Begin the Cure by Harnessing the Momentum Around that Fabulous Idea of Yours

What do I mean by this?  Throughout your day you can get many ideas and visions for your business or work life. These ideas inspire you to do something differently or more efficiently; increases your revenue or to create something new altogether. But how many of those 'great' ideas have you actually acted upon and just stay on your to-do-list; where they  slip away like a faded dream? ...or perhaps it gets filed under 'T'.

Don't worry you are not alone, idea-itis runs ramped among the business world, here's a quick tip on what to do about it:

What NOT to do:

If you wait on that killer idea too long it only begins to look like more work, you get overwhelmed and the less likely you will follow through on it.


Instead, bring your ideas into the physical with these simple steps!
  • Take all of those ideas rolling around upstairs and get them on paper - purge! But realize you can't do them ALL
  •  Look over your list of ideas and circle or highlight the ones that are going to make the biggest difference for you, with your clients or in your business.
  • Cut your idea list down further to 2, 3 or 4 really good ones
  • Take each idea and decide what are the first couple of steps you can realistically take to get this idea moving
When you get an idea, and you feel it deep down that its a good one, take action on it immediately! Plain and simple.

Sure there are plenty of excuses and fears that will come up (not now, no money, too much to do, I'll look stupid, no time, e.t.c). However, why not ride the surge of new energy and the wave of excitement that comes with your idea and get it to manifest quickly and easily. You'll discover you are more likely to succeed with a lot less struggle and effort and with more fun as you bring it to life! 

For you next  great idea,follow the steps above and try and implement one thing each day for the next 21 days that will bring you closer to manifesting your idea ...and you'll see just how powerful and in control you truly are!
 
 
Work-Life Balance - it sure sounds good, but what exactly is it and how do you get it?  

Work - life balance is the dynamic interaction between ‘work’ and ‘life’. ‘Work’ is those tasks you must do to keep your life functioning - paid or unpaid, inside or outside of the home. And ‘life’ is those things you do for your own personal fulfillment - the things you really enjoy and want to do. ‘Balance’ is the ideal blend of those two areas.    

To move toward life balance, become aware of how you are spending your time. Notice where you are satisfied, where you may be imbalanced and what you would like to change. Try starting each day by asking yourself "what is it that I can do today that will serve my bigger vision"? Surely this is a much different question than asking yourself which task is the easiest to get out of the way first.  

Next create your own vision of a balanced day. How do your desire your ideal day to look while enjoying the perfect combination of ‘work’ and ‘life’? Whatever you envision, keep that a priority. Oftentimes your bigger vision gets lost in your day-to-day runnings of your work & life.  You see the work that is immediately in front of you and assume that taking care of those tasks will move you closer to your vision.

Identify the obstacles that interfere with your quest for balance such as your own thoughts, words and actions. Also look at other obstacles such as other people's opinions, schedules and actions. Check in with yourself monthly to asses what is working for you and what is not. Tip: make it a ritual to let go of 2-3 tasks or negative thoughts or actions that are no longer serving you. Letting go will help will take your mindset to a new level, ensure you are following your desire and lastly, it creates space for new and exciting opportunities to flow in!   

And finally, put it all into ‘action’. Awareness, desire and identifying your obstacles are important, but to move toward balance, you need to take action. A wonderful tool is to ask yourself mindful questions regarding the 4 areas of your life: Health & Wellbeing, Love & relationships, Finance & Business and Spiritual & Personal Growth. Ask, where do I see myself in 6mons (12mons) and How is the best way to get there? What's working and what isn't? Do I need to make adjustments? What opportunities do I need to create? Answering these types of questions will help you get very specific about your choices and your plans.  

Work-life balance is not a destination. It is a dynamic state of awareness and choices. Try these simple tips to help move you toward the life you desire.

 
 
We all know that massage feels good, but new evidence suggests that it can be even better for your health than previously thought.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles noted that while some small studies had shown the health benefits of massage, their larger investigation revealed that Swedish massage triggers measurable and beneficial changes to both endocrine and immune system responses.

