Muffins with Mom – A K.I.S.S. for the Holiday

One egg, water, add to gingerbread mix. Betty Crocker made it easy to bake gingerbread with my sons as part of our Holiday tradition. The end result was warm, moist cake, with a dollop of cool whip, and an engaging conversation with my sons. My tip for the Holiday is to seal it with a K.I.S.S (Keep It Simple Silly).

As part of our Holiday tradition, we put up the Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving. It’s looking at the Christmas lights that motivate me. When my sons were younger they would help decorate the tree, adding beads, bulbs, and ornaments they made at school.

Although my sons are grown now, the tradition still continues, it just looks a little different. I’ve learned to keep it simple. I asked my older son to help me drag the Christmas tree box from the basement. This also meant hauling out the tote containing all the ornaments (ribbons, bulbs, beads, bells).

“Why do you have so much stuff,” my son asked.

“Accumulation. At least it’s organized.”

It didn’t take long to assemble the pre-lit tree, but it was days before I returned to add ornaments. It was then that I enlisted the assistance of my younger son to help decorate the tree. He is known as the negotiation of the family.

“I’ll help if I can have flavored candy canes, and gingerbread,” said son two.

“You can do it for the bonding and family togetherness, and I’ll consider the gingerbread.”

Well, I did make the gingerbread, and the Christmas tree is decorated with the ornaments and candy canes. I spend a little time each day sitting in stillness (reading, or writing) and admiring the colorful lights.

As you prepare for the Holiday season choose to do something simple that brings you joy. Little things can provide bug joy.

What tips do you have for keeping the Holiday season simple?

Feel Good Friday – Stress is a Laughing Matter

 

Judy Carter, Comedian, and Author of the Comedy Bible

Stress is a Laughing Matter is a phrase used by Judy Carter, author, and comedian. This was also the title of a workshop Judy facilitated at the Erma Bombeck Writers Workshop (October 2022). Judy encouraged the audience to look at our problems as punchlines. She speaks and writes about finding happiness when you’re stressed.

You may be wondering how stress can be a laughing matter. Well, it’s actually how you deal with stress that involves laughter. Whether you want to perform stand-up comedy, add humor to your writing, or just make it through a challenging time, laughter helps. Laughter as well as storytelling that can be healing.

I’m in the process of turning a problem into a punchline. Here’s my story, it’s a tale of aging.

The radio in my bathroom was blaring with the latest pop song. The volume was cranked up so I could hear it over the pulsating shower water. I hummed to the tunes as I lathered, rinsed, and began to dry off. I pulled the shower curtain open, and a cool breeze tickled my nose, which caused a gentle sneeze…that threw my back out.

I was standing there alone, just me, the radio, and my towel; standing bent over in excruciating pain each time I tried to stand upright. All I could do was tilt my head upward as I thought, what just happened? Did I sneeze and throw my back out? Am I about to die clean, but ashy?

Of course, I was being a drama queen, but I needed a distraction form the pain. The situation was in no way funny at the time. A couple of days later after an Aleve and a lidocaine patch, I took a few minutes to reflect.

I took that painful incident and added it to a comedy set that I was working on. Using the art of exaggeration, the situation was made to appear ginormous (gigantic and enormous). I’m not sure that’s a real word, but it added an element of humor.

How can you turn stress into a laughing matter? Give it a try. Think of a situation that was not funny at the time it was occurring. Share your story with a friend, but retell it using exaggeration, and acting it out. You’re on your way to using laughter to relieve a little stress.

Stress is a laughing matter, that’s my point of view…and Judy’s, and I’m sticking with it.

Wordless Wednesday - I Love to Write Day

 Any day is a good day to write. However if you missed National I Love to Write Day (November 15), you can still acknowledge the craft of writing. Share a writing tip or encouraging advice about the writing/creating process.

Here is a sample of my process in pictures:

Motivational Monday – National Entrepreneur’s Day

My son's Luxury Car Rental business

“You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.” Michael Jordan is known for saying this quote. For Michael Jordan, this quote related to his determination in the area of basketball. Apply this quote to an area in your life.

