Thoughts

"the state of the mind changes the state of the body by working through the central nervous system, the endocrine system, and the immune system. Peace of mind sends the body a "live" message, while depression, fear, and unresolved conflict give it a "die" message. Thus, all healing is scientific, even if science can't yet explain exactly how the unexpected "miracles" occur."
- excerpt from Love, Medicine and Miracles, by Dr. Bernie Siegel

Stubborn, strong-willed with perseverance, these are all good descriptive words for me. I used to function under the assumption that if my mind was strong enough, my body would follow and be strong also. In no way was I convinced that the cells of my body had ears and listened to my every thought. Since I am one of those recipients of the ball bat method of learning, I have now studied and attended numerous seminars which have enlightened me, and I have changed my ways.

If your mind has been in the gutter, thinking negative thoughts (I'm fat, I'm old, I screwed up, I'm scared...) STOP! Be grateful for everything you have! Make lists of what you are grateful for when you think negative thoughts...you created this habit of negativity...you can replace that negative habit with a positive one! See the good in others. See the beauty in nature. Take a walk, notice beautiful architecture - or if you live in a newer "villa" like I do - appreciate the carefully groomed lawns and blooming perennials. HA! Above all, begin somewhere - take positive action!

Hugs,
Gin

Hobby Therapy

OK, what have I been doing instead of posting to this blog? Well, I call it "Hobby Therapy." Saturday morning, while listening to Harry Potter on my iPod, I ended up arranging part of the basement craft area looking for felt and embroidery floss to complete this bootie project for a friend of my daughter's who is due in December. It has been too long since I have been creative and I felt the strong need to complete a project. Luckily I had the presence of mind to tackle a small project. So how do I feel now? Great!!! There really is something soothing when I work with my hands...my mind gets a calming rest...I lose track of time (that's a good thing!)...and I find myself humming! Hmmm, a clue - I should partake in one of my hobbies on a regular basis!

So I'm reminding you to pick up one of your hobbies and create! It's refreshing!

Hugs,
Gin

Do your homework...

Whether you are looking for a dentist, doctor, health food store, nutritionist, do your homework. Ask around and find the best in your area. An ecological dentist - one that doesn't use amalgam fillings, an MD with an alternative background - you get the idea. You will be rewarded for your researching perseverance. Your health is important - you want to see your children grow up, be at that special wedding...take care of yourself!

Hugs,
Gin

The summer of the kittens...

Yes, the summer of the kittens has been a true adventure (details on how the mother cat and surprise kittens came to live with us, in a previous post). I just had to share this picture of Tux, the runt of the litter of kittens born on 5-8-07. He's sooooo cute here. Even at that young age the picture was difficult to capture - he was quite wiggly! Have a great weekend and enjoy your pets!

"We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals."
- Immanual Kant

"Dogs have owners, cats have staff."
- Anonymous

"If a dog jumps in your lap, it is because he is fond of you; but if a cat does the same thing, it is because your lap is warmer."
- Alfred North Whitehead

"Dogs come when they're called; cats take a message and get back to you later."
- Mary Bly

"...he will be our friend for always and always and always."
- Rudyard Kipling

Hugs,
Gin

Laughing Dog!!!

Laughter is inner jogging.
- Norman Cousins

OK, now I know I can place a picture two times in a row...fantastic!!! This is Swizzle, my chocolate lab. She looks like she is laughing - laughter is good for you, relaxing, and stress relieving, you need to laugh heartily every day! I hope this picture gets you started.

Hugs,
Gin

Pictures on my blog!

YAY!!! This is my first experience putting pictures on my blog! All the text has been boring for me too - it just got to me...and this picture was just too cute not to share. This is Nutmeg, one of our kittens born on May 8, 2007. She is waking up from a nap and yawning. We presently feel like a zoo with 5 cats, 1 chocolate lab, 1 cockatiel, 1 fish, and 4 geckos! Studies prove that pets relax you...well I must be the most relaxed person around!

Hugs,
Gin

Lyfestyle Tips

Try to incorporate some of these tips if you are not already...

- Positive thinking, positive emotions. We become what we think. We need to FEEL joy, gladness, excitement, anticipation, you know - the good stuff. Your body will respond, relax and heal.
- Sleep. Get 8 hours of sleep per night. Go to bed at the same time every night. The hours before midnight are worth two of the sleep hours after midnight.
- No more food 3 hours before bed (if you must, have a piece of fruit - it digests quickly) because your body is busy repairing itself while you sleep - if you have a full stomach...guess where the energy goes...YES, to digest the food, not to repairing your body and making you healthier!
- Upon rising, drink a glass of warm or room temperature water with the juice of 1/2 lemon...this helps support your liver. Love your liver, it has to filter all the toxins you put into your body.
- Dry brush your entire body (except your face) before you take a bath three times a week (or every day if you choose). Do this gently but thoroughly with a natural soft bristle brush. Use short strokes directed toward the heart. This will help with toxin removal, make skin tighten and glow, help eliminate wrinkles (yay!), remove lots of dead skin (so you can sweat more easily), and your skin can breathe better.
- Try to prepare your food with as many organically grown ingredients as you can.
- Water: Drink 1/2 your body weight in ounces of filtered or bottled water per day.
- Eliminate all artificial sweeteners from your diet.

These suggestions will help take the burden off your body. Be kind to your body. Love your body.

Hugs,
Gin