Category: Health and Wellbeing

National Cancer Survivors Month
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

National Cancer Survivors Month

Looking for the Light1 Comment

This is an important awareness month for me because I was diagnosed with cancer at 28 years old. I was young, healthy, and had no idea what lay inside. I was very lucky and my cancer only required surgery, all the cancer was found so no chemo or radiation, for that I’m forever grateful. I’m now 58 years old and have had no relapse. 

Cancer is something we all have to think about in that it comes to us from so many angles. Be sure to bring up any changes you are going thru with your doctor no matter how insignificant you think they are. 

When someone is diagnosed with cancer, this person is considered a cancer survivor from that moment throughout the rest of his/her life.

Surviving cancer has physical, mental, emotional, social, and financial consequences that start with diagnosis and continue through treatment and beyond. It also includes issues related to follow-up treatment, side effects of treatment, the risk of getting cancer again, and your quality of life. Family members, friends, and caregivers are a critical part of the journey of the cancer survivor.

See the source image

It is estimated that there will be about 1.9 million new cancer cases diagnosed in 2022. This number will not include basal and squamous cell skin cancers. Cancer Survivorship As difficult as treatment is, thousands of cancer survivors have said that the experience led them to make important changes in their lives.

Cancer Survivorship Issues

Thanks to advances in cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and follow-up care, more people than ever before are surviving the disease. In America alone, more than 16.9 million people are alive today after being diagnosed with cancer.

However, surviving cancer can leave a host of problems in its wake. Physical, emotional, and financial hardships often persist for years after diagnosis and treatment. Cancer survivors are also at greater risk for developing second cancers and other health conditions.

Cancer survivors may face numerous challenges during and after treatment:

  • Limited access to cancer specialists and promising new treatments
  • Denial of health insurance and life insurance coverage
  • Difficulty finding jobs
  • Economic burdens due to mounting medical expenses, lost wages, and reduced productivity

Add to that emotional struggles, strains on personal relationships, and the profound fear of cancer recurrence. The effects of cancer don’t simply end when treatment does.

Stay in tune with your body, if something doesn’t feel right see your doctor right away. My cancer was discovered during a routine exam. If we catch cancer early enough we have a greater chance of beating it and not having to go thru extensive therapy. 

Get checked. Keep your annual appointments. 

Melinda

References:

https://www.va.gov/long-beach-health-care/stories/national-cancer-survivor-month

Cancer Survivorship Issues

 

International Panic Day June 18th
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

International Panic Day June 18th

Looking for the Light3 Comments

June 18 is International Panic Day. Use it as an excuse to panic about everything under the sun, or take the day to evaluate your priorities and eliminate anything that causes you stress and anxiety.

It is a fact of life that as we grow older, life can get complicated. This made-up holiday is an acknowledgment that work, finances, health and relationships can all sometimes get overwhelming and that it is necessary to take a pause once in a while and relax. The holiday encourages people to find ways to reduce and manage their stress.

How to Observe?

  • Take the day off and relax. It is for good reason that today is also International Picnic Day. What better way to relax and forget all your stresses than by going on a picnic?
  • Go to the store and treat yourself to some aromatic candles. It has been shown that soothing music and pleasant smells can help reduce stress.
  • Go for a long walk in the park and commune with nature.
  • Read, get a new hobby or get involved in social activities. The more you are busy, the less time you will have to think about your stressors.
  • Recruit a stress buddy – someone who can calm you and work through the futility of panicking with you. Every time you feel life is overwhelming you, call them and ask them for their help.

I think this is an observance day we can all get behind. 

Melinda

Reference:

https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/fun/international-panic-day

Things I’m Loving
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Things I’m Loving

Looking for the Light2 Comments

I want to share a few products I’m in love with right now. Most have been purchased off of Amazon unless otherwise stated. I hope you find a new product to add to your household or self-care routine.

Levoit Air Purifier model #Core 300

LEVOIT Air Purifier for Home Allergies Pets Hair in Bedroom, H13 True HEPA Filter, 24db Filtration System Cleaner Odor Eliminators, Ozone Free, Remove 99.97% Dust Smoke Mold Pollen, Core 300, White

It has a red button that shows you when the filter needs replacing and it’s as simple as turning the machine off, turning it upside down, twisting the bottom, removing the filter, installing the new filter, placing the bottom back on, and turning on. You will need to hold down the red button for a minute to clear the setting.

I purchase the pet replacement filters, see below. They catch so much from the air, that you are surprised when you change the filter. The filter is easy to change and unlike our Dyson, it doesn’t make a mess. Here’s an article on the 6 Best Air purifiers for Mold from Healthline.

The Pet HEPA filters for Levoit, LEVOIT Air Purifier Pet Allergy Replacement Filter, 3-in-1 True HEPA, High-Efficiency Activated Carbon, Core 300-RF-PA, 1 Pack, Yellow

Busy Co.

Need a powerful cleaning without the shower? I have discovered these Busy Co. body wipes and love them. One wipe can clean your entire body, I use a cheaper brand on my feet.

Refresh Line Body Wipes for Women – Cleansing Body Wash Wipes, Armpit Wipes & Body Wipes w/ Fresh Citrus Scent – Zero-Waste Gym Wipes & Cleansing Wipes – No Rinse Bathing Wipes for Adults – 10 ct

Ancient Greek Remedy Moisturizer

I just bought this a week ago and love how well the oil soaks into the skin. I dislike oils that sit on the skin and feel greasy. This one doesn’t, it has a great smell, it’s made from natural ingredients, and is multi-purpose for men and women. It has a faint lavender scent, nothing overpowering.

