Wellness Wednesday: H1N1

As a family, we get inoculated every year. Claire and I have chronic asthma and, after his near-drowning, Caden's lungs have been compromised. Chloe and Cole get to have a shot for good measure. After all, just because they are healthy doesn't mean they don't get to stay that way.

I realize that the flu, any strain, is a moving target. You can't be 100% safe from year to year, but you can make every attempt to keep yourself and those around you healthy. Right? This year is a bit different from most. Usually we head over to Dr. Taylor's office while the flu clinic is running and have our shots. No big lines, no muss, no real fuss. This year the shots are being distributed by the region and they posted the cattle calls.

We'll be in line today for the 4PM to 8PM session!

That being said, this decision, to do what we've always done is, apparently, considered controversial. Really? Two things have happened in the last 48 hours: I had one woman YELL AT ME that I was poisoning my children by exposing them to mercury. I'm sure her point would have been better received had she not been so condescending and loud. The second thing was the tragic death of a healthy, vibrant, 13-year-old hockey player in Toronto. As you can well imagine, this event has hit very close to home. There have been notes flying, full of panic and fear, from every person I've ever met in hockey forwarding information. More on an awareness level just in case I hadn't heard the story, than a "you should" or "you must" level. No fear mongering involved - just the collective shock of a community not accustomed to losing their young to events happening off the ice.

Whether you agree with inoculations or don't, whether you'll get one or give them to your children, there are lots of reasons on both sides to act, or not. Please be respectful of the decisions made: everyone is doing what they consider best for themselves and their loved ones.

Wellness Wednesday: Never Go Back

She could never go back and make some of the details pretty. All she could do was move forward and make the whole beautiful. 

— Terri St. Cloud

Wow. I'm still breathless from this quote. Must ponder and have my thoughts percolate a bit. What do you think? Let me know.

Found: here.

Wellness Wednesday: It can be done

and here is proof:

The washer door is open. That means there is nothing in there. Dryer door should be open because ... gasp ... there is nothing in there either!

... and ...

get a load of this:

there are no loads!

Darks basket: empty

Brights basket: empty

Lights basket: empty

The key to wellness is to feel good. Today, I feel better than good: I feel GREAT!

I hope you do too :)

Wellness Wednesday: Midlife Crisis

As a result of this post, by the incredible Brene Brown, I left a comment. My quick fix to my own mid-life crisis was to get a convertible. But more than that, my long fix to my mid-life crisis took far more effort:

I believe the key to a smooth, and somewhat graceful, mid-life transition is twofold: adjust your attitude to one of acceptance and embrace what you cannot change; and, treat yourself with kindness, generosity even.

What does this mean? Simply it means you have to give up control. Control over perceptions. Control over reactions. Control over anything you have no control over! Sounds very simple but it was the hardest thing I've ever done, well, except quit smoking, that was really hard.

I struggle to breathe and let go every day. I am filled, okay, overly filled with opinions, but I generally keep them to myself. I find it funny that many things are attributed to me, but no one, with the exception of Louis and a couple of girlfriends, has actually heard me say anything on topic A, B or C. Why? Because my opinions about things I cannot control mean nothing - to anyone. They are just fodder for gossip and I've "been there, done that" and am no longer interested in participating in unnecessary drama. My silence has created it's own drama, but for that I can take no responsibility.

See how that works?

I am responsible for my actions, even my inaction. Not for the reaction to it. For that, the one reacting is responsible. Once you embrace that you can control only that which you can control you can take the first step toward a content existence. That is what I want. Content.

Authentic. Mindful. Purposeful. Content.

People who think badly of you want to. There is absolutely nothing you can do to convince them otherwise. Some more open-minded types will see your actions and might change their mind or they may become more steadfast in their opinion. But really, does it matter? Why bother? Choose to be with people who want to be with you.

There are blips in my contentment. I do not live in a bubble. But my attitude has changed so that I handle my reactions differently. Often with silence. I'm learning to take it all in, mull a bit, marinate over a reaction and either react; or, just flesh it out with Louis or one of a few very tolerant and kind girlfriends (you've met them all here on this blog in the last couple of months); or, not bother.

Accept your choices. Live with them. Make the most of every opportunity given to you. Control what you can control. Surround yourself with people who make you happy, or at the very least content and safe.

