to use it for positive things.
Do I start the day groaning and worrying, or saying "I accept the blessings of the universe, and I draw them to me this day."
Do I dwell on traffic problems and catastrophizing speculation, or do I focus on breathing and put some relaxing music on?
Let me be aware of the intonation, and attitude, and lack of authority that I carry to situations.
Let me take responsibility for my own self, and no others.
Little things add up, and which little things we add is entirely up to us.
Just for today, I embrace possibility.
Just for today, I refuse to be down or out.
Just for today, I accept my power to thrive, not merely survive.
Just for today, I choose to believe in a happier better world than the one I have been part of previously.
The present is my domain.
Blessings to all,
Love
Robert
Friday, December 11, 2009
Photo update
Right, so, still a portly fellow, but it's a vast improvement!
I'm always going to be a bear; deal with it!
This was taken around August of this year, and at the time I had
lost a total of 60 pounds. As of my last doctor visit in November,
I have lost 80 pounds, bringing me down to 250.
I'm not looking for an 'ideal' or 'perfection.' That's insane BS
that keeps people chasing their own tail. I do want to lose
another 20 pounds (more or less) and get into weight-lifting
so I can transform the remaining mass into SOME muscle.
Tighten things up a bit.
Okay, so I do have vanity. I'm tired of MFrs poking my belly
and expecting me to giggle.
(I also don't want to be a complete muscle-head gym bunny;
I just want to tone up some for my own desires.)
I should point out; I love my body. I haven't been the best to it,
goodness knows, but I love the look and size and the quirks.
I like being hairy; shaving bodies is weird.
I like being a man.
I like my Cuban-heritage girth and big-boned stature.
You know, maybe I don't love my una-brow, but otherwise....
I am at peace with how I am. If I hated myself and felt ill-at-ease
in my own skin, what kind of friend could I be to myself?
This isn't an easy stance to come by; not in this world.
Not when you grow up insulted and berated for being over-weight.
Not when you grow up condemned for your sexuality.
Not when you live in a world constantly trying to make every
one and every thing "the same."
But you can come to it with work and patience.
It doesn't matter to me what other people think about me any more.
There just isn't any profit in it. As Sheneneh on Martin might have said:
"Why you care? You ain't paying my bills?"
(And even if they were: back off! Nobody owns us.)
I also think about the landlord in Friday After Next, who responds to
being insulted by saying "Don't you worry about it; I know somebody like
it that way!"
I wear my booty-call pants and show off my fine legs and A$$,
and I love showing off what I have! I feel comfortable being nude
in my home. Now, you don't have to become an exhibitionist or
a nudist to be comfortable with your body; I'm just saying!
If we don't first start with recognizing that we are beautiful
as we are, I feel everything else is harder to come by. We can't be
waiting for the day that we are the 'right' dress size to embrace
ourselves. If we keep waiting until that day, who is it that we are
truly learning to love?
No amount of money, surgery, fine outfits, arm candy, procedures,
product, or attitude can conceal unhappiness. So you might as well
leave that nonsense at the curb.
No one else can appreciate us until we make the conscious decision
to do it for ourselves.
Rock on: One moment at a time!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
RESOLUTION, Part Three
"SNAP OUT OF IT!" (Cher in MOONSTRUCK)
**********************************************
I will stop seeking support where I have learned I will find none.
I will look within to find the strength I need, and trust fully that it is within me to provide it, even if I don't know how just yet.
We are meant to be our own best friends in this world; yet few of us have been adequately taught how to realize this. Others are merely buffer and assistance, no matter how beloved.
I will surround myself with positive and affirming thoughts and sounds, to help train my mind and soul and also drown out what the outside world has to offer. Songs, books, people, quotes, movies, all will help me to maintain my course and remind me that I am capable and that others have experienced this same journey.
Others may chuckle and shoot me down, but I do not hear their voices; their doubts and pettiness are not worth my time. Even those close to me may not understand my goals or methods, and that, too, is okay.
I find strength in my own understanding and realize that the majority or the 'regular' way is not always to be MY way.
Stand tall.
Don't let fear stop you.
Much love,
Roberto
Georgia Unity
Providing a voice to the marginalized.
"We will not lie down. We will not go quietly."
Live Strong, Live True, Live Well.
**********************************************
I will stop seeking support where I have learned I will find none.
I will look within to find the strength I need, and trust fully that it is within me to provide it, even if I don't know how just yet.
We are meant to be our own best friends in this world; yet few of us have been adequately taught how to realize this. Others are merely buffer and assistance, no matter how beloved.
I will surround myself with positive and affirming thoughts and sounds, to help train my mind and soul and also drown out what the outside world has to offer. Songs, books, people, quotes, movies, all will help me to maintain my course and remind me that I am capable and that others have experienced this same journey.
Others may chuckle and shoot me down, but I do not hear their voices; their doubts and pettiness are not worth my time. Even those close to me may not understand my goals or methods, and that, too, is okay.
I find strength in my own understanding and realize that the majority or the 'regular' way is not always to be MY way.
Stand tall.
Don't let fear stop you.
Much love,
Roberto
Georgia Unity
Providing a voice to the marginalized.
"We will not lie down. We will not go quietly."
Live Strong, Live True, Live Well.
Resolution, Part Two
PRAYER FOR REVITALIZATION AND TRANSFORMATION 2009
Live hard, every day. Screw the establishment and the majority; I decide what is right for me.
I will not be a pawn.
I will not say Yes when I want to say No.
I'll cry when I need to, laugh when I want to, sing out loud while driving.
This is my only life and it is meant for living today.
Not wishing, not regretting, not fretting.
*******************************************************************
"THIS IS MY FACE; DEAL WITH IT!" (Annette Benning in THE WOMEN)
*******************************************************************
I will risk when I "think" I can't.
Fear is a tool of the Powers That Be. Worry is useless, too.
I pull my head out of "What If?" and instead focus on what I want to do and work towards it.
It may not happen right away. That doesn't mean it's hopeless.
Live Strong.
Live OUT.
Live Proud.
Learn not to be concerned with what others think; there's no profit in it.
DON'T LET THEM STEAL YOUR JOY!
Leave the drama behind. Get outside your head, outside limitations, and outside tunnel vision.
The world is vast and filled with change and we have to leave comforted structure aside and embrace that flowing nature of the universe. Allow grief a moment..and then move on.
The past is gone; staying trapped in it and remembrance and pity serves no purpose but to trap us. It changes nothing, except stunting growth in the present. It limits our sight of the here and now.
Live hard, every day. Screw the establishment and the majority; I decide what is right for me.
I will not be a pawn.
I will not say Yes when I want to say No.
I'll cry when I need to, laugh when I want to, sing out loud while driving.
This is my only life and it is meant for living today.
Not wishing, not regretting, not fretting.
*******************************************************************
"THIS IS MY FACE; DEAL WITH IT!" (Annette Benning in THE WOMEN)
*******************************************************************
I will risk when I "think" I can't.
Fear is a tool of the Powers That Be. Worry is useless, too.
I pull my head out of "What If?" and instead focus on what I want to do and work towards it.
It may not happen right away. That doesn't mean it's hopeless.
Live Strong.
Live OUT.
Live Proud.
Learn not to be concerned with what others think; there's no profit in it.
DON'T LET THEM STEAL YOUR JOY!
Leave the drama behind. Get outside your head, outside limitations, and outside tunnel vision.
The world is vast and filled with change and we have to leave comforted structure aside and embrace that flowing nature of the universe. Allow grief a moment..and then move on.
The past is gone; staying trapped in it and remembrance and pity serves no purpose but to trap us. It changes nothing, except stunting growth in the present. It limits our sight of the here and now.
Healthy Revolution RESOLUTION, part One
A NEW YEAR'S HEALTHY REVOLUTION! Get started
Hell no, B's and H's...it ain't no typo!
Time for a NEW YEAR'S REVOLUTION!
Think BIG and Live Large....make this the year for change,
one minute, one day at a time.
Yes, it's been a year filled with doubts and fears and economic
hardships and personal losses.
Such is life in the big city. And still, here we all are.
Standing strong. We truly are made more interesting and
whole as measured by the adversities we can overcome.
And there's nothing we can't do; we just have to start
within ourselves and realize it.
Believe it. Promote it. Accept it. Live it.
No New Year's resolution will mean diddly if we don't get
to the root of the problem and directly alter our thought
processes. We have to TRULY learn to love and accept
ourselves, and stop trying to fit in to a mold the world has
provided for us.
No, with one wave of a magic wand we shall not be mystic-
ally transported to a land of milk and honey. But think for
just a sec how much influence NEGATIVE thinking has
produced in our lives ("I can't...", "I don't know how.",
"I'm not sure..")
Now imagine the possibilities if we replace those self-doubts
with our own cheer leading squad.
No support group in place? DO IT YOURSELF! Thinking
men and women have been pioneers in the world, single-
handedly facing obstacles for hundreds of years. We can too;
we've just been conditioned to believe otherwise.
(The author of GONE WITH THE WIND had her completed
manuscript REJECTED eighteen times before finding a
publisher of one of the best loved books of all time. Don't
give up on a dream.)
Break the chains, bust out the box, free yourself from the
limitations of your family, your job, your own thoughts, and
especially THE PAST!
The past is not a road map of where you HAVE to go.
We can change direction at any moment we decide to.
Just allow your mind to except that possibility.
Here is my prayer for all my nearest and dearest....but you
come up with your own that is especially pertinent to your life
and needs, and say it as often as you need to. Get rid of the
old tapes saying you're not good enough or smart enough;
You are.
It may take telling yourself this and other affirming ideas
hundreds of times a day for a long time until THOSE are
the thoughts you listen to about yourself, and not the
shaming ones from the past.
