If you think you’re free, there’s no escape possible. ~Ram Dass

Over the last few weeks, I totally immersed myself in aspects of life that are anything but typical for me. Prior to this little “experiment,”my days were heavily focused on the infamous world of the Internet—blogging, Googling, Tweeting, Facebooking, emailing and pretty much anything else that involves my beloved laptop. To be quite honest, it’s a technology-loving introvert’s coolest dream. However, I’m mindful enough to know when something is missing.

Project: Mind Vacation

Instead of following my daily regimen, I decided to dedicate a few days (which turned into weeks) to living in a way that I’ve never before regarded as desirable, valuable or even slightly aligned with my goals. It’s safe to say that I was my own guinea pig in this little impromptu project.

I decided to release my obsession with obligation, ritual and expectation; replacing that way of life with one of pure freedom, being open to exploration, but—most importantly—simply allowing myself to be. So, what exactly have I been up to? A whole lot of sitting! Literally.

I spent some time at the local Zen Center where I “dabbled” in Zen Buddhism, taking time to simply sit with others who knew (or were learning) the value of just sitting. Nothing to do but notice the thoughts that come and go; making myself available to whatever the present moment brought my way. The energy was amazing. Sitting in silence, and sometimes in discomfort, resisting nothing—not even my own tendency to resist. Nowhere to go. No judgments, decisions, requirements—just sitting, paying attention to my breathing, noticing when I’m not paying attention to my breathing, and then (once again) paying attention to my breathing.

It wasn’t until a few days into this pretty-much unplanned vacation of sorts that I even realized I needed a vacation. What I thought might be a few days outside of my routine turned into weeks of something that I can never fully describe to you in words. The best I can do is to say that I set myself free, without even knowing that I was in bondage. Instead of pushing myself to do, say, act, think or go; I just sort of let myself drift.

Sometimes the best thing to do is no thing at all.

Mindful and Free

When I wasn’t practicing meditation at the Zen Center, I practiced mindfulness and living in the moment on my own. I’m not stranger to meditation or mindfulness, but for the first time I gave myself fully to the process. I committed to doing what I felt inspired to do AND only at the moment that I felt the inspiration. No putting off those moments while whittling down some to-do list. In fact, no to-do list even in sight. Just going with the flow. I was so free that it scared me at times. Still, I went with it.

When I felt inspired to write, I wrote, not out of duty but out of my heart’s desire. When I felt inspired to read, I read what I felt drawn to in that moment, noticing the increased clarity and comprehension. If I felt like doing nothing, I did nothing. But then I realize nothing doesn’t exist. There’s always something, though I’d grown accustomed to regarding simple somethings as nothing. Breathing, listening, sitting, noticing, being—all something. I thought I understood what it meant to be free, but my understanding is renewed to say the least. What a difference it makes to simply do what your heart desires, to even learn what it is that your heart desires.

“The quieter you become, the more you can hear.” ~Baba Ram Dass

The Emotional Roller Coaster of Freedom & Mindfulness

At times, my body wanted rest when my mind did not and vice versa. Sometimes, I felt like laughing, crying or even both at the same time. Sometimes, intrusive thoughts broke my concentration, yanking me back to unresolved bits of the past or compelling me to resume my chase of the future. I breathed through the confusion, noticing it all and reminding myself to judge none of it, while fully acknowledging and experiencing the emotions that came and went with each thought.

I don’t know how I knew that I needed this, but I did indeed need it. I needed to simply BE with me.

While mindful of everything, most importantly of my own mind and body, I received so many silent messages that I’m usually too busy to notice. Moments of joy, fear, inspiration, depression, enthusiasm, anxiety—where do they come from? How do they just show up in my life, sometimes seemingly out of the blue? How can I get a better grip on some and release others? Without me actually questioning, the answers poured in like calming rivers of milk and honey. But why? Because I was finally listening. I was allowing myself to be okay with the moment, the silence, the freedom. I wasn’t completely comfortable with it, but I let it happen. I didn’t busy myself or fill those “empty” moments with items from my to-do list. I did nothing to calm the emotions that speak to and through me. Everything along the spectrum—from outrageous joy to pain—I sat with it.

The Life Lessons and Payoffs

It’s amazing what you can find when you’re not searching, what you can win when you’re not fighting, what you can see when you’re not staring, what you can learn when you’re not scrutinizing, and how far you can get when you’re not rushing.

I can’t even begin to explain to you how these weeks have changed me. I learned so much about what is right for me and how to proceed in my journey. Most importantly, I learned that my learning is just getting started and that I need only to remain open to the observations that come in silence.

I observed feeling more “connected” in certain locations, around certain people, when certain fragrances danced in the air. Depending on where I was, who I was near, what I ate, the pace at which I moved, the lighting, and even the placement of furniture; I noticed very strong energy shifts within and around me. Signs. Lessons. Omens. Answers.

“Sometimes it’s important to work for that pot of gold. But other times it’s essential to take time off and to make sure that your most important decision in the day simply consists of choosing which color to slide down on the rainbow.” ~Douglas Pagels

Your Mind on Vacation

Are you also in need of a vacation? I’m not talking about taking a trip to Disney World or the South of France where you can busy your mind in new, exciting ways. I’m talking about a spiritual, mental and emotional holiday. A time for setting yourself free, connecting with the Inner You.

No, it’s not fun in the usual way we view vacation. There may not be luxury cruise lines, amusement parks or swimming with the dolphins. In fact, this type of vacation includes some moments of uneasiness. Personally, there were times when I wondered what in hell I’d gotten myself into.

My heart hurt when I realized how much I had lost myself in the busyness of the world, barely able to drown out the distracting mental chatter for mere seconds. I wanted to back out of this little experiment when bombarded by counterproductive thoughts of guilt about what I should be doing, fear of letting down those who expect me to do certain things at certain times, questions about my worth while living at this slow and “unproductive” pace.

But I came out on the other side as a renewed version of myself. By simply slowing down, observing and accepting everything, resisting nothing and allowing life to unfold; I learned—no, I remembered—what it means to be alive and free. No…I can’t give you the meaning. That’s a discovery that requires more than reading this article.

If you want to realize more joy, experience true personal freedom and get more meaning out of life, you’ll need to go through the wilderness as I did. Your inspirations, lessons and your remembrance may play a totally different tune.

For me, a great period of change and spiritual development is underway My habits, commitments, values, methods and daily activities are evolving quite rapidly. And, given my intention to remain open and unstuck, they may continue to evolve in ways that I’m not yet aware of.