The researchers recruited 53 physically healthy volunteers who had no mental disorders and divided them into two groups: 29 of the volunteers received 45 minutes of Swedish massage while 24 received 45 minutes of light touch massage. Prior to massage, all the participants were fitted with intravenous catheters so that blood samples could be taken at intervals before and after massage.

Results showed significant changes in lymphocytes, white blood cells that are key players in immune system responses; a large decrease in a hormone (arginine vassopressin) believed to play a role in aggressive behavior and linked to prompting increases in the stress hormone cortisol; a decrease in cortisol levels; and a decrease in inflammatory cytokines, which are immune system mediators.

Side note from Melissa: cortisol is the hormone responsible for waking you up in the morning and works opposite to melatonin which is the hormone responsible for sleep. High stress = high cortisol levels. Therefore, Cortisol never turns off and melatonin never turns on, leading to issues with sleep. Having trouble sleeping lately? Massage can help!

resource:
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/WBL02212/Staying-Active-Despite-Knee-Arthritis.html **scroll down to Massage Boosts Immune System**
 
 

Some of you may not know that one part of my heritage is of First Nation decent, coming from my mother being Mohawk Indian. I wanted to share why the Strawberry holds a special meaning within our culture.

The Strawberry announces the arrival of summer
, an occasion marked by a 1 day ceremony in the middle of June, and holds symbolic meaning.

The Strawberry teaches every one about the Trinity of Womanhood
- the 3 Great Mothers of all women (the Earth, the Moon and the First Woman), symbolizing the heart of love and hope of all nations. Teaching the rites and elevation of girls to women, the strawberry teaches us to be like our mother, the Earth, and demonstrates her love as abundant, ever flowing, life-sustaining and everlasting.

The short growing season of the strawberry plant represents how fleeting childhood is. The petite white flowers signify the innocence of childhood, and the dropping of the white petals, the loss of that childhood innocence signified by the development of the white berry. The white berry represents the physical blossoming of a child in adolescence and what is learned during this time.The white berry signifies that virtue is prized and passed on. When it begins to become flushed with red, it represents the hot flushes of confused feelings, the maturation of unfamiliar feelings and the sexual immaturity of adolescents. The adolescents urgent need to satisfy these urges, makes it imperative that this new adult, be taught the virtues of abstinence. The red fruit of the Strawberry (this is where the Anglo Saxon word "Streowberrie" which means "strewn on the ground" comes from) appears to be droplets of new blood coming up through the ground from the Womb of Earth - exposing the once hidden white seeds of the berry.

These tiny white seeds (the seeds are the true 'fruit' and are called achenes) are symbolic of the abundance of our fertile Mother Earth. Just like the starting of a Woman's Menses tells of her ability to produce life, this is the sign of the Girl's elevation into Womanhood. This change is initiated annually by the appearance of Strawberries - known as the Strawberry Moon, beginning the annual rites of passage for Girls changing into Women.

The bright red colour of the Strawberry reminds us of the Heart of Earth, and the colour of her conviction of Love, the vein in which we as Human Beings chose to live. The Strawberry is symbolic of the Love of our Mother the Earth, the abundance of life and the fertility of Womanhood. The Strawberry teaches us to become like Our Mother, the Earth and to carry her conviction of continual Love.

During the month of June, many First Nation meals are flavoured by this fabulous fruit - fry bread, corn soup, preserves, drinks and teas. All parts of the berry are used: the juice promotes health and wellbeing, leaves and roots are made into medicinal teas that helped alleviate ailments such as diarrhea, inflamed and achy joints, and to detoxify the blood.

When indulging in this delicious treat this month, share some stories about your adventures in strawberry picking; better yet, make some new ones! And don't forget to exchange some scrumptious recipes with your friends.

Enjoy!
 
 
The true power of  vitamin C may go well beyond the benefits produced when you are experiencing a cold or feeling the flu coming on.