Be the master of your own destiny.
Even if you're rolling your eyes and squirming at the
'silliness' of it...what would it hurt to try something new?
I don't know of anyone who is 100% satisfied with where
they are at in life.
(And be patient and loving with yourself; this all takes time,
practice and patience. It's not easy, and it won't change
over night.)
Hell no, B's and H's...it ain't no typo!
Time for a NEW YEAR'S REVOLUTION!
Think BIG and Live Large....make this the year for change,
one minute, one day at a time.
Yes, it's been a year filled with doubts and fears and economic
hardships and personal losses.
Such is life in the big city. And still, here we all are.
Standing strong. We truly are made more interesting and
whole as measured by the adversities we can overcome.
And there's nothing we can't do; we just have to start
within ourselves and realize it.
Believe it. Promote it. Accept it. Live it.
No New Year's resolution will mean diddly if we don't get
to the root of the problem and directly alter our thought
processes. We have to TRULY learn to love and accept
ourselves, and stop trying to fit in to a mold the world has
provided for us.
No, with one wave of a magic wand we shall not be mystic-
ally transported to a land of milk and honey. But think for
just a sec how much influence NEGATIVE thinking has
produced in our lives ("I can't...", "I don't know how.",
"I'm not sure..")
Now imagine the possibilities if we replace those self-doubts
with our own cheer leading squad.
No support group in place? DO IT YOURSELF! Thinking
men and women have been pioneers in the world, single-
handedly facing obstacles for hundreds of years. We can too;
we've just been conditioned to believe otherwise.
(The author of GONE WITH THE WIND had her completed
manuscript REJECTED eighteen times before finding a
publisher of one of the best loved books of all time. Don't
give up on a dream.)
Break the chains, bust out the box, free yourself from the
limitations of your family, your job, your own thoughts, and
especially THE PAST!
The past is not a road map of where you HAVE to go.
We can change direction at any moment we decide to.
Just allow your mind to except that possibility.
Here is my prayer for all my nearest and dearest....but you
come up with your own that is especially pertinent to your life
and needs, and say it as often as you need to. Get rid of the
old tapes saying you're not good enough or smart enough;
You are.
It may take telling yourself this and other affirming ideas
hundreds of times a day for a long time until THOSE are
the thoughts you listen to about yourself, and not the
shaming ones from the past.
Be the master of your own destiny.
Even if you're rolling your eyes and squirming at the
'silliness' of it...what would it hurt to try something new?
I don't know of anyone who is 100% satisfied with where
they are at in life.
(And be patient and loving with yourself; this all takes time,
practice and patience. It's not easy, and it won't change
over night.)
Diet tips
IN GENERAL ............What I look for:
In yogurt, look for low sugar content
In margarine, use trans fat free
Low fat does not equal better all around health: use regular sour cream and cheese
Spices are your friend! One easy way to make new cooking better and delicious is to use your spices. Americans use about 5 spices regularly when there are hundreds!
You can use mayo and butter and salt, just sparingly!
Sea salt makes a great alternative to regular table salt.
If you get discouraged, just whip out a picture of your clogged arteries--or some other poor sap's--and remember what happens if you eat the 'regular' way.
This IS the natural way to eat. Back to nature. This is what our bodies need and are crying out for. It may not be popular, but an attitude of self love often isn't.
Illness is a warning, but we don't always get an advance warning to act on. Make a change now while you can improve your health.
Blessings, Robert
In yogurt, look for low sugar content
In margarine, use trans fat free
Low fat does not equal better all around health: use regular sour cream and cheese
Spices are your friend! One easy way to make new cooking better and delicious is to use your spices. Americans use about 5 spices regularly when there are hundreds!
You can use mayo and butter and salt, just sparingly!
Sea salt makes a great alternative to regular table salt.
If you get discouraged, just whip out a picture of your clogged arteries--or some other poor sap's--and remember what happens if you eat the 'regular' way.
This IS the natural way to eat. Back to nature. This is what our bodies need and are crying out for. It may not be popular, but an attitude of self love often isn't.
Illness is a warning, but we don't always get an advance warning to act on. Make a change now while you can improve your health.
Blessings, Robert
Health Smoothie
***************************************************************************
My weight-loss and Health Smoothie recipe;
(You can substitute fruit types and such, but this is the basic model.
This is a great idea for either a morning starter to your day, or a full service meal if you can't sit down/slow down at the end of the day. It's filling....but it isn't heavy on your stomach.
There's a purpose behind every ingredient!)
1 cup Vanilla Soy Milk
1 serving cup of no-sugar-added apple sauce
1 dash cinnamon
1 dash cayenne pepper/chili powder
1 teaspoon of Flax Seed (dry pressed) (health food store)
1 teaspoon of Green Energy (or equal ingredient; natural food source from health food store)
1 cup frozen fresh fruits (generic are cheap and available year round)
1 Breyer's yogurt (any flavor in combo with chosen fruit)
Blend well and drink immediately. (Or, freeze and take with you for work.) Don't let sit out long because of dairy and soy.
*****************************************************************************
My weight-loss and Health Smoothie recipe;
(You can substitute fruit types and such, but this is the basic model.
This is a great idea for either a morning starter to your day, or a full service meal if you can't sit down/slow down at the end of the day. It's filling....but it isn't heavy on your stomach.
There's a purpose behind every ingredient!)
1 cup Vanilla Soy Milk
1 serving cup of no-sugar-added apple sauce
1 dash cinnamon
1 dash cayenne pepper/chili powder
1 teaspoon of Flax Seed (dry pressed) (health food store)
1 teaspoon of Green Energy (or equal ingredient; natural food source from health food store)
1 cup frozen fresh fruits (generic are cheap and available year round)
1 Breyer's yogurt (any flavor in combo with chosen fruit)
Blend well and drink immediately. (Or, freeze and take with you for work.) Don't let sit out long because of dairy and soy.
*****************************************************************************
Meal ideas
********************************************************************************
Meal ideas (for balancing all food groups); These are no more expensive than the unhealthy eating we already do. You can buy all these items in bulk or frozen to save money.
I marinate all meats to enhance flavor. (You can use juice, garlic, soy sauce, etc.)
*Tuna fish salad on bed of greens, with shaved cheese, celery sticks, cherry tomatoes, and rye toast
*Boca burger with onion, tomato, romaine, Swiss cheese, and mayo on pumpernickel
*Salmon patties, curried green beans, sweet potato w/margarine
*Large salad with greens, peppers, tomatoes, olives, black beans, whole grain croutons
(or crushed crackers or garlic bread) with yogurt for dressing
*Baked fish on long grain rice with asparagus and cheese wedges
*Bean and cheese burritos with lettuce, tomato, cukes, and sour cream
*Wild rice with mushroom, topped with grilled zucchini and olive oil brushed chicken breast with Gouda cheese
*Grilled chicken sandwich; patty, whole grain bun, goat cheese, bean sprouts, honey mustard
I'm also a big fan of single pot meals, like:
Seafood pasta; multi-pasta with shrimp and fish; feta cheese, broccoli, carrots, and pimento
Chicken and rice with beans and salsa mixed in
Vegetarian goulash; pasta, tofu crumbles (you won't know the difference!), tomato sauce, onion, peppers, cheese
BE CREATIVE!
Meal ideas (for balancing all food groups); These are no more expensive than the unhealthy eating we already do. You can buy all these items in bulk or frozen to save money.
I marinate all meats to enhance flavor. (You can use juice, garlic, soy sauce, etc.)
*Tuna fish salad on bed of greens, with shaved cheese, celery sticks, cherry tomatoes, and rye toast
*Boca burger with onion, tomato, romaine, Swiss cheese, and mayo on pumpernickel
*Salmon patties, curried green beans, sweet potato w/margarine
*Large salad with greens, peppers, tomatoes, olives, black beans, whole grain croutons
(or crushed crackers or garlic bread) with yogurt for dressing
*Baked fish on long grain rice with asparagus and cheese wedges
*Bean and cheese burritos with lettuce, tomato, cukes, and sour cream
*Wild rice with mushroom, topped with grilled zucchini and olive oil brushed chicken breast with Gouda cheese
*Grilled chicken sandwich; patty, whole grain bun, goat cheese, bean sprouts, honey mustard
I'm also a big fan of single pot meals, like:
Seafood pasta; multi-pasta with shrimp and fish; feta cheese, broccoli, carrots, and pimento
Chicken and rice with beans and salsa mixed in
Vegetarian goulash; pasta, tofu crumbles (you won't know the difference!), tomato sauce, onion, peppers, cheese
BE CREATIVE!
Miscellaneous tips on food prep, snacks
Miscellaneous:
Microwave ovens are unhealthy on a number of fronts. Ditch them and use a regular oven, toaster oven, or stove.
Store food in glassware and non-plastic materials as much as possible.
Drink well before or well after your meal; additional liquids prevent the key nutrients from food from being absorbed fully.
Get fruit juices and vegetable juices that are 100 % natural AND No additional sugar
********************************************************************************
Some ideas for appropriate 'in between' meal snacks;
When you eat regularly--5 small meals a day is recommended--you reduce your hunger
and burn off energy better. Always keep something in your car/office, and carry a bag with you when you know you'll be away from home longer than a few hours.
an apple, banana or other single piece of fruit
Apple sauce
Raisins
Yogurt
trail mix
cheese and crackers
glass of juice
all natural fig bar (healthy Fig Newton)
peanuts (boiled, honey roasted, salted,)
mixed nuts
Soy crackers/chips
sweet potato chips
dried fruit
......and SO many more
Microwave ovens are unhealthy on a number of fronts. Ditch them and use a regular oven, toaster oven, or stove.
Store food in glassware and non-plastic materials as much as possible.
