Skin Disorders

Resolve and Prevent Recurrant Eczema & Other Skin Disorders

Skin disorders like eczema, psoriasis, dandruff and chronic dryness are all heavily effected by the moisture content of the skin.

Showering and bathing in chlorinated tap water robs skin and hair of their natural protective oils, causing scaling, itching and bacteria imbalances. Chlorine is a strong oxidant and causes damage to skin and hair even at very low levels. Most tap water maintains a residual chlorine level greater than is recommended for swimming pools, 1.5 ppm.

Chlorine also kills much of the beneficial bacteria on the surface of the skin that offers a natural defense against skin disorders.

By removing chlorine from our shower water, where most of the exposure to chlorine occurs, and keeping our bodies hydrated properly, we allow our body's natural healing mechanisms to work properly. In many cases shower filtration can help prevent and cure skin disorders. As with most health problems, prevention is usually more effective than treatment.

If you have dry, cracked or broken skin, use a non- greasy moisturizer. Follow this link to see the one that I use every day. It says nite creme but I use it any time and all the time.

 http://sandrabullard.shopvitamark.com/?event=DISPLAY&sku=505

The Chains are Broken

Not are you a weak link...but where is your weakest link? Parts of our personality make up the whole of who we are. I have spoken to thousands of people all over the United States over the years and find that we are all so busy doing, that we don't take time to just think anymore. Maybe a better word is ponder.When was the last time you shut off or out, all of the distractions in your life??  What did you hear? What did you think about? How did you feel? 

I am on a quest. I will prove to myself that my weakest links...(yes I have quite a few of them), can be found and fixed. First, I needed to take the time to find my weakest links in my personality.  By 55 I guess I honestly expected to be the person I wanted to be, but I find I am still evolving.  On review of myself recently I discovered that I talk too much, don't listen with intention of remembering details all of the time, defend poor decisions to myself, don't laugh nearly enough, have the ability to do so much more, allow myself to be complacent too easy, get assertive intermingled with aggressive at times and the list goes on. It helps to be a critical thinker. I learned this art of thinking by being a part of "Mentoring for Free".  So my quest is to cut out all the distractions, stop the negative chatter and get to work. That may seem oversimplified but bottom line...if it's to be, it's up to me.

Discipline, that's a nasty word isn't it? Self disipline, sounds like we are trying to really hurt ourselves now doesn't it? But that is what it takes. It takes, what only 3% of the people on the planet can or will do. It sounds a little like paddling up stream doesn't it? But, actually, it is just the opposite. It's going with the flow.

Picture where you want to go in life. See it, feel it, taste it. Get it into focus and get the sharpest picture of it burned into your mind. Get all the details down. Now picture that you buy a boat to get to that destination down stream. So you get into the boat with all of the supplies you will need for the trip, you push away from the shore to head down stream and away you go. Don't look back!! You know why? You need to steer the boat where you want to go!

Now picture each distraction, each thing in your life that has you pulling your boat over and getting out and spending time there. Here are some recommendations...you see your family, you pull the boat over, bring them in the boat with you, so you can spend time with them and still get where you are going. You see a facebook icon, do you need to pull over? A twitter email, do you need to respond? A Linkedin request, will they help you today? Rotary, BNI, Meetup, ....I am saying that all of these distractions make you feel like you are getting somewhere or doing something to get your dream but aren't they actually keeping you from your destination? We have 24 hours each day. What you want is down stream. Get all of those people in the boat that are helping you get what you want and keep your eye on where you are going.

So here is my quest. I am taking a 2 month distraction free boat trip starting tomorrow 8/29/2011. I will step out of the boat only when absolutely necessary until 10/31/2011, then I will get out, look around and determine how far I have come and will update you. I will miss being able to write to you, keep me in your prayers.

~Sandra*

It's Contagious!

You may think that only illness is something you can catch from someone else. Today I reflected on my attitude and how that affects others and myself.

