WHEW!

Naturally everyone can relate to feeling a bit behind right?  I have to say that’s a feeling that I am not used to at all.  I am a list maker a scheduler, you know the sort of person, everyone does.  Sometimes they make you sick with their organization……I admit it, I am one of these types.

I am that way in everything I do.  School is no exception, the exception to that seems to be this year.  Did I plan? Yes actually I did.  So how did it happen? How did I manage to get behind in the very first Month of school……Honestly!!

It’s all about learning something new and for me it is more than just a few things.  Number one is the new and very Awesome E-learning system we have in place this year, that I really didn’t explore as much as I thought I did.

Please refrain from laughing here……I logged onto the sight and found my class.  In addition to classes on Tuesday and Thursday night that are live, we have a number of videos to watch.  I could see the number of videos and it APPEARED to be 10 videos.  Appear is the optimum word here because there were 4 sections of videos so I didn’t have 10 videos to watch, I had 40.  YIKES!

Lesson number one: Fully Investigate anything new on the learning sight….Very Important.

I hope you are still not laughing because after this next statement you are going to think, “wow, how anal can someone be?” Honestly I had to work hard, and watch hours of video in a sitting to feel semi-caught up.  Here’s the deal, I have never worked from a position of being behind, due to my list-making and scheduling, I am absolutely positive I do NOT like it.

Lesson number two: I do NOT like being behind, I know because I just seen me do it.

Okay all humor aside, seriously I have found out what my mental strength is all about.  I could have cracked and quite frankly I may have done that last year when I found out the immensity of my mistake.  Instead I pulled my boots up by the boot straps and did what I needed to do to get the job done.

I have a new schedule now.  One that keeps the whip snapping and gets me closer to being where I want to be.  Is it on the calendar? YOU BET! Do I have a list of the things that I need to do to get it done? Right in front of My face at all times.

Am I kicking my own ASS over the mistake I made…..HELL NO!  Moving on.

So we continue on the journey of wellness in a world full of illness, with a group of individuals that are just as passionate about healing the world as I am.

I am truly blessed!

Does Exercise really help you loose weight?

I hear this all the time and the only thing I have to say is, “it depends”.

I get a lot of weird looks with that answer having been a fitness professional for the past 27 plus years.  I guess the expected answer would be, “Absolutely”.  I understand their position.  I am no spring chick, I have been in the fitness industry for years and years and I have no weight problem, and they think it is because I exercise “all the time”.

Naturally you know that’s an exaggeration because nobody exercises ALL THE TIME.

I have to explain to people that sure exercise keeps our entire body strong from the bones all the way to the heart.  Our bodies were built to move and exert energy and when we don’t do that, we don’t feel our best and we may not even realize it.

I give them the old fitness speech then I move right in to nutrition.  It’s not a 50/50 thing you know, just like relationships aren’t.  We may want them to be but they aren’t.  There is always one person pulling a little extra weight, the relationship works when it isn’t ALWAYS the same person doing the work.

Exercise and nutrition does NOT work like a relationship.  If it did, Nutrition would probably divorce Exercise.

Read More…

Okay, I’m guilty.

Not anything I am proud of, that’s the way things of this nature go.

I am guilty of being impatient.

Impatient with someone that I should not be.  Impatient because things aren’t happening in MY time.  Getting grouchy because they haven’t.

Honestly it came down to a time that a discussion needed to happen, I was so impatient that it had to happen RIGHT NOW.

I’m sure you have encountered “My Kind” before haven’t you?

We may say it’s our prerogative as a woman to change our mind, never was it written in the “guide lines” that we had the prerogative to be Impatient.

Impatience accomplishes absolutely nothing.  People will move at their own pace, you will have a difficult time controlling that.

What we can control is our own emotions because we share them with others whether you like it or not.

Let’s talk……

What I found out is something I already knew, we came from two different environments.  Two different styles of families and two different styles of parenting.  That is what make us all individuals right?

From my side, I was the “over-looked” one. Quiet, didn’t need much attention, so I didn’t get it.  With 2 other kids making a heck of a lot more noise than me, I understand how something like this can happen.  My Immediate family is still all around within about 5 miles of me.

From the other side, the person was adored, never had to question the importance that they held in their family, splitting image of the father, who passed away at a young age. Grandparents to dote, and aunts and uncles as well.  Many of whom have passed away.

Two totally different worlds.

I feel like I have to be heard, and charge to the front

From the other side, they are happy letting someone else win and take pleasure in their joy, they are able to sit back and wait to say something until it is important.

I am So Guilty.

As I read this I think I could use some of what this other person has.

