Healthy Living

Who is Sabotaging Your Happiness

September 5, 2022/in Healthy Living

Have you considered who is sabotaging your happiness? Or who is preventing you from your ability to find joy and peace or think positively? Some of you would argue that you feel you are a happy person. However, I’m learning that after digging in deeper, people are shocked to find out that they truly aren’t living a life of joy. They are being tricked into thinking they are by those who want them to believe it’s for their good to be skeptical, cynical, or judgmental.

Many of us may blame the government, the economy, world leaders, schools, spouses, etc. I agree they are making life a bit more challenging! The list would go on and on to determine who is to blame for our lack of happiness. But in reality, it’s us. We are the only ones who can determine this. If you are like me, you are asking, “but how?!”

What would it be worth if you could determine how much time your mind is acting to your benefit and the control you have? What about determining who the Saboteurs are and their rationale for hijacking your mind for the majority of each day? How much would that help you in your work, relationships, and life?

Determine Your Positive Intelligence

Well, there is a way and it’s free. The rating scale is called Your Positive Intelligence, based on research by Shirzad Chamine. It indicates how much control you can exert over your mind, and measures how much your mind acts to your benefit. It scores your Positive Intelligence Quotient (PQ) from 0 to 100. To simplify, it is the percentage of time your mind acts as your friend rather than your saboteur.

The answer to that question is simple. It’s by taking this 5-minute test.

You may be shocked by the outcome, but I encourage you not to be dismayed. I was a bit deflated after taking it. But we know there is hope without spending thousands of hours and time in therapy! Most people can improve their scores in a matter of a few weeks.

The optimal PQ score is between 75-90. Once you have your PQ score, assuming it’s under 75, you will want to take a second 5-minute survey which will identify your Saboteurs. If it’s over 75, please let me know and I’ll celebrate with you!! You are a rare exception.

Identify Your Saboteurs

You’ll receive a list of nine saboteurs but only focus on the top four.

These will be ranked on a score of 1-10. The higher the number, the more control the Saboteur has over you. I forgot to mention the #1 Saboteur. We call it the Judge. The judge is universal and everyone deals with this one. It compels you to constantly find faults with yourself, others, and your condition and circumstances. How much freedom would you feel to not feel the need to constantly criticize yourself or others? I can tell you, it’s exhausting. 2022 has been my year to focus on some introspection to improve my relationship with myself and others. You can’t love others until you truly love and are at peace with yourself. Our parents, teachers, and society (some intentionally and unintentionally) have inflicted some false beliefs onto our minds at a very young and impressionable age. I’ve been on the therapy and self-help route but nothing has made an impact like the work I’ve completed with Tony Robbins and his team. He introduced me to Shirzad Chamine, author of Positive Intelligence, and an arsenal of tools to support my journey. That journey started in March of 2022 with UPW (Unleash the Power Within), again in July UPW#2, and again in August as I continue my work with team Tony.

I thought I needed a different marketing or sales strategy, which I very well might. However, I’m 100% sure I needed this emotional/mental strategy to overcome long-term stinking thinking and weaken my Saboteurs. I truly needed this to improve my physical health, as our thoughts impact our ability to remain healthy and disease free. If you are having physical health challenges, I encourage you to take these two tests to see if your saboteurs could be holding you back from healing.

To give you hope, my first PQ score was 39 and I improved it to 67 (I’m striving for 75+) within a week of doing the work. I have more peace and contentment no matter what’s happening in the world. I’m less triggered by negative people. For example, I recently was engaged in a conversation with someone who was allowing their saboteurs (the Judge) to be in charge. Her words were not kind. Previously, I would have held a grudge and been angry for days. I can now recognize these demons in others as well as myself, and I’m on a mission to help everyone (if they are willing) find some much-needed and deserved peace within themselves. We can’t control others, but we can control our responses.

I would love to hear how you scored if you were surprised and know what saboteurs are in charge. Let me know how you were able to improve your score and most importantly, how your life has improved because of it. If you would like to learn more about how I can share this with you, your friends, and family, check this out!

Are you making your health a priority?

November 28, 2021/in Health Issues, Healthy Living

Are you making your health a priority? The two best indicators of where you place priorities are found in your calendar and bank account. So, if you are working towards improving your career, health, or finances, start here. How much time are you blocking for health activities such as meal planning, shopping, meal prep, or your fun, sweaty activity? And maybe your business or career is not where you would like it. How much time are you devoted to personal improvement, prospecting, marketing, sales, follow-up, or all the other IPA’s (income-producing activities) involved in a career or business?

Let’s talk about health first since that’s my passion and if you are here, it’s probably yours too. So many people complain about paying extra money for high-quality supplements (vs retail pharmacy grade), and nutrition and testing services not covered by insurance. You must value yourself and make both (health and your body) a priority.

I’ve been to clean juice stores where they sell a bottle of organic juice full of nutrients for $10-$12 and people would say “Are you serious…$10 for a juice?!” Plus, I hear women tell me they cannot afford to purchase organic food for their families because it’s too expensive. However, go sit in a bar or restaurant and no one bats an eye to pay $10-$15 for alcohol or an appetizer. And what about all the money everyone is spending at Chick-Fil-A! Yikes, I may have struck a nerve here. I don’t care how efficient they are. It’s the same unhealthy food you would get at any fast-food restaurant.

