tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63278753477501398072024-03-05T05:46:13.616-08:00LauretteOptional Blog DescriptionJennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347648952007264857noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6327875347750139807.post-26580868582806368792015-10-10T05:22:00.001-07:002017-07-10T08:18:07.412-07:00Just Start<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This week, from emails, to Facebook, to bumper stickers... everywhere I look I keep getting the same message to "Just Start". Maybe it's because of my ongoing To-Do list, or my goal sheet hanging above my desk, or all the ideas swirling around in my head... but this message, "Just Start" keeps nudging me.<br />
<a name='more'></a>Maybe you can relate: When you have multiple things you want to accomplish, it's hard to know where to begin. Sometimes it can be so overwhelming that you just don't do any of the things on your To-Do list. It can cause anxiety and procrastination and a total shut down.<br />
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It seems to be easier to just get though the day to day items, like brushing your teeth, getting the kids to school, and making dinner. Never mind the extra errands, the additional piles, and your dreams and goals. It is too daunting to just get through the day. Have you ever felt this way? You have goals and dreams that are always pushed to the back of other daily duties because you don't know where to begin.<br />
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After seeing this message of "Just Start" so much this week, I realized that I already knew what I have been putting off starting, but I had to dig to find out why. I have a lot of balls in the air... so many ideas... from speaking, to creating workshops, to writing eBooks, to guest blogging. So, these are the dreams I have been putting off... now why haven't I put these goals into place? I know why...<br />
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The answer is fear!<br />
The dreaded fear:<br />
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Fear of failing.<br />
Fear of doing it wrong.<br />
Fear of people not liking my work.<br />
Fear of the unknown.<br />
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Fear of being too good.<br />
Fear of being too successful.<br />
Fear of being great.<br />
Fear of being the best.<br />
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Below is one of my all-time favorite quotes from one of my favorite authors, Marianne Williamson.<br />
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Read it a few times and let it sink in... it really makes a lot of sense!<br />
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Isn't fear a silly notion? Yes, some fear is very real. If you have been attacked by a pit bull before, then having a fear of those dogs is very natural and real. But let's face it, most of us fear things that are never going to happen. Why would we be afraid of trying something we have a passion for? Why would we be afraid to try something new? I keep asking myself these questions and the answer of fear isn't a healthy one. Fear and worry are a lot alike, and I heard this quote once that makes me think,<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Worrying (or fearing) is praying for something you don't want. </blockquote>
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So, when we are projecting fear and letting fear stifle our actions that would allow us to reach our goals, fear has won. We are essentially letting something that isn't even real have power over us. Now, that seems silly!<br />
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So, what I am going to do is this: I am going to start with my list of goals I want to accomplish and "Just Start" with one of them. I will do the best job I can, and if I make mistakes along the way, I will learn from them and move forward. I will then move on to my next goal, and keep crossing off and adding to my list. What are you going to do?<br />
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Think about this: What if Thomas Edison or Lucille Ball or Steve Jobs didn't pursue their passion because of fear? Look at all the joy and wonder they have spread because they went for it! Is there something you have been putting off because of fear? Are you afraid that you are just too awesome?<br />
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Take Action: This week and moving forward, let's get our goal lists out and dust them off. Let's nudge fear out of our way and start putting our passion first. Let's not be afraid of how outstanding and talented we are! Let's dive in with both feet and go for it! If we fail, we'll get right back up and try again... If we don't fail, how powerful is that!?!?!Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347648952007264857noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6327875347750139807.post-65664473973961807272015-10-10T05:19:00.002-07:002017-07-10T08:56:53.982-07:00Enthusiasm Is Contagious!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Enthusiasm is such an interesting word and notion. You can have enthusiasm for anything, including things that are positive and things that are negative. I have known people who are enthusiastically negative! <br />