I understand about the two different worlds and everything, now how about the impatience issue (which only belongs to me)

The other person explained it very simply to me in just one sentence.

They said, “You know I don’t really like to make people mad, I would rather not create anger directed at me. I have already lost so many people (to death) in my life and I really don’t want to lose anyone else, especially when they are alive”.

That was one of the most powerful sentences anyone has EVER said to me. I am sure I looked like a Deer in Headlights at that moment…..

Just when you think “you know everything” RIGHT?

I am GUILTY as Charged (charged by myself) because the person that I was talking to would never “gloat” or “charge me guilty”.  They just ask for Understanding and Acceptance, that is the least that I can offer along with my Apology.

I am working on Patience, Many times it is directed at myself.  I may slip because I am not perfect, I am a work in progress.

Life is so interesting.

People come and go, the calendar page gets turned, time marches on, and on forever sometimes it seems.

Before you know it, 30 years have passed, you look at your baby daughter and she is 27 years old and you think to yourself, DANG!

When you are in the moment, it drags on or so it seems.  Looking back it happens in a flash.

It goes by so fast and then we come to a time that we reflect back over the years.

Everyone does it, to a certain extent.  “Did I make an impact in anybody’s life”?, “Have I done my best to make the world a better place”?, “What will I be remembered for”?, “Have I fulfilled my purpose in life”?

I know, these are some pretty deep questions and that is why it takes us so long to finally look a little deeper and ask them of our self.

You wonder about it and then something happens, quietly and unexpectedly, just out of the blue.

Someone reaches out.

On this occasion I received a beautiful card in the mail.  The Actual US Postal Service with a stamp and everything…….You know how the electronic age can be.

This beautiful card was Hand Made AND it had bling on the front (A girls best friend).

I knew the card was on the way because the person contacted me and requested my address.

I wasn’t sure I knew who she was and so this opened up a lovely conversation over the internet and she turned out to be someone I went to High School with (you know that 30 years I was talking about earlier). We never really knew each other, she was much smarter than I was in academics, that would explain the lack of curriculum together.

Funny thing is that we both were aware that each other existed but in our busy teenaged life, we didn’t know each other.

I was loud, okay so I said it. She was shy and quiet.

We both had our challenges, everyone does in High School, that’s a pretty tough environment.

It was fun to hear her perspective on how life was in High School, as we chatted through email while the beautiful card she sent me was in route.

I couldn’t resist finding her in the year book, I had to dig it out first.

When I opened the book the thing that struck me first was the glorious fashion of the 80’s……..honestly what were we thinking, and yet it was so fun!

And so the day came when I opened my mailbox and what I had been waiting for had arrived.  Did I get home and open it? Heck no, I ripped it right open in the car.

I was touched.

It made me smile.

It made me feel good.

It let me know that life throws curve balls at all of us, It’s how we catch it and make the play that counts. If we drop something we are juggling it’s about how we are able to fit that piece back into the puzzle and keep juggling.

If we focus on the things we drop, we may never make the play.

I was happy to know my friend has a happy, fulfilling, satisfying life.  With a Husband of 20 years, 2 beautiful children, a Labradoodle (like we have).

She is one of the “Wild, Wacky Women” with a spirit that soars free.

In this beautiful card she has inspired me and made me realize that “YES” I have touched people’s lives.

How simple it is to be able to do that, because she touched my life in such a powerful way with her kindness.

She Reached Out.

Thank You from the bottom of my Heart Virginia.

We all have them

Days you could live with out, right? I know you can relate.

Why does it always seem that these types of days just go from bad to worse?  When you are having a bad day and it turns your thoughts negative, it attracts more negative right into your day.

It’s not the universe “paying you back” for something.  It’s doesn’t just come out of the blue, you have to invite it in. Open the door and let the negative come right in, when what you should do is slam the door and tell it to go away.

Here’s the deal, we all have only one positive aspect to our mind, the other two are negative.

The universe listens to us and brings us the things we focus on.  Now, the universe has no idea if we are focusing on that “thing” because we Desire it or if we are Repulsed by it.  Our minds whirl around these two factors, desire and repulsion.

Our focus is there and so that is what we get, It comes down to the saying, “be careful what you ask for” or concentrate on.

Think about it, our mind Undulates, we vacillate, Procrastinate, Ruminate, Complicate.  This leads us to gesticulate and the cycle just repeats itself

Until you stop it, because you are the only ones that can do that.

Evaluate and Eliminate:

Evaluate, the situation or the object
Eliminate, if it is more trouble than it’s worth, negative, going nowhere.

Educate and Formulate:

Educate, yourself and make a decision and GET GOING
Formulate, a Plan on how you will get to where you are going, tweak it.

