The Heart Of The Matter

Did you know that heart disease is the number one killer of women?  The good news is that 80 percent of heart disease is preventable.  So, why is it so hard for some of us to do the lifestyle changes needed to significantly reduce our risk?
                                                                     

I've had both of my parents die from heart disease.  My father was only 59 years of age.  Hello???
There is no one who wishes to learn a hard lesson via a "wake-up" call, including me.  So, how do I
make some changes to insure that I become a healthier person and inspire others to join the challenge of
taking care of our health - our heart?  Developing healthier habits and making serious lifestyle changes sounds easy enough but it is hard.  However, most everyone is aware that it is NOT impossible.
                                                                             

Small steps. 
                                   Let's start with small changes.
                                                                         
                                                                Small changes such as.…just moving.            
                                                           
                                                                                                                 Moving  -  more.
Here are a few suggestions….
#1  Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
#2  Park farther away from the front door.
#3  Stand instead of sitting. (this burns more calories)
#4  Take your dog for a walk. (if you already do this, try making the walk longer or faster)
#5   Instead of making piles around the house, put things back in their place right away - who would of   thought this would actually burn some calories?
#6   Get up and walk around after sitting for 30 minutes.
#7   During television commercial breaks simply get up and walk around.
#8   Do squats, leg lifts (or whatever) while waiting for your food to cook in the microwave.
#9   Wash the car by hand instead of the drive-through car wash.
#10 Rake leaves instead of using a leaf blower. (It's that time of year!)

I challenge everyone reading this………let's all start moving a bit more.  If you are already an individual who exercises and are healthy from eating right as well, then encourage someone else.          Become a mentor, be a partner. 
Sometimes that's all people need to jumpstart change.

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You Are The Winner

"Winning is more than wearing a crown for one day. 
                     It is a lifelong dedication to doing  your best!"

"When you hear the expression "For Winners Only," you might be prompted to think of champions who win gold medals at the Olympic Game, receive the checkered flag at Indianapolis, enter baseball's Hall of Fame or are awarded a Pulitzer Prize.
                                                                 

The word winner doesn't refer only to those special few who bask in glory for a fleeting moment. Never make the mistake of thinking that, just because this select few are undeniably winners, by implication the rest of us are losers.  Winners are only few in number if you think of them in terms of being number one or beating the other buy.

Whether your achievement at the time was great or small, you've been a winner every time you've tried your best in some field that's important to you.

You were a winner when you did you best to make someone happy, to clean the house, to make a sale, to complete a report, to wash the car, to care for a child, to prepare a meal, to make a speech, to raise an issue, to stand up for your rights, or to stand up for the rights of others.

You're a winner any time and every time you look, think, act, and talk your best…your very best, regardless of the situation.  You're a winner when you think well of yourself for the things that you do well and when you forgive yourself for whatever your imperfections might be.
                                                                      

It's a fact, isn't it, that you can't possibly do better than your best?

And isn't that also true of the more spectacular winners we read about in the news and the Guinness Book of Records?

Comparing yourself to others is useful, sometimes, if it inspires you to be better than you were in some aspect of your life that's important to you.

But when someone else's success or superiority becomes a putdown to you personally, remind yourself that when you do your best, no winner in all of history has ever done more.

So, whenever you hear the words "For Winners Only, sit up and pay attention; this means you."
                                                                         

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What Happens When You Ask For Strength?

"I asked God for strength, that I might achieve;

I was made weak, that I might learn to humbly obey.

I asked for health, that I might do greater things;

I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.

I asked for riches, that I might be happy;

I was given poverty, that I might be wise.

I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men;

I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life;

I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing that I asked for,

But everything I had hoped for.

I am, among all men, most richly blessed.

Looking In The Mirror

When you get what you want in your struggle for self

And the world makes you king for a day,

Just go to a mirror and look at yourself

And see what THAT man has to say.

For it isn't your father or mother or wife

Whose judgment upon you must pass;

The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life

Is the one staring back from the glass.

Some people may think you a straight-shooting' chum

And call you a wonderful guy,

But the man in the glass says you're only a bum

If you can't look him straight in the eye.

He's the fellow to please, never mind all the rest,

For he's with you clear up to the end.

And you've passed your most dangerous, difficult test

If the man in the glass is your friend.

You may fool the whole world down the pathway of life

And get pats on your back as you pass.

But your final reward will be heartaches and tears

If you've cheated the man in the glass.

Author Unknown

Rules For Success

#1 - Think Positively!

        You must think positively about ALL of your accomplishments, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem to you or to others.  They are your building blocks.

#2 - Make Mistakes!

       Yes, it is important for you to allow yourself to make mistakes.  Making mistakes is an essential growth component.

#3 - Believe!

       Before you can even begin the task of being successful, you have to BELIEVE that you have already succeeded.  You must speak - act - and even dress….not for who you are right now but for who you want to become.

#4 - Eliminate The Negative!

       To be successful you must REPLACE all of your negative words and thoughts with POSITIVE phrases, thoughts and words.  Tell yourself - "I am a success."  "I am a wonderful, kind and good person."  If you practice this every night before going to bed and every morning when you awaken, you will begin to reap success.

#5 - Take Responsibility!

        Always take full responsibility for your life - and for your actions.  Do not blame others for your lack of success.  Sometimes situations or events are out of your control and may very well be caused by someone else…NEVER allow yourself to blame others!  Control your reaction!

                                                                        

Are You There God?

"The man whispered, "God, speak to me."

And a meadowlark sang.

But, the man did not hear.

So the man yelled, "God, speak to me!"

And, the thunder rolled across the sky.

But, the man did not listen.

The man looked around and said, "God, let me see you."

And a star shined brightly.

But, the man did not notice.

And, the man shouted, "God, show me a miracle!"

And a life was born.

But, the man did not know.

So, the man cried out in despair, "Touch me God, and let

me know you are here!"

Whereupon, God reached down and touched the man.

But, the man brushed the butterfly away and walked on.

Author Unknown

PLEASE don't be this man!