Here's to your physical health at any age!

If you don’t have your health, it is difficult to function on a daily basis no matter what age, and the “enemy” is inflammation.  It’s not just the athlete, but it’s the stressed mom with young children, it’s the single parent working several jobs to just put food on the table, it’s the professional doctor, teacher, CPA with high demands and expectations on their time who’s getting little beneficial sleep, it’s the main bread winner working full time but also going back to school at night, and, yes, even our young college students meeting the demands of all the assignments, projects, mid-terms, finals.  All of these examples are people with some level of inflammation. 

According to Dr. Lyndon McGill, chiropractor out of Salem, Oregon, “our bodies are bombarded with pro-inflammatory conditions.  Inflammation is a response; our bodies want to fight this invader.”  There are two types of inflammation.  The first is acute inflammation which is our body’s initial response to an injury or trauma and is a good thing, it can even be life-saving.  However the second type of inflammation is chronic inflammation.  This, on the other hand, is definitely a problem. Too many things are perpetuating this inflammatory response with the result being autoimmune diseases and more.  According to Dr. McGill, “so many people are headed toward dialysis because of the damage to the liver and kidneys due to medications such as prescription meds and over-the-counter anti-inflammatories.”   

Having dealt with rheumatoid arthritis since I was 36 and being on an injection of methotrexate once a week for over 13 years, I've definitely been concerned about the implications for my health long-term.  However, I’m also learning, there are a multitude of reasons our bodies, at ALL ages, are fighting inflammation.  It’s not just that sore shoulder or knee due to over use playing golf or tennis as a recreational sport.  It’s not just the former college/pro athlete who now, later in life, is “feeling the effects.”  It is EVERY ONE of us.  We are surrounded by challenges such as: chemicals in the environment, allergies, migraines, job-related stressors, lack of sleep, lack of good nutrition, high consumption of junk food and junk beverages, joint aches and pains, obesity, and the list goes on and on. 

With all that said, I want to introduce you to a product that has changed my life as well as many others.  Hear me out. DO NOT stop reading.  I am not someone who will bombard others “advertising” products, however, this one is changing lives, its proprietary, clean, and the focus is on reducing chronic inflammation.  What is it?  It’s a small beet capsule called Limitless.  Like a vitamin/mineral benefits us, this small capsule taken two times a day, preferably on an empty stomach serves to strengthen your body and how it functions.  Testimonials range from high school athletes, to my 87 year old mom, to former college and pro athletes, those of us concerned about aging, and also ob/gyn professionals, dentists, and even veterinarians. 

What makes this capsule so powerful?  It contains one ingredient which is a targeted concentration of pure beet root powder containing a superior source of betalain.  The patent-pending process to extract the betalain allows for the purity, zero calories, and zero sugar.  What are the benefits:  *fights fatigue   *fights free-radicals   *promotes joint health   *improves mental alertness   *promotes healthy aging   *reduces chronic inflammation     Did you know there is even a correlation between obesity and inflammation markers?  Not only is there more stress on the joints, but fat cells themselves cause a release of inflammatory markers around the fat cells creating an adverse environment to losing weight. 

The latest “buzz word” is beets.  Even Dr. Oz proclaims that red is the “new green.”  Whether you do or do not like beets will not be an issue as the capsule is tiny and easy to swallow.   In addition, you will receive the benefits of eating 500 beets to get the amount of betalain nutrition in only one Limitless capsule but NO sugar. 

Jon and I have been taking this product for almost two years now, and we will continue with Limitless as part of our daily routine just like taking our vitamin D3 tablet.  There is a 100% money back guarantee if you try this product for 84 days.   We are all about helping people be the best they can be physically and mentally in order to have a high quality of life, and it starts with acknowledging chronic inflammation is a huge problem for all of us at any age.

Here’s to a healthy week.  Message me back if you’d like more information about Limitless.  For those of you who are already taking Limitless, I celebrate your focus on your own health now and in the future!!

Is there an angel inside you?

Did you take some time this past week to sit down, in a quiet space, and write YOUR personal philosophy?   Granted, without small children demanding my time, I was able to actually find that quiet space.  Although for many of you, who do have those little ones needing you and pulling at your time demands, I would contend that THIS is important for not only you but those little ones.  Knowing yourself and what you believe in is going to be reflected in all that you do.  If you didn't get that chance this past week, take time this week.  

I found the process to be incredibly insightful with some things clear and others made my list that I hadn’t previously verbalized.  I knew, and I wrote it down, that I wanted to be a significant influence and role model especially to my children and grandchildren.  I wanted them to see me “walk my talk.”  The surprise was that I realized I have begun to only judge myself and my actions when I would ask myself the question, “Is this a reflection of God’s image?” That’s now on my list.  My day begins by reading my six principles along with all my gratitude’s.

For me, things are never by chance.  I am a true believer that everything happens for a reason and at the right time.  I may not always agree that the timing is right, but I do believe the timing is right according to God’s time.  I have just finished reading two extremely powerful books by Chris Widener.  The one I'm reflecting on today is called The Angel Inside.  “Coincidentally”, I read this book while reflecting on my personal philosophy.”  