Concentrate and Navigate:

Concentrate, and focus on the things you most desire
Navigate, Through the twists and turns of finding a new way.

Orchestrate, Accelerate, Substantiate:

Orchestrate,  your own success, no body is going to do that for you
Accelerate, towards what you desire, start moving in that direction
Substantiate, give it substance, bring it to life, live and breathe your dream

Emanate, Escalate, Exhilarate, Communicate:

Emanate, Be the change you want to see.

Escalate, your plans because that is the only way to get to your new LIFE.

Exhilarate, Feel alive because YOU are Achieving what you deserve in life.
Communicate,joy to everyone you come into contact with.

Germinate, Compensate, Activate

Germinate, that Exhilaration into those with whom you have communication
Compensate, when you help, give of yourself, you will be compensated
Activate, the same Exhilaration in others and watch them germinate and grow.

Take these steps on the days that everything seems to go wrong.  Allow your self to slam that door and keep the negative on the other side and move forward with a plan in your life.

You could get stuck in the mud

OR

You could pull your boots up by the straps and wade through the muck until you get to green pasture.  This little guy made it and so can you.

It was 27 years ago today that a great love affair was started.  I became a Mother for the first time and it absolutely changed my life forever.

The moment I had waited for and planned for, didn’t come the way I had imagined it.  The first thing I didn’t imagine is that I would be kept waiting for two weeks after my due date.  You my dear were on your own time schedule, as far as you could see, there was no rush to get out into the world.

You made your appearance at just 12 minutes after midnight following a long day of being in labor.

And there you were, as beautiful as I had imagined.  You were so interested in looking around at your new world, you didn’t cry you just sneezed, and sneezed and then our eyes met.  Your beautiful blue eyes and we recognized each other as our heart beat on the same beat, synchronized forever.

I could not believe the miracle I was holding in my arms, an angel sent from heaven for me to love and to teach and to mold into the beautiful woman that you have become.

You amaze me every day with your beauty and your intelligence.  I love your silly sense of humor and the practical way you look at the world.  You are such a strong person and I have confidence in you that you can handle anything that comes your way.

I am so proud of you and everything you are.  You are now and will always be a part of me.  I think back on the years and how quickly they seemed to pass, and then I realize that even though it seems like yesterday that I held you in my arms for the first time, it actually is. 

Because each time we hug and I hold you in my arms it feels like that first time all over again and I am reminded of how much I Love, Admire and Cherish you for the beautiful person you are.

Happy Birthday My Sweet, Sweet Daughter.  May every wish, every dream and every hope for your future be yours today and every day of the rest of your life.

Are you one of the 255 million people a year filling prescriptions to the tune of 19 billion dollars annually? This is just in the United States alone. Many do this instead of looking for ways to lower cholesterol naturally.

What do you know about the drugs you are currently taking? Are you aware of all the side effects? Some of them you can’t even feel.

I like to ask people, “What Do You Know About Pharmaceuticals?”

Let’s take a moment to take a look at statins for instance.  Over the age of 45 years 1 in 4 americans take statins. That’s 25% of the population, that’s incredible.  In fact it horrifies me that some doctors think this is a “miracle drug”.  They joke that they would like to see it injected into the water supply. The only problem I see is that statement is it’s NOT funny. We should find ways to

lower cholesterol naturally.

I was surprised to find out statins are routinely prescribed for people over 45.  Some of whom only have a slim chance of developing heart disease. I decided to educate myself on the side effects.  It concerns me because my parents take statins.

First I wanted to look at the risk reduction and I was surprised to find that taking statins only lowered the POSSIBILITY of having a heart attack by 25% to 30%.  The fact is that long term users are 50% more likely to develop diabetes.  Another reason to

lower cholesterol naturally.

What Are You Doing To You?

In my mind the pro’s do not out weigh the cons.  I decided to continue digging and this is what I found.

Statins caused these side affects

Short term memory loss
depression
mood swings
liver disfunction
kidney failure
cataracts
muscle myopathy…..Chronic muscle pain.

Read More…

Many times we forget to count our blessings, we think the problems out-weigh the blessings and if that’s the case you need to count again, chances are, you have missed some of the blessings.

Family is a blessing and sometimes because it is so much work we start to think of it as drudgery, when really family is one of the blessings we have and that is WHY it is so much work.

I know you have heard that things worth having are worth working for and I find this to be true. That is why this affirmation is so powerful when we take time to reflect on what we have in our lives.

I devote time to my family.

My family is by my side through thick and thin. We rise above all challenges because we stick together in both good times and bad.