Organic Blend of Olive, Lavender, Almond, and Grapeseed oils with Vitamin E. Day and night Moisturizer for Skin, Dry Hair, Face, Scalp, Foot, Cuticle and Nail Care. Natural Body oil for Men and Women

Eco Tools

As summer sneaks up on us my skin is getting very dry. I noticed some flacking and decided to buy a dry brush. this one does the trick, its hard bristles do a great job of loosening dead skin. Best of all it’s less than $6.00.

EcoTools Dry Brush, Gentle Exfoliating Scrubber For Skincare and Beauty, Pore Cleansing, Pink

What products have you added to your life lately that you love?

Melinda

A Discussion of Self-Hatred — Guest Blogger DocTalk
Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

A Discussion of Self-Hatred — Guest Blogger DocTalk

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Karen Horney: “Stress is often a result of the tension between what is and what you believe should be. It’s called the “tyranny of the shoulds,” which dictates how we think, act, and feel. These “should” beliefs—are referred to as Icebergs… Stress is often a result of the tension between what is and what you […]

A Discussion of Self-Hatred — DocTalk
Book Review-Life After Care by Mark Edwards
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Book Review-Life After Care by Mark Edwards

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I want to send a special thanks to Marketing & Ecommerce Executive Laura Sebright at Tigger Publishing for sending me Life After Care From Lost Cause to MBE by Mark Edwards.

About the Author

Mark Edwards spent the majority of his childhood in foster and then in a children’s home. Following this, he was sectioned under the Mental Health Care Act and admitted to a local mental institution.

Mark is now a Vicor in Newcastle upon Tyne and is a volunteer Ambulance First Responder. He’s a Police Chaplin to Northumbria Police and has previously as a lifeboat crew member. In 2010 he received an MBE for his service to the public. Mark is now happily married with four children and one grandchild. 

Blurb

Life After Care follows Mark’s journey with anxiety, panic attacks, and depression, and we learn about the enduring impact his childhood had on his mental health. His diary entries bring to life the thoughts and feelings of Mark, as a teenager, struggling to understand how he came to be placed in care, and how to deal with his adolescent feelings of loss and love.

On the verge of breakdown, Mark tried to take his own life and he was sectioned under the Mental Health Act. We follow his journey from local authority care to the wards of a crumbling Victorian psychiatric asylum, and beyond into life on the streets…This is a heartfelt, true story of how a troubled young man managed to turn his life around. From being imprisoned in the care system and mislabel

My Thoughts

Wow! Heartbreaking and Inspiring. I have a traumatic background and can say that Mark’s life was far beyond traumatic it was pure hell on earth. 

From an early age, Mark and his brother were shuffled from foster home to foster home never finding a family to take them in. After staying with one family for two years they were given hope that they had a forever home only to be taken away and sent to a children’s home. Mark spent his early adolescent years grappling with his panic attacks, depression, and anger. After years of neglect, his repressed emotions caused him to lash out and be deemed unmanageable. He spent the last few months before his 16th birthday living with his sister. Now turning 16, he ages out of the system and is left to sink or swim. 

Mark is living with his sister and her husband on his 18th birthday. He has a job but spends his off time drinking and drowning in his traumatic memories. One day during a fight with his sister, Mark goes into a blinding rage and picks up a knife, pointing it at his sister.  He scares her but himself even more. Mark sinks to his darkest level yet and takes a razor blade to both of his wrists in an effort to end his pain. He second-guesses himself and goes for help. 

His sister is forced to have Mark sent to a Psychiatric Hospital for his own safety. 

Fast forward, Mark is a respected member of the community, a volunteer, and a man of God. He went from the darkest depths of mankind to chart away forward for himself. He was awarded an MBE by none other than Prince Charles himself.  

This book is for anyone who is dealing with a family member with a traumatic background, or dark depression. Mark’s diaries speak volumes about the obstacles he has overcome and his mindset. 

I highly recommend this book. It would also be great to give to a troubled teen, they may read it. 

Trigger Publishing

TriggerHub.org is the first mental health organization of its kind. We are bringing mental health recovery and balance to millions of people worldwide through the power of our books.

We have built a first-class resource of curated books produced and published in-house to create a unique collection of mental health recovery titles unrivaled in quality and selection. We work with experts, psychologists, doctors, and coaches to produce our books, but we also work with real people looking to share their stories to reach out to others and provide hope, understanding, and compassion. These brave authors also aim to raise awareness of mental health’s “human” face and its impact on everyday lives. 

Melinda

Looking for the Light

@lookinglight

Fibromyalgia Thoughts #8 Giving Myself Grace
Celebrate Life · Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Self-Care

Fibromyalgia Thoughts #8 Giving Myself Grace

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It’s been a year since I wrote Fibromyalgia Thoughts #7, I had no idea how well I had been managing. Until today, when I wasn’t managing at all. A wave came over me after breakfast just as I was going outside to water the plants, and the life drained out of me. I had to go back to bed even though I had a good night’s sleep, maybe the best sleep I’ve had in days.


The temperature here has already reached 100 degrees and the humidity is high. We’ve touched on several record-breaking days already and it’s not even July. July and August are usually the hottest months in Texas, but we are having average temps in June. The heat is exhausting.

I go out to water most days by 9:00 am but today I was delayed by an hour since I laid down. Boy, what a difference an hour makes. It’s not that I was feeling so much better but knew that if I could muster the energy it would be much easier to water now than wait or ask my husband for help. He’s always glad to help, but it’s my passion, my flowers, and my sanctuary. I thought if I could just get out there I would somehow feel better. NOT. 

I’ve been battling many symptoms that have progressed over the past year, I don’t know if they are all Fibro since other things are going on with my health. I think telling myself it’s something else has somehow allowed me to keep pushing on.