People will drop hundreds per month on lattes or cell phones, yet not want to spend $50 on a gym membership, or a few hundred on therapy or a coaching program. The only Coach they may spend a few hundred dollars for would be the handbag. Ladies, what about the hair color, nails, and gosh knows what else we spend money on that doesn’t improve our health. I’m hitting below the belt now but how much is one salon appointment to color your hair? I’m guessing $150 or more, and some are doing this every 6 weeks? But again, discuss health testing that costs $300-$600 that we will do annually at most, and we have to think or pray about it??!! Now, I agree with praying but I’m guessing most women are not praying about their salon appointments!

These are all great examples of how most of our society views investing in their health. And then wonder why they don’t feel good or are not achieving their goals.

And what about our precious time that we are lacking? People spend hours scrolling on their phones or watching Netflix and but don’t have enough time to read, journal, meditate or go for a walk. The benefits of reading for even 30 minutes per day include improved brain health, better sleep, overall health, balanced emotions, and stress reduction. The average person spends 3 hours per day on social media.

Our actions show where our priorities are, not our thoughts and ideas.

If you’re having a difficult time making changes to your health, happiness, relationships, business, take a look at what you’re investing in. Not just investing with your money, but your energy, time, and/or attention.

Again, the two best indicators of where you place priorities are your calendar and bank account.

The more you give to yourself, the more you’ll get back. You deserve to have everything you desire and nobody else is going to give it to you but YOU.

If you are worried about the price of making a change, you should assess the cost of staying exactly where you are. Let me know if you need support in either area. I’m not perfect, just learned through life where and what to invest in.

We Need More Empathy

August 9, 2020/in Healthy Living

We need more empathy. Many have thoughts and beliefs around what’s right, following the “appropriate” protocol, and what’s not right during this season of what is being called a pandemic. Everyone has an opinion which we are all entitled to.

Sadly, during this time we are getting mixed messages from the “experts” and/or media. So obviously no one really knows the truth or at least those who have a voice in the media may not be our best resources. Unfortunately, we have many that are experts in the field that don’t have a voice or are censored when they attempt to voice it.

We hear that any mask will work and then that they don’t help unless you have an N95? We hear wearing a mask is creating damage in our body. There is also a concern about extreme and constant disinfecting as it is killing both good and bad germs . We know that we need both the good and the bad to have a healthy immune system and environment. Frequent use of Clorox type wipes and hand sanitizers is dangerous long-term.

We hear soap and water kills the virus but yet it is sometimes mandated to use strong and toxic disinfectants in our environment? Our public areas are finally reopening and we are still being told to stay home?!!

So with all the mixed messages how can we determine what truly is the “right” protocol for our health and safety. Who can truly be the authority on what’s right and what isn’t? Since the majority of us aren’t Virologists, it’s probably safe to say it’s NOT us.

Most of the beliefs on what we feel is right or wrong come from emotions that stem from fear and rightfully so. Most of us naturally fear the unknown which is what most of this is. We tend to read and connect with the media platforms based on our beliefs as we want and need people to confirm them. We filter out what we don’t want to hear and consume information that confirms our beliefs and/or fears.

So let’s look closer at various fears. I have fears such as spiders (only depending on size and how hairy they are!), confined spaces and a fear of heights (but not of flying luckily). Unless I’m pushed off a cliff, none of these fears are truly life threatening. But to me they are scary and real. You can’t just tell me to stop being scared, give me some logic and think they will all go away.

Therefore, if someone has a fear of contracting or carrying a virus to another human being, that fear is real for them. If you think of it, someone not wearing a mask could possibly be equivalent to someone chasing them with a spider or snake or whatever your fear is. Some people are even afraid of trees (dendrophobia) which to most may seem silly but to that person, it is real. If you want to see the entire list of fears, it is quite lengthy and some are unique such as a fear of numbers or books. Seeing the list gave me a good perspective that we are all different and to be more empathetic even if we don’t understand the fear.

It doesn’t matter the reason behind the fear, what does matter is being more empathetic and staying out of judgment no matter which side you are on. We should respect one another for our beliefs which are not right or wrong. If you feel wearing a mask will keep you safe and others, wear a mask. If you feel not wearing a mask keeps you healthier, then don’t wear a mask. Please be open minded enough to see both sides when needed and stop the public or should I say social (media) shaming.

Losing our connection to other humans is exactly what Satan wants. This season of shaming is creating so much doubt, discouragement and DIVISION. If you are a Christian, please be aware of this. We are all God’s children no matter what we are wearing or not.

Seeing friends and even families divided over this breaks my heart. I’ve also seen and heard people use shaming with those who are or aren’t acting in accordance to their beliefs. Growing up in a household where shaming was used on a regular basis, I never want to do that to others.

I asked myself how Jesus would respond in these situations and asked him for words that I can share with my Christian brothers and sisters. He would respond in love, compassion and in grace. He wouldn’t judge, condemn or ostracize another human being for their beliefs when we truly don’t know the whole truth. God only knows the truth and has the ending to our story written in his book. We can’t control or rewrite it. Until that day when he calls us home, I’m trusting Him for the outcome and I’ll do my best to support the people I love and care about, even if it means that I don’t completely understand their view. I just have to love others enough to know that being connected to friends and family is more important than me thinking I’m right.

If you’re looking for another post like this, check this one out.

