Category: Health/Wellness

Grind Less and Glide More

by amy155, posted in Finances, Finances/Entrepreneurship, Health/Wellness, Inner/Outer Beauty, Lifestyle, Wellness/Self Love

By Amy S. Hilliard

A lot has been written lately about Quiet Quitting, the #Soft Life, and women losing ambition as we have gone through the pandemic and seen COVID change the way we live and the priorities we used to hold dear.  I know.  When it was announced on May 14, 2022, that 1 million people had died in the U.S. from COVID, I had Covid.  Yet I hadn’t died.  I had all the vaccines, the booster, and it was my second bout of the disease.  But I was still here.  I could have been one of those in that horrible count, but God wasn’t through with me yet.

Fortunately, my book, Pivot for Success- Hone Your Vision, Shift your Energy and Make Your Move was published at the beginning of 2021.  I was able to spend the many quarantined months of 2020 writing about the key pivots my life has taken, so much so that my moniker has become the “Reinvention Specialist”, as my career has included senior positions in Fortune 500 corporations, legacy entrepreneurial companies, and my own businesses.  Those months gave me the chance to BREATHE and think about the directions my life has taken. 

I grinded HARD in each of those positions and phases…HARD.  As a Black woman from Detroit and an honors graduate of Howard University and the Harvard Business School, it took a lot to get to high corporate levels, create multi-million-dollar brands for others and challenge myself to create one for my own family. And in the process, I was laid off, bankrupted, foreclosed on, and divorced twice. Grinding took a toll.

My loving parents had high expectations of all four of their daughters, and I did not want to disappoint.  So, I grinded.  Doing well meant everything.  I grinded through the murder of my best friend in college at 19 while I was on scholarship.  The death of my sister-cousin from a car accident when I was a young mother. The passing of both my parents as an entrepreneur–the financial setbacks, and the divorces.  I’m blessed that my relationships with my adult children is strong and secure.  But I had to bury a lot of feelings to stay on my grind.

Many people lost loved ones during COVID. Before COVID, I lost 9 close friends one right after the other in the 18 months before the pandemic hit, including my mother.  Had to keep grinding.

Life has a way of putting things in perspective, though.  In 2012, a shift occurred.  When I turned 60, my mom was 90 and my daughter was 30.  I could see both ends of life’s spectrum.  That’s when I started my blog, Sizzling After 60 – How to Thrive at Every Stage of Your Life.  It’s still going, but my time to write is limited.  However, I turned 70 last year, and this milestone and having COVID in May of that year for the second time, really made me pause.

By the fall of 2021, a true blessing came when the University of Chicago reached out to me about teaching marketing at their Booth School of Business.  I had taught marketing at Loyola’s Business School which was great training for teaching at the university level.  The Booth School already had a strong marketing bench, so I proposed teaching a course to MBA’s based on my book about pivoting.  With COVID, the economy, and world events, so much was happening.  Everyone was talking about making pivots, but I didn’t find an easy-to-understand framework to do it.  So, I used the !0 Pivot Points from my first guidebook in 2005, Tap Into Your Juice—Find Your Gifts, Lose Your Fears and Build Your Dreams that was endorsed by Michelle Obama as the framework for my new book.  When she became First Lady, Mrs. Obama said her endorsement of the 10 Pivot Points was mine for life!  Sheryl Sandberg, Dr. Wayne Frederick of Howard University, Mellody Hobson, Debbie Allen, Tom Burrell, Bozoma Saint John and several other women and men have endorsed the Pivot Points and tenets of Pivot for Success, and I’m glad it is helping many students and others.

Most importantly, though, Pivot for Success has a graphic in it that helped illuminate the Sweet Spot where I Grind Less and Glide More. It shows where I’ve merged Purpose, Possibilities, and Passions with having Patience, setting Priorities, and knowing my values about Prosperity.  Finding that Sweet Spot allows a flow to come to my work.  I’m working hard for sure, but I’m not GRINDING, I’m GLIDING with power, like the flow of a river.

For me, that work is teaching and speaking about how to pivot.

