Good Web Post To Help You Get in Touch with Your Soul

Check out this link - it will change your life one step at a time.
http://www.marcandangel.com/2015/09/13/40-things-your-soul-wants-you-to-know/

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.

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 9-28-14

Hi All,

Fall has come to Minnesota.  It's still warm but there's a sense that all the green, flowers, animals, and insects are living on borrowed time.  Here's some pictures from last week's walks:

Flower from my Apartment Terrace - lovely Red Color

Bush by the driveway where I live

Loved the blue sky and the Flag Caught in the wind

Beautiful Red coming from the cold nights and shorter days

Vivid yellow - also enjoy the shadows in this picture

Birds and bees busily getting fuel before the first snow fall.

Trees adapting to shorter days and longer cooler nights sky is lovely blue today

Color framed with green

Beautiful

Soft breeze with cool blue lovely

This time of year gets you thinking about all you need to do to get ready for winter.  I've been planning for getting my 30 minutes inside as well as outside for those icy too cold days to venture out. 

I'm glad I have end of October vacation plans.  It will be good to see USA from the sky during the change of season for those of us that tilt far from the sun.  I'll be going to Maryland to the Nora Roberts book signing in Boonsboro MD.  Lovely town in the summer so I'm looking forward to seeing what it will be like in the Fall.

Remember to keep your focus on what's possible.  Changes take time the main thing is to keep the yourself pointed in the direction you want to go.  You may need to make some course corrections but overall you'll have your destinations in front of you.

Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove TV show see http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/cedarcove
for more information.  This is a great Fall show - it's about endings and beginnings.  Last night's show also demonstrated what happens when you have the wrong people in your life.  Its important to chose wisely those you allow to influence your decisions.

I also enjoy tweeting with the cast and fans of this show and the http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/
The best of human nature triumphs on this channel.  Hopefully you'll be able to tune in next Saturday at 8/7 central time and tweet #CedarCoveTV hash tag and add your voice to the conversation.

Here's hoping you have a Fall full of sunshine and for you in Spring - all the best in your new beginnings.  The good thing about being human is we are able to adjust to all the seasons and still find a way to have new beginnings even in the dead of winter.

Sincerely,

Melissa (Missy).

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

Healthly Lifestyle Notes Along my Journey To Wellness - July 6, 2014

Why be healthy?  I've heard this question from others along my journey and have found the best reason I know of is to have a feeling of being in sync with mind, body, soul, spirit and universe.  When the body is in a rhythm the rest fall in line.  The spirit leads the way on getting a body on schedule.

I started out with a simple routine of eating within an hour of waking then 4 to 5 hours after that until 3 meals are consumed.  This easy guide got me started on the path to routine.  I discovered the body needs to have routine - exercise, fuel intake, and sleep.  When these 3 are regulated the rest will follow.

What rest am I talking about?  Organizing, cleaning and socializing.  As we meet the basic needs of the body, the mind is free to pursue other interests.  To prepare the fuel, organization and cleaning at least in the kitchen, follows.  From there the areas that we use each day to get going and stay clean, laundry and bathroom.  Now I'm up to clearing away clutter and keeping the floors clean on a regular as you go type approach.  I even got the vacuum cleaner involved - used to just do this on a "cleaning" day - well those don't really come easily to me so now every day is a cleaning day.  The cleaning has become part of my routine.  Next step will be to add areas I don't utilize all the time - coffee tables, side tables, storage bins, file cabinets and computer tables. Once this is in a clutter free state and I've weeded out all the unnecessary paperwork, I'll get rid of extra in my car trunk.  That isn't too bad but needs a good clutter removing exercise.

I've discovered that the body works with the mind when it's needs are satisfied and the best way to accomplish this is with regular, good fuel and exercise.  Getting the exercise done in the morning has also been key to overall cooperation of the body to get what needs doing done throughout the day.  Sitting, standing, walking and doing is easier if the walk workout is completed first thing.  This allows for better sleep patterns as well.  The main reason is now I chose a waking time that is consistent with my schedule during the work week - out for my walk no later than 5:30 a.m. so I can have meal one completed before the work day begins.  This allows me to have more time to do things for my personal living space and life goals on the weekends and holidays.  Also saves on setting alarms - always set for same time everyday - routine makes for easier getting up as well which allows for a more even temperament throughout the day.  Also, it's true, you can't make up sleep.  The body needs its rest time everyday, you can't short it 5 days a week then expect it will be able to heal itself on the weekend by sleeping 10 or 12 hours Friday and Saturday.

