What is Your Recipe for Life?

The last two weeks have been an emotional roller coaster.  Our sweet Baby (fur baby) is nearing the end of her life because of a tumor. Father’s Day causes me to stress because I’ve lost so many memories. Hubby’s pain levels have been higher than normal. Restless nights so my sleep is off.

All of these things tend to leave me feeling drained.  I am by no means complaining, but I guess it sounds like it, right?  LOL.  I will admit, I have found myself on the “pity pot” several times this week which leads to resentments which is never good for this recovering addict.

It always amazes me how listening to a business training call can change my entire mindset.  The topic was “power hour” and I was ready to just mindlessly listen when the importance of changing our mindset was mentioned…. Not only does this apply to business but also in our everyday lives, especially during those woe is me days.  Then while reading my Just for Today… it was all about surrendering. Do you think God is trying to send me a message?

When I was in rehab, I remember a saying something like: If one person calls you a duck – you can toss it aside, if two people call you a duck – it deserves some consideration but if three people call you a duck – you MUST be a duck!”  I am not waiting for the third person because I know I need to change my mindset and get off the pity pot!

So starting this morning, this duck is changing her mindset.  Do you need to change your mindset?

Here are a few questions you can answer which might help:

1. Identify what happened to cause the change
2. Why did it happen
3. How can I use this for my personal growth
4. What changes can I make to improve in the future
5. Where can I find help or who can help

This “recipe for life” was part of a devotion I was reading.  Maybe this will help you in changing your mindset or counting your blessings:

Begin with a case of Joy

Add a heaping spoonful of Gratitude

Fold in a large dollop of Kindness

Stir in a handful of Forgiveness

Sprinkle liberally with Love and cover with Peace

Always serve with a large side of Faith

(Author unknown)

 

What do you do to change your mindset or get off the “pity pot”? Maybe you take a walk and count your blessings.  Maybe you do a gratitude list.  Maybe you put on some music and dance around.  Share your best tip with us!  Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

How to Detox from Your Cell Phone

Well, it is the Thursday before Memorial Day Weekend.  It is when we get the first taste of what the summer will bring as the “shoobies” make their way to the Jersey Shore.  This is always a tough weekend for me…. not it isn’t because of the influx of people; it is the weekend I am reminded of the loss of my aunt, Elsie AKA “my buddy” in 1999.  Yes, I squirreled for a moment, sorry back to today’s blog post…………..

Does the picture look like you 99% of the time?  When your phone isn’t in your hand, scrolling Facebook, reading emails or sending text messages, where is it?  I will admit mine is usually close by at least within arms reach.

How often has your Hubby or family or even you wished you could have “phone-less” time!  I mean a time when the phone was either shut off, put away or on “do not disturb”?  Are you starting to sweat at the thought of missing out on notifications?  Are you already picturing the fight with the kids over not being able to talk to their friends?

Most days, my cell phone is on “do not disturb” so the only people able to reach out to me are family.  Why?  So I can stop being obsessed.  So I can work my “at home business” on my time not when ever any calls or texts.  It wasn’t long ago I realized the ONLY time I have been totally “unplugged” from everything (cell phone, computer, tablet) was when we were on a cruise.  It is an automatic switch when I get on the ship, it goes off and it doesn’t come back on until we reach the car on our drive home.  I know a week worth of emails and messages can make your head spin but the truth is, we all need it once in awhile.

If all of these boxes apply to you, you’re clearly in need of a detox

• When your thumb on your dominant hand is sore from all the scrolling
• You look at your phone first thing when you wake up
• A panic attack is around the corner when your battery is running low
• You get anxious when being separated from your phone
• You lack concentration and check your phone too often (even unconscious)

Did you answer yes all (or most) of these?  Then you are in desperate need of a cell phone detox!

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Start with 8 hours of disconnection – you’ll feel restless at first, but getting used to being phone free takes time.  The easiest way is to turn it off an hour before you go to bed and don’t turn it on until you have had your coffee in the morning.