Have you ever thought about being an entrepreneur? National Entrepreneur’s Day is recognized on November 15. If your passion is to start a business of your own, but you’ve pushed the thought aside, now is a good time to refocus. What is your why? Why do you want to go into business. Your why needs to be strong in order to drive your determination.

If you have no desire to be an entrepreneur, don’t stop reading yet. You can participate in National Entrepreneur’s Day by supporting an entrepreneur. Perhaps you know a friend, or a friend of a friend who has started a business. Help them get the word out about their product. Mention them on social media or connect them with someone who may benefit from their product.

Commercial break over, back to your passion.

My sons both decided they wanted to own their own businesses. They have been working almost a year to lay their foundation, establish connections etc. I asked one son what made him want to start his own business.

“I always wanted to be a CEO. I learned in college about what it means to be an entrepreneur.”

I also asked my son what advice he would give someone interested in becoming an entrepreneur.

“Know what you’re good at and what you’re willing to do; dedicate your energy to that.”

I asked my other son what the driving force behind his decision was to start his own business. He said, “I like the freedom that comes with it, being on your own schedule and time frame.”

The next question I asked my son was, “How did you figure out what you wanted to do?”

“I asked questions about everyday life, figured out what I was good at then worked to master my skills.”

My sons are still working to achieve their goals, they know it will take time and dedication. They have a strong why…I think it’s to get out of Mama’s space.

My takeaway from the conversation with my sons is that you can do whatever you set your to do. Create a plan and work your plan.

My son's Logistics Business

I’ve posted a picture/flyer about each sons’ business. Support an entrepreneur today or get started on your business if that is your dream. Reach for the stars. Take a shot, and keep taking them…Michael Jordan did.

 

Muffins with Mom – Journaling can be fun – The best kept secret no one ever told you

 

The crazy thing about having a hobby is…after you do it so long, it can feel like work. I like to journal. For me writing or journaling is more than a hobby. I love a decorative journal with a cover that has patterned designs, pages with a splash of color and sometimes, inspirational quotes.

One cool night as I sat nestled under the covers, watching a Hallmark movie, my son tapped on my bedroom door. I’m sure I looked like the grandma in Little Red Riding Hood, with my bonnet on and eyeglasses. My son had a grin on his face the size of a hula hoop. He said, “Ma, I have something for you.”

My son whipped a book from behind his back and dangled it in the air like a carrot. The words spilled from his mouth in a sing-song tone, “It’s a new journal.”

A gift from a son to his mother

I smiled with glee at my gift. The title of the journal was “Your’ Mother’s Story – Mom I want to know everything about you.” How sweet. I began flipping through the pages. Each page had a question for the reader to answer. There were questions such as what was the first car you wanted and why? What does your yearbook say about you?

After my son left me with the sweet gift, I stomped into his room, “Now you want the answers to these questions? You could have just listened years ago when I tried to share information. This is not journaling. This is writing a novel.”

“Well, you can do a little each day.”

My peaceful, therapeutic process of journal writing had the potential of becoming a chore. I refused to let that happen.

The best kept secret to making journal writing fun is…enjoy the process. Look at your time with your journal as a peaceful moment, a time to relax and reflect. Set a time to writ that best fits your day. It could be in the morning to start your day, mid-day to take a break, or an evening wind-down. You choose.

I’m having fun with the journal my son gave me. I’ve found ways to inject humor and also reflect on some of my childhood memories.

Don’t let your hobby feel like work, whether it’s journal writing or something different, enjoy the process.

What tips do you have for making journal writing fun?

 

Wordless Wednesday - Midweek Laughter Tip

Think about about an activity or situation that makes you smile or laugh. Go out today and find something that makes smle, giggle or laugh. It will brighten your day.

A peek inside a virtual comedy showcase.

Humor at work - what is one job you wouldn't want?