6 Tips for a Meaningful Thanksgiving Day

November 20, 2013/in Healthy Living

According to Wikipedia, Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday celebrated primarily in Canada and the United States as a day of giving thanks for the blessing of the harvest and of the preceding year. Prayers of thanks and special thanksgiving ceremonies are common among almost all religions after harvests and at other times.

Most of us love Thanksgiving because of the delicious food which is great but we need to remember and focus on more than just that to truly enjoy the day. So here are a few ideas that make your day special and memorable.

Create a heartfelt Thanksgiving tradition with an Attitude of Gratitude! Our tradition is to allow each family member to state why they are thankful for this past year. Being in a state of gratitude helps the digestion process along with the mental and emotional benefits!
Focus on family, not food. If the turkey burns or you don’t have the “appropriate serving platter, who cares! The day is about our loved ones and spending time together. Again, it is about thanking God for all He has provided and more importantly our salvation.
Be creative and think outside the conventional high sugar and fat dessert box. Consider a nut crust instead of flour or cut the sugar amounts in half within the recipe. Traditions are nice but try a new healthier recipe that you won’t regret later. You may be surprised that it tastes even better than the traditional one. If you are searching for healthier holiday recipes, including gluten-free and dairy-free options, you can download our Healthy Thanksgiving recipes guide.
Practice moderation in all regarding food portions and alcohol. Eating numerous different foods and ingredients challenge your digestive system. Be sure to take a digestive enzyme to support the stress you may put on your internal organs.
Participate in a Family FSA (fun, sweaty activity). Ask everyone to bring their walking shoes and get out and enjoy the beauty of fall. You can burn a little off of the pumpkin pie as well.
Turn off the TV, put the cell phones down, and play cards or board games. This is great FUN and provides intellectual stimulation for all. Most importantly it is a chance to interact with those you love and maybe don’t see that often.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Saying Goodbye to the Homestead

September 29, 2013/8 Comments/in Healthy Living

Home Sweet Home: 6058 N. Meridian Rd.

Saying goodbye to the homestead was not easy, This week I said goodbye to; the forty-acre farm we owned for over sixty years (since 1952) located in Elsie, Michigan. Across the forty acres included our three-bedroom, bathroom farm house that held all eight of us. We also had a barn, garage and chicken coop. At one time we raised chickens, pigs, cows, rabbits, cats, dogs, and even a pet raccoon. Our chickens were original free-range, long before it was chic to eat organic. Free-range back then meant dodging chicken poop in the backyard, along with the fun of being chased by a couple of overly aggressive roosters. The chicken coop was a place for their safety and comfort, not solitary confinement as we often see today.

The Chicken Coop

We had acres of garden to plant, weed, and harvest. Dad didn’t need to use many pesticides, because part of our job in the summers was to pick the potato bugs and tomato worms off the plants. Dad worked all day at General Motors and evenings and weekends in the field. My siblings and I spent many nights taking dinner to my dad in the field as there was more work than hours in a day.

On each of my previous visits home, I realized I took for granted walking in the orchard, the garden, or in the garage “office” that was my dad’s getaway. This time, I wasn’t taking anything for granted.

Dad was called home to heaven about eight years ago and mom downsized to an independent living apartment at almost 90 years young. The farm was missing its original owners, so it was a desolate place.

The Orchard

It was now time to, literally, pick up the remains to sell or discard. The process has taken months, and this wasn’t our first time sorting through the volumes of memorabilia. I cherished every moment and memory that flashed into my mind. Every last item had to find a new home, from the shaker cup my brother and I made chocolate pudding in, to the homemade notepad/pencil holder that my dad used in his office. He was a big fan of radio and would listen to either Paul Harvey or a polka music station. Ironically, my mom ended up as a disc jockey at a local polka station but decided to retire at 89 years young.

We packed sixty years of living in bags and boxes that would go into a garage sale, auction or to charity. My brother and I walked through the orchard, and we picked apples off one of the many trees. He shared which variety was his favorite and that he was sad that the pears were gone for the season. However, we managed to find a few and cherished every bite. He pointed out that one of the apple trees that hadn’t produced in years suddenly was full of apples. I told him God had blessed us one last time with the fruit from the tree.

One of the many apple trees.

He told me that the new owners would most likely cut the fruit trees down to the farm, which was a bit painful to imagine. God then brought to my heart the Bible verse from Ezekiel 47:12, which states, “Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.” It was one of my favorites, being a Naturopath although, at this moment, I felt more loss and pain than healing.

Since most of the furniture in our home was sold or moved to my mom’s apartment, we ate dinner at our rickety avocado green card table. That card table was a plethora of memories, from an extension to the dinner table at holidays as our family grew, to weekend games of Euchre with our beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. We talked about the fact that there would be no more Thanksgiving or Christmas holidays in that room. I looked at the beauty of knotty pine walls and guessed that the new owners may consider covering these walls with paint or drywall.

The wood-burning stove was the only thing left in the dining room. When burning, that stove would allow us to wear shorts and a T-shirt when the chilling Michigan winds dropped below zero. Mom liked it warm inside and we would joke that it would be a balmy Christmas no matter what the weather was outside.

The wood burning stove.

Being the youngest of six, I thought of my siblings, who had even more memories than I. However, it was my mom that really had to let go. She is having to start over and leave behind the memories of not only her six children but of the man she was married to for over 60 years.

