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Total Wellness Mom

Jul 02
0

What Does Life, Liberty and The Pursuit of Happiness Mean to You

By | Essential Oils, Total Wellness, Total Wellness Mom | 3 Comments

America is the Land of the Free. But do you have a sense of freedom in your life today? Do bills, poor health, threat of unemployment, unhealthy living environment, weak relationships, uncertainties and so on burden you?

What happened to the American dream? Of life, liberty and the ability to pursue happiness?

Since ancient times, man has been migrating across continents in search of a better life, safety, opportunity and favorable weather. Most of all, to have the freedom of who they can be and to pursue their destiny and ultimately to achieve a life on their own terms, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Don’t we want them all? Yet freedom now is just a word for many, not a lifestyle.

Through history, we can learn work ethics, mindset and wisdom of our forefathers. Let’s look at one man’s quote and writings in the 1700s, Benjamin Franklin. He was one of the Founding Fathers of America, an entrepreneur, inventor, scientist, printer, author, politician, prophet and many more.

There is so much we can draw from in the 21 quotes below. If we were to think about it each day and put each to use in the next 21 days, our life, outlook, attitude, work ethic, ways of handling money, business and relationship will change.

1. A penny saved is a penny earned.
2. Lost time is never found again.
3. When you are finished changing, you’re finished.
4. Being ignorant is not so much a shame, as being unwilling to learn.
5. Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.
6. He that can have patience can have what he will.
7. Never ruin an apology with an excuse.
8. Many people die at twenty-five and aren’t buried until they are seventy-five.
9. To lengthen thy lives, lessen thy meals.
10. Speak ill of no man, but speak all the good you know of everybody.
11. If a man empties his purse into his head, no man can take it away from him. An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.
12. He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else.
13. Energy and persistence conquer all things.
14. Content makes poor men rich; discontent makes rich men poor.
15. Do not fear mistakes. You will know failure. Continue to reach out.
16. God helps those who help themselves.
17. By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.
18. The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself.
19. Never confuse motion with action.
20. The way to see by faith is to shut the eyes of reason.
21. Instead of cursing the darkness, light the candle.

Benjamin Franklin knew
• Persistence and pushing through adversity when experiencing the death of his son and failure of some businesses
• Don’t settle for the limitations due to the lack of education and money when starting out
• Moderation is better than overindulgence when it comes to food consumption
• Preparation and saving for rainy days, for they will come
• Investing time and money in learning and reading
• Willingness to change to suit current economic needs

Americans are always known to have the ability to stand, create, survive and hold the truths. None of our forefathers came to fall into bondage again. They came to build, increase and be free while going through hardship, lack and uncertainty.

There were opportunities but not without a price to pay. What are we willing to pay to move forward and have freedom of life? To find out how one pushed through adversity, limitation, shame and embrace change, knowledge, hard work, humility, persistence and pursuit of happiness, let’s watch this clip:

This Independence Day, I can’t help but feel grateful for all of you. I appreciate you and honor you for who you are, what you stand for and where you are going. If adversity comes knocking at your door, push through. If financial failure visited you lately don’t give up, if poor health is making you sick and tired, seek changes and help.

This week as I sat with thousands of people at the Young Living convention in Salt Lake City, I thought of the changes that are happening with Young Living and the changes I’ve made in my life and business. And how change is necessary to grow and advance.

Despite the adversities and hardship, there were many triumphs and successes along the way through determination, persistence, humility, hard work, faith, vision, investing of time and money into learning new skills and adding new skills and most of all, the willingness to make necessary changes. Just like the principles that Benjamin Franklin stood for and Chris Gardner believed as he stepped out to pursue.

Young Living announced their transformation in this convention to suit the current growth and demand. Changes are being made as I write. They want to be more efficient, responsive, and supportive in the online world to help their skyrocketing growth worldwide.

Freshness, excitement, energy and new direction are needed to achieve the next level in the corporate world and in our personal life.

If you have read this far, let me ask you this:

What would your life look like if you could just add an extra $200 per month into your bank account? Not $2,000, just $200.

Are you ready to transform and pursue life, liberty and to pursue happiness for you and your family? I would like to invite you to join Jay and I on July 12th at 9:30pm for a FREE teleseminar on how to take your Young Living Business Online and never to be tied to your phone all day again. Change is happening in the marketplace…

I’m going to share secrets on how I am able to cut hours of my time on the phone and still make more money than ever before. At the same time, how my business grew when others were suffering, because of the changes that I’ve made. I’ll also let you know how to get out of adversity and limitations and push through your fears and self doubt.

Will I see you there? Here is a link to register for this FREE call. Seats are limited. It will be full I guarantee. Here's the link.

We publish newsletters and blogposts twice a week for our readers for general education purposes only. We cover topics that are related to achieving and maintaining total wellness which includes our emotional, physical, spiritual and financial health.

Jun 21
0

Tools to Help You Say Goodbye to Summer Stress

By | Total Wellness, Total Wellness Mom | 3 Comments

Well summer has officially started and for parents of school aged children, it can be a wonderful time of the year and also a very stressful time of the year. Recently these are the comments I have heard from my family and friends. “What am I going to do with the boys this summer?” “ My son (college aged) sleeps all day and plays internet video games at night”,  “We would love to go on vacation but all our extra money goes to feeding these kids when they are home”.   

Have you made comments like that? Do you find summer stressful?  Do you feel financially strapped when it comes to the summertime?

Let me tell you about 2 kids I know.  

The first young teen is named Julia and she is a Rock Star. Well not really a rock star, but a mature teen who has been running her own businesses for more than 5 years.  She has her cookie making business, brochures and business cards, she has a dog treat company, and now she has her babysitting company.  This summer she will most likely make more money than some working adults I know.  

Then there is Jeremy. He is a grown adult in a successful business, but before he could even drink, he had earned about $100,000 a year.  Part of his fortune came from learning an online video game, and then writing an eBook report that taught how to beat the game.  

Julia and Jeremy may sound unique and special but really, they simply had parents who gave them some tools to succeed. This summer and all year long you have the opportunity to help your kids succeed.

I have recorded a 20 minute audio sharing with you tips from these parents and pointers on how you can spend quality time with your kids this summer, help them be successful and earn extra income for the whole family.  That vacation is possible.  Go over to my page and check it out for yourself. 

We publish newsletters and blogposts twice a week for our readers for general education purposes only. We cover topics that are related to achieving and maintaining total wellness which includes our emotional, physical, spiritual and financial health.

May 10
0

Mom is the Word: Honoring Our Mothers and the Women Who Influenced Us

By | Total Wellness Mom | 2 Comments


As mothers, our heart’s desire is to provide a safe place, wisdom, good health and lots of love for our family. We are the influencers of the next generation. As a history buff, when I ponder on Mother’s Day and our roles, I think of strong faithful women of the Bible.

One woman who stands out is Ruth.  She was caring, compassionate, faithful, a servant, overcame great odds, took great risks, and was rewarded by God.

Last week we ran a special post on Life’s Journey with the Women of Our Lives. We are honored to have so many men and women share about the special woman of their lives. In honor of Mother’s Day, here are some of the stories shared.

Mary Simmons
Want to thank God for my mom; I would not know how to cook, clean and be a good wife if not for all the years of teaching and training. Thank you for never giving up on me, for homeschooling me all those years and being a great role model.

