Gratitude Journal Celebrating Life 2-14-15

Gratitude Journal Celebrating the Moments Along the Way

I've recently learned to be thankful for what I'm able to eat instead of resenting I can't eat those flavors and textures from my childhood.  Just as it's important to break bad behaviors that we learned from growing up we also must learn what food works for our bodies to be strong and healthy. 

I'm also learning to be happy with what I have by making the most of the job and home responsibilities I have right now.  Dreams and goals are ok but we must put everything we have into the pursuits we need to be working on day to day to meet objectives at hand.

There's all kinds of ways to be fulfilled but I'll never achieve happiness that's true until I find the happiness in this moment in time.  I've found being fully engaged in the here and now gets results.  Not always overnight or immediate but when I persevere I find closure eventually.  Being open to the possibilities by really listening makes all the difference.

Many have judged me harshly and that won't stop.  As long as people come to their own conclusions rather than asking for the why will always come up short of the truth.  My main goal is to make the most of each moment - know the truth of what I'm about and keep on striving to be the best I can be.

Not all will understand but what matters is I'm working toward a healthier lifestyle that encompasses knowing what's most important for me to do each day.  Part of this journey will be tracking the blessings that come into my life.  I know that no matter what each day there are things, events and people around me to be thankful for and I vow to track them.

I'll be keeping my focus on what is going right in my life.  In doing this I'll find ways to overcome obstacles to complete happiness.  

Peace,

Sincerely,

Missy.

Credits for inspiring these ideas go to:

Charles Reinert ND, PhD
Helping to Heal Natural Therapies Clinic
192 3rd Street, Tracy MN
Helping to Heal, Inc., Naturopath, Tracy, MN

Suggested reading (available at most libraries):
"The Mayo Clinic Guide to Stress-free Living (2013)" by Dr. Amit Sood, of the Mayo Clinic Staff.  - I'm on the waiting list at  Hennepin County Library in Minneapolis MN.

Blog Entry February 7th 2015

Hi All,
Here's hoping all is going well with those that are reading this blog. I'm writing from Minneapolis Minnesota, the weather is around 36 degrees Fahrenheit no wind and clear sky.  Below are some pictures from my walk today.

I enjoyed the walk and hearing the birds singing.  I even saw a squirrel sitting up high in a tree. 

Be sure to get out and move this weekend if you're able.  If the weather doesn't permit - try deep cleaning a room - it helps to move at least 30 minutes every day.  

Have a great weekend everyone.

Peace,

Missy

Blog entry January 11, 2015

2015 is a good year to make some changes that are lasting. I have found that no matter how dedicated you can be about eating the right things it's one of the most difficult addictions to kick.

Memories associated with certain foods or TV ads that push certain foods that trigger remembrances are the hardest to resist.

It's very easy to fool myself into believing I can have something even though I don't need it just because it doesn't bother me but I've realized in some instances, I can have low-grade reactions. Even the very idea that I'm eating something beyond what I need puts weight on my body - weight that is rooted in fat not muscle.

In my case both in 2013 and 2014 the holidays meant having sugar. In 2013 I weighed enough that it didn't really matter because I stayed at about the same weight because I hadn't lost that much but in 2014 I gained weight because I had lost enough. Now I have to look at myself in the mirror and know that I need to change 365 days a year.

Having fellowship and having memories of family and good times is not a reason to eat. I can have relationships I can have a social life but I need to be clear on what I need to eat to digest properly.

I don't have the resiliency of a 20-year-old anymore and whether or not I like it, it's true as I age my digestion has changed and I must change my eating habits accordingly.

It's been a hard lesson for me to learn but luckily I can still fit into the new clothes I bought and the new shoes.

We all have a job to do and for me its to stay as healthy as possible to be a good citizen and I also have learned the best way to do this is through moving my body, cleaning, eating right, and working as hard as I can on each thing I need to do.

Managing my asthma symptoms is another big thing I've been tackling in 2014. So far I have learned that there's a different way of managing triggered asthma versus constant asthma. Triggered asthma doesn't need long acting medicine but more short-term types. Also, controlling sinus symptoms is key to not having flare ups. One of my biggest triggers is dry air so I've been humidifying my apartment helps much to stop symptoms. Knowing the triggers and avoiding them as much as possible is better than any medication.

Along with proper diet and controlling my asthma I've discovered sustainable exercise is best when completed daily for at least 30 minutes. I have been able to ride my bike on a fly wheel that simulates the road and walking through my apartment building to replace outside activity whenever weather keeps me indoors.

