Category: Relationships

Step Into His Will – With Just Enough Light for the Step You’re On

by amy155, posted in Health/Wellness, Relationships, Uncategorized

As we approach Easter Sunday, I’ve been reflecting…

Sometimes I don’t know which direction to take.  Sometimes, the road looks hard.  Sometimes, I want to just curl up with the remote and surf Netflix.

I’m sure Tiger Woods felt that way over these last ten years.  But he didn’t give up, and look where he is now.

While the road is long and winding, I realize that God’s not done with me yet.  I still have much to do, much to say, much to contribute.  It’s good to take time for reflection and to recharge.  That’s why instead of posting every week, I now post about twice a month.  You see, before you sizzle, sometimes you need to simmer.  Time to exercise, be with friends, family, nature…a good book, music.  Not just work, work, work.

We all have those moments when life seems complicated and our purpose seems unsure as the things we want take so long to manifest.  As good messengers of the Word can help teach us, if we can just relax and Step Into His Will, all will be OK.

Yet, that’s hard to do for us Type-A types!  We like having our hands on the steering wheel.  Knowing what’s around the corner.  Being about the business of being busy.  Our minds can be totally consumed by trying to FIGURE IT OUT.  Yeah, that’s the ticket!  No, not really.

Now, I’m all for strategic planning.  It’s helpful to know the terrain of your purpose so you can develop the proper tools to harvest the wheat.  At the same time, to sit in “What-If-Ville” too long isn’t a good move either.  I learned at Harvard Business School how to do a decision tree.  If you make this decision, where will that decision branch lead you?  And the next one and the next?

Well, sometimes, the decision branch won’t lead you anywhere because the branch hasn’t had time to grow.  The question then becomes, are you still inspired to water the tree?  Good.  Do so.  Or, perhaps that particular branch may have to die so that the branch you need can grow stronger.  Have faith that God’s will is strong enough to get you to your goals, even when you can’t see the finish line ahead of you.  As Dr. King often said, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”  Stormie Omartian said it another way…God gives you “Just Enough Light for the Step You’re On.”

We have to have the courage to take those steps.  To let what needs to grow, grow and what needs to die, die.  The beauty of it all is, we don’t have to do it all ourselves.  Christ died for us, so we could be free and forgiven to live our best lives.  Let’s vow to keep walking forward toward His vision for us.  Slowly and surely.  And never walk backward.  I think that’s what Tiger Woods did.  And that’s what I’m going to do.  How about you?

Tiger - Walk Slowly not Backwards

Happy Easter Everyone!

Hugs,

Amy

Create your Own History

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

Amy - SA60 - Create Your Own History

You are doing it whether you realize it or not.

We are in Women’s History Month now, and because of the recent loss of my Mom, I reflect often on the lessons, wisdom and joy she gave me.  In doing so, I also recognize that like many women, she created history.  It wasn’t widely celebrated in the media, but it’s historic nonetheless.  She was a renaissance woman as many women are today–reinventing ourselves as our careers, families, communities as the world evolves.  We create history in our spheres of influence.  That is important to realize!  We all know of someone who touched our lives either long ago or recently that changed our trajectory.  We all know or have ourselves changed paths after seeing what someone else has done, and thought–“Hey, I can do that too!”  Many life changes have improved situations for countless others.  When you change a job, start a business, write a book or article that is thought provoking, volunteer in your community…you are putting your imprint on history.

Often, we tend to step back and not look at the value we create with our actions, big and small.  I didn’t always focus on that.  But as time inevitably marches on, I have embrace the mindset of somehow creating value everyday, even if it is just with a smile.  Every day we can ask ourselves: what are we doing to create value in our families, careers, and communities?  Each one can reach one, and create history.

So often, we compare ourselves to more known people–celebrities, politicians, entrepreneurs who have done incredible things that have changed the world.  We think-“Wow, what I’m doing can’t match or top that!”  Well, if it possibly can, great–but I submit it doesn’t have to.  The question is, what are you doing with YOUR gift to change lives or a life?  We cannot have the mentality of just “Looking Out for Number 1.”  That was a popular book some years ago, and lots of people bought into that philosophy, more often  tuning into their favorite radio station, WIFM–“What’s In it For Me.”  Doing so may feel good for the moment, yet can also lead to feelings of isolation from the collective needs of us as humans.