Sally Franz
I give thanks for three women who have influenced my life, besides my mother and grandmother who adopted me and made me feel so special in this world teaching me unconditional love.

The first was a church worker, who served at the university chapel where I got my first Master's degree in 1970. She taught me so much about the fact that we are all God's children who have gifts to share for the benefit of the world. No one is excluded, no matter their limitations.

The second one is my wonderful mentor and sponsor Patricia, who has accepted me and taught me so much about living that I had no clue. She too has accepted me without limitation and has taught me to reach beyond my boundaries to seek new horizons and reach out to others in all places to share the news of natural health and wholeness. I am grateful to God for these women being in my life.

Jay Carter
My grandmother Leona Delk had many qualities that I admired but her top 3 were her faith in Jesus, she never complained no matter how dire her circumstances, and she was giving and kind to everyone.

I never heard her ever complain. She raised 8 children and some of her grandchildren mostly on her own with very little. In the early years they were so poor the families from the poor side of town would bring them food. Yet even though she had little she would give and share what she had.  

I remember as kids there was this man we all thought was crazy who lived in the woods. My grandmother would walk a couple of miles and bring food to him and make sure he was okay even though everyone told her not too. Years later she was contacted by his family to thank her for looking after him as he had been traumatized in the Vietnam War.  She never went to church but was one of the most faithful, Christ like, people I know.

Ara Karlberg
Want to thank my Grandmother for being such an important influence in my life. She was there when others couldn't be. She instilled in me a strong work ethic (she worked by choice until she was 86), my love of reading and writing (she was a Librarian), my thirst for history and genealogy (she traced our paternal side of the family back to Whales 736AD)! She was powerful, brilliant and fair. Not a day goes by that I don't feel her presence and hear her guiding me!

 
Mary Ellen Fava
She's my neighbor, my friend, neither of us have our mothers anymore. She's 20 years older than me, but as young and beautiful in looks, thought and ideas. I turn to her for more than I have turned to my mother and she is always there for respect, guidance and love. I am blessed to have such a wonderful woman in my life. Wish it would last forever.

I wish her Happy mothers day more than all. Thank you Gaye, and brightest Blessings to you for eternity. She has bought more in my life than I can ever expect from one person. How lucky am I.

Debbie Twomey 
The older we get the more women have touched our lives. First and foremost is my mother. What she taught me was strength and how to persevere. The most amazing lesson was her growth as a person that mirrored mine; she matured and changed as she learned lessons in life too. 


My best friend Lorraine, who taught me that love can be unconditional and last a lifetime through the ups and downs. 
Ellen, who taught me that a kind and gentle spirit has a special place in this world and I was so lucky to have found this friendship at a time when I needed it most. The laughter we share is priceless. 


And last but never least– Mary. The lessons, the gifts, the honor and respect are immeasurable. She has given me the gift of a new direction and promise in my life and opened my life and my heart to so many possibilities that had never seemed attainable. As a mentor she has gently pushed me forward when I would have been content to stagnate and as a friend she has been a shoulder, a confidant and an equal. 
Thank you to all of these women and the many more I have been lucky enough to have had in my life.

Claudia Looi
My mother taught me servanthood and honor. While my father was dying of cancer, I saw my mother serving him to the very end. In his pain and suffering, she comforted him, fed him, bathed and clothed him. As a little girl, I saw my mother honor my grandmother even when she was humiliated in front of relatives.

Theresa Chalone
Many, my mother, my grandmother, my cousin Franci, my beautiful daughter. But the one person who gave me spiritual influence was my Aunt Yolanda.  These are my thoughts that were taken from her eulogy, at her funeral.  It’s the best way I can explain how I greatly appreciated the deep, long lasting influence she had made in my life.

She was a wonderful, loving, devoted, kind, daughter, sister, mother and grandmother and a fabulous cook.  To me she was all those things, but most importantly, she was my spiritual mentor, the epitome of a Godly and holy woman.

Whenever I would call and ask what she was doing, it was usually saying her rosary or reading her daily prayers, and when there was a crisis, we knew who to call to pray for us.  Her prayers never ceased.  Everything she did she did with love, and that love was the basis for her faithfulness to God.

She suffered great pain and numerous hospitalizations.  But she knew that her suffering was not meaningless.  Suffering doesn’t make people better; sometimes it makes them bitter, but not Aunt Yolanda.  She never questioned her situation.  I never saw her angry or bitter.  She had many defeats at times, but she never dwelled upon her defeats.  Instead she was courageous, faithful, hopeful, never complaining.

She was the one person who I could go to when my life turned upside-down. She had been there too, she knew how my heart ached, and she had felt the same pain.  She taught me that no matter how bad things can get, no matter how much you have lost, that you never let go of your faith in God.  He has a purpose for us all here on earth and you never question why.

In her deepest pain came the strong conviction of the presence and love of God.  IN all her suffering she had joy, and we all know that joy is not the absence of suffering, but the presence of God.  The bible tells us that suffering is in order that we might grow in grace…Aunt Yolanda was full of grace…

I have no doubt that God put a certain amount of iron in her soul to help her through all her trials.  Aunt Yolanda desired to know Jesus and the power of his resurrection.  She based her whole being on knowing Christ.

I believe that all the years she has had pain has brought her to a higher level up in heaven.  We use to talk about how suffering so much was people’s gateway to heaven and I always told her that I was sure she would be sitting at God’s right hand, next to all our other departed family members.

Aunt Yolanda was a very special Aunt to me.  She never judged me or anyone else.  NO matter how old I was, or what kind of trouble I would get into, she never cast judgment, she just listened and if I needed a scolding she would give it to me, because she loved me.

I will never forget Aunt Yolanda, your courage, your faithfulness, devotion and kindness.  It has been a privilege and honor to be her niece, to have learned from her, laughed and cried with her.  Every year I would thank God for the birthday and Christmas celebrations we shared together.  I will cherish all my memories of her.
Each Christmas I would give her a little angel to watch over her for the year. This year, I know she is with all those angels celebrating her arrival with them in Heaven.

Ellen Barbagallo  OUR WINNER
The person I hold dearest to my heart is my Gramma & Grampa.  They have been deceased for many years now as I am a grown adult with my own grandchildren and one great grandchild.  My Gramma was always there for me as a child and I could always count on her and she never let me down.  Whether with problems, happy occasions or just being there when I needed a place to live, she was always there to help and comfort me. She always will hold the largest portion of my Heart. 

My Husband and children hold the 2nd portion of my heart and the third and final portion belongs to my Best Friend Forever, Debbie, who is the best friend I have ever had in my 67 years and this is why: 
A friend is a relative you make for yourself
A friend is one who comes In when the whole world has gone Out
There are big ships and small ships, but the best ship of all is Friendship
A True friend is one who thinks you are a Good Egg, when you are Half-Cracked
A true friend is one you can call at 4AM, or they can call you
A true friend is one who gives a compliment and means it
A true friend accepts us as we are, yet helps us to be what we should.

Debbie, you are all of this and more and I truly Love you.

Mother’s Day offers a time of reflection of the women in our lives, our mothers, being a mom and a woman.

Each of us have a story and we will be one of the stories that our children and grandchildren live to tell. Whether we are struggling or enjoying being a mother, we can empower each other to grow and expand our positive influence.