Simply stated, how you think and feel about your life, your current situation will rub off on everyone you see or talk to today. Make it worth catching!! Smile...share a laugh...see the good in everything.

Every day we have choices to make regarding those around us. We may be locked in the same environment as they are (either at work or home) but we don't have to catch their bad attitudes.

Find an anchor, either a web based site with positive quotes, youtube with positive speakers, books you can read a break time, CD's you can listen to anytime in your auto, but get something positive and uplifting. People don't realize how easy it is to be negative in just a few minutes around a negative nelly.

Here is what I do know. Your healthy thoughts will keep you on the side of wellness. Mentally and physically don't catch the bad behaviors, the bad attitudes or provide feedback when people around you are sending out low energy to others. Get away if you can. Just get up and walk away. It's your right!

Be a positve, high energy being...after all, it brings you the good things in life:)

~Sandra*

Belief Becomes Reality

Today was a day for questioning beliefs. A belief is a feeling of certainty about something. Our beliefs are the biggest driving force in our life. Where do these come from? Well, our environment (TV, newspaper) personal experience and influential people in our lives. We have beliefs about our current situation, our abilities, limitations, imperfections, past mistakes, future hopes and on and on.

Our beliefs impact our self esteem and self confidence. So if our self esteem or self confidence is not good, how do we change it? We have to challenge our beliefs. We must become an optomist, we should raise our standards and do some positive self talk .

They say we will be like those we keep company with. Well, that makes sense, we are most comfortable around people like we are. But when being around people that make us have poor self esteem or poor to no self confidence...time to change it up.

Why don't more people make changes that could make themselves feel better? Complacency.  It reminds me of the story about the dog that was laying on the nail poking up on the floor. Why didn't he get up? It didn't hurt bad enough yet. But when it hurts bad enough, change is inevitable.

Here is my challenge to you...question your beliefs, change your thoughts, take action now and you will be successful at whatever you choose.

Blessings,
~Sandra*




  

From Passion to Legacy

Have you ever pondered what it is you really have a passion for? You know, what sets you so on fire that you can't wait to do it??

I don't really take time for that type of reflection very often. I sometimes feel like a ship captain never looking at the map, expecting to arrive at a destination.

Being healthy and happy is finding our true passion and letting it become our legacy. You may think that legacies are only left by the rich and famous. We leave our friends and family with a life long impression. Even after we are gone they will talk about us just like we talk about those people that have helped shape our lives. It's like leaving footprints in the sand for others to follow.

Every single day we are enundated with what others want us to think. I want to break free of those bonds. Leave those chains behind and unlock the door to discover who I am today. Learn what your passion is. Ask yourself "How do I find the one thing I was meant to do?"

Here are a few questions to get us started:

• As a child what did I dream of becoming?
• What gives me a sense of great accomplishment?
• What comes easy for me?
• Do I daydream about something all the time?
• Does something keep nagging at me that I didn't accomplish or finish in the past?
• Do you say to yourself, I think I could do _______ if I had someone to help and encourage me?

You should have an idea now that you are absolutely crazy in love with!!!

There are no accidents, you're here for a purpose. Feel the energy surrounding your passion. Activate those thoughts into action. If you pursue what you love doing you will excel at it.

My passion is helping others be healthy and happy. I do that every day. I never take my friends for granted because you are what keeps me motivated and inpired!! If you have the same passion that I do I would like to share what I do with you. So follow this link www.yourbuzzreport.com and ask yourself if you want to live this passion and help others be healthy and happy too.

Till next time...believe that you're worthy of fulfilling your intentions for health, wealth, or loving relationships and let the flow of creative energy into your daily life.

~Sandra*

Get me off this rollercoaster ride!

Life is so unpredictable. Emotions are up and down. I feel tempted to stick my foot out and ask the world to stop turning for a minute. Sounds rather dramatic doesn't it? To tell you the truth...it doesn't feel dramatic enough. I have been wanting to loose weight. But here is what happens, Open fridge, see a pop, hmmm...nope, I'm not having it. close the fridge. Few minutes later, open the cupboard, I'm hungry... see the chips, nope I'm not having any. Close the door. How many times do I go through this every day?? Too many to count. Do you do it? If only I could get some weight loss each time I say "NO" to something I would be in great shape.