I see a new Rheumatologist at the end of the month and I hope to have some answers. I’ve been keeping detailed notes of each symptom by body area and tracking the progression. I can only sleep for 2-3 hours at a time before the pain wakes me, I have to roll over and wait for sleep to come again. It’s very tiring.

The other morning the muscles in my legs were so tight I could hardly walk, I lay in bed thinking how am I going to do this. I took my muscle spasm medication and moved to the chair. I realized today that the limp from my hip is more pronounced, that’s from my Brusitis. I am late on my steroid injections and can tell. 


I know this afternoon will include a nap, which I give myself grace. I’ve beat myself up for too many years for not being the best wife or granddaughter or best self. In fact, the best self I can be is to take care of my health, do what I can, be honest about what’s going on, and take the pass when I have to. 


I’ll keep you posted on my Rheumatologist appointment. I work hard to not over-research my symptoms and go in with a layman’s diagnosis. I’ve taken very precise notes and the symptoms will hopefully lead to answers or in the right direction. 


Melinda

4 Essential Considerations Before Taking on Your Next Family Road Trip
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Travel

4 Essential Considerations Before Taking on Your Next Family Road Trip

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Are you planning on taking a road trip with your family soon? If so, it’s crucial to design and ensure you’re prepared for the journey. There are a few things you’ll need to consider before hitting the open road, such as the route you’ll be taking, your budget, and what to do in an emergency. In this blog post, we’ll discuss four essential considerations every family should consider before taking their next road trip.

The Route You’ll Be Taking

One of the first things you’ll need to do when planning your road trip is to map out the route you’ll be taking. This is important for a few reasons. First, you’ll need to know how long it will take to get to your destination to plan accordingly. Second, you’ll want to ensure you’re aware of any potential hazards or road closures that could impact your trip. And finally, mapping out your route in advance will help you avoid getting lost along the way.

If you’re unsure where to start, several online tools can help you plan your routes, such as Google Maps or MapQuest. Once you have your route mapped out, print out a copy or save it to your phone so you can reference it while you’re on the road.

Your Budget

Another important consideration before setting out on your road trip is your budget. How much money do you have to spend on gas, food, lodging, and activities? When planning your budget, it’s essential to be realistic about your expenses. For example, if you’re traveling cross-country, you’ll need to factor in the cost of a hotel room for each night of your trip.

It’s also a good idea to set aside some extra money for unexpected expenses, such as flat tires or car repairs. And finally, don’t forget to factor in the cost of tolls if you’ll be taking any highways that require them.

Vehicle inspection and maintenance

Before going on any long journey, ensuring your vehicle is in good working order is vital. This means getting a tune-up, if necessary, and ensuring all your fluids are topped off. It’s also a good idea to check your windscreen and tires, your tires should have enough tread and if you have windscreen damage contact Magic Windshields auto glass. Finally, if you’re planning on doing a lot of driving, you may want to consider getting your car serviced before the trip. This way, you can avoid any potential breakdowns or issues while on the road.

What to Do in Case of an Emergency

No one likes to think about what could go wrong on their trip, but it’s important to be prepared for anything. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a plan in place in case of an emergency. This could include having a roadside assistance service like AAA, keeping a spare tire and jumper cables in your car, and knowing the number of a tow truck. It’s also a good idea to keep some cash on hand in case you need to make an emergency purchase or pay for a hotel room if your car breaks down.

There are a few things to keep in mind before setting out on your next road trip. By taking the time to plan, you can help ensure that your trip goes off without a hitch. So, don’t forget to map out your route, budget for your expenses, service your vehicle, and have a plan in case of an emergency.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Blogger Highlight Hens Blooms
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Blogger Highlight Hens Blooms

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Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week I highlight a new blogger, Hens Blooms.

Hens Blooms

Finding Inspiration in the Gifts of Life

“I believe in God, love and life! Married to my friend, mentor and rock. We have been blessed with two beautiful girls. My personal journey provides opportunities for me to empower individuals to lead better lives. I have had a real desire to work with people for a long time and have always been fascinated with human behaviour and understanding how the mind works.
I love the following quote by H. Jackson Brown, Jr. “Remember that children, marriages and flower gardens reflect the kind of care they get”

I love this quote and it’s so true. Be sure to check out Hens Blooms. 

Melinda

Looking for the Light

@lookinglight

(Updated) What can we learn from Alaska’s law on Domestic Violence
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Survivor

(Updated) What can we learn from Alaska’s law on Domestic Violence

Looking for the Light6 Comments

During the past two-plus years of living with the pandemic Domestic Violence has increased dramatically. We have to keep the topic of Dometic Violence in our lawmaker’s front mirror in order to enact change. 

Photo by Engin Akyurt on Pexels.com

I flipped to the National Geographic channel to find Alaska State Troopers one day. Watching was a blessing. The show opened my eyes to ending domestic violence. Ending domestic violence is happening now, not somewhere in the future. We have to raise our voices louder and demand the same protection for all abused in other states. Below are notes were taken while watching several episodes.

Fairbanks, Alaska has the highest number of domestic violence cases in America.

Domestic violence calls are dispatched to Troopers as top priority status. Everyone on the scene was interviewed, once established as a domestic violence case, it’s an automatic assault charge and trip to jail. Other charges will follow based on the situation.

This is a very condensed version of what I watched:

A fight escalates, and the female screaming loudly to get out of the house. Punched multiple times, raped, and once outside pulled by the hair back into the house. When the police arrive she’s in the front yard in bra and panties, visible marks of being hit in the face, crying and trying to convince police nothing happened. Troopers receive education on domestic violence behavior. One officer goes into the house with a gun drawn. The second keeps lightly pushing, why is she in the front yard in her bra and panties with visible marks on her face. The male was taken to the side of the house, interviewed, handcuffed, and lead to a car. Officer provides a jacket to cover herself and support her, and she tells her what happened to leave out being raped. Her disheveled appearance tips one officer to ask what else happened. She bows her head crying not wanting to go to the hospital and tells of being raped. Thru the support and gentle urging, she agrees to hospital. The male was charged with assault and kidnapping for not allowing her to leave.