Drink well before or well after your meal; additional liquids prevent the key nutrients from food from being absorbed fully.
Get fruit juices and vegetable juices that are 100 % natural AND No additional sugar
********************************************************************************
Some ideas for appropriate 'in between' meal snacks;
When you eat regularly--5 small meals a day is recommended--you reduce your hunger
and burn off energy better. Always keep something in your car/office, and carry a bag with you when you know you'll be away from home longer than a few hours.
an apple, banana or other single piece of fruit
Apple sauce
Raisins
Yogurt
trail mix
cheese and crackers
glass of juice
all natural fig bar (healthy Fig Newton)
peanuts (boiled, honey roasted, salted,)
mixed nuts
Soy crackers/chips
sweet potato chips
dried fruit
......and SO many more
DIET CHANGE: ELIMINATIONS & SUBSTITUTIONS
HEALTHY REVOLUTION Diet Changes
Okay, down to basics with all of this. (see prior Healthy Revolution articles for related info.)
Here's what I changed in my dietary intake.
It's a hard process, like most worthwhile things in life.
I found the strength, and you can too!
As always, e-mail me for additional support, questions, advice, etc.
*******************************************************************************
ELIMINATED (slowly, step by step)
White processed sugar
White flour (yes, biscuits, white bread, etc.)
White potatoes (initially for weight loss; now I eat occasionally!)
Corn (yes, grits and corn bread too)
Pork and most red meat
Fried foods
Sodas (even diet)
Whole milk
Alcohol
Caffeine
******************************************************************************
SUBSTITUTE:
Lots of fish and chicken, soy and veggie substitute, beans or all kinds
Whole grain crackers, whole wheat and multi-grain breads, whole grain pasta
lots of rice (esp. long grain and brown)
A ton of fresh raw vegetables and fruits
Olive oil
Lots of water to drink
yogurt, cottage cheese, sour cream and white cheeses
Soy milk
Juice
Sweet potatoes
****************************************************************************
(more to follow)
Okay, down to basics with all of this. (see prior Healthy Revolution articles for related info.)
Here's what I changed in my dietary intake.
It's a hard process, like most worthwhile things in life.
I found the strength, and you can too!
As always, e-mail me for additional support, questions, advice, etc.
*******************************************************************************
ELIMINATED (slowly, step by step)
White processed sugar
White flour (yes, biscuits, white bread, etc.)
White potatoes (initially for weight loss; now I eat occasionally!)
Corn (yes, grits and corn bread too)
Pork and most red meat
Fried foods
Sodas (even diet)
Whole milk
Alcohol
Caffeine
******************************************************************************
SUBSTITUTE:
Lots of fish and chicken, soy and veggie substitute, beans or all kinds
Whole grain crackers, whole wheat and multi-grain breads, whole grain pasta
lots of rice (esp. long grain and brown)
A ton of fresh raw vegetables and fruits
Olive oil
Lots of water to drink
yogurt, cottage cheese, sour cream and white cheeses
Soy milk
Juice
Sweet potatoes
****************************************************************************
(more to follow)
DAY ONE: NEW Beginnings
HEALTHY REVOLUTION, Day 1, 2009 NEW BEGINNINGS!
DAY ONE: WAKE UP, SUCKERS!
From: Robert Sayre (robertsayre2@hotmail.com)
Sent: Thu 1/01/09 9:25 AM
We doing' like Martin said; GET TO STEPPIN'! I AIN'T PLAYIN'!
New Year's Revolution, DAY ONE;Eliminating "should" from our body.
Drop the word should from your thoughts and speech today; it is filled with judgement and disapproval and condemnation...it smacks of 'failure.'
There either is, or there is not. That's all.
When we are ready to make a change, we will.
Pointing out unaccomplished goals is fine if in a positive way, if it drives and motivates you,but "should" indicates shortfall, and there is no place for it.
Beating up ourselves--or others--over perceived imperfection is futile.
Our perceptions are deeply embedded, so if you have trouble NOT using the loaded word today...don't dwell on it."I used the word 'should' 10 times today. That's something I'd like to change!" might be a start.
Awareness is a powerful thing!
Be strong!
Love,
Roberto
****************************
DAY ONE: WAKE UP, SUCKERS!
From: Robert Sayre (robertsayre2@hotmail.com)
Sent: Thu 1/01/09 9:25 AM
We doing' like Martin said; GET TO STEPPIN'! I AIN'T PLAYIN'!
New Year's Revolution, DAY ONE;Eliminating "should" from our body.
Drop the word should from your thoughts and speech today; it is filled with judgement and disapproval and condemnation...it smacks of 'failure.'
There either is, or there is not. That's all.
When we are ready to make a change, we will.
Pointing out unaccomplished goals is fine if in a positive way, if it drives and motivates you,but "should" indicates shortfall, and there is no place for it.
Beating up ourselves--or others--over perceived imperfection is futile.
Our perceptions are deeply embedded, so if you have trouble NOT using the loaded word today...don't dwell on it."I used the word 'should' 10 times today. That's something I'd like to change!" might be a start.
Awareness is a powerful thing!
Be strong!
Love,
Roberto
****************************
Why Do We Need a Healthy Revolution?
WHY DO WE NEED A HEALTHY REVOLUTION ?
(Still) WORKING ON IT!
When I talk about diet, I mean just 'what I eat' in the course of the day, not some specialized regiment or temporary 'quick fix.'
Your diet is what you put in your mouth.
The extreme difficulty of regulating what kinds and amounts of food we eat is that, unlike other substances we may need to moderate more effectively, we have to have food.
It isn't a luxury or an avoidable demon.
We have to make peace with its presence in our daily lives.
But it doesn't have to be an adversarial relationship.
Food is an arm of our daily consideration of our health. With most of us, the problem with food lies in habits. The ruts we get in when we are accustomed to doing something a particular way.
We can change; it's simply very difficult.
We may have a history of eating a particular type of food, either through family history or through lack of options or from necessity. We may have emotional eating habits, as we have used food as a 'treat' for battered emotions, and now equate food as a physical comfort that we don't find elsewhere.
Or perhaps we have just never considered the importance of being diligent and conscious of our actions in our own lives. The food we choose to put in our bodies effects every single aspect of our day.
(Still) WORKING ON IT!
When I talk about diet, I mean just 'what I eat' in the course of the day, not some specialized regiment or temporary 'quick fix.'
Your diet is what you put in your mouth.
The extreme difficulty of regulating what kinds and amounts of food we eat is that, unlike other substances we may need to moderate more effectively, we have to have food.
It isn't a luxury or an avoidable demon.
We have to make peace with its presence in our daily lives.
But it doesn't have to be an adversarial relationship.
Food is an arm of our daily consideration of our health. With most of us, the problem with food lies in habits. The ruts we get in when we are accustomed to doing something a particular way.
We can change; it's simply very difficult.
We may have a history of eating a particular type of food, either through family history or through lack of options or from necessity. We may have emotional eating habits, as we have used food as a 'treat' for battered emotions, and now equate food as a physical comfort that we don't find elsewhere.
Or perhaps we have just never considered the importance of being diligent and conscious of our actions in our own lives. The food we choose to put in our bodies effects every single aspect of our day.
Questions about HOW and WHY we eat
ASK YOURSELF A FEW QUESTIONS:
When do you eat?
-Is it when you're hungry?
-Or scared?
-Alone?
-Anxious?
-When other people are eating?
-Is sitting in front of the television a cue to eat?
Knowing why you do what you do is important.
-What determines what food you do eat?
-Are you concerned about nutrition?
-Are you eating what the family fixed?
-Are you eating for convenience?
-Are you eating out because everyone else is?
-Are you trying to satisfy a sense of being a part of the group?
-Do you pick up what's cheapest?
-Or do you select what your cravings dictate?
There is a real problem in our country of people 'wanting what they want when they want it.' Desire is more important than need in many of our decision making processes.
We have to make a concentrated effort to be attuned to what our bodies need, and to make selfish (not a bad word) decisions to improve our own health.
No one else is responsible for us but us. If we don't take action to improve our well being, it won't happen by miracle.
And here's something not covered enough in mainstream media:
Your diet effects every area of your life; mood, mind, body, spirit.
For those of you who believe in a higher consciousness, you know that all things are aligned. When one thing is out of place, it causes ripples that effect everything.
And if you believe in Higher Powers, you know that we are directed to care for our bodies as sacred temples. That's something that gets a little bit neglected at a church pot-luck!
Food is a powerful force.
In addition to the impact of the family and the repetitive patterns already mentioned, there is also the all important peer pressure. Coworkers eat out every day. You're expected to join or you feel left out.
Or the type of food you bring is judged based on cost or difference. If you aren't ready to go it your own or bring a healthy lunch to a restaurant (most will let you,) then know that you can make better choices eating out.
(Same problems apply in family or room mate situations.)
You don't have to splurge every meal out. We make too many decisions based on what is fun and fast and 'cool.'
You have to know ahead of time what your true need is; better health in the long run.
But you don't have to miss out on companionship to do it.
Until you are assertive enough or your friends and coworkers are supportive enough, it might be a good idea to sit a few out. Make the most of it and do a few sets of stairs on your lunch break after you eat.
INSANE IN THE MEMBRANE
Food also has a biochemical reaction that's hard to ignore.
The tongue alone is one of the most powerful organs in the body, and the taste buds signal areas in the brain that activate all sorts of moods and memories.
Then there's the sensation of actually filling our bodies with something tangible; a sense of filling the emptiness.
We biologically respond to eating when hungry with a satisfied release. We have chemicals released in the brain and bloodstream that alter mood, energy level, and much more. There are specific reasons, both good and bad, why certain foods cause certain responses within us.
This is where many get into trouble; intentionally or subconsciously using food as a tool for altering mind/body chemistry.