I am looking for some suggestions here. I know I am an emotional eater. How many of you are too??
Something upsets you and you go for the ice cream, chocolate, Super sized McB, a beer?? If I could get everyone to talk about it, maybe we could figure it out. Maybe we could stop the habit? What do you think? Too tired to commit, yeah, me too. Too lazy to change, yeah, me too. But if there is an expert out there, maybe they wouldn't mind sharing. I would post it...not to lazy for that.

Here is the scoop, I stopped at the donut shop and I said to myself if there is a parking place right in front I will know it was meant to be. So I drove around the parking lot. Sure enough about the 8th time around ,there it was. Right in front. It was meant to be :-}

Sandy

Tightrope or Balance Beam ?

What level of stress do you place on yourself every day? We tend to say things like, work is so stressful, my kids are running me ragged, my family is demanding... what is it that is causing the stresses in your life?

What would cause you more stress... walking on a tightrope or a balance beam? 
How high do you want to get off the ground?
How good is your personal balance ?
How far are you willing to reach ?
What will happen if you fall?
What do you wish you could do?
What did you say caused you more stress??

I have always been the tightrope walker in life. How about you??  Are you doing the things others are not comfortable doing? Lots of people want to be on the tightrope. Why aren't they? Fear, stress, worry. It's what we tell ourselves about the stress it will cause us. Or the stress we "think" it will cause us. The changes we would have to make to get up on that tightrope for some seem unsurmountable.

Here is the "AH HA moment" when someone takes you by the hand and helps you onto the rope, shows you all the tricks of the trade, and helps you work through your fears until you can do it by yourself...You can do it. WHY???? Because now you believe you can. You worked through the stress with someones help.

So I challenge you to get off the balance beam. Sure it's safe, low to the ground and the worst thing that can happen is a twisted ankle. But the excitement, the future of your life can be the thrill of stepping outside your comfort zone and achieving what your heart desires. Your own personal success is a HUGE reward that awaits you. Discover what that is and experience it!

The Chocolate Chip Cookie

When my children were small, I remember making a deal with God one day. It was the first time I had done such a thing and it was the last. I had 2 small children and was babysitting 2 others in my home to make ends meet. I was determined to be an at home mother as long as possible. It was a typical day. The kids were all playing and I found myself looking around at all the things that I felt needed to be done, all the preperations I needed to make to teach at the Wednesday night Pioneer Girls meeting at church, all the laundry, all the dishes, the meals for the children and supper for my husband....on and on the list in my head went until I found myself crying with the overwhelming sensation of exhaustion. It was at that point that I said to God, if you help me get it together and get everything done each day , I promise I will spend time each day with you in prayer. Here was His reply...You must first spend your time in prayer with me and then I will be certain you accomplish all that needs to be done.

So I will never forget that very first day. It was 26 years ago and still reminds me of God's faithfulness.
I have the type of faith that I believe things happen for a reason. I may not know what it is right away but I know It will be revealed eventually. So I plopped the bible on the dining room table with great anticipation. I decided to let God reveal the days lesson and let the pages open on their own. It turned to Proverbs 31:15 which says, "She gets up while it is still dark: she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls." I had time just before the children came to make a batch of chocolate chip cookies. Everyone seemed so happy to smell the delicious aroma as they descended the stairs and the same with the children and their families that dropped them off  that day. It didn't hurt that a couple of those cookies made it to their hand to take off  to work. Something so simple. The power of God's love and care reflected in a chocolate chip cookie. There is power in asking God what He wants us to do for our children, our spouse, our friends, our community. That day and every day that I took time with God first, I was not only able to get all of the things done that day, but I had extra time!! I had energy, a positive attitude, alot more patience and creativity. I had time to organize playful, learning activities for the children. I think you must be getting a feel for the difference it made.