A neighbor hears a woman screaming, and goes to investigate. He witnesses a man beating a woman which quickly spills to the front yard. The neighbor calls the police, and they arrive to see a man running into the woods. One head into the woods with a gun drawn. The second officer discovers the male running is jealous of her other boyfriend. He looked thru the window to see another boyfriend there and breaks into the back door. He also assaulted the man. The abuser was charged with assault and taken to jail.

In Alaska, there is no first-time pass, first time, and every time abuser goes to jail. The top priority status given to DV calls backed by state laws written to protect all citizens, gives me hope. The laws in other states sound good to those who turn an eye to the problem. When states charge a teen for smoking pot with a  seven-year jail term and a murderer walks out in less than two years on good behavior, the legal system requires an overhaul. As paying taxpayers we have the right to vote, speak out and advocate for change.

Be sure you know where your lawmaker stands on Domestic Violence and vote accordingly. 

I want more people to see what can be done to stop Domestic Violence. 

Melinda

Fun Facts
Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Fun Facts

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Hey, You are the greatest! So glad you stopped by today. Have a great weekend.

The smallest bone in your body is in your ear.

Tennis players can be fined up to $20,000 for swearing while playing at Wimbledon.

Only 5% of the ocean has been explored.

Most people fart around 14 to 23 times a day!

 

Reference:

https://www.thefactsite.com/top-100-random-funny-facts/

Enjoy!

Melinda

Updated Review of Delta 8 CBD Gummies
Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Updated Review of Delta 8 CBD Gummies

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After trying and finding relief in Delta 8 CBD gummies as opposed to CDB oil, I’ve been on a mission to try several brands in an effort to find my go-to brand or brands. I’ve tried seven so far and have found two that I like and Kind Oasis is my go-to brand, for now, I’m no longer shopping around. 

This post may contain affiliate links that earn me a small commission, they don’t cost you more and help fund my coffee habit. 

Kind Oasis

Citrus Splash 30mg per gummy

I love them! Melts like light jello and has no aftertaste. A hint of citrus flavor.

The 30mg is the way to go if you are looking for the full Delta 8 effect. This one is very relaxing, it helped me go back to sleep and ease my mind from wondering. I didn’t take sleeping pills for two weeks. These help me get to a state of harmony. These are my favorite so far! 

Try The CBD

Tri-flavor 25mg per gummy

I dislike them, they are too hard and have bad artificial flavor after taste.

I dislike these all the way around. I did not feel the same relaxing effect as the other 25mg gummy. They weren’t the least expensive either.

Pure Kana

Watermelon 25mg gummy

Taste horrible! The initial sugar-coated taste was promising but the strong after taste is not worth buying for. I didn’t take enough to say if they worked because I could not eat anymore.

10xTHC

Pomegranate 25mg gummy

These are by far the worst! They are hard to chew and taste bad. To make it worse, I felt no effect of the Delta 8. I would not spend my money on this one. I made the mistake of buying two of these since they were on sale, shame on me! 

Green Garden Gold

Tangerine 30mg gummy

These have a soft jelly-like consistency and taste good with no after-taste. Green Garden Gold knows how to make a gummy! They’re vegan and work! I take one when I start my nightly routine and after 15-20 minutes I start to feel that relaxing feeling come over me. I don’t have a care in the world and my stress is lifted. These are a keeper and I will buy them again for sure. 

Green Garden Gold Delta 9

Strawberry 10mg gummy

The Delta 8 Tangerine gummies were great but these Delta 9’s are terrible. The worst I’ve tasted in fact they made me gag. I threw $100 worth of product in the trash.

Medterra

Citrus 25mg gummy

I found these listed on a Top 10 list of Forbes and thought I would try them. They are a harder jello-like consistency but the taste is to be desired. They aren’t horrible but I don’t like the aftertaste. I don’t understand why it’s so hard to make a great-tasting gummy. 

Have you tried Delta 8 gummies? I would love to hear your feedback!

Melinda

Healthy Mocktails For All Your Celebrations
Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Healthy Mocktails For All Your Celebrations

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As we approach the Fourth of July holiday in America, I’m reminded of a time when I was healthy and enjoyed a drink or two. Many people with chronic health conditions don’t drink but may still have cravings for a good cocktail.

Photo by Susanne Jutzeler, suju-foto on Pexels.com

Refreshing Cucumber Lemonade

Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 medium sized cucumber, peeled or unpeeled (See notes)
  • Juice of 4 lemons
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar (You can also use agave/honey)
  • 3 cups cold water
  • Ice, to serve

Instructions

  1. Cut cucumber into smaller chunks and blend this with 1 cup of water. You can also use a juicer to extract the juice.
  2. If using a blender, place a fine-mesh strainer over a jug and pour the cucumber juice through it. Discard the pulp.
  3. In the jug, add lemon juice, sugar and water.
  4. Give it a good stir and let it sit in the fridge to chill. The sugar would gradually melt on its own.
  5. Add more water or sugar if required.
  6. Serve over ice.

Notes

If you are not using organic cucumber, I would suggest that you peel the skin of the cucumber. Some cucumbers have bitter skin, so it would be better to peel the skin.

