~With Child Doula Services~

Generate Your Own Patterns

2010-03-03T08:02:00.000-08:00

We don’t need to become our parents, we can transform our lives and release all patterns and chains that bind.

Heredity plays a role in almost all human development, whether physical, mental, or emotional. We tend to look like our parents and are subject to the same sensitivities they have. We may even be predisposed to certain behaviors or preferences. As we grow older, we become increasingly aware of the traits that exist within us and the clear history of the traits of our mothers and fathers. Our response to this epiphany depends upon whether the inclinations and tendencies we inherited from our parents are acceptable in our eyes. We may honor some of these shared traits while rejecting others. However, there is no law of nature, no ethereal connection between parents and children, that states that the latter must follow in the footsteps of the former. We are each of us free to become whoever we wish to be.

When we accept that our parents are human beings in possession of both human graces and human failings, we begin to regard them as distinct individuals. And by granting mothers and fathers personhood in our minds, we come to realize that we, too, are autonomous people and in no way destined to become our relations. While we may have involuntarily integrated some of our parents’ mannerisms or habits into our own lives, conscious self-examination will provide us with a means to identify these and work past them if we so desire. We can then unreservedly honor and emulate those aspects of our mothers and fathers that we admire without becoming carbon copies of them.

Though many of the tempers and temperaments that define you are inherited, you control how they show up in your life. The patterns you have witnessed unfolding in the lives of your parents do not have to be a part of your destiny. You can learn from the decisions they made and choose not to indulge in the same vices. Their habits need not become yours. But even as you forge your own path, consider that your parents’ influence will continue to shape your life—whether or not you follow in their footsteps. Throughout your entire existence, they have endeavored to provide you with the benefit of their experiences. How you make use of this profound gift is up to you.

Treasures of Friendship

2009-12-24T20:06:00.000-08:00

Letters from the Heart

Sometimes it’s hard to come straight out and tell our friends how much we love and appreciate them. We might feel awkward expressing deep feelings, even to our nearest and dearest, because it is not a common practice. We might get choked up or embarrassed in the process, or we might fear we will embarrass them. Still, we all have those moments when we realize how fortunate we are to have the friends we have, and we may long to express our gratitude. Moreover, it may be of tremendous benefit to our friends to be at the receiving end of our appreciation. At times like these, writing a letter can help us say what we want to say without feeling self-conscious. Additionally, a letter gives your friend the space to really take in your expression of love and the gift of being able to return to it time and again.

As you sit down to write to your friend, take a moment to consider the qualities you most value in your friendship. It might be the fact that you always laugh when you talk or that you feel safe enough to confess your worst problems and always leave feeling better about everything. It might be the new ideas and experiences you’ve been exposed to throughout the course of your friendship. Whatever it is, really take the time to express to your friend their unique impact on your life. You don’t have to use big words or fancy metaphors; all you need to do is write from your heart and your friend will feel the love in the words.

Letters, which used to be somewhat common, are now rare. A handwritten letter makes a wonderful gift to be treasured always. You might simply send it or hand deliver it out of the blue. Whatever you choose, your letter will no doubt be received and treasured with a grateful heart.

Echoes of Happiness

2009-11-12T10:41:00.000-08:00

Belly Laughs

As children, we laugh hundreds of times each day, delighted by the newness of living. When we reach adulthood, however, we tend to not allow ourselves to let go in a good belly laugh. Inviting laughter back into our lives is simply a matter of making the conscious decision to laugh. Though most of us are incited to laugh only when exposed to humor or the unexpected, each of us is capable of laughing at will. A laugh that comes from the belly carries with it the same positive effects whether prompted by a funny joke or consciously willed into existence. When our laughter comes from the core of our being, it permeates every cell in our physical selves, beginning in the center and radiating outward, until we are not merely belly laughing but rather body laughing.

Laughter has been a part of the human mode of expression since before evolution granted us the art of speech. Through it, we connected with allies while demonstrating our connection with people we didn’t know. In the present, laughter allows us to enjoy positive shared experiences with strangers and loved ones alike. Yet solitary laughter carries with it its own slew of benefits. An energetic and enthusiastic bout of whole-body laughter exercises the muscles, the lungs, and the mind in equal measure, leaving us feeling relaxed and content. When we laugh heartily at life’s ridiculousness instead of responding irritably, our focus shifts. Anger, stress, guilt, and sadness no longer wield any influence over us, and we are empowered to make light of what we originally feared. Laughter also opens our hearts, letting love and light in, changing our perspective, and enabling us to fix our attention on what is positive in our lives.

It is easy to laugh when we feel good, but it is when the world appears dim that we most need laughter in our lives. Our laughter then resonates through our hearts, filling the empty spaces with pure, unadulterated joy. We regain our footing in the moment and remember that no sorrow is powerful enough to rob us of our inborn happiness. When we understand that uninhibited laughter is the food of the soul, nourishing us from within, we know instinctively that life is worthwhile.

Facing Problems

2009-11-02T12:33:00.000-08:00

Running Away Versus Moving Forward

There are times when change—moving to a new city or a new home, or changing careers—is the right thing at the right time. But there are also times when the urge for change is really just a desire to run away from problems that need to be faced rather than avoided. These are the kinds of problems that recur in our lives. For example, issues with coworkers that seem to arise at every job we take, or repeatedly getting into unhealthy relationships. A move might temporarily distract us, and even cure the problem for a time, simply by taking us out of the situation in which the problem fully manifested itself. However, the problem will eventually appear again in our new situation.

One way to make sure you aren’t running away from your problems is to notice whether you are moving towards something that is exciting in its own right, as opposed to something that is appealing only because it is not where you are now. For example, if you are leaving a city because you feel you can’t afford it, you could be reinforcing poverty consciousness, and you might find that you are unable to make ends meet in your new city as well. It would ultimately be less of an effort to stay where you are and look more deeply into your beliefs about money. You may discover that as you address these issues, you are able to make more money simply by changing your mindset. You may still decide to move, but it will be an act with a positive intention behind it and not an escape, which could make all the difference.

Any pain involved in facing our issues is well worth the effort in the end. When we face our problems instead of avoiding them, we free our energy and transform ourselves from people who run away into people who move enthusiastically forward.

Getting Back to Wellness

2009-09-29T20:36:00.000-07:00

Six Quick Fixes To Feel Better

The signals our bodies use to tell us we need to cleanse ourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally are multifaceted and often mirror symptoms we associate with illness. If we heed these signs, we not only feel better quickly but also stave off poor health before it can start. These quick fixes for common ailments can get you started.

1. Applying pressure to the acupressure point between the thumb and forefinger can release blockages causing pain, tension, and fatigue. You can relieve a headache naturally by squeezing for 20 seconds and releasing for 10 seconds, without letting go, four times.