I want to invite you to join me on this journey of motherhood, to celebrate our roles, to act in love and honor and to create total wellness for our family and ourselves. Leave me a comment below.

We publish newsletters and blogposts twice a week for our readers for general education purposes only. We cover topics that are related to achieving and maintaining total wellness which includes our emotional, physical, spiritual and financial health.

May 03
0

Life’s Journey With The Women In Our Lives

By | Total Wellness Mom | 3 Comments

There is always one woman in our lives, whether it is our mom, grandmother, a teacher or a special friend who made a difference to us. They are the women we admire and look up to, women who seem to do the impossible, women who overcome the odds, women who lead the way, or women who raised us up.  The women in our lives are there for us in life’s journey.

Who is that woman to you?  

Maybe you have several women?

In the journey of life, with the ups and downs that we traveled through each year, we encountered women who have impacted us, given more than we asked for, influenced us and accepted us as we were. Some probably had gone the extra mile and led us down the right path and destiny of our life.

I have a few women in my life through the years. They have contributed to who I am today.

Each has come alongside in a specific season and has taught me these attributes:

Work ethic  
I have always had a good work ethic and have been making my own money since I was 11 years old. My mom was my greatest influence.  I remember being 4 years old and my mom working all day and going to school at night to improve her career.

Late at night she would be doing her homework and then, the next morning, waking up early to go to work. She would many times work two jobs, sometimes out of necessity, but mostly out of the joy she got from what she was doing.

My mom was elected as a city official that helped make improvements to our community that will last for decades. This shows the importance of contributing to the betterment of our community. She taught me to work hard, enjoy what you do and make a difference.

Caring  
I would say my mom and dad both have a wonderful heart and ability to care for others. My mom always is baking cakes for someone’s birthday at work or making a quilt for someone’s new baby. She weekly can be found bringing dinner to a homebound friend, or giving an elderly person a ride somewhere.

Both my mom and dad’s big hearts have given me a heart for others….

Unfortunately, it also means I cry at every sad story or commercial. I have developed a passion to help others. I passionately want to see them succeed in their health, finances or just anything they desire.

Encouragement
My senior year of high school was challenging but I had several teachers who encouraged me and pushed me to be better. One teacher took time to help me prepare for a very intense Leadership Scholarship presentation and interview at a Keuka College.

I was very prepared and won the scholarship beating out 30 other finalists.  I wouldn’t have been able to go to Keuka College without that scholarship. And without the foundation I got there in that small classroom environment, it wouldn’t have helped me make it through the difficult Pre-med classes and onto my Doctorate in Chiropractic. I owe that success to the help and encouragement to the encourager at that time, my teacher.

Then there are the simple little cards. One simple card given to me has stuck in my head for over 20 years. Mrs. Bouchard, my senior year high school English teacher wrote us all a handwritten card of encouragement and gave it to us the last day of our senior year.

In that card, Mrs. Bouchard showed she cared about my future successes and me. She taught me the importance of encouraging others and never overlook simple handwritten notes and cards. The simple gesture of speaking life and positive futures to those who crossed my path.

Who I am today, I owe it to the women in my life

Today I am the CEO of a 13-year-old company that helps thousands of individuals all over the world make smarter and healthier lifestyle choices.

But my greatest joy is being a mom and wife. I love that role and it brings me great happiness. I know I wouldn’t be who I am today if it weren’t for the people who shaped my life.

How about you? Do you have a woman you admire? One who has impacted your life in a big way?
It’s easy to go through our days and get caught with activities and demands and forget the many goodies. Let’s ponder a moment…

Who are the women in my life that have contributed to my life’s journey?
What did I learn from them?
Who are you today?
Who are you influencing?

I’ve thought through these questions for the last few days. I am influencing my family, associates and clients through my examples of delegation, boundaries and prioritization. As a leader, wife and mom, the people I’m in contact with are observing my attitude, lifestyle and priorities.

Most importantly, they see my success comes from putting God first, myself and my family second, and my career third.

Mother’s Day is around the corner. I want to honor and show my gratitude to all my readers and women in my life. So the best way is to run a contest and get this going.

I’m inviting all of you to join me on my Facebook page and leave a comment about the woman or women in your life. https://www.facebook.com/TheTotalWellnessDocandMom

 

We publish newsletters and blogposts twice a week for our readers for general education purposes only. We cover topics that are related to achieving and maintaining total wellness which includes our emotional, physical, spiritual and financial health.

Apr 23
0

Mommies’ Survival Guide: How to Juggle Between Work, Children and Life

By | Total Wellness Mom | 2 Comments

If only there was flexibility and order in our lives. Wouldn’t life be easy and terrific? We all have a share of our difficult moments as mommies. The morning rush with one child needing to do her hair before school or one unable to get up in time for breakfast and another child hanging on to you not wanting to leave home.

Whether we are a stay at home mom, work at home mom or a mom working outside of home, we are pulled in every direction. Some moms stay at home and feel guilty for not contributing financially to the family and some who work outside of home feel bad because they are not spending time with their children and husband. Whatever situations we are in, they are all personal choices and different circumstances. Each has worries and challenges of its own, not forgetting the rewards too.

While we are doing life as mommies, let’s make the very best of our situations. Here are five things to look at for survival as mommies:

One: Assess your family’s needs
Mothers who work outside their homes may find themselves with nothing left at the end of the month because of childcare, transportation and eating out. Stay at home moms may be feeling extremely guilty for not contributing a dime to the family’s financial needs. Most leave their careers because of children, and childcare and other expenses add up to be the same as working outside of home.

Questions to ask:
What are the most important needs in my family?
What would happen if I stay home full time, work outside of home or stay at home and work from home part-time?
Which situations will best serve my family’s need?
These questions will take into consideration your family’s finances, time and health.
 
Two: The rain and sunshine of life
Women who are focusing on the ‘what ifs’ or ‘should haves’ will carry guilt, regret and fear. Life is never a bed of roses. We can expect the rain to come and the sunshine to follow. Children may get sick, teens may act up or your aging parents may need your time because of illnesses.

Questions to ask:
What can I change that will make our home life better?
What can’t be changed and needs alterations?
If we are financially strapped, what job or business could I look into to help us get by?
If my child is constantly sick, do we need to change something in his life?
These questions could help us adjust our expectations and have a different mindset.

Three: Run your family like a ‘business’
A business without a goal and action plan could fail or may just stay the same year after year. Likewise, a family without a common goal and plan of action each day may be just drifting. Just like a business, children grow older and their needs will be different. The family’s goals and action plan will need to be adjusted according to the growth. It may be different every year.

Stay at home moms who have older children may possibly find that it’s time to work part time at home or outside of their homes. After many years of staying at home, finding a job outside of her home without a ‘glorious’ resume or starting a business without any experience could be challenging.

Questions to ask:
Does each family member know his or her role in the family? (For example, chores and school work habits)
Do we watch TV or stay at the computer/electronics more than connecting with each other?
Do we just exist without any plans or goals?
These questions could help families have a clear vision for their life. Clear vision will help parents and children follow their goals and plan of actions each year.

Four: Co-op for learning, playtime, sharing of business ideas
Families who are homeschooling could start a co-op where moms pick certain topics to co-teach the children. This will save preparation time and leave the teaching of a certain subject to a mom who has the expertise. Some moms are good in math and some may be in writing.