Muffins with Mom – Family Traditions

 

Cousins - A birthday celebration

What family traditions are unique to your family? My brother likes to go out to dinner every year for his birthday, and Father’s Day…to the same restaurant. We also end up at that same restaurant for Mother’s Day, because my mom enjoys that place too.

We enter the restaurant, and my brother is greeted warmly like the 1980’s sitcom Cheers. The waitress says, “Hey Norm.” Immediately a line from the Cheers theme song pops in my head – Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came.

At our family gatherings we have four generations represented, from toddlers to menopausal and post-menopausal relatives. The best part of traditions with our family is sharing stories and laughs. I’ve come to learn that the saying, Out of the mouths of babes, is not restricted to the young.

My twenty-five-year-old asked, “Ma, why did you only have two kids, why not three? We wanted a sister.”

“Well, you’re not getting a sister at this point. You can have as many kids as you want. After you finish paying those college loans, and helping me around the house, tell me how many kids YOU want to have.”

Our afternoon was filled with laughter and promises to get together more often, not just for birthdays and holidays. A friend told me that her family gets together monthly for a game night. The location rotates among family members.

The best part about family traditions is creating memories and leaving a legacy for the next generation. While at the grocery store with my son last week, a pumpkin carving kit sitting on a shelf caught his eye. He said, “Remember when we used to carve pumpkins? It was so messy.”

My son was right, pumpkin carving at our house, was a mess, but it’s a memory that stayed with him. Perhaps when he has kids pumpkin carving will be a neat experience.

What advice would you share about family traditions?

 

Wordless Wednesday – Gospel Music Heritage Month

Did you know that September is Gospel Music Heritage Month? You can celebrate by attending a concert or event, listening to gospel music, or reading about gospel music. If you’re already a fan of gospel music, share a couple of song titles that uplift you.

If you’ve never had an interest in gospel music, try something different this month, step outside of your genre zone, and explore this style of music. Below are a few gospel songs that I like.

Be Encouraged

YouTube Video Credit:William Becton & Friends

 Just Want to Praise You

YouTube Video Credit: Maurette Brown Claark Music

Encourage Yourself

YouTube Video Credit: Donald Lawrence

There’s something about music that provides a feeling of hope, encouragement, and inspiration.

Is there a gospel event that you know of that is happening in the month of September? Share it here. 

Motivational Monday – Connection Lost – Keeping the faith through a storm

 

My computer screen was filled with a gazillion emails from my inbox. I set aside time and began to tackle some of them when an error message popped up that said, connection lost. There wasn’t a total black out, but I was stalled in reading my emails or doing anything else on my computer.

My temporary moment of inconvenience gave me time to redirect my tasks. I pulled a devotional from my bookshelf and began to re-read a few pages that were folded down. A quote at the bottom of the page read, “Be happy in the moment, that’s enough. Each moment is all we need.” -Mother Teresa

What do we do when the storms of life are raging? A first reaction may be to panic, worry, or feel overwhelmed. This is the time to put your hope in the Lord, no matter what your circumstances. Don’t lose your connection. Remain anchored in your faith. There are battles that we fight for our kids, our health, our finances, but we push through. That’s faith.

There’s a gospel song I’m reminded of with the following lyrics: There’s a storm out over the ocean and it’s moving this way. If your souls not anchored in Jesus, you will surely drift away. Keep the connection of your faith. It may not seem like it when you’re going through a challenge, but storms do pass. Your faith will help you push through it.

You may be familiar with the acronym P.U.S.H., - Pray Until Something Happens, it’s one to keep in the forefront of your mind. Prayer is one tool to keep in your toolbox of faith. No need to navigate the sea of troubles alone. Keep in mind that prayer does not only have to be used in times of struggle. You can send out prayers of thanksgiving and gratitude for the things you have.

If you feel like you’re alone and your connection to your faith has been lost, reconnect. All is not lost, renew your faith today.

Wacky Wednesday – World Beard Day

 

A kid with a gotee

Did you know that there is a such thing as World Beard Day? Yes, there is, and it’s celebrated on September 2^nd. I did a Google search of bizarre holidays and there it was waiting for me.