This is what moves my spirit.  Seeing a light come on in the eyes of students or others about their goals after a strong class discussion or speech just lights me up!  Sharing strategies of pivoting, especially to ambitious women and men, totally energizes me, because is it so universally relevant, personally, and professionally.  Personally, because by becoming self-aware about what truly motivates and inspires you, work can become more of a calling that can powerfully serve others. Professionally, successful pivoting skills can help leaders move organizations large and small in the right direction in times of crisis and opportunity.

As mentioned, turning 70 and having COVID was a true turning point for me. It made me focus even more on my health and to seek ways to grind less and glide more to a make my life a sustainable way of living healthfully.

2023 has just started.  At the beginning of each new year, we all see lots of information about new exercise routines, machines, gym memberships, diets, and the like.  And some of us rush to the latest trend and wear ourselves out, and then stop.  And therein lies the problem.  Statistics point out that as a country, we are still in danger of dying from diseases that can be prevented or diminished with lifestyle changes.  Stress is rampant and we are grinding too much and not gliding enough. 

For example, after some positive years of decline, heart disease remains our Number 1 killer, according to according to Dr. Sadiya Khan at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and a 2022 report from the Centers for Disease Control that lists a rising rate of heart disease deaths. 

Significantly, new heart health trends are very disturbing:

  • Younger and midlife adults are dying more often from heart disease
  • More older adults are dying too
  • COVID increased the number of heart attacks in those at mid-life and older
  • Congestive heart failure is on the rise due to lifestyle choices

I’m not a medical professional by any means, but numerous studies have indicated that stress can kill you.  And GRINDING through an exercise and/or diet program you really can’t stick with can be stressful.  So, on top of professional and personal life stressors, what we think will help us may hurt us if we are not aware of the self-care our bodies and spirits really need. 

As 2023 moves forward, I wholeheartedly recommend we all take a look our lives and see where we can reduce grinding and start gliding more.  Find your Sweet Spot.

Now, most of us can’t do a full re-set and move to the tropics to live, even with WIFI.  Yet, taking a look at the various aspects of life and the choices you CAN make, may identify areas of GLIDING that are available for you to start now. Don’t just dream about it, make it a goal.  I’ve heard that a dream is just a goal without a timeline.  Set some timelines on taking action to Grind Less and Glide More.  Stay engaged on your terms.  It will be worth it.  Your life is worth it.  Make it a promise to yourself.

#GrindLessGlideMore

The Gratitude of Joy

by amy155, posted in Health/Wellness, Relationships

As we move rapidly into the New Year, we are all about setting goals, hitting the gym, doing vision boards—important stuff.  Heck, I was in the gym yesterday afternoon and had to almost fight the crowds for a favorite machine LOL!  That is actually a good thing.

Planet Fitness 1.18.2020

In the midst of it, though, I hope we don’t forget to take some time to remain grateful.  Grateful to be here to begin another year, another decade.  I’ve written before about how seeking joy is critical for our health, well being and stress reduction.  Not looking at the glass as half empty.  Changing perspectives is so very powerful!

Amy on Leather Chair

I heard this quote in a recent meditation from the app Calm, which I cannot recommend highly enough:  http://www.calm.com.  It provides short meditations 5, 10, 15 minutes or more, on a variety of subjects to allow you to practice consistently and to BREATHE.  I’ve been using it for months now, and it has truly been a game changer!

Here’s what it taught me about Gratitude and Joy:

           Gratitude and joy

Think about it.  For example, are you grateful that you got over the flu?  I sure am.  Had it this holiday season.  Was in bed a LOT!  While I could’ve been sad about missing a lot of holiday fun, I decided to be grateful and listen to my body telling me I needed REST.  I became GRATEFUL and then JOYFUL for a full day of nothing but Netflix ALL DAY!!!  When was the last time I could do that!!  What a blast.  Funny movies.  RomComs.  Documentaries.  All the Dave Chappell specials.  And sleep.  SLEEP.  SLEEP.  Was I grateful and Joyful about that?  You bet.  It was obviously needed.

And upon reflection, I am grateful that the time of healing my body made me assess how much I had on my plate last Fall.  It was a lot.  Family.  Friends.  Teaching–which I love; writing–which I also love; but teaching and writing this blog and my memoirs was a heavy lift, as well as proposal writing for consulting and speaking projects.

