Will YOU be Wearing White?
Labor Day, the annual day to honor all the hard work Americans do! Some of us will rest; some of us will barbeque or have a party and some will manage to sneak a short getaway in!!!
“If all the cars in the United States were placed end to end, it would probably be Labor Day Weekend.”
Doug Larson
If you’re travelling be safe…
If you’re partying be merry…
If you’re indulging in an opportunity to just do nothing…
ENJOY
Inquiring Minds Want to KNOW
I do have one question… ‘They’ say it isn’t acceptable to wear white after Labor Day. Does anyone know who made that rule and I am dying to know just how many of us will wear white after the holiday? Click Here to Comment!
As for me, I put my white hand bag and shoes away but I have been known to wear white well after Labor Day!
HAPPY LABOR DAY!
Deborah
deborah@womenintransitiononline.com
P.S. A quick reminder…Don’t forget about the up-coming No Cost Teleseminar/ Discussion on “How to Get a New Perspective on the Rest of Your Life.” I am really looking forward to our conversation and I hope you can join me. See you Wednesday and have a safe and fabulous weekend! Click here to Register
The Best Worst Christmas, A Holiday Story
The Holidays are here and the New Year looms at a time when not only are many of us are going through different transitions in our lives but the whole world seems to be changing as well. Consequently amidst all the joy of the season there can also be an undercurrent of uncertainty. When the things we have planned may not be going as well as we would like it’s easy to fall into pattern of self-judgment, impatience and fear.
Recently in my own personal journey to dramatically alter my life style I found myself at a point in the process where a certain number of goals had been achieved but unable to stop stressing about the larger number of steps that are yet to be taken. As I sat down to write this long overdue article I was feeling frustration at not being further along in my process than I am. As a woman of a certain age I often look back to similar times in my life when I overcame challenges for inspiration and immediately ‘The Best Worst Christmas’ came to mind.
The Worst Christmas
Without a doubt it was the worst financial time in my life. My daughter was in high school and we were about to experience a Christmas ‘without’. Explaining was unnecessary but I still felt dreadful at not being able to give her what we normally experienced at Christmas. I felt depressed and ashamed but there was nothing I could immediately do to change it. I’ll never forget my beautiful and wonderful daughter reassuring me that it didn’t matter and that next year would be better for us both. After some discussion we decided that this would be the smallest and best Christmas ever. We agreed to exchange two gifts and we would spend no more $10.00 for each! (I still have the small rod iron wall key holder in the shape of a dog she gave me!) As for dinner we both agreed that we would serve the one thing we both liked best about the holiday meal…pies. I made two pumpkin pies and one pecan pie. As for activities we settled on a movie marathon ‘veg’ day, one of our favorite things to do. It seems all time stops when you spend a day watching back to back rented movies.
Christmas Eve came and we harnessed up our big dogs and went for a roller blade around the neighborhood and took in the lights. As is our tradition we both opened one of our gifts and enjoyed the evening. When morning came we opened that last gift, had a small breakfast, made popcorn and dove into the movies. The day flew and we eventually brought out the pies, two forks and dove into them as we continued to overdose on the movies. We were so full of sugar we had to take periodic brief walks with the dogs and some wonderful cat naps. There was no agenda, plan or schedule and it turned out to be an oddly relaxing marathon of laughing and giggling like school girls at a slumber party. I have never forgotten how happy I was and how close I felt to my daughter. On that very special day we managed to set aside all the worries and problems, truly enjoy each other and the moment. Beautiful!
The Bodacious Christmas
The next year came and with it much better times. I wound up working for a very profitable and fun condo conversion and my daughter found a good job and was living in her first apartment. We both agreed that although our last Christmas was special, this Christmas would be a testimony to our better times. I nicknamed it the Bodacious Christmas and we filled the living room with so many presents we couldn’t walk into room; it took us hours just to open them all. Oddly enough we once again spent the day laughing and giggling like school girls at a slumber party, we were happy and reveled in our triumphs and the moment.
