Focus on the Positive March 8, 2015

The hope of Spring as told by my Geranium.

A few weeks ago I noticed that there were more leaves coming in on my Geranium and they were getting darker green and then just last weekend I saw one bud blooming.  Now, even though we had snow and cold, there are 4 blossoms and 2 new sprouts where buds may form all from the increased sunlight.

I find this process magical and instills in me that with Spring comes new beginnings, not just in the world around me but from within me.  As I continue to keep up with my daily gratitude journal I feel as though I'm able to really understand the world around me much better.

For the first time in many years, maybe all the way back to 4 or 5 years old, I see the world as a safe place to grow.  I'm seeing how I may be of help in situations at home and at work.  Finding the good within myself I'm now much more able to discover the good in others.

I know there are still questions I don't have answers for and maybe never will but I am still able to find the truth in others and situations.

The first break through for me came when I identified what is my purpose for being.  Professionally, I seek to make computers effective tools to improve health care for the patient. Personally, I look for ways to uplift those doing actions that help lighten the burdens of others.

In my personal life I strive to find ways to help.  Sometimes its with a positive tweet or post or blog for topics as varied as politics, books, TV based on books and TV designed to help people find answers to difficult dramas in everyday life.

Somehow each of us must strive to find a way to discover their purpose - what makes you unique?  Maybe you can build cabinets and chairs out of wood.  Or you might be able to see something beautiful in a sunset and take a picture.  Perhaps you are able to advocate for others that have no way to get their message out.

Whatever it is that makes you unique - that's your calling.  That's the thing that you do no matter how discouraged you may be, you keep striving to succeed.  The main thing to remember, the road isn't easy.  The path to understanding brings about hard times.  It takes work and dedication to put together just one scene on a TV show.  Life is something like that, only we don't get a script to follow and we don't know the next scene but we have to do all we can to find the truth in every situation.

Reaching out in an honest way will help you find your way.  Find someone you admire and make them your mentor.  Whatever you commit to you must first believe in your heart that what you're pursuing is what fulfills you.  Ask yourself what do you need to succeed, what do you need to grow and flourish and set out finding ways to achieve this goal.  When you truly find what motivates you, you will find the job, the training, the tools, and the strength to make your mark in life.  While you're striving to meet your goal to finding your purpose stay positive.  Sincerely be thankful everyday, this is like the water, soil and fertilizer for my Geranium (Sunlight is the purpose).  You have to find the goodness in what's around you now in order to fully appreciate who you are deep down inside.

Just like my Geranium, keep seeking the light, sometimes you may not find it right away, but some day it will come - so be prepared to make the most of the sunshine while you're able.

Remember everyone needs the sun and to me a smile brings light to my world.  The best way to get a smile is to give one. Take time to be thankful and live in the moment every minute so you're able to make the most of the sunlight that comes your way.

Sincerely,

Missy

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 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.

CanDo Healthy Lifestyle - Journal for my Journey to Wellness 5/26/2014

This is my second installment of my journey to wellness.  This weekend has been full of remembrances that bring laughter and tears.  Some of the memories are painful but once expressed I feel as if I have a weight lifted.

Here are some of the tools that have been helping me express myself more.

1.  Video logs.  As I do my 30 minutes of exercise a day, I've been recording short videos which have helped me really see myself.  I find that I am able to communicate and I'm easy to look at so I've lost some of my self-consciousness around others.
2.  Audio logs.  These help and are free apps you can get on iphone and ipad to record yourself speaking or anything going on around you.  I've used it to get quotes from TV shows I'd like to share and for recording quotes from audiobooks so I can pause easier and get the exact wording.  The most important way I've used it is when I can't type or look at the computer anymore but still have more I need to express.  This tool has also shown me how off topic I get when I talk sometimes.  Good place to clean up my communication style.
3.  Reading this blog:  http://fallintothestory.com/dogs-disasters-and-determination/ I recently discovered that it's ok to have a mentor you don't know personally.  I find myself in sync with Nora Roberts lately.  What she recently posted (find on above link) was exactly what I needed to read for this weekend.  She challenges me whether it be via web conferences at book signings, brunches or her blog posts, she inspires me to have the courage to explore what my true purpose in life is, not only discover it but be the best I can be.  Find a mentor that interests and challenges you.
4.  Connecting with positive people on social media.  Embracing the positive posts and find positive things to share back.  This has taught me more about myself than my 51 years before combined.  Thanks to all who support me with kind words, wisdom and sharing your journey with me.
5.  Listen to the Doctor, read the notes they give you, look up the words you don't understand on the internet, and ask questions.  Don't assume, it could be deadly.
6.  Assert yourself.  You are important make sure you learn what you need to know to be the best at what you do.  Believe in yourself.
8.  The past is a rug that is rolled up, you can't change it or relive it.  The future has yet to be unrolled so we can't shape it or learn from it.  We can only stand on the rug in the present.  Its fully revealed, we can choose to dance on it, sit on it or lay on it.  Its our choice and the only time is now that we have any say of what we are able to do on or with the rug.  I hope you choose to dance.  Keep learning and striving in every moment you're given it won't be back to give you another shot at the prize.
Here's some pictures from my weekend.  I hope you find them as full of joy and promise as I did when I was in the moment.