This schedule also builds discipline that is self motivated.  I know that if I get my walk done within an hour of getting up I feel better because I can have my meal one on time.  The body rewards by being available the rest of the day for my other activities, social media, social events in my community, house work, food preparation, paying bills and pursing work and personal goals.

I used to think I wanted to be free of constraints on weekends - sleep as late as I wanted, sit all day if I wanted to.  But I realized this isn't what my body needed.  My body needs a routine, habits that build a stronger body, mind and spirit through regular nurturing.  When you love yourself deeply and completely you will discover how important it is that your physical and psychological needs are met.  Only then can you work on the needs of the many or the universe.  In so doing I'm now fully awake in the present moment.  I see what needs doing and get it done with no added stress.

Yes, I said, with no added stress.  I was under much more pressure before because subconsciously I knew that getting off routine on weekends was damaging but couldn't see that getting up earlier was the cure.  Not doing what needs doing creates stress whether you allow yourself to realize it or not.  That pile of dishes is weighing on you whether you are able to see it or not.  It's taking valuable reasoning power to justify not doing them.  Why not do them?  Same with eliminating dust, clutter, dirty body and laundry.  When you take care of these things they are no longer taking up valuable hard drive space on the computer of the mind, so get them done.

My Changing Look On my Journey to Wellness

I know, last July, 2013 I weighed at least 240 pounds for a 5' 1" frame.  I couldn't get from the chair to the kitchen sink without effort that taxed.  In 2012, I was going door to door to help get out the vote and nearly passed out after going just a short distance and steps were impossible.  This extra weight was slowing me down, using up my mental and physical resources just to get the basics done to keep working. The light didn't come on about the weight until I couldn't easily fit in an airline seat.  So while on that same trip I found the book, "It Starts With Food" at Turn The Page Bookstore Cafe.  I suggest you read this book - you can do that easily - its well written and easy to understand.  It walks you through the 1st steps to getting well.  It took me until February to lose enough weight to start exercises about 40 pounds or so.  I had to start slow - shoot for 30 minutes easy walking - fit it in where you maybe now watching TV, then later you see the value of morning routines that are sustainable by being set early enough to accommodate working hours.

Remember this is a gradual change - the body doesn't gain or shed weight in a hurry unless you're ill.  You need to maintain about a pound a week and remember water weight comes off fast and as your increase muscle mass you will weigh more - fat weighs less than muscles does.  I first noticed by measuring myself like I was going to sew an outfit, bust, waist, mid-waist, hips, bicep, and calf.  Just remember if you are like me, you'll have fat that hangs down, like the waist and upper arm.  The arm you can measure, but the stomach hang is trickier to measure.  I gage it by how much of my thighs I can see.  I noticed there's an indent on my thighs from where the stomach rested, I can see that the stomach has receded (after losing nearly 60 pounds) - much like a glacier, the fat has melted away.  Take note of these things in the mirror, get a hand mirror to check out your butt and back.  You have to stay motivated - scale and measurement will let you down but seeing less fat will not - you will know you've made progress if you detail how you look today.  It's your body, embrace it, know it, and work with it.

Not just your body will be changing, your mind, soul and spirit will be changing too.  Be sure to capture this journey in journals during alone times.  This is the time your spirit will talk with you and the universe to give you direction and help you see the direction you need to take both personally and professionally.  Keep appointments with yourself for bill paying, journal writing and socializing.  As you complete the journal writing you will find other goals you want to pursue, like traveling, learning, reading, and writing.  Make appointments for these too and follow through, you matter, your hopes and dreams matter, be true to them.

Its so easy to slip, the main thing is don't fall back into the bad habits.  Keep your focus on what's doable, execute and remember your checklists and appointments with yourself are even more important than those at work.  As you take care of your basic needs, you'll be able to start work on your To Be list.  Your mind will have the resources to begin finding out what is it you want to be, to yourself, to the world and to the boss.  Remember, what you are is as important as what you do.  Be the best you can be.

Your comments are welcome.  If you need someone to run ideas by you can reach me at mblanchdev1@gmail.com.  Sometimes you just need to have someone listen to your ideas.  I've also found that talking into a recorder helps me work through my thoughts easier than writing at times.  Its a great way to sound off.  The mind and body want to work for the good of the soul and spirit so learn what's good for you, apply it and good health will follow.

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