(more to follow)
When do you eat?
-Is it when you're hungry?
-Or scared?
-Alone?
-Anxious?
-When other people are eating?
-Is sitting in front of the television a cue to eat?
Knowing why you do what you do is important.
-What determines what food you do eat?
-Are you concerned about nutrition?
-Are you eating what the family fixed?
-Are you eating for convenience?
-Are you eating out because everyone else is?
-Are you trying to satisfy a sense of being a part of the group?
-Do you pick up what's cheapest?
-Or do you select what your cravings dictate?
There is a real problem in our country of people 'wanting what they want when they want it.' Desire is more important than need in many of our decision making processes.
We have to make a concentrated effort to be attuned to what our bodies need, and to make selfish (not a bad word) decisions to improve our own health.
No one else is responsible for us but us. If we don't take action to improve our well being, it won't happen by miracle.
And here's something not covered enough in mainstream media:
Your diet effects every area of your life; mood, mind, body, spirit.
For those of you who believe in a higher consciousness, you know that all things are aligned. When one thing is out of place, it causes ripples that effect everything.
And if you believe in Higher Powers, you know that we are directed to care for our bodies as sacred temples. That's something that gets a little bit neglected at a church pot-luck!
Food is a powerful force.
In addition to the impact of the family and the repetitive patterns already mentioned, there is also the all important peer pressure. Coworkers eat out every day. You're expected to join or you feel left out.
Or the type of food you bring is judged based on cost or difference. If you aren't ready to go it your own or bring a healthy lunch to a restaurant (most will let you,) then know that you can make better choices eating out.
(Same problems apply in family or room mate situations.)
You don't have to splurge every meal out. We make too many decisions based on what is fun and fast and 'cool.'
You have to know ahead of time what your true need is; better health in the long run.
But you don't have to miss out on companionship to do it.
Until you are assertive enough or your friends and coworkers are supportive enough, it might be a good idea to sit a few out. Make the most of it and do a few sets of stairs on your lunch break after you eat.
INSANE IN THE MEMBRANE
Food also has a biochemical reaction that's hard to ignore.
The tongue alone is one of the most powerful organs in the body, and the taste buds signal areas in the brain that activate all sorts of moods and memories.
Then there's the sensation of actually filling our bodies with something tangible; a sense of filling the emptiness.
We biologically respond to eating when hungry with a satisfied release. We have chemicals released in the brain and bloodstream that alter mood, energy level, and much more. There are specific reasons, both good and bad, why certain foods cause certain responses within us.
This is where many get into trouble; intentionally or subconsciously using food as a tool for altering mind/body chemistry.
(more to follow)
Why Bother with health changes?
WHY BOTHER?
Nutrition does not have to be a hard thing.
It doesn't have to be a battle. This is also not about blame or feeling bad.
It's about stepping up to the plate when you realize it's time to do so. It's not about being super skinny or 'ideal' body weights and looking 'good' for other people.
It's about taking charge of our lives, finally. (And in a positive way.)
It's about taking personal responsibility for your waistline, your blood pressure, your sleep apnea, your headaches, your hyper tension, your diabetes, your leg circulation, your stomach ailments, your energy levels, and your sleep habits.
(And in addition to eliminating problems caused by our past eating habits, we can also increase health and eliminate/reduce sickness in our bodies from other sources. There are many links to preventative and restorative health benefits attached to eating certain foods and supplements.)
It's very simple; WHAT WE PUT INTO OUR BODIES MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN HOW OUR BODIES PERFORM.
If we have health problems, we can trace much of it back to our own actions.
So perhaps it's time to consider something you've never considered before.
* Are you truly dedicated to improving your own health?
* Is it the most important thing to you and your family?
* Or would you rather continue to suffer and diminish your life expectancy so that you can 'enjoy' eating what tastes good for a moment?
(By the way, healthy eating is NOT a death sentence; I enjoy every meal I eat! It does take some adjustments, but you'll live. Longer, easier, more happily than you've lived prior!)
Nutrition does not have to be a hard thing.
It doesn't have to be a battle. This is also not about blame or feeling bad.
It's about stepping up to the plate when you realize it's time to do so. It's not about being super skinny or 'ideal' body weights and looking 'good' for other people.
It's about taking charge of our lives, finally. (And in a positive way.)
It's about taking personal responsibility for your waistline, your blood pressure, your sleep apnea, your headaches, your hyper tension, your diabetes, your leg circulation, your stomach ailments, your energy levels, and your sleep habits.
(And in addition to eliminating problems caused by our past eating habits, we can also increase health and eliminate/reduce sickness in our bodies from other sources. There are many links to preventative and restorative health benefits attached to eating certain foods and supplements.)
It's very simple; WHAT WE PUT INTO OUR BODIES MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN HOW OUR BODIES PERFORM.
If we have health problems, we can trace much of it back to our own actions.
So perhaps it's time to consider something you've never considered before.
* Are you truly dedicated to improving your own health?
* Is it the most important thing to you and your family?
* Or would you rather continue to suffer and diminish your life expectancy so that you can 'enjoy' eating what tastes good for a moment?
(By the way, healthy eating is NOT a death sentence; I enjoy every meal I eat! It does take some adjustments, but you'll live. Longer, easier, more happily than you've lived prior!)
Why Change Diet?
WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE WAY IT IS NOW?
Our bellies aren't meant to be filled until they're busting.
We aren't supposed to eat only once or twice a day and starve in between.
We aren't meant to process so much red meat.
Our bodies don't digest regular milk very well.
Sugar has dire consequences on our health and emotions.
Preservatives and additives are toxic substances.
But are you sick and tired enough of being sick and tired that you're willing to change some things?
This is why I call it a Revolution; it's hard work, it's a little scary, and it may piss some people off. But it's vitally important for continued survival.
We can keep doing the same thing and expecting a different result.
We can keep avoiding the mirror and the scale and the clothes that don't fit.
We can avoid reality and keep hoping a heart attack doesn't result.
"Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it." -George Santayana
We have a choice about what we eat. Isn't that incredible? Remarkable? WE HAVE A CHOICE! I never knew that, in all my life!
I just thought I was a worthless lump who was living out my predestined lot of unhappy, unhealthy schmuck. What a revelation!
We have to be in touch with what triggers affect our cravings. Motives are vital. Watch those patterns. Watch that emotional eating. Why do we have so much trouble saying 'No.' (As a friend says; "'No' is a complete sentence! No further explanation required.") Why do we let someone help our plate with food we don't want? Why do we clean a plate when we have already eaten enough food?
Know that our actions have consequences.
If you're miserable because you don't have a social life, and the reason that you don't have a social life is because you're so heavyset, then it's time to do something about it. Don't be sad and scared and defeated. Change your habits.
Being unhealthy is not the end of the story. It is not your identity. You are a person who has allowed themselves to become unhealthy. (Or, perhaps, has become unhealthy as a result of things outside your control. The choice still remains ahead of you.)
But the negative emotional response of self pity or helplessness is of no use. If you want to kid yourself that eating a bowl of ice cream is going to solve your hardship, you're welcome to do it. You know what the end result is. It causes more problems.
We all have the power to change our present conditions. And we're the only ones who can decide. We have to accept our role, and realize we're worthy of a better life. And then, get ready to rumble. Because the Revolution has just begun.
(more to follow)
*******************************
Our bellies aren't meant to be filled until they're busting.
We aren't supposed to eat only once or twice a day and starve in between.
We aren't meant to process so much red meat.
Our bodies don't digest regular milk very well.
Sugar has dire consequences on our health and emotions.
Preservatives and additives are toxic substances.
But are you sick and tired enough of being sick and tired that you're willing to change some things?
This is why I call it a Revolution; it's hard work, it's a little scary, and it may piss some people off. But it's vitally important for continued survival.
We can keep doing the same thing and expecting a different result.
We can keep avoiding the mirror and the scale and the clothes that don't fit.
We can avoid reality and keep hoping a heart attack doesn't result.
"Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it." -George Santayana
We have a choice about what we eat. Isn't that incredible? Remarkable? WE HAVE A CHOICE! I never knew that, in all my life!
I just thought I was a worthless lump who was living out my predestined lot of unhappy, unhealthy schmuck. What a revelation!
We have to be in touch with what triggers affect our cravings. Motives are vital. Watch those patterns. Watch that emotional eating. Why do we have so much trouble saying 'No.' (As a friend says; "'No' is a complete sentence! No further explanation required.") Why do we let someone help our plate with food we don't want? Why do we clean a plate when we have already eaten enough food?
Know that our actions have consequences.
If you're miserable because you don't have a social life, and the reason that you don't have a social life is because you're so heavyset, then it's time to do something about it. Don't be sad and scared and defeated. Change your habits.
Being unhealthy is not the end of the story. It is not your identity. You are a person who has allowed themselves to become unhealthy. (Or, perhaps, has become unhealthy as a result of things outside your control. The choice still remains ahead of you.)
But the negative emotional response of self pity or helplessness is of no use. If you want to kid yourself that eating a bowl of ice cream is going to solve your hardship, you're welcome to do it. You know what the end result is. It causes more problems.
We all have the power to change our present conditions. And we're the only ones who can decide. We have to accept our role, and realize we're worthy of a better life. And then, get ready to rumble. Because the Revolution has just begun.
(more to follow)
*******************************
Getting Started with diet and health
HEALTHY REVOLUTION...GETTING STARTED
I get people asking me all the time what I did in order to change my habits and lose all the excess weight I did.
If they're looking for advice they can follow at home for themselves, they generally don't like the answer:
*It was a lot of hard work
* There are no easy answers or quick fixes
*You'll have to change almost everything in your life.
But let's not get ahead of ourselves!