I am attached to no outcome, but there is something that I can promise you. My love for each and every one of you who support me and this blog is immutable. It is such a gift to have amazing people, many of whom I have never actually laid eyes upon, to share my life journey with. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

I want only to be my very best, so that I might share the best of me with you, thereby inspiring you to share your best with someone else. Pay it forward and we can make the World a better place. One happy, free, loving, evolving Soul at a time.

Are you free? Do you need a “vacation”? Have you ever wondered what you would end up doing if all you had to do was observe what you want to do, accept what is done, and love what you do?

Image credit: Jean-Ettienne Poirrier

Nea Joy

Millions upon millions of people suffer from vision problems, including myopia, hyperopia, blurry eyesight, computer vision syndrome, astigmatism, and more.  Rather than teaching them how to naturally improve eyesight, doctors’ orders are typically glasses, contacts, or surgery.  It’s all pretty standard, but there are those of us who just aren’t satisfied with standard.

While glasses and contacts help people to live with bad eyesight, they do nothing to actually improve eyesight.  As for Lasik surgery, I couldn’t force myself to take such a big risk with my sight when there are so many natural ways to improve vision.

How to Naturally Improve Eyesight

1. Remove your glasses or contacts. Eyeglasses and contacts are somewhat like crutches.  If you use them all the time, you continuously lose the ability to function without them.  That doesn’t mean you should stumble around with blurry eyesight, it just means you should use your eyes without the crutch when possible. For example, if you can easily see things that are close to you (nearsightedness), try reading and writing with your glasses off.  If you’re farsighted, take the lenses off whenever you’re not reading or writing. This will strengthen lazy eye muscles, thereby improving your eyesight.

2. Stop staring. It’s easy to get so involved in your work on the computer screen that you sit there staring for hours at a time, but this is a major cause of eyestrain and vision problems.  Remember to blink often, let your eyes glance back and forth at a variety of objects, and look away momentarily instead of staring at the same thing for too long.  This includes the T.V., computer screens, or even a spot on the wall.

3. Change your monitor. The glare on televisions and monitors is another cause of damaging eyestrain. There are 2 easy ways you can reduce the glare problem and improve eyesight.  First, make sure all screened devices are turned at a 90 degree angle away from windows.  Second, invest in flat screen technology and use anti-glare filters wherever possible.

4. Water to the rescue. As strange as it may seem, you’re about to learn how to naturally improve eyesight with water.  Get started by sipping a bit of cold water and holding it in your mouth. At the same time, wet your hands with cold water and splash it on your closed eyes.  To get an even better effect, follow up by opening and closing your eyes with water in the palm of your hands.  These water eye exercises improve eyesight by refreshing and soothing your eyes while stimulating blood flow to the area.  Repeat them 3 or more times per day.

5. Take care of your head and neck. The condition of your eyes is often directly related to the condition of your head and neck. To improve blood circulation in these areas, perform a variety of relaxing, stimulating neck exercises.  One example is to take a deep breath in, lean your head on your left shoulder for 5 seconds.  Lift your head to its normal position as you exhale.  Repeat this on the right side.

6. Affirm to strengthen eyesight. Whenever you see yourself in the mirror throughout the day, look yourself in the eyes and recite a positive affirmation. An example is, “My eyes are in perfect health and my vision is flawless.”

7. Take off your sunglasses. Most people know that overexposure to the sun can be damaging for eyes, but underexposure is a problem as well.  Make sure you don’t wear your sunglasses so often that you deprive your eyes of the nutrients it needs from the sun.  Here’s one simple way to use the sun’s rays to improve eyesight: Close your eyes while facing the sun. Gently sway your head from side to side while visualizing something relaxing.  Because your eyes need 20 – 30 minutes of sunlight everyday, do this activity 2 – 3 times per day for 10 minutes.

8. Palming. While many eye exercises improve eyesight by working the optical muscles, palming works by resting and relaxing the eyes. After cleaning and drying your hands, rub them together to warm them up.  Now, cover the eye with a palm for several minutes, making sure that no light is getting in. Alternate between the left and right eye.

9. Look at what you can’t see. Several times per day, take your glasses off and look at something far in the distance.  Focus on the object for several seconds without squinting or straining. This will strengthen eyesight by reducing eye laziness.

10. Eyesight exercises. When used in conjunction with the methods above, eyesight exercises improve vision more effectively than you might ever imagine.  If you’re serious about learning how to naturally improve eyesight, plan to dedicate at least 15 minutes each day to the following:

• Close your eyes tightly for 3-5 seconds. Open them for 3-5 seconds. Repeat 7 or 8 times.
• Sit comfortably while looking at the wall directly in front of you. Without moving your head, pretend to write large letters on the wall with your eyes.
• Blink your eyes.  Now roll them clockwise, then counter-clockwise.  Blink again.  Repeat this eye exercise for 3 -5 minutes.
• Sit or stand in a comfortable position.  Find 2 objects that you can focus on.  One object should be very distant (approximately 150 ft away) and the other should be fairly close to you (approximately 30 feet away).  For example, choose a spot on your window and a spot on a tree outside that window.  Alternate focusing on the distant object for 15 seconds, followed by the closer object for 15 seconds.  Do this as many times as you can in 2 – 3 minutes.
• With one eye closed, slowly form a figure 8 with your head.  Do this at a slow and comfortable pace for at least 1 minute with each eye.
• Without blinking the eyes or moving your head, focus on the area above your nose and between your eyebrows.  This is sometimes called the “third eye.” After focusing on this area for several seconds, close your eyes and relax.  After a few moments of relaxing the eyes, repeat the eye exercise.
• Without blinking or turning your head, look to the left as if to focus on your left shoulder for 10 – 15 seconds.  Close your eyes for a few moments and then repeat on the right side.  Go back and forth between left focus, relaxation, and right focus as many times as you can in 3 – 5 minutes.

11. Beverages and foods for eyesight. What you eat affects every part of your body, including your eyes. Improving your health and improving eyesight go hand in hand.  Here are few examples of the best foods for eyesight improvement.

• Because hydration is critical to eye health, drink the recommended 6 -8 glasses of water per day.
• Drinking vegetable puree or adding it to recipes is an easy way to get the six antioxidants shown to reduce free radical damage and improve eyesight (Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Beta-carotene, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc).
• If you can’t tolerate vegetable puree, just make sure to eat plenty of orange, yellow and dark green vegetables. This includes bell peppers, collard greens, broccoli, squash, spinach and carrots.
• Berries are also filled with antioxidants. Add a handful of strawberries, grapes, cherries, and blueberries to yogurt, cereal, or smoothies.  The Vitamin A is extremely beneficial to night vision, which ranks these nutrient packed treats among the top foods for eyesight improvement.