I am a busy person. Not only do I work a fulltime job, but I also have other responsibilities. However, no responsibility is great enough to stop me from spending time with my family.

My children deserve to spend time with both of their parents. For this reason, we schedule family game or movie nights twice each week. We also eat dinner together every night.

Yes, sometimes the family huddles up around the TV for dinner. But, who cares if we are not sitting formally at a dinner table? As long as we’re together, everything is perfect!

My parents mean the world to me.

They raised, loved, and nurtured me into adulthood. Even if my schedule is hectic, I make it a point to call my parents often and setup a family brunch once each month.

I devote time to family, not because I feel obligated, but because I want to. I enjoy interacting with my children and watching them grow each day.

I make time for my spouse because we work very hard to maintain our quality of life and we deserve some alone time every now and then. At heart, we are still just two college kids in love and ready for anything! My marriage is one of my main priorities.

Today, I set aside all distractions and spend time with my family. Without the company of my family, all of the material things in this world would mean nothing. I cherish our bond and nurture it more and more each day.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. Do I place my career before my family?

2. How can my family spend quality time together without sitting in front of a television?

3. Do I pay enough attention to my spouse?

Gives you something to think about doesn’t it?

We can love and accept when we try to, just about any day of the week. There is a difference between love and acceptance and the way that a Mother loves and accepts her children.  Unfortunately this happens sometimes to the point of blindness however in most cases there is nothing like a Mothers love and acceptance.

Many people don’t think of their family in this perspective.  Love and acceptance is enough right? No, not always because when you are referring to your family your love and acceptance needs to be without condition, like a Mother has for her children.  Say this to your Self:

I love and accept my family as a mother loves her child.

The bond between a mother and her child is stronger than steel. Mothers love and forgive their children unconditionally. Children know that when they run to mom they always find open arms. Such is the love I have for my family.

The treasure hunter in me regularly seeks and finds the embodiment of hidden treasure in the richness of my family. I love my family because they make my life great.

My family is a soft pillow that I can rest my head on. I crave time with my family and my heart delights in watching them grow.

I am affectionate with my loved ones. My supply of hugs and kisses is always fully stocked. When I speak to my family, I use soft words of admiration because my goal is to nurture their self-esteem.

I take care of my family. Selflessly, I put their wants even before my own needs. My family is my gift from my Creator. Each member of my amazing family has a special place in my heart and a distinctive trait that I adore.

There is nothing my family members can do to lose my love. My heart toward them is filled with forgiveness, keeping no record of their offenses. When we have disagreements, we still value each other over our differences.

Just as a mother forgets her children’s misconduct, my family retains no recollection or history of wrongdoings.

I get along with my loved ones and I do my best to ensure that we get along with one another. My family and I share many traditions that bring us closer together and help us cherish our time with one another.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. Can I think of a distinctive trait of each of my family members?

2. What kind of words do I use with my family?

3. Am I keeping any records of offenses?

No matter the attitude of others we can rise above what is not desirable and choose to forgive even when we feel that we are not forgiven.  Holding negative thoughts or grudges only damages the person holding onto them.

So many times in our hectic world we get so stressed out that we really do forget that we look forward to spending time with out family.  Everyone is so busy and sometimes it seems like a chore to go to a baseball game or a recital. We need to take the time to remember that we are spending time with and supporting those that we love the most.  Take a deep breath and remind your self of a few things.  Affirmations are a great way to get back on track so say this to your self.

I look forward to spending time with my family.

Spending quality time with my family is just one of the ways I show them how much I love them. I seek opportunities to get away with my loved ones. The time we spend together is completely voluntary.

The time that I give my family is an investment in our relationship. More than money, time is the greatest gift I can give to a person. My loved ones benefit deeply from the time I give them.

I look forward to spending time with my family every day. When I get home from work, I make it a point to devote more time to my family than I do to the television because the people in my life are worth more than my entertainment.

On the weekend, I carve out time to devote to my family. Whether we are doing chores indoors or enjoying some downtime outside, our time together makes me rich. Simply being in each other’s company is enough to ensure a pleasant time.

I have a positive outlook on family time. Our time is marked by laughter, songs, games, and harmony. Peace is present in my home; therefore our time together is pleasant.

I look forward to the summer, when my children are out of school and we get to spend even more time together. The memories I make with my family during summer vacations will stay with my children for years to come.

Today, I choose to reignite my passion for my family by spending time with them. I look forward to making new memories with my loved ones.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. Does my time spent with family feel forced or voluntary?