Remember also, I suddenly lost my 10th close person in 18 months right before Thanksgiving.  My dear friend and Loyola Marketing mentor Dr. Gerri Henderson.  A brilliant woman, younger than me.  I realized it was time to slow down, reassess my priorities, recalibrate a few things, be grateful that I am still here, and be truly joyous about that.

And I am. 

What are you grateful for as you enter 2020 that gives you Joy?

Here’s another good thought to keep in mind for the year and beyond:

To quote Oprah:

” Don’t waste time arguing with those you love. 

Life is so short, even on your longest days.”

So Sizzle On with Gratitude and Joy!

Hugs,

Amy

Eat Well, Be Thankful and Keep it Moving!

by amy155, posted in Beauty/Appearance/Style, Health/Wellness

Grateful to Keep it Moving

As the holidays are upon us, there is much to be thankful for.  Being Grateful will keep help you healthy.  So will Movement.

Movement can keep the #1 health issue at bay…INFLAMMATION.

While we all can be focused on food, fun, gifts and libations, please put exercise on your to-do list.   According to a comprehensive article in the AARP Bulletin shown below, inflammation has been linked to every major disease of aging.  Reducing it will help us all live longer, happier and better.

All the major health issues: cancer, heart disease, dementia and diabetes–all of them–can be linked to chronic low grade inflammation that can sneak up on you.  A study of 10,000 patients by cardiologists in Boston have documented that they may have proof.

https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2019/lowering-inflammation-to-improve-health.html

According to the article, inflammation does the body good when we need to deal with issues like the flu, a cut or a swollen joint because it releases healing chemicals and nutrients to repair damage to cells.  It’s when inflammation becomes chronic, that problems occur.  It’s like keeping the furnace on high all the time, firing up white blood cells that in turn fire up other damage fighters that can blow up the bad cells as well as the good.

Wow.  There is so much to cite…I just want folks to read up on the dangers of inflammation to our brains, lungs, digestive system, weight and joints.  And stress is a big factor that can keep inflammation fires burning.  Y’all KNOW I’m about reducing stress!

So I’m just going to keep it simple.  Lifestyle changes are the best and fastest antidote to inflammation.  You know the drill:  exercise, watching what and how much food you eat, getting enough sleep and stress relief are key.

Fruit and vegetables have powerful antioxidants to keep inflammation under control.  As we age, inflammation can be even more of an issue, but getting enough protein is important to keeping our muscles firm, too.  So, going vegan is not what the study says is mandatory–just increase the green and colorful plant based foods in your diet, slow down on sugar and don’t overdo animal proteins.

Me, I’m finding getting my sleeping patterns under control is a challenge.  Hot flashes can interrupt the most pleasant night’s rest!  So I’m looking into non-addictive sleep aids like melatonin.  And, I don’t drink a lot of fluids close to bedtime, LOL!  Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day does seem to help, too, as does not having my smartphone near me at night.  I know that’s hard for some…but stop scrolling and start sleeping instead!

Listen, I can only share what seems to work for me and what the latest research says is important so we can keep Sizzling!  I’ve switched to Planet Fitness for my workouts, and really like the simplicity of the gym and the up-to-date equipment.  They have a 30 Minute Express workout that uses machines and cardio step sessions that is GREAT.  Hit it and Quit it.  Stretch afterward, and BOOM.  Done, and I feel like I’m doing something substantive to protect the temple God gave me.

So tell me, what’s on your Healthy Holiday To-Do list?

Let’s savor the flavors of the holidays and fit in healthy food, sleep and movement, Sizzlers.  Tell stress to take a hike and enjoy more of life.

Sending Hugs,

Amy

 

Prayer – A Powerful GPS System for Life

by amy155, posted in Finances/Entrepreneurship, Health/Wellness, Relationships

Harriet Poster

Hi All!

By now, you may know that I think the #Harriet movie is a MUST SEE film.  Yes, like many, I’ve known of Harriet Tubman’s incredible heroism in bringing hundreds of slaves out of bondage into Freedom via the Underground Railroad for years.  But seeing her story as a young woman when she first started out on her improbable journey opened the door to many important insights into her character.