You could also arrange for playtime and field trips for the kids. While moms are spending time together, perhaps there is an opportunity to share business ideas or have informal child-care arrangements. Moms could help each other and free up time to learn a skill, work part-time or grow their business.

Questions to ask:
Who in my neighborhood will be a good fit for my children’s learning, playtime and child care needs?
What could I do in my spare time with my friends in the neighborhood?
Should I find a part-time job or find a part-time business to generate income?
These questions could help free up your time, seek opportunity to advance your career or start a business.

Five: Coffee time (or Slique Tea time for me) and making money
There is a verse in the Bible that says money is the answer to everything. In this tough economy with companies’ cut backs and rising fuel and food prices, families are finding it hard to survive.

Coffee time with your friends and family at the café could be a time for chatting and making money. What’s worse than having no money to pay your bills?

We know most families’ financial situations will be different even with an extra $200 in their pockets every month. Don’t be afraid to start a conversation with your friends over coffee about the need to make more money. They may have a great opportunity for you. Or they may need the business or work opportunities you have.

Just last month, I met a friend who had just started a home-based business with another company. I was assuming she was too busy to look for a home-based business. I was wrong…I did not help her out. Someone did.

Questions to ask:
Who could I have coffee with and help?
What opportunities do I have that someone may need?
Is there someone I can bless today without expecting anything in return?
These questions will help us focus the needs around us. It is not about us. Who could I help with my talents, business or time?

The economy and the way we do business have changed. Everywhere you turn, in stores, magazines or TV, we see the displays of websites, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Everyone has a smartphone or some type of cell phone and are texting away. No one seems to be picking up the phone when we call.

The job scene is changing too and new skill sets are required. But there are two things that never change. They are communication skills and people skills.

What can you do now?

I’ve been in business for over 13 years and have grown my business when I was single, married and now a mom. I’ve juggled with work, family and life…it’s all worth it helping others and working with a plan. I have a passion to help more people feel better and make more money.

I recently had to make some tough decisions to let a part of my business go so I could be home more, have more freedom in my time, and actually make more money. It was a hard leap to make but I know I am not the only mom who has thought about changing their work situation. 

In the month of May, I am going to help 20 individuals on my team grow or start their part time home business helping families save money and get healthier. We have over 13 established members who have said YES that they want to have more fun in business, be a part of a TEAM, work together to help those who are struggling with their health and need to reduce their expenses with a simple proven system. 

Whether you want to work your business online through social media and blogging, or you want to work off line there is a simple system that can work for you.  

Tuesday April 24th at 9pm EST we will be sharing about the May Business Plan 1 + 1. If you are ready to make a change, increase your cash flow, reduce your debt, help many people, and work with a fun and excited team then join us to learn more and see if the Young Living Business 1 + 1 is right for you. 
 

Title: Young living Business 1 + 1


Time: Tuesday, April 24th at 9:00pm Eastern


Listening method: Phone + Web Simulcast


Event password: oneplusone


To attend, visit this link. 

Phone Number: (203) 347-3041
Pin Code: 700454#

Let’s help change someone’s economy, health and total wellness together.

We publish newsletters and blogposts twice a week for our readers for general education purposes only. We cover topics that are related to achieving and maintaining total wellness which includes our emotional, physical, spiritual and financial health.

Apr 12
0

Obesity is Killing Us and Our Babies

By | Total Wellness Mom, Weight Loss | 4 Comments

I have recently had an eye awakening experience about fat in our bodies that I would like to share. This isn’t to scare you, shame you, or make you feel bad, but it is to inform you, help you, and motivate you to take action against this sneaky and harmful thing.


The Stats

More than one-third of U.S. adults (35.7%) are obese. In 2009, 61% of Americans were obese or overweight. How do we know if we are overweight?

One way to calculate is to measure your waistline. Take a tape measure and measure around your waist at the top of the hipbone. Women who have a measurement of 35 inches or greater and men with 40 inches or greater will be told to lose weight by their physician.

You can also calculate Body Mass Index by using the calculator.

For example, I currently weigh 165 pounds and am 5 feet 4 inches tall so my BMI is 28.3 and ranks me as overweight.  If I gain 10 pounds and weigh 175 I will be classified as obese. WOW! Just 3 months ago I was obese. In fact, 3 months ago a trainer measured my body fat at 40% YIKES.

Why is high Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference a problem for you and me? For most of us, unless we are a super athlete or body builder, that means we have too much fat on our bodies. And too much fat causes a lot of problems.

Infertility

In 2011 I had two miscarriages. Recently one of my specialty docs discovered extra estrogen in my body which could be contributing to my miscarriages.  Interestingly FAT CELLS produce estrogen.  When infertility rates grow higher and higher, the more FAT is stored on your body.

Cancer

Fat Cells also cause increased cell growth and all of that increases our chances of getting cancer. In fact, having excess fat increases your risk of getting over 8 different cancers including colon, liver, kidney, pancreas, endometrial, postmenopausal breast cancer, adenocarcinoma, and esophageal cancers.

Inflammation (the beginning of all disease)

Gary Young, a pioneer in Natural Health says inflammation is the beginning of all Dis-ease. Let’s think about this. Heart Disease is caused by inflammation, and so is Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Fibromyalgia, OsteoArthritis, Allergies, Asthma, and most anything that has pain has a component of inflammation.

High Blood Pressure

Obesity increases the risk of High Blood Pressure and aside from the risk of Stroke, there is also a huge risk for your poor kidneys.


Diabetes

Fat cells increase insulin resistance and the more fat cells on your body, the higher your risk of diabetes. In fact, my personal opinion is everyone who is obese and doesn’t use preventative nutrition will eventually get Type II diabetes.


Our Children

Just 2 weeks ago I went walking with my son on a sunny day and we stopped in the park. There was a small group of children and their teachers playing. One of the little boys maybe 8 years old was probably close to 180-200 pounds. His weight made it very difficult for him to move or play. I thought to myself how does this happen, but as I was walking home 4 blocks, I passed 4 fast food places and a convenient store. I saw the answer.

Approximately 17% (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents ages 2-19 years are obese. So we can probably estimate that about 40% of children are overweight and or obese.  Sadly what this really means is statistically we are going to see rising rates of our children with disease and we will see more and more children’s deaths before their parents.  I don’t know about you, but I want to see my son get married and have healthy children. I don’t want a life of hospital visits, medicines and surgeries for my children.

Where do we start? 
First determine where you are at. Use the above calculators and waist circumference measurements to determine where you are at.  Write that down and stick it to the refrigerator and pantry doors.  Now determine where your children are at using this calculator.

Now take the next step to be the example for your family. 

We start to be the example for our children and grandchildren. We eat and we eat healthy. We exercise daily. We drink water instead of sugary carbonated drinks. We take whole food nutritional supplements and meal replacements to support our nutrition and health. And we get the support we need to stay on track with programs like The Total Wellness Slique Experience.

I had a wake up call at 37. My parents are obese, my husband is overweight, and the healthiest people I know are my 90 year old aunt and 87 year old grandmother who eat healthy whole foods, exercise or stay actively moving everyday, and supplement their diet with Young Living’s NingXia Red and Omega Blues. They have lived all these years without disease and today you can find them at the gym, out dancing, or enjoying their family and great grandchildren. (read more about them in this article)

Do you want to enjoy your life until the very end? Or do you want to spend the last years of your life in and out of the hospital, receiving kidney dialysis, not being able to enjoy the things and the people you love?