After recalling these special times I couldn’t help but notice that I was smiling and I felt better. I realized there were valuable lessons in these memories. Tomorrow will come soon enough, I have done enough and it is perfectly OK, in fact helpful for me to take some time for myself, enjoy my family and make any day special. Things will change in our lives, sometimes for the better and sometimes the circumstances may not be what we want or planned; its part of the journey and the growth we all experience. Remember all the amazing things you have accomplished over the years. You have survived much and have skills and talents you may have forgotten to appreciate. But most importantly be patient with yourself and make taking care of your emotional and physical needs a priority every day but especially during challenging episodes in your life. Lastly, it isn’t about what you have or do that makes you special, it’s about who you are on the inside that really counts.
Sometimes the sheer volume and burden of ‘stuff’ can bury the best and most valuable parts of our lives!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
TO YOU ALL!
P.S. Just a quick reminder…this is the perfect time to get a jump on the New Year and a FRESH START with the 21Day Attitude Adjustment E-course!
You don’t have to have a bad attitude to get a better one. All too often we resist a change because we assume change means that we were “not OK” which hurts our self-image.
Your attitude may be great right now…and it can get even better. Why not get better? Why not do more, be more? Why not extend those limits?
~Thomas D. Willhite
P.S.S. If you are following Coffee with Debi and Doug be sure to join us for a cup of holiday coffee as we poke a little fun at what we call Shock and Awe Holiday Advertising…WHAT? We have also put up our entire How to talk to a man over 50 series on our page for those of you who might have missed one of our discussions. Click here to join us!
To Your Dreams and Possibilities
Deborah
Happy Thanksgiving!
“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” Melody Beattie
The School Family Feast!
Today I am grateful for the warmth and love of my family, Pumpkin Pie AND that I don’t own a bathroom scale!
Of course Dad came!!
And Mom!
Wishing you a Peaceful and Happy Thanksgiving Day!
Mother’s Day Thoughts
It’s that time again; it’s finally here…Mother’s Day! Ah, we are such special people aren’t we? In my opinion there is no one more powerful and influential than a mother. Each of us with our own special style; what we have done, said and are is being refined and adjusted through the years but still bears a glimmer of our mark and of all who came before us. Now that’s powerful!
Our shoulders are broad and strong. We are blamed, admired and revered in fairy tales as both wicked and kind and we are the fodder for countless jokes; consequently a number of comedians likely owe their success to us. Indeed attempts to define our enigma can be seen from books to the physiologist’s couch and still our mystery remains.
This day always brings back the childhood memory of the “breakfast in bed” tradition for my mother. In fact I can still smell the bacon and recall with detail the bustle as my father and all of my siblings contributed to the breakfast effort and the tiny kitchen it occurred in. I remember the excitement as my Dad carried the final results on a tray with a little flower down the hall as we all followed to surprise my Mom with the annual feast. Right on cue she feigned surprise and delight while I am sure she wondered what she would find to clean up in her kitchen and the effort it took for her to stay in bed and listen as the commotion ensued! I also remember being scolded by the family to not eat Mom’s breakfast and my secret delight as I stayed behind, snuggled next to my mom as we shared her special treat! I thought I was so sneaky and yet, everyone really knew!
Memories, we all have them. And so it comes again. That time when we try to show our Mom’s our appreciation for all the years, good and bad, that we shared, what we bring with us today and what we have passed on to our own children.
I had such fun collecting what I feel are some of the BEST quotes and sayings about Moms. I hope you take a moment to read these and experience a sense of inspiration.
Take a seat and enjoy!
“Though motherhood is the most important of all the professions – requiring more knowledge than any other department in human affairs – there was no attention given to preparation for this office.”
–Elizabeth Cady Stanton
“And so our mothers and grandmothers have, more often than not anonymously, handed on the creative spark, the seed of the flower they themselves never hoped to see – or like a sealed letter they could not plainly read.”
–Alice Walker
“It was when I had my first child that I understood how much my mother loved me.”
From “For Mother – A bouquet of Sentiments”
“It is not until you become a mother that your judgment slowly turns to compassion and understanding.”
–Erma Bombeck
“What took me by surprise is the way I feel when her face lights up when I walk into a room because I am her world and she is mine. Being a mother is like taking your heart out of your chest and watching it walk around.”
–Author Unknown
“The greatest thing she’d learned over the years is that there’s no way to be a perfect mother, but a million ways to be a good one.”
– Author Unknown
“When a child enters the world through you it alters everything on a psychic, psychological and purely practical level.”
–Jane Fonda
“Motherhood is not for the faint-hearted. Frogs, skinned knees and the insults of teenage girls are not meant for the wimpy.”
