The Busyness Syndrome:

Smart phones, laptops, ipods, x-box. Fax machines, federal express, email, texts. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat.

We live in an instant society that brings with it the expectation that we make ourselves available 24 hours a day. To our bosses, … Read the rest →]]>

The Busyness Syndrome:

Smart phones, laptops, ipods, x-box. Fax machines, federal express, email, texts. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat.

We live in an instant society that brings with it the expectation that we make ourselves available 24 hours a day. To our bosses, our spouses, our children, our friends.

Work, commute, board meetings, PTA. Soccer, baseball, cheerleading, tennis. Cook, clean, bills, laundry. As women, we are expected to do it all.

Exhaustion, insomnia, irritability, fatigue. In a word, we are overwhelmed.

The activity never stops. And neither does the noise. Sometimes, even in a quiet room, the noise level can be deafening, just from the thoughts inside your head!

If this sounds like your life, you’re not alone. When the stress in my life began affecting my health, I knew it was time to find some breathing space in the midst of my own crazy life.

Here are 5 ways to add quiet and calm into your hectic life:

(1) Make your work space a spiritual retreat – I’m lucky enough to have my own private office at work, but even if you work in a wide-open space, this will work for you, too. This tabletop fountain provides a peaceful, soothing sound.

In addition, I have managed to keep a bonsai plant alive for nearly eight years (sparse as it is), which is a whimsical reminder of where I’d always rather be…sitting under a tree reading (or writing) a book!

I have artwork that inspires me.

I’ve even hung white sage over my door to ward off negative energy. Now, you might not want to go this far (though, to my credit, I did not burn it, which is what you’re supposed to do), but you get the idea. Your workplace does not need to be devoid of warmth and personality.

To set the mood (not that kind of mood) in my office, I also turn off half of the horrible fluorescent lights in my office.

And there you have it. My private oasis. Without fail, at least once a week, someone will sit down in my office and look around before commenting on how peaceful it feels in there.

(2) Just Breathe – In my last post I talked about yoga breathing, also called Ujjayi breath (pronounced oooh-jie-ee). You don’t have to be a yogi in order to learn this technique. Just click here to see a quick video demonstration.

As you breathe in (slowly, through the nose), focus on your breath. As you breathe out (even more slowly, still through the nose), feel the aliveness (sort of a tingling sensation) in your hands and feet.

Repeat three times. You can do this with your eyes open or closed. You can do it in private or in the middle of a meeting. Just do it. Several times a day. It will help lower your stress threshold.

I set an Outlook reminder for every 30 minutes to take three cleansing breaths. Don’t have Outlook? I’ll bet you have a smart phone!

(3) Take a walk – I’m fortunate enough to work in a stunningly beautiful part of Northern California. When it’s not too hot outside, I take a walk to the golf course and back (which is about 1.5 miles round trip). It’s very serene and quiet and gives me a chance to get some fresh air and clear my head.

You don’t need beautiful surroundings. A parking lot will do. When you’re feeling stressed, and even when you’re not, take 5 minutes each day to get outside and take a walk. Rather than thinking about the project you’re working on, or anything work related, notice the environment around you. Let go of all thoughts and just breathe. And don’t forget to leave your cell phone behind!

(4) Make the most of your free time – Before you double over laughing (or crying) at the concept of free time, let me point out that you actually have more free time than you think!

How many stop lights do you stop at in a single day? How many times do you go to the restroom? These times provide the perfect opportunity to take a breather. Eyes open or closed, take several  deep breaths. I like to think of these as mini meditations.

If you take advantage of these free moments a dozen times a day, imagine how much more relaxed (less stressed) you’ll be when you walk in the door after a long day at the office!

(5) Affirmations – Next to my computer monitor I have a note reminding me to Breathe. In my car, tucked under the visor, I have one reminding me to Surrender (my reminder to let it go when some idiot cuts me off on the freeway). It used to read Slow Down and Breathe, reminding me to stop rushing (because being in a rush always causes me anxiety), but I’ve gotten much better with that so I’ve moved on to a new one.

They’re really more reminders than affirmations, but I do change them out periodically (usually when they no longer to motivate me to perform said function) so they can be whatever is meaningful (at the moment) to you.

What about you? What quick tips do you have for finding a little quiet in your day? I’d love to know!!

Up Next — Color Your World: 5 Ways to Add Color to Your Life

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Who inspires you? Do you know anyone who has overcome incredible odds and achieved something miraculous?

Last week at the gym, as I was getting dressed, one of my gym buddies asked me how I was doing (post-mastectomy) and then proceeded to tell me how brave she thought I was. I shrugged off the compliment … Read the rest →]]>

Last week at the gym, as I was getting dressed, one of my gym buddies asked me how I was doing (post-mastectomy) and then proceeded to tell me how brave she thought I was. I shrugged off the compliment and replied, “What choice do I have? You’re either a survivor or a victim to the things that happen in your life, and I will never be a victim to my circumstances.”