Be generous to yourself. That generosity can come in many forms. Give something to yourself in whatever form means the most to you. In my case, I'm a stay-at-home-photo-taking-blog-writing-mess-making-mother-of-four who felt caged. A nice cage. But caged. What did I do? After making sure I wasn't taking anything away from anyone I love: time, effort, energy, means, opportunity, whatever, I bought myself a cute little convertible. It affords me the freedom, when things get crazy, to go on a bit of a holiday: put the top down, turn the music on and go for a drive. Usually my break takes me the length of Lakeshore Road from one end of Burlington to the other end of Oakville, into Mississauga and home again; sometimes I venture to Niagara; sometimes even further. But it was a small price to pay for some relative sanity :)

So, Lee-Ann, for you: it's a blue Toyota Solara Convertible. Here's the picture:


No, you don't have to go out and buy a car! Being kind to yourself comes in many forms. It is what makes YOU uniquely happy, content, safe. What do you need to give to yourself to provide you with the sensation you seek: Feedom? Creativity? Inclusion? Pretty toes? It can cost, or not. Just take the time to recognize what you need then address it, with kindness and generosity.

I also don't think this is my only mid-life crisis! I believe there will be four: life as it relates to people who surround us; age as it relates to our health; age as it relates to our family; and, our expectations of ourselves.

1. This crisis provided me with the spiritual and mental tools to deal with the people I allow, and continue to allow, in my life.
2. My hormones have been, off and on, reminding me that menopause is on it's way. My knees have been reminding me that I am no longer the athlete of my youth. My scale has been reminding me that it's far past time to get serious and find out why eating right and excercise is not helping me lose weight. My health has to be made a priority. Not turn into a crisis.
3. Because I had my children later, I imagine this crisis will happen later than it will for some of my peers, but no doubt I'll have some company! I was 30 when I married and had all four children by 2000. That means it will be 2018 by the time my youngest is old enough to be on his own. I expect a melt down when we reach that natural eventuality.
4. My ongoing issue is my expectation of myself. I swing somewhere between being proud of myself and my accomplishments and my crushing disappointment that I have not accomplished more in my life. So far. It's the "so far" that keeps me going.

At any rate, I'll be one of the first in line to buy Brene's next book. I'm happy to get all the help I can find. I agree: "The time has come to let go of who you think you’re supposed to be and embrace who you are." And there is no time like the present!

How do you handle your mid life changes?

Wellness Wednesday: Just Say Yes

Glow-In-The-Dark Bowling, Hopedale Bowl, June 16, 2009

One more birthday party is over and all the kids had fun. The adults survived. Five lanes of four players in each lane made for a very loud and happy crowd of 9 and 10 year old boys and girls! We all had fun, but I was happy to get home and have a glass of wine.

This is the first year we combined both Chloé and Caden's parties into one big event. With the two of them having their birthday only 3 weeks apart and now sharing many friends (especially with Caden in a split class at school this year) we figured it would be easier for everyone to just attend one event at the busiest time of year!

Caden, it turns out, is a real party planner. He decided the venue: bowling; the treat: cupcakes; loot bags: popcorn, smarties and a blockbuster gift card. I just said yes!

I just said yes. To everything.

From the beginning, I didn't even say a word about the invitation list. Chloé and Caden figured out the list together inviting 9 kids each. All but 2 were able to attend. Some guest choices were quite different, random enough that one little boy asked his mum to talk to me to make sure Caden hadn't made a mistake - he hadn't. I think the little guy was very pleased, and surprised, to have been asked. Caden asked him because he likes him even though they've had little opportunity to interact since they are often on opposing teams. Who was I to tell Caden any different?

Throughout the process there were many opportunities to say "no". To do things my way. Or say "no" because it's the easy answer. As a mum, I'm programmed to say "no" and the kids are programmed to hear it.

The birthday party is just one small example of the current mama re-training project. I've recently adopted the philosophy that if it doesn't put anyone in danger, there is minimal chance of blood or breakage, mess is limited or easy to clean, it does not interfere with another commitment, and it won't put us in the poor house, just say yes. Why not?