The most powerfully consistent insight was her belief in God.  Without maps, a flashlight, sometimes without shoes or food, she found her way to Freedom the first time by herself, guided only by God.  Harriet couldn’t read or write, but she had her own GPS:  God’s Personal Signals – to follow.  God led her to the paths and the people she needed.  She prayed mightily and leaned heavily on this to direct her thoughts, courage and steps.

Seeing those scenes in the film reinforced for me how powerful prayer can be to strengthen us on our journeys through life.  So often, we may see prayer as a Sunday only thing to do.  But I’ve found that prayer, which is not the same as meditation, even though that is also a great thing to do — does something else.  For me, it reinforces Faith, “which makes things possible, even if those things aren’t easy”.  That quote is on the wall of my office.

For those who believe, prayer can be an intimate and on-going conversation with God.  Something that can be done while driving, walking, doing the dishes…and of course in repose as well.  I enjoy church, and go when the feeling hits me.  Every day, however, I talk to God.  I’ve found that having a personal relationship strengthens me in ways that continue to astound me and fortifies the foundation of Faith I need to Press On:

PRESS ON

PRESS ON, ALTHOUGH THE ROAD IS ROCKY

PRESS ON, THROUGH RIVERS OF DOUBT

PRESS ON WHEN “NO” SEEMS TO GREET YOU OFTEN

 JUST SMILE AND SIMPLY PRESS ON

PRESS ON WHEN OTHERS TRY TO STOP YOU,

 EVEN WHEN THEIR HEARTS ARE TRUE

PRESS ON TO SHARE YOUR GOD-GIVEN GIFTS

 BECAUSE GOD MADE ONLY ONE YOU!

As I’ve gotten older, this personal relationship is even more important.  As life continues to challenge us all, with losses, health issues, dreams deferred, patience tested, as well as with triumphs — knowing from whom all things flow helps to keep my perspective about who really is in control.  I’ve spoken before about how letting go of the need to control is freeing.  Realizing the God has everything under control is that and more.

Here’s some examples.  A good friend from my Bible Study group shared a tip to use when anxious about things.  Who doesn’t get anxious from time to time?  I know I do.  She suggested that when anxiety bubbles up, just breathe and remember to put God into that situation in your mind — because God is about peace.  Putting God reflexively and immediately into an anxious situation, and knowing that He really controls it — can help direct your actions by calming the spirit, mind and body.  It’s GREAT for reducing stress, and you know how important that is for your health.  Another good friend sends me Bible verses and spiritual quotes every morning.  It’s her ministry, is truly amazing and is a blessing to me and to so many.

As Harriet showed us through the movie, keeping God front and center is also great for doing what seems impossible.  She persevered through incredible odds, personal pain and challenges time and time again to use her gifts for others.  Through the gifts God has given each one of us, we can do much more than we think we can.  And putting on The Full Armor of God every day (Ephesians 6:13-18) equips us to do so in every situation.

So, while each of us has a unique journey, don’t let the distractions and noises of life dull the impact of your own GPS – God’s Personal Signals.   Tune into it to help you navigate the terrain.  I will share testimonials and ideas more often…but please feel free to share yours here, too.  You never know who it might help to Sizzle!

Hugs,

Amy

 

Be a Game Changer! Have a Green Smoothie Morning

by amy155, posted in Beauty/Appearance/Style, Health/Wellness

Green Smoothie Morning

Have you guys seen the Netflix documentary The Game Changers?  It’s about athletes who get their strength from plant based food.  It’s AMAZING!

Now I’ve posted about trying to be more vegan-ish before.  But it’s HAAARD to give up meat, fish and chicken entirely.  And with Thanksgiving coming up…Imma TRY.

But this movie gave me more inspiration to substantially cut down my intake of proteins from animal sources.  Substantially.