<a name='more'></a>They get all fired up and stand tall on their soap box about all the things going wrong in their lives. They like to blame and be the victim. They seem to thrive on telling others all their bad news. Misery does love company, doesn't it? Do you know someone like this? It's easy to get sucked in, isn't it? I think we all have encountered people who live their lives like this... in a constant state of complaining.<br />
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Just think: what if those people could turn their awesome level of enthusiasm into positive energy. What if they could shout to the highest mountain about all the wonderful blessings in their lives? What if they were able to celebrate their victories and not keep giving power to their misfortunes? Do you think that slowly their enthusiasm would attract people into their lives instead of repel them? I think this is a very attainable goal.<br />
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I know we all get into a negative slump every now and then... but are you one that thrives there? Are you someone who would rather complain and blame than take ownership and prove victory? If you have a tendency to be a "Negative Nelly" or a "Negative Nate", then there is a challenge for you to become enthusiastically positive!<br />
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The word "enthusiasm" derives from two Greek words, en and theos,<br />
which mean "in God" or "God within."<br />
Enthusiasm... Entheo... God within.<br />
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Many people don't realize or remember that we are all part of God, which is Pure Love. Our natural state is joy, love, and enthusiasm. Have you ever seen a baby who did not possess these qualities? It is only when we begin to grow and talk and interact with the world that we lose this "magic". We lose sight of our natural way of being. We lose our zest for life, we lose our joy, we forget we are Love... we soon drudge through our day-to-day routine with a lack-luster demeanor! It doesn't have to be this way... let's get positively enthusiastic!<br />
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Enthusiastic people are contagious! So, if you hang around negatively enthusiastic people, you may catch what they have! Wouldn't you rather catch some Positive enthusiasm? I know I would! So... we must first become enthusiastic about the positive things in our lives, and release the urge to broadcast the negative happenings in our lives. The more we focus on the good, the bigger the good will grow. Then we will attract other positively enthusiastic people into our lives, and the cycle continues.<br />
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People who are living passionately are healthy and attractive. These people are more productive, set and reach their goals, and laugh more. These people have more friends, are more outgoing, and make healthier choices when eating. That sounds good to me... doesn't it sound good to you? It sounds much better than being down trodden and complaining all the time.<br />
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There is a difference between being enthusiastic for you and being enthusiastic for others. It is healthy to show passionate excitement towards yourself and others, but it is not healthy to only show it towards yourself. We've touched on this topic before... being passionate, enthusiastic, and happy for someone else is very empowering to that person and to you! If you are a naturally positively enthusiastic person, then make sure you share that great trait and show your passion towards other people's successes!<br />
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You can be enthusiastic in all areas of your life. Anyone who knows me knows that I am really passionate about my food. You can say that I am a "Foodie", in that I love food! I really love to cook, smell, look at, and eat food. I love pretty much all kinds of food. Is there something that stands out to you that you are passionate about? Hopefully it is a good thing that empowers you and not a negative thing that drains you and the people who are around you! Enthusiasm drives you... but in which direction are you driving?<br />
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Take Action: This week and beyond, let's be aware of what makes us feel enthusiastic. If it is gossiping, putting down others, complaining, or any other negative act... let's rein in that urge and start becoming enthusiastic about all the positives in our lives! If you are already really great at being positively enthusiastic, take inventory, and make sure you are being just as enthusiastic for others as you are for yourself. Let's try to get back to our natural state of being: joyful, loving, and positively enthusiastic!Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347648952007264857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6327875347750139807.post-69778264130375870512015-10-10T05:18:00.000-07:002017-07-10T08:20:22.251-07:00Tips To Improve Your Jogging Performance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you have decided to take up running or jogging as a means of getting your body into better shape, it is helpful to spend a bit of time looking at what you can do to ensure your performance is up to par. <br />
<a name='more'></a>Sometimes a few small adjustments to how you run or jog can make a big difference in...<br />
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<li>how comfortable you feel while running or jogging,</li>
<li>your risk factor for injury,</li>
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as well as whether or not you perform as best as you can.<br />