Anything worth doing is worth doing well, and it's also going to carry a certain amount of difficulty. And it's really not as dire as all that.
I began my nearly 2 year journey to improved health (which I am still on and excited about today) after I hit an emotional brick wall with health problems.
I had allowed my physical problems to escalate to a point that my life was endangered (more on that later,) and I no longer had health care providers to rely on.
I was alone, defeated, angry, and scared out of my mind. And then in my breakdown, a tremendous realization occurred to me.
I am responsible for my own well being in every respect.
That might seem ridiculously simplistic and evident, but it was a newsflash to me! I had done what I had been trained to do in this country; not worry about my health until there was a problem, and then try and 'fix' the existing problem.
I had also listened to the voices of people who would tell me I was not important enough to be cared for because of my income level, my mental difficulties, and my sexual identity. But the time had come to stop listening to others and start being bold and decisive in my approach to caring for self.
I was interested in the cause and effect of what was going into my body and what the consequent problems were. I became aware that mood and energy and stomach and tiredness are all related to what substances I put into my body. (As well as what thoughts I put in my mind, the people I surround myself with, etc.)
But it starts small. I found that concentrating on specific little changes, incrementally, allows me time to adjusted to the psychological aversion to change and get acclimated.
This way a lifestyle change is more likely to stick and not become just another passing fad. If you whelm yourself and your body and your brain with all the changes at once, you'll likely burn out. On the other hand, if you are changing diet and lifestyle as a result of impending health crises, then sudden change will definitely have the most impact.
It is slow going. The two weeks it took me to ween off of sugar seemed like years!
The first month or drastic changes where I lost NO weight at all were extremely difficult to stay focused and dedicated. The very slow weight loss at first was unrewarding and frustrating.
You have to remember what you're working for.
You have to keep a vision of where you want to be.
You have to remember that you are doing this for your own benefit, NOT as a punishment or to deny yourself something.
You have to be in the right place mentally in order for this to work.
Loving yourself and wanting to be your own heroic defender has to be part of the plan.
************************************************************************************
I get people asking me all the time what I did in order to change my habits and lose all the excess weight I did.
If they're looking for advice they can follow at home for themselves, they generally don't like the answer:
*It was a lot of hard work
* There are no easy answers or quick fixes
*You'll have to change almost everything in your life.
But let's not get ahead of ourselves!
Anything worth doing is worth doing well, and it's also going to carry a certain amount of difficulty. And it's really not as dire as all that.
I began my nearly 2 year journey to improved health (which I am still on and excited about today) after I hit an emotional brick wall with health problems.
I had allowed my physical problems to escalate to a point that my life was endangered (more on that later,) and I no longer had health care providers to rely on.
I was alone, defeated, angry, and scared out of my mind. And then in my breakdown, a tremendous realization occurred to me.
I am responsible for my own well being in every respect.
That might seem ridiculously simplistic and evident, but it was a newsflash to me! I had done what I had been trained to do in this country; not worry about my health until there was a problem, and then try and 'fix' the existing problem.
I had also listened to the voices of people who would tell me I was not important enough to be cared for because of my income level, my mental difficulties, and my sexual identity. But the time had come to stop listening to others and start being bold and decisive in my approach to caring for self.
I was interested in the cause and effect of what was going into my body and what the consequent problems were. I became aware that mood and energy and stomach and tiredness are all related to what substances I put into my body. (As well as what thoughts I put in my mind, the people I surround myself with, etc.)
But it starts small. I found that concentrating on specific little changes, incrementally, allows me time to adjusted to the psychological aversion to change and get acclimated.
This way a lifestyle change is more likely to stick and not become just another passing fad. If you whelm yourself and your body and your brain with all the changes at once, you'll likely burn out. On the other hand, if you are changing diet and lifestyle as a result of impending health crises, then sudden change will definitely have the most impact.
It is slow going. The two weeks it took me to ween off of sugar seemed like years!
The first month or drastic changes where I lost NO weight at all were extremely difficult to stay focused and dedicated. The very slow weight loss at first was unrewarding and frustrating.
You have to remember what you're working for.
You have to keep a vision of where you want to be.
You have to remember that you are doing this for your own benefit, NOT as a punishment or to deny yourself something.
You have to be in the right place mentally in order for this to work.
Loving yourself and wanting to be your own heroic defender has to be part of the plan.
************************************************************************************
Diet Changes: Small Beginnings
SMALL BEGINNINGS
I started my campaign by eliminating second (and third) helpings from my meals.
I ate what was on a single plate, and no more. That was a good starting point, because I already knew that was just excessive and greedy. It was a good discipline technique.
Next, I began by reducing the amount of food I ate at every meal.
We eat entirely too much at a sitting. An average meal size should fit in our open hand.
If you eat that amount of food, and then wait 15 minutes before continuing to eat, I think you'd be amazed at how satisfied you are.
We eat so much at a single sitting because our minds tell us we're full before we have a chance to let our stomachs catch up.
I ate more slowly and deliberately. What's the race?
The pace and relaxation of our meal is important.
TURN OFF THE TELEVISION.
Don't wolf the food down in huge gasping breaths like you're at a pie-eating contest. The food is not going anywhere. Relax. Concentrate on the flavor of the food.
Have gratitude for the fact that you have it at all, and especially gratitude if someone prepared it for you. Consider the importance of the kind of food you're eating and the effect it will have on your body.
After a few weeks of getting used to not eating so much, I started eating little snacks throughout the day to keep me from having hunger pangs or energy problems. This helped reduce getting hungry out of the blue (or 'a coming appetite,' as we call it.) Now, they have to be smart snacks, but we'll deal with specifics later.)
I then stopped eating dinner so late in the evening. I don't eat a full meal any later than 8 p.m., and that's assuming I will go to bed at 12 midnight.
I don't want a full meal on my stomach any later than 4 hours prior to going to bed. Any meal you eat just before bedtime does not get worked off nor digested well.
I learned to eat the opposite of what I used to regarding meal size. (most of us eat a tiny bit in the morning, and average amount at lunch, and a huge meal by the end of the day....and this is exactly the opposite of what we should be doing--for optimal health.)
I think it was Dr. Andrew Weil--a superb nutritionist--who said (I'll paraphrase) "We should eat like a king for breakfast, a prince for lunch, and a starving artist/student for dinner." This is based on what the energy needs of the body are throughout the day, and how well we process the foods. If we wait until late in the day to eat a huge meal, it will mostly be converted to fat.
The answer is not starving ourselves. We need to eat and eat well.
I eat a balance of all food groups at every meal, because the way foods interact with one another is important too. Plenty of grain, some dairy, a tiny bit of GOOD fats and oils, some protein (beans, lentils, lean meats, nuts), and plenty of vegetables and fruits.
There are so many possibilities out there to choose from; it's not being relegated to eating rabbit food!
You don't have to shop at a health food store to eat well; you CAN get healthy food at your local Wal-Mart if that's all that's available. (I hate to even suggest that, but for those of us facing geographic and financial limitations, well...ya know!)
You can also eat well at a decent price; it doesn't have to be expensive. (But even if it were, think about this; Isn't the reduction in sicknesses and the extra cost of medicine and doctor's visits and missed work worth the cost?)
You don't have to subscribe to everything I tell you about in order to change. I would recommend it, but it isn't necessary.
You can make improvements by picking and choosing what you find most suitable for you.
I can't guarantee the same tremendous results, but if you are making positive improvements in old behaviors, it won't hurt you.
********************************************************************************
I started my campaign by eliminating second (and third) helpings from my meals.
I ate what was on a single plate, and no more. That was a good starting point, because I already knew that was just excessive and greedy. It was a good discipline technique.
Next, I began by reducing the amount of food I ate at every meal.
We eat entirely too much at a sitting. An average meal size should fit in our open hand.
If you eat that amount of food, and then wait 15 minutes before continuing to eat, I think you'd be amazed at how satisfied you are.
We eat so much at a single sitting because our minds tell us we're full before we have a chance to let our stomachs catch up.
I ate more slowly and deliberately. What's the race?
The pace and relaxation of our meal is important.
TURN OFF THE TELEVISION.
Don't wolf the food down in huge gasping breaths like you're at a pie-eating contest. The food is not going anywhere. Relax. Concentrate on the flavor of the food.
Have gratitude for the fact that you have it at all, and especially gratitude if someone prepared it for you. Consider the importance of the kind of food you're eating and the effect it will have on your body.
After a few weeks of getting used to not eating so much, I started eating little snacks throughout the day to keep me from having hunger pangs or energy problems. This helped reduce getting hungry out of the blue (or 'a coming appetite,' as we call it.) Now, they have to be smart snacks, but we'll deal with specifics later.)
I then stopped eating dinner so late in the evening. I don't eat a full meal any later than 8 p.m., and that's assuming I will go to bed at 12 midnight.
I don't want a full meal on my stomach any later than 4 hours prior to going to bed. Any meal you eat just before bedtime does not get worked off nor digested well.
I learned to eat the opposite of what I used to regarding meal size. (most of us eat a tiny bit in the morning, and average amount at lunch, and a huge meal by the end of the day....and this is exactly the opposite of what we should be doing--for optimal health.)
I think it was Dr. Andrew Weil--a superb nutritionist--who said (I'll paraphrase) "We should eat like a king for breakfast, a prince for lunch, and a starving artist/student for dinner." This is based on what the energy needs of the body are throughout the day, and how well we process the foods. If we wait until late in the day to eat a huge meal, it will mostly be converted to fat.
The answer is not starving ourselves. We need to eat and eat well.
I eat a balance of all food groups at every meal, because the way foods interact with one another is important too. Plenty of grain, some dairy, a tiny bit of GOOD fats and oils, some protein (beans, lentils, lean meats, nuts), and plenty of vegetables and fruits.