Check out the website AND take the time to watch the movie.   It will cause you to pause.

https://gamechangersmovie.com

Largely targeted to men to get them to see that meat eating just to be “macho” is not healthy.  That you can get all the protein you needs from plants.  James Wilkes, the UFC bare bones fighter and champion was injured, and needed a way to use his time healing, so he started studying nutrition.  He found some interesting facts/benefits of a plant based diet:

  • Optimal fuel source
  • Increased blood flow
  • Improved muscle efficiency
  • Reduced inflammation
  • Animal foods have links to cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and more
  • Research indicates that a plant based diet and reduce and/or prevent symptoms of dementia and Alzheimers

Though focused on men, there are some women athletes in the movie that were inspiring (I’m not a fan of UFC boxing at all!).  After watching the movie, I haven’t had ANY meat now for going on 6 days, and I must say, I feel lighter and have more energy.  Not slumping in the afternoon.  Now, I’m not trying to be in the Olympics, but I sure did get out and did a faster walk than usual, have kept up my yoga, and going to a Pilates class this afternoon.

After my walk, I mixed up a delicious green smoothie.  Quick and efficient. Here’s the recipe:

  • Almond Milk
  • Frozen spinach
  • Blueberries
  • Strawberries
  • Bananas
  • Organic plant based protein powder
  • Organic flaxseeds
  • Water

About a cup of Almond milk, a half to 2/3 cup each of the spinach, berries and bananas (I slice them and keep them frozen), throw everything in a blender (a Vitamix is a good investment–Costco has good deals) and pour in water for the consistency you want and BOOM.  Done.

Then, I made it special by drinking it from a pretty glass, another one from my Mom’s collection.  Sat down next to my lillies, lit a candle and sipped with gratefulness for good health.

All I’m saying folks, is there is too much evidence that supports that what you put into your body has a profound impact on your health, and critically–the health of the planet.  If we all ate less meat, even for one day a week–the affect on our lands, water systems and atmosphere would be substantial.

So, give yourself a Meatless Monday, Tofu Tuesday or whatever.  There are so many delicious meatless options out there!  I made my award-winning (in an office Chili contest–hey that counts!) Jalepeno Chick Pea Chili with Trader Joe’s “Beefless Beef”, and it was too good!  Using a bit more olive oil to saute and with creative seasoning, I didn’t miss the ground turkey at all.

Beefless Beef

What are some of your ideas and recipes for going towards more plant based meals?  Would love to hear from you!

Ok.  So getting off my soapbox.  Just had to share because I care.   Keep Sizzling!

Hugs,

Amy

 

 

 

 

Finding Your Calling – A Pivot Point

by amy155, posted in Finances/Entrepreneurship, Health/Wellness, Relationships

Finding Your Calling - Ideas from TED

Hi there.

Many of you know that I recently made a pivot in my career and started teaching Marketing at Loyola University’s  School of Business.  I’m here to tell you…

I. Love. It. 

It is one of the most gratifying things I’ve ever done.  When I walked into the classroom for the first time, and looked at those 45 students looking back at me, it was like an epiphany.  I said, “Hello.  I’m Amy Hilliard, And I’m here to not just to teach you Marketing, but to make it come alive for you.  I want you to feel it.  As business students, and ultimately business people in the world, you will have the to power in your hands to change lives.  As marketers, never underestimate this impact.  We will learn together, and I will be tough on you, but we will have fun.  Are you ready?  Let’s GO!!”

Did I rehearse that?  Not at all.  It just came out.  And in every class since then, it has just gotten better.  I’m working harder than ever, for a LOT less money than I’ve made before.  But when I saw this diagram and read the article from Ideas From Ted,  it all made sense.  Take a read when you can:

http://t.ted.com/1Xh1eNL

To sum up this article by , here’s my take on the 7 Lessons to Learn About Finding Work You Were Meant to Do:

1. Your calling is at the intersection of a Venn diagram of three things: doing something you’re good at, feeling appreciated, and believing your work is making people’s lives better.

That’s EXACTLY how I feel in the classroom!  Anyone who knows me knows that Marketing is my Thing.  Has been forever.  My students are getting a kick out of the stories from my corporate career and my entrepreneurial journey that I mix in with the textbook learning.  Heck, I’m loving reading the textbook myself!  (OK, I’ve got it bad, LOL). But they appreciate my approach, and they let me know.  Importantly, I feel that when they go out into the world, they have the chance to make people’s lives better, and my work will have something to do with that.  It’s an awesome feeling.