The world today needs everyones talent and best thinking.  Seismic change is happening so fast, it’s hard to keep up!  Yet, it is indeed possible to not only keep up but move the needle forward with a mindset that says, “I matter.  What I can do matters.  Every Day.”

It truly doesn’t take much.  Pass on that article. Or write it and pass it on.  Make that phone call.  Paint that picture.  Shoot that shot.  Try something new and share the results to inspire others.  It’s amazing the things that can make a difference and motivate others, who may then indeed change the world.

So, as we celebrate Women in March, go out there and create YOUR OWN HISTORY.  Own it and don’t forget to pass it on!

See you soon Sizzlers!

Hugs,

Amy

 

 

 

 

Saluting Debbie Allen – and the Power of Asking for What you Want

by amy155, posted in Beauty/Appearance/Style, Finances/Entrepreneurship, Health/Wellness, Relationships

As we celebrate Black History Month, I’m honored to salute a woman who is truly Sizzling After 60 and has been making history for a LOOOONNG time, Debbie Allen.  This new article in Elle Magazine says it all–“Debbie Will Determine”:

https://www.elle.com/culture/a26360352/debbie-allen-greys-anatomy-interview/?fbclid=IwAR2-L8OA90xoksXqvazS_exvtkbTMKyezYYxrlwjr7WUgAdUDgiph68O7-M

Debbie Allen - Emily Shur for Elle

Photo by Emily Shur for Elle

Debbie has been a trailblazer for years.  Her supreme talent, incredible vision, infectious energy, indomitable tenacity and commitment to excellence and Black culture have kept me as a fan.  Like many, I’ve watched her many works on the screen.  I first met Debbie in person when she launched the premiere of her movie Amistad at the newly opened and Black-owned ICE Theater in Chicago in 1997.  It took her 20 YEARS to get that awesome and Oscar-nominated movie made, and she overcame huge roadblocks to become an executive producer.  I’ll never forget the pride I felt hearing her speak about her journey to get it done.

But then–I had the chance to actually work with Debbie when we were both Trustees of Howard University at the same time.  And, I’m proud to say that we are both alums.

As soon as Debbie got on the Trustee Board, she started thinking of ways to use artistic creativity to help Howard.  At the time, Founder’s Library was in dire need of funds for repairs.  So she suggested holding a fundraiser for Founder’s Library, and I happily signed up to be on the committee.

Needless to say…we had a BLAST!  Debbie recruited her sister, Phylicia Rashad (another Howard alum), Tariji P. Henson, her daughter Vivian Allen and others to perform.  The evening at the newly refurbished Howard Theater was a stellar success.  But what endeared me to Debbie was how she worked—the word NO was just not in her vocabulary.

To see her operate, was re-affirming.  It re-affirmed the fact that we can be game changers at any age.  We just have to decide to continue to be so.  The only one stopping us from doing great things at any age is US.

The Founder’s Library Committee had to find donors, secure venues, plan a show, sell tickets, get publicity, engage the school administration, all in an effort to do something new and untried.  And it was not only hard work, but it was exhilarating, because we were not only all on-purpose, but working under Debbie’s leadership was powerfully motivating.  I can only imagine what it must be like to be on set with her on Grey’s Anatomy!

Shonda Rhimes speaks in the Elle article about how they met at Debbie Allen’s Dance Academy where she took her daughter for lessons.  Shonda was impressed that Debbie was actually there–not jut lending her name.  And that’s Debbie.  When she’s involved, she’s THERE all the way.  This “being there” philosophy is a lesson for anyone seeking to move others, to lead others.  Shonda saw it, and knew she wanted it from Debbie as a director and now executive producer of Grey’s Anatomy.  When your team, your crew, your family, your investors and your community see that you are truly THERE with them, the energy that’s generated can move mountains, and when applied to obstacles, that collective energy can make the naysayers of your dreams fade away, or at minimum, become more open to hearing your point of view.

Importantly, Debbie shares his bit of advice when seeking to live your dreams:  When you want something, ASK for it!!  In her own words, she says, “Guuurl, if you want something, you need to make sure people know it! Say yes. Say yes loudly. And don’t let anybody misunderstand the longing of your heart.”  Make sure, Debbie says, that people KNOW what passions rule your heart.  My late mother also shared this philosophy and taught it to me and others.  It is so important!