The next time you bite into a chocolate chip cookie, think about your creator and His love for you. Ask for His guidance and take time with Him each day!

He has given me an opportunity to share my story with you today and chocolate chip cookies with everyone. Who would have guessed? For your free chocolate chip cookie, email me at: sandrabullard11@gmail.com.

Blessings,
Sandra

Blonde with Hazel eyes

It's amazing to me that we go through so many changes in our lifetime.
Each change makes us just a little different.
Until one day we look at ourselves in the mirror and wonder who we used to be and how did we get this way.

I never want to let go of the way I was. I still want to be that carefree spirited girl with the blonde hair and hazel eyes. Despite what I want, even the blonde hair has changed.  Somehow I am not sure how life would be right now if I had stayed the same.

I know I did alot of painting walls this week and not doing any physical work in YEARS... showed up by a tremendous aching all over. Including parts I wasn't even aware I had used. Up and down the ladder, rolling non-stop for hours. Way out of shape...unless round is the shape I was going for. :-/
Thank goodness for the pain. It will remind me to exercise more often. It has to hurt less as time goes on. Just say "YES" on that one.

I have had time on my side lately. Time to reflect on my life, how I have affected others in my life, what I want to change about myself. As I reviewed some of my past habits, I realized that I had changed so much from the person I started out to be that I no longer could even remember how I once thought about things. I do know that, without realizing it, I captured quite a few of my parents bad habits and possibly even improved upon them. That started me thinking about my children and the habits they have picked up from one parent or the other. I think that is when I realized, I had to stop judging myself and focus on the changes I want to make. ( This time really making those improvements) I might as well continue with the physical improvements. I lost 4 pounds. Not an earth shattering amount...but absolutely in the right direction:)

The next thing I am changing is the lives of those who are friends of mine. I want them to live a long healthy, happy life. I recommend and encourage them to purchase nutritional supplements from my diamondhealthshop.com. It's what I do because it inspires me every day. I would appreciate your support. If you would like to know what you should be taking for your symptoms or what you need to to stay healthy and active (Both men and women need something) I will be your personal health coach. Everyone needs a coach!! Even me!! Email me today at sandrabullard11@gmail.com.

Stay Well and Active!!
I'll be excited to hear from you!
        Sandra

Here we go again!

Another trip to the scale and ....Absolutely amazing. I have seen the benefits of a cleanse. It keeps your system in motion. They say you should fast as well. I notice that if you have up to a 5 pound weight gain once a month or after you have had a highly salty meal the day or two before, that a cup or two of regular tea is a great way to shed that water gain. It makes you feel lighter. Steep it good and if you have a fast heart rate, one cup at a time.

What is of interest this week? Mother's Day? Spring? Outside work? Inside Organization? It's interesting how the weather affects our level of interest. It seems to motivate or unmotivate us. We are truely...children of the earth. We are governed by the moon and the sun and the stars even more than we care to admit.

Having a new sense of freedom this month (I have retired from the job) I really wanted to kick things into high gear, run like the wind, have fun in the sun, blah blah blah...the weather turned rainy, dark and overcast every day. I could hardly get up the courage to get dressed. Wow..I thought to myself, will it ever get sunny again? I hear we are lacking in vitamin D. Yes, I know we are lacking in the sunshine vitamin in NY for sure. Information about that doesn't help us live thru it. Hmmmm...what does??

I am out to find out the answer to that question. I would appreciate any feedback you have on the subject. So far I have no idea what will get us thru when the weather is in charge. Email me or comment on this post so that we all can read it.

What's Up Doc?

I am a firm believer in taking an active interest in my own health. But, I have certainly met people in my practice that feel their doctor is the expert.

Think about that for a minute. Your doctor asks you about your medical history. Your doctor has no way of knowing if it is true or not. Also, does not know if you have forgotten to mention something or left it out on purpose. How good of a " historian" are any of us?? After a few weeks we forget what we had for dinner, forget who we were with...makes you wonder. After the questions are asked, an examination takes place. How do you think your doctor can put all this information together and know you well enough to take your health in hand and be totally responsible for it?