Every drawer, closet, and box we cleaned stirred up lots of memories and emotions. I was especially sad as I thought of my son, nieces, nephews, and their children. My son at twenty-two has a few memories, but my nieces children would never have the gift of the full experience and knowing how much this farm meant to their parent’s, grandparent’s and great grandparent’s.

I took one last walk down the lane, past the orchard, the pond and out to the root cellar. As silly as it sounds, I wanted to hug the trees, land, house, barn and garage. I wanted to thank them for giving me so many beautiful memories and joy, These things all shaped me into the person I am and my love for nature and healing. Since I couldn’t physically hug them, I hugged them in my heart and thanked God for giving me every memory and experience on that farm. I pray the next inhabitants experience as much peace, love and joy as we have.

Goodbyes are never easy but I am grateful to God and my brother Dennis for taking care of our farm for all these years since my dad passed away. This gift enabled mom to live in her “home sweet home” many more years than would have been possible on her own.

7 Ways to Love Yourself

February 11, 2013/in Healthy Living

Here are 7 Ways to Love Yourself beyond Valentine’s Day! Self-love is difficult for many people because oftentimes they focus on caring for and loving others. Consequently, they forget about themselves and at the end of the day they feel depleted. The problem with this is, many people are running themselves ragged and are on “empty” energetically, spiritually, or emotionally. It is important to remember that if you love others, you need to also love yourself. Taking time for yourself is the ultimate act of care and love that you can show others.

It’s not selfish to take time for your own health and wellness, but rather the greatest act to do to ensure your years with your loved ones are plentiful and enjoyable. Here are some of my favorite ways to slow down and show some self-love.

1. Create some you time or quiet time

When is the last time you spent time alone? To achieve this on a regular basis, you must schedule this time like an appointment you would schedule with an important person. Make this time a priority. Personally, my quiet time is first thing in the morning and the last thing at night. Morning is best because it is before people start to vie for your time.

Quiet time is essential because your brain needs downtime to think and focus clearly. Your brain is like your vehicle, and we need to feed our brains with whole, clean food and provide ongoing maintenance. In addition, without quiet time, you may be missing out on hearing the voice of God providing insight and instruction for your life. Turn off the TV, cell phone, and any other “noise” in your life. Learn to meditate, pray, or just be. Furthermore, don’t forget about your children, as it is crucial for them to have quiet time as well so that they can become well-adjusted adults.

2. Take a social media sabbatical

Take a semi-annual social media sabbatical for at least a weekend or even better yet an entire week. When I go on vacation, I take a vacation from everything, including social media and email. If you own a business, you can hire an assistant to manage your professional life during this time or anytime. Sadly, many people determine their worth by their contribution and awareness of what is happening via social media. Believe it or not, you can live without it. I did for the first 40 years of my life and honestly felt a lot more balanced and less stressed.

3. Monitor your self-talk

Have you monitored the thoughts that are running through your head lately? Do you speak words of love and affirmation to yourself, or are you beating yourself up verbally? Be aware of how much negative self-talk happens in the course of one hour or one day! Make a list of 10 things you love about yourself or your strengths and read it out loud every morning. I’ve been doing this for years, and it has made a big difference in accomplishing my goals and improving my confidence level. Also, read or listen to books that help retrain your brain to think positively. One of my favorites is Joseph Murphy’s, The Power of the Subconscious Mind. Of course, the Bible is another favorite of mine for positive insights. Start by reading through the book of Psalms or Proverbs.

4. Participate in FSA (fun, sweaty activity) and show your body how much you love it

FSA (fun, sweaty activity) sounds much more fun than exercise. Think of an activity that is fun like tennis, hiking with friends or family, or dancing. Being active does not have to be grueling or conducted in a gym. Today we have electronic access to yoga or other fitness activities when we don’t feel like leaving our homes. You might also consider subscribing to a program like www.dailyburn.com.

5. Rest

Take a few hours or an entire day to do absolutely nothing and/or go to bed earlier than normal, especially if you pride yourself on being a night owl. Did you know that sleeping between the hours of 10 pm-2 am is when your body heals, restores, and repairs? Show your body love by resting and obtaining the 7-9 hours of sleep that allows healing and repair of the body. Unfortunately, I’m seeing many people (even teenagers) experiencing adrenal burnout symptoms because they are struggling with the “I can do it all” mentality.

6. Spend time with a friend or loved one

Call a friend for coffee, take someone to lunch, or make someone a healthy meal. Time with a trusted friend or loved one is healing to the soul. If you are new to the area, consider volunteering at a local non-profit and make a big difference in someone else’s life plus you can meet new friends.

7. Write the story of your life’s successes or create a timeline of accomplishments

Think back on all the accomplishments in your life from graduating from college to the birth of a child. My husband and I have created a fun New Year’s Eve tradition that is filled with reflections on the past year of our favorite memories or greatest accomplishments. We note them in a journal so we can review them each year and ensure we don’t lose sight of the really important things in life! Our accomplishments seem to be predominantly about time spent with our (now grown) children. This exercise seems to put the priorities of life into perspective.

Remember to show love to yourself and others every single day and not just the week of February 14! What are your favorite self-love routines or activities?

Want to test your level of happiness and self-love? Take this 5-minute assessment to learn more and ways you can improve in this area.

To learn more, book a complimentary call with us here.

42,038 Memories of Beau

December 26, 2012/in Healthy Living

It would only be fitting to share our 42,038 memories of Beau. Beau was a full-blooded Boxer however, we never had him registered. We didn’t care about paperwork or someone telling us he was special. Beau was the king in our castle and in our hearts. My son (10 years old at the time) dubbed him his full-unregistered name Beauregard Stormy Doughnut Schnautz.