President Obama thanked God for Debbie Allen when he was at a Hollywood fundraiser  in 2014.  I totally join him in doing so.  She is a blessing to us all.

See you soon.

Hugs,

Amy

Stay Vibrant!

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

millie cruzat and amy

This is Millie Cruzat.  She’ll be 92 years young next month…and I mean YOUNG!!  You may have seen her on Chicago’s Windy City Live television show sharing her tips for living long and well.  She’s a former dancer and yoga enthusiast who can still do an awesome high kick, and wears her stilettos with ripped jeans!  She’s totally motivating.  Almost 30 years older than me!!  Her top longevity tips:  KEEP IT MOVING and BE POSITIVE!  Every time I see her I just have to hug her and stand in her energy.  I just love her.  Why?  Because she epitomizes Staying VIBRANT.  Seriously.

What is Vibrancy?  It’s the state of being full of energy and LIFE.   It’s exuberance, jazziness, vitality, robustness, cheerfulness, effervescence, friskiness…I could go on and on.  All I know is THAT’S how I want to be at 92 years old.

And I also know you can’t be that way at 92 if you don’t start being that way right now.  No matter what your age.  It’s a decision.

Every day we can decide how we want to be, how we want to feel and what we want to do.  I want to be vibrant, want to feel happy and want to eat right and exercise.   Who’s stopping me–NO ONE.  Who’s stopping you?

Let’s look at the alternative descriptive words if you’re not vibrant:  lifelessness, lethargy, apathy, laziness, spiritlessness, anemia, dullness–UGH!!!  Those words are not for me.  Will not claim them at all.

So how can we build Vibrancy into our lives every day?  Here are a few tips that have been working for me:

Daily meditation.  Drinking water when I first wake up–seems to flush out fogginess.  Doing some stretching to get my blood flowing.  Putting on workout clothes BEFORE getting coffee LOL.  Being grateful.  Going to bed at a decent hour.  Getting GOOD sleep.  Laughing–watching “Blackish” does it every time.  Connecting with people that you love.  Giving hugs.  Helping someone else.  Taking off my makeup before going to bed, no matter how tired I am.  Exfoliating regularly all over.  Standing up straight–Posture is powerful.  Dancing to my favorite songs all by myself.  Getting my hair done and seeing it look great as I pass by a mirror.  Pedicures, anyone?  Misting my one plant that has been growing for ten years, and seeing how water brings it to life.  Drinking LOTS of water–I found a snazzy and sleek bright turquoise thermos that keeps water cold for hours.  I add lemon slices to it after squeezing them for juice and it refreshes me all day.  Being creative and in the ZONE with my work.  Telling it like it is.  No time for foolishness–but learning and always trying to do so with compassion and empathy.  Finding out my favorite clothes fit better when I am FIT–instant wardrobe re-builder!

Again, I could go on and on.  So tell me what works for YOU!!  What do you do to stay vibrant??  Let’s get this list to be as long and creative as we can.  I’ll share your tips in a later post so we can all be like Millie at 92:

Slamming.  Slaying.  And Sizzling.  Go Millie!!

Looking forward to hearing your ideas.

 

Hugs,

Amy

 

 

 

 

Becoming Yourself

by amy155, posted in Health/Wellness, Relationships

I had the wonderful opportunity to see Michelle Obama on her book tour for Becoming.  It was simply amazing.

She posed the question to us all:  Who are You Becoming?  

amy becoming

To me, the answer is–Yourself.  As time goes on, it has gotten crystal clear to me that being true to yourself is the key to real happiness.  No one but you can decide what your passions are.  No one but you can decide to pursue them–or not.  No one can tell you what color should be your favorite, what book you will enjoy, what tastes good, what clothes you like, music you like jamming to, people you prefer–basically, what floats your boat.  

And once you realize the power in Becoming Yourself, confidence grows.  Trusting  your gut instincts becomes stronger.  You believe you can fly.  Why?  I think it’s because when you feel good about yourself, that radiates out to others.  The vibration of your positive internal energy can light fires of creativity, bring joy, and diffuse tensions.  When you know who YOU are, you inspire people to want to be around you and to help you direct you to your life’s purpose.   

What’s really gratifying though, is the fact that for many women–myself included, “Becoming Yourself” happens later in life.  It’s after you’ve been through some stuff.  Taken some hits.  Lost some battles, jobs, lovers, friends, family.  Then you wake up and realize, “Hey, I’m still here–still standing!”  And you become stronger knowing that you will not only survive, but thrive from the lessons learned in the trenches of becoming who you are. 