I hate to admit this, but in my menopausal state of hair growth, I probably qualify to celebrate this bearded holiday. On the bright side, there is a benefit to having a beard and celebrating this wacky holiday. I read that it’s customary for  the bearded family members of a family to relax and not partake in jobs or chores.

There you have it, because I’m a good sport about my beard, no chores or work for me on September 2^nd. I learned that in some cultures the beard represents virtues such as strength and wisdom. I’ll accept those virtues, but what happens when I get rid of my beard? I don’t plan to keep it.

Goat & Me...both with beards

Whether it’s World Beard Day, a busy workday, or a day of relaxation, include humor.

Share something you found funny recently.

Motivational Monday – Do Not Give Up – 3 Scriptures to Encourage Your Success

 

Don’t Quit

When things go wrong as they sometimes will,

When the road you’re trudging seems all up hill,

When funds are low and debts are high,

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest if you must, but don’t quit.

Author Unknown

 

Circumstances in life can make it easy for us to become discouraged. It’s easy to give up, but it takes courage and determination to stick with something when you feel challenged. Above is one stanza from the popular poem Don’t Quit. I like the line that says, “rest if you must, but don’t quit.”

 

When you feel overwhelmed, stressed, or just plain tired…pause…rest, and find something that encourages you. It can be difficult to focus on success with work, school, or anything else, when situations are less than ideal. Below are three scriptures that encourage success.

 

·         “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” – Proverbs 16:3 ESV

·         “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalm 37:4 ESV

·         “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13 ESV

Each day build time into your schedule to pause, rest, meditate. Think about the direction you want your life to take, pray about it. Believe it and you will achieve it.

Do not give up. Don’t Quit

 

Muffins with Mom – A Reflection in Parenting

 

It’s that time of year where store shelves are filled with spiral notebooks, crayons, pens, erasers, and backpacks. It’s an unspoken notification that it’s Back to School time. Although my cherubs are done with school, I stumbled upon a photo that drew me into a memory.

Along with the start of a new school year, comes picture day. During my sons second grade year I hadn’t decided whether I would purchase a package. We still had photos left from the two previous years. He hadn’t changed THAT much.

Well, the photography company took photos of all the students and sent them home for parents to preview and decide on a package. Great marketing on their part. The presentation was nice and included a plastic sheet of keychain photos.

The keychain photos were assembled in a way that they could be detached by snapping them from the plastic sheet. The sheet stated Do Not Detach unless you want to purchase. Can you guess what happened? I won’t keep you in suspense. My son detached each one of the six photos. There they were scattered on the table like a jigsaw puzzle.

The decision was made for me…we purchased a small photo package, and the detached keyring photos. Fast forward fifteen years – one of those keyring photos is still in good shape. It never made it onto a ring with keys, but found its way into a photo box, tucked away with other memories.

Parenting is full of ups and downs, but it’s the fond memories that make it all worthwhile.

What is one fun, back to school memory that you can reflect upon?

 

Wellness Wednesday – National Fajita Day – 3 Ways to celebrate

 

Nothing says fajita like the sound of sizzling steak with the aroma of green peppers, onions, and chili spices. Are you hungry yet? When was the last time you ate a delicious fajita? Whether your favorite is steak or chicken - National Fajita Day is observed August 18^th. This is a great opportunity to add a new flair to your home recipe or dash off to your favorite restaurant.

Here are 3 Ways to observe National Fajita Day

1.      Share a fajita recipe with a friend

2.      Have a Girls Night – serve fajitas, pamper yourselves, and chill

3.      Post a picture on social media – perhaps it’s a picture of you having fun with fajitas, dancing while making them, or a picture of you taking a bite. Make it fun.

If you are not a meat eater, make a fake fajita, a pseudo fajita, or create your own fancy name it. Include all of your favorite veggies, season them, and make it pleasing to the palate.

Check out a chicken fajita recipe here.