–Danielle Steel
“Now, as always, the most automated appliance in a household is the mother.”
–Beverly Jones
“The lullaby is the spell whereby the mother attempts to transform herself back from an ogre to a saint.”
–James Fenton
“Grown don’t mean nothing to a mother. A child is a child. They get bigger, older, but grown? What’s that suppose to mean? In my heart it don’t mean a thing.”
– Toni Morrison
“The story of a mother’s life: Trapped between a scream and a hug.”
–Cathy Guisewite, “Like Mother, Like Daughter”
“Adorable children are considered to be the general property of the human race. Rude children belong to their mothers.”
–Judith Martin
“People always talked about a mother’s uncanny ability to read her children, but that was nothing compared to how children could read their mothers.”
–Anne Tyler
“A vacation frequently means that the family goes away for a rest, accompanied by mother, who sees that the others get it.”
–Marcelene Cox
“Children seldom misquote you. They more often repeat word for word what you shouldn’t have said.”
–Mae Maloo
“Mothers are fonder than fathers of their children because they are more certain they are their own.”
–Aristotle
“It kills you to see them grow up. But I guess it would kill you quicker if they didn’t.”
–Barbara Kingsolver
“When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child.”
–Sophia Loren, Women and Beauty
“Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.”
–Author Unknown
“A mother’s arms are more comforting than anyone else’s.”
– Diana, Princess of Wales
A little girl, asked where her home was, replied, “where mother is.”
— Keith L. Brooks
“A daughter reminds you of all the things you had forgotten about being young. Good and bad.”
–Maeve O’Reilly
“There is a point at which you aren’t as much mom and daughter as you are adults and friends.”
–Jamie Lee Curtis
“Be a first rate version of yourself, not a second rate version of someone else.”
–Judy Garland, to her daughter, Liza Minnelli
“No matter how old a mother is, she watches her middle-aged children for signs of improvement.”
— Florida Scott-Maxwell
“Youth fades, love droops, the leaves of friendship fall; a mother’s secret hope outlives them all.”
–Oliver Wendell Holmes
A hundred years from now…it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove…but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.”
–Kathy Davis
“Children should be taught not the little virtues but the great ones. Not thrift but generosity and an indifference to money; not caution but courage and contempt for danger; not a desire for success but a desire to be and to know.”
–Natalia Ginzburg
“A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie.”
–Tenneva Jordan
“If at first you don’t succeed, do it the way your mother told you to.”
— Author Unknown
“Motherhood brings as much joy as ever, but it still brings boredom, exhaustion and sorrow too. Nothing else ever will make you as happy or as sad, as proud or as tired, for nothing is quite as hard as helping a person develop his own individuality especially while you struggle to keep your own.”
–Marguerite Kelly and Elia Parsons
“What would men be without women? Scarce sir, mighty scarce.”
–Mark Twain
- According to the US Census Bureau there are 82.5 million mothers in the United States.
- Mother’s Day is widely reported as the peak day of the year for long distance telephone calls.
- Mother’s Day is the busiest day of the year for many restaurants. (Try and get in one on Sunday!)
- Retailers report that Mother’s Day is the second highest gift-giving holiday in the United States (Second to Christmas).
I hope you enjoyed these thoughts and quotes offered by and about mothers throughout time. We are many and we are special. When Mother’s Day arrives take a moment to appreciate yourself and all the mothers in the world for the important caring work we do every day of every year.
Happy Mother’s Day
to you all
Deborah Hayes
Risk and a Modern Cinderella Story
The Holidays are nearing their end and it will be time to look forward to a fresh New Year! It’s that time when we all take stock of what has occurred, what no longer serves us and what we want to grow in the coming year. It all sounds so easy doesn’t it? But in reality there is one very necessary ingredient that one must be willing to add to the formula to make it all happen. This was illustrated to me this season when I attended a party to say goodbye to a good friend and wish her well on the adventure she has chosen to embark on.
I have spoken of her before. She has always been a special person who dances to the beat of her own drum and whatever “dance” she is dancing, her passion is palpable and the consequent good results seem effortless. To know her is to love her.