When you are grounded in who you are, it’s easier to let things go, as well as stand up for what you believe.  There’s a nuanced balance in doing that.  Every fight isn’t worth the battle.  Yet, letting things slide to “keep the peace” isn’t necessarily the best path either.  How do you know which fork in the road toward becoming yourself to take?  Experience. 

Experience is one of the best teachers of discernment.   And discernment is the art of knowing when to stop, go, release, run, walk, talk, be silent, listen, laugh or cry through any given situation for the best possible outcome.   Experience teaches discernment, and with strong discernment muscles, wisdom can grow and thankfully, be shared.  

I am absolutely loving growing older and experiencing the benefits of wisdom.  It feels so good to have an increasingly accurate inner compass to direct my thoughts, actions, behaviors and decisions based on lessons learned over the years. 

Becoming Yourself is a true blessing.   It’s a never ending process too, Thank God.  One of my favorite sayings is “As long as I can look up, I can get up.”  I can get my mind up and body moving.  Even when my body won’t cooperate, I hope my mind will still be able to, allowing me to keep on keeping on–growing and Becoming Myself!

How about you?  Are you Becoming Yourself this year? 

That’s a good resolution to have.

See you next week.

Hugs, Amy

Being Healthy is My Legacy

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

Happy New Year!

Thank you to everyone for your very kind calls, texts, cards and prayers on the passing of my beloved Mom last month.  As I continue to miss my Mom dearly, one lesson she taught me was to stay active.  Mom used to walk three miles every day with one of her girlfriends in her 50’s.  I remember her telling me of how great that made her feel.  She loved to dance, and was incredibly flexible even in her 90’s.

So, like many of you, I’ve re-committed to my health for the New Year and beyond with some motivation from my Mom.  Here’s a photo of me headed out to the gym…and here’s my Mom doing Yoga at about 90 and when she was visiting me in Chicago at 88 years old, getting ready to hit the pool!  A former acrobatic performer in her teens, Mom loved to swim also.

mom and me working out

As 2019 begins, my thoughts remain grounded in the legacy my Mom left me and so many others.  A key one, is that health means everything.   I saw this vibrant, brilliant, energetic, accomplished woman deal with thyroid issues, female issues, Stage 1 breast cancer, diabetes and most painfully, dementia.   She worked hard to maintain her health, but the stress of caregiving for my Dad full time for seven years finally began to take its toll on her health.  Once he passed, her health started to become impacted.  Caregivers pay a big price to care.

I am so glad that I am healthy, an able to exercise and eat foods that are good for me (with the occasional cheat day or treat)!  This is a blessing not to be taken for granted.  I want you all to make the commitment to move more, eat better and relieve your stress.  We can stay vibrant and sizzle for a long time if we do!

What does it take?  Not a lot, really.  The winter in Chicago so far has been pretty mild, so go out for a quick walk.  Hurry up, though, because we all know the snow and cold blast will come!  Stretch when you get up.  Drink lots of water.  Get a small set of hand weights and use them.  I gave Mom a set at 92, and she’d use them when guided.  Go dancing!  Get into the gym at your building if you have one, or invest in yourself by joining a gym to use their equipment and see others there with the same goals–it’s inspiring.

Eating better can be phased into your lifestyle.  It takes making the decision to do so.  More green veggies, less sweets, less red meat, smaller portions.   Yes, the holidays had lots of delectable temptations…but now it’s time to re-set your taste buds.

Here’s the challenge, though…not to let January be the only month you stick to your goals.  Stick to your Life instead!  I know what I’m sharing is not new.  But I can tell you, seeing my Mom flexible, wearing high heels and in relatively good physical health in her 90’s has inspired me!  She Sizzled All The Way!!

So Sizzlers, let’s GOOOO!  Looking good is nice, but FEELING good is the best!

Hugs,

Amy

 

 

 

 

Cherish the Time – For Real

by amy155, posted in Health/Wellness, Relationships

As Christmas approaches, I’m reflecting on the fabulous Thanksgiving holiday full of food, family, laughter and love that I had with my family. It was crystal clear to me that times like this are to be cherished.  Moments of happiness aren’t to be taken for granted, because in a heartbeat life can permanently change.  Accidents, sickness, fires, storms–all can change the trajectory of the best laid plans.  So, I’m truly focusing on the things that feel good, people who mean a lot and where I choose to spend my time.