2. Apple cider vinegar is a powerful purifying and detoxifying agent. Soaking for 20 minutes in a warm bath infused with two cups of apple cider vinegar pulls toxins from the body and can clear blocked energy.

3. The foods you eat can have a profound impact on your outlook and mood. Eating a small yet satisfying meal rich in complex carbohydrates can lift your spirit and help you let go of feelings of anger, irritability, and depression.

4. Anxiety and fear dissipate quickly when countered with conscious breathing because concentrating on the breath enables you to refocus your attention inward. You can ground yourself and regain your usual calm by taking a series of deep belly breaths as you visualize your feet growing roots that stretch miles down into the earth.

5. Though tuning out can seem counterproductive, a few minutes spent lost in daydreams or listening to soothing music can help you see your circumstances from a new angle when you feel frustrated.

6. If you feel ill health coming on, brew a wellness elixir. Simmer three sliced lemons, one teaspoon freshly grated ginger, one clove freshly minced garlic, and one quarter teaspoon cayenne pepper in five cups water until the lemons are soft and pale. Strain a portion into a mug and add honey by tablespoons until you can tolerate the taste. Drinking this potent mixture of antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal ingredients three times each day can ensure your symptoms never progress into a full-blown illness.

Marriage: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly with Mark Gungor

2009-09-27T08:47:00.000-07:00

"Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." (Hebrews 12:1b)

Mark Gungor is the author of Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage

Great marriages take courage. Whether your marriage is good, bad, or just plain ugly, there is always hope to make it great. But great does not come easily. It takes courage.

When we think of courage, we generally think of a person diving into an icy pond to save a friend or the soldier on the frontlines a battle. Most of us don't think of courage when it comes to facing our everyday stuff such as our marriage or raising kids. But it takes great courage to build relational intimacy, which is the oxygen of a marriage. It takes an enormous amount of courage to say, "This marriage is in trouble and we need to do something about it." It is much easier to put your troubles on the back burner, engage in the rough-and-tumble of life, and hope things will sort of work themselves out. Running from problems is always easier than solving them. But courage is willing to put on the gloves and say, "Let's fight for this marriage."

It takes courage to work through all layers of "stuff" we haul around, from masks to defense mechanisms to the select relational cover-ups we’ve mastered over the years. It takes guts to face yourself, to say to your spouse, "This is me. I know I'm wrong and I'm not proud of it."

Great marriages take discipline. When you look at successful people, you will find one thing in every case: it takes discipline to become successful at anything. Failure, for the most part, is due to people letting things slide. There is a lack of discipline. In his book The Road Less Traveled, Scott Peck writes, "Delaying gratification is a process of scheduling the pain and pleasures of life in such a way as to enhance the pleasure by meeting and experiencing the pain first and getting it over with." Discipline is simply a commitment to get the pain out of the way first.

Here is a practical idea: Don't go to bed mad. It was the apostle Paul who wrote, "Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry." (Ephesians 4:26) Decide in advance (a secret to being disciplined) that whenever you get into a spat, you will at least quash the negative emotions associated with the argument. And do it before you fall asleep (this will make for some long nights). You might not get the issue resolved, but you at least get past the hurt of disagreement.

Great marriages take endurance. Endurance refuses to cash in -- it pushes past quitting points. We live in a culture where we have come to expect things instantly. We like fast diets, overnight success, rapid fitness, and a 100-yard-dash to marital bliss. If we don't experience what we want in a reasonable amount of time -- say, in a day or two -- we think something is wrong. Those of us over 50 were once called the "now generation." We were pretty well-known for easily quitting things before the reward showed up -- jobs, educational paths, relationships, pretty much anything complex. Why? It couldn't be had, now. Sadly, the generations that follow expect no less.

Marriage is a marathon. Sprints and marathons are two distinct and different races. In a sprint, one of the most critical elements is the start. On the other hand, the start of a marathon is not important at all. It’s the endurance.

I never cease to be amazed at how many struggling couples point to the start as the reason for their struggles. "We were too young." "We've known each other for a long." "We didn't have enough money." They are convinced that the poor start is the reason for their troubles, but they are wrong. It is not the start that leads to a failed marriage, but the unwillingness to endure the race.

You don't do marathons quickly. You have to spread out your energy over time. Endurance is what empowers a couple over the long haul. It will enable you to push through all familiar conflict zones for the 10,000th time without quitting; you just keep going and going. Scripture urges, "Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in.” (Hebrews 12:2) Study how He did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed -- that exhilarating finish in and with God -- he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. That's endurance. It makes marriages last.

This Week
Commit to a marathon in your marriage.

Fuel That Nurtures

2009-07-06T09:49:00.001-07:00

Eating Right to Feel Better

At its simplest, food is fuel. Though our preferences regarding taste and texture can vary widely, we all rely on the foods we eat for energy. Most people are aware that it is vital we consume a diverse assortment of foods if we aspire to maintain a state of physical well-being. However, the intimate connection between diet and our mental well-being is less understood. Just as the nutritional components in food power the body, so too do they power the mind. Some foods can impair cognitive functioning and sap our energy while others heighten our intellectual prowess and make us feel vigorous. What we eat and drink can have a powerful effect on our ability to focus, mental clarity, mood, and stress levels.

Food allergies, which don’t always manifest themselves in forms we recognize, can also play a significant role in the maintenance of mental health. Thus, for most of us, even a simple change in diet can have a profoundly positive impact on our lives. Taking the time to explore whether anxiety, muddled thoughts, or inexplicable tension can be linked to a food allergy or food sensitivity can empower you to treat your symptoms naturally. The benefits of a healthier, more personalized diet are often felt immediately. Sugar, saturated fats, wheat, and dairy products are frequently allergens and can stress the body. For people that are allergic, consuming them can cause imbalances in the physical self that have a negative effect on the body’s ability to nourish the brain. Water, fiber, nuts, unprocessed seeds, raw fruits and vegetables, and vegetable proteins, on the other hand, support physical and mental functioning by providing those nutrients we do need without additional subs! tances we don’t.

A balanced, natural diet can ease mood swings, panic attacks, anxiety, and mild depression. Intellectual clarity and agility is improved when the mind receives proper nourishment. Even those individuals who are blessed with the ability to consume almost any food can benefit from a healthier and simpler diet. Since the mental and physical selves are closely bound to one another, we must feed each the foods upon which they thrive.

Choosing a New Response

2009-06-03T18:18:00.001-07:00

Common Fears

Everyone has fears—it is a natural part of being human. Fear can protect us from harm by sending a rush of adrenaline to help us physically deal with potential danger. But there are times when fear may keep us from participating fully in life. Once we realize that fear is a state of mind, we can choose to face our fears, change our minds, and create the life we want to live.