Lemongrass Ginger Mockito

INGREDIENTS

  • 3/4 lime – halved lengthwise then cut into 6
  • 1/2 lemongrass – finely sliced
  • 1 tbsp ginger syrup
  • 1 tsp soft light brown sugar
  • 2 mint sprigs
  • 80-100ml apple juice
  • crushed ice
  • mint sprigs
  • lemongrass slices
  • 2 straws

DIRECTIONS

  1. Add the lime pieces, lemongrass slices, ginger syrup and sugar to a sturdy highball glass or a cocktail shaker. Muddle until the sugar has dissolved and the aromas are released. Add the mint leaves and muddle a bit more.
  2. Add half of the apple juice. Stir.
  3. Fill up with the crushed ice and the rest of the apple juice. Combine until well mixed.
  4. Add the straws, mint and lemongrass slices.
  5. Enjoy!

Jasmine Ginger Iced Green Tea Recipe

1 wedge lime
4 ounces *brewed jasmine green tea, chilled
4 ounces ginger beer, chilled (I used Gosling’s)
Garnishes: Fresh sliced strawberries and additional lime wedges

Fill a glass with ice cubes. Squeeze the juice of a lime wedge over the ice and drop the lime wedge into the glass. Add the chilled green tea and ginger beer; stir gently. Garnish with strawberries and additional lime wedges.

Makes 1 drink

Virgin Pina Colada

Here are the ingredients in a virgin piña colada recipe: 

  • Frozen pineapple
  • Coconut milk
  • Maple syrup

Throw these in a blender, and you’ve got a tasty signature drink in no time. Except you need one last required item…drink umbrellas!

Green Russian

Brilliant green matcha makes this healthy mocktail creamy and comforting. Plus, it’s packed with antioxidants and features a little kick of caffeine.

We recommend using a plant-based milk as the foundation for your Green Russian. This renders the drink accessible to those not consuming dairy, but it also allows the matcha to really shine; milk proteins can block the absorption of matcha’s beneficial compounds.

Ingredients – makes 2 mocktails

2 ½ cups plant-based milk

Tip: Use a richer, fuller plant milk, such as cashew, macadamia, or barista-grade oat milk.

1 ½ tablespoons matcha powder

2 oz cold coffee

Tip: Try to use cold brew coffee. Since we’re only using a little bit, you’ll want your flavor to be as full as possible. Alternatively, use mushroom coffee to achieve an earthy taste and added nutritional benefit.

2 tablespoons sugar or other sweetener

1 pinch cacao powder (optional)

1 cup ice

Directions

Warm 2 cups of your milk over low heat. Add the sugar and stir. Next, add the matcha powder and stir until fully dissolved. Remove from heat and set aside.

Next, add ice to your glasses. Once the matcha mixture has cooled, pour into the glasses. Add a quarter cup of the remaining milk to each glass. Pour a splash of cold coffee on top of the milk for a beautiful combination of colors and flavors. For added glamor (and superfood power) dust the top of the mocktail with cacao powder. Serve and enjoy!

Enjoy!

Melinda

 

Refernces:

Culinary Nutrition

A Couple Cooks

Martindales Nutrition

Is Anxiety Affecting Your Career
Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Is Anxiety Affecting Your Career

Looking for the Light2 Comments

Work situations are difficult to navigate sometimes. Anxiety sets in and you may feel as if you are sinking. Thankfully there are ways to ease your stress. From breathing techniques to yoga, and more, there are ways to help reduce your stress. 

Photo by Arina Krasnikova on Pexels.com

Sometimes the problems with work are borne out of social activities in the workplace. In order to be comfortable with your co-workers, try to expand your comfort zone. Consciously try to create small talk with people you meet throughout the day: at lunch, in the elevator, or in the coffee corner. Try to initiate short conversations. Such behavior will teach others that you are an accessible person and can be talked to. Remember that it is not so important to say the right thing, it is more important to be present. People are usually more comfortable with who they know.

Conversation with authority figures

Those who suffer from social anxiety may have difficulty talking to their supervisor. Any communication with your manager may be difficult for you. You may have difficulty with the simplest questions, it is common for people with social anxiety to try to get away with asking and finding out with the manager the information they need. Unfortunately, avoiding a conversation with the manager can impair your functioning and the manner in which the task is fulfilled: you will find yourself working long hours in a way that will ultimately not be to the satisfaction of your superiors.

Meetings and work meetings

If you feel uncomfortable in meetings – try to get to the meeting a quarter of an hour earlier so you can meet others when they arrive. Most people who suffer from social anxiety and shyness come to meetings late so that they do not have to socialize with others. But this behavior only makes you feel more isolated and stressed. During meetings, try to remember that others must also feel uncomfortable and have difficulty speaking. Quite a lot of people actually have difficulty expressing their opinions. If you take the initiative and speak first, it will reassure the rest and they will appreciate and respect you for it. Try to replace the negative thought with a more accurate, or more helpful thought: “I’m usually good enough in meetings.” Even if this mental exercise feels strange and strange to you, over time it will reduce your insecurity in work meetings. You will soon start to make a shift and feel more confident.

Social events

Workplaces usually hold social events that you are expected to attend. Company trips, zoom parties, joint video photography, farewell party, and conferences. The human resources department works hard to connect the employees and for most of them, a fun day is really fun. For people with social anxiety, these events can be particularly difficult – they expose their social shame – their difficulty in feeling comfortable.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Coping With Chronic Pain In The Office
Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Coping With Chronic Pain In The Office

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Are you struggling with chronic pain? You’re not alone. Research suggests that millions of people struggle with issues relating to chronic pain every year. That’s why it’s important to ensure that you are taking the right steps here. For instance, you need to guarantee that you are coping effectively with chronic pain in your office environment. How can you do this? 

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

Ask For The Right Supplies

First, you should check whether your company can provide you with the right supplies to help you cope with your chronic pain. It’s possible that they are falling short here. For instance, you could benefit from gel packs. These are great for reducing levels of inflammation which can cause chronic pain to get worse throughout the day. Your company should have these readily available and you can recommend that they purchase them from companies such as Accurate Gel Packs. Alternatively, you can buy some reusable gel ice packs for yourself to take with you to the office for your personal use. 