One of my family members said just last week, I saw my doctor in the hallway and he didn't even know who I was. Here is my take away from that statement. You are not that remarkable. We are all quite a bit alike except for a few different medications, a few different symptoms. What makes you someone that your doctor will remember??

Here is the answer. Your doctor will remember you if you have taken responsibility for your health since your last visit. If you have questions he/she can answer for you about your symptoms , medications or treatment plan. If you have your list of medications on you. If you help him/her take care of you and actually do what is requested when you walk out the door. Wear an appropriate emergency bracelet.

Nothing wastes a doctors time more than a diabetic who has to be monitored every three months and when they get to their appointment they have no blood sugar reading to show, why? they didn't want to take the time to check it. Or, even better,  a heart patient on a medication for an irregular rhythm and they ran out of meds and just never got around to filling the script.

Why should the doctor be more interested in our health than we are??
Ok, down off the box for now. However, if you and I want to feel our best without medications, we have to do healthy things, think healthy thoughts, take responsibility and help our doctors care for us.

If you want to be naturally healthy, lets start with your personal health assessment. Contact me today.
sandrabullard11@gmail.com

Stay Well!
Sandy

Let your dreams come true

Yes, "let" them come true. We all keep ourselves tethered by this imaginary string right where we think we are expected to be. But, today I want you to ask yourself these questions:(print and write)

1. What were my dreams I had when I was 18 years old?


2. List the ones that have actually happened?


3. Which road do I want to take now?


4. If I knew I could actually have 3 things I always dream of... what would they be?
    a)
    b)
    c)

5. What is holding me back?


When you have answered these questions for yourself, email me your answers at  sandrabullard11@gmail.com. I can help. Break your code of silence. Learn how you can unlock the cage that holds those dreams and safely set them free.

In a world where we judge one another (we just do, it's our job) it's more the unknown that scares us. It freezes us in place. It holds us captive instead of giving us wings to fly. Being a nurse has taught me one very important fact.We all need the same things in life. I have learned to love unconditionally. To accept each person for who they are and what they believe, respect them, cherish them and give them the understanding and acceptance that we all want. Free to be me...and free to be you.

I urge you to cut the string. It's imaginary. I can show you exactly what to say and what to do that will allow you to live your dreams without regrets. Your real dreams await you. You have to have help to get out of the rut. It's years of walking the same path that has entrenched your thinking. I'll look forward to talking with you when I receive your email. Don't wait! Just do it!! Don't talk yourself out of it. Do it!

Sandra

Enjoy the present of the day.

The Road Less Traveled

I look at life like a smorgasboard full of wonderful things to experience. I know what you are thinking...geeeez doesn't she ever get down in the dumps or stop the pollyanna routine?  Well, I found out that life has it's own way of bringing us up and down. I choose to find something positive in every negative experience. Somtimes I have to look for YEARS to find it. It reminds me of the story that is a part of the "go-giver" by Bob Burg (if you haven't read it,let me tempt you now...it changed my life)
A very successful woman (Top Real Estate Agent) was speaking to a very large audience. She shared what she got for her birthday. Her children secretly bought her a whole day at the spa to pamper herself and even set up their own babysitter without her knowing it. Her husband of many years gave her a gift that it took her a couple of years to even unwrap, understand and use. I am afraid you will have to read the book to see what that gift was:)

There is always a fork in the road somewhere. When we stand their pondering the route, do we take the well worn path or the one less traveled? I can't answer for you, but i seem to always take the one less traveled. I am an adventurer. I like the challenge that It presents me with. I like the thrill of the ride. The changes that I am forced to make keep me flexible. Isn't that what being young was all about? The young take things in stride. They are willing to take on the things that look difficult but really aren't. As we get older, don't you think we have just enough experience behind us to tell ourselves NO?