There are so many possibilities out there to choose from; it's not being relegated to eating rabbit food!
You don't have to shop at a health food store to eat well; you CAN get healthy food at your local Wal-Mart if that's all that's available. (I hate to even suggest that, but for those of us facing geographic and financial limitations, well...ya know!)
You can also eat well at a decent price; it doesn't have to be expensive. (But even if it were, think about this; Isn't the reduction in sicknesses and the extra cost of medicine and doctor's visits and missed work worth the cost?)
You don't have to subscribe to everything I tell you about in order to change. I would recommend it, but it isn't necessary.
You can make improvements by picking and choosing what you find most suitable for you.
I can't guarantee the same tremendous results, but if you are making positive improvements in old behaviors, it won't hurt you.
********************************************************************************
Shopping Tips
ADDITIONAL TIDBITS
It's common sense, but we don't DO it, so....
Never shop while emotional or in a rush.
Never grocery shop while HUNGRY!
You need to be in a good frame of find and focused on the right things when you shop. One of the best hints I can give you for sticking to a nutritional way of life is to not bring junk into the house!
Make little improvements every step of the way.
* If your kids HAVE to have mac and cheese 3 times a week, use whole grain pastas and real cheese (not the processed stuff in boxes!)
* If you MUST have some cookies, buy some Kashi or sugar free or other less unhealthy types.
* If you eat a lot of chicken, buy the skinless kind. (I know, I know. It's a HELL of a sacrifice. The years you add to your life will be worth it.)
It's common sense, but we don't DO it, so....
Never shop while emotional or in a rush.
Never grocery shop while HUNGRY!
You need to be in a good frame of find and focused on the right things when you shop. One of the best hints I can give you for sticking to a nutritional way of life is to not bring junk into the house!
Make little improvements every step of the way.
* If your kids HAVE to have mac and cheese 3 times a week, use whole grain pastas and real cheese (not the processed stuff in boxes!)
* If you MUST have some cookies, buy some Kashi or sugar free or other less unhealthy types.
* If you eat a lot of chicken, buy the skinless kind. (I know, I know. It's a HELL of a sacrifice. The years you add to your life will be worth it.)
Water's Importance
WATER, WATER, WATER
Our bodies are primarily made up of water. We (Southerners) live in a hot climate.
We must drink good, clean, pure water all day long.
The average daily intake that's recommended for normal health is 6 to 8 glasses a day.
If you are outside a lot, it needs to be more.
If you are overweight, it needs to be more.
If you sweat a lot, it needs to be more. No excuses.
You can find a bathroom.
You can bring bottled water with you everywhere you go (I keep a case in my car.)
But here's the killer for you fellow Southerners. Sit down a moment!
Iced tea and Kool-Aid are not pure water they do not count as daily intake of water.
I'll let that sink in.
You need plain water for the benefits of re-hydrating and flushing toxins out of your system.
Both tea and Kool-Aid contain enough sugar to kill you, and tea leaves actually dehydrate your cells, so they actually increase thirst instead of killing it, and are not counter-productive to hydration.
***********************************************************************************
Here's another tip due to shock more than a few;
If you're hot, drink something hot (or lukewarm at least.)
If you're cold, drink something cold (or lukewarm.)
The body reacts to the temperature of a liquid entering the body by adjusting body temperature to compensate for it. Our minds tell us that a cold drink on a hot day is refreshing, but for a more effective physical cooling, we should drink room temp or slightly heated drinks!
Our bodies are primarily made up of water. We (Southerners) live in a hot climate.
We must drink good, clean, pure water all day long.
The average daily intake that's recommended for normal health is 6 to 8 glasses a day.
If you are outside a lot, it needs to be more.
If you are overweight, it needs to be more.
If you sweat a lot, it needs to be more. No excuses.
You can find a bathroom.
You can bring bottled water with you everywhere you go (I keep a case in my car.)
But here's the killer for you fellow Southerners. Sit down a moment!
Iced tea and Kool-Aid are not pure water they do not count as daily intake of water.
I'll let that sink in.
You need plain water for the benefits of re-hydrating and flushing toxins out of your system.
Both tea and Kool-Aid contain enough sugar to kill you, and tea leaves actually dehydrate your cells, so they actually increase thirst instead of killing it, and are not counter-productive to hydration.
***********************************************************************************
Here's another tip due to shock more than a few;
If you're hot, drink something hot (or lukewarm at least.)
If you're cold, drink something cold (or lukewarm.)
The body reacts to the temperature of a liquid entering the body by adjusting body temperature to compensate for it. Our minds tell us that a cold drink on a hot day is refreshing, but for a more effective physical cooling, we should drink room temp or slightly heated drinks!
DIET: Shopping tips
*********************************************************************************
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Labels are your friend...your best friend.
Look at the nutritional panels on the back or side of food packaging.
You want to look at salt/sodium content, sugar content, and what other chemicals are in your food.
Also look at the order of those ingredients. They are listed in order of quantity. First item is what is contained the most.
You can read up on what sorts of amounts are suitable for individual needs...or talk to your doctor. Here's the key to labels; make sure you look at the SERVING SIZE.
The serving size tells you how much of the container of food is being considered when they give you a breakdown of ingredients amounts.
1500 grams of sodium may be okay for a BOX of crackers, but if that's the sodium content for a serving size of 6 crackers?!?!? Put it down!
Be careful of misleading packages. The words used by companies are not regulated by the FDA. They can say it cures cancer if they really want to, but it doesn't make it so. You see a lot of claims as to "healthier" or "low fat" but those are nebulous terms. Turn it over and look and see what it says. How is it healthier...or is it all all?
CORN SYRUP and HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP are in everything these days. It's a highly addictive substance that is easily and cheaply made, so the fact that it has caused an epidemic of obesity is of no consequence to big companies. McDonald's does not feel compelled to reveal to the public that they put sugar on their french fries (which will kill you regardless, but..) and so people wonder why they just 'can't stop eating them.'
Learn what the worst offenders are, and be on the lookout.
Natural is best. The simplest rule of thumb is that if it came from the ground or the earth, it's good.
(No, sugar doesn't work because it is highly processed! Honey is better, and there are other substitutes like Stevia extract that work well.) But fruits, veggies, nuts, grains, fish, meats, and some dairy. That's basic, and it doesn't have to be limiting.
Any chemical or preservative or additive or foreign substance was not intended to be put in our bodies, and we pay the price for it. Don't let the marketing campaigns fool you. Don't let the readily available food-drugs distract you. If we needed Twinkies they'd be growing on trees. (Yeah, I know; tobacco. Don't throw the baby out with the bath water.)
FRESH is best, but if you can't buy fresh, then frozen is next best.
If frozen is unavailable, then canned is next in line.
But in terms of most nutritious, that's the order.
Labels are your friend...your best friend.
Look at the nutritional panels on the back or side of food packaging.
You want to look at salt/sodium content, sugar content, and what other chemicals are in your food.
Also look at the order of those ingredients. They are listed in order of quantity. First item is what is contained the most.
You can read up on what sorts of amounts are suitable for individual needs...or talk to your doctor. Here's the key to labels; make sure you look at the SERVING SIZE.
The serving size tells you how much of the container of food is being considered when they give you a breakdown of ingredients amounts.
1500 grams of sodium may be okay for a BOX of crackers, but if that's the sodium content for a serving size of 6 crackers?!?!? Put it down!
Be careful of misleading packages. The words used by companies are not regulated by the FDA. They can say it cures cancer if they really want to, but it doesn't make it so. You see a lot of claims as to "healthier" or "low fat" but those are nebulous terms. Turn it over and look and see what it says. How is it healthier...or is it all all?
CORN SYRUP and HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP are in everything these days. It's a highly addictive substance that is easily and cheaply made, so the fact that it has caused an epidemic of obesity is of no consequence to big companies. McDonald's does not feel compelled to reveal to the public that they put sugar on their french fries (which will kill you regardless, but..) and so people wonder why they just 'can't stop eating them.'
Learn what the worst offenders are, and be on the lookout.
Natural is best. The simplest rule of thumb is that if it came from the ground or the earth, it's good.
(No, sugar doesn't work because it is highly processed! Honey is better, and there are other substitutes like Stevia extract that work well.) But fruits, veggies, nuts, grains, fish, meats, and some dairy. That's basic, and it doesn't have to be limiting.
Any chemical or preservative or additive or foreign substance was not intended to be put in our bodies, and we pay the price for it. Don't let the marketing campaigns fool you. Don't let the readily available food-drugs distract you. If we needed Twinkies they'd be growing on trees. (Yeah, I know; tobacco. Don't throw the baby out with the bath water.)
FRESH is best, but if you can't buy fresh, then frozen is next best.
If frozen is unavailable, then canned is next in line.
But in terms of most nutritious, that's the order.
******************************************************************************
Everything comes down to paying attention.
Even when you pick up yogurt, it's important to get one without a bunch of added sugar.
Between 10 and 14 grams is the lowest I have found.
With your carbs, you can have them but be selective.
Always pick whole grain, multi-grain, oat and bran based products that are not
filled with added sugar. When you read packages, you find that the front may
say "Whole Grain" but the contents shows it's not 100%. Do your homework.
Don't just have a serving of any old bread and think that meets your daily
requirement. Not all food is created equal.
I look at the difference between toasted and fried. Whole grain and white flour. Including a rich variety of grains, oats, rices, pastas, and cereals is crucial.
It will take some real effort initially to get used to what products are better than others.
As you get a shorthand with figuring things out, it will go more quickly. You'll start
to recognize which brands and products are superior. Even in a health food store, you have to be on your toes. Never assume anything about a product. Always read the label!
Healthy Revolution Diet: Prep
PREP WORK.....