How many times have we thought, “There’s always tomorrow?”  Well, sometimes there isn’t.

mom-in-red-and-girls-thanksgiving-20181

Mom and Us – Thanksgiving 2018

This is a shot of my Mom, Gwen Hilliard, two of my sisters Gloria and Wendy and my niece Amina as we headed out to dinner at a restaurant for the first time for Thanksgiving.  For 20 years, I was the CFO…the Chief Food Officer of our annual Thanksgiving reunion of over 30 people…Whew!  My daughter Angelica is now the CFO, after I “let go of the spoon”–LOL.  But this year, she had to work, and I wasn’t coming out of retirement to cook!  So at the urging of my cousin Adele, I suggested kindly but directly, that we had to try something new.  So off we went to Sullivan’s in Baltimore and had a great time.

We cherished every moment of Thanksgiving week.  Making ComfortCake with my grand-nieces; Angelica in fact cooking on Friday so the crowd would have leftovers, including her now famous Macaroni and Cheese–(she took my recipe and made it her own).  My now-towering nephews eating everything in sight, and my newest 4-month-old grand-nephew stealing all hearts.  My Mom would sit with us in the kitchen as we laughed over family stories, debated the latest political situations and I tried my best to learn the Flossing dance (I need a LOT more practice).  In sum, we had a blast and Mom didn’t want to miss the fun!

Then, a week after Thanksgiving, my 94-year-old Mom was rushed to the hospital.  She has advanced dementia.  We weren’t sure what was wrong, but she was slurring her speech and was in pain.  Was it a stroke?  We were all on high alert, as at her age and frailty, anything could happen.

And that’s what inspired this post.  As I paced the floor back in Chicago awaiting word of Mom’s status, the fact that we were all together for Thanksgiving took on intense meaning.  It could be my Mom’s last.  We had to Cherish The Time.

While I was in Baltimore, I spent time with Mom as her primary caregiver, as Jessie, our beloved caregiver for Mom spent time with her family for the holiday.  It was tough work; but I cherished the opportunity to do it.  There were times when Mom just loved being hugged, and I loved hugging her.  To think that a few days later that opportunity might be gone forever in an instant–it was truly sobering.

All I can share is that please, tell those you love that you love them.  Spend TIME with them.  It is the one thing that can never be replaced.  Time will march on no matter what.  Don’t let small things become big things that keep love away.  It just isn’t worth it.  Forgive and move on to Cherish The Time that you can share.

This year, I’ve lost three close mentees/friends/mentors.  Chef Judson Allen, 36.  Ken Smikle, 66, Barry Rand, 74.  All gone too soon.  The blessing that I am most grateful for though, is that I cherished the times with them.  Texts, smiles, dinners, emails, hugs.  They knew I loved them, and that they were important to my life.

And on December 10, 2018, I lost my beloved Mom. She passed painlessly in her sleep; she had told me several times recently that she wanted to go home and be with my Dad. As I go through moments of deep sadness mixed with moments of joyful remembrance, I am blessed with the knowledge that she truly earned her wings. Her positive spirit touched everyone she encountered. A trailblazing, globe-trotting pioneer, Gwen Hilliard was an educator, entrepreneur and community servant. She raised us to be women of God, women of family, and women who use our gifts. Mom had a long, vibrant, beautiful life, and I am so very grateful that she knew how much I loved her and that I will cherish her always.

Time is important.  Cherish It.

See you next week.

Hugs,

Amy

 

 

Cherish The Time

by amy155, posted in Health/Wellness, Relationships

There’s a universal law that never changes…time marches on.  

As I’ve just had a fabulous Thanksgiving holiday full of food, family, laughter and love, it was crystal clear to me that times like this are to be cherished.  Moments of happiness aren’t to be taken for granted, because in a heartbeat life can permanently change.  Accidents, sickness, fires, storms–all can change the trajectory of the best laid plans.  So, I’m truly focusing on the things that feel good, people who mean a lot and where I choose to spend my time.

How many times have we thought, “There’s always tomorrow?”  Well, sometimes there isn’t.  