Our minds are powerful tools to be used by our higher selves; like computers, storing and using data to make certain connections between thought and response. We have the ability to observe these and choose differently. No matter where the fear came from, we can create new connections by choosing new thoughts. When our souls and minds are in alignment, we create a new experience of reality. This journey requires many small steps, as well as patience and courage through the process. Here’s an example: You decide to overcome your fear of driving on the freeway. Your plan of action starts with examining your thoughts and finding a new way of seeing the situation. When you’re ready, you enlist a calm companion to support you as you take the first step of merging into the slow lane and using the first exit. Your heart may be racing, but your confidence will be boosted by the accomplishment. Repeat this until you are comfortable, with or without help, and then drive one exit further. When you are ready, you can try driving in the middle lane, for longer periods each time, until you find yourself going where you want to go. This gradual process is similar for conquering any fear, but if you find it overwhelming, you can always seek the help of a professional.

You may think that you are the only one with a particular fear, that nobody else could possibly be scared of ordinary things such as water, heights, public speaking, or flying. These types of fears are very common, and you can have great success overcoming them. Remember, it is not the absence of the fear but the courage to take action anyway that determines success. When we learn to face our fears, we learn to observe our thoughts and feelings but not be ruled by them. Instead we choose how to shape the lives we want.

Flavors of Life

2009-05-11T07:35:00.000-07:00

Growing Your Own Food

Growing a garden of food at home is an experience anyone can enjoy. Even a hanging basket of rosemary or a cherry tomato plant in a pot on the windowsill can enhance your connection with the cycle of life. If you have space outdoors, the green and blooming colors of the edible delights you are growing will decorate any view while tempting you to enjoy the outdoors. The edible plants we nurture allow us to literally taste the fruits (or vegetables or herbs) of our labor while helping us more consciously participate in the circulating energy of nature.

Allow yourself to begin slowly and simply, so that you can learn to dance with nature’s intricate orchestrations. There are many experienced gardeners out there to assist you as you choose seeds or small plants to start your garden. As you learn to heed the seasons, soil, sun, frost, and shade, you become more than a mere spectator of life’s cycle. Instead, you step into the role of cocreator and enhance what you nurture. No matter how large or small the size of your garden, you can benefit from growing your own organic, fresh, and nutritious food while also reveling in the depth of flavor and texture that comes from plants that have been well-tended, nurtured, and loved. As we appreciate the food we’ve grown, we can recognize the care that farmers put into the produce most of us buy at the supermarket. With this new understanding, we can acknowledge the roles other living creatures fill as participants in cultivating the cycle of life. We may even learn to peacefully coexis! t with the animals and insects that share perhaps too great an interest in our garden.

When we grow our food, we participate more fully in nature’s cycles and form a closer bond with Mother Earth. Knowing how to grow your own food allows for a sense of freedom and pride that you can feed and provide for yourself, one of the most basic necessities. Gratitude may fill us as we marvel at the beauty of nature and the majesty of the universe that orchestrates such natural wonders. When we allow our appreciation of life to expand, we harvest so much more than food and the taste is that much sweeter.

Gifts We Give Ourselves

2009-05-05T06:01:00.000-07:00

Friends

Good friends enrich our lives in so many ways. Through a magical combination of similarities and differences, friends offer us the opportunity to know ourselves as we are and help us grow into who we want to be. Our similarities attract us to each other, comforting us with familiarity when we see ourselves in them. When we are drawn to those we admire, the same recognition is at work, unconsciously acknowledging that these people possess qualities that we ourselves possess. By acting as mirrors, friends help us define who we are by reflecting our selves back to us.

Friends also help us know ourselves through our differences. Differences allow us to see other options and make choices about who we want to be. Sometimes we are drawn to those who appear to be our opposites, and we learn to accept the parts of them we love and the parts of them that don’t resonate with us, thus allowing us a valuable learning experience. By expanding our understanding to include others’ experiences, friends help us accept others. By understanding when someone’s life differs from our own, we can learn about ourselves in contrast. There are times when we see in friends what we don’t like about ourselves. That mirror reflection may be hard to take, but a good friend helps us find ways we can change and supports us in that choice.

Part of the joy of friendship is the feeling that we are accepted just the way we are, with no need to change. It is a gift they give us, and one we can give back every day. Ultimately, we choose friends because they make us feel good about ourselves and life. Through tears and difficulties, friends help us find the laughter. When we find those special people who offer us that perfect combination of comfort and stimulus to grow, we are very fortunate. Friends, those wonderful companions that walk with us through life, help us define and refine who we are and who we choose to be every day.

Procrastination & 8 Things

2009-05-04T10:09:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Sandi I am enjoying my procrastination time while completing this survey. :)

8 Things I'm looking forward to:

1. Camping at Fort Bragg
2. Halibut fishing (though I'm worried that if I actually get one I won't have the strength to land it!)
3. Talking to my sister who lives in Ireland
4. Organizing my office
5. Loading new music onto my ipod
6. Snuggling with hubby on a night when we aren't busy
7. Watching Alisha compete at her track meet
8. SUMMER!

8 Things I did yesterday:

1. Cleaned the house
2. Did some work for my BNI chapter
3. Put new pics on my website
4. Danced in the kitchen
5. Made a great dinner
6. Went to church
7. Danced some more...even though I was laughed at
8. Watched the Apprentice in bed with hubby

8 Things I wish I could do:

1. Sky dive (thanks to Gita)
2. Speak in public without sweating buckets and being on the verge of puking
3. Find a better balance between work, family, friends and me time.
4. Visit my sister again in Ireland but with the family this time!
5. Run longer
6. Play softball this year
7. Garden every day
8. Hear from my parents more often

8 Shows I watch:

1. Apprentice
2. American Idol
3. Top Chef
4. Iron Chef
5. Wednesday's with Beth Moore (a great way to start a Wednesday!)
6. Amazing Race (still trying to talk Paul into being on that show with me)
7. Deadliest Catch
8. Dr. G Medical Examiner

8 Songs on my music player:

1. Made To Love-Tobymac
2. Waiting on the World to Change-John Mayer
3. Happy Day...not sure who sings it but I really like it when Ron Sanders sings it!
4. Banana Pancakes-Jack Johnson
5. Oxygen- Colbie Caillat
6. Girl You Know It's True-Milli Vanili (hehe)
7. Whip It-Devo
8. Super Freak-Rick James

8 Favorite warm weather activities:

1. Camping
2. Agate Hunting
3. Gardening
4. Swimming with the kiddos
5. Bike Riding
6. BBQ with friends
7. Playing at the beach
8. Rollerblading

8 Favorite Happy Things:

1. Reading
2. Snuggling in bed after a long day
3. Listening to good music
4. Fishing with hubby
5. Playing with kids yours or mine :)
6. Lazing around on the deck in the summer time
7. Hanging out with my friends
8. Girls game night...which is long overdue!