Over the past few years she has experienced a great deal of change in her life; some by circumstance and most by design. Indeed, what she has endured would sideline many. To be brief, a sudden and unexpected health issue that nearly killed her and took her short term memory and livelihood and a relationship that ended suddenly. But instead of giving in she continued with her passion for life, Tango Dancing, and looking forward.
The Cinderella Part
There came an opportunity for two lengthy visits to Argentina to submerge in the culture and most importantly, Dance the Tango to her heart’s content. Of course she grabbed it. It was on one of these visits that she met the special someone. Although their physical time together was brief that magical “thing” that is so unexplainable; a knowing, an intuition that this is right grew after her return. Now she glows and seems to be in a joyous, private and impenetrable place.
Her handsome prince has asked her to join him in Argentina and for her hand in marriage. In fact, he has come to take her to the home he has prepared for them. She is selling her home here, an incredible unique place filled with interesting treasures collected and created over the years that so clearly speak to who she is. She seems delighted to spread her possessions among her many friends first and then the rest will be sold off. There is no sign of regret. She is taking only what she needs for her new life in a small number of suitcases and an even smaller amount that will be shipped. She will enjoy smaller accommodations in the city; a liberating walk/live lifestyle without the burdens of excessive belongings. There is no sign of hesitance; she radiates a calm self assured peace and joy that is in a word… enviable.
The Risk
Her friends are many and each with their own version of well intentioned concern. Shouldn’t she rent her home for a while to see how this turns out? Shouldn’t she go and get to know him better before she takes such irreversible actions? What if she needs help? She will be so far away from all of us who love her.
I spent a day with her a while back and discovered that her thinking is not as impetuous as it might seem. Of course she is aware that this might not be a happy ever after but she is not going to focus on it. She has weighed the advantages and disadvantages of her decision and has come to what is right for her. There are, after all, opportunities that come with living in and exploring a culture she loves whether the relationship lasts or not. Bottom line, she could stay “safe” and shackled to “things’” and a life she has outgrown or risk, thrive and shape a life that is more of who she is now.
Now I’m not suggesting you and nor am I ready or in a position to wipe the slate clean and start over. We are all different and unique. Although my friend has always danced to the beat of her own drum, even she admits this is a drastic albeit exciting move. But it does clearly illustrate to me that in order to discover, change and grow we must be willing to set aside our fears and risk. For it is in this risk, whether large or small, that growth and the opportunity to live a life of consequence, a life without regrets can occur. It is what makes life rich, interesting and keeps us alive and thriving!
Congratulations my friend! I wish you joy and happiness in your new life!
“And if not now, when?”
– TALMUD
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
TO YOUR DREAMS
Holiday Stress, Not this Year; tips for a stress free season
The holidays are here and they are supposed to be enjoyable. We are adding shopping, socializing, baking, house decorating and sometimes travel into our normal activities. Let’s face it, we are human but often times we try to be all things to all our loved ones and friends. We tend to fantasize early about the Christmas of all Christmases in our mind; is it any wonder we wind up feeling inadequate, exhausted and anything but happy in the end when we just give out? We are wise women and we know this but sometimes it is easy to get caught up in the momentum and forget our own good advice. This year why not try setting early realistic goals and be left with beautiful memories of fun, shared humor and good about ourselves when it’s over. Here are some tips to remind you how to enjoy the holiday and make it memorable and stress free at the same time.
- Number 1 priority – TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. If you’re stressed and exhausted you can’t enjoy anything. This can lead to a lower immune system, feelings of resentment and a short fuse. Plan now to get a massage, manicure/pedicure sometime during this season. This is the ideal time to force you to start that morning walk ritual. A few moments alone in the fresh air can really help you center and relax. Here are some other excellent ideas to keep handy and relax:
- Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. My friend Sharon shared this excellent recipe for a wonderful detoxifying water drink:
Sassy Water
81/2 cups water
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger root
1 medium cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
1 medium lemon, thinly sliced
12 mint leaves
Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher and chill in the refrigerator overnight. Leave all ingredients in the water thereafter. This is really good so be sure to try it.
2. We are likely to be on our feet a lot more than usual and we all know what this can do…. Here is an easy foot bath to refresh, revive and invigorate your tired aching feet after a long day of work, shopping or entertaining.