Here is my challenge to you today. The next time you stand at that fork in the road...take the one less traveled. Call on me if it gets scarey...I'll be there to help you grow.

Build me up Buttercup

It's time again to hop on the scale. Yipeee....If you could see how bad I have been. You would know why I am so happy. I haven't gained anything back. Life has been full of celebration after celebration so far this year. Food fit for a king has been spread out in front of me. Me with no will power. You know how that is??

Temptation, it's such a bad word isn't it?? Especially when we are in charge of ourselves. Remember when we could rely on our parents to tell us "NO!"?? It was so much easier. Now if someone says no, it only makes us mad at them. Even when we know they are right.

I was pondering temptation when I decided to see if there was a lesson in there. It brought to mind this story. Since I have my own business, I make my own hours, my own rules of conducting business each day and it can be really easy to say, I will just watch some TV with my husband tonight. Make up some cockamame story to myself and go sit on the couch contently. I have to tell myself why it's ok (the cockamame story) or I would not be content. It's easy to fool myself. I am really good at it. I know exactly what it takes...LOL
So the temptation to slack off for the night won out. But....many the time I have had a temptation and have resisted. I have stuck to my plan to work an hour or two. To help someone else with an aspect of their business and the feeling of empowerment that it has given me has actually been a better feeling than giving in to the temptation. Especially now that I am reitiring, I am grateful I have learned what feels better.

We all want to feel good. Don't you want feel good each day?? Resisting temptation is going to be something I have to really focus on in April. I have a wedding to look good for and well, not feeling good quite yet. But I know that if I resist the temptations in April, I will be rewarded with the outcome I am looking for.

It's easy to backslide. So, I need your help. Invite one friend to read my blog each week and help me build up my friends so that I will see others care. It will give me encouragement and strength!

Thanks for the friendship!!

          Sandra

The Attack of the Green Booger

It's all about staying well these days. The reason? People like you and I don't have money to spend at the doctors office (even with a co-pay) if you are on a fixed budget, which many of us are going to be, you have to make a lot of adjustments that month. If I could be bold enough to say, that if the economy is not affecting your lifestyle, look around you and help someone else because it's affecting them. It's good to keep one foot grounded in a less fortunate individuals life at all times. It makes us appreciate what we have and hopefully improves the life of another. Getting back to wellness. If you were to invest in something right now that I guarantee would give you the best return for your money during your lifetime....it would be investing in yourself.

Let's look at investing in yourself. What do I mean by that? Here is a scenario you may recognize. You are standing in the grocery store at the check out reviewing in your head if you got everything you  came after.
Into your head pops...oh shoot...forgot the orange juice and it's cold and flu season. You waiver about getting out of line because for once it's not 3 people deep. Maybe next time. It doesn't seem that important after all. In an instant you have decided your future health risk and you may not have even realized it. Why? Because your focus is not on your health. You need some basics to stay healthy and your body can not store vitamin C so it needs it every day. Skipping it can open that window of opportunity that the awaiting germ will take.

Here is the real reason I started talking about wellness today. You have to realize that even well individuals will get sick. You can take all the precautions you want to. You can even get out of line to get that orange juice that you know you need every day. (I love it when I can get right back in a short line though don't you?)
A virus will find it's way in if it can. A virus is difficult to avoid even if you are in the best of health. If you are high risk (diabetic, heart disease, immune compromised, frail, elderly, stressed out) in the winter months is the season to pass things along. No I'm not talking about gifts:) Using precautions in groups of people where handles, door knobs, pens etc are used by many people, it's good to carry a little bottle of that alcohol cleaner.(They have some without alcohol as well) or use the wipes provided everywhere these days. But, just the same you and i can get sick. So you ask what is the benefit of trying to stay healthy and still getting sick? It's simple! The severity of your sickness will not be as bad as an unhealthy person. So if you see a green boogie, you know you are sick. Make that trip to the doctor and get an evaluation.

Stay Healthy!

Need help with getting healthy? I can give you an assessment with nutritional recommendations to get you on your way. email me at sandrabullard11@gmail.com with Health Assessment in the subject line

MAKE MY DAY!!