18 Years Ago...

2009-03-31T00:01:00.000-07:00

It seems like both just yesterday and another lifetime ago entirely when I married my best friend 18 years ago today!! It was a tiny wedding at my great grandma's house and just a handful of people were there to celebrate it with us. It was the start of such a fun, crazy, and at times hard journey together. I feel lucky and very proud to have such a wonderful man in my life. Paul has always been a great guy but to me, he's so much more than that. He's taught me how to be a strong business woman and has helped and encouraged me the entire way. Second only to God, he is my strength! He's a fantastic father and has such a big heart for children! Paul's loyalty runs deep and my love and respect for him does as well. So today I celebrate our love & friendship together. :)

Permission To Feel

2009-03-17T21:25:00.000-07:00

Pushing Away Emotions

Throughout our lives, we may experience emotions that disturb or distress us. Often, our first reaction is to push our feelings away. We may say, “I don’t want to think about that right now, I’ll think about it later” and we bury our emotions, deny the validity of our feelings, or distract ourselves with other concerns. But the diverse emotions you experience are neither good nor bad—they are simply a part being human. Choosing not to experience pain, anger, or other intense feelings could cause those feelings to become buried deep into your physical body. There, they may linger unresolved and unable to emerge, even as they affect the way you experience the world. Allowing yourself to experience all of your emotions rather than push the more painful ones away can help you come to terms with your feelings so you can experience them and then move on.

It is possible to bring forth the old feelings you have pushed aside and experience them in a safe and enriching way. It may sound silly to set aside time to feel your old wounds that you haven’t dealt with, but this can be a very beneficial healing experience. Find a safel place and pick a time when you can be alone. Make sure that you feel secure and comfortable in your surroundings. Bring to mind the circumstances that originally triggered the emotions you’ve been pushing away. You may need to revisit these circumstances by reading relevant entries in your journal or using visualization to relive your past. Once you have triggered your long-denied emotions, let yourself feel your feelings, and try not to judge your reactions. Cry or sound your emotions if you need to, and don’t block the flow of your feelings. Allow any thoughts that are connected to your emotions to surface. As you release the feelings you have pushed inside of you, you will find yourself healing from ! the experience associated with these emotions.

When you deal with your feelings directly, they can move through you rather than staying stopped up in your body as emotional blocks that can sometimes turn into disease. Acknowledging your emotions, instead of pushing them away, allows you to stay emotionally healthy and in touch with your feelings.

If you really knew me...

2009-03-16T13:30:00.000-07:00

If you really knew me you would know that I have a huge heart for children. If you really knew me you would know that my love for helping others started at a young age. If you really knew me you would know that my husband is my hero and my best friend. If you really knew me you would know that I am afraid to let people down and sometimes I am afraid to let people get too close to me. If you really knew me you would know that I have more hopes than fears for the first time in my life.

If you really knew me...

This is one of the exercises we did at CHALLENGE DAY with the Fortuna High School students. Challenge Day is an organization that travels to different high schools to help teens break down the barriers that society has built for them. Challenge Day has been seen on Oprah and will be visiting her show once a year for the next 5 years. Here is a link to the already aired show... Challenge Day on Oprah!

To get a clearer picture of the program you should follow the link because the words that you will read below are coming straight from my emotionally driven view and don't explain what Challenge Day actually is...I just explain what I felt.

This was a very powerful day and yet completely out of everyone's comfort zone, including mine. Two beautiful people Sela and Kakoa, demonstrated love and compassion to over 160 teens today and provided a safe space for them to let out any emotions that may be carrying. Many tears were shed throughout the day... many were mine, as old wounds were healed for me personally too.

As Sela and Kakoa explained, there is NEVER A BAD KID....EVER. There are only kids walking around with hurt, anger, fear, resentment, low-selfesteem, etc. Today we opened up and shared with each other these things. I saw these young adults find a sense of power, peace, and pride for themselves that wasn't there before. This program broke down walls of hate and jealousy that were years thick. I saw teens mend lost friendships, put past resentments behind them and boys apologize to girls whom they have previously disrespected. The amount of healing that took place in one school day was nothing less then a miracle to me. I am still in awe.

At the end of an emotional, yet freeing, day I sat back and watched the same teens that seemed to have a chip on their shoulder this morning give love and compassion to their fellow classmates through hugs and smiles. They have a bond now. They know that if they have a problem that they aren't alone anymore. They can turn to any one of these peers and they will be received with open hearts. They have experienced this journey together and each one of them has pledged to BE THE CHANGE from now on! Not one kid gets left out or left behind. For today there were no racial, cultural, or social barriers between these kids, they dropped the act, let others in and kept it real. And today is just the beginning! I feel like a proud mother of 160 high school students!

For more information about Challenge Day or how to bring a Challenge Day to your school...please visit www.challengeday.org don't forget to check out Oprah's site for clips on one school's beginning of a new change!

May you tell your children today, whatever age they are, that you love them dearly and that you are proud of them because they are perfect exactly the way they are!

All my love~

Today I Will Make A Difference!

2009-02-27T07:21:00.001-08:00

Today I will make a difference. I will begin by controlling my thoughts. A person is the product of his thoughts. I want to be happy and hopeful. Therefore, I will have thoughts that are happy and hopeful. I refuse to be victimized by my circumstances. I will not let petty inconveniences such as stoplights, long lines, and traffic jams be my masters. I will avoid negativism and gossip. Optimism will be my companion, and victory will be my hallmark. Today I will make a difference.

I will be grateful for the twenty-four hours that are before me. Time is a precious commodity. I refuse to allow what little time I have to be contaminated by self-pity, anxiety, or boredom. I will face this day with the joy of a child and the courage of a giant. I will drink each minute as though it is my last. When tomorrow comes, today will be gone forever. While it is here, I will use it for loving and giving. Today I will make a difference.

I will not let past failures haunt me. Even though my life is scarred with mistakes, I refuse to rummage through my trash heap of failures. I will admit them. I will correct them. I will press on. Victoriously. No failure is fatal. It's OK to stumble...I will get up. It's OK to fail...I will rise again. Today I will make a difference.

I will spend time with those I love. My spouse, my children, my family. A man can own the world but be poor for the lack of love. A man can own nothing and yet be wealthy in relationships. Today I will spend at least five minutes with the significant people in my world. Five quality minutes of talking or hugging or thanking or listening. Five undiluted minutes with my mate, children, and friends.

Today I will make a difference.