This has been a major shift. My "projects" are no longer a priority. My house is not the priority. My children are the priority. Not just in my thoughts, but through my actions. I no longer tell them to wait until I: finish this page, watch this show, clean this dish, put in this load; they now wait and then ask. It took a couple of weeks for them to get used to the idea that I would actually say yes, but now that they're hearing it, they're more patient with me. They have learned that there's a better chance that I'll say yes in a non-distracted moment then when I'm carrying up a load of laundry or writing a blog post.

This has been going on for a few months now and I have to say it's nice to say yes. The kids are thoughtful about asking for things. They don't whine and make life miserable when they hear the occasional "no".

I wish I had started this sooner.

Do you find yourself automatically saying "no"? Is it your initial response? Try saying "yes" instead. You'll be happy you did. Your kids will be happy, too.

Wellness Wednesday: Embracing Imperfection

I really enjoy reading Christine Kane's blog. She always has something relevant to say. This time it is about taking action. Even imperfect action is better than sitting on your duff making plans to take action. Love this woman and her take on life. See, my post would be: get off your butt. Her post is far more engaging:

“Winners take Imperfect Action while others are perfecting their plans.” - Kevin Nations

Now that 14 years have passed since the very first gig I ever did, I have a confession to make.

At the time, I was working hard at getting three sets of songs ready for the day I got the courage to play my first bar gig. But, as often happens in this mystical magical Universe, an opportunity got tossed in my lap before anyone realized that I was grossly unprepared to take it.

My friend David LaMotte had to cancel his weekend of gigs at the Town Pump Tavern. David called to offer me the weekend. As he spoke, I immediately needed to throw up.

“I’m not ready,” I told him.

“Sure you are,” he said.

I knew I had no choice. I had to plan for imperfect action rather than perfect my plans.

Which brings me to my confession.

On both Friday and Saturday night - even though I didn’t have three sets of songs ready - I played three sets of songs.

Did I take an Evelyn Wood speed-song-learning class and flub my way through American Pie and Margaritaville?

No.

Did I stay up night and day that week practicing and practicing until I had the exact number of songs perfect and ready?

Nope.

Did I set up a karaoke machine and sing Blue Bayou and I Write the Songs?

Huh-uh.

When the third set came around, I played the exact same songs as my first set.

This was a bold move for me. I thought the crowd would come at me with torches, shouting, “Burn her!”

But, as it turned out, everyone was so drunk by the third set, no one noticed. (And when it comes right down to it, no one was listening all that hard anyway!)

Then, you know what happened?

One guy – a Shakespeare troupe actor who was in town that weekend - put a hundred dollar bill in my tip jar that night and told me never to give up.

And the bar owner pulled out his calendar for the next year and offered me one full weekend a month for the whole year.

Guess no one got the memo that I wasn’t ready for my first gig.

Last weekend, I was at the Monetize Your Mission Event in Las Vegas – hosted by Kevin Nations, and one of my own coaches, Lisa Sasevich. The theme of the weekend was “Imperfect Action.” For some reason, it made me think of that weekend at the Town Pump Tavern. If I had said “no” to that opportunity, I might have waited forever til I got it perfect. Sitting at my kitchen table playing my songs to no one.

Hey, it happens.

One of my first guitar teachers, a brilliant Chamber music guitarist, wouldn’t let himself perform – at even the tiniest festivals and rooms - until he had a certain number of songs memorized perfectly. He was forever planning his first gig.

Don’t let this be you!

The trick to success, especially when you’re trying something new, is taking imperfect action. Here’s exactly three reasons why:

1 - Taking Imperfect Action, teaches you about abundance.

The people who get stuck in the “wait til it’s perfect” trap believe there’s one and only one chance to “make it.” Taking imperfect action says, “There’s always more chances!” And there are!

2 - When you take Imperfect Action, you’re discovering yourself, not waiting to be discovered.

So many people are waiting to be discovered, approved of, noted, validated – always by someone “more important” than they are. Taking imperfect action makes you discover yourself. Once you realize that being unstoppable is simply about taking the next step, then you have absolutely no need to be discovered. Any validation that comes is like icing on the cake.

3 - When you take imperfect action, you learn that there’s no such thing as failure.

If you do something imperfectly, and you “fail,” then the lesson is to try again imperfectly. See how liberating this is? If you like to tell people or yourself that you tried and failed, then it’s time to take imperfect action again!