Chris’s book is a book to read over and over again as I found many discoveries the first time through and even more the second.  His style is to weave a life lesson into a storyline that makes the reading easy and relatable.  “According to legend, when a young boy asked the great Renaissance artist Michelangelo why he was working so hard hitting the block of marble that would eventually become his greatest sculpture, David, the artist replied, ‘Young man, there is an angel inside this rock, and I am setting him free’…Chris Widener uses Michelangelo’s words to explore the hidden potential that exists within us all.”

As the story reveals the various lessons, readers begin to learn what Michelangelo’s  work can teach all of us – “the power of following your passion.”

Among the lessons learned include:

*The beauty is in the details

*Your hand creates what your mind conceives

*Every great accomplishment starts with a single swift action

*No one begins by creating the Sistine Chapel

If you want to find true meaning in your work and life, reading The Angel Inside will help you design your personal philosophy AND find that angel inside that is YOU.  Your assignment this week, if you choose to accept this challenge, is to read this book.  I would love to hear your thoughts and reflections.

 

It has been a glorious few weeks of fall here in Colorado.  Blue skies, cool mornings, in the 70’s during the day, and the trees still brilliant with color.  I wish you a fantastic week.

Do you have a personal philosophy?

Do you have a personal philosophy?  You probably do, however, until we can put words to what that is exactly, how can we proceed with purpose in our lives?  What generally happens is we think we know what we want, we set our goals and hopefully even write them down, and then we take action.  If we get a roadblock, or we sway from the original path, how will we find our way unless we understand our personal philosophy?  For me, I had an intrinsic feeling of what I was meant to do; however, it wasn't concrete in my mind.  After reading an excerpt from Dr. Phil last week, I began to think about my own personal philosophy.  What exactly is that philosophy?  What do I, as an individual, stand for?

“’The way you do anything is the way you do everything’ and how it applies to life,” became Dr. Phil’s personal philosophy.   Whether or not this resonates with you, take the premise that a personal philosophy is necessary, read these thoughts, and come up with a philosophy that fits YOU.  I recognize many of you will respond with such thoughts as:  Here we go, one more thing I'm supposed to do when I already don’t have time.  Is this really that important? I’m doing just fine, thank you very much.  I already know my personal philosophy; I know it but it’s hard to explain.”  Etc. etc.  I would suggest this may be one of THE most important activities you put on your “to do” list for this week.

“For many of us, the way we do anything is the way we do everything.”  Dr. Phil suggests taking a look at the areas of our lives that could use some improvement.  “Is your credit score the pits because you don't pay your bills on time?  Think about how that neglect could be showing up in your relationships.  Are you just going through the motions at work?  If so, chances are you're just going through the motions, period.  As I have learned, the good news is – it’s never too late to change no matter how small the change.  If anything is going to change it’s definitely up to me, and no one else.  As Darren Hardy repeatedly speaks to in his book, The Compound Effect, it’s the “principle of reaping huge rewards from a series of small, smart choices.”  It’s interesting to me that what both Darren Hardy and Dr. Phil are speaking to is that the individual steps along the way, don’t “feel” very significant but may have massive results.  It may be as simple as wanting to take better care of your health and lose a few pounds, but you realize you're snacking throughout the day.   “Once you pay attention to the things in your life that need tending, you'll make it a priority to tend to yourself.”

So how do I get started?  First of all, building on a personal philosophy to guide all areas of my life must be a priority.  That’s the foundation I now build everything on, and that foundation needs to be strong.  Next, I must come up with what’s really important to me.  I have to say that at age 62 it would be easy to “blow this self-development stuff” out the window.  I've “already lived my life” so why should I spend time on developing a personal philosophy now? According to Dr. Phil, “You have a philosophy, even if you're not conscious of it; everybody does….you need to be able to clearly articulate your own guiding principle.”  Hmmm, if that’s the case, I need to examine what it is that I stand for at this point in my life.  I still have a lot of living to do.  :)

In reflecting over my life, I have begun to see some patterns. With this nudge to articulate the things I have unconsciously based my life on to this point, I am now focusing on articulating those things on a conscious level.  After taking some time to think, reflect, and examine my actions, my feelings, my choices, etc. I am beginning to create a true path of focused awareness.  My personal philosophy has begun now on a conscious level.  Again from Dr. Phil, “The next step is to live by it with every choice you make.  After all, you don't become a champion by winning the Super Bowl; you become a champion by practicing.  And remember: If you don’t live your life as if everything matters, you’ll never become everything you’re meant to be.” 

You may be in your 20’s, 30’s or older.  You may be male or female; formally educated or not, single or married, parent or not…it doesn’t matter.  If you take the attitude that God has given you this life then I would propose that He is waiting for you to actively and consciously participate in your life.  No excuses.