That conversation got me thinking about the theme of my blog this month–inspirational stories that stem from a diagnosis of cancer–and I immediately remembered just such a story I read well before the inception of my blog. I was so inspired by the author’s journey and how she used her diagnosis as a means of positive change in her life, that I copied the story and saved it for future reference.

The authors name is Jan Jacobsen and, with her permission, I am sharing her story with you. I hope you are as inspired as I was (and continue to be) by this remarkable woman.

* * * * *

Hang In There – Amazing Surprises, Twists and Coincidences Ahead!

by Janet Jacobsen

“Around the bend, in the unseen, arising from the very uncertainties that may now seem to taunt you, there are some amazing surprises, awesome twists, and spellbinding coincidences about to emerge that you can’t even now imagine.” (Mike Dooley)

Coincidentally, I received this quote last week. It was perfect timing because exactly one year ago I began my 6-week radiation and chemo treatment for recurrent uterine cancer and was deeply immersed in the misery of nausea, weakness, and the dismal awareness that the odds of the grueling treatment working were slim to none. It was difficult to imagine back then that a year later I’d still be here…thriving!

With time possibly limited, I was motivated this year to immerse myself in the present moment, savoring it like delicious candy, and to my great delight, time has stretched like taffy into a sweet eternal Nooooow! The quality of time has literally changed for me. I don’t just know, I feel that right now is all there is. Whenever my mind races into a feared future, I say “Whoa Nelly!”, and take deep slow breaths, bringing my mind back to the bounty of this nourishing present moment. This is a great treasure I have found! “It is eternity now; I am in the midst of it. It is about me in the sunshine; I am in it, as the butterfly in the light-laden air. Nothing has to come; it is now. Now is eternity; now is immortal life.” (Richard Jefferies)

Another great treasure that this year has brought me is a new commitment to focus on the healing, wholing, holy energy of love. For the rest of my life, however long that is, love is what I want to create and where I want to dwell. People say you can’t take it with you, but I believe that when it’s time to go, we do take with us how much we have loved in this life. I am stocking up on love!

I have also lasered into living my life on purpose, getting on with what I came here to do — writing from my heart and soul and sharing it with others. I always said I would write someday – cancer has kicked my someday into ‘write’ now! It is a treasure beyond measure to think that I can be of help in this way.

This year I have learned to not sweat the small stuff but instead to celebrate the big stuff, like the present moment, love, and living a purposeful life. What a bountiful banquet I have found myself at! I couldn’t know a year ago when things seemed so dire, that a more vibrant, meaningful, luscious life was about to unfold. “Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.”

Last week I saw the documentary, I Am, created by Tom Shadyac, a highly successful director of comedy hits like Bruce Almighty, Liar Liar, and The Nutty Professor. In 2007 he was in a bike accident, which damaged his arm and his head, leaving him with Post Concussion Syndrome. He suffered intense pain, mood swings, and ringing in his head for many months. He didn’t think he was going to make it, and he began to welcome death.

Faced with death, he asked himself, “If this is it for me – if I really am going to die – what do I want to say before I go? What will be my last testament?” Miraculously, with this new sense of purpose, his symptoms began to subside, allowing him to focus on and create the heart-opening, soul-stirring, mind-expanding film, I Am. In it he explores what’s wrong with the world and how we can help make it right. What he ultimately discovered is that there is more right about the world than wrong.

Can you remember times when things looked bleak, but turned out even better than you could imagine? When we hang in there, twists and turns and coincidences present themselves, and our life miraculously goes from sucky to succulent, from yucky to YUM! No matter how things may seem, be open for surprises and miracles!

* * * * *

In a recent email from Jan she reports that, now three years since her diagnosis of uterine cancer, there have been no recurrences and she is still savoring every moment of her life. Thank you, Jan, for being such an inspiration, not only to myself but to everyone you’ve touched with your amazing courage, strength and positive attitude.

To read more of Janet Jacobsen’s inspirational essays, click on Jan’s website here.

In April of this year, 96 year-old Fred Stobaugh of Peoria, Illinois, lost his … Read the rest →]]> If you haven’t heard this story yet, you’re in for a treat. Grab a box of tissue and read on. If you have, it’s worth hearing again.

In April of this year, 96 year-old Fred Stobaugh of Peoria, Illinois, lost his beloved wife of 73 years. As a tribute to her, he wrote her a love song that he called, Oh, Sweet Lorraine.

Over the summer, Fred entered the song in a contest hosted by a local recording studio. Entries were to be submitted via YouTube, but Fred submitted his entry directly to the studio with a note on the outside of the envelope that said, “P.S. I don’t sing, I would scare people. Ha ha.”

Inside the envelope was a handwritten copy of the song he wrote for his wife. He didn’t win the contest but the owners of Green Shoe Studio were so touched by Fred’s story that not only did they have his song professionally recorded, they turned it into a min-documentary and posted it on YouTube.  Have a look:

What did you think? Did Fred’s story inspire you? How does the love in your life inspire and motivate you?

Enter to Win:
I love hearing from you. And to prove it, for every comment you leave, you’ll be entered into a drawing. At the end of the month, I will draw a lucky winner who will receive a $10 gift card (your choice, Amazon, Starbucks or iTunes). Winners will be announced in the first post of the following month.