Beau lived approximately 12.5 years, which equates to almost 91 in human years so he had an exceptionally long and quality life for a boxer. Working through the tears and collecting all the things that were a part of his life invoked hundreds of memories. My fear is that as time goes on, I would forget so I wanted to document them. I also wanted to share with others as they may have similar experiences. I hope you enjoy the following memories of Beau, as many of you have been a part of his life as well.

Having him curled up on the rug in my bathroom through every shower or bath for the past 12.5 years = 4,563 memories

Sharing my green smoothies every morning. Sharing my mid-morning fruit snack. I’ve not eaten an apple by myself for the past 3 years since I’ve worked from home. We always shared our food. Sharing my lunch and sometimes even dinner = 17,520 memories

Running to the laundry room each day that I would leave the house because he trained us to give him a treat before we left. Happy Hips, hormone/antibiotic-free jerky was his favorite. 4,380 memories.

My husband and I would take him for a walk in one of the parks almost every weekend and let him run leash-free through the grass. The protocol was to unclip his leash and Alvin/dad would exclaim, “Go on, get out of here!” Beau would take off and run like a wild and free dog! Well, it was only a few hundred yards and then he’d stop to turn around to ensure we were still within his view. Our favorite places were the 4-H Fairgrounds where we would play hide and seek. We would hide behind the trees or equipment and see if he could find us. Of course, he always did and then we would run and hide somewhere else.

Up until the past couple of years, he was able to scale the playground slide (yes, he would climb the ladder) and slide down. The kids and parents were just amazed that he could do this and he loved it. He loved the slide and the attention. 624 memories.

Every Sunday after we returned from the church he would start crying with anticipation because he knew it was time to go to Grandma’s. Grandma had two things Beau loved, treats and his “girlfriend” Summer (her Boxer). 624 memories.

Sitting in “his” chair waiting for Alvin to come home from work. He knew exactly when to start looking out the window to watch for his dad. 3,120 memories.

Beau verbally greeted my clients with his howling, yowling talk that told me he knew these folks and they were considered friends. The new ones would get the standard “I don’t know you and I’m not sure of you yet” bark. 3,120 memories.

During the last year when it was too hard to jump up in our bed, he would cry to see if we would get out of bed and lift him in (all 80 pounds). Alvin and I would play the “don’t make eye contact” game in hopes that he would give up and just lay on the floor or would try to jump up. We had enabled him in so many ways; we knew this would be a bad habit to start. Catalina, our Siamese, would also get in on the game by sitting right where he would jump on. Beau was too much of a gentleman to bowl her over but would cry until she would move or what was more likely to happen is that I would have to physically move her. 1,095 memories.

Having to spell “Walk” when if we mentioned the word, Beau would start crying and almost screaming, jumping up and down to go out. He ended up learning W-A-L-K and we had to shorten it to “W” and then finally put our walking shoes on because he was SO impatient! Walking him through the neighborhood was always an adventure. If people were in their yards or sitting on their porches, he wanted to go say hi to everyone. He couldn’t understand and didn’t like it when people ignored him. And if he knew someone was watching, he’d pick up the leash and show off by “walking himself.” 1,800 memories.

I remember him sitting on the couch (yes, we condoned bad behavior) between my brother and brother-in-law as they were conversing. He would turn his head side to side as each of them spoke like he was acknowledging their conversation. My brother exclaimed, “my gosh, I really think this dog is human and understands what we are saying”. It really was scary, as he did seem to “speak” to us with his expressions. Something he only did with Alvin and me was this little head nod. We were never completely sure what it meant but it almost carried a tone of the extreme attitude of “I run this place and I don’t want you to forget it.” The sad truth was, he did. Alvin always said if you could go to jail for overindulging your pets, you would be in prison for life. 1 memory.

One day I had left the house and had a bag of dried beans on the counter. I questioned if my sister had taken them as she has stopped in while I was out and I knew right where I left them. Well, I believe Beau was a bit miffed for me leaving and I found them hidden under the cushion of his chair. 1 memory.

Then there was the time I was working with a client and I could see Beau pick up a computer lap station in his mouth and place it on the floor. It was in his way on his chair. I had to stop and gasp and I wasn’t sure I believe what I just witnessed! He usually his big head to move things around but this time he carefully picked it up off the chair and gently placed it on the floor. Please don’t tell me dogs aren’t intelligent! 1 memory.

Watched Alvin and Beau chase each other around the dining room table and worry who was most likely to get hurt. Usually, it was Beau, as he would get so excited that he may run into the couch or chair cutting around the corner in an attempt to catch his dad. 624 memories.

Beau’s final message was when he looked me in the eye and I saw the pain in his. He spoke to me and I heard him say as clearly as he spoke out loud, “Mom, this is too hard. I can’t keep doing this.” I asked God for a sign and he gave it to me. 1 heartbreaking memory.

Last but most importantly, the unconditional love he gave every day of his life. 4, 563 memories.

Thank you for reading this post, as my hope is that it will help you remember a pet that changed your life forever as Beau did ours. And I’m so glad I know that all dogs do go to heaven.

To read part 4 of the Beau Series: All Dogs Go to Heaven: Goodbye Sweet Beau, click here.