I hope you will make the next step towards health. I hope you will start with you and be an example for your family and friends. I am on your side and I struggle to lose weight and stay fit too. It’s not going to be easy but I can guarantee it will be worth it!

Come join our Slique Experience and get support to get on and stay on track.

My update: Today through 2 months of exercise, diet and the Slique Total Wellness program I have released 6 pounds and 15% body fat.

We publish newsletters and blogposts twice a week for our readers for general education purposes only. We cover topics that are related to achieving and maintaining total wellness which includes our emotional, physical, spiritual and financial health.

Mar 22
0

The Clothes We Wear

By | Total Wellness, Total Wellness Mom | 4 Comments

Being pregnant three times these past few years has caused me to expand and contract several sizes. I have been blessed to have an assortment of friends donate jeans and clothes to fit my various sizes.

I have tubs of clothes ranging in sizes from size 16 down to size 8. I have organized them in the approximate weight I am at those sizes. Right now I have about 5 pounds to fit into all the 11 to 12 sizes, 15 pounds to release to get to the size 10’s and I am thinking 25 pounds to see size 8.

I started to use more recycled clothes when I learned the following facts:

The textile industry is the third most polluting industry of our globe.

More than 2000 chemicals are used in the textile industry.

90 percent of clothes are imported…. And many of those imports come from China.

Textile mills, specifically in China, are releasing wastewater (water used to bleach, rinse chemicals and dyes) back into the rivers, lakes and streams. Proven pollution has or is happening locally and globally.

Huge amounts of water and pesticides are needed to grow cotton.

Making new clothing is not only polluting our globe it is polluting us. When I go into a department store to shop for clothes I notice something every time… my cheeks get red, my throat gets dry and I get a slight headache after about 30 minutes of trying on clothes. Why?

Residues of chemicals even toxic chemicals can be found in new clothing. These chemicals can cause rashes and other reactions in adults but can be especially harmful to babies.

A Green Peace sponsored research called “Dirty Laundry”, found hormone disrupting chemical residues in new clothing of over 6 different major brand name clothing and shoe companies.

The mark up of most department store clothing is 100%.

We throw away about 68 pounds of clothing and cloth products a year.

Are you shocked too? I know and we all love those Macy’s coupons. I am not saying never buy anything new but maybe try a few tips to help you get a new wardrobe with less of an impact on our environment and less toxic effects to your health.

When you are done with your clothes, donate them to Goodwill or a community donation box that sends the clothes to poor communities overseas.
Use your used clothing to make something new. My friends make SMITTENS. They are old sweaters turned into mittens. You can search online for other ideas like sweaters into winter hats, etc.

Have a Frock Swap. This is a fun party to have with all your friends. Each person invited brings decent clothing that no longer fits them or they are ready to let go of. Maybe up to 10 items. The hostess lays it all out with areas for trying on clothes. The guests get as many tickets as outfits they brought to swap and you can take home that many “new used” clothes.

Sell your clothes on Craig’s List or other online spaces.

Shop consignment and second hand stores. More and more classy nice second hand stores are becoming available everywhere. If you are looking for something specific talk to the store’s buyers and have them on the look out for you.

Purchase your young children’s clothes used at garage sales, Craig’s List or from a friend whose kids are older. (At one garage sale I spent $125 and had clothes for my 3 month old until he was 3 years old.)

Buy organic cotton fabrics or textiles made from sustainable cotton, bamboo, or hemp.

When you do buy new, buy just what you need or really want. And always wash your clothes thoroughly before wearing them. You may even want to air them out first and then wash them.

Remember, every little thing counts. Using your socks with holes in them for dust rags or even getting out and exercising so you can get back into your pre-winter weight clothes and not having to buy new ones impacts our world for the better!

Was this article helpful?  We would like to hear from you! Leave a comment on below.

We publish newsletters and blogposts twice a week for our readers for general education purposes only. We cover topics that are related to achieving and maintaining total wellness which includes our emotional, physical, spiritual and financial health.

Mar 19
0

Am I A Bad Mom?

By | Total Wellness Mom | One Comment

I admit I was a bit torn about going to a special conference at the end of the month. I was torn because it would be my son’s second birthday and a part of me wanted to make it special for him…I thought…or was it because that’s what good moms do? They bake cakes, have parties and celebrate their kid’s birthdays on their birthdays.

And then I thought a little more about the first time I left him to attend a conference. He was 8 months old and I invested over $2000 (I mean my credit card invested) to attend a Mastermind training with a world renowned business expert. That investment has paid me back 10 times my investment and it is still growing every month. That investment I made now pays for my son’s development training with a childcare specialist with 40 years experience who helps train parents and teaches kids in fun interactive ways.

I believe after God and my marriage, my kids are my next priority. But I learned that caring for them is not enough.  In fact, I learned that although I will never be a perfect parent that my job was to continue to learn and grow from other successful parents with my values.  My job is to be a better person and be an example for my child.  Henry Blackaby stated, “I never want anything in my life to hinder my children” and I so get that statement.  Our fears, our un-forgiveness’s, and our lack of knowledge can directly affect our children.

It’s time to step up to the plate whether you are a new parent like me, single with no kids, or a grandparent. We must continue to grow and learn and improve ourselves.  And yes, that will take some investing of your time and money. But the reward will be phenomenal.

I know you are probably saying but I tried that and it didn’t work.  They just took me for my money and didn’t help me. Stop playing the victim. Accept responsibility. You might have not done your research, learned about the mentorship you needed, or just made a mistake.  Don’t let that hold you back from moving forward.

It’s never too late to be a better parent or person.  This is the special conference I was going to attend at the end of the month.  The Divine Call of God on Business. I am really excited because I know this isn’t just going to change my business, it’s going to change me.

Will it be a sacrifice to be away from my family? YES of course. But I am willing to make those sacrifices for my family and myself.

I love being a mom. I love being a business owner.  I love being the Total Wellness Doc and Mom but to stay in love with all of that, I have to invest in my own personal and professional growth.

So won’t you join me? Make a commitment to invest in yourself and your family today.  Tell us what you did on our new Facebook page.

And if you would like to learn more about my Mompreneur Business mentor Sandi Krakowski, this is a great article she wrote.

We publish newsletters and blogposts twice a week for our readers for general education purposes only. We cover topics that are related to achieving and maintaining total wellness which includes our emotional, physical, spiritual and financial health.

Feb 02
0

Discover Your Own Value

By | Total Wellness, Total Wellness Mom, Wellness Coaching | 3 Comments

Discover Your Own Value

By: Angela Brooks

“You deserve mean children” … “Your ornery and always will be” …  “Your just like them”

As I reflect back in my early days. I still hear words that were spoken over me…not once…but for years. Why would I not believe them they loved me right? and they knew me better than anyone, even myself. Cause how I could I know who I was as a kid growing up – I was being told who I was before I had permission to deny the words that were coming at me.

Now don’t get me wrong, I am not angry at the ones that spoke those words. I understand now they were trying to deal with their own mess in their journey …some of it just spilled out on my road and I stepped in the toxic waste. It stuck to my feet for many years because I did not know I could just wipe it off and be done with it. Instead…I carried it…into everything I did for the next 29 years.

