Through The Tulips Words of 'Wiz'dom

September 17, 2010

Alone-

Filed under: Food for Thought,Life,Life's Little Hiccups — gardener @ 4:08 am

I have several friends who have felt very alone lately and have retreated within themselves. One in particular that I’ve known most of my life is struggling and yet I can’t reach her. I’ve offered an ear, and yet no matter how much I encourage and try to share with her the value that she has as a human being simply because she’s alive- she doesn’t see it.

I know what it’s like to feel alone. There are times when I feel that way and honestly times when I would prefer to be alone. I need the balance. I adore people and love being around them but yet sometimes I need to spend time with myself and the thoughts that dwell within.

Another great friend that I know online wrote something that I read yesterday and I couldn’t help but smile. He’s an amazing writer and he wrote about how he’s sick of so many things. He put it all out there and he also wrote that he just needs to get it out, so that he can continue to move forward. That’s what I do. I’m a sensitive soul and sometimes things really bother me. I spew it to someone and then find a way to process and accept things for what they are and move forward. I’ve learned that moving backwards serves absolutely no purpose.

I’m not sure if the friends I mentioned read this. They could, but I don’t know. What I do know is that if I could use a magic wand and take their pains and struggles away I would, but it doesn’t work that way. I can be a friend. I can offer suggestions and even be there to listen, but to regain your self worth and see your true value to yourself and to others- you’re going to have to do the legwork. Just remember- in spite of what you may think. You are never alone.

August 10, 2010

30 Days- Day 9

Filed under: 30 Days To...,Food for Thought — gardener @ 1:32 pm

Here I am- a day late and a dollar short with day 9. I had a funeral to attend yesterday, along with a few other things and I don’t think I ever turned the computer on yesterday. I could have probably written via the iPhone, but truth is, I just didn’t feel like it. Unfortunately, that leaves me playing catch up today with emails, blog entries, work, etc. But I will prevail!

Marcel is working so that should give me a little extra time to spend doing these things, so that tomorrow morning I can wake up to find new additions to my ever growing ‘to do’ list.

Day 9- My Belief’s- In Great Detail.

The fact that this is supposed to be in great detail means that it could go on forever and ever- simply because I believe MANY things and that list is always changing and evolving as I change- grow and learn.

There are a few belief’s that are part of the core of my being and that will not change regardless of how much time passes, or how much I change as a human being.

  1. I believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God and that he came to this earth in human form to be a living sacrifice for ALL of our sins.   I believe he was crucified on the cross so that all who profess their faith in him can be given everlasting eternal life. 
  2. I believe that ALL things happen for a reason and that nothing is really coincidence.   We are here to learn and the things that happen in our lives should be tools to help us learn and grow on this journey of life.
  3. I believe in goodness, compassion and love.
  4. I believe in paying it forward.
  5. I believe that lies and manipulation will always come back to haunt those who are doing the lying and manipulating.  We may not see it, but I know that it happens.
  6. I believe in honesty and truth.

Again, this list could go on and on, but I’ve hit the highlights.  

I’d love to hear your beliefs, if you’d like to share some.

August 8, 2010

30 Days- Day 8

Filed under: 30 Days To...,Food for Thought,Health/ Fitness — gardener @ 10:09 am

Today is day 8 of this challenge and since Ipeeked at what today’s would be, I actually had some time to think about it.  We are supposed to describe a moment, which can be anything.  I wanted it to be something profound, or at least something that was profound for me, and then it hit me and I knew exactly what I’d write.

Day 8-  Describe a moment, in great detail.

I remember in 2008 when I was in the midst of my weight loss journey, I went to Prague with my parents and Marcel.  We were walking all over the place and one of the stops we’d planned to make that day was Prague Castle.    I remember crossing over the Charles Bridge and seeing the castle looming at the top of the hill.  