Max Lucado
From On The Anvil

A Little Bit of Fun

2009-02-21T18:27:00.000-08:00

1. What made you decide to become a doula?

I was always drawn to women who were pregnant. I loved being with child myself and really enjoyed talking about birth and newborns to anyone who would listen. I loved sharing in other people's excitement and joy about their upcoming birth! I was attending births of military families when the husbands were overseas. When we got out of the military and moved to McKinleyville I was introduced to what a doula is. Right away I knew that I had found my life's passion! Besides my husband and children...nothing had ever felt so right!

2. You exude so much energy and positivity. Where does this come from? What motivates you?

I think my parents would say that I was always a happy child. I have been doing a lot of research on whether or not the mental and emotional health of the mother influences the personality and life outlook of the child. I believe that if what we eat when we are pregnant has an influence on them, then what we feel and our emotional status must also. :)

What motivates me is helping others. I can be dragging down tired with tooth picks holding my eye lids open and get an email from someone wanting to know how to relieve morning sickness or how to prevent gestational diabetes and all of a sudden, I'm wide awake and digging through books to find just the right thing that will help! Phones call from pregnant women with just a quick question gives me more of a high than a pot of coffee!

3. What is your favorite non-kid and non-hubby involved activity?

I love to play women's softball!!!

4. If you could take any one person to dinner, living or dead, who would it
be and why? Where would you eat :-).

Ohhhh this one is good...Mike Myers or Jim Carrey! I'd die laughing and wouldn't eat but I'd have a BLAST the whole time! I think sushi would be a good thing to eat with such characters!!

5. You have a free Saturday morning. How would you spend it - sky's the
limit?

If I was kid and hubby free I would grab my laptop, a great cup of tea or perhaps I would treat myself to some coffee, and snuggle in my nice warm bed and surf the net! Once done with that (short attention span) I'd spend the rest of the time journaling since I don't get a lot of time to do that without being interrupted.

Safety in Numbers

2009-02-17T09:47:00.000-08:00

Did you know when shopping for produce the stickers on the fruit can tell you a lot? You can use the numbers on the stickers to verify that fruits and veggies are in the correct bin. If the number starts with a 9, it means it's organic. If it starts with a 3 or 4 it's conventional produce and if it's an 8 it's been genetically modified.

Be aware and Be Healthy!

Sweetening a Sour Apple

2009-02-10T17:35:00.001-08:00

Sweetening A Sour Apple
When A Bad Apple Spoils the Bunch

Because life requires that we interact with different personalities, it is not uncommon for us to encounter a situation where there is one person whose behavior may negatively impact the experiences of others. Someone who is loud and crass can interrupt the serenity of those who come together to practice peace. A disruptive worker can cause rules to be imposed that affect their colleagues’ professional lives. A team member who is pessimistic or highly critical may destroy the morale of their fellow members. And one “bad apple” in your personal life can be a potent distraction that makes it difficult to focus on the blessings you’ve been given and the people who love you.

There may always be people in your life who take it upon themselves to create disruption, foster chaos, stamp out hope, and act as if they are above reproach – even when, in doing so, they put a blight on their own experiences. But you don’t need to allow their negativity and callousness to sour your good mood. Often, our first impulse upon coming head-to-head with a bad apple is to express our anger and frustration in no uncertain terms. However, bad apples only have the power to turn our lives sour if we let them.

If you can exercise patience and choose not to respond to their words or actions, you will significantly limit the effect they are able to have on you and your environment. You can also attempt to encourage a bad apple to change their behavior by letting your good behavior stand as an example. If your bad apple is simply hoping to attract notice, they may come to realize that receiving positive attention is much more satisfying than making a negative impression. While you may be tempted to simply disassociate yourself entirely from a bad apple, consider why they might be inclined to cause disturbances. Understanding their motivation can help you see that bad apples are not necessarily bad people. Though bad apples are a fact of life, minimizing the impact you allow them to have upon you is empowering because you are not letting anyone else affect the quality of your experiences. You may discover that buried at the very heart of a bad apple is a seed of goodness.

The Dance of Intimacy

2009-02-09T11:58:00.000-08:00

The Dance of Intimacy
Coming Back to Center in a Relationship

Anyone in a long-term relationship knows that the dance of intimacy involves coming together and moving apart. Early in a relationship, intense periods of closeness are important in order to establish the ground of a new union. Just as a sapling needs a lot more attention than a full-grown tree, budding relationships demand time and attention if they are to fully take root. Once they become more established, the individuals in the union begin to turn their attention outward again, to the other parts of their lives that matter, such as work, family, and friendships. This is natural and healthy. Yet, if a long-term relationship is to last, turning towards one another continually, with the same curiosity, attention, and nurturance of earlier times, is essential.

In a busy and demanding world full of obligations and opportunities, we sometimes lose track of our primary relationships, thinking they will tend to themselves. We may have the best intentions when we think about how nice it would be to surprise our partner with a gift or establish a weekly date night. Yet somehow, life gets in the way. We may think that our love is strong enough to survive without attention. Yet even mature trees need water and care if they are to thrive.

One of the best ways to nourish a relationship is through communication. If you feel that a distance has grown between you and your partner, you may be able to bridge the gap by sharing how you feel. Do your best to avoid blame and regret. Focus instead on the positive, which is the fact that you want to grow closer together. Sometimes, just acknowledging that there is distance between you has the effect of bringing the relationship into balance. In other cases, more intense effort and attention may be required. You may want to set aside time to talk and come up with solutions together. Remember to have compassion for each other. You’re in the same boat together and trying to maintain the right balance of space and togetherness to keep your relationship healthy and thriving. Express faith and confidence in each other, and enjoy the slow dance of intimacy that can resume between the two of you.

Remove Rivalry

2009-01-27T22:32:00.000-08:00

Sibling rivalry dates back to the first set of brothers- Cain and Abel. While modern parents often blame the problem on their children, they can unwittingly contribute to the tension instead of addressing it.

Counselor Ralph Sexton says, "Favoring one child over another can lead to resentment and family fractures." Sexton has seen the fallout firsthand as he counseled broken families. "One

of the most devastating things a parent can do is compare one child to another. Asking questions like, 'Why can't you be like your brother?' or 'Why can't you be like your sister?' damages their self-esteem. It also imprints a negative rather than a positive, preparing them to fail. They need us to love them unconditionally. If there's one place that a child should receive unconditional love, it should be in the home."

Children need to feel that they are indispensable in the family. To help them feel this way, parents can recognize that each child was born with different skills, talents, and personality traits. They are unique and they need to hear that they are valuable in your eyes.