12. Herbs for eyesight. A guide on how to naturally improve eyesight wouldn’t be complete without information on herbal remedies.  There are several recommended herbs for eyesight, but I’ll give you just a few of my personal favorites:

• Use the anti-inflammatory herbal tincture Eyebright 2 -3 times per day in an eye cup.
• Add 25 – 30 grams of Triphala in 500 ml of water.  Using an eye cup, wash the eyes with this solution.
• Place 2 -4 drops of rose water directly into the eye.
• Use goldenseal and bilberry in the form of herbal teas or liquid tinctures 2 – 3 times daily.

Do you believe there are natural ways to improve vision?  Have you had success with eyesight exercises, herbs and foods for eyesight, or other ways to naturally improve vision?

More Alternative Health Information

• Shortcut to Near Perfect 20/20 Vision
• 10 Awesome Natural Remedies from the Doctor Oz Show
• 8 Ways to Look and Feel Better Than You Ever Have

Nea Justice

Nea is a Transformational Life Coach with a passion for helping people like you to live the life of their dreams.

If you’re truly ready to change your life and you want to know how Nea can help you overcome what stands in your way, contact her now or click the link below to learn more about life coaching.
About life coaching

    

I’m not a huge fan of most doctors, but I absolutely love the Doctor Oz show.  Whereas most doctors offer one prescription after another, Doctor Oz is more focused on natural remedies and preventative measures. No medication or surgery compares to the body’s ability to protect and heal itself naturally.

On the Doctor Oz show, natural remedies and prevention are discussed for everything from skin care, the common cold and weight loss to sexual problems, aging and cancer prevention.  I hope you enjoy the 10 natural health ideas below.

10 Natural Remedies from the Doctor Oz Show

1. Dilute juice and delete pounds. A quick way to cut calories, reduce your sugar intake and lose a little weight is to dilute fruit juices with water.  An 8 oz. glass of orange juice is more than 110 calories, 21g sugar, and 26g of carbohydrates.  By drinking 5 oz. of orange juice diluted with 3 oz. of water, you’ll get the same great taste while greatly reducing the sugars and calories.

2. Nutmeg to the rescue.  If you’re having trouble sleeping, a little nutmeg in a glass of milk may help you drift into la-la land.  Nutmeg is also a great solution for a diminishing libido or an upset stomach.  It takes less than one teaspoon of this wonderful spice to get the benefits.  More than 1 tablespoon or 2 may cause nausea, so don’t overdo it.

3. The sugar connection to high blood pressure and cholesterol. If you’re suffering from high cholesterol or hypertension despite a low fat, low-salt diet, try giving up your sweet tooth. Added sugar is converted to triglycerides (fat), thus leading to lower good cholesterol (HDL), higher bad cholesterol(LDL), high blood pressure and heart disease.

4. Milk for garlic breath. Love garlic, but hate garlic breath?  Milk may save the day. Because our digestive systems can’t break down the AMS compound in garlic, it oozes out when we breathe and sweat.  Toothpaste and mouthwash offer very little help; however, whole milk dramatically reduces the concentration of AMS and the infamous smell of garlic breath.

5. Just say no to peroxide. Most of us have been applying hydrogen peroxide to wounds since childhood, but Dr. Oz says this isn’t a good idea.  Reason number one is that healthy cells surrounding the abrasion may be harmed. Secondly, the body releases a compound that neutralizes hydrogen peroxide before it can complete its job.  A better solution is to wash your wounds and apply antibiotic ointment.

6. Refrigerate canned foods. If you eat soup or other foods from a can, try putting them in the refrigerator overnight before eating them.  The fat will solidify on the surface, thus allowing you to take it out and toss it in the trash before it trashes your body.  This is a wonderful to lose weight and/or reduce your fat intake, particularly if you eat a lot of canned foods.

7. Pumpkin smooth skin. A $2.00 solution for dry, blotchy skin can be found in any dollar store.  The $1.00 exfoliation mits and a $1.00 can of plain pumpkin.  The canned pumpkin contains alpha hydroxyl acid, which is the main ingredient in many $100.00 skin repair products. Massage the pumpkin in with the exfoliation mit, let it sit for a few minutes, and enjoy your revitalized skin.

8. Take stinky feet to the liquor cabinet. When foot powders and bathing are simply not enough to destroy foot odor, your liquor cabinet holds the ultimate solution.  Even the smelliest feet imaginable are no match for a vodka bath.  Just add vodka to a small bin of water and soak your feet in the mixture for 15 minutes.

9. Eat an apple 15 minutes before meal. The fiber in an apple occupies enough space in your stomach to keep you from overeating at the dinner table.  If you can normally eat a whole 8 oz. steak before feeling full, the apple may help you to get that same feeling after eating only 5 ounces.

10. Bite your pencil. A quick, medication-free solution to tension headaches is a pencil between the teeth.  The pencil will allow you to rest your jaw instead of clenching, thus relieving the tension and pain.

The Doctor Oz Show has quickly become a favorite of mine.  Aside from being totally hot, Doctor Oz steps outside of the mainstream medical community to offer natural health information.  Even for someone like me who already knows a ton of natural remedies, the Doctor Oz show is a lifesaver.  As you see from the list above, improving your body, and your health as a whole, doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.

There are alternative health remedies for pretty much anything you can imagine.  Some of these natural remedies may be more involved and costly than others, but simplicity isn’t the sole purpose here. The purpose is to recognize that the recommendation of a doctor, pharmacist, nutritionist or (even) parent is not the end of the road. You have more options than you could ever imagine.

Remember the old saying, “There’s more than one way to skin a cat.”  Well, there’s definitely more than one way to take care of yourself.

It’s comment time. Are there any natural remedies that you use religiously? What about any remedies your parents used that you’ve turned away from.

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Nea Justice

Nea is a Transformational Life Coach with a passion for helping people like you to live the life of their dreams.

If you’re truly ready to change your life and you want to know how Nea can help you overcome what stands in your way, contact her now or click the link below to learn more about life coaching.
About life coaching

    

With millions of people suffering from anxiety disorders, the pharmaceutical industry is making mega bucks.  Unfortunately, medicating this type of problem doesn’t actually heal it.

Xanax, Adavan, and other anti-anxiety drugs are addictive band-aids for a problem that deserves a real solution.

I suffered from an anxiety disorder called PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), so I understand how painful it can be to live with anxiety.  I want you to know that there are wonderful natural remedies available to you, but your absolute best option is to educate yourself.  I hope this article will serve as a part of your education on coping with and treating anxiety disorder.

Anxiety Symptoms—Is It Normal?

It is normal to feel anxious in some situations, but sufferers of anxiety disorders experience anxiety symptoms so regularly and with such intensity that it interferes with daily living. The symptoms of anxiety include the following: excessive worry, repeated negative thoughts, hypervigilence, sense of helplessness.

