Jessica's "Daily Affirmation"

Now this is what I call some serious Positive Self Talk!

We can learn a lot from this little gal. (In order to hear, you may have to turn the Funky

Fusion Playlist down found at the bottom of blog... or close this blog page once the video comes up.)

"I like my hair!"

"I like my haircuts!"

"I like my 'paw-jaw-maws'-"

"I like my STUUUUFFF!"

"My whole house is great!"

"I can do anything great!... better than anyone... yah!"

Once a Year

Spring is a great time to schedule your annual exam.

I set my appointment this time every year!

It's always good to know your numbers.

Numbers like your cholesterol and blood pressure.

Be good to yourself.

See your doctor.

I was reminded of this quote by Derek Bok,

"If you think education is expensive, try ignorance."

Many diseases and illnesses are caught early on in annual exams.

Ignorance is not bliss especially at the expense of your health.

Part of living a healthy lifestyle is seeing your doctor.

STAY HEALTHY!

Whatcha gonna do about it?

Down to the wire

I wanted water but
But I'll walk through the fire
If this is what it takes
To take me even higher
Then I'll come through
Like I do
When the world keeps
Testing me, testing me,testing me

"Vultures" by John Mayer

While teaching class today, I had every participant write down 2 short-term goals (to be accomplished this week) and 2 long-term goals (to be accomplished by the end of the summer).

Not only did they write them down but I had them explain how they were going to go about it.

A couple months ago, I started writing a book.

A workbook and guide for living and achieving a healthy lifestyle every single day.

I know this is what I need to do.

I can feel it.

I know it.

BUT....

IT JUST MIGHT BE THE DEATH OF ME!

It is all encompassing and consuming.

However, my dad recently gave me more sound council.

He said,

"Stacy, why don't you just enjoy the process & the journey of it."

(He said it as a statement, not a question.)

But... I thought of it as a question...

"Well, why don't I?"

Well.... because it's stressful!

It's hard work!

My brain is on overload & won't stop sending me a gazillion thoughts per second!

I can only type so fast!

I want to go outside and play.

No matter the goal. The means to an end is a big deal!

We're always being tested, tried, stretched and encouraged to do better...

The only way to hit the bulls-eye is to zero in.

Practice.

Do it over and over.

Even when it's hard.

Walk through the fire.

Now... whatcha gonna do about it?

Take Care... of YOU

MY DAD.

When my 4 girls were smaller...

I was overwhelmed with my responsibilities,

a hubby who travelled extensively,

and living a thousand miles from extended family (literally).

It did not help my homesickness, along with the weight I felt on my shoulders.

I was struggling one day and the phone rang.

It was my dad.

"I felt like I needed to check in on you. You Ok?"

The flood-gates opened. I was a mess.

I cried

and I cried

and then I cried some more.

He taught me a lesson that day.

One I will never forget and continue to refer to often in my life.

My dad's a smart man.

He said, "There are two things that CURE all the 'crummy' that life has to offer."

It's simple really.

You have your choice:

1. A hot bath

or

2. A nap

And if it's really "bad" then do both.

He then explained that if the hot bath or nap did not cure my life's struggles...

It was out of my hands.

And to turn it over...to let it be.

To learn.

To overcome.

To pray.

To heal.

And if needs be... take another hot bath or nap.

And... to Take Care.

Our bodies are very smart. Listen to them.

When they are exhausted... sleep.

When they are honestly hungry... eat.

So many times these two signals get crossed

and it becomes difficult to separate them.

Our bodies are talking to us CONSTANTLY!

Are you at an "honest hunger" or are you just tired?!

When feelings of anxiety, loneliness and/or sadness creep in,

the pull of the

pantry or refrigerator can become magnetic!

Call your "head hunger's" bluff!

Recognize it for what it is.

Re-group.

Hit the "pause" button.

Step back.

Be willing to work through the "bitter" so you can ultimately nail your sweet prize,

that of living a healthy life with

too many blessings to name.

I've never claimed living a healthy lifestyle as easy.

It's hard work.

But isn't anything of real worth, privy and subjected to that of hard work?

My lifestyle is easier at times than at others and a lot of what I do now is

automated because I created it that way.

All due to working at it... everyday.

When you Take Care of YOU,

your body will pay you back.

Thanks Dad.

Places I Shop

Besides the local grocery stores here are some of my favorite places to buy my

favorite foods, spices, oils, balsamic vinegars and herbal teas.

If you live in the Fox Cities... Check them out!

Click here the THE RED RADISH

Click here for THE FREE MARKET

Click here for the BULK FOOD STORE

Click here for THE GRANARY

Click here for the FAVA TEA COMPANY

Click here for SAVORE

Click here for The Olive Cellar

Also check out Steger Nutrition, next door to the Olive Cellar.

Market It!

Manufacturers spend millions and millions of dollars on marketing junk food to our children. They like to use bright colors and cartoon figures.

I've been asked to teach a group of young girls this week how to make

healthy snacks for themselves.

Well looky here, I see bright colors and cartoon figures!

Here's a sneak peek at what we'll be making.

How can your family not love you and your efforts here!

Even if you don't have little or big kiddos around...

it's bound to make the adults at the table smile for sure!

Fiber Focus Foods!

Bob's Red Mill High Fiber Hot Cereal

Ingredients:

organic whole grain oats, organic flaxseed meal, organic high fiber oat bran,

organic wheat bran, organic wheat germ

FIBER: 10 grams per 1/3 c.

ADD:

1/2 c berries - 2 grams fiber

Plus 1 T Chia Seeds - 4 grams fiber

Lowfat Milk: I like Vanilla Rice Milk

That's 16 grams of FIBER just for breakfast

& under 300 calories!!!

Talk about "holding you over!"