I found that I do best when instead of being discouraged when I fail, I rededicate myself to those things worth doing. Eating food because it sustains my body in the best way possible instead of as a comfort or reward works best for me. I have to keep food as a means of fueling the body not as a means of satisfying me emotionally.

I hope you find a solution to staying healthy happy that works for you.

Keep on working on being the best person you can be when doing all the activities you need to do in a day. I pray to be the best driver I can be when I drive, the best worker I can be when working, and the best eater I can be when eating. It works for all the things I do in the course of a day.

I've been discovering other ways of getting enjoyment besides finding it in types of food and drink. There's ways to stay busy. I ask myself - what needs doing right now to be a good citizen and I find many things that need doing.

I'm hopeful to find the strength and courage to follow my dreams in 2015 even more so than I was able to in 2013 and 2014. Everyone has set backs I've discovered I want to succeed.

Good night and peace to all.

Wellness and Life Balance Melissa Blanchard Journal 10-12-14

Hi All,

Hope your Fall is going well.  I'm enjoying all the trees and foliage as it changes colors as they prepare for the Winter freeze.

I took this picture on my walk yesterday.  The air is cool and the sky is a lovely shade of blue.

I went shopping yesterday too and bought 2 new outfits (8 sizes smaller than I wore in July, 2013).  It was a good feeling to find clothes that fit well and are fashionable.  I'll include a picture of the new look next week.

Life is really about enjoying every moment and taking one step at a time.  You won't be able to see exactly where the next step will take you but it's worth taking the risk.  Goals are good to have, they help you fulfill your purpose for working and living.  Be sure to take the time to find your special skills and interest that make you unique and pursue them to the best of your ability.

When the going gets hard and the road seems too long remember you can do it.  Stay as calm as you can, let you mind work for you towards achieving what your really need in life.  Every step takes you closer to fulfilling your destiny, never lose sight of the importance of being you - something only you can be.

Peace and here's hoping you always find the silver lining.

Sincerely,

Melissa Blanchard
Missy -

Wellness and Life Balance Melissa Blanchard Journal 10-4-14

Hi All,
Here's hoping your Fall is going well.  I'm learning much about the power of finding your purpose. 

In August I discovered my primary motivation for working in Health Care was patient safety.  I let my Manager know this as I covered the subjects covered at the August user conference for surgical instrument tracking software I had attended.

I'm very happy that my Manager listened to me and now I'm working with a new team getting insights into how best to support medical equipment with software and servers.  Fascinating topics for me that brings back the days when I went to work with my Dad.

My Dad was an engineer at a TV transmitter when they were primarily vacuum tubes and racks that held transistors that modulated the signals from the air and created the TV image.  Similar to how servers are handled in data centers today. 

As I learn about pursuing my purpose I see how my life has been building up to be the best at this work.  Life is becoming clear and exciting all because I'm pursuing my purpose.

I'm also learning how to communicate more effectively, something I wanted to do for a very long time.  First step was to join the Fairview Foundation Ambassador program.  This was a great opportunity to find a way to communicate why I give to the Reach Out and Read program Link for Reach Out and Read.  While writing the speech and then learning how to deliver it - I've found many ways to improve how I interact with others. 

I'm continuing with this theme by joining Speaking in Bytes Toastmasters Club.  At these meetings I'm learning how to listen, be responsible of a certain piece of the event (such as time keeper) and  I'm learning how to speak with preparation and without.  Our club meets at my work place over lunch hour but they are all over the Twin Cities I recommend you find a local club and join.  Everyone I meet at these meetings wants to improve themselves and help others as they strive to become better listeners and speakers.  Its a great way to meet people in your community and be part of an organization.

I continue to walk as well.  Every day for 30 minutes and overtime your body build muscle again.  I also find I have more stamina when I want to attend events such as the State Fair or a software user conference.  Now I'm applying it to learning how to support patient monitoring.

All I've been doing since July, 2013 has been preparing me for where I'm at now in my journey.  Eating right, exercising and getting to know myself through meditation and self awareness has led me to being happier.  Not just on the surface but inside I find myself content with my life and working toward my goals. 

I'm also going back to Maryland where my journey began in July, 2013 to another book signing event November 1, 2014.  Nora Roberts is signing the last book in her THE COUSINS O'DWYER TRILOGY see more information at this link:  November 1, 2014 Book Signing Event at Turn The Page Bookstore Cafe.

Life happens for a reason - we have to search to find that reason and the journey is very rewarding.  Keep on looking for your purpose, strive to be the very best you can be in all things and live the dream.  Your comments are welcome.  Thanks for stopping by and hope you come again soon.