What are your tips for observing National Fajita Day?

 

Fun Friday – National Relaxation Day – 3 Ways to Chill Out

 

Attend a comedy show - Bored Teachers Comedy Tour at Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle

National Relaxation Day is near, it’s celebrated each year on August 15^th. Do you know how to relax? It’s not hard, but it may take practice, especially if you’re used to filling your schedule with things to do. You are now granted permission to chill out:

Here are 3 ways to relax and chill out:

1.      Get in a daily dose of laughter – There is scientific research that shows laughter is a good stress relief. Laughter helps your muscles relax, and increases circulation, among other benefits.

Chill out tip: Hold a car concert (or kitchen, living room, bathroom) – to be clear, a car concert is when you crank up the volume on your radio and dance like no one is watching…but rest assured someone may see you. The key here is to bob your head, move your shoulders, while listening to upbeat music. Jerky movements, singing off-key, anything that makes you laugh while doing this is acceptable. Have fun because you can.

2.      Create a Chill Out Day once a week – schedule a date with yourself. Block off time in your schedule to unwind and something that brings your joy or do nothing at all.  It doesn’t even have to be a full day of chilin’ out, it can be small blocks of time that you designate for your self-care.

 Chill out tip: Practice meditation and yoga. Put aside the busyness of your day and allow yourself to sit still, in a quiet place, and breathe.

3.      Eat foods that reduce stress – according to the Total Wellness blog, fueling your body with foods “filled with vitamins and nutrients can elevate mood and energy.” Some stress-busting foods include:

·         Bananas

·         Spinach

·         Green Tea

·         Dark Chocolate

·         Oatmeal

·         Turkey breast

Chill out tip: create a fun snack bar for you and your family and watch a funny movie.

All tips were adapted from the Total Wellness Health blog.

Although National Relaxation Day is once a year, this is just the start of building a healthy relationship with relaxing. If you’re already an expert at relaxing or using relaxation techniques, share your knowledge with someone else.

What suggestions do you have for ways to chill out?

Words of Wisdom - Motivational Quotes About Life

 

YouTube Video Credit: Live Smarter

Fun Friday – Unmasked

Leonardo DiCaprio was confined to an iron mask in the movie, The Man in the Iron Mask. I like many others, felt confined to a cloth mask for two years, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I knew the day would come when I could finally pull away the mask in public and feel…relief. Except, it didn’t happen that way.

It happened lie this…

The mask was cute, the colors accented the brightly colored patterned dress I was wearing, but it wasn’t breathable. My cheeks were damp, my lips were dry, and my forehead began to join the parade of perspiration. The Grand Marshal of the sweat parade was a hot flash. I felt it brewing, then like a furnace igniting…POOF.

I was participating in a job fair at work and wanted to keep any potential germs from flying from my mouth and into the space of passerby. I unlooped the corner of the mask from one ear to catch a quick breeze. Did I mention that the job fair was indoors, with the air conditioner blasting? However, my body was on a desert of its own.

A coworker arrived to relieve me from my shift at the table. I dashed off to the restroom to provide relief for my face. I grabbed a paper towel, soaked it with cold water, and patted my cheeks and forehead…instant comfort. Then I looked closely at my face. What was that on my chin?

I tilted my head to the right and leaned closer to the mirror. Right there at the corner of my chin was a pimple and a grey chin hair. I reinstituted the mask mandate and covered my chin. That mask would remain in place a little while longer…at least until I could get to a pair of tweezers.

The next time this woman in the cloth mask unveils, she will tilt her chin and walk tall, pimple, chin hair, and any other flaws.

What has been your experience with wearing a mask?

 

Wordless Wednesday - Happiness Happens Month

Happiness is...finding joy in the moment. 