Well, you think it's about time to get on those scales again don't you? You want to hear how much I lost don't you? Well...here goes nothin..............  oh, that can't be right..........no, that couldn't be......is there a battery in this?  Shake it a little and try it again.  Well....3 pounds. Not so bad....I mean very good!!

That positive self talk really works. If I could just remember to say the positive before I say the negative.
I feel really good about this. I have not been a saint, although that was not a goal. Now if I only had someone to join me in my struggle. Not one taker so far. Imagine in a world where people can be friends, can help a girl whenever they want...It's a free country...not even one hand stretched out in my direction. Huh....

Well, not to be discouraged, I will continue on my way alone...sad, lonely and alllllllllll alone. Unless by chance you could find it in your heart to say you would be a wellness partner of mine today. Just say Yes!!
You and I can just talk once in awhile and see how things are going. Not so hard. Just say Yes!!

To Have and to Hold

So it's time for that dreaded "weight in". I sneak over to the scale like i don't want to scare it...remove everything but my fingernails, gingerly step on the scale and...what do I see? Nothing new. Not a pound.
This is discouraging I tell myself. I thought I had been fairly consistent with my cookies. Oh...wait a minute. Yeah I guess maybe mid week I kid of slacked on the cookies. It was fudge from Mary Jane, Cookies from Cheryl, Breakfast pizza on Tuesday that we were dying for, brownies and donuts for Valentine's day. Wow!! How did I think I did well at all. I am thinking maybe, just maybe, that we should do away with food at work. What would you say?? Or maybe change to healthy? Or something more meaningful like lunch each day together from a crock pot? I'm open to suggestions. Can you help a gal out?? Email me your suggestions. sandrabullard11@gmail.com. Also let me hear your stories. Can you share with me and give me a little encouragement?? Things that maybe have worked for you in the past. I will share them if you let me.
Till next week...Keep looking up:) If you can look up you can get up...get up and get going:)
~Sandy

Me Want Cookie

Who doesn’t love Cookie Monster? No counting, no singing, no politics, no angst……..just pure, unadulterated gluttony. Cookie Monster speaks to that monster inside all of us who, when the tray of tiny passed appetizers comes our way at a crowded party, would love to messily devour all of them in one fell swoop “OM NOM NOM NOM!” 

Yesterday was officially the day I started eating cookies to loose weight. Seriously, I have heard of it before. I hate diets, I have a library of diet books and am an expert on how they work until you go off the diet. You have to change your entire lifestyle just to loose.

Well, the cookies go along with my hard to satisfy sweet tooth. Everybody knows cookies are great tasting. How could I go wrong? There is an old saying ...to know one is to love one:) So I am loving this way to loose weight and it's easy as 1,2,3.

1-open cookie wrapper.

2- munch contently on delicious oatmeal raisin or chocolate chip cookie.

3- smile and say ahhhh.... that was one good cookie.

Stay tuned and I will weigh in next week for you to see how it is working. If you want to join me on this adventure in cookie munching...I am eating them twice a day between meals. Go get some and we can race to the scale every week to see who lost the most.

http://www.diamondhealthstore.com/

Here is what they look like on the website

Oh NO...Please Don't Blow

Ever feel like you are having that kind of a week? You know, the kind that you never want to have again for quite awhile. It feels like an endurance test. You find yourself running up and down stairs  and can't remember walking them in years. You find yourself eating fast food on a regular basis. You ate nothing but organic prior to this week. You discover that sugar free stuff makes you burp and you left your beano in your other coat pocket. I guess you have the picture in your mind by now. You may even be laughing because you can relate. You learn one thing at least this week from hell. That is ....you thought you were tough. NOT. You thought you could keep up a good profile through it all. NOT. You find yourself wishing you could lay down, sit down and curl up and ask everyone to leave you alone.  When you are having a week like that. Take it easy on yourself. Cut out all the unnecessary tasks, Yes all of them that you can cut out. You have to eat sleep and dress, but otherwise take it easy. Ask someone else to fill in for you, take over for you, call in all those favors you never wanted to ask for. NOW IS THE TIME. You need to hold onto your hat or your head will blow!! Be healthy as you can this week. If you have a week like this very often you may need assistance to find out why and how to survive and still be healthy. Email me at sandrabullard11@gmail.com. I will help you.