2. What can I do to improve the quality of the time I spend with my family?

3. How can I show my loved ones that I enjoy being around them?

Taking time out for this simple affirmation will get you on the right track and right frame of mind when spending time with your family. Life is stressful whether you work outside the home or not, Being happy is up to all of us as individuals. Find out more about happiness, don’t wait, CLICK HERE to find out more.

Affirmations are a great way to feel good about what you do.  Running a business from home can be a challenge.  There isn’t anyone telling you what needs to be done and some family members may not put the importance on your business that you do and that is okay.  The main thing is that you stay strong and successful so that you can provide for your family.

Take a breath of fresh air and a quiet moment (if you can find it) and repeat this affirmation.  If you are feeling weak, it will give you strength, unsure? it will give you confidence.  Most of all believe in your self and do what you know needs to be done.

I have the strength to run a successful business from home while also caring for my children.

I am an amazing person who gets to enjoy the best of both worlds. Not only do I work my dream job, I also have the privilege of spending my days with my children.

Life can get hectic between kids, business, and home concerns, but I am able to balance it all with grace. I devote time to my children, take care of my home, serve my clients, and also take time out for myself.

Balance is the key to my success. I take life one day at a time. I keep an organized schedule to stay on track. Planning schedules is a mountain that I can surmount with ease.

As a parent, I spend quality time making memories with my children. I educate my kids through books, movies, outings, and hands-on experiences. I plan play dates for my children to socialize with other kids while I enjoy the company of my friends.

As a business owner, I separate my business from my home responsibilities. My children come first in everything I do. My clients know and respect that my family is my top priority. My business is booming because I am passionate about what I do.

There is never a dull moment around me. I feel blessed beyond measure, and I know that blessing is to be paid forward.

Today, I enjoy the fullness of my life. I take full advantage of every opportunity by eradicating idleness and I maximize the use of every moment.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. How do I balance home life with business life?

2. Am I willing to ask for help when I feel overwhelmed?

3. What do I love most about my life as a work-at-home parent?

Just a few moments to get your head on squarely is all that most home business owners need to get through a hectic day or week.  Take that time for your self and you will find that you will be much more productive and that will leave more time to spend with your family.

Many times we would like to change behaviors in the ones we love that don’t seem to be of any value to us.  What we need to realize is that we are all different and that is what makes life interesting.  We look different but more importantly we think differently.  We need to love and accept people no matter their idiosyncrasies as I am sure you would like others to love and accept you.

Take time out and examine the way you think about your loved ones.  Are you accepting of the way they are or would you be tempted to change some things about them.  Acceptance is part of being happy so it would be advantageous for you to take some time and repeat this affirmation so that you can get on the road of acceptance.

I can love my family members as they are.

My love is a free gift that I offer to others without any strings attached. There are no pre-requisites to being cherished by me. I love because I choose to love.

When I make the choice to love the members of my family, nothing can get in the way. The manner in which my family members look or dress is irrelevant to me. I embrace my family for who they are, not for how they look.

I relinquish my desire to control the way people behave. On the contrary, I welcome the different ways people carry themselves as a beautiful blend of personalities, like a garden filled with various types of flowers. Each one is as beautiful as any other.

Regardless of whether my family members are shy or loud, uptight or free spirited, wealthy or poor, wise or ignorant, I choose to love them just the way they are. I enjoy being loved the way I am; therefore, I love others without needing to change them first.

At times my family members may lash out in an unloving way towards me. Instead of responding in kind, I rise above the hurt and respond with compassion.

Although I love my family, I know that not all of them are trustworthy. I choose to cherish even the members of my family whom I cannot trust. I am strong enough to humble myself and love people who fall short of my expectations.

Today, I choose to love all of the members of my family with kindness and patience. I cultivate the best in myself as I accept their imperfections and love them no matter what.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. Do I love unconditionally?

2. How can I separate love from trust?

3. Who do I need to show more love to in my family?

Just these three simple questions can make you see if there is some work to do in accepting people the way they are without feeling the need to change them.

The simple act of encouragement will build self confidence in your children. They will be secure in your love when you accept them as they are, find out more about encouragement, CLICK HERE and find out more.

The world is full of stress and we all need an escape from it.  Family time is the perfect time to be able to relax and enjoy the people you love and care about the most. Learn to relax and you will come to realize that

Family time is Your treasure.

Find a quiet spot and take some time to repeat to yourself how much you treasure your family time and how you feel energized after being together.

Maybe something like:

Each day, I set aside time to spend with my loved ones. Just as I make time for working, eating, and sleeping, I make time for my family. Jobs come and go, but the moments I spend with my family last forever.

I value any time I spend with my family. Whether I am able to spend long hours or only a few minutes daily, it is always a pleasure to spend it with my family.