 The flowers are a decoration for all the graves to far away for me to visit in person so I'll keep them on my deck as I keep the spirits of my loved ones in my heart as memories I'll never forget.  Grandma Effie (the seamstress), Grandpa Dean (the Chef), Grandpa Collins (National Oats foreman), Grandma Bert (nurses aid and home care aid), Mom (Casino bus coordinator), 3rd Cousin fought and died in Vietnam - Great Uncle Marshall's son, Grandma couldn't speak of him so don't know his name but he was a pilot that was shot down and killed in action.  Great Great Uncle Harvey, fought and took care of the horses in WWI.  He also painted train bridges across great expanses, many times hanging suspended to get the job done.  Great Grandpa George Holt (carpenter - built barns and much of the fine wood work in office buildings and autos), Great Grandma Blanchard (worked as a waitress).  These are the family I remember best.  Friends I wish I didn't have to remember, David Deal and Teddy Stark.  Both died at 27 but in different years.  David died in the 100 years flood in a small creek that left its banks and swept away his car.  He got free of the car but was unable to get to higher ground before he died.  Teddy died of pancreatic cancer that spread to his spine.  He exhausted all his treatment options in his fight.  Colleague Richard Huntley, Sterile Reprocessing Director and pioneer of scanning surgical instruments for electronic tracking.  He died of throat cancer.
I planted these flowers in their memories as testament to new life out of the darkness of loss.
I fly the Sentinel of Freedom as a tribute to all the troops that have died in the service of their country and to remind me to say a special prayer every time I put it out in the morning and take it in at night for the safe return of all the fighting men and women over there and those in harms way here as well.  Thanks to their family and spouses for their sacrifices too.
May all the grieving hearts find the will to keep on believing in the possibilities of hope that each new day brings.
Peace.
Melissa Blanchard 

Did you know it's National Nutrition Month?

What did you do today to celebrate National Nutrition Month? Please let me know via comments.

If you're like me you didn't realize it was National Nutrition Month - just found out on Lets Move on Twitter at @letsmove check out what others on twitter did to celebrate.  Not on twitter?  Check out their website at www.letsmove.gov/.  And share how you move by adding #letsmove to your posts on  Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Vine  You'll be inspired.

Even though I didn't realize it was National Nutrition Month I stuck with my food routine.  Enjoyed an excellent team building lunch and shared how much better I was doing without sugar - its true - almost as soon as I started eating it again I lost muscle tone and gained fat.  Sugar isn't such a big sacrifice for an end result of 4 less pounds since February 24th after stopping extra sugar and adding a daily walking routine. Now I'm almost under the 200 mark - just 5 more lbs to go.

My contribution to today's daily walk was 38:12 minutes, 1,308 steps burning 71 calories, went 1.3 km and 2 km/hr.  I noticed that using my mantram instead of music helps me stay in touch with what my body needs - speed up or slow down.  Give it a try.

I get stats for my walk on a free app for iphone called GPS Kit Free - if you lock the screen when walking and turn down the light on the display you get better battery performance.  Its a great app for letting you know what your track looks like (example how many turns there were) which all goes into knee wear and tear.

If you aren't able to walk - try this idea - at commercial and/or the end of chapters - get up from your chair very slowly and sit down the same way.  Start small at a 5 or less count and build up to 10.  Hold for 5 seconds to start at each interval.  You'll be strengthening your upper thighs which is the main way the body keeps its balance.  Remember start small and build to doing it for the whole commercial break and the same interval when you start a new chapter in your book.

It's never a better time than now to work on a healthier lifestyle.  Hope you all give it a try - check out the ideas on http://www.letsmove.gov/blog/2014/02/20/first-lady-wants-see-how-you-move-letsmove - be part of the movement toward feeling better.

Me out doing my 30 minutes