How do you start your day?

Over the years, I have found that the best way for me to enter the day is to sit quietly with my coffee and simply be with the silence. This has not always been possible due to a career that has taken me on the road for over thirty years. Some of the individuals I traveled with loved to start their day by flicking on the TV so they could be informed about the latest happenings around the globe, or they would start chatting on the phone. After all they might be missing an announcement about the end of the world.

I would try desperately not to have a rise in blood pressure, but it was very difficult. I desperately needed to give myself time to get ready for the day which was often filled with lots of talking, book signing and more travel, all of which can be very stressful. Yes, I believe in different strokes for different folks, but the latest greatest research on how we can navigate our lives without feeling crazy by the end of the day, states that getting your brain in the right zone starts by how you greet the day.

I know this can be very difficult when you have kids and they begin their “woodpecker drills” as soon as they open their eyes. But it is possible to set your alarm to go off a few minutes early so you can lie awake in bed and allow your thoughts to focus on how grateful you are for what you have and not what you need to do. In fact, I believe this could be a great lesson to teach your children. Today’s kids are suffering from stress overload. If you allow yourself to be led by the incessant inner chatter you will leave your house feeling like a whirling dervish and your body will be in a vigilant state ready to slay a dragon.

There was a time when we could put things off and get away with it. But with the advent of e-mail, texting and cell phones, you are pretty much at the mercy of ASAP. It doesn’t matter where you are, you can’t hide from the technology that demands immediacy. Your only defense is to learn to create good mental habits that allow your brain to have mini-vacations from the cacophony of daily life. The ultimate irony is that productivity increases when we take time out to refresh ourselves. Lily Tomlin said it best ”The trouble with being in the rat race is that even if you win, you’re still a rat."

--Thanks, Mom (Loretta LaRoche), for these words of wisdom that I have willingly and lovingly learned to adopt.

Passion is the source of our finest moments

"Eight Little Lessons of Hope and Healing" reminds us that each individual has their own healing power within.  This month, Laurie is highlighting the chapter on "passion."  With passion in our hearts, we foster the ability to remain calm in times of turmoil and bring resolution in a loving way. Passion is the warm caring touch that promotes peace, forgiveness and motivation. The intention of passion embraces self-affirmation and self-love. She reminds us to love ourselves first so that we may share love others  more deeply.

"Whatever happened to staring, musing, dreaming or just hanging out?"

Oh I’m sure there are individuals who still embrace the art of “just being,” but the society we live in has made it more and more difficult not to do anything. If someone asks you what you’re doing and you respond “nothing”, they will probably reply” Oh, I’m sorry. Are you sick?” Today’s society is predicated on being busy.

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This Valentine's Day... Find Passion...

"With passion in our hearts we foster the ability to remain calm in times of turmoil and bring resolution in a loving way."

Accomplishing any task is easier when you have the right tools and "Eight Little Lessons of Hope & Healing" is another tool to help open your heart to the possibilities.

Each chapter of the book features a powerful lesson taken from my memoir, Living to Tell, in which I share my journey to overcome cancer.  Each chapter is paired with a crystal and a ChiBella jewelry piece.

The Rose Quartz is the passion piece and promotes love for others and love for oneself. As the physical body must heal so must our emotions. It gives inner peace and helps in all matters pertaining to love in all of its forms. It helps the user feel a strong sense of self-worth, therefore being worthy of love.

"Passion is the warm and caring touch that promotes peace, forgiveness and motivation."

This Valentine's Day ... consider giving the gift of positive intentions and a beautiful piece of ChiBella jewelry. Whether for yourself or someone you love, my hope is that "Eight Little Lessons of Hope & Healing" will be a wonderful gift of Awakening, Hope, Serenity, Healing, Positivity, Passion, Courage and Humor and will help direct your focus to LOVE and the positive outcomes you desire.

Alternative Goes Mainstream

Today’s Complementary Trends Support Natural Health Care

Kathleen Barnes

Haven’t we all at some time shifted to more healthy foods, enjoyed a massage, consulted with a chiropractor or naturopath, popped a vitamin C supplement or attended a yoga, Tai chi, qigong or Pilates class? Many of us also meditate regularly and pray for sick friends and relatives.

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