A person with anxiety disorder may be uneasy, apprehensive, tense, on-edge, and plagued by anxiety in situations where others relax or have fun.  As if general anxiety symptoms are not bad enough, many people also suffer from panic attacks.  A panic attack is a sudden onset of intense anxiety for no apparent reasons.  It may include a smothering sensation, shortness of breath or choking, heart palpitations, trembling, hot flashes or chills, chest pain, fear of dying or going crazy, nausea, and sweating.

While there are several other types of anxiety disorders (PTSD, OCD, etc), the focus of the anxiety remedies below is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Panic Disorder (panic attacks).

Alternative & Herbal Remedies for Anxiety

There are several supplements and herb al remedies for anxiety disorders.  My personal favorites are Kava, Passionflower, Hypericum (St. John’s Wort), Valerian and Skullcap.  These are all-natural and non-addictive, unlike prescription drugs.  It takes about 4 weeks to get anxiety symptoms under control with these herbs, but it’s worth it to avoid the side effects of prescribed anxiety medications.

In addition to herbs for anxiety, there are several beneficial alternative practices that restore the mind-body balance.  Yoga, T’ai chi, Chi Gung work by removing energy blocks and teaching you to slow down both your body and mind.  If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, there’s almost completely certainty that slowing down your mind isn’t something you find easy.  Although that won’t change overnight, learning these ancient practices will help to restore balance within you.

Dietary changes for Anxiety

If you have severe anxiety, it is unlikely that it will completely go away just because you change your diet.  However, it is important to recognize that certain foods worsen the problem.  The biggest problem foods by far are sugar, caffeine, and anything processed. Do your best to eliminate (or strictly reduce) these foods from your diet.

You’ll be surprised to know the extent of the connection between a healthy physical body and a healthy mind. Blood sugar fluctuations can cause anxiety and anxiety symptoms.  There is no way to completely avoid the changes in your blood sugar levels, but you can eat in a way to make sure those fluctuations are not drastic. Eat small, healthy snacks between meals and stay away from the bad stuff.

Simplify Your Lifestyle

In order to live a life free anxiety symptoms and panic attacks, you’ll definitely need to make changes to your lifestyle. Consider simplifying, living a life more in alignment with peace of mind. A few suggestions to get you started are:

• Reduce magazine subscriptions
• Stop junk mail
• Buy groceries less often, in bulk
• Learn to say no
• Stop trying to change other people
• Reduce dependence on TV

These are just a few examples, but you’re the only one who knows your life well enough to minimize it.  Reevaluate what you need, what constitutes a constructive use of your time, and what serves no purpose other than cluttering your world.

Address High Anxiety Personality Traits

There is a strong connection between anxiety disorders and certain common personality traits.  They must absolutely be addressed if you want long-term freedom from anxiety symptoms.  Do any of the following personality traits describe you?

• Excessive need for approval (People pleasing, co-dependency)
• Excessive need for control
• Perfectionism
• Extreme cautiousness
• Rigid thinking (Black and white thinking, there is a correct way to do things and anything else is wrong)
• Insecurity
• Over-dependency
• Tendency to suppress negative feelings

Notice that all of these personality traits have something in common.  They center around some type of fear. Fear of rejection, abandonment, losing control. Fear of failure, illness, death, or confinement.

If you suffer with anxiety symptoms and you have some of these personality traits, it is best to begin addressing them immediately through cognitive therapy or self-help techniques. Without recognizing the anxiety producing parts of your personality and learning to approach life from a renewed perspective, you may end up suffering with anxiety symptoms forever.  That would be a self imposed injustice.

Panic Attack Desensitization

Sufferers of panic disorder often say that the thing they fear most is the next panic attack.  The fear of panic leads to recurring anxiety symptoms and interferes with your ability to enjoy life.  One way to deal with this is to use imagery for desensitization.  Since most people with extreme anxiety have very vivid imaginations, it should be easy to use imagery.

Close your eyes and imagine yourself in a panicky situation.  Feel the sensations that you get during a panic attack.  Don’t stop when it begins to get scary.  Have the courage to keep going.  As you feel the fear closing in, remind yourself that this is a false alarm.  Remind yourself that anxiety is not dangerous and that you are in complete control.  There is no possibility of dying from this.  You are not having a heart attack and you will not stop breathing.  Coach yourself through this false alarm, knowing that you started it and you can stop it.

The more you practice creating these false panic attacks through imagery, the more you’ll be desensitized to real life panic attacks.

Let me end with some good and bad news.  The bad news first:  Because anxiety disorders are extremely varied and complex, there are more treatments than I can describe here.  What works for one person doesn’t work for another and it may take a significant amount of time to fully understand and treat your anxiety.

The good news:  With so many available treatments, you are not doomed to always suffer with anxiety disorder.  You have every reason to be hopeful.  Just remember to utilize available resources and stick with an anxiety treatment plan once you start it.  Instead of living with apprehension or fear of the next panic attack, you can live a full and rich life.

Nea Justice

Nea is a Transformational Life Coach with a passion for helping people like you to live the life of their dreams.

If you’re truly ready to change your life and you want to know how Nea can help you overcome what stands in your way, contact her now or click the link below to learn more about life coaching.
About life coaching

    

If I see one more commercial for the greatest diet pill or exercise equipment, I think I’ll scream.  I mean, we all want to look and feel our best; but I know overkill when I see it.

In order to lose weight or get in shape, do we really need fat burners, appetite suppressants, machines, diet food, electrical muscle stimulators, surgery, pills, sweat suits and all the other recommended “body fixers?”   Heck no!

As a part of my self improvement journey, I want to look and feel better than I have in years.  However, I believe in keeping it simple.  Whether you want to lose weight, get stronger, improve your health, or just maintain your current body, you can do it without all the gimmicks.

Here are a few weight loss and fitness tips to help you replace destructive weight management information, so you can reach your healthy living goals the simple way.

1. Avoid overtraining. If you’ve ever awakened to extreme pain after a new workout, you may already understand how damaging overtraining can be.  Even if a trainer or friend encourages you to go far beyond what your body is accustomed to, it’s best to avoid that strategy.  Yes, it could possibly result in “Biggest Loser” type effects.  But it’s more likely to lead to injury and/or abandonment of the exercise program.

2. Rethink spot training. Direct ab exercises are extremely popular.  But do they work?  It depends.  If you’re not ready for them, such exercises are extremely counterproductive.  Consider this:  Sit-ups and crunches are great ways to build abdominal muscles, but this will only make your abdominal area appear bigger if you have a layer of fat on top of the growing muscles.  For pretty much everyone, this is NOT the desired effect.