  •                                    Mom and Us – Thanksgiving 2018

This is a shot of Mom, two of my sisters Gloria and Wendy and my niece Amina as we headed out to dinner at a restaurant for the first time for Thanksgiving.  For 20 years, I was the CFO…the Chief Food Officer of our annual Thanksgiving reunion of over 30 people…Whew!  My daughter Angelica is now the CFO, after I “let go of the spoon”–LOL.  But this year, she had to work, and I wasn’t coming out of retirement to cook!  So at the urging of my cousin Adele, I suggested kindly but directly, that we had to try something new.  So off we went to Sullivan’s in Baltimore and had a great time.  

We cherished every moment of Thanksgiving week.  Making ComfortCake with my grand-nieces; Angelica in fact cooking on Friday so the crowd would have leftovers, including her now famous Macaroni and Cheese–(she took my recipe and made it her own).  My now-towering nephews eating everything in sight, and my newest 4-month-old grand-nephew stealing all hearts.  My Mom would sit with us in the kitchen as we laughed over family stories, debated the latest political situations and I tried my best to learn the Flossing dance (I need a LOT more practice).  In sum, we had a blast and Mom didn’t want to miss the fun!

Then, a week after Thanksgiving, my 94-year-old Mom was rushed to the hospital.  She has advanced dementia.  We weren’t sure what was wrong, but she was slurring her speech and was in pain.  Was it a stroke?  We were all on high alert, as at her age and frailty, anything could happen.

And that’s what inspired this post.  As I paced the floor back in Chicago awaiting word of Mom’s status, the fact that we were all together for Thanksgiving took on intense meaning.  It could be my Mom’s last.  We had to Cherish The Time.

While I was in Baltimore, I spent time with Mom as her primary caregiver, as Jessie, our beloved caregiver for Mom spent time with her family for the holiday.  It was tough work; but I cherished the opportunity to do it.  There were times when Mom just loved being hugged, and I loved hugging her.  To think that a few days later that opportunity might be gone forever in an instant–it was truly sobering.

All I can share is that please, tell those you love that you love them.  Spend TIME with them.  It is the one thing that can never be replaced.  Time will march on no matter what.  Don’t let small things become big things that keep love away.  It just isn’t worth it.  Forgive and move on to Cherish The Time that you can share.  

This year, I’ve lost three close mentees/friends/mentors.  Chef Judson Allen, 36.  Ken Smikle, 66, Barry Rand, 74.  All gone too soon.  The blessing that I am most grateful for though, is that I cherished the times with them.  Texts, smiles, dinners, emails, hugs.  They knew I loved them, and that they were important to my life.  

I am so very grateful that my Mom is doing better.  That she is still here.  That she knows I love her and cherish her.  

It is so worth the time.  Cherish It.

See you next week.

Hugs, 

Amy

 

The Power of Gratefulness

by amy155, posted in Health/Wellness, Relationships

As we approach Thanksgiving and the holiday season, it’s a good time for reflection on Gratefulness.

affection appreciation decoration design
Photo by Carl Attard on Pexels.com

I’m so grateful and thankful for God’s grace.  Family and friends are gathering to share bonds of love.  So much is happening in the world today that could be otherwise for me, you and countless others.  The daily news lets us all know but for the grace of God go we.

Even so, we sometimes don’t focus on that, right?  Have you ever been in a bad mood?  Didn’t know how to shift out of it?  I have.  Gotta be honest…sometimes it feels good to stay mad, frustrated, to call your BFF and vent about it.  “I can’t BELIEVE she did that.  He makes me SOOO mad when he does this.  Traffic is a MESS!”  And on and on.  If you take a moment in those times and feel how your body is responding, it could alert you to take a different tack.  Your heart is racing, forehead is creased, breathing is rushed…Hmmm.  Definitely NOT Sizzling.  Or worse, could be lighting a fire when dousing it is a better solution.

Well, I’ve found that finding something to be grateful in any and all situations can be the solution.  We’ve all heard this before.  “Find the good.  There’s a lesson to be learned.  There’s a silver lining.”  In the middle of frustration, though, those positives may be hard to get to.

Here’s what I’m learning to more consistently do.  Keep it simple.  Be grateful.  Just. Be. Grateful.  Grateful to be able to breathe.  To walk, talk and chew gum at the same time.