Don't overcook everything. Raw and less well cooked veggies are the best.
The longer you cook them, the more nutrients you cook out.
Same for grains and pastas.
You can get excellent fish and chicken in the frozen food section where there are bulk bags of individually wrapped skinless, boneless fillets at very affordable rates. These are lean and great pieces. (Less mess, less hassle.)
Organic meats are the best, but just look for meat that is certified hormone/preservative/additive free if you don't see organic or can't afford it.
Always wash all your surfaces and utensils well and with hot soapy water.
Always wash utensils between different kinds of food. Always scrub and clean vegetables and fruits well.
If you will set aside one day a week to cook large quantities and then portion the meals into individual containers to be saved for the week (or frozen, ) you can eat healthily and eliminate the excuse for being unable to eat well though the week ("I don't have time to cook every day." "It's too hard to get a good meal where I work.")
One way to work variety is to fix a large pot of pasta, a pot of rice, etc and then fix multiple items to go with the bases (sauteed veggies, grilled chicken, baked fish, beef stew, etc, and then you can mix and match.)
(more to follow!)
Don't overcook everything. Raw and less well cooked veggies are the best.
The longer you cook them, the more nutrients you cook out.
Same for grains and pastas.
You can get excellent fish and chicken in the frozen food section where there are bulk bags of individually wrapped skinless, boneless fillets at very affordable rates. These are lean and great pieces. (Less mess, less hassle.)
Organic meats are the best, but just look for meat that is certified hormone/preservative/additive free if you don't see organic or can't afford it.
Always wash all your surfaces and utensils well and with hot soapy water.
Always wash utensils between different kinds of food. Always scrub and clean vegetables and fruits well.
If you will set aside one day a week to cook large quantities and then portion the meals into individual containers to be saved for the week (or frozen, ) you can eat healthily and eliminate the excuse for being unable to eat well though the week ("I don't have time to cook every day." "It's too hard to get a good meal where I work.")
One way to work variety is to fix a large pot of pasta, a pot of rice, etc and then fix multiple items to go with the bases (sauteed veggies, grilled chicken, baked fish, beef stew, etc, and then you can mix and match.)
(more to follow!)
This, Too, Shall Pass (continued)
"This Too Shall Pass" by India Arie
I've achieved so much in life, but I'm an amateur in love
My bank account is doing just fine but my emotions are bankrupt
My body is nice and strong, but my heart is in a million pieces
When the sun is shining so am I, butwhen night falls,
so do my tears Sometimes the beat is so loud in my heart
that I can barely tell the voices apart
Sometimes the fear is so loud in my head
that I can barely hear what God says,
but then I hear a whisper that this too shall pass,
I hear the angels whisper that this too shall pass
my ancestors whisper that this day will one day be the past
so I walk in faith that this too shall pass,
The one that loved me the most
turned around and hurt me the worst,
Been doing my best to move on
but the pain just keeps singing me songs
My head and my heart are at war
cause love ain't happening the way I want it,
Feel like I'm about to break down can't hear
the light at the end of the tunnel is when I pray
for healing in my heart bebe put back together
what is torn apart and I pray for quiet in my head
that I can hear clearly what GOD says
but then I hear a whisper that this too shall pass,
I hear the angels whisper that this too shall pass
my ancestors whisper that this day will one day be the past
so I walk in faith that this too shall pass
All of a sudden I realized that it only hurts
worse to fight it
So I embrace my shadow and hold on to the morning light
this too shall pass...
I hear the angels whisper that trouble don't have to last always,
I hear the angels whisper even the day after tomorrow
will one day be as today I hear my angels whisper,
I hear my angels whisper this too shall pass
*******************************************************************************
"It'll Be Easier In The Morning" by the Hothouse Flowers
If the lonely night surrounds you
Yeah you're weighed down by gloom
No you don't like what it feels like
in Your dark and dirty room
It'll be easier in the morning
It'll be easier in the day
Sun will shine on through your window
We got light to lead the way
Looks like the bottle has run empty
Yeah your heart is torn and dry
Lord you don't like what it feels like
Your sad and lonely eyes
Looks like the highways never ending
Yeah your legs they feel like lead
Lord you're twisting yeah and turning
In your wide and lonely bed
It'll be easier in the morning
It'll be easier in the day
Sun will shine on through your window
We got light to lead the way
Looks like you got no one you can talk to
No one left to talk to
And your heart is torn'n'blue
Yeah you look in no direction
No direction...
I guess these words might pull you through
It'll be easier in the morning
It'll be easier in the day
Sun will shine on through your window
We got light to lead the way
It'll be easier in the morning
It'll be easier in the day
Sun will shine on through your window
We got light to lead the way
****************************************
I've achieved so much in life, but I'm an amateur in love
My bank account is doing just fine but my emotions are bankrupt
My body is nice and strong, but my heart is in a million pieces
When the sun is shining so am I, butwhen night falls,
so do my tears Sometimes the beat is so loud in my heart
that I can barely tell the voices apart
Sometimes the fear is so loud in my head
that I can barely hear what God says,
but then I hear a whisper that this too shall pass,
I hear the angels whisper that this too shall pass
my ancestors whisper that this day will one day be the past
so I walk in faith that this too shall pass,
The one that loved me the most
turned around and hurt me the worst,
Been doing my best to move on
but the pain just keeps singing me songs
My head and my heart are at war
cause love ain't happening the way I want it,
Feel like I'm about to break down can't hear
the light at the end of the tunnel is when I pray
for healing in my heart bebe put back together
what is torn apart and I pray for quiet in my head
that I can hear clearly what GOD says
but then I hear a whisper that this too shall pass,
I hear the angels whisper that this too shall pass
my ancestors whisper that this day will one day be the past
so I walk in faith that this too shall pass
All of a sudden I realized that it only hurts
worse to fight it
So I embrace my shadow and hold on to the morning light
this too shall pass...
I hear the angels whisper that trouble don't have to last always,
I hear the angels whisper even the day after tomorrow
will one day be as today I hear my angels whisper,
I hear my angels whisper this too shall pass
*******************************************************************************
"It'll Be Easier In The Morning" by the Hothouse Flowers
If the lonely night surrounds you
Yeah you're weighed down by gloom
No you don't like what it feels like
in Your dark and dirty room
It'll be easier in the morning
It'll be easier in the day
Sun will shine on through your window
We got light to lead the way
Looks like the bottle has run empty
Yeah your heart is torn and dry
Lord you don't like what it feels like
Your sad and lonely eyes
Looks like the highways never ending
Yeah your legs they feel like lead
Lord you're twisting yeah and turning
In your wide and lonely bed
It'll be easier in the morning
It'll be easier in the day
Sun will shine on through your window
We got light to lead the way
Looks like you got no one you can talk to
No one left to talk to
And your heart is torn'n'blue
Yeah you look in no direction
No direction...
I guess these words might pull you through
It'll be easier in the morning
It'll be easier in the day
Sun will shine on through your window
We got light to lead the way
It'll be easier in the morning
It'll be easier in the day
Sun will shine on through your window
We got light to lead the way
****************************************
This, Too, Shall Pass
THIS, TOO, SHALL PASS
A printout of an old e-mail from a dear friend hangs beside my bed.
Among other things, the e-mail contained a prayer from a name I cannot recognize, and could not find online (it reads E.N. Forshey, to the best of my knowledge. Anyway, the prayer or poem is called "This, Too, Shall Pass."
I've always loved it, and I'd like to share it with others now.
"Dear God, How comforting to know this, too, shall pass, even though my mind and heart are troubled at this time.
I shall be patient and faith-filled, knowing Your spirit is working through all conditions in my life.
I shall wait undisturbed and confident, ignoring appearances and resting in the assurance that You will be my guide, my guardian.
Thank you, God.
I know nothing is impossible, all conditions will be right and good at the proper time,
And I will know!"
Hopefully that hasn't been mutilated too badly in its 3 or 4 passings!
Now, I am still not into the (traditional) 'god' thing, especially this country's crazy zealot-based hateful pick-and-choose version of it, but I do believe in something greater than me.
The power of a friend's love to give me hope. The power of compassion. The power of our own mind to heal. The awareness that a spiritual plane exists, and probably isn't all that concerned with how you spell or say 'its' name, what with it being omnipotent and all!
And one thing I have learned as I have faced down minor life issues (such as joblessness, loneliness, addiction, suicides of others, grief, my own feelings of worthlessness and despair, etc.) is that if I can ride it out, it does get better.
Depression is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Our mood and mind are altered, and we perceive all input as the same; pointless. The same possibilities that exist for others exist for us, if only we can see it.
Everything comes back around again, including fresh starts. And they can happen at any time, anywhere. If you don't know it from your own perspective, just accept the possibility that what I'm saying is right. My belief is hard won, and I've come through the mountain to get here.
If all you have left is yourself, then you still have a blessing. It's life. And it's okay to be discouraged and scared. If we could only understand how everyone else struggles with the same heartaches; some are just better at hiding it than others.
Sometimes a change of thinking can get us started on the right path. But will we accept our worth and virtue and hope... as vehemently as we have embraced our prior dark lot? How willing are you to be happy?
While you figure it out for yourself, hold on to these related songs and poems for a little realization that we all ride the same boat. Don't worry about what's being used for a life preserver, as long as it's a positive influence (god, the universe, your inner self, higher consciousness, fitness, nature, support groups, books, music, collective consciousness, etc.)
Namaskar!