It's Never Too Late

2009-01-24T09:41:00.001-08:00

It’s Never Too Late
Getting Back To What You Love

There are times in life when we are committed to pursuing our passions. Every molecule in our body is focused on doing what we love. At other times, necessity and responsibility dictate that we put our dreams aside and do what needs to be done. It is during these moments that we may choose to forget what it is that we love to do. There are many other reasons for why we may leave our passions behind. A hobby may lose its appeal once we’ve realize it will never turn into our dream job. Someone important to us may keep telling us that our passions are childish and unsuitable – until we finally believe them.

Forgetting about what you love to do can be a form of self-sabotage though. If you can forget about your dreams, then you never have to risk failure. But just because we’ve decided to ignore our passions doesn’t mean they no longer exist. Nothing can fill the emptiness that remains in a space vacated by a passion that we have tossed aside. Besides, life is too short to stop doing what you love, and it is never too late to rediscover your favorite things. If you gave up playing an instrument, painting, drawing, spending time in nature, or any other activity or interest that you once loved to do, now may be the time to take up that passion again. If you don’t remember what it is that you used to be passionate about, you may want to think about the activities or interests that you used to love or the dreams that you always wished you could pursue.

You don’t have to neglect your responsibilities to pursue your passions, and you don’t have to neglect your commitments to do what you love. When you make an effort to incorporate your interests into your life, the fire within you ignites. You feel excited, inspired, and fed by the flames that are sparked by living your life with passion for what you love. You will feel more fulfilled by life and your energy will be abundant.

There is something to be said about making a living with the passion that you have inside. If you are lucky enough to have found a way to make money doing what you love, your business will thrive and grow immensely because it is being driven by a force that is bigger than you! Nurture that side of yourself and allow it to grow into something huge. Squash those fears and all that negative self-talk and don’t let obstacles get in your way.

These are photos of my passion...helping families have a healthy, happy birth!

Parenting

2009-01-22T22:58:00.000-08:00

Parenting is a journey into the unknown. Having a child can uncover long-term insecurities. As a result, parents, especially moms, measure success by comparing themselves to peers.

This endless cycle of competitive parenting often begins with a casual question, such as "Are you still breastfeeding?" or "Is your toddler potty trained yet?" The "winners" in this conversation are those who have nursed the longest or toilet trained the earliest.

Don't fall into this trap. Choose what is right for you and your child regardless of what others are doing. Here are some suggestions:

Step Back. Even if you've said, "I'll never do that," most people are not immune to competitive parenting. If you find yourself sinking into this downward spiral, take an emotional step back. You bring unique strengths and abilities to your child rearing, so focus on what you're doing well.

Seek Counsel. Ask friends and relatives for advice. Learn from their experiences. Avoid advice from parents who pretend to be perfect. Learn from realistic people with positive perspectives.

Celebrate Milestones. Your child's first tooth and step follow her own development timeline. Don't forget to take photos or journal these big events in your baby's life.

Ignore Unfounded Criticism. Strangers often feel they have the right to comment about raising a baby; avoid those critics. Pay no attention to the fellow shopper who says, "Tsk, tsk," at the pacifier in your baby's mouth.

Stop Yourself. If you find you're starting a competitive conversation, stop. Don't attempt to build yourself up by tearing others down.

Remember, what works for one family might not work for another. Find what works for you and your child and try to keep a positive outlook on parenting when talking to new mothers. Always remember to Enjoy the Mothering Journey!

Unexpected Spring Bliss

2009-01-20T14:24:00.000-08:00

I'm writing this to remind myself how beautiful and amazing today was because I hear this January spring weather is going to be coming to a close soon. I was asked yesterday if Fortuna really is a "friendly" city as it is so lovingly called and my immediate response was yes! Today was proof of that. I was meeting a friend for lunch on the other side of this friendly city and decided to get the most out of this day and to grab a little exercise too by riding my little red mountain bike. With my ipod set to some really great music I headed off. I was in complete bliss with a little burn in my legs and the wind in my hair. I was taking in all the scenery as I was riding. The sweet smell of freshly mowed grass tickled my nose and made me look to my left where I saw the softball fields and a man on a riding mower who happened to notice me as well. With a subtle grin, he lifted his hand to wave to me. As I rode on I saw, on the opposite side of the street, an older woman taking tiny steps with her walker seemingly enjoying the unusual spring weather in the winter season. I smiled and waved to her and saw a beautiful smile quickly jump to her lips. I carried on my ride feeling an immense happiness welling up inside me. As the easy tunes of Jack Johnson wafted through my ears I noticed one person after another looking my way, either offering me a smile and a nod or a full on arm-up-in-the-air wave hello.

After a long and leisure lunch with my beautiful friend, I headed back home and thought to myself....today could quite possibly be the perfect day!

The Language of Crying

2009-01-18T21:32:00.001-08:00

Newborns cry. Sometimes a lot. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, responding to infant cries teaches the baby that you are there, she can count on you and she can trust you. Crying is the primary way an infant communicates. Here are a few distinct cries that may help you figure out what your baby is trying to tell you.

The hungry howl. Babies let you know when they are hungry. Often these cries will get louder and more insistent.

The burp cry. Newborns need to be burped after eating, and sometimes during meals. One method is to place the baby against your protected shoulder and gently pat her on the back.

The tired wail. Sometimes a baby just needs to sleep or is over stimulated and needs to rest in a quiet place.

The change me cry. Babies may have a soiled diaper or a rash. Diapers should be checked several times a day. If she has a rash, allow her to air dry in between changes.

The bundle me wail. Infants like to be wrapped in a blanket and held close. They lived in tight quarters for so long that some children really enjoy the comfort that swaddling brings. It brings them comfort and assurance.

The colic cry. Sometimes a baby cries inconsolably for hours at a time, most often beginning around 2 to 3 months old. If a doctor has determined your baby to be healthy, then your baby may just need to cry. Remember that if this is happening to you, it is just a phase and this too shall pass!

The stressed-out fuss. It's normal for an infant to have fussy periods as they try to adapt to life outside the womb and trying to find ways to get their needs met.

The best thing to do is to learn to read your baby's signals. After a few days of adjusting to having a newborn, you will start to be able to read your baby's cries. Have faith that you are capable of nurturing, loving and caring for this beautiful baby of yours and enjoy every stage

they're in!

Be Still and Center Down!

2009-01-16T18:38:00.000-08:00

Be Still...Center Down!
by Janet Maccaro PhD, C.N.C.

Dr. Janet Maccaro is the author of Fabulous at 50, part of this series "Your Body, His Temple."

The Quakers have a process known as "centering down." It simply means finding that calm, stillness within...a restful place where you can feel and go to, with practice, when life gets out of balance.

Just like a submarine, when faced with a possible attack you must dive, dive, dive, deeply into your core, where you can be still and know that He is God. When you become centered, you will find solid ground. Then the world you live in will be one that emerges from a stillness that takes root in your soul.

