A D D I C T E D !!!

Yes, that's me.  A discovery I recently made.  At my stage in life, I'm going to do it my way.  No more sticking to rigid schedules.  Who needs it?  My kids are grown and have schedules of their own.  ADDICTED to being true to myself.

I have a confession to make, though.  Like many other people, I am a survivor of election trauma.  Most of us made it through; others have a way to go.  But I notice I am addicted to being sidetracked to current news.

Unfortunately, that addiction has slowly sapped my initiative to complete the process of completing my second book and Blogs. The goal I had set for myself to have the book published by end of the past month, fizzled out.

Recently, though, I reviewed my book notes and am getting inspired again!  Back to writing and self-publishing. So, with this fresh Blog, I renew my passion to complete what I started several months ago.

In my initial mini book: Overcome Trauma: Without Completely Falling Apart,  I relate how I took  lemon and made lemonade when life dealt me some hard blows.

In this upcoming Volume 2, I share short stories of how other people are bravely confronting challenges and pursuing wholeness.

The portrayal will be likened to the challenges of Fly Fishing, what it takes to prepare for and follow through to pulling in that coveted catch.  Hopefully, the reader will gain COURAGE TO REEL IN YOUR FISH, your particular challenge in life.

I am recharging my passion for writing and self publishing again...

Yes, addicted again!

That Dirty Action Word....DIET!

Why does that word strike such negative feelings to some of us?

Don't get me wrong.  I'm not referring to the noun 'diet', which may refer to a plan of eating.  I am referring to the verb 'to diet', something so many people are familiar with.  Even with good intentions, with dieting, we sooner or later realize just how weak we are.

So I chose many years ago to discard that action word. Instead I use, 'lifestyle' or 'nutritional protocol'.  It doesn't sting as much as, 'to diet'.  I got so tired of trying so many out there.

My Re-programming:

* Choose to live stronger and longer

* Determine to eat what I enjoy. especially the foods of my culture.  Avoid GMO or fake food; stay as close to nature as possible.

* With help of a health practitioner and valid labs, get an evaluation of what are the strong and weak points nutritionally.

* Since foods are so depleted nowadays, find ways to supplement with high-quality, healthy products

* Learn the basics and follow through with what is needed to become and maintain good health.

* My favorite: the 80% nutrition-building protocol, and 20% enjoyable and personally satisfying or comforting foods.

 

* Use discipline but stay flexible.  Do I utilize the 20% on weekends, or during family or social gatherings?  Be kind to oneself.

* Learn about basic body functions: brain, circulatory, lungs, digestive and detoxifying, gut, hormonal and other systems, to intelligently care for body and prevent unnecessary illness or diseases. Prevention is preferred.

* But, if dealing with acute or chronic problems, seek informed medical practitioners who treat the whole system and seek for root problems, rather than mask the problems with over-medication. Learn how to replace vitamins and minerals that are hacked from body with needed medication.**

* If sedentary, be creative about moving: trampoline or stairs if joints permit; change positions, light house or yard work, etc....and don't forget swimming or dancing.  The key is to enjoy the movement.

To the above ideas, add a positive outlook, social interaction, and a foundational, positive, engaging Belief system. Keep learning and implementing.  Take some risks now and then.

Love.  Encourage others.  Forgive.  Hope. Trust.  Be thankful.  Express emotions.  When a negative thought appears, replace it with a positive one, whenever possible.  Love the Creator, Yourself, Others!

Let's replace that dirty word...diet...to the phrase, Live strong, live long!!

**If interested in a list of evidence-based health and medical protocols, you can view the List of Resources in my book: Overcome Trauma: Without Completely Falling Apart, Amazon Kindle or softcover.

A Nightly Fight With Myself!

Retire To Bed At A Decent Hour?

I should know better.  Well, I do know better, but why do I violate what I know may be best for me?

There are several good reasons for retiring earlier.

* By 10 PM melatonin starts to kick in naturally

* Aim for 7- 8 hours sleep for the body to repair itself

* Keep electronics away from sleeping room, and all lights off to encourage deep sleep

* Wind down at least one hour before jumping or hopping in.

* A bit of reading in bed can prep for sleep

*A romantic spousal workout is ideal for delving into a satisfied sleep.

* No computer work in bed

* Last meal/snack a couple of hours before

*No cell phones under pillows; may combust

*Hydrate body - a small glass of water or few ounces of wine - before sleep routine starts

*If snacking, it should combine protein and carb  (healthy cookie with milk?)

*If possible, keep same time routine to keep circadian rhythm happy

But, do I do these things every night?  Too often I allow my stubbornness to overrule reason. I stay up much later because I like to be more creative or studious in the quiet of the night.

Well, once in a while I do the right thing.  Mostly, I engage in this nightly struggle.  Unpredictable me..

What can I tell you!  I enjoy being a night owl.  The fight continues!

Does anyone else struggle with this?   Is there a routine that works for you?

carmensheartstrings@gmail.com or Facebook Chat

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Coming This Far by Grit!

OvercomeTrauma: Without Completely Falling Apart

The time is past when some seniors become more passive as we age, wondering about declining health.  This senior refuses to allow life to just pass her by.

Rather than wondering when family will get in touch, and entertaining feelings of loneliness or rejection, there is a mindset that I insist on.  I will live fully, to the best of my ability.

In my first mini-book, published as a Kindle and Softcover via Amazon.com, I relate accounts of how I have Overcome Trauma: Without Completely Falling Apart.

Approaching my 80th year of life, I'm currently working on another book in large print.  It includes accounts of people who have, or are tackling their own challenges: Reel-In Your Fish: A Legacy of Brave Souls

Courage, spirituality, determination, perseverance, and large doses of satire or laughter, will go a long way to enjoying our senior years.

What are your ideas?  Feel free to connect with me via my Fan Page on Facebook, or email: 

carmensheartstrings@gmail.com or  imagodei78@live.com