I grew up in church where when someone asks for prayer it became the gossip of the church. Instead praying for guidance or healing of a situation it was judged. As I grew up I saw fewer people kneeling in public. It made me hold back from asking, not wanting to be the center of church attention. I just held it in – since those were church people and knew God – I sure did not want to ask God to help me because…well his opinion scared me.

I knew the bible had all the answers for my life and it said “You reap what you sow” and I had sowed some pretty bad seeds…so I figured I was getting what I deserved, and I needed to suck it up.

Living Life according to what I believed

At the tender age of 16 I knew it all. I got married and moved to another country….not another state. I lived in a duplex that had rats the size of cats that lived in the garage (I am not kidding).

I did not lay eyes on another family member for two and half years. My mother came to visit once for 30 days after the first year. My youngest friend back then was 30 years old. I hung out with people who were past the silly thoughts I was having at 16 – so I tried to be like them. Grown up – drinking and partying to fit in. I hung with the best of them. I got in two fist fights, one with military women and almost got deported from the country – punched a man in the face when he put his drunken hands on me – then told his wife.

I never felt like I fit in. I wanted to be more than broke, and broke is what I was. Since I had never bought groceries for myself much less a house hold – I had no idea how to look for bargains and make the best of having little. I was allowed to spent $80 on household and food every 2 weeks. Most of the time my refrigerator had crackers and peanut butter. I ate the left-overs at the day care center I was working for, I only worked 15 hours a week. The other 153 hours a week I got hungry often. I was thin, very thin.

At 18 – I lived in the south, in house that had cock-roaches, (I hate those things) around more strangers trying to find my way. They did not know me and I didn’t either. Inside of me, I knew I wanted more – I just did not know what it was. I had mentioned once out loud that I wanted to work in business – I did not know what kind of business. I was driven in that direction but after being told to get a real job and not waste my time. I did. I was like them in the rat race. Stuffing my dream deeper in my pocket.

My Belief was showing up

At 20 I wanted children – but was told I was too young and what did I know about raising a kid – I could not take care of myself. The baby that I miscarried was never mentioned again – it was not talked about – I was not allowed to talk about it or to cry over it. It was over. Move on. Be tuff. Grow the hell up.

Sowing more seeds

At 21 1/2 years old – I was divorced after 6 years of whatever that was called, a marriage or a cage. I was angry at the world and it was not going to get in my way! I spewed whatever I wanted to whoever I wanted and could care less if it hurt your feeling. Grow the hell up and get over it.

I ran head first into another relationship that poured more acid on the toxic waste that was on my shoes. Walking down a path that brewed more anger.

This sums up my worldview at the time.

Full of spit and vinegar I was living out what people expected me to be. Mean, Ornery and like them. On the inside I knew I was not like them and that was not who I was. I had no idea how to change the pattern. I was right dead smack in the middle of a pit with no ladder – no hand held out to pull me up. Since I was so close to the ground I dropped to my knees and looked up. I said, “God – if you can hear me then I need you to help me this is not the life I want.” – something twinge but I had no idea it was God. I walked on.

Ending another dead end relationship, jumping right into another one, this time it almost  took my life. I fell head over heels in love with the devil himself. I knew with every part of my being I did not need to be around this man. He scared me – he excited me – but I could not leave. Everyone had already told me I was wrong again and I was going to get what I deserved – so I waited for it to show up. Family members stopped talking to me and would act like I was not in the room. Church felt like I was choking so I stopped going, my friends were his friends, my life was a freaking mess. Then it happened – he hid my one year old son from me for over 15 hours. I quickly understood how psychosis felt in my patients. I also understood how women who had shot their husbands did it with the blank mug shot face.

My son arrived home safe and I was scared and angry. I wanted out – but again felt I was in a pit that was deeper than before. This time I had been abandoned from all the males in my family. I called no one, I stayed until he hit me so hard in my left eye that he lifted me off the ground. I left shoe marks 5 feet up on the white wall in the hallway – I remember falling what seemed like forever, but I do not remember hitting the floor. I was floating in time. Everything stopped but yet it felt like it was in slow motion. I tried to get up and saw the huge puddle of blood on the white carpet of the brand new house. He rolled me over and our eyes met. There was hate – anger, actually I saw fire. I opened my mouth to scream and I don’t know if anything came out. All sound was gone, I could hear nothing, but I felt the tears roll down my cheeks and I rose off the floor with such power that I swore someone picked me up. The rage that came out was that of 10 horses – I screamed and I made a promise that I have never gone back on. With the whole left side of my face swollen down to the middle of my neck – I had whip lash and blood pouring out my nose. I felt no pain, I felt no feelings, I had something pushing me out the door so fast I did not realize I had my son wrapped around my hips like he was super glued. No one touched me – no one said a word. They moved out of my way. My ass was out of there.

I got home, walked into my bathroom and stood in front of the mirror. My face was black and purple, my shirt covered in blood, my son looked as if he was so scared he would never speak again. I looked at that young girl straight in the eye. “You will never live like this again, you will not look back, I have no idea where you are going but it is not here.” I dropped to my knees and said, “God I know you are here – and I need you and tonight I need you to show up. The peace that fell over me was like a cool breeze – I held my arms out and allowed him to love me in the mess I was in and the tears fell – buckets full.

I picked up the phone and called the ones that had stopped talking to me. Within 6 hours the biggest U-haul I had ever seen showed up, my driveway filled with people I did not know. Women came in my kitchen and began loading boxes faster than I had ever seen anyone pack. Not one person mentioned my face – someone took my son because I could not remember when he had been fed or had a drink.

I drove out the driveway broken, crushed, and lost.

Somehow I knew what just happened was going to be used later in my life for the good…somehow.

Visions lead people

I still had the passion for business in my gut. I ran into an old acquaintance and she had a bottle of product she was selling she told me how she was making money selling them to people. It was my first exposure to marketing a multi-leveling company. I was in! I had no clue how to make it work and neither did my friend, but I was drawn to it. I stayed with the company for several years – making MM’s and gas money.

At 25 – I began working out in the gym – which lead me to a new group of people who needed my product. They all bought it. I began pumping iron and dispensing the anger inside onto the dumbbells all 30lbs as I curled them with each arm. One…two…three….four…. My body began taking on a new shape that brought a new confidence in myself.  I went on to try out for the gladiators in Nashville – I was toned packed with muscles and full of attitude. I never once thought they could beat me. I smiled at my competitor who was twice my size and grinned. My mind was set – I would have one of those uniforms.

I pushed – I pulled – I darted – I jabbed. I made the 2nd string.

I could see myself on a stage and I just guessed it was the gladiators – I never got the chance to use my 2nd string position. I did not care – I made it.

My focus, drive and vision pushed me to the level I was able to compete. It was never about moving onto the next level. It was about filling the desire that was brewing inside. From there I focused on running a 10K Classic, I did not want to win it – I wanted to finish. Out of 1500 people I did – #84. Another goal met – I felt confidence rise again.

Strength was growing on the inside.

What I had learned from a very rocky path were the things that I focused on – I got. Even the rocky relationships – they were what I felt like I deserved at that time. I was filling my belief. It took lots of tears, a few more back slides, and determination to know I was designed for more and what I deserved was to be live wild and bold like my God had designed me to be. He gave me the courage to move forward and knock the dust off my feet from the journey that was behind me. It took 16 more years before I could see through the fogged life that I had lived. I am no longer angry; I actually have the courage to thank the people in my past for pushing me out of that life so I can be who I am.