Explore Ergonomic Furniture

Next, you should think about exploring ergonomic furniture options. Ergonomic furniture is great because it will allow you to work in a more comfortable position. You might think that your employers aren’t going to provide you with ergonomic furniture. Particularly, if it is expensive. However, do be aware that you have rights here and businesses could face issues if they don’t provide the right support that employees need. Examples of office furniture can include solutions such as office chairs and sit-stand desks. Some types of technology such as keyboards and mouses are also more ergonomic. 

Consider Hybrid Working 

If you are struggling with chronic pain, it’s probably not going to be in your best interest to work in the office five days a week. This could put a lot of pressure on the areas that are causing you pain. That’s why you should make sure that you do consider a hybrid work model. Most employers these days are willing to provide this possibility. If yours isn’t then you might even want to think about working for another company instead. 

Reduce Stress

Finally, you should make sure that you are reducing levels of stress and anxiety as much as you can. There are various studies and research papers which provide compelling evidence that stress makes chronic pain far worse overall. As such, you should think about how you can tackle levels of stress head-on. One of the ways that you could do this is with options such as yoga. Desk yoga, as you might have guessed, is something that you can complete in the typical office environment or behind a desk. You can find some great guides for this type of exercise online if you are interested. 

We hope this helps you understand some of the key steps that you should take to ensure that you can effectively cope with chronic pain in your office. In doing so, you should be able to continue to work effectively without your time in the office becoming an absolute nightmare overall. 

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Review of Vital Field Pollen Frequencell Draft update
Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Review of Vital Field Pollen Frequencell Draft update

Looking for the LightLeave a comment

Backed by four decades of scientific research Vital Field has expanded its product line to include a Pollen Frequencell. When I received the email announcing the product I had to try it. Living in Texas is not a matter of if you’ll get allergies but when. I started having problems two years ago and walk around most days with a Kleenex in my pocket, frustrating. I contacted Communications Director Nassia Bitha and asked her to send me one to try and review.

A little about Vital Field

Vital fields enable living systems – cells, organs, and micro-organisms – to transfer information and energy across the system (or body) instantly, helping the body’s cells to repair, regenerate, and protect against life’s cumulative stressors, such as toxins, stress, trauma, injury, and electrosmog.

Vital fields have been researched and developed over the past four decades by scientists and a community of over 2,800 clinics and health practitioners in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria, who use them in wide health related applications, from chronic disease to athletic performance.

A little about the Frequencell

A patented composite material developed by a team of scientists in Austria that can charge and retain therapeutic electromagnetic frequencies with minimal emission loss, successfully tested by cell labs, practitioners, and clinics since 2017.

The composite cell material allows advanced Vital Field therapies to be stored in wearable devices, thereby significantly undercutting the cost of traditional pain-relieving techniques.

Pollen Cell

The Pollen Cell balances the mucous membrane loads in the respiratory tract, caused by pollen, and lets you go through your day without giving allergy sensitivity another thought.

Recommended use: From May to August. Alleviate discomfort from wild flowers and grass.

Research and customer testimonials show that the Pollen Cell is more effective when applied early. Results and relief might take a few days of use. Permanent use during the season is recommended.

My Thoughts

As I’m writing this it’s Sunday and my nose has been running all morning. I’ve gone thru a handful of Kleenex and it’s only noon. I take two prescription medications for allergies but they only help so much. I’ve been working out in the backyard so my allergies are flaring. This year the allergies across the country are in full swing.

I placed the cell on my 7th cervical vertebra as instructed and waited to see what happens. I’m hopeful because I had great results with the Pain Relief cell. It’s 11:55 AM.

It’s now 2:50 PM and I realized my nose had stopped running and had not reached for a Kleenex in hours. I don’t understand the technology inside the Pollen Frequencell but I can say it works. I’m actually surprised it worked so fast.

About 6:00 PM I grabbed my first Kleenex and that’s the only one this afternoon.

If you have problems with allergies I highly recommend you check out Vital Field’s site for all the information and more about the technology. Put those allergies in their place.

Use discount code LIGHT20 for 20% off any Vital Field product.

You can see the entire Vital Field product line

I am very impressed with Vital Field and know you will be too.

Melinda

Blogger Highlight-Hope Whispers
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Blogger Highlight-Hope Whispers

Looking for the Light1 Comment

Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week I highlight a new blogger, Hope Whispers.

Hope Whispers

Welcome to Hope Whispers. My name is Sarah and this is the place where I wrestle with life, looking at what it means to live with mental illness and chronic physical illness. Endeavouring to hold onto hope in spite of life’s challenges. Here I write about faith and suffering, joy and loss, recovery and relapse. Join me as I look to build a meaningful life with Depression, Anxiety and ME/CFS whilst being in Eating Disorder recovery. Trying to seek out the golden moments to be found even on the darkest days.

Be sure to check out Sarah’s site.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

@lookinglight

Fibromyalgia and Pain Management: What Works and What Doesn’t?
Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Fibromyalgia and Pain Management: What Works and What Doesn’t?

Looking for the LightLeave a comment

This is a great article from Vital Field’s blog that I know you’ll find interesting. I’ve had success with the Vital Field Pain Frequencell. It eliminates most if not all of my pain after a short time wearing the device. Everyone is different and it may take others longer to get relief.

Photo by louys on Pexels.com

This post contains affiliate links for which I earn a small commission when used, they do not cost you more and fund my coffee habit. 

Individuals suffering with fibromyalgia typically live with chronic pain on a daily basis. Is there a better way to manage this pain?