3. Go for the good carbs. There are tons of low-carb/high-protein diets on the market.  The primary result?  Fast weight loss that DOES NOT LAST.  If you really want to look and feel your best, eat a balanced diet that includes healthy carbohydrates.  Not sure which carbs are best?  Try spelt bread and/or pasta instead of white and whole wheat varieties.  Also experiment with quinoa and millet instead of grains like rice.  You’ll be pleasantly surprised.

4. Reduce stress. Prolonged stress leaves the body consistently exposed to the stress hormone cortisol.  This causes multiple problems, including imbalanced insulin levels, increased appetite and weight gain.  Clearly, stress management is an important part of weight management.  Learn some wonderful techniques to prevent and reduce stress.

5. Concentrate on your core.  For so many reasons, we often begin to experience back problems as we get older.  One way to prevent or remedy this is to perform exercises that tighten your abs and strengthen your core.  In addition to isometric exercises, Yoga poses and stretches are helpful for strengthening the back, pelvis, and abdominal regions that make up your core.

6. Stop dieting. Dieting, and the dieter’s approach to food, is one of the biggest barriers to weight loss.  Many diets are so extreme that they can’t be maintained for very long. And you know what that means.  Any weight that you lose comes back the second the diet is over.  The only thing worse than the diet itself is diet food.  I know that sounds ridiculous since people seek out low-fat and fat-free labels for the sole purpose of losing weight, but these foods are filled with chemical substitutes that hurt far more than they help.  The good news is that you can lose or maintain weight, without starving or eating crappy foods.  Real foods, including real fats like olive oil and coconut oil, are always your #1 key to a healthy body.

7. Understand your triggers. Most of us have triggers that lead us to either eat when we’re not hungry or to avoid the exercise program that we’ve committed to.  The next time you consider skipping your routine, sit quietly for a moment and analyze the feelings you’re having. Are you bored, tired, angry, stressed?  What is the real reason you want to eat that chocolate cake? Why are you really avoiding your daily walk?  Once you understand your emotional eating triggers, you can develop new ways to deal with them.  Awareness is the core of improvement.

8. Isometrics and weightless strength training. When you have great muscle tone and increased strength, your body looks and feels fantastic.  Although people spend millions of dollars each year on equipment to help them get stronger, this isn’t necessary. You can tone and strengthen your body without buying a single ab machine, barbell set, weight table, or gym membership.  Planks, squats, lunges, wall pushes, and isometric crunches allow you to get fit and burn calories using nothing but your body weight for resistance.

It’s naïve to think we can live our best life without managing our physical health.  I’m sure you agree with me on that.  However, I hope this article helps someone to understand that taking care of your body doesn’t have to be complex, expensive and confusing.  A simple, natural approach to eating and exercising is the best method for most people.

If you want more simple tips for living a healthy lifestyle and achieving your body weight goals, click here to learn more about how to stop dieting and start eating.

Nea Justice

Nea is a Transformational Life Coach with a passion for helping people like you to live the life of their dreams.

If you’re truly ready to change your life and you want to know how Nea can help you overcome what stands in your way, contact her now or click the link below to learn more about life coaching.
About life coaching

    

If you’re a living and breathing human being, you’ve undoubtedly experienced stress.  It is a natural and unavoidable part of life.

Our body’s stress response is actually a benefit since it enables us to recognize and escape stressful situations. Prolonged or chronic stress, however, can be detrimental to our physical and emotional health.

If you don’t know how to effectively wind down after having a stressful day or facing a stressful situation, it’s time to get equipped with stress reducing self improvement techniques.

Below are 30 ways to quickly reduce stress, thereby restoring balance to your mind and body.   You may want to print this list and circle the stress busters that you will use.  Nothing beats stress like being prepared to deal with it!

1. Visualization
Close your eyes and enjoy the stress reducing benefits of visualizing.  Imagine yourself in the most relaxing place you can think of.  A quiet beach, a nature trail, a beautiful island.  See yourself there.  Feel every pleasing sensation of the environment—a cool breeze, sand between your toes.  Allow yourself to stay in this place for at least 10 minutes. You can run barefoot across the sand, relax in a hammock, or drink iced tea while lying in the sun.  When you’re ready, come back to the real world feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

2.    Diaphragm breathing
Stressful situations generally lead us to take short, shallow breaths; however, this exasperates the effects of stress on the body. By breathing in deeply, feeling the diaphragm as it expands, you may immediately reduce stress and its side effects.

3.    Comedy
There may be no better stress buster in the world than a good hearty laugh.  Laughter reduces the levels of stress hormones (cortisol and epinephrine) and increases the level of endorphins.

4.    Relaxing massage
Treat yourself to a little pampering. It doesn’t matter if you opt for a professional massage or just have a friend to rub the tension from your neck and shoulders.  Either way, it’s unlikely you can remain stressed during the process.

5. Sexual Healing
Because sexual frustration is a major stressor, it’s healthy to have an active sex life.  If you’re not currently in a relationship that includes sex, masturbation is a great alternative. Orgasm dramatically increases the “happy chemicals” in your brain, so don’t hesitate to “get busy.”

6.    Rock-a-bye
If you’ve ever rocked a baby to sleep, you understand the comforting sensation of rocking back and forth.  If you don’t have a rocking chair, a swing in your local park may give the same stress-reducing effect.

7.    Pet Therapy
Few things compare to the unconditional love of a pet. Studies show that engaging in activities with pets is helpful for reducing stress and even controlling blood pressure spikes.

8.    Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps to prevent spikes in the stress hormone cortisol during stressful situations.   Fresh fruit is best, but a glass of orange juice is also a good option.

9.    Acupressure
Some of the best stress-reducing acupressure points are in the ears and forehead.  Try giving yourself an ear rub, starting by using slight pressure on the ear lobe with your thumb and index finger.  Move gently upward then downward to massage the entire ear.  A similar technique is to place your thumb directly between your eyebrows. Apply pressure for a few seconds and then slide the thumb across your forehead and over each brow.

10.    Lavender
This essential oil has an amazing calming effect.  A few drops in the bath tub may be all it takes to increase your level of feel-good brain chemicals and relieve stress.

11.    Affirmations
Telling yourself something positive is a wonderful way to take your mind off the things that are stressing you out. Use simple statements like, “All is well in my world” or “I deeply and completely love myself” to remind yourself that you are okay.

12.    Go to the gym
These days many gyms have group exercise and Olympic size swimming pools in addition to standard workout equipment.  Make use of it!  If you usually just get on the treadmill, consider trying for Pilates, Zumba, or water exercises instead.  Your stress level will subside as your body gets moving and your mind enjoys doing something new.