At  16 – 18 – 20 – 25 and now 45

I had people who loved me and supported me my whole life – but I shut them out. As a brewing volcano I was not looking for the positive in my life. Today, I am blessed! I have two healthy children, a wonderful husband, a home filled with peace and love, a job, a business, I am a published author, and I am headed in the direction bigger than my minds- eye because I am focused with a business coach in place to lead me down a path she / and he has already paved. I am not walking in the dark but full on in the light that was provided.

As a business owner – learning how to generate my own leads, write my own copy, lead a team full of business minds, speaking into the lives of other nurses in a place I wanted out of, I know how you feel – as you can see – I was once there. I felt like I had nothing to offer anyone else – I was not good enough. I remember telling my best friend at the time “I am going to be a millionaire someday – even though I had no idea how I am going to do that”. She laughed and so did I – except deep inside my gut I believed me.

I knew I had to change

I was drawn to the internet in 1996 – but not very many people were online yet. It was drawing me like a magnet.

After working with a few companies online, before I found one that I could relate to, the business journey began. I followed people who were leading with the business model to talk to more people and follow up on the phone. To be honest, I sucked at it. I made very little money.

I hired a coach, Sandi Krakowski, in 2011 for a full year and learned the skill of life/business coaching (to coach myself and others; to learn how to truly “listen” and connect with people, and to myself).

After my first six months with that coach I was clear on what my core values were; I was mindful of how to apply what I had learned in my own life; so I could attract the outcomes I sought.

Once again for 2012, I have hired two coaches Sandi and PJ McClure to continue growing personally and coaching my business.
It takes time, and I have lots to learn. I apply everything she teaches me – even when it makes no sense to me – the results show up. I apply it again. My business grows, so does my confidence. In 8 months I replaced half of my nursing income.

As I sit on my couch looking out the front windows I can look out across an open 17 acre field – in the distance the dogs are barking and the day is coming to a close. In the distance, is the world that is waiting for me, the same world that I despised at one time. The same one that I thought had nothing to offer for me.

As I reflect on my life I now know that with every painful wrong turn there is something to learn. Someone is out there waiting on me to grow .

My journey began 29 years ago

As I consider all the people touched by my decision to contribute rather than complain, I’m moved beyond measure by the potential I know is inside each and every one of you.

Everyone has value, and it can be expanded when you get in touch with your true self.

Everyone has a story to tell.

Everyone has life lessons to share.

Everyone has skills that can be repackaged to make a greater contribution; to make more money; but more importantly, to connect yourself with the world more closely.

P.S: Please leave a comment below – I would love to hear from you.


IMG005823 Discover your own valueAngela Brooks is a mental health nurse educator who spent the last 22 years working in a state funded mental hospital. In ‘A Nurses Story’, she shares not only what her patients have taught her over the years, but what we can all learn from those we consider ‘at the  margins of society’. But it’s also a book about nursing, about nurses, and about how a nurse healed alongside her patients. Ultimately, “A Nurses Story” exposes a raw truth – that each of us, individually, can inspire self-worth and purpose in every life we touch, if only we choose to.

What are nurses really thinking? What causes them to be frustrated and want to quit nursing even when they love taking care of people? What makes nurses stay, even when it feels like everything is against them?  In ‘A Nurses Story’, you’ll discover the answer.  

The words in this book give voice to the millions of men and women who care for us and our loved ones every day in our most vulnerable times.  ‘A Nurses Story’ is their story.

Jan 26
0

Lessons and Blessings of Another Miscarriage

By | Body, Dr Mary Starr, Pregnancy, Total Health Support Systems, Total Wellness, Total Wellness Mom, Wellness Coaching | 12 Comments

We all have highs and lows in our life.  It is inevitable and it is life.  The lows of life are sad, tragic, depressing, and awful, right?  What if the lows of your life were actually blessings in disguise or experiences to help you grow?

My 2011 Christmas Holiday was spent in one of those blessings and lessons. On December 25th 2011 while everyone else was celebrating Christmas, I was learning that I needed immediate surgery.

The Highs
It all started with our 5-day vacation to Austin, Texas.  I was 12 weeks pregnant and besides a lot of fatigue, nothing was abnormal. It was an awesome vacation and Saturday December 17th was one of the top 12 days of my life.  Starting with a morning walk to a delicious Mexican Diner, followed by a trip to Zilker Park and a ride on the Zilker train, then off to the Austin Nature Center.  Austin was beautiful, but it was the family time that made it so special.

Then that afternoon my husband and I set out on a 90 minute journey in the Hill Country of Texas where we saw hundreds of little deer and spent quality time talking.  We arrived at the beautiful Meyer Bed and Breakfast, got ready and headed to one of the most special and beautiful weddings I had ever been too.  A day of family, fun, friends, and romance who could ask for more?

The Lows
The next morning, I had breakfast with some of my favorite people including my spiritual mentors Dr. Jack and Lavonne Atnip. We laughed and joked and shared stories of how much our lives have been blessed by this couple.  But somewhere, something inside of me wasn’t feeling right.  I was really tired and thought maybe I just ate too much cake.  As I kissed Dr. Lavonne goodbye she said, “you take care of yourself and get some rest.”  A normal, typical thing that someone would say to a pregnant woman, but something inside of me just didn’t feel right.

On the drive back to Austin, this once beautiful terrain made me nauseous and irritable.  We arrived home and I laid down to rest for a while, but I just couldn’t get comfortable.  My back ached, my legs felt weird, and then all of sudden I felt something coming out of me.  I rushed to the bathroom to see bright red blood.   OH NO not again.  Am I having a miscarriage?

My first trip to the Emergency since a car accident in 1997, confirmed that the baby inside of me had no fetal heartbeat and was only the size of a 6-week fetus even though now I was about 13 weeks pregnant. They said you are having a miscarriage. Then they sent me home to mis-carry my baby.

My husband and I were heart broken as we had gone through this in June of 2011 as well.  Our baby Rachel would have been born January 2012 and now our baby Jesse who would have been born June 30th 2012 was going to heaven too.

But as I said before, I trusted God completely and knew He had His reasons. So although sad, I started to see the blessings in it.

The Blessings

God had given me one of the most amazing days of my life.

He gave our family time to be “on vacation” for 3 weeks.

He ordained 2 weeks with my aunt and uncle who cared and nurtured me, my husband and our 22 month old son Joshua in a wonderful and loving way.

God blessed us with 3 weeks of sun and springtime weather.

I got to go heal for a week at Jones Health Essentials in Florida where I got to spend quality time with our in-laws, nieces and nephews.

We had excellent health insurance for the first time in 15 years.

We were 5 minutes away from one of the best hospitals I had ever been to.

I spent several days in the bathroom bleeding and what I thought was miscarrying my baby.  Me, being a strong willed and natural Doctor, I sometimes think I know everything.  I thought I was fine… but I wasn’t. It’s not that I didn’t listen to my body which I am known to do… but I didn’t follow the doctor’s directions…  right away…  and had I waited much longer, I might have lost my life.

The Lessons and more Blessings:

My Ego for natural medicine was so big, I would brag all the time that I haven’t needed to take any drug or even an aspirin in 11 years.  A part of me thought “I will never need medical care”, “I will never need drugs.”  “essential oils can take care of everything”.