Now, wasn't that fantastic? Doesn't imperfect action sound better than making plans? What're you going to do today?

Wellness Wednesday: Slow Down

Found on Flickr: * the path by * whimsical views

I don't know about you and your life, but around this house the last 6-weeks of school things really start to get frantic. The sun shines and the kids get antsy, plans are made for performances and barbeques, orientations and sleepovers. The anticipation of summer holidays, trips and camp work the kids into a frenzy and me into a panic.

I have six weeks to get all the "while the kids are out" projects done!

I found the photograph with the quote above just at the perfect moment. I hope it's a good moment to find you, too.

Wellness Wednesday: Let it be

BC Coastal Forest image found on Google Images

One one of my blog journeys I stumbled upon Danielle LaPorte and her blog: White Hot Truth: because self realization rocks. It is BRILLIANT.

A few days ago she posted:

"You can’t stay in your corner of the forest waiting for others to come to you.
You have to go to them sometimes."
- Winne the Pooh

She has a tendency to panic. Makes it hard to trust her.
He is chronically greedy. Grew up dirt poor. Money is everything.
She is a channel of pure wisdom, a naturally gifted seer.
He is a genius, able to connect vast intellectual concepts.
She is fragile, new, and green to the concept of cause and affect.
He is angry, wounded, perpetually antagonistic.

People are where they are - despite our desire for them to be further along, more evolved, more fun, closer to our level, less intimidating, more relatable, easier to access, or simply more like us.

If you take the desire for someone to be different out of the equation - you can meet them where they are. You can meet them in the real moment. You can meet them in their despair or their magnificence.

And when you truly meet them, with no wishing for something different to wedge you apart, you'll know what to do. You will have the compassion to be calming, the humility to be reverent, or the wisdom to walk away. The question becomes, how would you treat "wounded," or "rage," or "brilliance"? Not how would you help (or coerce, or plead with) someone be more healed, or less angry, or more down to earth.

They are where they are. Consider the facts, spare yourself the desire for change. Remove the friction of wanting to improve them. And engage. It's the only way change happens.

Wow! Now that is a perspective I really struggle with though continue to attempt. I have been unable to master. Often it is, or was, my role as mother, eldest daughter, valedictorian, division manager, to be the "fixer". To embrace change, not let be.

I struggle with this as I now find it my natural tendency to continue to fix. I always engage but I have to learn, actively learn, to just let it be.

I have to let it be.

Wellness Wednesday: Coming to Terms

During one of my blog journeys I discovered "The Divided Heart" which looks like the perfect book for anyone dealing with the balance between Art and Motherhood. As the back of the book says: "the fear that to succeed at one means to fail at the other".

It includes interviews with twenty-six respected creators: artists, writers, dancers, musicians who speak about the wrench between the life of a mother and an artistic life. I have really been struggling with this for the last six weeks. I have struggled with it all of my life, but it has become acute in the last few weeks.

So this Wellness Wednesday is about coming to terms with your greatest personal struggle and putting a plan together to make it "work" in your life. What is your greatest struggle? What do you do to manage it? What do you avoid doing?

I haven't read the whole book yet, as it only just arrived in the mail. I am happy to learn from 26 individuals who actually make a living creating and being true to themselves. I'm hoping their experiences will help me manage my struggle, or at least answer some questions. It could be the best, or worst, $43.99 Australian I ever spent. I do know it's the only $43.99 Australian I've ever spent!

***

And as a change of pace ... if you're looking to spread a little kindness:

Head over to one of my favourite places: Kind Over Matter and download these cards. Print them off. Then hand them out. Everyone needs a little kindness during their day!

Wellness Wednesday: How are you celebrating Earth Day?

It's Earth Day today: what are you doing to celebrate?

If you haven't yet, think about joining in on the Earth Mosaic. All you need is a camera and upload a photo (your absolute best) of your surroundings - today.

Check it out: here, here and here, too!

And, from the Simple Mom blog:

40 Easy Ways to Go Greener at Home - Besides Recycling

1. Plant an herb garden. It’s good to have a reminder around of where our food originates. We will do this again this year in the container plants on the deck.

2. Switch all your lightbulbs to CFLs (or at least switch a few). We converted every lightbulb - inside and outside the house last summer.