2. Throw a phone free dinner – see how the conversation changes.  People actually talk and listen to each other.  Oh and no photos of food.  Dinner is a no brainer for me.  I don’t do the phone at dinner, especially on the nights hubby is off.

3. Go out in nature and connect to the real world.  The weather is nicer so this is a whole lot easier to do. No pictures or checking your phone.  Depending on where you go for a walk, you may need to take your phone in case there is an emergency.  I carry mine in my pocket when I go for a walk only because of the MS.

4. Set a phone curfew to turn phones off after 8PM and have a relaxing night.  Okay, so this may be a little bit tougher but I am willing to try it.  The problem is when I switch off the phone, the iPad is close at hand to check emails and Facebook.  How do you totally unplug?

5. Grab a magazine, a coffee and go soak up some sun by yourself!  This sounds great in theory but my books are on my iPad which then keeps me connected to the internet if I am close to the house.  UGH!  Solution – I have been buying some old fashioned books at yard sales so I can start reading “electronic free”.  Then I donate them back to the church rummage sale.  A win for everyone.

So, be honest… how many times a day do YOU check your phone?  I’m getting better but it is still a process.  How about you, are you willing to give it a try this holiday weekend?

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Things People On Weight Watchers Understand

Thursday morning weigh in with my extended family.  I have been on Weight Watchers for years.  I have lost more than 120 pounds and believe it is the best way to lose weight (for me).  Is it an easy road? NO!  Do I get frustrated? YES!  Do I keep going? YES!

If you are on Weight Watchers, can you pick out those who are also adopting this way of life.  No, it is not a diet but a change in the food we eat and the way we look at eating every day.  Those of you on WW will understand today’s blog – see how many you can identify with…

1. Your friends know you always have snacks stashed in your purse (or in the car) just in case.  Anyone need a carrot or a granola bar or maybe even a jerky stick?

2. You’re have a deeply committed relationship with your pedometer or your fit bit.  Have you been known to do the happy dance when you hit your steps goal before sundown?  Or maybe you have walked circles around your living room just to hit your goal before the clock strikes midnight?

3. You know exactly how many ounces of chicken fit in the palm of your hand.  Or maybe you measure tablespoons by the tips of your thumb?

4. And you’ve figured out how to include exercise into every space you spend time in.  Even at the doctor’s office — why not? Parking in the farthest spot away from the store or carrying one thing at a time up the stairs?

5. You’ve considered walking a few extra miles for wine…Yup, that’s me!

6. …or for a little reward when you deserve it the most.  Keep the dessert and give me wine!

7. You have a special lightweight outfit set aside for your weigh-in day each week. Yup, been wearing the same type of outfit every week for weigh in FOREVER and never denim!  Or maybe you have been known to change clothes once you weigh in?

8. You know the feeling of pure bliss after having all your work lunches figured out ahead of time.

9. You’ve grown accustomed to people asking “can you really eat that?”  Yes, that’s chocolate chip cheesecake. And yes, you can have the recipe.

10. You find yourself doing things you thought were impossible effortlessly.  Well, almost.  Maybe the stairs are a little easier.  Maybe you jog more instead of walk.

11. You find yourself talking to strangers about how amazing spaghetti squash really is.  “It’s just like spaghetti. But it’s squash! No, really!”  So guilty of this one and cauliflower rice!

12. Light whipped topping is basically your boyfriend at this point.  You’ve found a million and one ways to use it, and you’re never gonna let it go.

13. More than anything, people can’t put their finger on what’s different about you… …but you look and feel great — of course they noticed!

Whether you are on Weight Watcher‘s or not, I’m sure you can identify at least a friend or two who fit one of these things.

How can you spot a fellow Weight Watcher?

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Too Tired To Workout

One of my BIGGEST goals for the new year is to MOVE and get back to my goal weight.  Over the last 2 years, I have let life get in the way and some of those pounds have slowly crept back.  I have done a lot of talking but the truth is, I haven’t done the work to get there.