August is Happiness Happens Month. Each day find something that provides you with an infusion of happiness

Wordless Wednesday - The String Queens - Violin Music

 

YouTube Video: The String Queens - A Tribute to Aretha Franklin

YouTube Video: The String Queens - Crazy/Rolling

Motivational Monday – The Weight Loss Journey – 3 Ideas for Surviving a Challenge

 

I’m working once again to lose my post-pregnancy weight…it’s been 25 years...since the baby. There have been peaks and valleys, fitness regimens and meal plans; Just when I thought I had things under control, menopause slapped me in the face. I hit a plate, a brick wall, a stand-off.

In school we learned the theory of man against man, man against nature and man against himself. We can now include woman against her waistline. There are many days that I wish my superpower was appetite control, but since it isn’t, I go with Plan B – live joyously anyway.

I’m not going down without a good fight, and if you’re facing a challenge, you don’t have to either. How do you encourage yourself through a challenge?

Here are 3 fun ideas for surviving a challenge:

1.      Play the song I will Survive by Gloria Gaynor – sing along with the song (really loudly), say the words like you believe them.

YouTube Video: I will Survive by Gloria Gaynor

2.      Play the Rocky theme song – do this one at home. Put on a pair a loose-fitting jogging outfit, leggings, or anything comfortable. Bounce around your room like you’re preparing for a boxing match. Let the song lead you. Here are some of the lyrics to put you in the moment – Trying hard now. It’s so hard now. Getting strong now.

YouTube Video: Rocky theme song - Gonna Gly Now

You can count this as part of your fitness for the day.

3.      Do something fun – go easy on yourself. Allow yourself to relax, do something fun, the regroup later to refocus on your situation.

You can apply these ideas to a weight loss journey or a different difficult situation you’re facing. I’ve found that it helps to sprinkle any situation with humor.

My sons are encouraging when I complain about my weight struggles. They say things like, “Ma, you look fine, you’re probably gaining muscle.”

I started to buy into his theory. An invisible thought bubble formed above my head, and my eyes shifted upward – maybe I am gaining muscle. I looked at my right arm, then my left, and lifted each one into a bicep curl.

“I see your muscles Ma,” my son gave my arm a firm squeeze.”

A toothy grin erupted on my face, it was a proud moment for my arms, but then…

I looked down at my stomach, it looked back at me as if to say, I’m not with them, don’t set your expectations high.

And that my friend, is how I use humor to make it through.

If you’re on a weight loss journey or another challenge, silence your inner critic and keep pushing forward. Transformation doesn’t happen overnight, consistency pays off.

Go through your day with laughter as your sidekick.

Wellness Wednesday – National Water Park Day – 5 reasons to celebrate

 

Rolling Hills Water Park - Ypsilanti, MI

Photo Credit:momexploresmichigan.blogspot.com

Splashing, spraying, and playing is the thing to do for National Water Park Day - celebrated July 28. Grab your bathing suit and head off to your local water park. Engage in the thrill of a Wave Pool, or glide along the Lazy River.

Here are 5 reasons to celebrate National Water Park Day.

1.      It’s refreshing

2.      It’s relaxing

3.      Create memories with your family

4.      It’s a splashing good time

5.      It can boost your mood

Red Oaks Water Park, Clawson, MI

Photo Credit: patch.com

Make a water park visit your destination. This does not need to be a one-day visit on National Water Park Day, repeat visits are encouraged.

Happy splashing!

Monday Musings – 3 Things I Learned About Betrayal and Aging During a Pandemic

 

What happened to my metabolism?

I have been betrayed. There has been a violation of trust. The acts of deception went unnoticed as I eased into my 50’s – 51, 52, 53…nothing. Then, during the pandemic everything slowed down…including my metabolism. The ultimate betrayal.

During the slower pace of the pandemic, I had more time to spend with my thoughts, my home, and my aging body. Here are 3 things I’ve learned about betrayal and aging:

1.      Your clothes will betray you – hopefully, it hasn’t happened to you, but my clothes have betrayed me. They refuse to button, snap, or zip. All because I packed on a few (plus a few more) pounds.

2.      Your eyesight will betray you – I’m blaming the pandemic for this one. I visited a new optometrist because I liked the style of glasses they offered. After checking my eyes, the Dr. said, “well your prescription has changed a little.”