3. Create a home made compost bin. We received a kitchen bin and large one from the town and it is collected every Tuesday morning.

4. Switch one appliance to an energy efficient model (look for the “energy star” label). Every appliance in the house had the energy star label when purchased.

5. Stop using disposable bags. I shop using green boxes for groceries, a burlap bag for wine and small cloth bags for quick convenience store runs.

6. Buy a reusable water bottle, and stop buying plastic disposable bottles. We have one stainless steel bottle for each member of the family.

7. Wash laundry in cold water instead of hot. As often as possible, the only things washed in hot are things that need to be sanitized - like Cole's hockey uniform!

8. Turn off lights when you leave the room. Always.

9. Don’t turn on lights at all for as long as you can - open your curtains and enjoy natural light. Even on rainy days there is light.

10. Drive the speed limit, and combine all your errands for the week in one trip. Okay, so I think the speed limit is a suggestion, but I do combine all of my errands for time efficiency.

11. Better yet, walk or ride a bike to your errands that are two miles or closer. I live in suburbia, nothing is less than 2 miles. But I would if I could.

12. Support your local economy and shop local farmers markets. Since our growing season is limited I can only support part of the year but I always support local businesses before big chains.

13. Turn off your computer completely at night. Done.

14. Research whether you can sign up for "green power" from your utility company. Can't but would if it were available.

15. Pay as many bills as possible online. Done.

16. Put a stop to unsolicited mail. While you’re at it, go ahead make sure you've been added to the "do not call list" just to make your life more peaceful. Have no idea how to stop unsolicited mail, but we are on the do not call list - not that it works!

17. Reuse scrap paper. Print on two sides, or let your kids color on the back side of used paper. Done.

18. Conduct a quick energy audit of your home. Did it last year when we changed all the light bulbs.

19. Subscribe to good eco blogs. My favorites are The Daily Green, No Impact Man, and TreeHugger. You can find many more at Best Green Blogs. Hmm, interesting, will have to check it out.

20. Before buying anything new, first check your local Freecycle or Kijiji. I know a number of friends who do this, and maybe that's the best way to rid myself of the oodles of Creative Memories albums I have in the storage room! FREE to a good home :)

21. Support local restaurants that use food derived less than 100 miles away, and learn more about the benefits of eating locally. If only my favourite local restaurant didn't close! Now eating locally is my kitchen.

22. Fix leaky faucets. Done.

23. Make your own household cleaners. I’ve got quite a few recipes in my e-book. I downloaded the e-book last week and have used some of the cleaners. Quite effective.

24. Line dry your laundry. If it weren't against a local bi-law I would!

25. Watch The Story of Stuff with your kids, and talk about the impact your household trash has on our landfills. On the list!

26. Learn with your kids about another country or culture, expanding your knowledge to other sides of the world. We do this regularly.

28. Lower the temperature on your hot water heater. Done.

29. Unplug unused chargers and appliances. Done.

30. Repurpose something for your baby. Or save egg cartons for paint wells, seed starters, treasure boxes, or a myriad of other crafts. Our egg cartons are plastic and sent to school for those exact purposes.

31. Collect rainwater, and use it to water your houseplants and garden. I have been meaning to do this. I should head over to Lee Valley to pick up a rain barrel.

32. Switch to cloth diapers - or at least do a combination with disposables. (Simple Mom has a Cloth Diapering 101 week coming soon.) Those days are long gone, thank goodness. But the amount of money and time saved using disposables rather than cloth is a valid argument.

33. Switch to product with the “Fair Trade” label. Trying, seeing more and more product all the time.

34. Use a Diva Cup for your monthly cycles. Um, no.

35. Make rags out of old towels and t-shirts, and forego buying paper towels. Done.

36. Use cloth napkins daily instead of paper. On the list!

37. Read Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, and open your eyes to the way conventional food is processed. Then join the Book Club, while you’re at it. Will have to check this out.

38. Repurpose glass jars as leftover containers and bulk storage. Done.

39. Five-minute showers - make it a goal for yourself. Done. Now if I could only get my kids and especially husband to get on the bandwagon!

40. Donate to - and shop at - thrift stores such as Goodwill. You’ll be recycling perfectly usable items, and you’ll be supporting your local economy. I donate to both Goodwill and the local diabetes association.