By making time for my family, I am building a legacy of love and togetherness to pass on to my children. My actions make it clear to my family that they are important to me. My children have a healthy self-concept because they feel valued.

I feel refreshed after spending time with my family. I make the most of the time we spend together. I look for ways to make everyone laugh aloud and enjoy the time as much as I do.

Family time breaks up the monotony of everyday life. When I allow my loved ones the freedom to speak their hearts and have fun, I also feel free.

I refrain from complaining during family time by focusing on the positive. My uplifting words fall into the hearts of my children and help them feel good about themselves.

Today, I choose to connect and engage with my family in a positive way. I make time for us to be together.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. What is my favorite family activity?

2. How can I increase the amount of time my family enjoys together?

3. How can I improve the quality of my family’s time together?

Asking your self these questions will help you to gauge how much time the family does spend together and what types of things they enjoy.  Finding the “treasure” in family time is so simple, CLICK HERE to find out how you can get the spark back into your family time

In these times it really is a privilege to be able to stay at home and raise the children.  This is something that Mom’s 50 years ago didn’t even think twice about.  Today it is a necessity due to economics to have both parents work outside of the home.

Many times all the working people want to do is be at home with their kids and raise them as they see fit.  And then the stay at home parents start to get bored and feel totally un-appreciated would like to go out and get paid for what they do.

It is our duty to raise children that are compatible with society and we would like our own values instilled as well.  When we give our children to others to raise we do give up some of ability to oversee what is actually instilled in our children.

If you have the privilege to have a quiet moment, take it and say this affirmation out loud and repeat it if necessary.

I delight in staying home with my children.

My choice to stay at home with my children is something I am proud of. Although draining at times, I am committed to doing the best job I can at raising my children.

My calling as a parent is to nurture my children socially, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. For me, staying at home is the best way to fulfill that purpose. My life’s devotion is to foster a healthy home for my whole family.

I am grateful for the blessing that I have to spend my days watching my children flourish before my very eyes. I am present in my children’s lives to witness every new accomplishment. I celebrate their triumphs and help them overcome challenges.

Staying home gives me the opportunity to teach my children about life just the way I want to. I am able to pass on family ideologies and spiritual beliefs to secure their identity.

I appreciate my spouse’s support for my choice to stay home. My spouse works hard for me to have the privilege of staying home. While my spouse works hard outside of the home, I work hard at home to teach our children.

I am accountable for the time I have at home. My time is spent on educational activities and outings with the kids. I refrain from wasting time on idleness. The television, computer, and even household chores, fall second to taking care of my children.

Today, I celebrate my ability to stay home.

I am free from guilt about not having a full time job outside of the home because staying home with the children is a full time job of its own.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. Do I ever feel guilty about staying home?

2. How can I maximize my time at home with my children?

3. Why do I love staying home with my children?

Reflecting on these questions will help you get a handle on where you are at.  Many times if we don’t get a handle on it, stay at home parents can start to feel a little resentful.  Taking care of kids is a full time job and I don’t believe I have ever heard a toddler tell their Mom or Dad how much they appreciate them, they are much more likely to pay you back for your patience with a tantrum. Click HERE to read about teaching your toddler about calmness.

So many times in our busy world it can feel like you are alone.  It is important to feel supported in order to be effective. There are so many places you can go to get that support.  Church, community centers, friends and family, neighbors, YMCA, meet ups and many support groups have regular meetings in different locations.  If you feel a lack of support you need to get out there and check out what is available to you in your area.

Affirmations can make you feel more confident to get yourself out there so that you can find the support you need.  Starting with your own self will also prepare you to be open and receptive to the support.  Find a quiet place for reflection and repeat the following words or similar words, if you hear them repeated your mind will start to believe.

I am surrounded by a caring parent support group.

Everywhere I go, I run into people who are eager to offer their help. From the doctor’s office to the nearby playground, I can reap the wisdom of experienced parents. I feel blessed to have such a large selection of resources.

Parenting is challenging regardless of my child’s age. I also realize that every child truly is different. Yet, when I open myself up to other parents, I gain more than just knowledge; I gain friends.

Whenever I find myself facing a challenge, I am quick to speak up in order to find someone who has had a similar challenge. I listen to the advice of experienced parents and draw from their wisdom.

If I feel lonely or just want some company, I know who I can call. There are other parents waiting by the phone, wishing someone would invite them on an outing. I take the initiative to plan gatherings for other parents.

I am surrounded by a community that cares about my children and me. People who offer their advice are simply trying to prevent me from repeating some of their own mistakes. I value the input of others.

Fear and shame are absent from my heart because there are countless parents who have struggles just like mine. The more I search, the more I find that the struggles I experience are very common.