Translation – my glasses were going to be thicker. It was probably all the screen time, Zoom meetings, and working from home during the pandemic that strained my eyes. I had a feeling my eyesight may have changed. When I entered the small exam room, the doctor turned her back and I got a peek at the eye chart on the wall. I tried to quickly memorize the letters on the last row. AECFG or was it AFOEC. Who was I kidding? My eyes were aging.

3.      Your metabolism will betray you – I’m not friends with my new metabolism, the one that moved in after I passed 50 years old. I give it fuel, but it acts like it’s trying to conserve energy and therefore, I pack on pounds. One of my favorite action movies is titled Hard to Kill (with Steven Segal). It’s the same title I use describe my appetite. I know my appetite alone is not the culprit for the roadblocks with my weight loss. It goes back to that sneaky metabolism. I know this because I exercise regularly, I don’t overeat (often).

If you feel like you’re being betrayed by your aging body, have no fear, there is hope. Don’t give up, fight back. Here are 3 ways to help you feel better about the aging process:

1.      Don’t be so hard on yourself – aim for being healthy, but don’t beat yourself up when setbacks happen.

2.      Love yourself – make a list of things you like or love about yourself. Keep the list easily accessible. When there’s a day you’re not feeling your best…refer to your love list.

3.      Keep a sense of humor – give yourself permission to laugh. Sometimes you have to lighten up and laugh at yourself.

Get past the betrayal, forgive your metabolism, and glow through each stage of the aging process.

What tips do you have for aging gracefully?

Wordless Wednesday - National Parks & Recreation Month

July is National Parks & Recreation Month, celebrate by visiting a local park, Staate park or a national park.

Nature Walk

Nature Walk

A concert in the park

Visit your local parks & recreation department to sign up for a class or event - rise up and become active.

Motivational Monday – Energy follows Focus

 

What is your focus?

A thought for the day – Energy follows focus. I saw this statement while reading a blog post (The Morning Nudge).The essence of that statement is that you should focus on the positive things in life rather than the negative.

We all have days where things don’t go as planned, or we’re feeling drained. Flop down in a comfy spot on your couch, or a favorite chair, and soak in the peacefulness of your environment. If you’re not in a quiet spot, find one.

Make time to invite positive energy into each day. If you haven’t already done so, start a gratitude journal. At the end of each day answer these questions:

1.      What made me happy?

2.      What brought me a sense of peace and comfort today?

3.      What can I celebrate that I did right?

These questions were taken from The Morning Nudge (7-1-22) by Suzanne Lieurance, Writing Coach. Follow her blog for more motivation.

What is it that needs your focus...fitness goals, financial goals, health and wellness?

Allow yourself to enjoy life. Set yourself up to experience positive energy. You’re worth it.

Feel Good Friday – How Do You Live Your Best Life – 3 Ways to Get Started

Living my best life - Open Mic performance at Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle

Happy Friday! Today is the beginning of the July 4 Holiday celebrationin the United States. Thisis a good time to celebrate YOU. Today is a re-post about living your best life. Go out anad do it.

Stretched out on a couch, sipping flavored water, and snacking on a Honeycrisp apple with smooth peanut butter…my best life. This is only the beginning of my idea of living my best life. There are also adventures planned, art classes to try, and even weekend excursions.

What is your idea of living your best life? I have friends who have been zip lining, white water rafting, and parasailing. Those activities are not on my list, but I admire my friends for being intentional and chasing their adventures.

Living your best life means pursuing things that are meaningful to you, not things that someone else thinks you should be doing. On the list of friends pursuing their best life, are my sons. They too have been parasailing, and most recently skydiving. They are living their best life and they didn’t wait until they turned 50 or wait for the perfect circumstances.

Let’s do it…live our best life. Here are 3 Ways to do that:

1.      Take pleasure in the simple things – we sometimes forget to appreciate what we have smile, or made you sigh in appreciation.