2. Your calling often comes out of difficult experiences.

You all also know my Mom passed recently.  Well, my Mom was a teacher.  A dedicated teacher.  She left a nursing career and went to college at night after having 4 daughters to become one.  I totally remember how she prepared lessons for her classes…she taught Science, for example, and I had to feed the snakes and frogs she had in aquariums on our back porch for her students.  Yuk!  But she wanted to bring real stuff to the classroom.  I also remember her being my substitute teacher while she was getting her teaching certificate.  Now, THAT was something.  Having your Mom as your teacher!  She was no-nonsense, but her passion to make her students be the best they could be came through loud and clear.

When she died, in my grief I had to reflect deeply on what my own legacy would be.  Sure, I’ve had a great career.  But that sweet spot on the Venn diagram got me–BAM!  I get why she loved this honorable profession so much.  And though I miss her deeply, she’s still teaching me.  Now, as a teacher myself, I am channeling her spirit when I stand before my students.  I feel her energy helping me to do and say the right things, to challenge them and cherish them at the same time.

3. Calling often takes courage and ruffles feathers.

Making the decision to teach took courage for me.  I’ve been asked to bring back ComfortCake.  Every day, I get a mention about it.  Every. Single. Day.  It was an absolutely wonderful and life-changing journey.  But after much thought, I’ve decided to focus on teaching, though I know with the brand equity, the right business model and a good team I could build it one more time.  If I do bring ComfortCake back, I will still teach.  That does ruffle the feathers of some.

4. Other people often nudge you toward your calling.

This one is totally true.  Last year, I was really struggling to think about my next act.  I had consulting projects and speaking opportunities.  But also wanted more steady income.  A friend looked me in the eye and said, “What are you doing?  There are all these colleges and universities right here in Chicago!  With all that you’ve done, you can teach!  Send out your background to them on-line THIS WEEKEND.  NO EXCUSES.”   That’s what I did.  And months later, with perfect timing, and the perfect opportunity, Loyola got back to me.

5. What comes after identifying your calling is what really matters.

Truth also.  Teaching is a LOT of work.  Prepping for each class.  Developing homework assignments and tests.  Presenting.  Grading exams and Marketing Plans.  Whew!  But you know what?  I wake up in the morning and check email to see if “my babies” need anything from me.  I have to give them what they need to make a difference in this world.  And, I find that doing so is almost addictively enjoyable.  My friends are amazed at how busy I am doing this.

6. Age is irrelevant.

‘Nuff said.  At 67 years old, I feel I can do this for many more years to come in some form or another.  Classroom teaching.  Online teaching.  Writing books.  Podcasting.  Speaking.  It’s totally energizing.

7. Calling often doesn’t come with a big paycheck.

While that is true, I believe that it will open doors of income that will more than sustain me.  This is what matters–All money isn’t green.  These last 18 months I’ve lost eight loved ones, friends, mentors, mentees including my mother and just yesterday,

Elijah and Maya

my friend and Howard University classmate, Congressman Elijah Cummings, shown here with his wife, Dr. Maya.  As I’ve said in a previous post, Stress Doesn’t Sizzle–It Fries.  I’m about doing what I love, what I’m good at, what others appreciate, and what can make people’s lives better.  My purpose is clear.  I’ve pivoted.  God will make sure I have a roof over my head and food to eat.  And then some.

Look forward to your thoughts.

Hugs,

Amy

 

What’s Your Personal Elevator Pitch?

by amy155, posted in Finances/Entrepreneurship, Health/Wellness, Relationships

As an entrepreneur, I have often had to craft an Elevator Pitch.  That 30 second to 1 minute pitch to tell a potential investor or customer about my business or product if I met them on an elevator to engage them enough to want to work with me, consider investing with me, buy my product…you get the drift.  Sometimes you only have a very short amount of time to make an impact.

The first slide above lists some key questions that are usually asked from a business standpoint.  These are very good questions.  So, for your business-minded folks out there, keep them in mind. Statistics say that Boomers are starting businesses faster than ever before!

But, speaking from experience, as you go about thinking what your next act will be, try this exercise:  What’s Your Personal Elevator Pitch?  If you had only a short amount of time to share what you are about with someone who could help you fulfill your dreams at this stage of your life, what would you say?  I’ve listed some questions to get you started.