Today, I choose to embrace the caring support group available to me. I welcome others into my life and benefit from what they have to offer.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. What keeps me from reaching out to other parents?

2. Who has helped me in the past that I can I talk to when I need support?

3. What do I have to offer to other parents?

Taking the time for your self, asking these questions will help you to move forward.  Click here to read more about life skills training.

There are all sorts of stop and starts in a childs year, from summer to school, from Christmas Vacation right into a new year, this applies to any sort of break your kids have wether it be a summer break, spring break or Christmas vacation.  Taking time out and saying these things to yourself gives you a compass as to where you are in the process of preparing your children for academic excellence.

Take some time out in a quiet place for reflection and say these things to your self:

I am preparing my children for a successful academic year.

My children are ready for school because I take time to prepare them mentally and spiritually. I teach my children to value education by displaying a positive attitude about learning.

I talk to my children about my own memories of school as a child with honesty and transparency. They love hearing me talk about what I enjoyed as a child. Sharing my stories with my children helps them look forward to their own experiences.

My children are prepared to succeed because I am on top of my game. I keep up with the school calendar of events. I attend open house night to learn about the teacher’s expectations so I can begin preparing my children.

It is challenging to readjust to a routine of waking up early to go to school. That is why I begin to practice the new schedule with my kids a few weeks before school starts. By the time school actually begins, my kids’ bodies will be used to the earlier start.

Over their time off, I continue to engage my children in learning by encouraging them to read daily and participate in educational activities. Learning is a fun game, not a chore, in our home.

If one of my children struggles with a subject, I pay extra attention to that subject over our vacation break, so they can master it.

I speak uplifting words to encourage my children, because the better they feel about themselves, the better they perform.

Today, I choose to start the process of preparing for back to school. I cover all my bases and stay on top of my game to set my children up for success.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. How can I prepare my children for academic success?

2. What attitude do I reflect toward school?

3. Am I keeping up with the school calendar?

these are great questions to ask your self when measuring your effectiveness in your child’s education. Read more about helping your child to build More Self Confidence and Click HERE.

Many times as Parents we look forward to Summer time, then it only takes about a week with the kids home from school and we realize that maybe it was better when they were occupied every day.  

Finding ways to keep them busy during summer and holiday breaks can be a real challenge.  Keep the Learning on the forefront and see your children reap the benefits.

This simple affirmation will allow you a moment to assess how things are going with ongoing education and your participation as a parent.

I am fully equipped to educate my children when they are out of school.

When my children are out of school, I am fully capable of continuing to build their knowledge. I am a natural teacher looking for ways to expand their knowledge by seizing teachable moments.

I keep my eyes open for the science lessons found in nature. I ask questions to spark their curiosity and allow them to explore their world for answers.

While it is good to give kids a break to play and relax, it is also necessary to maintain their brains and keep them from becoming idle.

The public library has an unlimited number of resources that I can use to promote learning while the kids are out of school. I am committed to taking my children to the library on a regular basis so they can find books or magazines to read.

There are a number of resources available to parents who want to help their children. I communicate with my children’s teachers, look for workbooks at local stores, and search educational websites for material.

I have what it takes to keep my children entertained while out of school. The time my children spend at home from school is time well spent in reading and continuing to expand their minds.

It is important to me that my children continue to exercise their brains during the summer so that they will be ready to jump back into the swing of things when school starts up again.

Today, I choose to prepare myself to educate my children while they are out of school.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. How do I feel about having the kids at home from school?

2. Where can I find resources to assist me in teaching my children?

3. How can I prepare myself to continue building their education at home?

Just taking a moment to have this conversations with yourself will enable you to have a better grip on your child’s education. Instilling the love of learning in your child is a great way to help them get ahead.  Read More about the Love of Learning by Clicking Here

To be able to really relax and enjoy the holidays this simple affirmation has the capability of changing a bad attitude into a festive holiday outlook, so take a deep breath and give it a try.

I respect my relatives and enjoy my holiday time with them.

Sometimes, a lot of people in a small space can cause tension. To stay at peace I take the time to appreciate my relatives. Everyone has differences and I respect the differences between my relatives and me.

Because I appreciate my relatives, we have a good time together. They see that I respect and value them, so they give me respect and value in return. We care for one another and treat one another with kindness. Differences of opinion are interesting, and can provide good and helpful discussions about life and the future.

At every holiday, I enjoy the time with my relatives more and more. They become more valuable to me all the time because I make the effort to get to know them and understand them. I realize the importance of family relationships and I experience a close, intimate connection with my family members.