Roberto
************
This Too Shall Pass
If I can endure for this minute, Whatever is happening to me,
No matter how heavy my heart is, Or how dark the moment may be-
If I can remain calm and quiet, With all the world crashing about me,
Secure in the knowledge God loves me
When everyone else seems to doubt me-If I can but keep on believing,
What I know in my heart to be true,That darkness will fade with the morning
And that this will pass away, too-
Then nothing in life can defeat me, For as long as this knowledge remains,
I can suffer whatever is happening, For I know God will break all of the chains
That are binding me tight in the darkness, And trying to fill me with fear-
For there is no night without dawning, And I know that my morning is near
...Helen Steiner Rice
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Buddha himself said: -When faced with all the ups and downs of life, Still the mind remains unshaken, Not lamenting, not generating defilements, always feeling secure, This is the greatest happiness.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"This Too Shall Pass" by Yolanda Adams
In the middle of the turbulence surrounding you,
These trying times that are so hard to endure,
In the middle of what seems to be your darkest hour,
Hold fast your heart and be assured, This too shall pass,
Like every night that's come before it
He'll never give you more than you can bear
This too shall pass, So in this thought be comforted
It's in His hands, This too shall pass,
The Father knows the tears you cry before they fall
He feels your pain,
His heart and yours are one
The Father knows that sorrow's heavy chains are strong,
But with His strength, you'll overcome, This too shall pass,
Like every night that's come before it,
He'll never give you more than you can bear, This too shall pass.
So in this thought be comforted, It's in His hands,
This too shall pass, So set your eyes upon the mountain,
And lift your hands up to the sky,
And let His arms of love surround you,
And take you to the other side, This too shall pass.
Like every night that's come before it,
He'll never give you more than you can bear,
This too shall pass, So in this thought be comforted,
It's in His Hands This too shall pass
"This Too Shall Pass" Mark Lowry
Woke up this morning with the years I've spent
Hanging heavy on my mind.
At times I see So much in me,
I wish I'd left behind. But the one thing I've learned
As the years have turned, And they sure have traveled fast.
This too shall pass.
Chorus; This too shall pass.This too shall pass.
And the tears that fall like raindrops now
Will finally dry at last.This too shall pass.
Sometimes I'm laughing with a crowd of friends,
And still I feel alone.There's a place inside
Full of tears I hide, That I've only cried alone.
But I know that He's near,
And I know He hears,
And I know these tears won't last. This pain today
Will be swept away because This too shall pass.
****************************************
A printout of an old e-mail from a dear friend hangs beside my bed.
Among other things, the e-mail contained a prayer from a name I cannot recognize, and could not find online (it reads E.N. Forshey, to the best of my knowledge. Anyway, the prayer or poem is called "This, Too, Shall Pass."
I've always loved it, and I'd like to share it with others now.
"Dear God, How comforting to know this, too, shall pass, even though my mind and heart are troubled at this time.
I shall be patient and faith-filled, knowing Your spirit is working through all conditions in my life.
I shall wait undisturbed and confident, ignoring appearances and resting in the assurance that You will be my guide, my guardian.
Thank you, God.
I know nothing is impossible, all conditions will be right and good at the proper time,
And I will know!"
Hopefully that hasn't been mutilated too badly in its 3 or 4 passings!
Now, I am still not into the (traditional) 'god' thing, especially this country's crazy zealot-based hateful pick-and-choose version of it, but I do believe in something greater than me.
The power of a friend's love to give me hope. The power of compassion. The power of our own mind to heal. The awareness that a spiritual plane exists, and probably isn't all that concerned with how you spell or say 'its' name, what with it being omnipotent and all!
And one thing I have learned as I have faced down minor life issues (such as joblessness, loneliness, addiction, suicides of others, grief, my own feelings of worthlessness and despair, etc.) is that if I can ride it out, it does get better.
Depression is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Our mood and mind are altered, and we perceive all input as the same; pointless. The same possibilities that exist for others exist for us, if only we can see it.
Everything comes back around again, including fresh starts. And they can happen at any time, anywhere. If you don't know it from your own perspective, just accept the possibility that what I'm saying is right. My belief is hard won, and I've come through the mountain to get here.
If all you have left is yourself, then you still have a blessing. It's life. And it's okay to be discouraged and scared. If we could only understand how everyone else struggles with the same heartaches; some are just better at hiding it than others.
Sometimes a change of thinking can get us started on the right path. But will we accept our worth and virtue and hope... as vehemently as we have embraced our prior dark lot? How willing are you to be happy?
While you figure it out for yourself, hold on to these related songs and poems for a little realization that we all ride the same boat. Don't worry about what's being used for a life preserver, as long as it's a positive influence (god, the universe, your inner self, higher consciousness, fitness, nature, support groups, books, music, collective consciousness, etc.)
Namaskar!
Roberto
************
This Too Shall Pass
If I can endure for this minute, Whatever is happening to me,
No matter how heavy my heart is, Or how dark the moment may be-
If I can remain calm and quiet, With all the world crashing about me,
Secure in the knowledge God loves me
When everyone else seems to doubt me-If I can but keep on believing,
What I know in my heart to be true,That darkness will fade with the morning
And that this will pass away, too-
Then nothing in life can defeat me, For as long as this knowledge remains,
I can suffer whatever is happening, For I know God will break all of the chains
That are binding me tight in the darkness, And trying to fill me with fear-
For there is no night without dawning, And I know that my morning is near
...Helen Steiner Rice
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Buddha himself said: -When faced with all the ups and downs of life, Still the mind remains unshaken, Not lamenting, not generating defilements, always feeling secure, This is the greatest happiness.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"This Too Shall Pass" by Yolanda Adams
In the middle of the turbulence surrounding you,
These trying times that are so hard to endure,
In the middle of what seems to be your darkest hour,
Hold fast your heart and be assured, This too shall pass,
Like every night that's come before it
He'll never give you more than you can bear
This too shall pass, So in this thought be comforted
It's in His hands, This too shall pass,
The Father knows the tears you cry before they fall
He feels your pain,
His heart and yours are one
The Father knows that sorrow's heavy chains are strong,
But with His strength, you'll overcome, This too shall pass,
Like every night that's come before it,
He'll never give you more than you can bear, This too shall pass.
So in this thought be comforted, It's in His hands,
This too shall pass, So set your eyes upon the mountain,
And lift your hands up to the sky,
And let His arms of love surround you,
And take you to the other side, This too shall pass.
Like every night that's come before it,
He'll never give you more than you can bear,
This too shall pass, So in this thought be comforted,
It's in His Hands This too shall pass
"This Too Shall Pass" Mark Lowry
Woke up this morning with the years I've spent
Hanging heavy on my mind.
At times I see So much in me,
I wish I'd left behind. But the one thing I've learned
As the years have turned, And they sure have traveled fast.
This too shall pass.
Chorus; This too shall pass.This too shall pass.
And the tears that fall like raindrops now
Will finally dry at last.This too shall pass.
Sometimes I'm laughing with a crowd of friends,
And still I feel alone.There's a place inside
Full of tears I hide, That I've only cried alone.
But I know that He's near,
And I know He hears,
And I know these tears won't last. This pain today
Will be swept away because This too shall pass.
****************************************
STARTING THE DAY
Who's To Blame?!?!
Starting Point...an offering
From: Robert Sayre (robertsayre2@hotmail.com)
Sent: Wed 6/10/09 10:23 AM
Sometimes I forget to take a moment and START the day.
I fall out of bed, immediately mindful of my Checklist of Stuff that needs attending, busily fretting about time factors and personalities and....all I need to do is take a moment and get off on the right foot.
If I stay in bed long enough to focus my mind and my emotions before I take on the world, I get a clearer sense of where I am, where I need to be, and how I need to get there.
If I jump up and stub my toe and cuss and say to myself "I guess it's going to be one of those kind of days," then that's exactly what will happen. I can will a bad day into existence very easily. That is the power of the mind and the will.
So why would I refuse to harness the universe's (and my own) power to put forth positive, strong imagery and energy?It's simple enough."I choose to face what may come with the type of spirit I want to become a part of my life.
I accept my responsibility for my life.....I will try my very best to refrain from blaming and criticizing or condemning ANYONE this day. Including myself.
The past is not shackled to me, and the future is not an unavoidable given; I choose my response and take on both. I will stop worst-case-scenario thinking in its tracks, and instead allow the possibility of hope and a miracle in my life today.
I allow that I am deserving of as much love and kindness as everyone else on the planet, and I will act on that acceptance EVEN if it does not feel genuine yet.
I will work towards a fuller person hood, and to being the type of person I want to attract."For today, I believe in POSSIBILITIES.
Love, Robert
Starting Point...an offering
From: Robert Sayre (robertsayre2@hotmail.com)
Sent: Wed 6/10/09 10:23 AM
Sometimes I forget to take a moment and START the day.
I fall out of bed, immediately mindful of my Checklist of Stuff that needs attending, busily fretting about time factors and personalities and....all I need to do is take a moment and get off on the right foot.
If I stay in bed long enough to focus my mind and my emotions before I take on the world, I get a clearer sense of where I am, where I need to be, and how I need to get there.
If I jump up and stub my toe and cuss and say to myself "I guess it's going to be one of those kind of days," then that's exactly what will happen. I can will a bad day into existence very easily. That is the power of the mind and the will.
So why would I refuse to harness the universe's (and my own) power to put forth positive, strong imagery and energy?It's simple enough."I choose to face what may come with the type of spirit I want to become a part of my life.
I accept my responsibility for my life.....I will try my very best to refrain from blaming and criticizing or condemning ANYONE this day. Including myself.
The past is not shackled to me, and the future is not an unavoidable given; I choose my response and take on both. I will stop worst-case-scenario thinking in its tracks, and instead allow the possibility of hope and a miracle in my life today.
I allow that I am deserving of as much love and kindness as everyone else on the planet, and I will act on that acceptance EVEN if it does not feel genuine yet.
I will work towards a fuller person hood, and to being the type of person I want to attract."For today, I believe in POSSIBILITIES.
Love, Robert
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