Congratulations to the July and August winners, Nancy Johnson and Linda Harrel!! Woo hoo!

How many times have you had an unpleasant encounter with someone and thought, “What’s the heck is their problem?” Or, “What got into them today?” Maybe you even know someone who, from the day you met them, they’ve … Read the rest →]]>

How many times have you had an unpleasant encounter with someone and thought, “What’s the heck is their problem?” Or, “What got into them today?” Maybe you even know someone who, from the day you met them, they’ve been unpleasant.

But have you ever stopped to wonder if what might be going on in their lives to make them act this way?

Sure, some people are just unhappy (translation: unpleasant), regardless of their present circumstances, but sometimes there are things going on in the background of someone’s life that would, if you knew, change the way you responded to them.

Since I watched the following video I’ve found myself cutting people slack when they’re rude or unresponsive or generally unpleasant. My hope is that you will, too:

If We Could See Inside Other People’s Hearts

What did you think of this video? Did it make you stop and think? Do you think it will make you feel more compassionate toward the next person who is rude to you?

I love hearing from you. And to prove it, for every comment you leave, you’ll be entered into a drawing. At the end of the month, I will draw a lucky winner who will receive a $10 gift card (your choice, Amazon, Starbucks or iTunes). Winners will be announced in the first post of the following month.

Two weeks ago, #MyWANA friend Margaret Miller gave me the Sunshine Award, which she told me was sponsored by Kratom. Later she explained to me what kratom was and I had to look for more information at their website https://Kratommasters.com/. … Read the rest →]]>

Two weeks ago, #MyWANA friend Margaret Miller gave me the Sunshine Award, which she told me was sponsored by Kratom. Later she explained to me what kratom was and I had to look for more information at their website https://Kratommasters.com/. I learn that kratom helps with a lot of things like anxiety or the loss of appetite. She couldn’t have known when she did just how much I needed it (see recent post Russian Roulette or Mastectomy?), and I am delighted to accept it.

The rules of the Sunshine Award are:

• Include the award’s logo (and rules) in a post on your blog
• Link to the person who nominated you
• Answer the 10 questions below
• Pass the award on to a bunch of “Sunshine Inspiring” bloggers. The rules say 10 people, but choose however many you’d like.

Here are the questions that Kratom send to all participants:

Favorite Color: Pink. Hot Pink. I know, kind of obvious, and I’m not especially a girly girl, but I just love the color in all of its many shades.

Favorite Animal: All of them! I refuse to pick. But here’s a picture of my two puppies.

Favorite Number: Seven. I am my mom’s seventh daughter and I have seven sisters.

Favorite Non Alcoholic Drink:  Starbucks 180 degree skinny mocha., and Kratom obviously.

Favorite Alcoholic Drink: Champagne. Good champagne.

Facebook or Twitter:  Sorry, Marcy Kennedy, but Facebook has a slight edge.

Passions:  My family (including all 4 of my furry children) and writing. Everything else is just a hobby.

Prefer Getting or Giving Gifts:  Giving. Definitely giving.

Favorite City:  It’s a toss-up between New York and Paris, but since I lived a past life in New York I’ll have to give it to the City That Never Sleeps (that is New York, right?).

Favorite TV Show: Long Island Medium, but Drop Dead Diva is right up there (is it ever coming back on again?).

Thank you once again for the Sunshine Award, Margaret. It was a much needed ray of sunshine in my life! Please visit Margaret’s blog, Marmalade and Roses. And the kratom website and buy from them !

And now, here are nominations for the Sunshine Award. These bloggers all use #mywana on Twitter. They may or may not continue the award but have a look at their blogs. And enjoy.

Susie Lindau Her blog, Susie’s Wild Ride, is filled with stories of Wild Rides, Adrenaline Rushes and her latest, The Boob Report where she discusses her recent bilateral mastectomy with lots of humor.

Jansen Schmidt Blogging from the Edge of Eternity (where imagination abounds, nothing is impossible), Jansen talks about an array of tops. Her latest blog is What Haven’t I – Redneck Edition. If you’re looking for a good chuckle, check it out.

Christine Ashworth Christine’s blog, Feet in the Sand, Head in the Clouds is about her personal adventures, red wine and the great outdoors.

Karen McFarland writes about Life As it Happens, and has been so supportive of my life as it’s been happening lately.

Lynn Kelley writes about Random Acts of Weirdness and you just gotta love that.

Rhenna Morgan Rhenna is a paranormal and contemporary romance writer. She’s cute and sassy and she tells it like it is.

Clare Davidson is a Fantasy writer and her website is simply amazing.

And since my lucky number is 7, I’m going to stop there.

Are you following a blog that you’d like to recommend? If so, I want to know.

I love hearing from you. And to prove it, for every comment you leave, you’ll be entered into a drawing. At the end of the month, I will draw a lucky winner who will receive a $10 gift card (your choice, Amazon, Starbucks or iTunes). Winners will be announced in the first post of the following month.