13.    Music
Studies show that certain types of music are great for relaxing tense muscles and winding down from stressful situations. Make sure to choose tunes that are soft, melodic and soothing. Classical guitar is a personal favorite.

14.    Hobbies
Gardening, collecting, fishing, and scrapbooking are a few of the many hobbies that aid in relaxation. The key is to find a hobby that’s enjoyable, thus your focus on it will naturally take your attention off your stress triggers.

15.    Volunteering
Many of us feel wonderful when we do volunteer work to help others.  As long as it doesn’t turn into an obsessive care-taking situation, helping other people or animals is a great way to reduce stress.

16.    Hypnosis
Hypnosis can help you to achieve a deeply relaxed state that you may not be able to reach under normal circumstances. It can also help you to focus on stress busting life goals that you’ve been trying unsuccessfully to apply. If you’re like most people you can’t pay thousands of dollars to have someone hypnotize you, but many do-it-yourself hypnosis programs guarantee instant success.

17.    Take a walk
Walking is a wonderful way to trigger the release of endorphins.  It’s also a great way to rid yourself of agitating pent up energy that’s left in the body as part of the stress response.

18. Yoga poses
Yoga is a wonderful way to reduce stress; however, some of the poses are extremely difficult for beginners.  If you’re feeling stressed, opt for a pose such as the Child’s Pose or the Corpse.  These allow the body and mind to relax without the difficulty of stretching into an awkward position.

19.    Progressive Relaxation/Deep Muscle Relaxation
This method of reducing stress is one of the most powerful. To try it out, get completely comfortable.  Now draw in the toes on your right foot. Feel the tension and hold it for about 10 seconds. Slowly release the tension by 50%, then another 50% as you concentrate on the tension flowing away as you relax.  Do this one body part at a time with every muscle you can flex, from your feet and thighs to your neck and eyes.

20.    Positive journaling
Although writing all of your feelings may be helpful, journaling about the positive aspects of your life is an even more impressive stress reducer. Look back over the course of your day and jot down at least 1 thing that you have to be thankful for.  If you can, write 10 or even 20 statements of gratitude each day.

21.    Prayer/Spirituality
Even if you don’t believe in God or the concept of prayer, you can opt to relieve stress by turning to a power higher than yourself. A spiritual connection is a wonderful reminder that you aren’t alone to deal with your stressors.

22.    Puzzles
Sometimes the best way to relieve stress is to distract yourself. Puzzles are a wonderful way to do this. For the best results, pick a puzzle that has soothing colors or images that feel relaxing.

23.    Go for the herbs
Kava Kava, Chamomile, Passionflower and other calming herbs can be ingested in tea form. These should be available at your local health food store.

24.    Reduce caffeine
There’s nothing wrong with having a cup of coffee each day, but don’t overdo it.  Excessive caffeine can raise your blood pressure and cause undue stress.  Drinking water instead of a caffeinated beverage may quickly create a noticeable difference in your body’s stress level.

25.    Warm Soak or Bath
Water is one of the most soothing elements for many people. Take at least 15 minutes to simply soak in warm water. The de-stressing effect may be intensified by using scented candles to light the bathroom.

26.    Support system
When you’re so stressed out that you can’t seem to handle it by yourself, turn to your support system. This should include people who listen to you without judging and help without taking over.

27.    Manicure/Pedicure
Your mind will release it’s responses to stress when you take the time to treat your body nice, so invest in a pampering session.  If manicures and pedicures are too expensive in local spas, consider going to a beauty school for the relaxing treatment. By the way, this works wonders for both women and men.

28.    Meditation or Chanting
Meditation is one of the most well-known relaxation techniques.  If you find it difficult to stop your mind from wondering, guided meditation or chanting may be more effective.  Holothink Deep Zen Meditation is my personal favorite.

29.    Watch the sunset or gaze at the stars
Nature is something that everyone has access to, so it is a simple way to reduce stress.  As you look into the sky to marvel at the magnificence of our world, it’s nearly impossible to maintain a high level of stress.

30.    Arts and Crafts
Arts and Crafts may include coloring, drawing, painting, etc. The activity isn’t nearly as important as the time that you’re spending focused on something positive and non-stressful, so choose whatever you enjoy.

Although these 30 solutions provide some quick ways to reduce stress, it is also helpful to apply long term, self improvement techniques that prevent chronic stress.  Check out How to Escape the Chronic Stress Loop for tips on how to do just that.

Nea Justice

Nea is a Transformational Life Coach with a passion for helping people like you to live the life of their dreams.

If you’re truly ready to change your life and you want to know how Nea can help you overcome what stands in your way, contact her now or click the link below to learn more about life coaching.
About life coaching

    

A Self Improvement Guide to Natural Health

A natural health remedy is not exactly the first thing that comes to the average American’s mind when they’re sick.  Face it—most of us go to the doctor or pop a pill for everything.  I was included that “most of us category” until I found myself uninsured at the age of 25 with a small child and very few resources.  I could’ve panicked—okay, I did panic momentarily; but this blessing in disguise led to my ever-expanding knowledge of natural cures.

You probably won’t hear it from your doctor (since he or she is trained to practice medicine), but there are natural remedies for high blood pressure, depression, asthma, infections, viruses, hormonal problems, and even cancer.

Learning to care for yourself through natural health remedies may be the most under-emphasized of all the self improvement techniques that I stumble upon.  I suppose we sometimes forget that self improvement is about the total you—mind, body and soul.  So, I’d like to share my favorite natural remedies in hopes of helping you to improve your health—the natural way.

Garlic – The Natural Health Remedy for Everything

I’d call garlic the ultimate wonder drug if it was actually a drug.  But it’s not.  It’s a natural health remedy that has been successfully used for ages to treat a variety of illnesses without the harmful side effects of medication.   Garlic has more uses than I can name here, but let’s start with the fact that it is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, AND anti-viral.

Unlike prescribed antibiotics which destroy your good bacteria along with the bad ones, garlic eats the nasty bugs in your system while leaving the ones that you need intact.  And that’s not the best part. Bacteria don’t seem to build a resistance to garlic as they do with antibiotics.

If that’s not enough to sell you on garlic as a life-saving natural health remedy, consider the fact that it helps to prevent and treat some of the most common causes of illness, embarrassment and death.  High blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, ear infections, diabetes, stomach virus, acne, Athlete’s Foot, cancer, flu, bladder and kidney infections, herpes, blood clots—the uses for garlic go on and on.  Garlic helps you to heal yourself by strengthening the immune system, which means you can hinder what’s trying to invade your body and fight off whatever makes its way inside.