All Dogs Go to Heaven

December 21, 2012/3 Comments/in Healthy Living

Do you ever ask or wonder if all dogs go to heaven? I asked God to give me a sign that I would know without a doubt that it was time. The element of time means that it was time for Beau to go to heaven. Part of me prayed that he would pass on his own so that no one had to make the decision. But as we know, life doesn’t happen the easy way or the way we want it.

After the second day of Beau refusing to eat his favorite foods like sardines or Hormel (hormone, antibiotic and nitrate-free) meat, I sensed it was close. The next sign was that he wasn’t connecting to my touch or he just didn’t want to be touched at all. If you’ve had a dog, especially a boxer, they live to touch you 24/7. The next night he barely slept from struggling to breathe, as he couldn’t lie down. The following night he didn’t sleep at all and sat straight up struggling for a breath.

It was this same day; I received the look from Beau that I will never forget. He looked at me with the same eyes for the past twelve plus years that typically exuded joy, love, and happiness but today the message was different. His eyes were full of pain and he gave me a look and a message that couldn’t have been clearer than if he had spoken the words out loud. He said, “Mom, this is too hard. I can’t do it anymore.”

I asked God for a sign and as always, he delivered as promised. I, like most women, am not the strong one in our relationship. I don’t believe my husband was ready to give up our fight for Beau’s life but he trusted me on this one. He knew I was the one with him every day almost continually, especially for the past three years.

I remember journaling many times and thanking God for the opportunity to work at home for the past three years and be able to spend time with Beau. The kids were gone so I poured my time, attention, and love into that four-legged child. We had “his” and I had “mine” but Beau was “our child”.

I next contacted our vet to inquire about the process. I didn’t make it through the question tearless and she struggled as well to share without tears. She told me the first injection was a muscle relaxer to put the entire body at ease. The second injection was an overdose to shut the body down. My husband also wanted to know what happened to the bodies of the dogs. She shared a place called Pet Angel that would sprinkle his remains in a beautiful park with other dogs. Beau was very social so we knew he would like that.

I called the vet that morning to tell them it was time. I shared the perceived message Beau conveyed to me saying it was time (hoping she wouldn’t think I was crazy). She said that was very normal which made me feel at ease for two reasons:

1) that I wasn’t crazy for thinking he relayed this nonverbal message to me &
2) a confirmation that we were doing the right thing for him.

It was the longest day of my life as we were to bring him in at 4:30 p.m. He was bleeding so badly from the nasal tumors that he had to remain in the garage. Beau never stayed in the garage so that was extremely difficult. The last couple hours, we just sat on the garage floor with him. He did not sit or lie down, as he couldn’t get comfortable and could barely breathe. The drive to the vet was close as we only lived a couple miles but that day I wished it had been hundreds more.

They took us to a room with a blanket on the floor. I sat down and Beau sat on top of me which he had not done for the past couple weeks. Beau’s sitting on people was his way of conveying love and affection and he expected you to be okay with all eighty pounds of him. We had time alone before they gave him the first injection. After the first injection he collapsed in my lap once the medicine took over his body. He started snoring almost immediately and I was so relieved. Beau had not slept for days and seeing the exhaustion in his eyes was too much to bear. He looked so comfortable and peaceful, finally. We sat and watched him for several minutes knowing we’d never see our boy again. We left before they gave him the second and final injection. We wanted to remember him in the state of “sleeping in heavenly peace.”

The amount of pain and grief that we’ve experienced from his loss has been far greater than we expected. We knew it would be hard but didn’t realize it would be this hard. We kept thinking how silly we were to experience this depth of emotional pain and loss. I didn’t sleep through the night for days after. It was too difficult to eat, as each meal was a memory of us sharing our food whether it is a green smoothie or an apple.

Since I have such a good relationship with the man upstairs, I pushed it and asked for a second sign or answer to my question. I wanted to know that dogs do go to heaven. I needed to know, to finally be at peace. Reading the views of various theologians, most agree that dogs do go to heaven and most importantly, C.S. Lewis did! How could anyone argue with his interpretation?

Again, He is faithful and answers the tough questions. On 12/14/12, twenty children were taken to heaven. It put things in perspective, these people had lost their children not their pets. My heart, along with millions of others, ached for these parents and their loss.

However, in the midst of this mourning for these children is when I received the second message and answer to my question… The answer was received loud and clear, Beau was called ahead to greet all those children. Beau loved women and children beyond measure and protected them with his life.

I can see all of them running through the fields, rolling in the grass and playing all day long. Although my heart still hurts, I do have a sense of peace now. Beau has been called home for a much bigger job than hanging out drinking green smoothies with me.

If you have a dog that has gone to heaven, please share his/her name so I know whom Beau will be hanging out with. Plus, I can pray for you as well to help your heart heal. God bless.

How to Keep Your Dog Healthy

December 13, 2012/2 Comments/in Healthy Living

I wish someone would have shared how to keep your dog healthy long before he was diagnosed with cancer. Along with the information on which dog breeds are genetically more susceptible to disease and cancer.

Providing your pets the safest and cleanest products and environment available is an absolute must, especially if they are more susceptible to disease or cancer. Most products we use for our baby (an 80-pound Boxer) are human grade as the standards are much higher. You can read more about Beau’s story here if you haven’t been following it.