Exciting research reveals Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) powers against such deadly enemies as cancer, heart disease, strokes, mental illness, old age, diabetes, arthritis, kidney disease, hepatitis -- even cigarette smoking!

 It easily, and inexpensively, powers against diseases, pollution born illnesses and contributes to prolonged health!

There was a time when our human ancestors naturally produced vitamin C (ascorbic acid) but due to a mutation passed down through evolution, we now depend on food sources and supplements to receive the benefits. Fun Fact: all other plant and animal life on earth creates their own Vitamin C! The exception is humans and primates.

The recommended daily dietary allowance is 90mg for adult males and 75mg for adult females (Health Canada) however, we may falling short in harnessing the full potential of this powerful vitamin."It is possible that most people in the world receive only one or two percent of the amounts of ascorbic acid that would keep them in the best of health." Nobel Prize winner Dr. Linus Pauling
 
Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin, meaning you need a continuous supply in your diet; 1,500-2000mg would be the ideal. Depending on your diet, you would take your supplements of vitamin C through-out the day preferably at meal time. Sounds like a lot? Don't worry, Vitamin C toxicity is extremely rare because the body cannot store it; however more than 2000mg may cause diarrhea and stomach upset.

Benefits:
  • repair of tissues in all parts of your body
  • necessary to form collagen
  • an important protein used to make skin, scar tissue, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels
  • essential in healing wounds, repair and maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth
  • an Antioxidant ( blocks some of the damage caused by free radicals)


Healthy Food Sources
Many of these power-packed fruits and vegetables are coming into season here in Ontario, so it's a great time to shop at your local farmers market for the freshest of items

Foods that tend to be the highest sources of vitamin C include:
green peppers, citrus fruits and juices, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, turnip greens and other leafy greens, sweet and white potatoes, and cantaloupe.


Other excellent sources include papaya, mango, watermelon, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, winter squash, red peppers, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, and pineapples.

Signs and symptoms of Vitamin C deficiency:

  • Dry and splitting hair
  • Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums)
  • Bleeding gums
  • Rough, dry, scaly skin
  • Decreased wound-healing rate
  • Easy bruising
  • Nosebleeds
  • Weakened tooth enamel
  • Swollen and painful joints
  • Anemia
  • Decreased ability to fight infection
  • Possible weight gain because of slowed metabolism

Sources:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002404.htm
http://www.vitamincfoundation.org/healing.html

 
 
In this article you will find 5 powerful super foods that are all high in antioxidants, essential fatty acids, fiber and proteins that are beneficial:

- to your cardiovascular health
- in anti-aging
- in preventing diabetes, obesity and other degenerative diseases

To read more click here.

As always I welcome any feedback you wish to share; feel free to post your comment to this blog.
 
 

It has come to that time of year when activity around the house has increased both indoors and outside while the kids are off on Christmas Holidays. They get together to play their video games or out they go to play hockey or go snow boarding, sometimes it's just plain old fashioned rough-housing that can lead to a few bumps and bruises...and then some.

New Years always bring forth the ever popular resolution of people looking to get back into shape through an active life style. The tendency to overdue it is prevalent for most and as a result sprains, strains and muscle aches do happen on occasion.

When injuries do occur, how do you remember when to apply heat or when to apply cold?Not knowing could cause more harm then good.

 Here is a handy reference guide you can view by clicking on Heat and Cold Applications.

As always, I welcome any comments or feedback about the articles and newsletter I post to my blog. Let me know if something I have suggested worked for you, or even if it didn't.

To your well-being.
 
 
Just though I would share some resourceful information to help you minimize the risk of getting the flu and latest strain - H1N1.

Typical cases start with a headache, chills and a cough. Generally followed by a rapid onset of fever, loss of appetite, muscle aches and fatigue. Also included are runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes and throat irritation. In children it will cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea which are symptoms not commonly found in adults.

If you would like to guard yourself and your family against the above symptoms, check out 5 Simple Prevention Tips against H1N1 and influenza.

As always, I welcome any feedback so please fee free to leave a comment.