Individuals suffering with fibromyalgia live with chronic, debilitating pain daily – yet they don’t appear to be hurting. In other words, there is no outward sign of injury that properly illustrates the pain they feel within.

This disconnect between how an individual with fibromyalgia feels, and how they appear to be healthy, leads to an array of challenges. These challenges include obtaining a correct diagnosis, obtaining the right treatment, and getting support from friends and family.

If fibromyalgia sufferers don’t appear to be hurt, and they seem healthy, how will they find support? Will the people in their lives understand, empathize with, or accommodate their pain? Maybe not.

Many fibromyalgia sufferers withstand chronic body pain without understanding that what they have is fibromyalgia.

Upon confirming a diagnosis, however, fibromyalgia can be treated effectively. Although there is no cure for fibromyalgia, pain management is possible through either traditional or alternative therapies, or a mixture of both.

WHAT EXACTLY IS FIBROMYALGIA?

The literal translation of the word “fibromyalgia” is “pain in the muscles.” Fibromyalgia is a complex chronic pain disorder that may cause pain in a specific area of the body. The pain may also become widespread and migrate to other areas of the body. About 10 million Americans are affected by fibromyalgia. Most fibromyalgia patients are women, though men do get diagnosed with the disorder as well. Fibromyalgia can occur in people of all ages.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF FIBROMYALGIA?

The symptoms of fibromyalgia can vary from person to person. Some general symptoms include:

  • Pain throughout the body
  • Stiffness in limbs and joints
  • Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
  • Pain in the jaw area or the face
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Cloudy thinking, memory problems, or difficulty focusing
  • Sleep issues
  • Abdominal pain, bloating, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS FOR FIBROMYALGIA?

Fibromyalgia affects people of all ages. However, for most people, diagnosis usually occurs during middle age. Fibromyalgia also has been linked to autoimmune disorders such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. People with PTSD, anxiety, or depression also have a higher risk of being diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

HOW IS FIBROMYALGIA DIAGNOSED?

Doctors may find fibromyalgia a challenge to diagnose. Because there’s no definitive test or scan that can diagnose fibromyalgia immediately, other disorders have to be ruled out before a diagnosis of fibromyalgia can be made. Often, patients seek multiple medical opinions and have to rule out different disorders to confirm a diagnosis of fibromyalgia.

HOW IS FIBROMYALGIA TREATED?

You should know that pain management is possible, even though fibromyalgia doesn’t have a cure. Pain management of fibromyalgia can be achieved through a variety of chronic pain management interventions, with a mix of traditional and alternative treatments. There are many natural and holistic pain management methods that work to reduce the pain. Unfortunately, chronic pain is the main symptom of fibromyalgia. The chronic pain can manifest as muscle tenderness or sensitivity, joint pain or stiffness, or even as full-body aches and pains. Treatment needs to include some form of daily chronic pain management. The Institute for Chronic Pain endorses interdisciplinary chronic pain rehabilitation as the “gold standard for treatment” of fibromyalgia. Studies have shown that multidisciplinary chronic pain rehabilitation was effective at reducing chronic pain and increasing quality of life among fibromyalgia sufferers. Interdisciplinary chronic pain rehabilitation consists of mild aerobic exercise and other types of physical therapy as needed, and non-narcotic pain medication. This can also include non-traditional, alternative forms of treatment. Interdisciplinary chronic pain rehabilitation utilizes a variety of treatments from various disciplines, specially tailored to each individual patient. Interdisciplinary chronic pain rehabilitation addresses the individualized nature of fibromyalgia, and can lead to an improved quality of life.The National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA) promotes a combination of traditional and alternative treatments stating, “Alternative treatments, nutrition, relaxation techniques, and exercise play an important role in fibromyalgia treatment as well. Each patient should, with the input of a healthcare practitioner, establish a multifaceted and individualized approach that works for them.”

You can read the rest of the article here.

If you decide to purchase a Pain Frequencell or any other products use my discount code LIGHT20  for 20% off. 

I received the Pollen Frequencell yesterday and will write my review shortly. I can’t wait to find relief from these nasty allergies. 

Melinda

Fun Facts
Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Fun Facts

Looking for the Light1 Comment

Hey, You are the greatest! So glad you stopped by today. Have a great weekend.

If Pinocchio said “My Nose Will Grow Now,” it would create a paradox.

Polar bears could eat as many as 10 penguins in a single sitting…

Car manufacturer Volkswagen makes sausages.

Movie trailers were originally shown after the movie, which is why they’re called “trailers.”

Hawaiian pizza is a Canadian invention.

 

Reference:

https://www.thefactsite.com/top-100-random-funny-facts/

Enjoy!

Melinda

Understanding Relapse —Guest Blogger Don’t Lose Hope
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Understanding Relapse —Guest Blogger Don’t Lose Hope

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Originally posted on Don’t Lose Hope : Relapse is commonplace when someone’s fighting an addiction; it’s something many deal with on their journey to success. Yet, Psychology Today[1] records that more give up addictions than those who stay addicted, or who constantly relapse. This should give us hope, and help stave off discouragement. Also, relapsing…

Understanding Relapse — Survivors Blog Here Mental Health Collaborative
June Awareness Days
Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

June Awareness Days

Looking for the LightLeave a comment

Here are the June Awareness Days. If I’ve missed something please let me know.