Beau, our 13 year old Boxer, was first diagnosed with a mast cell tumor when he was around 5 years old. Boxers have a strong predisposition for cancer which I didn’t realize until he was diagnosed. Our vet was able to remove the tumor and from that point on we put him on a protocol similar to one I would suggest for my (human) clients. If you are considering owning a boxer (they actually own YOU), or any dog, this is what I would recommend helping reduce the risks of cancer and disease.

Beau’s Food Blend:
(fed twice daily)

1 part Taste of Wild dog food dry. Taste of the Wild is a Protein based food, not a grain based.
1 part Taste of the Wild dog food canned food OR
1 part raw and cooked beef, turkey, chicken free of hormones or antibiotics
Raw Goat milk (purchased a share from a local farmer). This is a complete food and full of natural probiotics. There are many amazing health benefits to raw goat milk as it is even used as a substitute for breast milk when a mother can’t breastfeed or needs to supplement.
Coconut Oil 1 Tablespoon (coconut oil absorbs into the body best with protein)

Beau receives the following general supplements in his food blend twice daily:

1 dropper full of Animal Maintenance Formula (Pure Herbs)
Juice Plus Fruit and Vegetable blend capsules (Open capsules and sprinkle over food)
Fish oil capsule (human grade)- He would chew like a dog treat and/or
1 VSCLR enzymes from Loomis (to break down the food to enable him to better assimilate)

The following are Chinese Herbs from our holistic vet are specific to Beau’s needs. Thank you to the caring staff at Ark Vet, including Dr. Margie Garrett, Leslie and vet tech, Laura.

Hindquarter weakness blend – Tonify Kidney, strengthen back and hind limbs, move Qi, relieve pain
Xin Yi San – nasal symptoms caused by nasal tumor
Jin Suo Gu Jing – kidney & liver support (crucial for all cancer and disease)
Gui Pi Wan – supports the spleen

Water: Reverse osmosis or purified water (never straight tap water due to chlorine and other chemicals)

Morning Snack

Green Smoothie: (whatever I drink, he drinks excluding grapes which are toxic to dogs).

He drinks 2-4 ounces typically. Mix in Vitamix: 8 oz water, 1-2 cups of greens typically kale, spinach, chard, or romaine with carrots, celery with berries, and apple. Dogs need the live enzymes, phytonutrients, and probiotics that raw produce offers.

Snacks throughout the afternoon:

Raw green beans, zucchini, apples, or banana – basically anything I eat, he eats. Note: grapes, onions, raisins, and pecans are toxic to dogs.
Organic fruit, apple with nut butter or pear
Occasionally, organic yogurt (plain, unsweetened) or organic cottage cheese.

Misc. Needs:

From hygiene to pet ailments, we’ve managed to find plenty of good natural alternatives and procedures that helped. Here is a breakdown of how we naturally care for our dog, Beau:

- Shampoo: Organic (human) baby shampoo. If it is good enough for your baby, it’s good enough for mine.
- Flea/Tick repellant: We finally succumbed to a more conventional flea/tick product called Revolution as in 2012 we had fleas for the first time ever. Revolution is safer than the other two conventional flea/tick products on the market.
- Toys: We purchased human/baby toys as the standards were higher. Dog toys, especially plastics, were avoided because of the materials, chemical colors/dyes, etc. Especially for the first three years when Beau ATE every toy we gave him!
- Fitness/ Exercise: Sick animals often do not get the level of activity they require, the remedy for us was Hydrotherapy Treatments – Beau walked in the underwater treadmill for 15 minutes every 7-10 days. This helped tremendously to rebuild lost muscle in his hindquarter area. Laura, his Vet Tech, is fabulous and helped acclimate him to the process.
- Stress Relief: We own an infrared dome and infrared pad. He loved the pad but the Dome scared him (not sure why) so it was hard to get him under it. The pad is good but only emits one-third of the microns versus the dome. We placed it primarily on his hindquarter area to reduce stress.
- Vaccines: We would give him only the required minimal dose for rabies according to our holistic vet’s recommendations. We so appreciate our vet supporting us in our decision to keep him free of unnecessary toxins.

We also take great care to limit his exposure to cleaning and household toxins Your dog’s nose is super sensitive so protect them by NOT using toxic chemicals in your home. Think about their feet touching the floor and what they eat from it. Avoid Swiffer cleaners, air fresheners, or plugs ins as they are toxic to pets and humans. My motto is, if I can’t eat it or drink it, I’m not cleaning with it!

Although this process may seem extreme to most, we treat our animals with the same love and respect we would treat anyone that came into our home. Our pets are worth the time, effort, and few extra dollars spent based on the love and happiness they provide. If you agree or have questions about our protocol, please comment below.

Plan Your Meals

October 1, 2012/in Healthy Living

Do you plan your meals? How much time, effort, and planning do you put into your family’s food options? Many women walk in the door from their job and start the planning, prepping, AND cooking then. When you’re exhausted is not the best time. I pick one weekend day and plan, prep, and prepare meals and snacks.

Planning is the secret to wellness! When you have clean, whole food available during your busy week, you won’t need to succumb to processed, lifeless “food”. If 80% of all disease is preventable, planning your family’s meals is no longer an option, it’s a requirement.

Hate being in the kitchen? Ask for help from friends and share meals. Have a taste test and turn it into a competition. Get your kids and husband involved to make it a fun family event. See who can find the best recipe and experiment with something new. Did you know, Americans eat the same 10-20 foods every single week?! God made a variety of nutrients from all the different fruits, veggies, and greens for a reason…your body needs them!