Worried about the smell?  There are garlic pills on the market now, but I’m not convinced that anything works wonders like chowing down on a fresh garlic clove.  You can always enjoy a few slices of lemon after eating garlic.  That way you still smell good as you’re working on feeling great.

Ginger – The Digestive System’s Natural Cure

If you’re anything like me, you have a fond childhood memory of being given Ginger Ale for a tummy ache.  With all the added sugar in soda, it may not have been remarkably helpful; but your parents were on the right track.

Ginger is one of the best natural cures for gastrointestinal problems like upset stomach, indigestion, flatulence, nausea, morning sickness, bloating, motion sickness and poor digestion.  But there’s more.

Ginger has been shown to improve circulation, destroy parasites, reduce the risk of heart attacks, balance glucose levels, lessen the symptoms of colds and flu, regulate high cholesterol, relieve arthritis pain and so much more.

The spicy taste of ginger tea may be off putting to some, but it’s not bad.  Drinking warm water with ginger 2 – 3 times per day, along with other natural health remedies, has completely cured me of GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).

Fish Oil – The Best Bet for a Healthy Heart

If you’re a fish lover, you may already know about Omega-3 fatty acids.  EPA and DHA, the fatty acids primarily found in fish, are the ultimate natural remedy for a healthy heart.  Fish like herring, sardines, tuna, salmon, and mackerel are rich in these fatty acids.

Whether you go for eating a diet rich in fish or taking fish oil supplements, you will likely reduce your risk of heart disease and cardiac related death.

In addition to aiding heart health, the fatty acids found in fish have been shown to decrease the risks and effects of Alzheimer’s, reduce inflammation that results from serious illnesses, treat serious mental health issues (i.e. schizophrenia, depression), and even slow the body’s aging process.

If you eat a typical American diet or lead a typical American lifestyle, fish oil may be the perfect preventative natural health remedy for you.

Aloe Vera – The Natural Remedy That Puts the Fire Out

As a little girl, my minor burns were always treated with aloe vera.  I remember my grandmother pinching off a piece of the plant and rubbing its gel-like inner substance onto my wound.  The burning was soothed almost instantly.  Little did I know, this miracle plant has many other uses.

Pure aloe vera juice is wonderful for boosting the immune system, destroying bacteria, reducing inflammation, aiding digestion, healing stomach ulcers, treating asthma, and general cleansing of the body’s organs. I’ll be honest with you, it is not the best tasting beverage in the world.  In fact, the first time I tasted it, I recall stating that it tastes exactly the way I would imagine cold urine might taste.  Nonetheless, I drink it almost daily now.  Like anything else, it becomes second nature after a while and the taste doesn’t seem so bad.  Even if it did, I’d still drink it because the health benefits are worth enduring a moment of discomfort on the taste buds.

So, does natural health play a role in your self improvement efforts?  If so, what are some of your favorite natural remedies? Have you tried any of the ones listed above?

Related Self Improvement Blog Posts

Law of Attraction for Health

10 Natural Health Cures for Swine Flu (and Everything Else)

Nea Justice

Nea is a Transformational Life Coach with a passion for helping people like you to live the life of their dreams.

If you’re truly ready to change your life and you want to know how Nea can help you overcome what stands in your way, contact her now or click the link below to learn more about life coaching.
About life coaching

    

This is a list of 45 simple ways to improve your life. Nothing drastic. Nothing requiring years of therapy or hard work. Just minor changes that have major effects. You can apply these tips now to immediately add more  joy, positivity, and zest to your life.

Hug as many people as you can each day.

Laugh until you cry.

Get plenty of sunshine. Too much time indoors is depressing.

Practice positive affirmations.

Do something childish—coloring, playing ball, making dirt patties.

Be nice to someone who’s being nasty.

Look for the value in everything and everyone.

Record yourself speaking thoughts of gratitude and appreciation—and listen to it often.

Practice the art of mindfulness.

Embrace your imperfections.

Release grudges and resentment.

Change the T.V. channel to something lighthearted, funny, or touching.

Take yourself less seriously.

Laugh at yourself.

Build a sandcastle with someone you love.

Fall in love with yourself.

Tell friends and family that you love them. Don’t assume they just know it.

Meditate to clear your mind and alleviate stress.

Surround yourself with positive people.

Appreciate the life lessons in your mistakes.

Take a chance on something that frightens you.

Venture away from your daily routine.

Eat until you’re satisfied rather than full.

Accept others fully—just as they are.

Take a spontaneous road trip.

Find a way to make a living doing what you love.

Listen to uplifting music.

Show respect for yourself and others.

Listen more. Talk less.

Let the tears flow when you feel them coming. Crying is okay.

Dedicate some time to a special cause.

Acknowledge what’s special about you.

Look in the mirror and say, “I love you. You are worthy.”

Accessorize every outfit with a smile.

Dress to impress yourself.

Get your anger out safely but completely.

Get moving. Remain as active as possible for as long as possible.

Never stop challenging yourself.

Remove the word failure from your vocabulary.

Reach out to help a stranger.

Keep your word.

Practice heightening your senses. Listen intently, smell everything, and touch with your eyes closed.

Think more about what you want than what you don’t want.

Express your emotions.

Discover the bright side of everything.

Nea Justice

Nea is a Transformational Life Coach with a passion for helping people like you to live the life of their dreams.

If you’re truly ready to change your life and you want to know how Nea can help you overcome what stands in your way, contact her now or click the link below to learn more about life coaching.
About life coaching

    

I am among the people who have no intention of getting the Swine flu vaccine.  I choose to prevent the need for vaccinations and medications.

Although I’ve made my choice clear, this article is not meant to discourage anyone from vaccines or medication.  My only intention is to provide information for those who are interested in alternatives.

My daughter and I are extremely healthy. We stopped getting flus, colds and other contagious illnesses years ago.   But this did not happen without effort.

In 2006, I suddenly found myself and Brandye among the millions of uninsured Americans.  Amazingly, that crisis turned out to be a wonderful opportunity. It led to awesome discoveries that I will use for the rest of my life.

Because I couldn’t afford it, I learned ways to prevent the need for doctor visits.  Yes, we see doctors now for check-ups, but our health is amazing.

The key?  An immune system that does its job.  The human body is designed to protect itself against the many culprits that can invade our cells.  When bacteria, viruses, and diseases attack, a perfectly functioning immune system offers great defensive plays.  Here are a few tips for keeping your defense system functioning at its peak:

Add color to your plate

Antioxidants fight off cell-damaging free radicals, thus enabling the immune system to function better.  My personal favorite antioxidant is Vitamin C.  I make sure to get at least 500 mg each day, doubling that to 1000 mg if I feel the slightest itch in my throat.