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Let us take a quick look at three actions you can put into practice immediately to improve your jogging performance...<br />
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<b>1. Keep Your Breathing Pattern Regular.</b> How efficiently you breathe is a very critical part of any cardiovascular activity, but many people overlook this. They either hold their breath at times or are taking very shallow breaths that do not move sufficient oxygen into their lungs and through their body as they need it.<br />
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Start focusing on long, deep breaths in and out. At first, it may seem a bit labor intensive to utilize this breathing pattern, however, if you keep at it, you will soon find it helps you perform much better.<br />
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And, once you have been using long and deep breathing for some time, it will become second nature.<br />
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<b>2. Focus On Loosening Up Your Hip Flexors.</b> It is also smart to begin focusing on loosening up your hip flexors as well. If your hip flexors are tight, it is going to create a shorter stride as you jog or run. Tight hip flexors will not only make the entire run feel less comfortable but also cause you to move much more slowly than you otherwise would.<br />
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Think of it this way. If you have to take twenty strides instead of taking twelve strides, which number of strides will take more energy on your part? Hopefully, this helps put things in perspective.<br />
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<b>3. Open Your Chest Up.</b> Finally, as you go about your run, make sure you are keeping your chest open at all times. Keeping your chest open will help with regulating your breathing and also prevent a forward lean, which at a later date can cause back pain, not to mention making your running less efficient.<br />
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So there you have three actions you can take to improve your jogging or running form immediately, get more benefits from your sessions and help prevent injuring yourself.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347648952007264857noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6327875347750139807.post-27498679069188674232015-10-10T05:15:00.001-07:002018-06-17T10:35:24.323-07:00Six Health Benefits of a Pedicure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Everyone knows that a pedicure can leave your feet looking sleek and beautiful, but there are a lot of extra benefits that remain unknown to the average consumer. Your feet take a regular beating, stuffed into shoes and walking all over the place. They rarely get the attention they deserve. Here are six underrated reasons to treat your feet to a relaxing pedicure.<br />
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<b>1)</b> The close attention to your feet by a professional can result in early detection of common issues like corns, bunions, and fungal infections. Often, these problems are ignored until they get too painful to stand, but addressing them early can save your feet a lot of hassle and prevent the need for serious medical intervention.<br />
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<b>2)</b> In a similar vein, pedicures act as a preventative health measure for your nails and skin. Clipped, clean toenails won't collect harmful dirt and fungus. Exfoliation of dead skin clears the way for new, healthy skin to grow. At the very least, your feet will smell much better!<br />
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<b>3)</b> A good pedicurist soaks your feet in lotions and moisturizers. The skin around a foot is tough and can become cracked if it gets too dry. This is especially important during winter when you can go weeks without ever glancing at your feet. Keeping your feet properly lotioned year-round will leave your skin feeling fresh and vibrant.<br />
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<b>4)</b> Relieving stress coiled in your feet and ankles will make it easier on your whole lower body. Do research beforehand and find a salon that features licensed masseuses. A strong, thorough massage promotes blood circulation throughout the legs and prevents soreness and general body pain.<br />
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<b>5)</b> A reputable salon offers services you won't be able to do at home. Volcanic or pumice stones slough off dead skin, and the rubbing sensation will feel invigorating. Various lotions, warm nectars, and antioxidant oils can be chosen to match your favorite smell or foot profile. Lastly, there will be countless colors to choose from for your polish. With a basecoat to protect the nail plate and a topcoat that lets the color stay vibrant for longer, the fresh toenail painting can provide lasting style.<br />
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<b>6)</b> The soothing environment and therapeutic procedures of a pedicure provide great stress relief. Most people suffer from stressors of various types, which can have a domino effect on other health concerns. Salons smell pleasant, have comfortable seating, and provide services that can reduce physical and emotional stressors in your life.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04347648952007264857noreply@blogger.com0