2.      Live in the present – is there something you have been putting off, waiting for the right time? Do you want to try a new hobby, run a marathon, or simply walk a mile without breathing heavy? Just start where you are.

3.      Manage your inner critic – don’t let negative thoughts hijack your happiness. Shut it down. You deserve happiness, joy, and any other positivity you can think of.

What will be your first step toward living your best life? It doesn’t need to be a big step; any forward movement is good. Begin a new project, grab a book you’ve anted to read and head to a beach for relaxation. Any step you take toward something positive for yourself, is a step in the right direction.

Just do it

 

Wellness Wednesday – Brain Health Awareness Month

 

Peloton Yoga with Chelsea Jackson Roberts

How is your brain health? Celebrate June as Brain Health Awareness Month by focusing on your mind, body, and spirit. The experts say practicing meditation and mindfulness regularly can help you focus more efficiently.

AARP is starting a challenge called the Staying Sharp Challenge. In the challenge you will learn breathing techniques, yoga, and meditation; techniques to help with mindfulness, and strategies for managing stress.

If you are a member of AARP, take advantage of the challenge. If you are not a member you may want to consider joining; grab the free gift and take advantage of healthy rewards(resources). I do not receive any compensation for suggesting this, I’m simply sharing information I’ve found beneficial.

Whether you decide to join AARP or not you can still make an effort to focus on your brain health. Be aware of your thoughts, be kind to yourself, and be informed about your health and wellness.

If you have never tried meditation before, give it a try. You can search Google for meditations you may like. There are a variety of meditations that I like on the Peloton app (this requires a monthly membership). What I like about the meditations is that you can choose different time lengths – 10 minutes, 15 minutes, etc.

When selecting a meditation think about your needs. There are morning meditations, sleep meditations, meditations that focus on peace, kindness, and so on.

Click here for a meditation video.

What is one action you will take today to focus on a healthy mind, body, or spirit?

Muffins with Mom – Planes, Trains, and Automobiles – Travel Plans Gone Haywire

“Ma, wake up, our flight was changed to 6:30am,” my son shouted into my dark bedroom. My hand lazily reached for the cell phone on my nightstand. A squeeze of the button on the side of the phone and a blinding light revelated that it was 3:35am. Meditation did not make it onto my morning routine that day.

My son roughly secured our luggage in the trunk of the car, and I hopped in the driver’s seat. Porch lights were still on, but the moon was beginning to fade away. My son’s stayed awake most of the night in their man cave. Their rationale was to have fun, then sleep on the plane. Isn’t there a saying about the best laid plans?

We arrived at the airport with just enough time to park in the most expensive long-term parking garage. It would have cost us precious minutes to drive to the lot for which I had a coupon. So, we settled on the $26/day lot, pulled into a space, and dashed to the nearest kiosk to retrieve our boarding pass. And that was our first roadblock.

Our boarding passes would not print. My sons and I were directed to a line where we stood with others who were having problems. The attendant asked to see confirmation of our flight. My son opened an email on his phone. The attendant leaned in to read the details, and said, “This flight has been cancelled.”

Little did I know that my sons and I were entering an experience like the classis 1980’s movie, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. We moved aside so the next person waiting anxiously in line could have their problem solved. We sat down…for the next two hours trying to find a flight to our destination. It was Friday morning and we needed to be at a wedding the next day.

One son positioned himself on a row of seats and went to sleep, sitting up, with his head back and mouth open. The other son was on the phone with the credit card company trying to determine what happened. We had a round-trip ticket but  decided to purchase a one-way ticket on the first flight and airline we could get.

Finally, we found a flight leaving in four hours. The catch was that we would have a five-hour layover, then fly one hour, rent a car, and drive three hours to our final destination. We got our car out of long-term parking, went home to rest, and wrap our mind around the next phase of our adventure.

Our round-trip consisted of three airports, two rental cars, and very nice hotel accommodations. This was our version of Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, but it was worth it to attend a beautiful wedding.

The beautiful bride and groom

Have you ever had travel plans go haywire?