Refreshing Foot Bath
1 sprig of fresh rosemary with leaves
5 or 6 drops of tea tree oil
Fill a metal or plastic container that is large enough to comfortably fit both of your feet in with warm to hot water, depending on your comfort level. Make sure the container is large enough so the water will reach your ankles when you put your feet in. Break up and sprinkle the rosemary leaves into the water. Add the tea tree oil and gently swirl them into the water. Sit in a comfortable chair, place your feet in the bath, put your head back and relax and enjoy!
We should all remember to pamper ourselves throughout the year but during this hectic season that can test our strength and reserves it is imperative to give yourself extra time and attention. Make time, it’s important.
1. Planning. Part of the problem is we tend to think in the big picture and leave out the number of hours and time involved in our plans and we may not have the unlimited funds and army of helpers available to complete the tasks. Realize that your holiday gatherings do NOT have to be perfect. And really isn’t the perfect holiday the one where everyone had a wonderful time. (That includes you.)
- Plan now to let your family contribute to making this season a special one. Allowing family and friends to contribute will make them feel important, included and most people really appreciate the opportunity! Everyone has a special pie, dish or talent they would love to show off and share!
- Consider setting the holiday table up a day or so early with a family member or friends who also enjoys this activity. This could become a holiday ritual and bonding opportunity! I always cover the masterpiece with a sheet until the day of the dinner.
- Commit to being flexible with schedules ahead of time. Get in the flow of the holiday and be willing to let go of a planned activity that doesn’t happen and don’t stress if the dinner does not come out on the exact hour you planned.
2. Speaking of traditions and rituals. Every holiday does not have to be the same. Sit down now and choose which of your traditions are the most important to you and leave the others for another time. You can then do the job justice and will have the energy to really make it special and enjoy it. Keeps things familiar but fresh with a new idea or two. Try to size down a bit, think Quality not Quantity. And remember all those magazines and TV shows have a number of unseen heads and hands, (staff) that make works of art a reality. Here are a couple of enjoyable ideas to enjoy and can actually help you with the process at the same time.
- Have a cookie decorating afternoon. Invite your guests to an afternoon of making cookies. Everyone can bring cookie making supplies and decorate the cookies for your family gatherings. Get a goofy gift and blind vote for who made the coolest cookie.
- Include an evening of fun free holiday entertainment. Cook popcorn and watch a traditional favorite holiday movie or a drive around town to look at lights. Visit a museum or an art gallery. How about a pretty drive and stop for some hot chocolate along the way. Very relaxing and a chance to spend some quality time with loved ones. Grab your girlfriends or relatives and head for the mall and get a picture made with Santa. Rollerblade together or take an evening walk through the neighborhood and then share some Christmas cheer afterward. Be creative; sometimes the simplest activities are the best.
- Christmas wrapping parties with friends can be fun also. Gather some friends have them bring some of their presents and supplies and wrap presents together! Great conversations and ideas are born in the process.
3. BUDGET. This is an annual problem and is the number one stressor for the holiday season. Make a gift budget and stick to it. That way you won’t feel dread during the process and want to shoot yourself after it is over. Do what you need to do to stay in that budget. Draw names or reduce the number of presents you give to each person. Do some homemade gifts. There are many ways to cut back here. Offer your time or expertise in a certain area, gardening or cooking a meal or house/dog sitting and give your loved one a coupon to be used when they need it in the coming year. Many of these things are of great value to someone and often times more appreciated than anything else you could give!
And lastly, this year I am determined to make my shopping experience pleasant and not simply another pressure. I am going to do as much of my shopping as possible online and EARLY! I have already started my list and the best of what I have found is below. There are unique gifts for everyone and maybe some of these ideas will be perfect for the loved ones in your life.
Unique Gifts and Fab Finds:
Primula Flowering Tea Set with 40-Ounce Pot with Glass Lid
This is a beautiful gift for anyone who loves the ritual of a relaxing cup of tea. When placed in water the tea balls gracefully open into a delightful flower. Enchanting!
Meditation Bowl Box, Red Lotus; 3″
Take your meditations to a new level and get inspired with this singing meditation bowl. I love the image of the vining lotus on the box, symbolizing the full flower of wisdom, on the box.
Columbus Washboard 3020 Galvanized Washboard, Teak 12-7/16×23-3/4 Inches
I love collecting and tinkering with musical instruments. It seems to open some sort of gateway to my creative side!