There are supplements available for anti-oxidants, but it’s best to get as much as possible from natural sources. Opt for colorful fruits and veggies. Bell peppers, oranges, berries, leafy greens, carrots, broccoli and lemons are just a few that I love. And remember….don’t cook out the color (and the health benefits).

Get moving

If you want to prevent yucky illnesses, it helps to increase the amount of infection-fighting leukocytes.  That’s exactly what you’ll be doing when you get off your butt and get moving.  Find an enjoyable activity that will help you to close the door on a sedentary lifestyle.

Go for garlic

Okay, this remedy may leave you with breath that sends friends running for cover.  But it does the same to your body’s intruders.  Garlic has wonderful anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties.  And if you’re really worried about the smell, you can opt to simply add it to foods during the evenings.  Also, you can take coated garlic supplements that mask the smell, saving everyone around you from the trauma of garlic breath.

Drop the fat

Because excess fat cells lead to an increase in inflammation within the body and an impaired immune response, we have another reason to make dietary changes.  This does not mean you need to start some drastic diet that will ultimately result in more issues.  Aim for portion control and try piling on the veggies to fill up without dessert.  Your immune system will thank you for dropping even a few pounds of fat.

Quality pooping

Nobody wants to talk about it, but poop is very important.  A few doctors will tell you that it’s normal for some people to only poop a few times a week. Hog wash!!!  Get your digestive system in order if you want an immune system that is ready to protect.  You can do this by improving your dietary fiber intake, practicing clean eating, drinking more water, healing your colon, taking digestive enzymes, starting a healthy detox program and avoiding foods that aren’t well-tolerated by your digestive system.

Stop smoking

Smoking beats up on your immune system in more ways than I care to count.  Give the body a rest and it will repay you.

Herbal teas and tinctures

Herbs are the best kept secret.  They literally have the potential to wipe out the need for doctors.  A few amazing immune building herbs are Astragalus, Elderberry, Echinacea, Golden Seal and Juniper.  Some are better for viruses while others are better for fighting bacteria.  Herbs are a marvelous way to take control of your health.

Change the channel on your mind

Studies have shown that chronic stress can impair the immune system, leaving the body more susceptible to illnesses.  So, find a way to de-stress.  Positive thinking, meditation, and yoga are a few practices that have proven helpful for many people.

Snooze or lose

Because the body produces more inflammation when inadequate sleep is a problem, it is crucial to get the right amount of shut eye.  If you have insomnia or you wake during the night, consider some herbs for relaxation (Skullcap, Passionflower, Valerian) or visit a sleep clinic for analysis.

Kick the sugar habit

Sugar is the yummiest food source for bacteria in your gut.  It is natural to have bacteria in the body, but you don’t want them to grow out of control.  If your white blood cells can’t overpower the bad-guys, you’re far more vulnerable to becoming ill.

“The patient should be made to understand that he or she must take charge of his own life.  Don’t take your body to the doctor as if he were a repair shop.”  Quentin Regestein

Nea Justice

Nea is a Transformational Life Coach with a passion for helping people like you to live the life of their dreams.

If you’re truly ready to change your life and you want to know how Nea can help you overcome what stands in your way, contact her now or click the link below to learn more about life coaching.
About life coaching

    

As if it happened yesterday, I remember the frustration that I felt about being younger than my classmates.  My independent, head-strong, rebellious, Capricornian nature led me to hate everything about being a child.  And my mom just had to make it worse by starting me in school a year early.  However, I came to terms with this when I began college at age 17.  Suddenly, being younger than my peers was not bad at all.  Nonetheless, I couldn’t wait until the day that I turned 21 so that I could drink and gamble.  Once that happened, I couldn’t wait until I reached 25 so that I could rent a car.  On my 25^th birthday; however, it was as if the roof collapsed on me.  My mind was racing… “What will I look forward to now?  There’s nothing left, but getting old.  I said I’d be rich at 25 and that I would travel the world; but I’m working a standard 9 to 5, making a middle class salary, and restricted to 2 weeks of vacation per year.  When people ask my age, they no longer respond, ‘Oh you’re just a baby.’”  The pressure was on.

Most people have a mid-life crisis at middle age, but I had one at the ripe old (NOT!!!) age of 25.  For the next 5 years, I cried on my birthdays.  If anyone said Happy Birthday, I wanted to kick them for acknowledging that I, the person who was always the youngest in the bunch, was all grown up. The very worst was when children started to refer to me as ma’am.  It was the biggest insult that I could imagine at that time.

Nowadays, I feel really good about the fact that I’m getting older.  What changed? Nothing– except my outlook.  Instead of thinking of the goals that I have not yet met, I commend myself for every tiny achievement.  It doesn’t matter how small or seemingly insignificant; I look for the value in it all.  I even celebrate my trials, mistakes, and hardships, for these things have helped to shape me into the strong, powerful, compassionate, inspiring person that I have become.

I’ve gained 2 dress sizes, my vision has blurred, I see age-related changes in my eyes and hands, and my concentration is not what it was 10 years ago.  I haven’t found my soul mate, I’m not a millionaire, and I haven’t traveled the entire world.  These are undeniable facts.  However, I am happier than I have ever been.  I love the person who I see in the mirror—she’s confident, capable, self-aware, sexy, fun, easy-going, and wise like never before.  It will take much more than the onset of wrinkles, downward sloping metabolism and detours from childhood dreams to shake this woman.

Spending more than 3 decades on this Earth has afforded me so many reasons to be appreciative.  I’ve managed to raise a phenomenal young woman who I am extremely proud to call my daughter.  I’ve traveled to simple places that offer simple things to appreciate: museums, theater, aquariums, animal ranches, art, clear water, sandy beaches, quaint dining spots, and exposure to different cultures. I’ve talked distraught people into continuing their lives and I’ve released people from their connection to my life.  I’ve forgiven those who have wronged me and I’ve forgiven myself for wronging others.  I’ve learned so much and I’ve shared so much of what I’ve learned.

Gratitude is the only word that comes close to explaining how I feel about getting older.  My life is about living…not aging.  If you’ve been searching for the fountain of youth, I suggest that you simply learn to enjoy the fountain of life.  It is a beautiful thing that should be appreciated every moment of every day that you have left.  Over the next 70 or so years, I’m sure my light will shine brighter and brighter. And if you will allow it… yours will do the same.

Related Self Improvement Blog Posts

Improving Self Esteem- A Journey to Loving Yourself

Universal Law of Attraction for Health

Positive Affirmations

Nea Justice

Nea is a Transformational Life Coach with a passion for helping people like you to live the life of their dreams.

If you’re truly ready to change your life and you want to know how Nea can help you overcome what stands in your way, contact her now or click the link below to learn more about life coaching.
About life coaching