Which of these do you already do? Which ones are you going to focus on this next year? And what can you add to the list? Everything we do here in this house is listed above. I'll focus on what we don't do already!

Wellness Wednesday: Drink more water

I don't know about you, but I don't drink nearly enough water. Plenty of coffee, the occasional tea, rarely pop, some Perrier but not enough regular water. Until now.

While going down the aisles of our local Fortino's grocery store, picking up the same old stuff, I had to make a detour down the pop aisle as the one I wanted to go down was blocked. I slowly walked to the end checking out the products, old and new. I discovered Bottle Green Elderflower Cordial. I wondered what in the world an elderflower was and figured for the money it was worth investigating.

Wow. Is it ever tasty! With sparking or flat water. All I know is that since introducing a cap full to every 750mL of water (I dilute far more than recommended, but I prefer just a hint of flavour). Ever since this discovery I've been drinking a ton, and enjoying it.

And who knows, maybe it does ward away witches :) Or make them pack their bags to Georgia?

Wellness Wednesday: 10 Ways to feel GOOD

I found this over on Life is Beautiful a couple of weeks ago, and boy, if there were ever to be a Top 10 List of how Lee (tries to) Live Her Life it's here:

Feeling good about your life involves just 2 parts. Really! One is to learn to think about yourself in healthy ways. This is a learned skill, ladies and gentlemen, not something that a lucky few were born with.

The second part of feeling good about your life involves “making things happen”. Seeing yourself being successful - at anything! - builds the blocks of confidence. When you build confidence with things you do well, the next time you are faced with a difficult task, you have effectively taught yourself that you can handle it. Count those successes!

Here are 10 Ways To Feel Good About Your Life:

1. Never stop questioning. Every time you feel frustrated with a task, ask yourself, “How does this task fit in with my ultimate goals?” “How can I do this better, faster, easier, simpler, and even more fun?”

2. Don’t give up on life. Be interested and curious about yourself and about others. Don’t assume that’s “just the way it is”. Look for the choices behind your results.

3. Accept your weakness. Don’t deceive yourself by thinking you’re the only one with difficulties in their life. Everybody has them (yes, everybody!). Instead of spending your time and energy trying to “overcome” your weakness, make friends with it and make it work for you. Where would NYPost Columnist Liz Smith be without her “weakness” for gossip?

4. Don’t stop learning. The brain is a muscle just like any other, and it will stagnate if you let it. Make it your rule to learn something new every day. Then USE what you learn to make your life better.

5. Expect nothing; expect the best. Paradox? No. It just means that you don’t want to miss out on what’s wonderful in your life right now, while you spend all your time peeking around the next corner.

6. Don’t lie to yourself. Telling lies to yourself is the most harmful form of disrespect. Write out ways in which you are untruthful to yourself, and how to correct it. “I will no longer pretend that overspending my budget is ok”.

7. Do plant what you want to grow. Many many people are (figuratively) wondering where the roses are in their life, yet they spend all their time planting and nourishing weeds. You reap what you sow. That’s just the way it is.

8. Don’t live in the past. Let go of things that are draining you. There’s nothing in the past that you can change or correct — that can only be done in the present. Use Today. Today, change what you need to change, and move on to feeling good about your life.

9. Swim with the current. Don’t waste your time complaining about what you can’t control - like other people. Concentrate on what you CAN control, like who you hug, what you read, when you smile, how much you laugh, where you go, what you do, what you think about.

10. Stand like a Rock. You know what’s right for you –be willing to stand up for what’s right for you.

10 Ways To Feel Good About Your Life
By Kathy Gates, Professional Life Coach

(I tried to find a link to Kathy Gates but was unable to locate anything current or accurate. No matter, the list is still brilliant!)

Can you release all those activities that drain you of your energy? All those things that steal your chance to be positive and reap good things? I know there are a couple on the list I struggle with every day. But it really is a great guide. If I could manage all ten? Consistently? Wow.

Wellness Wednesday: Overwhelmed with possibility ...

Also known as procrastination.

I always procrastinate when there are too many choices before me. I am fortunate to have choices, always. Even when it looks like there is no choice, there is always choice, but that's a topic for another post! This one is about how to kick procrastination in the pants!