As I walked across the bridge and realized that in order to see the castle, I’d actually have to climb the mountain, I started telling myself that there was no way I could climb a hill that big without stopping.  I didn’t think I could do it.   Then I paused and had a moment with myself and remember telling myself that the mentality I was showing at that moment was exactly what had held me back from doing so many things over the years, and also why I ended up so overweight for as long as I was.  

In that moment, I decided that those days were over.   I was determined to climb to the top even if it killed me.  

It didn’t.   In fact, I made it to the top and was barely winded and as I stood at the top, overlooking the clay tile roofs below me, I had tears in my eyes.    I had done it, and it hadn’t been anything like what I’d envisioned in my mind.    At that moment I found myself wondering how many times I’d defeated myself on things before I ever started, simply because I allowed myself to believe I couldn’t do something.

It was then that I knew-  I could do anything at all, as long as I believed in myself and was willing to do the work to accomplish my goals.

August 4, 2010

Obvious, or not?

Filed under: Food,Food for Thought,Health/ Fitness — gardener @ 10:52 am

I was watching something today that talked about how people complain about how it costs more to eat healthy but yet they spend money on more useless things than ever.

Research has shown that if you buy fresh, unprocessed foods that your grocery bill may be a little higher, but your cost of healthcare or health related issues will be lower than those who eat cheaper, but more processed foods.

Which would you choose? The answer should be obvious.

July 4, 2010

Taking Inventory

Filed under: Food for Thought,Gratitude — gardener @ 10:43 am

This morning when I checked my email, I found this in the midst of all the mail. I loved it, and thought that possibly sharing it with others would touch them the way it has me.

“Should you find yourself at a loss, wondering what life is all about and what your purpose is, be thankful. There are those who didn’t live long enough to get the opportunity to wonder.” – Unknown

Taking inventory of your gifts and blessings

You’ll probably spend some time this weekend thinking about the good things in your life and your loved ones. Before you do that, take a moment to just consider how lucky you are to be here in the first place. In the 21st century, we can experience more in a month than most people throughout history did in a lifetime. Instead of appreciating that fact, we usually just end up wanting to do and have more. We look at what’s wrong rather than what’s right. This is a perfect time to take a look at your life and priorities again. Can you make some extra time every day to just enjoy the moment and your loved ones? You’ve been given the gift of a lifetime of moments. Accept the gift and prove yourself worthy.

Thanks Spark People!

May 21, 2010

Competition of the Worst Kind

Filed under: Food for Thought,Health/ Fitness — gardener @ 2:58 am

I was reading an article about healthy lifestyles and something in the article triggered a thought about how we tend to compare ourselves to others and measure our own success (or failures) on how others who are on the same journey are doing. For some people, this can be a form of motivation, but for others it can be a source of frustration and end up becoming more of a negative than a positive.

A lesson that I’ve recently learned is that just because someone else may be on the same journey to better health and to shed the pounds that I am, doesn’t mean that they will have the same results that I do. Every human body is different, and I’ve honestly had to learn to let go of that competitiveness that ends up creating negative thoughts within my mind.

It’s obvious that I’m not going to lose weight as fast as someone who is younger than me. It’s also obvious that I’m not going to lose weight as fast as someone who has had surgery to help them do so. I also am not looking for the quick fix and I have needed to remind myself of that a gazillion times. Our ‘diet’ and ‘instant gratification’ mentalities has us thinking that we need everything- yesterday and we don’t have the patience to wait to get that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

I’m an emotional eater. More often than not, I keep it at bay- but sometimes I don’t. I’ve learned to stop beating myself up about it, and feeding myself the negativity, and instead try to ask myself what’s really going on and get to the root of the issue. We are our own worst enemies and I know in my case, once I break this cycle of feeding myself negativity (we all do it and are far too hard on ourselves) then I know something BIG is going to happen. I’m getting close, but I’m not there quite yet.

In the meantime- the only competition that I have, is that with myself- We are all in this journey together- not in a race to see who can cross the finish line first.