DVD-Folk Rhythms-Learn To Play Spoons,Bones,Washboard,Hambone and the Paper Bag
Of course it will be helpful to have some intruction! This DVD covers other methods for early American music. The spoons… now wouldn’t that be fun!
AeroGrow AeroGarden with Gourmet Herb Seed Kit
What a fabulous idea! I am trying to eat more organic and fresh foods and have discovered the incredible flavor in fresh herbs. This item is on my Christmas list!
Just in case Santa doesn’t bring me my Aerogarden… I thought this herb savor was a great idea. Fresh herbs do have a tendency to go bad quicker than I can use them and this will extend their life in my fridge. It seems well worth it when you consider the expense of fresh herbs at the grocer!
Norpro 5-1/2-Inch Garlic Baker
Yum! Garlic is so good for us. Who doesn’t love the taste and smell of roasted garlic. I usually do mine on the grill so this will be perfect on those days that is impossible. It’s oven and microwave safe!
The Garlic Lovers’ Cookbook, Vol. II
I read the reviews on this book and do plan to purchase this myself. There is talk of a stuffed mushroom recipe that sounds delicious.
Fred & Friends Cool Jazz Ice Cube Trays Set of 2
These are just cool. What a great stocking stuffer.
Fred Toothpick Holder, Ouch Gray
Now this is cute. A great conversation piece and a fun gift for the person who has everything!
Polar F6 Women’s Heart Rate Monitor Watch (Pink Coral)
New Years resolutions are upon us and it will soon be time to get in shape. My daughter has this monitor and she wears it as a watch all the time. It looks great, waterproof and she loves it.
This is the perfect massage tool to relieve stress,tension and tight muscles. Best of all, you can use it on yourself !
Basic Knead Reflexology Sox – Form Fitting Foot Socks for Massage Therapy
Wait until you see the picture for this item! It feels good just looking at them.
Hmmmm. The soothing calming scent of lavender. This shawl size blanket is like floating in a piece of heaven. You can microwave it for fragrant mood elevating warmth or freeze it to soothe sore muscles and the cover is washable. Your loved one will thank you for this one.
I used to have a lavender eye mask and I wore it out. It really does relax you after a long hard day. This one has the advantage of a washable case!
Bonsai Boy’s Starter Kit
Make Your Own Bonsai Tree
The art of growing one these mystical trees require patience and care and is said to be a peaceful and rewarding experience. If you have a plant enthusiast on your list this kit includes everything the beginning artist will need. A gift the keeps on giving!
The perfect companion for the Bonsai Starter Kit to get your Bonsai enthusiast off on the right foot.
Sunrise Earth: American Sunrises (3pc) (Ws Ac3)
How about a little relaxation. I love tuning in to Sunrise Earth but often miss it as it is on EARLY. This DVD creates a wonderful peaceful environment for your home anytime during the day. Incredible scenery and the sound makes you feel as if you are there! I highly recommend any of the Sunrise Earth DVDs.
The Green Book: The Everyday Guide to Saving the Planet One Simple Step at a Time
Speaking of the EARTH! I know we are all concerned about preserving our earth’s beauty and resources for our future generations. This book is full of easy ideas to incorporate into our lives to help to just that.
I love anything by Clarissa Pinkola Estes but I am in awe every time I listen to her. She has a true gift for story telling. My latest reads are about encouraging our creative instincts and I know this will be inspiring. This is not a new recording but I do not own it, as yet! It is at the top of my Christmas list. Heloooo, Alexis, are you listening?
The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women: A Portable Mentor
I am in the process of reading and enjoying this book. It is full of tips on how to nourish and evoke our creative instincts. It would be a wonderful gift for any of your female friends or loved ones. If you don’t happen to have or receive this special book I would recommend you get it for yourself!
I had way too much fun shopping for these gifts. I hope you find something wonderful for your special person.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving Day! I hope you spend it surrounded by those you love and are filled with the gratitude of all that you have and all that you are.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Got Friends? Don’t ignore them
When was the last time you spent some quality time cherishing your friends? One of the quickest ways to feel good, bust loose some endorphins and improve your attitude is to spend some time with good friends just letting your hair down.
Even though you shouldn’t wait for an occasion it just so happens this is the time of year when holiday celebrations happen every month. So you have no excuse not to spend some quality time basking in the glow of acceptance with your friends.
