Turn off this song
Find someone to love
Turn off this song
You can listen to it later
Go outside
It’s not often we run across lyrics that say exactly what we’d like to say.
Don’t put off exercise.
Don’t put off going outside and enjoying the day.
Don’t put off spending time with people you love.
However you spend your day, you have a break at some point. Take a walk, even if it’s around the parking lot or the block. Invite a friend to dinner on your porch or patio or deck, or on a blanket in your yard or on your balcony or at a nearby park.
While you’re outside, be sure to raise your heartrate with some movement. You’ll go back to whatever you were doing refreshed and energized.
There may be someone in your circle of friends (or in your child’s circle of friends) who is feeling left out. There may be someone on the fringe of your circle, or just outside it. It may be a a business associate or co-worker, or a neighbor, or a friend of a friend.
Include this person in something that you’re doing – watch him/her change right before your eyes, and appreciate all they bring to the group. No one likes to feel like an outsider, so make your circle a little bit wider today. Be a role model for including people, and show your kids that every person brings value to the group.
Some people may feel better as a result of your including them… including you!
Damage control day is when we try to put out fires before they even happen.
Try to anticipate anything that’s about to go haywire. If you’ve been taking care of yourself and your body, you’ll feel better, have more control, and be better organized in your life, so you’ll be able to focus your antenna outward. (See, this really is the TOTAL Health Makeover®.)
Have your radar set higher than you normally would be for potential danger. Anticipate and fix the problem before it all falls apart. Instead of giving in to the toxicity of the relationships either at home or at work, rise above it and be the negotiator. A lot of times in show business, people are working close together and tempers often flare at the lightest provocation. It’s so important to stay calm and centered during those volatile times.
Today is the twelfth day of Christmas, the traditional feast of the Epiphany, and the celebration of Orthodox Christmas. There’s a message in this day for all of us, Christian or not, so please bear with us.
Epiphany is about the star – the sign that things were going to change. The word means “make clear” – so let’s focus on that. What is being made clear in your life?
What signs have you been given from your health care professionals? Have you been directed to lose weight? To get regular exercise? To take medication for certain conditions? To stop smoking? To cut back on caffeine? To sit up straight and stop crossing your legs (that would be our chiropractor speaking!)?
What signs have you been given from your family and friends? Do you stay in touch with people you don’t see? Do you spend time with the people around you? Do you let them know how much you cherish their friendship? (And if you don’t, are you ready to let go?)
What signs are visible regarding your career? Is it still fulfilling to you or do you dread going to work? Is this job a temporary gig while you figure out what you want to do? Are you taking advantage of available training or classes to improve your skills?
Are there signs you should be doing something more, different, better with your life? Ask yourself questions like these regarding every aspect of your life. Today’s a good day to evaluate – have your own epiphany.
Sometimes we forget to tell the people we love how much we love them, and how much we appreciate their love in return. Give your loved ones a hug today – or if you can’t touch them, give them a call.
There’s nothing more important.
Then? Get moving.
Take care of yourself so you can take care of the ones you love. Encourage them to join you.
On this Father’s Day, take a moment to think about your dad. He probably wasn’t perfect – but he also probably did the best he could. Remember the good times, the fun times, the times that “perfect” wasn’t necessary for the love to shine through.
Call your dad, if you can. Tell him how grateful you are for everything he did for you.
And if you can’t call him, write him a letter to tell him, and put it in a special place.
Celebrate the dads around you, too – your husband, your brother, your uncle, your son.
That’s right – ketchup and relish (no hot dogs, thanks).
Ketchup (catch up) on the things that you’ve lost track of this past week. Are your bills paid? Mail sorted/filed/recycled? Laundry done and put away? General clutter under control? Dishes clean and put away? Garden weeded? Bathroom cleaned?
Then add a layer of relish. Relish your family with hugs and time together. Relish your home by enjoying the work you’ve put into it. Relish your friends with an impromptu party. Relish your free time and your ‘me’ time with a little relaxation.
This summer, you may be seeing older relatives and in-laws at various family events. Instead of rolling your eyes or tuning them out, listen to their stories. Ask for details. Write down what they’re saying – or better yet, record them (audio only, or video!). You don’t need fancy equipment – a webcam or the camera/recorder in your phone will work just fine.
Think about the questions you have for them about their lives – where they lived, what they did all day, what they ate. Ask what made them happy, what made them sad, and what made them angry. Ask about their favorite books or games as children, their favorite pastimes as adults. Ask about their first kiss, first date, and first love. Some great family stories come from earlier generations.
Thinking ahead * If you get a recording, make copies for Christmas/birthday gifts for other family members. These are cherished gifts and take more time than money. Plus, your computer-savvy kids can help.
If you’ve enjoyed Marilu’s chats with the PCRM crowd, you’ll love taking a class at Marilu.com. Marilu chats with members several times each month, answering your questions about health, nutrition, diet, exercise, and living with gusto! Sign up now, and take two classes in April!
THM on a Budget * Good Health ~ Smart Money * April 5-15 * You don’t have to spend more on groceries or break the bank to live a healthy lifestyle. Coach CindyR shares her tips for being a good steward of both body and bank account.
The Role of Your Life * April 19-30 * A Marilu.com exclusive! Using exercises from acting classes, you’ll learn how to live as the star of your own show. This is a Total Health® class, where you’ll make connections between how you think about yourself and how you eat, dress, and project yourself. Fight self-sabotage with this class.