I have been using the excuse I am just too tired to workout.  The truth is I wasn’t motivated, I was sitting on a pity pot!  I used my health issues as an excuse not to watch what I was eating or to at least move out of the chair.

As I get ready for the new year, I am wondering if you have been “too tired to workout”. Working out can be different things to different people.  Some think of expensive gym memberships with personal trainers. Others will make a commitment to workout at home.  While others, like me, will simply commit to getting up and moving whether it is a short walk around the block or a game on the Wii.  Yes, I still have mine and I need to dust it off and get busy.

Getting back on track starts with portion control.  Funny, the healthy things (low in Weight Watcher points) I faithfully measure out.  Yet, the other foods – snack foods or higher point items, I eyeball the portion.  How many of you do the same thing?

There was a time when I loved, loved, loved being active.  I was always on the go and working out (or walks) were just natural.  But then the health struggles started and now I

….Am Drained

The comparison inner gremlin has even invaded my weight loss and movement journey.  I see others running and wish it was me.  I see others watching their weight and wish it was me.  I see others “moving” being active instead of a couch potato and wish it was me.

I am battling with this – big time. Yes, my joints ache.  Yes, I get exhausted after a short walk especially in the cold.  Yes, I am out of breathe just walking up the stairs some days. So out come the excuses.  If I workout in the morning, I will be drained all day.  And if I wait to workout until night time, I have used up most of my spoons for the day, so I don’t have any energy left.

I never, ever, ever, ever wanted to find myself here. Ever. I reached my goal weight (with lots of struggles) and swore I would NEVER gain any back.  Never say never, right?

But each day, I am beginning to battle it less and less…

I have set a goal of 3,000 – 5,000 steps per day and I will keep moving even if it is walking around the condo in circles till I reach it.  Once consistently reached, I will up it to 5,000 – 10,000 steps.

I will stop beating myself up for the past and focus on what I can control – TODAY!

I will figure out my own workouts, intensity levels, and find MY balance instead of comparing myself to anyone else.

I will focus on the other things which bring me joy instead of focusing on the negative.

But for today, I am just too tired to workout.

Are you too tired to workout?  Share your solution..

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

First Official Walk

I met some of the AWESOME volunteers from Rescue Ridge at my JOB!  Here is the 411 on the work that they do:

Rescue Ridge is funded entirely through donations and fundraising efforts. All of the care and adoptions of our animals are handled by volunteers – from socializing and re-training, to grooming and walking, to transporting to veterinary appointments, to the development of adoption events and fundraisers. Our animals come to us in many ways. Some we rescue from shelters. Others have been abandoned and are found roaming the streets. Some of our animals are owner surrenders. No animal is ever refused because of breed, age, health or behavior issues. Many are boarded in local kennels and others live in temporary foster homes. We also offer a unique alternative for owners needing to re-home their pets. The pet continues to live with its owner while we help find a new home. The pet is less stressed and the owner can be involved in the adoption process. Some of our animals come to us with medical or behavior issues which are addressed before they are placed up for adoption.

Being a part of this event is SO far out of my comfort zone.  Yes, I like to go for walks.  Yes, I love to support AWESOME causes.  But a tutu!? Some would say it sounds right up my alley as long as it is PINK!  Believe it or not, I am a little shy.  Okay, you can stop laughing.  Yes, I do home parties.  Yes, I love to meet new people. BUT, my comfort zone is being home with my honey or with my family.

I am walking the fur grand-babies who are patiently waiting for their forever home. I have 3 grand fur babies who were rescued and would take more if we had the space. No donation is ever to small & thank you in advance for help us meet our goal! Zoe, Turner and Mucca says thank you too!

If you want to register and join me (and the Charlie’s Angels team), click HERE.  If you just want to support my efforts, click HERE.  Every little bit helps.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!