When I feel stressed or crowded, I take a deep breath and let it roll off my back. My holiday celebrations are filled with relaxation and calmness. The people in my family are worthy of my respect, and they give their respect to me. I look forward to spending holiday time with them. We always have a good time when we get together as a family for the holidays.

Today, I enjoy the time I get to spend with my relatives during the holidays.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. How can I show more respect and love to my relatives?

2. What can I do to make the holidays even better for my loved ones?

3. Are there ways I can learn to appreciate my relatives more than I already do?

By taking the time and going through the steps you can start to have the most amazing holidays every year for the rest of your life.

Click Here to find out how

Although I read many books in preparation for becoming a parent, experience is making me a better parent every day. The book of reality is my greatest teacher. I embrace my life lessons with humility.

Every day, I am gaining knowledge from the mistakes I make. Sometimes, things turn out differently than I hoped. I learn from those moments and apply their lessons to my future behavior.

I am humble enough to apologize to my children when I react in a manner that is inappropriate. My children are discovering that, although I am not perfect, I am someone worth imitating.

As the kids get older, I look back with clarity and see areas that I can strengthen. I offer my advice to younger parents who seek it. Sharing my experiences with others saves them from making the same mistakes I made.

Over time, I am becoming slower to anger and quicker to forgive. I have such a powerful inner sense of peace that I am able to overlook offenses, exercising patience with others.

I am learning that time goes by so fast that I must hold on to every moment I can. I live in the moment and enjoy my children just the way they are.

With experience comes the clarity to distinguish those things that are worth dwelling over and those which are best forgotten. Experience increases my ability to take life in stride without allowing anything to steal my joy.

Today, I choose to embrace the lessons that life teaches me and apply them to my future behavior.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. What lesson have I learned from my children lately?

2. Am I slow to anger and quick to forgive?

3. How can I turn mistakes into powerful lessons?

Being a parent is not an easy job, but it can be fun and rewarding, use your experience to make you a better parent.

Click here to read about being a better parent to your child

Few things are more important in life than the bond you share with your children. If you lack a close relationship with your kids, the bond can be a source of pain and anguish, while a strong connection with your kids can bring incredible joy and happiness.

If you’ve lost the closeness that you crave, you can strengthen the relationship in four practical ways.

Help Them With Homework

Help your children with their homework to show them that you’re interested in their education. This also lets them know that they can rely on you when they need help. The message you send is that they’re more valuable to you than anything else you could be spending your time doing.

Life is hectic and time is short and, one day, the time to develop this bond may be gone. Seize the day by taking the time to help your kids with their homework. If you do this on a regular basis, you may find the conversation wandering away from homework to topics that give you a glimpse into what’s most important to your kids.

Share Their Interests

Join your kids in activities and interests that they choose. Children naturally gravitate toward projects and activities they’re interested in, so ask questions about the activities they choose to engage in! Become curious about what makes them tick, and let them know that you’re curious. Fuel their passion and draw them close to you by sharing in what they love.

Find Common Interests

If you feel like you have nothing in common with your children, try to expose them to something that you really care about. Introduce them to your passions in a kid-friendly way and make the activity as fun for them as possible, while sharing your interests with them.

Often, your enthusiasm and interest in your children will cause them to become interested in the things you like, but be willing to accept that they may not enjoy the same things you do, no matter how hard you try. The closeness you experience when you share something you both enjoy is exhilarating.

Most lifelong passions start at childhood. Many passions are handed down from generation to generation. If you desire a lifelong closeness with your children, introduce them to the things you care about. Involve them and stir their curiosity, while communicating acceptance and love no matter what their interests may be.

If you aren’t sure where to begin, try one of these activities:

• Take your children fishing.

• Take them to your favorite team’s sporting event.

• Take them shopping at their favorite store.

• Try a mommy or daddy date with a meal at your favorite restaurant (or theirs).

• Show them your favorite (age-appropriate) movie.

• Read a favorite book together.

Frequently, the activity itself isn’t what children remember. The time you spend with them creates the memory. Your availability and interest are the two most important factors in creating the close relationship you deserve with your children.

Include Everyone

With one child, it’s fairly easy to incorporate the entire family in activities that strengthen the bond between you. If you have more than one child, however, remember to spread your attention and activities among them as evenly as possible.

A little effort goes a long way. Just make an effort, and your children will see that you really do want a close relationship with them more than anything else. Most importantly, begin today! It’s easier to create bonds with your children that last forever when they’re younger. Make your children a priority, and you’ll be rewarded with a bond that will last a lifetime.

Looking forward to the wonderful adults they will become, the relationship they have with you will be key in their success throughout the years.