Here are two great party ideas that need no occasion to bond with your friends and have some fun!
The Diva Party
Attire:
We all have at least one of these ensembles in our closet don’t we? You know the ones. We don’t remember why we bought it but we must have felt really good about ourselves that day. We thought wow I look good. When we took it home it became the where am I going to wear this outfit that we never found the nerve or occasion to wear! Well that’s the makings of the perfect diva party.
Make sure everyone knows and is willing to wear that certain fabulous thing they never or seldom wear. If by some chance they don’t own anything like this, they should. Tell them to think thrift store! Encourage them to be inventive. Maybe it’s those incredible pink high heel boots they just had to have that have been sitting in the closet collecting dust but the thought of tossing them into the giveaway box is unbearable.(Ask me how I know about these.) Maybe it’s the hat they love but never wear because no one wears hats these days. These are the makings of the perfect Diva Outfit.
Now that you have the attire down the rest is easy.
- Purchase some photo frames. I suggest a two sided frame but two separate frames per guest are fine too.
- Purchase small photo albums for each guest attending.
- Give out disposable cameras for everyone to take candid shots of the party.
- It’s a good idea to purchase a couple extras of these, you never know who just might bring along another friend)
- Add some food and drinks and let the party begin!
Take a “before” picture on arrival and an “after” picture on the departure of each guest. There will be a difference in demeanor I promise you!
After the party print and place the before and after photo of each guest in the two sided frame and make a small companion photo album of the best candid shots to give to everyone who attended the party. Memories of good times are always appreciated!
The Attitude Adjustment Party
- Purchase and decorate good sized lidded jars with each guest’s name on it. You can make them simple or get creative; use glitter, ribbons and glue buttons or rhinestones on them.
- Prepare a festive table with some flowers and a tablecloth to place the jars up on.
- Get some colorful card stock squares and fun pens to write with and place these supplies in festive little bags to give to each guest. You might want to ask each person write their name on the bag so they won’t lose it during the party!
Ask each guest to write an anonymous compliment or thought about why they think their friend is fabulous for each person at the party and place it in their jar at some point during the party. At the end of the party each person takes their feel good jar home to read the compliments at their leisure. A perfect party favor that will surely be kept and inspire everyone. As they say, the gift that just keeps on giving.
These parties can be elaborate or a simple pot luck. These are our friends. The important thing is to honor the friendship and enjoy each other.
Bonding with your friends is so important for your attitude, your survival and even your health! There are plenty of people who will say you can’t, you won’t, you aren’t, and you shouldn’t; you run into these people every day. It is from your friends you will hear you can, you are, you should and you will. So with the season of holiday’s arrival it’s the perfect time to have some fun. Take the time – it’s important and you’ll be glad you did.
- It would be sooo nice if you would share some photos of your fun event and any ideas for fun friend gatherings as well. I’d love to post them here!
- If you receive this post via email and have trouble viewing it or would like to comment or contribute please click this link and visit the site. http://www.womenintransitiononline.com/blog/ When you get here grab those friends and sign up for the free Attitude Adjustment E-course; it’s fun, it’s easy and it works!
WITO goes Pink!
Pink, pink it’s everywhere! I’m sure you know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and at Women in Transition it is also Friends Month. In honor of these important events not only will we be pink all month but we will be exploring useful and enlightening information on both of these subjects!
Who of us does not have immediate family members or precious friends who have been touched by this dreadful disease? According to the World Health Organization fact sheet cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide with breast, lung, stomach colorectal and cervical listed as the most frequent types affecting women.
There is good news. This same report asserts that 30% of these deaths to cancer could be prevented by avoiding key risk factors and early detection.
As we age the risk for cancer increases; it is only wise to avail ourselves of the best and latest known methods for prevention and early detection. For starters, please click on this link and read this concise informative fact sheet with information on prevention, early detection and treatment.
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs297/en/index.html
Here are the top five risk factors to avoid or modify :
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Weight control
- Modify our diets with higher intake of fruits and vegetables
- Of course, exercise!
- Watching our alcohol use.
An equally important factor for reducing the risk of cancer is early detection and knowing the symptoms!
We women are so busy caring for others we often forget the importance of taking care of ourselves.
So….
Remind the ones you love!
Click the share button below and email this reminder to all the women you care about to:
Get Educated and Get Checked!
