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Life is busy, life is stressful,  and commitments pile up like cars on the freeway.  It doesn’t have to be complicated.  Take a look at a few suggestions to un-complicate your life.  Then make your own list of what you need to do to keep sane and keep on moving.

1. EAT CLEAN …Nothing will mess with your emotions and complicate your life like a sugar high, constipation and break outs. 

2. RETREAT … We talked about this on the first day of the “Ever Grateful” class.  Take time for yourself.  Turn off the news for a day, put aside anything that’s non pressing and just regroup.

3. SAVE THE DRAMA FOR YOUR MAMA …Walk away from gossip, unpleasantness and anything else that brings you down.  Think “higher plane”.

4. RETHINK THAT TEXT …Is it really THAT important or can it wait until you’ve got a free minute?  Just because you CAN multi task doesn’t mean you HAVE to. 

5. SEX …What are you waiting for?  Just enjoy. Stop waiting for the perfect time, or the perfect body.  Enjoy the one you have now. 

6. THROW SOMETHING OUT …There are things in that mending pile you don’t even LIKE.  If you did you would have had them altered by now.  Give them away, throw them away, or cut them up and use them to wrap presents.  Just get that ugly old pile out of the corner.

7. BE IN THE MOMENT …Don’t let craziness build.  Enjoy the moment you’re in so you can remember it later.  Every day holds something we can enjoy and/or learn from. 

This is a tip of the iceberg list.  Make your own.  You should have no trouble hitting 10, 20 or a hundred  reminders that will make your life less complicated.  Post them on the boards.  Sharing and support are what makes this community special!

Tomorrow begins our new class “Ever Grateful” with Coach Robbie.  Take the time to focus on that for which you’re grateful today and then join us tomorrow to learn more about how to nurture and increase that attitude.

“A grateful mind is a great mind which eventually attracts to itself great things.” -Plato

We’re not assigning blame to anyone who is afflicted with this disease.  It’s important to note, however that most of the 366 million people afflicted suffer from  Type 2 diabetes (According to The International Diabetes Federation) which is linked to poor diet, lack of exercise and obesity.

More and more a plant based diet is being recommended for those who want to take control of this deadly disease. 

Taking control of your health is easier now than ever before.  With support groups like this community you can talk to people, just like yourself who have reversed the course of this deadly disease and added vitality to their lives. 

Stay connected to learn how to make your life healthier and more vibrant.   Our members are living proof that you The Total Health Makeover WORKS !

No we’re not talking about Willie Loman in Death of a Salesman.  (Okay we alluded to that but that was just to get your attention of course.)

The subject of memory is a hot topic here and we’re all anxious for Marilu’s next book.  With that in mind, on this Sunday be present and in the moment.  No one is more in the moment than Marilu.  Make that connection and take time to savor the day.

“The true art of memory is the art of attention.”

Samuel Johnson

For many people this week has been about filling those backpacks and getting all the supplies that each class requires.  Think about picking up a few extras for those who are having financial stress right now.  Those of us who don’t have to think about back to school can also fill a back pack and take it to social services.  Stationery items can add up, and for a family in need, especially those in areas who have experienced recent property loss, a helping hand can make a big difference. 

At this time of year there is also a need for non perishable lunch supplies such as peanut butter, snack foods, and juice packs.  Personal care items are also in need; shampoo, toothbrushes, and deodorant.  Get out of the pasta and jarred sauce mindset and think about cotton balls, shower gel and beauty items as well.

Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being. Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light.
Albert Schweitzer

Who, in your life, has helped you to shine?  Remembering people, past and present, who have helped you move forward is a HEALTHY thing to do.  Indulge in a few minutes of gratitude today. 

In the past 20  years the average portion size in America has increased, along with our waist lines.  (As an example; from 1980 to 2008 obesity rates doubled for adults and triple for children)

Here’s a brief overview of how some portions have grown  just since 1991:

Bagels

Then: 3-inch diameter, 140 calories        Now: 6-inch diameter, 350 calories

Fast Food Cheeseburgers

Then: 333 calories                       Now: 590 Calories

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Then: 1 cup of spaghetti and sauce with 3 meatballs, 500 calories    Now: 2 cups of pasta and sauce with 3 meatballs, 1,025 calories

Soda

Then: 6.5 ounces, 85 calories                Now: 20 ounces, 250 calories

Blueberry Muffin

Then: 1.5 ounces, 210 calories          Now: 5 ounces, 500 calories

French Fries

Then: 2.4 ounces, 210 calories             Now: 6.9 ounces, 610 calories

Wakan Tanka, Great Mystery,
teach me how to trust
my heart,
my mind,
my intuition,
my inner knowing,
the senses of my body,
the blessings of my spirit.
Teach me to trust these things
so that I may enter my Sacred Space
and love beyond my fear,
and thus Walk in Balance
with the passing of each glorious Sun.

~ Lakota prayer