Framing this out in your mind might pivot you toward your business elevator pitch in an authentic way.  There are endless opportunities out there.  Finding what fuels your soul is key, because, trust me, you will be spending a LOT of time, energy and money building your dream.  And if it doesn’t resonate from within, it will show from without.  Kinda like shoes that look good but hurt your feet.  You can’t walk very far in them.  And you’re smiling, but inside you can’t wait to get home to take them OFF!  They just. don’t. fit.

And this is not just for entrepreneurs or Boomers either!  You could be going for that next job or promotion, considering a move to a new city…a new relationship.  A Personal Elevator Pitch has a lot of uses, I’ve found.  It’s just a few snapshot questions to keep in mind as you think of options in front of you.  As you consider how you’d feel saying them to another, and if your answers feel true, you may find that you’ve hit upon a direction for your life or solidified the direction that you’re on in a way that helps keep you moving forward with certainty in your step.

So, let me know what you think about having a Personal Elevator Pitch.  Are there some questions you’d add?  Love to hear your thoughts!

Hugs,

Amy

The Power of Letting Go

by amy155, posted in Finances/Entrepreneurship, Health/Wellness, Relationships

 

Fall treesAs the seasons are changing, we can learn something from tall, strong trees.  They shed their leaves in the Fall, they let them go.  And yet, the trees continue to grow.  Season after season.

And we can learn from the exercise we probably did as kids, the monkey bars.  Swinging from one to the next one could be painful at times–hard work.  But the reality was, you couldn’t get to the next bar unless you let go of the bar behind you.

 

Letting Go Moving Forward

What great lessons in life.  You can’t grow unless you shed things that no longer serve you from one season into the next.  And you can’t move forward unless you let go of things holding you back from behind so you can move forward.

Perspective.  Ah, perspective.  It always seems so comforting upon reflection.  In the thick of things…hard to grab hold of sometimes.  That’s why I find it so important to take a moment and let the electricity of a situation pass if you can before responding.  I’m learning not to let my emotions vote!  Shedding the emotion connected to the immediacy of situations allows perspective to come in for better decisions.  Letting go of your hold on the moment, even for a count of ten, can sometimes open up possibilities that weren’t there before.

And, boy oh boy.  Letting go and Letting God!  How often have we heard that!  I’ve written before about how hard that has been for me.  I’m a Type A…Capital A person!  However, because the process of aging and surviving losses has provided indisputable lessons in how God really is the one in control, I’ve learned it is SO much better to let Him have it.  My faith has strengthened as I’ve learned to let go.  My stress has lessened.  My sizzle has turned up!  YAY!

It’s all so connected.  Exercise.  Meditation.  Prayer.  Letting go of those moments that you think need your immediate attention, action and resolution and the thinking that ONLY YOU have the answers.  Really?  Maybe not.  Letting go and letting situations unfold in God’s timing.  Letting go and letting thoughts and solutions simmer a bit.  Adding that bit of spice or a seasoning tip from a friend that wasn’t in the cookbook.  Sometimes like a wonderful dish, solutions taste better the next day.

I’ve found letting go is powerful.  Of course, I’m not suggesting you sit back and expect God, the Universe or your friends to handle your business while you lie on the beach.  No, it’s taking a step back, taking that pause that can refresh while you indeed make your moves to press on.   Keeps burnout at bay.  I’ve been there, and do not want to go there again.  And, if you haven’t guessed, letting go works in business, in relationships, on days when your body needs a rest…for so much of life.

So, tell me your stories of Letting Go–

When did you let go of something you thought you had to hold on to only to find something better was trying to make it’s way to you in the end?

Hugs,

Amy

 

 

Build Your Muscles – Relax Your Mind

by amy155, posted in Beauty/Appearance/Style, Health/Wellness

Build Yoiur Muscles-Build Your Mind 2There’s a lot of information circulating about meditating these days.  Many people swear by it.  I must admit, I was a skeptic.  You all know I believe in getting to the gym.  Here’s one of my favorite clips from Pinterest about hitting it:

 

Go to the GYM 2

Well, as many of you know it’s also been a challenging time re-gaining my footing since my Mom’s recent passing.  And the one thing that has been a tremendous help has been–yup–meditating.  Taking no more than ten minutes in the morning to calm my mind down, to center my thoughts, to breathe deeply and focus on nothing but that has been more powerful than I could have ever imagined.  No wonder it has been embraced for centuries by people all over the world.