Let me share how this came home for me.  I’ve shared this with some of you.  In 1988, my cousin Brett, who was like a sister to me, was killed in a car accident.  Her parents were devastated, and needed my help.  I jumped on a plane to LA.  My aunt, Brett’s Mom, took me directly to the wig shop to get a wig as Brett went through the windshield, and her beautiful long hair was lost.  The next stop was the funeral home, where I had to go downstairs with the mortician.  Never went downstairs before…and I proceeded to comb the wig on Brett while he put her face back together.  Whew.  That’s when I really knew what it meant to be dead.  I had an out of body experience and told Brett to get up ’cause we were outta there!  But she couldn’t.  I realized then that… As long as I could look up, I could get up.

I started saying that to my kids all the time.  My son Nick now has that tattooed on his arm.   And that is powerful.

I’m truly grateful for the ability to be able to just look up.  When you look up, things instantly can feel better.  Heart calms down.  Mind slows down.  A smile can be found.  Appreciation can increase.  And that’s the power of gratefulness.  Because when people, things or situations threaten your well-being, turning on the grateful switch changes your energy.  It can be felt immediately.  I find it can give a boost to my thinking, and propel me in a better direction.  Gratefulness is juice energy, and tapping into your juice is always amazing.  I’m learning that the energy we embrace not only affects me, but everyone around me.  It attracts good things and brings out good energy in others.

So, as we get ready to celebrate the holidays and beyond, I’ll be keeping that Grateful Switch ON!  

How about you?  What are your grateful for?  How has being grateful changed your life?

Have a Happy Turkey Day!

Hugs,

Amy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stretch Yourself – Good for Your Body and Mind

by amy155, posted in Beauty/Appearance/Style, Health/Wellness, Relationships, Wellness/Self Love

Amy and Lydia 2018

This summer I hurt my shoulder, and couldn’t lift heavy weights.  I had to adjust my fitness routine to a different pace.  One of my BFFs from grade school days, Lydia, came to visit, and she’s a yoga enthusiast at 65.  Looks great.  During her visit, she got on the floor and stretched for 15 minutes every day, then meditated.  I thought “Hmmm.  That’s doable and looks like it feels great!”

So I started that regimen, and let me tell you—it’s powerful and effective.

Stretching Did You Know

As we age, our muscles and joints do also.  They are stiffer than they used to be.  But, with stretching, they can stay lubricated and working well for us.

There’s a new app coming soon called http://www.westretch.ca.  While we wait on this app with daily stretch routines, here’s an article highlighting  “9 Stretching Benefits Women Over 40 Should Know”  https://westretch.ca/9-stretching-benefits-women-over-40-should-know/

They include:  1) reducing stress, 2) opening up the body’s muscles and increasing blood flow, 3) stretched muscles become your new normal, 4) a stretching routine can elevate your exercise performance, 5) it reduces overuse injuries, 6) benefits nearly all parts of your body, 7) fights age-related stiffness, 8)improves your flexibility and 9) when consistent, stretching improves the total way you move.  

I’ve felt ALL of these benefits since stretching daily.  It’s amazing–takes only 10-15 minutes, can be done anywhere and truly is a great way to start the day.

And then, adding 10-15 minutes on meditation–WOW.  By calming my mind, I stretch my mind and my possibilities.  I know, I know.  Many of you say you can’t meditate.  I was there too.  It didn’t work when I had to chant or hum.  That may work for some.  For me, when I read that all you have to do is sit quietly for a set amount of time (I use the timer on my iPhone) and let your thoughts roll by…well, that I could do.

Meditation stretches your mind by clearing out stuff.  It’s like when you have too many windows open on your computer, it slows down.  It’s like trying to see clearly on a foggy day.  You have more clarity when the fog lifts.  When I’ve cleared my mind for the day, all sorts of new ideas have room to pop in, and they do!  It also sets a positive tone for the day, as I’m not focused on negativity.

Stretching your body and your mind is a wonderful way to lubricate your well-being on a daily basis.   Far too often, the alarm goes off, and we hop on our phones, checking email,  responding to it, turning on the news and letting all kinds of stories fill your mind, and…we are off to the races!

By taking a few minutes to tune in to your body, then clearing your mind, you can take your energy and productivity to a whole different level.  Trust me, it feels SIZZLING afterward!

It’s so simple.  Sometimes, the most simple things can be the most powerful.

Hugs, Amy

Amy BW Outfit 9-18