May 2, 2010

Making the Most of Each Day

Filed under: Food for Thought,Life,Things I Love,Travel — gardener @ 1:49 am

It seems as though the days have been flying by at warp speed lately. I actually thought that the time I had off this past week would somehow allow me more time in the day since I wasn’t working, and in reality it did give me those hours, but I packed them full with many other things, such as spending days with friends and with Marcel.

I’ve also been spending more time outside with JJ, because the weather was too fabulous to keep me indoors for long. I have to admit that I haven’t spent much time on the elliptical, but what I have lost on the elliptical, I’ve made up for with walking and a little jogging.

Marcel and I are also planning a weekend away, and I’ve been looking at various locations. I think I’ve found where I’d like to go, which will put us close to several places that I’d like to see, plus it will be great for taking walks with JJ, who I think we’ll take along with us.

I realized as I was typing this that today is May 2nd, and the anniversary of my grandma’s death. I still miss her to this day. I love the ‘wiz’dom that comes with getting older, but what I don’t care for is losing those we love. I know she would be proud of me though- in fact, I believe both grandma’s would.

April 27, 2010

On Women, Food and God (the Book)

Filed under: Food,Food for Thought,Health/ Fitness,Shop til ya Drop,Things I Love — gardener @ 1:31 pm

It is no secret that I’ve been on a journey to a better, healthier lifestyle for the past year and a half, and the result of that journey so far has resulted in a weight loss of around 100 pounds. I still have a little way to go, but I can’t tell you how many people ask what ‘diet’ I’m on. I’m not-

I ordered the book On Women, Food and God after I read an excerpt on the Oprah website and I knew this was something I had to read for myself. I wasn’t expecting this book to be some magical key to weight loss, but what I was hoping for, was a different perspective to add to what I’ve learned during this process (which I imagine will be a learning experience from now on) and the book did not disappoint.

I haven’t read much lately and I admit to having a pretty huge pile of books in my ‘to read’ pile, but when I had this one in my hands, I wanted to read it immediately and soak up every little morsel of information. I’ll read it again and again, I’m sure.

The gift of the book helped teach me a few things about myself that I hadn’t thought of before, and that alone will help me along on this journey. I’m grateful I invested in myself buy purchasing the book. It was well worth the 25.00 price tag.

Accentuate the Positive

Filed under: Food for Thought — gardener @ 1:24 pm

Today has been one of those truly great days when it seems like everything good happens and you feel warm and fuzzy inside. Does it mean that my day has been perfect? Of course it doesn’t, but I refuse to give the negative any power and take way the joy of the good things, so I’m not focusing on that. Besides, I can’t do anything about it, so what’s the point?

I know, that sounds easier said than done, and truth be told- it is at times. I’m learning though, the more that I practice it, the easier it becomes. There are times when I think project management software would help me work my way through the maze of emotions, but it’s amazing what a little positive thinking and readjusting things can do to the soul.

Everyone doesn’t live by the same set of standards as I do. It doesn’t make mine any better than anyone elses, but they are different. There is something to be said though about focusing on the positive, and I guess that holds true to the ‘Accentuate the positive- eliminate the negative’. It realy does work. Don’t believe me? Give it a try.

It will take practice, but it works.

I love days like this!

April 19, 2010

Makes You Wonder

Filed under: Food for Thought,Health/ Fitness,Public Service Announcement — gardener @ 11:48 pm

Have you ever thought about how some of the ‘great’ advances in medicine have turned out to be more of a problem than something good? I was thinking about that the other day and about how some of the weight loss medications over the years have ended up causing heart problems and weren’t quite the ‘magic solution’ that some people thought they were.

I was even reading an article about human growth hormone side effects. It seems that nothing is without a side effect these days. My friend Desere was given some medication last night at the hospital to stop the pain that she was having from gall stones. When she got home, she read the paper with the side effects and it said- This medication does not help with pain associated with kidney or gall stones. When she called the hospital about it, they said they’ve been giving that medication for years. Makes you wonder doesn’t it?

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