These blogs have been my personal journey of learning and growing on a daily basis.  I come away with an even truer sense of who I am as a person and feel much more content with myself and my life.  I only hope that in reading these, YOU will gain YOUR own sense of who YOU are, that YOU will create YOUR own personal philosophy for YOUR journey in this beautiful life.

I wish you an awesome week of joy, reflection, and FUN!     

Our Greatest Battles

“The greatest battles you will ever fight are with yourself, and you must always be your toughest opponent.” 

Excuse.  Exactly what is the definition of the word excuse?  According to the dictionary; excuse is, “an attempt to lessen the blame, to seek to defend or justify; a reason or explanation put forward to defend or justify a fault or offense.”  How often do we “battle” within ourselves trying to justify or defend an action we took, a conversation we had that didn't go well, or a conflict etc. etc.?  How does that conversation go in your head?  I know, for me, my first tendency is to point the finger at someone or something else – an excuse, a justification for my actions or words.  But then again, Jim Rohn, says that for every finger pointing outward there are three pointing back.  Hmm.  My first “take” on my excuse or justification is I had a reason to react or respond in a particular way.  I don’t want others to think I’m weak, I need to be able to stand up for myself or people will take advantage of me, I should be better at getting my point across etc.  Sound familiar? Yes, a “battle” I fight within myself.

Maybe its age, but I also think a lot of my thought processing changes are due to personal development and learning more.  As I've written about before, situations are my own judgment and rather than putting a right/wrong or good/bad label on things I need to learn to accept others as they are, but also accept and celebrate ME for who I am.  Does that mean I give in and change my position?  Absolutely not.  Instead I can stand on my position and equally respect someone else’s position.  I may try to understand where they are coming from, but I don’t necessarily need to agree.  I did that for too many years.  I am naturally a people pleaser, and I did feel intimidated around some people and situations.  I am an intrinsic “feeler.”  I “know” when something doesn't feel “right.”  I don’t often have facts to back up my perception.  In the classroom, when I didn't think something was “right” with a student, but I couldn't identify the specifics, I would call in an incredible special needs team, and they would test or have another set of eyes.  99% of the time, I was right on, something was amiss.  Then we could move forward with a plan to support the student. 

It wasn't until I was out of the classroom and through some self-development workshops did I come to realize my strengths and be comfortable with them therefore, also becoming more comfortable with me.  My strengths are intrinsically “knowing” how people are feeling, I watch the nonverbal body language, I can “tell” when things are right or something is wrong. No specifics just a feeling. However, I grew up with a trial attorney father who relied on facts as that was his profession.  I was told my feelings didn't count, what were the facts?  I remember at age 16 telling him that I always felt like I was on the witness stand.  It was a new revelation for him, but as he said, that’s all he knew.  I can appreciate that now, but not at 16. 

Later in life, I would experience situations where people were quoting from a book or some documentation.  The facts and quotes “rolled off their tongue,” and all I had were my feelings on the subject.  I had also read and heard information but my strength was not to recall those facts but to interpret them in my intrinsic way.  I tried for many years to be like the others who were fact oriented, but I eventually got to the place where I didn't feel adequate, I couldn't “compete” on the same level, I wasn't smart enough, (internal talk) so I just wouldn't participate in discussions.   Here was my need to be accepted coming out “in spades” as well as my conflict avoidance.  At one point, I did think two people should be able to agree to disagree, we could meet in the middle, respecting one another’s opinions/views and move on. That may be the case for some people; however, for me I was met with the “fact people” not “hearing” my thoughts and opinions. Their focus was only to convince me to their way of thinking, through facts, and deny my feelings. 

So what has changed for me?  First and foremost, I now embrace who I am, what my skill set is, and celebrate other’s strengths that are different than mine.  I did use excuses before.  I did try to justify my actions. But that was without really understanding what the differences were and how I was and am a valuable person in my own right.  I learned to listen, to acknowledge and celebrate someone else’s thoughts and views different than my own, thank them for those thoughts and views, but now add, I don’t happen to agree and that’s ok.”  I learned to use the “broken record” strategy with my adult conversations just like I had used the “broken record” when talking with my children or my students.  I quit trying to convince someone that my way was the right way.  When I was doing that, I was essentially doing what I complained others were doing to me. I am much better now at accepting differences, letting those differences just “be” and avoid convincing someone that I have all the answers.  I can share my experiences, hope there is something that will resonant with them, but that’s all I have control over - me .  I come away with an even truer sense of who I am as a person and feel much more content with myself and my life.  Comparisons are still difficult, self-judgment is still there, but the difference is I now recognize those thoughts and can let them go.  (Thank you, once again, Jim Britt.)

So yes, “The greatest battles you will ever fight are with yourself, and you must always be your toughest opponent.”   That's also called growth.  

This blog began after reading an excerpt from Dr. Phil about the “first steps to making meaningful change in your life.”  That’s for next week.  Thank you for reading my blogs, I hope I give you something to think about and reflect on in your life, and always welcome your feedback.  It’s a beautiful fall day, and I’m feeling extremely blessed.  Have a wonderful week.