Your "centering place" could be a place where you can be alone with your thoughts and prayers; a place that is physically beautiful and comforting; a place where you feel safe and secure; where you can play uplifting music and spend time in reflection.

God designed us to live in rhythm. We must take time for rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. He has even placed resting places between each and every one of your heartbeats. The resting period between each beat allows your heart to reload.

Eleanor Roosevelt knew the importance of "centering down" when she said, "A day out of doors, someone to talk with, a good book, and some simple food and music -- that would be rest."

Sir William Penn also knew the importance of being still when he said, "true silence is the rest of the mind; it is to the spirit what sleep is to the body, nourishment and refreshment."

Do you lose your concentration often? Do you regularly have to "jumpstart" your brain in the morning or afternoon with stimulants such as coffee, sugar or medication? Is worry, anxiety or panic a daily occurrence? Do you multitask? Do you over commit? Are you crisis driven? Are you too emotional? Do you sleep enough? Do you live in a pattern of overwork?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, purpose to change your life in 2009. Rest and reload! Taking time out to bond with God each day will create a peaceful center in your life. In other words, by being still and knowing that He is God, you will know just how to "center down."

Where do you start? Simply by taking inventory.

How many hours of sleep do you get each night?
How much time each day do you spend with your family?
How much time do you spend with God each day?

You need to build a Sabbath, of sorts: a time to stop working, stop making money and stop spending money. A time to SEE what you really have. A time to look around and LISTEN to your life!

Often, we spend entirely too much time thinking about we don't have, trials we are undergoing and things we have not accomplished. I challenge you this year to instead take time to count your blessings and be truly grateful for each and every one of them. You will find that doing this will lift your spirits, calm your mind and fill your heart with joy. Giving thanks for blessings increases blessings. The result is to become centered down. You will find as blessings increase, problems and stress decrease.

If you can feel the warmth of the sun on your face, if you can smell the fragrance of your favorite flower, if you can watch a sunset, listen to your favorite music, if you have food, shelter, and clothing, and your basic needs are taken care of, then you are blessed more than you know. You must shift your perspective. This is where centering down comes in. It is a way to enjoy your blessings even more!

Reminder: In this new year, rest, reload and center down!

Controlling Toxic Thoughts and Emotions

2009-01-16T18:27:00.000-08:00

Controlling Toxic Thoughts and Emotions
with Dr. Caroline Leaf

"We take captive every thought to make it
obedient to Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:5b)

How many times have you replayed a conversation in your head until it stirred emotional pain or stress in your life? Did you know that stress is the reaction your body has to your thoughts?

Researchers say that 87% of the illnesses that plague us today are a direct result of our thought life. What we think affects us physically and emotionally. We are in an epidemic of toxic emotions and that is why I teach people about the anatomy of thought in my book Who Switched off My Brain?

Your brain speaks to your body and your body speaks to your brain. The mind-body link is an ongoing symphony of chemicals playing through your body 24 hours a day. And the way in which we think will affect the functioning of that whole electrical-chemical cycle.

God has built an incredible mechanism into our brain that gives us the free will to accept or reject information. We have the option to reject negative information from our thoughts before it gets the support of damaging attitudes and emotions.

There are two groups of emotions that are polar opposites: positive, faith-based emotions and negative, fear-based emotions. Each has its own set of molecules and performs as spiritual forces with chemical and electrical representation in the body.

Faith-based emotions are love, joy, peace, happiness, kindness, gentleness, self-control, forgiveness and patience. These produce good attitudes and thoughts.

Fear-based emotions include hate, anxiety, anger, hostility, resentment, frustration, impatience and irritation. These produce toxic attitudes and create a chemical reaction in the body that can alter behavior.

Fear is the root of stress. Scripture says, “God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and love and of a sound mind” (2 Tim. 1:7). Fear-based thinking blocks the flow of healthy chemicals and releases toxic chemicals that put you into stress.

When your thoughts move you into stress, your emotions attempt to rule. Emotional perceptions are designed to create alertness to guide but not rule, because they misinterpret truth. Stage one of stress is the protective alarm that guides and helps you deal with dangerous, threatening situations. It creates a sweaty palm, quickened heart rate, adrenaline rush and a fight-or-flight emotional and biological response.

Once the alert stressor is gone, your accelerated heart rate (through narrowing of the arteries and increased blood volume) begins to return to normal. However, if your body stays under the constant barrage of negative stimulation, toxic waste begins to build up. An uncontrolled thought life will create fear-based emotional and physical conditions for illness.

In the second stage you enter acute long-term stress. Your mind and body start feeling as if they belong to someone else. The chemicals pump at will and in sequence through your body, and the first area they attack is your cardiovascular system.

If the chaotic thoughts are not controlled at this point, your stress hormones and chemicals never stop reacting. They move to a cellular level where your body experiences tissue damage and system breakdown. Internalizing wounded emotions at this point will eventually create a volcanic buildup in your body allowing a seething mix of anger, hostility and resentment. Suppressed emotional pain can also cause lingering physical pain.

Hosea 4:6 demonstrates wisdom and insight about this toxic pathway. “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” If you understand something, you can begin to control it instead of letting it control you. Knowledge and understanding give you the tools. With the Holy Spirit’s power to remind you of God’s truth, you can begin to consciously control your thought life and deal with harmful emotions.

According to the word of God, which is more accurate than medical science, controlling your thought life brings health to your body. You can live most of your life in a passive mental state or you can choose to battle for your mind. It seems like an unfair battle because you can’t see what’s happening, yet you can’t escape the battle. The frontline of the war is the toxic thought. It usually enters through the five senses and if it is unchecked, it can become a mental stronghold of the enemy. The finish line is the final battle cry of victory when you take captive and overturn your toxic thoughts and being aware is the first step!

Take a Year-End Attitude Inventory

2009-01-10T09:38:00.000-08:00

It’s a wise custom to end an old year and begin a new one with serious self-reflection. What did you learn this year that can improve your life and make you a better person?

Start by examining the way you think and feel about your job, your relationships, and yourself. After all, the single most important factor in personal happiness and your impact on others is your attitude.

In the geometry of life, the axiom is “positive attitudes produce positive results.” They make success more likely, failures less harmful, pleasures more frequent, and pain more bearable. Some people tend to bring warm sunshine wherever they go; others bring cold chills. What do you bring?

To find out where you can improve, take an honest inventory of your predispositions, the attitude you’re most likely to start with.

• Are you generally optimistic or pessimistic?
• Do you tend to assume the best or expect the worst of people?
• Is your first instinct to be empathetic or judgmental?
• Is your first instinct to be supportive or critical?
• Do you send the message that you enjoy life or that you’re barely enduring it?
• Do you come across as the captain of your own ship or simply a passenger?

