What Were You Thinking?

What was the first thought you had today?

As soon as you woke up, what did you greet yourself with?

Was it dread over something you had to face?

Was it OH NO, I'm Late!

Was it Thank You for today, it is going to be a great day!

Are you aware that whatever your predominant thought is, that is what will come true?

So if you are thinking and feeling negative thoughts about your day, that is what will come true.

You are the Master of Your Thoughts,

So even if you awaken to a negative thought or feeling,

You can change it right there,

You can actually make your entire day a more positive experience by beginning your day

With a positive intention.

Think about something you are grateful for:

Like the sunrise, the beautiful weather, your best friend,

Someone you love, something you love.....

Hold onto that thought and really be and feel thankful for it being present in your life.

Your mood will begin to change,

And the obsticles of the day may no longer appear insurmountable.

Wake up and give thanks....GIVE THANKS EVERYDAY!

You will be amazed at the positive energy you open within yourself,

And you will be amazed by the benefits offered to you that day.

Have a grateful day,

And Thank You for being in my life through this blog!

These Are a Few Of My Favorite Things

"Raindrops on roses

And Whiskers on kittens....

These are a few of my favorite things...."

So the song goes.

Let me ask you a question:

What is your FAVORITE part of your body?

Think about that for a moment.

Now, what is your LEAST favorite body part?

It may have been more difficult to think of your favorite part rather than your least favorite.

Why is that?

Because so often we are focusing on the things about us

That we consider wrong or defective,

Instead of being grateful for all of the parts of ourselves we can fully and freely embrace.

So get a sheet of paper

Write down your Favorite parts of your body,

List at least 5

Then say thank you for those parts.

Easy enough, right?

Now write down your least favorite body parts,

Then list 10 reasons why you are THANKFUL for those parts.

Try it,

You will be amazed at how differently you feel about your own body

By the end of this practice.

Remember, there is only one you,

You are beautiful and unique just as you are.

If we were all the same, life would be SOOO boring...

Like living in a universe where the only choice is Vanilla

And I prefer CHOCOLATE!

You may want strawberry...who knows,

So embrace yourself

For everything you are,

EVERYTHING YOU ARE,

And the rest of the world will embrace you too.

Have a healthy weekend!

Opposites Attract

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

This is a basic principle in physics,

And the basis of my blog today.

I was getting my hair done today,

(BTW...Matty at Ground Zero....you do a fabulous job with my hair.

Thanks to you and Tom DiGrandis of Salon Royal Court for saving my locks over the past year!)

As he was blowing my hair dry I complimented him on his technique with the brush,

Not for my sake, but for his.

See, Stylist have a lot of repetitive motion in their wrists, shoulders and hips because of the work they do.

Now, back to my original statement, for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

If you keep tightening one set of muscles over and over again, there has to be a reaction:

another set of muscles gets lengthened and weak, leading to muscle fatigue, pain and long term injury.

This scenario is most often seen with computer users and the well known Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The muscles of the forearm are stressed continuously in one direction, eventually impinging the Carpal Nerve and causing a variety of distressful symptoms.

So, what are you to do to help avoid such an outcome?

Move in the opposite direction!

Stretch and strengthen the muscles you are not using all day.

Pay attention to the pattern of motion you are most accustomed to, and try the opposite motion.

For example: a hair stylist stands with his arms extended forward all day. The opposite would be to mimic the motion of a back stroke, slowly circling each arm 360 degrees from the shoulder.

If this motion is painful or difficult to complete, you may want to consult a physician or physical therapist to rule out any injury.

If you sit or drive for hours a day, can you now understand why Spinning or cycling may not help your muscular balance? These exercises are using the same muscles in the same pattern over and over. Instead, try a dance class, jumping jacks, yoga or Pilates to help your body move in multiple planes or directions.

Take a look at whatever motion you perform most frequently, and attempt to use opposite motions as often as possible.

This simple technique will help maintain a healthy, functional body you can enjoy for years to come.

Have a healthy day!

Don't Just Stand There

Normally I would encourage you to stand as much as possible.



It burns more calories than sitting,



Is has a more gentle effect on the spine,



And you can focus on core and posture while multi-tasking.



But today I am going to go against my own advice



And tell you there is a time to sit:



While you are eating.



There are many reasons for this.



First, when you are eating you want to take your time,



You want to chew each bite at least 20 times,



Savoring your food.



Have you ever eaten something so fast that it left you wondering if you had even tasted your food?



When you take your time to eat you will actually become full with less volume of food.



Your brain has the opportunity to tell your belly that you are full, therefore you will eat less.



A trick to use when you are sitting to eat a meal is to put your utensils down between each bite.



Women's Health magazine recently reported on a study from the University of Rhode Island where they found that women who put their fork down between bites, and chewed each mouthful 15-20 times saved about 70 calories per meal = 210 calories a day!



210 LESS calories a day....and they didn't DIET!



That may make you think twice about eating on the run!



Imagine losing weight without dieting....just slowing down to eat your meals.



This is one piece of advice I am putting into my daily routine.



If you have a family, this is a great opportunity to share your day with them as well, around the dinner table.



Just remember, don't talk with your mouth full!



Have a healthy day!

Sometimes We Get Off Track

I am back!

I had a week of no-blogging, but I am back!

Combine the holiday weekend,

With a small head injury

(Yes, I am fine, but laid up for a day and a half)

And now I am back on track.

Have you ever taken a break from your workout?

Have you ever "slipped for the weekend" on your diet?

As long as you get right back on the program,

You are right back on the path to a healthier, fitter you.

Don't allow yourself to give up and quit simply because you were not perfect.

Perfection is unattainable,

But forgiveness and fortitude will get you to your goals every time.

As a famous basketball player once said:

The only reason I have been successful,

Is because I have failed so many times.


It is not the falling down that defines us,

But the standing up.

Have a healthy weekend,

Chat with you Monday!