Your friend,
Missy
Melissa Blanchard

Wellness and Life Balance Melissa Blanchard Journal 9-21-14

Hi Everyone,

Well, allergies came back after the indoor plant move so they are now back outside and will remain.  There must be something in the soil that my allergy shots don't combat.  The plants are doing better back outside anyway - they are wild at heart so annual is what I'm able to sustain in Minnesota climate. 
Even with the slight relapse - I was able to give blood to the Red Cross check out this link and give if you're able http://www.redcrossblood.org/make-donation-v6.  Asthma medication doesn't disqualify you so give it a go.  I'm glad I've been taking steps to be in good health so I'm able to give to those in need.  The process was fast and easy.  All that worked on the blood mobile were friendly, helpful and good at their jobs.  I'm thankful they are dedicated to keep the blood supply well stocked in USA and abroad as needed.
Next week I'll be attending 2 classes.  Fairview Health Services is providing these educational opportunities at no cost to the employee and during work hours.  I'm thankful for an employer that supports continuing education.
Today was Fall cleaning day.  I found some pictures and a shelf my brother made for me.  Below are pictures of my new wall adornments:

Deep cleaning takes more out of you than just running the vacuum so one room a day will be my pace this Fall.
Yesterday I spent most of the day upgrading my Apple devices to iOS 8.  So far so good on the new operating systems functionality but it took quite a bit of memory to accomplish and some time to accomplish but I had the reward of completing the process successfully.
Also, on Saturday night I used my new Verizon Ellipsis™ 7  learn more at this link:  http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/device/tablet/ellipsis-7?&zipRdr=y tablet to tweet with #CedarCoveTV, check out this think for more information:  http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/cedarcove/about, cast and fans.  The little Android did a good job without any issues so glad I have it for tweeting support for @HallmarkChannel family entertainment.  I enjoy tweeting with the actors from the show.  I appreciate they take the time to support the fans opinions. 
iPad still does somethings better than Android but there's something to be said for light weight and simplistic operation that Ellipsis manages very well.
I enjoy working with computer and mobile devices.  There's a satisfaction when you get everything to work together to make life easier both professionally and personally.
Here's hoping all is going well with you.  Your comments are welcome.  Keep on believing in the possibilities.
Sincerely,
Missy
Melissa Blanchard.

Wellness and Life Balance Melissa Blanchard Journal 9-14-2012

Dear Friends,

Summer's heat is slowly leaving and the leaves are starting to change with early morning frost.  I brought my hanging plants inside and so far they are liking the 70 degree temperatures better than the 30's outside.  Here's a picture of their winter home:

I had always avoided having house plants due to allergies but there's growing things all summer when I'm outside and I survive so I can handle 3 plants wintering with me inside.  It will be good to have something living when all things green slowly die away under the winter snow and cold temperatures.  My allergies are doing much better - hopefully after 14 years of allergy shots.

I'm covering the outside window box flowers with sheets until its freezing during daylight or they start turning brown.  I'm going to get some artificial pine branches, after the annual flowers die, to put in the soil so there's green out on the terrace over the winter months too. 

I've found being around growing things to be inspirational to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  Just as the plants need water, food and sunlight so do I.  I see the rewards in how the plants grow big, strong, and beautiful which helps me keep working on giving my body what it needs.  Seeing how small plants grow into big beautiful flowering plants also reminds me God is at work all around me.  Every day I see how life continues to find a way to thrive even in the cracks of the sidewalks. 

I'm also discovering the best use of my time to get the outcomes I need to have a healthy body.  Daily walks, some slow stretching of the arms and legs yields result without putting much more than 45 minutes a day.  A good investment in having mobility as I age.  The body functions better with well formed muscles.

I'm also learning how to listen to others.  It's very important to listen first.  I've found I can do this better by reviewing all conversations in an objective manner.  It helps to keep all comments you receive in a place where you can take out later when you're calm and decide that this applies to me personally, professionally or not something about me at all but more to do with how the other person chose to handle a situation. 

Stepping back and letting go helps to maintain perspective.  Some questions will have ready answers but some take longer to formulate or research so it's ok not to have a reply immediately.

When others are unresponsive or sometimes even insulting with their replies, I can step back and consider before I react.  There are times when all of us need grace.  Forgiving rash statements helps me to be easier on myself.  Perfection in communication isn't possible for anyone and when you apply this to yourself its damaging.  I've learned to do the best I can, learn from mistakes and keep on trying. 

Keep on seeing the possibilities.  There's so much to learn and see in every moment of life.  Take the time to enjoy and make the most out of each and everyone. 

Peace,

Your friend,
Missy