The brilliant Leo Babauta from Zen Habits posted this last week:

I’ve been procrastinating a lot lately. I actually love procrastinating and have nothing against it.

But for those of you who want to beat procrastination, here are 10 simple steps:

1. First make sure you really, really, really want to do it. Seriously - don’t skip this step.
2. Keep things simple - don’t mess with tools, formatting, anything, just start.
3. Make it the first thing you do today, before checking email or anything else.
4. Clear away everything that stands in the way of doing. Including turning off the Internet.
5. Just get started. Overcome the initial barrier by diving in.
6. Tell yourself you’re just going to do 10 minutes.
7. Put something you dread more at the top of your to-do list — you’ll put off doing that by doing the other things on your list. (Structured procrastination.)
8. Find something about it that excites you.
9. Forget about perfection. Just start doing it, and fix it later.
10. If you keep procrastinating, re-evaluate whether you really want to do it. Consider not doing it, or putting it on the backburner.

If all else fails, just take a nap or go outside and enjoy the outdoors or do nothing. Life isn’t all about productivity. Do less.

I have been following this site for quite a while (as regular readers know already), bought Leo's book here, and enjoy Leo's updates on Twitter. This is one of the best things I've done for myself in the last few months. I go to this site for insight, motivation and the realization that I'm not the only one trying to find balance in the day-to-day.

Wellness Wednesday: Thoughts become things ...

The soft light from my favourite lamp in the den.

Each morning I am fortunate to receive a note from the universe. Every day it brings a smile to my face. Today I received:

Someone loves you very, very much, Lee, and because you received this email, no matter how you received this email, it's important that you know it.

Someone besides me,

The Universe

Isn't that a nice way to start your day?

I really do get a charge out of seeing "The Universe" in the from column!

If you want to hear from the universe each morning, head on over to TUT and sign the oath. You won't regret it! After all, as they say, "thoughts become things ... choose the good ones!"

Wellness Wednesday

What can possibly make you feel better than a compliment? A sincere, honest to goodness, kind comment about YOU. Wouldn't it make you feel great? Doesn't it make others feel great, too?

When was the last time you gave a compliment? When was that last time you received one, really, graciously embraced the kind words of another?

Click here and meet two young men who make me want to go to Indiana, not for the weather, but for the sunshine they spread in spite of the weather!

Have a wonderful wellness Wednesday. Go forth and compliment!

Wellness Wednesday

I am making every effort to fill my life with as many positive, uplifting, contributing and real (and real-virtual) people and experiences as I can. There is enough of the bad stuff that I think a full-out effort is warranted and required. As part of my Wellness Wednesday, I want to share with you some work by two women I have come to admire: Katherine Center and Mary Swenson I think hanging out with them, reading their work is definitely on my Wellness agenda!

I hope you enjoy:


If you liked that one, you'll like this one too: clicky.

Wellness Wednesday

I enjoy my morning blog journeys. I find some really interesting things out there in the blogosphere. One leads to another, and another. There are kernels of brilliance to be found just about everywhere. I enjoy the blogs that nourish me, challenge me and inform me. Recently on one of these journeys I discovered Droplets of Devotion which is always a lovely read. Today, through it, I discovered Wellness Wednesday which lead to this post. I really like the idea.



"Wellness Wednesday is about empowerment, acknowledgment and sharing. Its about celebrating the millions of unique ways we can enhance our health and be responsible for the bodies we have."

The question is: WHAT NOURISHES YOUR SOUL?

Every day is different, but my aim for today is to breathe, slowly. In with good thoughts out with negative thoughts. Though, it has occurred to me that I may be putting all that negativity out into the universe, I have to purge myself of it and the poison it creates.

In order to empower myself, I need to take care of myself and understand where the negativity came from and how to make it stop. Purging it is completely my responsibility, I own my choices. I regret some, but own them nonetheless. The key is to find the balance: not dwell on the negative but to acknowledge it, deal with it, and move on.

I manage to get myself involved in situations when I do not heed my instinct; that inner voice that tells you a certain situation is dangerous, that internal warning system. I delay the inevitable in order to spare the feelings of someone not worthy of that consideration.

So, today, this Wednesday, what nourishes my soul? Trust. Trust in myself.

What nourishes your soul?