There are as many ways to meditate as there are to read, to pray, to think.  What I’ve found matters most is to breathe.  Concentrating on breathing is concentrating on what gives you life, your breath.  In and out.  Can’t live without doing that.  And boy, does your breath react when your mind and your body is out of alignment!  It quickens, races, and sends signals to your heart and all of your organs to be on alert!!  It feels like the body’s conductor–pacing the music of your heart pumping, your blood flowing through your veins, your eyes darting–all of it.  I find it just amazing when I slow down and focus on slowly breathing, letting thoughts pass through like clouds across the sky, instead of the thoughts taking root in my mind and causing me to churn on them, most of them being fabrications of the future or ruminations of the past, breathing helps me stay melded to the present moment, and clarity becomes my guide.  Perception becomes fine-tuned into the reality that is in the moment at hand.

I find it is much better from this space to make decisions, to plan, to celebrate or to just BE.  I can actually feel my heart slow down.  And trust.  I had to wear a heart monitor earlier this year due to palpitations.  Did I share that?  Might have.  It was a game changer.  With too many dear friends leaving the planet due to STRESS related complications, I’m willing to look at what has worked holistically to keep humans more healthy, and meditation certainly has.

My sis Gloria recommended an app, CALM, to me, and it has been a true Godsend.  You can try it for free, and to me it is worth the investment.

https://www.calm.com/

Meditation is great for calming the mind, for sleeping more soundly, for restoring a bit of peace in your circumstances throughout your day.  You see, once I learned how to meditate, I found that the breathing techniques work in traffic, when faced with long lines at a store, or in other situations or conversations that could use some calm.

As noted in a previous post–stress doesn’t sizzle it fries.

Meditation and Exercise soothe.

Try it and let me know how you feel!

Hugs,

Amy

 

Have you ever given YOURSELF a card?

by amy155, posted in Health/Wellness, Relationships

I’m a big card person.  Love them!  I scan the card aisles looking for gems to send later for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, sympathies, friendships or…just because.  I recently came across a beautiful card in my stash and thought of who to send it to, and thought, why not keep it for myself?  Why not send it to me?

This card really touched me.  I can’t remember when I bought it or who I may have bought it for, but since it resonated with me, it must be the Universe saying “This one’s for YOU!”  I’m truly in the mind space of following my heart.  Steadily.  Quietly.  Purposefully.  Patiently.   Without needing someone to tell me it’s the right thing to do.  Just feeling that it is.

We often pine for words of affirmation (my Love Language, BTW) from others.  In the spirit of self-care and self-love, giving yourself a card is a way to affirm yourself to yourself with meaningful and poignant words that touch your spirit.  You can even go so far as putting a stamp on the envelope and sending the card to yourself!  What a nice surprise when it arrives in the mail.  These days, it’s hard to know how many days it will take, LOL!

As I mentioned in my last post, I’m writing a book about my life called Pivot Points–Knowing When to Make The Turn.  It’s a Memoir and a Manifesto.  And one of the turns I’ve realized it’s pivotal to make, is to ME.  And I hope you find the same is true for YOU.  Turning to you, turning within is truly powerful.  It’s pivotal to keep recognizing the signals that help keep your energy high when you are feeling low.  Or tell you to exercise when you don’t feel like it, but know afterward you’ll feel great.  When you feel good, you have so much more to give to others.

When Making The Turn, rely on your Heart.  It knows.  We are trained so often to use data, charts, logic and facts when making key decisions.  But your heart knows what’s best.  When it’s time to move ahead.  To pause.  To weigh the situation and turn right. Or left. Or carve a completely new pathway.  So yes, surely take in advice from trusted friends, family and advisors and do look at important calculations before making moves.  But as this card said to me, sometimes the best thing to do is to give your heart time to tell you which way to go.

What is your heart telling you to do today?   Buy yourself a card and see!

Hugs,

Amy