Feel Good Resources

Do me a favor...Do something that makes you feel good. Give something of yourself that helps others. I tell you, it is the GREATEST feeling.

I'm just in from the "5 or 50" Women’s Sustainable Weight Loss & Lifestyle Group that I founded and facilitate once a month. The group started out with about 20 and has seen numbers fluctuate. But, what hasn't changed is the feeling I get from our time together. Each month I chose a different health/wellness topic and a guest presenter. We've had a few women share their weight loss stories, a Certified Wellness Coach, a Nautropath, and a personal trainer to name a few.

Since our meetings are held at the library, I thought it would be nice to actually tap into the bounty of resources that the library has to offer. So, tonight our guest presenter was the branch librarian Teresa Torres. She showed us how to use the library database to search for vetted health/wellness information, gave us a tour of the health/wellness book section and the cookbook section (my cookbook so happened to be checked in).

The ladies were genuinely excited about the information we gathered. Some left with books and magazines, Kay left with a library card, Teresa was all smiles for being able to share and help, and I left feeling all warm and fuzzy. Thanks Teresa and to all the wonderful ladies who came out tonight.

I love what I do!

Bitten

I had been warding them off for days. They were coming at me aggressively from all angles. Sadly, one of them happened to be my darling little offspring. Finally, on Sunday they wore me down. I was bitten.

You know the type:  They spread their negativity freely, they are never grateful or thankful, they blame everyone else for everything, they never take onus, they often have an ugly sour look on their face (not always), and when they enter the room they instantly shift the energy (the blood) out of you -- I call them vampires. You know the kind who always has something wrong in their life. They are always the victim in every situation. They prey on the happy, peaceful, loving people. They come in all colors, shapes, sizes, ages and yes, they can even be your family members -- beware. Stay clear.

I hate to admit it, but I use to be a vampire. It has taken a lot of conscious effort to erase the negative thoughts and replace them with positive, peaceful thoughts. When I walk in the room I want people to be happy to see me. I want to radiate and spread my positive energy, my love. Not have folks run the opposite way -- thinking oh, no here she comes. Do I have bad days? Sure. I just try to stay positive and if I have any negative thoughts I certainly don't impose them on others.

Again, my journey to health, weight loss, and wellness is holistic. I'm trying to be a better person. I want all aspects of my life to be better and I realize that it starts within. It starts with my attitude. And, the people I surround myself with. You chose who you friends are. If there's someone in your life who is negative, always complaining, but not changing.  Yes, even if they are friends from the past and you have history. If they are not bringing value to your life then maybe it's time you rethink your friendship. There's nothing wrong with that. You are a direct reflection of the people you hang with. So I chose to surround myself with positive, like-minded people.

Though, I come in contact with all sorts of folks when I'm out in public, business associates, etc. they may not be folks I would normally interact with. In my immediate circle, however, I have a limited amount of people I chose to share my space and self with. Unfortunately, though every now and again a vampire creeps in.

To keep the blood-sucking vampires away when I'm out and about, I've been thinking about wearing garlic around my neck. Seriously, I mean it. I'm trying to live a peaceful, happy life and it does not include negative energy of any kind. As my teenaged daughter tries to find herself she gets a free pass although her time is limited too.

Negativity breeds negativity. Positivity breeds positivity. You chose.

Information Overload

Enough already. In pursuit of health, wellness, and a slimmer, fitter body folks offer me advice all the time. I'm open to suggestions, feedback, new ideas and sometimes I seek the information. Currently, however, I feel inundated with information. What to eat. What not to eat. Whey Protein or Soy Protein. Agave or sugar. How much water should I drink. How to exercise. How not to exercise. To squat or not to squat.  How much sleep do I need.  The debates over how to eat healthy and live well go on and on. The opinions are varied and the sources unlimited.

Today, with the internet, social media, and access to 24 hour news -- oh and health coaches, nutritionists, etc. Information is available at the ready and sometimes I'm not ready. It's difficult to discern what's right, what's best. Sometimes I just want to scream. Aaaaaaaaaaaa. I just did.

Seriously, I don't want to think so hard about it. I just want to eat food -- real food, exercise, and have some fun! My dad always says life is suppose to be fun. Think back to childhood days and how you would play freely. Okay, so maybe we can't go revert to that extreme, but you get my drift. Sometimes I think we are over-thinking this whole healthy lifestyle thing. I don't think it has to be or should be so complicated. I'm sticking to the basics: Eat food -- real food, drink water, exercise, rest, and for goodness sake have some fun! Join me why don't you?