What To Do About Pain

Over the past few days, I have been experiencing pain in various parts of my body. It may be a result of overdoing it in a water aerobics class a few days ago, anxiety over an upcoming trip, a flare-up of CFS symptoms, or a combination of all of these. I tried Tylenol, which relieved some of it, and I also applied a mix of coconut oil and Do terra peppermint essential oil (which feels and smells great-there are many essential oils that will help), but I still felt some pain. What I did (and what I know to do in these instances) is to turn to Jesus for healing. I have been silently meditating both sitting and lying down with my hands over the affected area and imagined Jesus beside me, laying hands on me for healing. Deeply breathing in , I inhale His healing power and love. Exhaling slowly, I breathe out the pain, anxiety and anything else that I don't want. I do this for 15-20 minutes at a time. I do feel better today.

If you don't relate to a Christian example, just use a healing Power, just focusing on your breath or whatever has meaning to you.  In my case, it feels very comforting to know that Jesus is beside me through all my hard times, ready to ease my pain and calm my spirit. I also use a couple of guided meditation CDs by Bellaruth Naparstek, "General Wellness" and one for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia.  Both are excellent.  And nothing beats a walk out in nature for relaxation and focusing your mind on gratitude and the present moment, and away from pain.  I recommend any and all of these healing techniques. Wishing you freedom from pain....and healing for your spirit.

Can You Wear a Skinny Crop Pant?

Yesterday I went shopping to see if I could find some of the cute crop pants in lovely colors that I have seen in the magazines and e:mails from my favorite stores.  My first stop was Talbots, because I saw some really colorful crops in an e:mail.  I tried on at least 7 pairs, both in their Signature fit and Curvy fit.  Keep in mind that I am pear-shaped and I have bought a pair of Signature slim ankle jeans there before and really like them.  I absolutely hated the way the super slim crops looked on me - showing very lump and bump (even with shapewear.)  Made me look like an ice cream cone!  So I moved on to the Curvy fit crops and viola! they looked just right and weren't too tight, just skimming instead of squeezing.  So if you are planning to go look and try on some slim crops, keep in mind your body shape.  My feeling is that if you have curves that I would go with something not quite so tight.  But more importantly, try on lots of styles and shapes and colors.  What I finally bought were some khaki ones, instead of colored ones (these come in a bunch of colors,) because they will go with more tops and I need something more versatile.  So go have some fun shopping - I know you'll find some that look great!

Water Aerobics Anyone?

For some time, I have been looking for a new type of exercise to supplement my walking and strength work.  I tried Zumba, but the side to side dance steps made my knees turn in painful ways.  A few years back I started doing yoga, which I still do occasionally.  But nothing really grabbed me.  My good friend and hair stylist suggested I try water aerobics at the local pool.  Now I do swim in my own pool in the summer, but it doesn't warm up for enough for me until late May, so I thought, "What the heck, I'll give water aerobics a try."  The pool is heated, but I wasn't sure if it would be warm enought for me.  Cold pool water just makes my joints and body ache.

Buy New Dress or Re-accessorize One In My Closet?

I have a family celebration coming up in June that will include a mass and have been debating whether to but a new dess (always fun) or use a dress that I already have and dress it up differently.  I went out looking just to see what styles were out there and bought one at Talbots in a pretty blue color.  Unfortunately, when I got home and tried it on, even with the correct undergarments, the fabric showed every lump and bump.  So back it  went.

Rethinking what I already have in my closet, I remembered that I had bought a simple red A-line sleeveless dress at Banana Republic last fall. What I have been wanting is a pair of nude heels (no more that 2 inches) to wear with everything, so I ventured into Shoe Station and found the perfect ones for $40.00 with 20% off sale!!  So I plan to wear the red dress with the nude heels and a colorful scarf and I'll be all set.  Since I am usually cold in the air conditioning, I'll bring a little sweater to go with it.  If you want to save some money and get a whole new look, try re-accessorizing a piece that you already have.  Here are the heels I bought and I can wear them with dresses and slacks of all colors.  Perfect for all seasons, too:

Chronic Health Problem? Find your Passion!