Well I sure learned my lesson.

A second emergency room visit on Christmas day showed that I would need immediate surgery or I would risk never having babies again or worse.

I would need anesthesia for this surgery and the thought of surgery and drugs scared me a lot at first.  I was very frightened and then like a blanket of snow, this PEACE fell over me like you can’t imagine.  (more on that in another blog)

 The Blessings and Lessons of St. David’s South Austin Medical Center  

For more than 13 years I have interned, taught and/or assisted clients at more than 17 hospitals all over the United States, including top ranked hospitals like Stanford.  Out of 17 hospitals, I have never seen the excellent care and outstanding service that St. David’s South Austin Medical Center had.  In all areas, they were excellent from registration to wheeling you out the door.

Have you ever been to an ER that was beautiful and clean, quick, comfortable, and had courteous staff?   St. David’s did.

But it was my experience with the Doctors and Nurses who blessed me the most.

Dr. Glen, the ER doc, was compassionate and kind.

Joyce, my hospital room nurse was attentive, listened, and even let me put some essential oils on to relax.

Nancy, my OR nurse, talked with me while I had a 20 minute wait before being wheeled into surgery.

I was blessed with one of the best anesthesiologist in the state who listened to me and respected my wishes.

But the most outstanding doctor I have had the privilege to work with was Dr. Hemkumar, a female OBGYN who performed the surgery.  She spent time talking with us, explaining the procedure, answering our questions.  She had been a doctor in India delivering hundreds of babies and then went back to school here in the US for medicine again.  She had 2 of her own children and really understood motherhood. She was compassionate, personable and really connected with her patients.  I was blessed by her skill and person and St. David’s is highly blessed to have her on staff.

The Lesson I Learned Through the Blessing of St David’s Hospital is that we all are needed.  Nature’s medicine as well as traditional medical intervention.  Had I not had my medical intervention on December 25th 2011 and the excellent care of St. David’s Hospital, I may not be here to talk to you now.

After spending a day and a half at St. David’s hospital, I checked out okay to go back to my aunt’s to rest and heal.  But before we left, a wonderful volunteer named Francesca came to wheel me downstairs.  She was an elderly woman who had lost her husband and daughter, yet was one of the most pleasant person you have ever met.  I realized then that life would be filled with highs and lows. But even with hurting hearts, we can choose happy.

Dr. Mary Starr Carter is known as the Total Wellness Doc. She has been training individuals about Natural Health Solutions for over 13 years. She is trained as a Chiropractor and has studied under the world’s foremost leaders in natural medicine. She is a mother and a wife and has created a balanced and total wellness life for herself and thousands of her clients using her simple wholistic approach to health and wellness. Her coaching, classes and ebooks help clients with Fibromyalgia, Hormone and Adrenal issues, Asthma, Diabetes, Weight problems, Thyroid and Chronic pain find resources and solutions to better health.

We publish newsletters and blogposts twice a week for our readers for general education purposes only. We cover topics that are related to achieving and maintaining total wellness which includes our emotional, physical, spiritual and financial health.

Jan 05
0

How to Raise Responsible Children with Clear Boundaries in an Entitlement Era

By | Kids, Nutritional Supplements, Total Health Support Systems, Total Wellness Mom | 5 Comments

Can indulging too much and giving too much spoil our children? We know there is not a complete parenting manual out there in the marketplace today. Sometimes parents follow the steps in a parenting book and still find it frustrating to have failed in some areas. Me too.

With modern conveniences, busy lifestyles, overscheduled children and demands from every area…are we aware of what is important? How can we cut through the noise and distractions and focus on raising responsible children who know their boundaries? Establishing boundaries that encourage and promote freedom to be who they are designed to be?

When my daughter was four, I brought her to a dance studio against her will. Then she turned five, I sent her for piano lessons because almost everyone was doing that. When she was seven, it was time for violin. The ‘well-intended’ activities turn into family feuds when the ‘good daughter’ would not practice or hated piano and violin.

In frustration I yelled across the soccer field to my husband, “Look, she is just standing at the soccer field, not kicking the ball!” We have come a long way, in fact seven years of ‘remodeling our parenting skills’. Through mistakes and many frustrations, we have enforced certain rules upon ourselves (the parents) and now the children are less scheduled and are very much growing in the way they should go….

Realize parenting is about our own personal growth, boundaries and our own lifestyle. After all, children look up to us and are modeling what we are doing. Now, we believe in parenting like a mentor, a coach who does the very things expected from the children. Now we have authority, as we model and live life with honesty and boundaries…raw in front of our children.

These are seven ways we are teaching responsibilities and boundaries:

1.    Learn to do things on your own. We can show you once or twice. Then you have to take over and do it yourself. There is a difference between a close relationship with my children and dependency. They are to do assigned housework and clean their bathrooms. “Live with your own trash if you want to” philosophy. I don’t want an adult child that depends on me to provide or do certain things for them.
2.    Learn that life is not a bed of roses. Life can be difficult and has obstacles. I share with them the obstacles I’m facing and how certain things that were expected did not turn out the way I wanted.
3.    Learn to cope with disappointment, struggles and unhappy situation. Life is not always a happy time and easy time. However, we can command our soul to be happy and cope with the disappointment.
4.    Learn to work and move forward. We are made to work, for nothing will drop from the sky. Nice things cost money to buy. You need to make the money to support the lifestyle you want.  There is a big difference between a Bugatti and a Toyota made car.
5.    Know there are consequences to everything. There is no bailing out in our family when enough warnings are given about the consequences of certain actions or behavior.
6.    Curb the need for immediate gratification. With lots of conveniences it is easy to feed ourselves and get immediate gratification for almost anything. They are told the difference between convenient food and food made from scratch.
7.    Our children want to be treated well and respected. They are watching us. Do we respect spouse, friends, co-workers, and ourselves and ultimately do we respect them?

I believe the English idiom the apple never falls far from the tree says a lot about parenting responsible children. The bible says train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6).

This year, what words are you speaking over yourselves and your children? Questions to help us move forward:

1.    Do we have an entitlement mentality? For example, I deserve to have a healthy body without putting some work in getting nutritional food into my body.
2.    Do you procrastinate on projects? For example, are you still waiting for the right time to get a home business going. There is no perfect or right time. The time is now.
3.    Are you waiting for the government to make your life better? For example, you are waiting for a pay raise and you have not increased your skills for the last 20 years. You are using the same skill 19 times over without new skills.

If the answers are yes, we need a change. Do you have children that have similar traits as the three illustrations above? I am still learning and growing in these areas and making sure I follow through. To raise responsible kids, I have to be a responsible adult.

To have a healthy body, I put clear boundaries to differentiate between the good nutritional food and supplements and the bad. Please leave us a comment below. We would like to hear from you.

Claudia Looi is a copywriter, travel and web content writer. She’s dedicated herself to helping entrepreneurs create their online presence with email campaign, sales page and web content. A writer and traveler who has lived and worked in Kuala Lumpur, Auckland and New York in the travel industry for over 12 years and has had the luxury of traveling to almost 30 countries. Currently, her works include writing for tour operators, hotels, real estate, wellness and immigration consulting industries. When not working, you will find her reading or planning her next family trip with her husband and two teens.