Wherever you are on the positive-attitude spectrum, think how much better things could be if you were more consistently and self-consciously optimistic, empathetic, supportive, grateful, enthusiastic, hopeful, and cheerful.

So why not resolve to think, act, and speak more positively about yourself, your family, your coworkers, and everyone else in your life?

The Power of Olive Oil

2009-01-08T09:56:00.000-08:00

Consuming just about two tablespoons of olive oil per day may help decrease the risk of heart disease, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Olive oil contains monounsaturated fats, which can help to lower total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Try replacing saturated fats with olive oil. While all types of oilve oil offer monounsaturated fats, those labeled "extra-virgin" or "virgin" have been subjected to the least amount of processing and provides the highest levels of natural antioxidants. Store olive oil in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator, where it will keep for three to six months.

Source: Olive Oil: What are the Health Benefits?" by Katherine Z.

High Fructose Corn Syrup? (HFCS)

2009-01-07T08:25:00.000-08:00

If you have watched even a little t.v. lately, would should've noticed those commercials made by the corn refineries stating that foods that have high fructose corn syrup are good for you because they are made with corn. These increasingly frequent t.v. spots are due to well educated consumers...namely, us who have taken our health seriously and chosen not to buy products that contain HFCS. Nutritionists have done research about the affects HFCS has on our systems and found that it overstimulates the hormonal glands, the pancreas, and adrenals and cause problems in blood sugar and energy levels and emotions. They also found that HFCS has no nutritional value and can lead to tooth decay and in many studies has been linked to obesity. The use of cheap corn syrup has skyrocketed; in 2001 Americans consumed an average of 59 pounds per person in processed foods such as baked goods, frozen desserts, tomato sauce, ketchup, canned and frozen fruits, juices and soft drinks. That number has jumped to an alarming 100 pounds per person in just 7 years!! It's no wonder why we are growing in size!

So what are we to do?

*Read your labels and choose not to purchase foods that have HFCS listed as a sweetener.

*Eat Whole Foods Instead: stick to fresh, unprocessed fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy and you'll easily avoid HFCS.

*Choose healthier sweeteners. Natural sweeteners are unrefined or only lightly refined so they retain valuable nutrients. They are digested more slowly and don't cause the "sugar blues".

Natural sweeteners are:

Honey is one of the most popular sweeteners. Darker honey contains more minerals. Purchase only local honey as it is good to use if you have seasonal allergies. Honey contains some B, C, D, and E Vitamins and traces of minerals.

Stevia is traditionally used as a sweetener in beverages. It's 30 tim

es sweeter than sugar, so two drops can sweeten one cup. Refined stevia powder can be used for baking. Stevia may be used as a sweetener by people with candida or yeast conditions.

Stevia can also be used by people with diabetes or hypoglycemia.

Maple Syrup is a popular sweetener and can also be used for baking.

Brown Rice Syrup is made from brown rice that has been cooked for a very long time. This sweetener has a mild flavor and the highest protein content of any natural sugar and is very good for baking.

Agave Nectar is made from a plant found in Mexico. It has a low glycemic level and is a delicious in coffee, tea and foods. Unlike the crystalline form of fructose, which is refined primarily from corn, agave syrup is frutose in it's natural form. This nectar doesn't contain processing chemicals. Even better, because fructose is sweeter than table sugar, less is needed in your recipes. It is also useful for people who are diabetic, have insulin resistance or are simply watching their carbohydrate intake.

The simple fact of the matter is that most of us have no need for the amount of added sugar we consume. Sugars can be made by our own bodies through the conversion of carbohydrates present in many foods, or through various forms of sugar other than glucose present in fruit and vegetables. Though I believe in the motto, "everything in moderation", I don't believe that holds water with high fructose corn syrup that can have such grave affects on our health.

To Your Health!

New Year...New Start...New Baby?!

2009-01-01T16:24:00.000-08:00

The first few days with your newborn are very exciting and wonderful! It can be a beautiful bonding time between you, your spouse and infant, though some women find that it's also a hard time of adjusting to taking care of this new baby's every need. Yes, you will go through an enormous amount of learning within those first few days, but this need not be a time of stress. Having good support to help make sure you rest and get plenty of proper nutrition is invaluable to the healing and adjustment period. Allow family members to help with the household chores, even though it may feel strange to have someone else do your dishes and laundry. Limit the amount of visitors in the first few days to make sure you are focusing on resting and bonding with your new baby. Postpartum doulas can also help you will all of these things if you don't have family in the area.

You will receive parenting advice from families, friends, acquaintances, and even strangers. Who should you listen to? Parents must decide for themselves what works best for their family. Listen politely to advice and thank the giver for their suggestions but what worked for one family might not work for yours. It's up to you to decide.

The most common questions asked of new parents are, "Is she a good baby?" and "Does he sleep through the night?" Of course your baby is good! She is the world's greatest baby! Does he sleep through the night? Most likely he does not. He is just a tiny person, new to the world. His little stomach needs frequent filling and his diapers need constant changing. Many adults get up in the night to get a drink of water, go to the bathroom, or just adjust their covers. It's certainly not unusual to have a baby who wakes during the night.

All babies are special. Yours will be the most special of all. She will look at you with complete trust and confidence that you will take care of her. As parents, we must do our best to rise to the joys and challenges of caring for our children. Enjoy this new adventure!!

Fruit Spoils, Not Babies!

2009-01-01T16:23:00.000-08:00

Babies will cry. It's their only way to communicate. They cry because they are hungry, wet, cold, want to be picked up, want their positions changed, or are just uncomfortable. Sometimes they just want mom or dad. It's always best to comfort a crying baby. Trust is quickly established when a newborn learns that her calls are quickly answered.

Fruit spoils, not babies!!

How to Make a Smooth Return to Work

2009-01-01T16:13:00.000-08:00

If you decide to go back to work after having a baby, give yourself time to adjust. It's natural to miss your baby and even feel sad at times. Small steps like these can make it easier for you and your baby:

*If possible, return gradually by slowly increasing the number of days you work per week.

*Do some tasks at home during your maternity leave such as answering emails or on-line research.

*Before you return, visit the office to catch up on company news and introduce your baby to your co-workers.

*If you are still nursing, talk to your employer about a private room where you and other new moms may be able to pump.

*Allow at least two weeks to prepare for the time when you'll first be away from your baby. You can start alternating breast and bottle feeding when your baby is three to four weeks old.

*Try to find child care near your workplace and arrange to leave your child there once or twice before you start work. Ask the caregiver to feed the baby while you're gone.

*Get support from other working moms at your workplace or through organizations like the La Leche League (www.lalecheleague.org) or the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition (www.hmhb.org)