Have a great week:)
Sandra

Keep your eye on the Sapsucker

Don't you hate it when you feel taken advantage of? You know darn well you did it again. You gave before you got. You figure that you should be considered the local sap. The doormat. The dingledorf. The dumb bunny.

Funny, years ago, I actually thought others were waiting to take advantage of me. I hung onto everything like it really was going to be mine forever and help the person who took it away. Or tried to even borrow it. And if you didn't return something, it went down in the book of records I kept in my head. It never forgot anything. Funny how we learn and grow isn't it??

The first thing I leaned was, we didn't come into this world with anything but our birthday suit and we are going out the same way. So keep it pressed and wrinkle free:) So does anything really "belong" to you?? I think we are just the temorary keeper of it. Not that we should take that responsibility lightly. I think because of that, we really should do something to help the next generation. The depression kids didn't leave much behind for us but they did teach us how to save for a rainy day. I remember hearing...Oh, you're not going to throw that out are you?

The second thing I learned is that being stingy really keeps you poor. You have what you have and everyone around you has what they have. No one is giving anything away. Don't expect a gift...it's not coming. Not now, not ever. Finders keepers, loosers weepers. Tie it down and lock it up or you know who will have it.

The third thing I learned was the most important. If you learn to give without expecting anything in return, you will get more back than you could ever imagine. The key is to really give without wanting anything back. Do it because you want to. Not need to, or have to, to get something. Because you would still, in the back of your mind, be expecting something in return. It takes practice.

Remember ,you may come across a real sapsucker from time to time, but as Jim Rohn used to say "There's only a few of them in the whole world" and "I can handle that". Don't believe one bad apple can spoil the whole bunch.

~Sandra

Live Your Dreams

Kick your shoes off, run through the sand, feel the breeze blow on your face while the sun warms you skin ever so gently. Sometimes, it just feels good to think about all the things we would rather be doing than what we really are doing. Have you ever just sat and daydreamed? You may say, If I get caught daydreaming at work, I'll get fired. I hear you loud and clear!! Our world has no place for dreamers. We are discouraged to take the time or lavish ourselves in that wonderful fantasy place we call dreamland.

Here is how I have resolved to spend some extra time this year and I want to see if the idea seems good to you as well. Three times a day...pick 15 minutes...break time, lunch time, whenever. Then go somewhere that will allow you to completely relax and get caught up in your good thoughts, your good dreams for the future, away from the problems of the day, week or month. Erase them for the moment and just be "in the moment"...enjoying where you have traveled off to. Don't spend the 15 minutes deciding what to think about. Do that at the beginning of the day or before you take your break. If you think you may go to sleep or run over 15 minutes, learn to set a timer, have a friend call you on the cell and lay it on your chest.

Here are some really great ideas for dreaming if you don't have any, use mine until you do:)

• Test driving a new car, motorcycle, speed boat...
• riding a wave on a surf board or riding a skateboard
• sitting under a tree and watching the sun go down
• splashing your feet off the dock
• basking in the sun on the sand
• sitting in the sauna then diving into the pool
• climbing the highest peak and looking over the land
• hang gliding with the eagles
• rollerskating down the street in the early morning watching the sun come up
• perched on the porch reading the paper with coffee in hand
• listening to your favorite music with your eyes closed and a headset on

Let me know what you dream about. (Keep in mind I'm not interested in your fantasies, they are yours to keep private) Live your dreams today. This will refresh your soul in just 15 minutes. You will be happier and healthier. Your thoughts will keep you well. sandrabullard11@gmail.com

Live your Dreams!!
Sandra Bullard