There have been many times in the past 25 years that I have felt down and discouraged about having been diagnosed with CFS.  When my muscles and joints are aching, it is hard to ignore.  So I have learned that the quickest way to get out of the "poor me" mode is to engage in one of my passions, from the simplest (reading a good book or watching an old movie) to more active (volunteering at the local therapeutic riding stable.)  Today my husband took me kayaking for the first time.  Now admittedly, I was apprehensive about doing something so active, worrying about whether I would have the energy.  But you know, what?  I just said, "I'm going for it" and I did it.  I can say quite honestly that I did not think about the stressful week I had, or how my hands have been aching or my eyes twitching for the whole 2 1/2 hours.  I love being in nature and that can take the form of a walk, hike or just sitting next to some water.  Now tomorrow I may be sore and tired- I can feel it already - but I can say that I did it! I came home and took a nap and still feel a bit tired, but full of fresh air and sunshine.  And that's a good thing for any life challenge you may have.

I love horses - rode competitively as a girl- and working at the therapeutic stable gives me a chance to be around horses and help the special needs kids who ride there.  It gets my mind off the cares of the day and my physical condition.  Sometimes I just go outside and sit by the pool under an umbrella and read a good book.  That takes my mind right off my troubles or pain.  Same goes for spending time with my family.

Have you ever taken time to think about what your passions are?  Write them down.  What were you doing as a child when you really lost track of time and were late for dinner?  What kinds of movies or books get you excited or move you?  What would you do if money were no object and you had all the time in the world?  What makes you heart sing?  I guarantee if you take just one baby step and do something that you are passionate about, you will do your body, mind, and spirit good!  Try it!

                                          

                                           
                          me kayaking                                                               helping at horse show

The Prayer Diet by Matthew Anderson, D. Min.

I came across this little book that I had bought a while back and started reading it again.  It's not a religious book nor a preachy book, but one that makes a lot of sense to me.  No extreme food plans to remember.  Talks about the 4 essential factors of meaningful weight loss- one of which is not included in most diet books:  spirituality, mental and emotional issues, and the physical body.  The author put an article about this diet out on ediets.com years ago and had such a huge response that he turned it into a book.  Sensible, yet compelling.  Just a simple request for help.  He suggests praying this prayer 3 times a day before meals and more if you want.  Here is the prayer:

Dear LORD,
I surrender my body and my weight loss to you.
I ask that you remove all excess and unnecessary weight from my body.
Return my body to its most healthy and balanced state.
Give me eating habits that support my health and life energy.
And finally, teach me to love my body and to care for it from this day forth.  Amen.

Try it out and let me know what results you get.

Broadening My Ministry/Business

As you may know, I am a wellness coach, in addition to being a stylist.  My usual clients have been women who are facing challenging or chronic health conditions and need some help in managing and improving their overall wellness.  In recent months, I have been expanding my client base to include men and women who are experiencing difficult life circumstances, which may or may not include just physical wellness issues.

I believe I have plenty of life and professional experience to help anyone who is being drawn to a life and wellness coach who can walk with them through life's challenges. My faith enters largely into my life and I have been known to share that journey to those who are interested.  It gives me strength, purpose, and the courage to step out and do this ministry.  So, if you are in a place where you need encouragement and direction, don't hesitate to contact me.  It would be an honor work with you.

Lab Tests Are Normal - Now What?

Well, after having a sore throat off and on for a month, I went to the nurse practitioner who ordered some tests - a throat culture and mono test.  Both came back negative, as I suspected they would.  Flare is viral in nature.  Now what?  My usual way of dealing with flares is to rest more, pray for healing and eliminate what I am stressing about.  Stress is a sure recipe for a decline in my healthy state.

However, I asked a very wise energy healer friend of mine what she thought about the throat flare-up.  She mentioned that where I am experiencing the problem is my blue throat chakra and that perhaps the problem was that I was not speaking my truth.  And that I should listen to my spirit and intuition.Whoa. That caught my attention and gave me pause.  Now I am examining what truth I am suppressing.  She also recommended that I perhaps have a Reiki session, which I am going to do.  The journey to healing begins in finding my truth and walking in it.  So that is what I am going to do.  Stay tuned.