- Throughout the month of October I will be recommending useful books on the subjects of health and the value of friendship in our lives. If you have a favorite book on either of these subjects please share it with us in the comments below or email me at deborah@womenintransitiononline.com.
- If you are having trouble reading this email, you can view it online here: http://www.womenintransitiononline.com/blog/
To your Health and Happiness!
Endorphins…Woman’s best friend
When I was a girl it was diamonds; now that I’m a woman it’s endorphins. I think we’ve all heard about this natural pain relieving feel good chemical produced by our bodies. It is currently touted to relieve conditions such as depression, sadness, bad attitude, bad mood and pain to name a few. God’s gift? Yes, I think so.
My quick research on the internet yielded an array of answers as to when our bodies produce it.
When we are:
- stressed
- giving birth
- in pain
- having sex
- eating chocolate (small quantities recommended)
- eating spicy foods (as in chili peppers)
- exercising vigorously
- feeling happy
- smiling
- Laughing (not the golf clap kind)
- meditating
- “low to moderate” drinking (as in alcohol)
It’s that wonderful euphoric feeling when everything is right in your life and you just feel good. Like when you fall in love and can’t wait to see and be with that certain someone or hold your new grandchild for the first time. The question often asked is how to keep these endorphins rolling in our bodies and generate more of them when we need them.
This past weekend I stumbled upon one very pleasant method.
I was recently blessed to be contacted by my long lost friend, Kim, from my home town who I had not seen or heard from in years. She in turn connected me with our other good friend, Sharon, who had also moved away and not returned home for many years. After some communication via internet and phone we all decided it would be a fine idea to plan a reunion of sorts. It was agreed that Sharon and I would travel home and stay with Kim for a weekend and catch up on each other’s lives. What I had expected to be a simple fun excursion turned out to be something far more rewarding.
“Though our communication wanes at times of absence, I’m aware of a strength that emanates in the background.”
-Claudette Renner
From the moment I walked into Kim’s comfortable and inviting home, speckled with mementos of all things dear to her that speak to the special person she is, I felt at home again. It was a perfect place for sharing and reclaiming important parts of ourselves at a time in our lives when we most need to remember.
The Reunion
Over the way too short weekend we shared memories, laughter, triumphs, disappointments, concerns, praise, recipes and remedies. We bought matching readers and granny chains so we could see each other’s treasures without the need to search for eyes to see and magical tennis shoes to make us stand straight, transform our calves, thighs and bums. It was just like the good old days and as if the many events and circumstances lived over a block of 20 years time had not passed. In the end… we enjoyed the comforting mutual appreciation of not who we were or what we’ve become but of what we are; that part of us on the inside that despite all that occurs in our lives remains the same. Endorphins flew like hundreds of butterflies emerging from their chrysalis.
So if you’re looking for endorphins and to touch that soft mushy marshmallow part inside you that sometimes gets lost in all our trials and tribulations; find your friends and spend some quality time with them. Sometimes we get so caught up with the business of life we neglect to nurture the very thing that will enrich our lives and sustain us; an enduring friendship.
“A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart, and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.”
- Sent by Donna Robert
- What does friendship mean to you? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below. Share with us!
Some Inspiration for your MONDAY!
Some Inspiration for your MONDAY!
Happy Monday to you. Women in Transition Online is undergoing a facelift! During this transformation, no pun intended, I found myself in need of a little INSPIRATON.
This video and subsequent campaign is not new. If you are not already familiar, it started years ago with a video about a gentleman named Juan Mann from Australia and his simple desire to be hugged and to make others smile. It was a huge success with national coverage and even today racks up hits and comments on you tube. It was his desire to spread the campaign and message and a number of “Free Hugs” campaigns were mounted and filmed. The one below is from Hollywood, California and is one of my favorites. I love the song used and no matter what is happening in my life, when I watch this or any of the free hugs campaign videos I can’t help but smile and feel inspired. I hope it does the same for you. Enjoy.
If you receive this blog via email and want to view this video click on the link below.
http://www.womenintransitiononline.com/blog/
I hope you are having a fabulous day!
Warmly,
Deborah Hayes
Deborah Hayes, CTA Life Coach
Empowering women to live a life of consequence, a life without regrets that is your own unique version of the life you love. About Deborah
deborah@womenintransitiononline.com
Find me on facebook