You can also team up with the family and have a contest to see what dish is liked the best. Incorporate a fun reward like a family movie or game night (game night is one of our family’s favorite activities).

Also, think about making extra meals or snacks and freezing them for the following week. Hummus, meatloaf, and soups all freeze very well. Coconut crack bars do too but good luck not eating them all in the first week! There is a reason it is called coconut crack you know!

One of my favorite meal-prepping tasks to ask my kids to help with is washing fruits and veggies. They can also cut and sort them (that’s their favorite part). That makes throwing a salad together or not having to prep as much for Monday night dinner so much easier.

This week I’ve prepared roasted garlic hummus for snacks/lunch, gelled chia for smoothies, coconut crack bars for dessert, butternut squash with bean soup, and meatloaf (grass-fed beef, of course) for hubby’s birthday dinner.

To ensure we intake plenty of raw fruits and veggies, I’ll serve the hummus with plenty of raw veggies plus include lots of greens in my morning smoothie. Raw fruits are usually my in-between meal snacks since they digest better independently.

Planning and food preparation not only saves time and money, but it can also save you and your loved ones. We hear daily how many people are experiencing pain, the agony of chemo and radiation, mental health struggles, and the list goes on. If 80% of that is preventable, taking a couple of hours each week to prepare meals and snacks doesn’t seem so bad, does it? It’s a task that you reap the rewards. for your lifetime!

Remember you and your family are so worth it!

Finding Peace Beyond the Digital Tether

December 29, 2010/1 Comment/in Healthy Living

Do you feel it’s still possible finding peace beyond the digital tether in our lives?

Returning home to Michigan brings forth a cascade of emotions for me. While the joy of reuniting with family and reliving the memories of my upbringing fills me with happiness, a hint of anxiety creeps in. It’s not due to seeing my loved ones but the prospect of being entirely “unplugged” upon arrival. In my mother’s home, there are no signals—no Wi-Fi, no cell reception—effectively disconnecting me from the digital world.

Initially, the separation triggers unease and withdrawal symptoms for a few days. Questions loom large: What if I miss important emails or texts? How will I keep tabs on social media? The reliance on Google for even the simplest tasks feels absent.

Yet, something remarkable happens by the third or fourth day. I grow comfortable living without the constant buzz of technology. Freed from obligations, I realize it’s a vacation—I don’t need to check emails or update social statuses. Engaging in old-fashioned activities like reading books, playing cards, and live conversations fills me with a sense of peace reminiscent of pre-tech days.

Taking a deep breath, I acknowledge that life can indeed function without the tether of social media and emails, at least for a week. The withdrawal symptoms wane, and internally, Doris Day’s “Que Sera, Sera” becomes my anthem.

“Que sera, sera. Whatever will be will be, the future’s not ours to see, que sera, sera.”

Eventually, I return, cherishing my reconnection with the digital realm, but I carry forward the anthem of “Que Sera, Sera” as a reminder of the tranquility found beyond technology’s grasp.

Now, I wonder, do you detach from technology when on vacation? What are your reasons for doing so or for staying connected?

Countdown to Christmas and Traditions

December 18, 2010/1 Comment/in Healthy Living, Healthy Products, Staying Healthy Through the Holidays

Well, we are officially 7 days away and the countdown begins. For those traveling, this typically means WE have far less time to complete our holiday shopping so the pressure is on!

I’ll be traveling to Michigan which is part of my tradition of going home. It’s a bittersweet trip as I’m excited to see my family but sad that my husband stays here as his daughters arrive from out of state. It was understood at the beginning of our relationship that this was the way it would be as there would be a time that our children would not be coming home.

My son, a chef, and a dedicated employee will stay in town with his dad’s family as to not miss work. I’m proud that he is so dedicated to his job but I find myself singing, “Cats in the Cradle” too many times these days. You know, “when you coming home son, I don’t when, but we’ll get together then..”

So, what I really wanted to share is some of our Christmas traditions. Our Christmas is celebrated on Christmas Eve with almost everyone (six siblings) coming home. Christmas food consists of a unique blend of old versus new traditions. My dad (now in heaven) was Polish and my mom was from the Czech Republic so our foods connect to these nationalities. The pinnacle of our meal is the Pierogi. This is a Polish specialty consisting of half-moon-shaped noodle dumplings filled with a mixture of potatoes, onion, garlic, and a bit of cheese. (BTW—this is NOT a health food for those that know me.) Fish and fish soup are both parts of the Czech Christmas food tradition. Big brother (one of three big bros) Dennis provides fresh catch which is appropriate as we live in the Land of Lakes! The fish is lightly fried and the soup is oyster stew.

Some newer food traditions that have popped up since our health movement are a variety of salads. My sister Sandy and my niece Chef Jen, personal chef and caterer always come through with something amazing. The amount of sweets has diminished and almost completely eliminated. Mom makes her fav molasses (hold the sugar) cookies and I’ll be starting a new tradition of peanut butter rice crispies squares with my secret ingredient (Modere Chocolate Sync) for the chocolate lovers.

Outside of food, mom and I have created our own new tradition. Since my siblings leave Christmas Day to spend with their extended families, it ends up just mom and me. So we started the, “stay in your PJ’s all day, play Scrabble and read day”. This is one of my new favorites. Need to mention, mom (at 87) can kick my butt in Scrabble.