Migraine and Headache Awareness Month

National Cancer Survivors Month

Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

Beautiful In Your Skin Month

Cancer from the Sun Month

National Aphasia Awareness Month

Scleroderma Awareness Week June 12th

International Panic Day June 18th

National PTSD Awareness Month

National Osteoporosis Month

National Men’s Health Week  June 13th

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day June 15th

Melinda

Meet Beyond My Battle, For Chronic Health, Disability And Caregiver Support
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Meet Beyond My Battle, For Chronic Health, Disability And Caregiver Support

Looking for the LightLeave a comment

I was contacted by Angelina Valente after seeing my Organization That Can Help page asking if I would add Beyond My Battle to the list. I spent some time this morning looking over their website and was amazed at the support offered for people with Chronic Health Conditions, The Disabled, and for Caregivers. I wanted to do more than add to the list, I wanted to make sure you knew about the organization. 

Here’s a little about Beyond My Battle

Cultivating resilience and reducing the stress of illness and disability through contemplative practice. 

It isn’t uncommon to have a physical illness or disability. In fact, more than 155 million Americans live with a chronic illness, 61 million have a disability, and 25 million live with a rare disease. Also common is the overwhelming stress that comes with adapting to and managing any life-altering medical condition. 

For someone living with a disease or disability, stress can further jeopardize health and strain needed relationships. For caregivers, stress leads to burnout and compromises emotional availability.

Research reveals that the way one copes with stress determines how it impacts their physical and emotional health, where an engaged approach results in higher levels of well-being and acceptance. Our programs foster engaged coping through contemplative practice and community engagement, an approach well-documented in reducing stress and cultivating resilience.

Our vision is to provide patients and caregivers with a unique model of support for life with health-related uncertainty. 

Each month they offer Virtual Retreats for a small fee and the vast majority of the resources are free.

Free Online Support Groups

Creative Meetups

Online Community

E-Books

E-Toolkit

Library

and the Unfixed Podcast 

Listen to the Unfixed Podcast

Beyond The Battle is a non-profit organization. All donations are welcome. 

Please check out the wealth of resources that Beyond My Battle has to offer. 

Melinda

What Your Body Needs To Stay Healthy-Sleep
Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

What Your Body Needs To Stay Healthy-Sleep

Looking for the Light2 Comments

Did you know that sleep or lack not only affects your physical health but your mental health as well? Our bodies need time to regenerate from those long days at the office and the stress of life. Just how much sleep we need is different for each person and it’s important to know how many hours of quality sleep you need. 

How much sleep do we need?

In general, the average healthy adult needs 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. Experiments have demonstrated that the average amount of sleep needed to avoid detrimental effects on daytime function is about 8 hours and 10 minutes. It is recommended that adults beyond age 65 may need less sleep, averaging 7 to 8 hours instead. If excess time is spent in bed, insomnia will result.

Effects on mental health

  • Irritable
  • Lack of concentration
  • Reasoning
  • Alertness
  • Problem-solving
  • Anxiety
  • Depression

We know that we feel better after getting a good night’s sleep. The trick is how do we set ourselves up for better sleep. 

Tips for Better Sleep

Good sleep habits (sometimes referred to as “sleep hygiene”) can help you get a good night’s sleep.

Some habits that can improve your sleep health:

  • Be consistent. Go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning, including on the weekends
  • Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, relaxing, and at a comfortable temperature
  • Remove electronic devices, such as TVs, computers, and smart phones, from the bedroom
  • Avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bedtime
  • Get some exercise. Being physically active during the day can help you fall asleep more easily at night.

What to do if you can’t back to sleep

Stop watching the clock

Try relaxing your body

Find an uninteresting activity

If you haven’t fallen back asleep in 15-20 minutes, get out of bed. 

Chronic insomnia affects up to 15 % of adults, and many don’t seek treatment for it.

A couple of years ago I realized that my mind was still reeling when it was time to go to sleep and I was too jacked up to fall asleep. I set out with a simple plan to spend an hour before bed shaking off the day. I’m much better for the time put in on the front side because now when it’s time for lights out my mind is ready. Here’s a post on my nighttime sleep routine. What I do leading up to sleep time is important and can make a difference in getting a restful night’s sleep. 

Melinda

References:

https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/how_much_sleep.html

http://www.sleepeducation.org/essentials-in-sleep/healthy-sleep-habitsExternal

https://www.columbiapsychiatry.org/news/how-sleep-deprivation-affects-your-mental-health

https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-much-sleep-do-adults-need-3015140

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/5-strategies-that-will-help-you-get-back-to-sleep/

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Updated Suicide, What’s Left Behind?

Looking for the Light16 Comments

As we wrap up Mental Health Awareness month I wanted to touch on the subject of suicide. It’s not just people with mental illnesses that commit suicide but also those who suffer from chronic health conditions. Each person reaches a level of pain they can’t come back from. Here’s a little of my story. 

September is Suicide Prevention Month and I’ve struggled with what to write. I do believe strongly that as a society we have to talk about suicide. As much as I advocate for everything I believe in suicide is something so personal to me that it’s different. It’s not the stigma, I don’t care what anyone thinks about my father’s death. It’s that in order to prevent suicide you have to start so far in advance of the person wanting to commit suicide.

My father abused me and we were estranged from the time I was a teenager. When I lived with my father I knew he was emotionally unstable but I was a kid and had my own problems. After 14 years my father calls me and starts talking about suicide. About how he can’t work, how he doesn’t have any money, and on and on.

The daughter and human in me responded, I was heartbroken, in shock, felt responsible and started paying his bills, sending him money and we talked all the time. He constantly talked about people bugging his phone, and people following him. I didn’t realize at the time my father was delusional.

I continued to beg him every time we talked to not kill himself, to think about my granny, his mother who would be devastated. I talked and pleaded for months. Begged him to go to the doctor. I did what I could.

I got a call late one Sunday saying “your father did away with himself” from my gramps. I was in such shock I called right back and asked was he dead or on the way to the hospital. No, he’s dead.

Here are a few things I learned after my father died.

He had been in a downward spiral for years by looking at his living conditions. He had boxes and boxes of cassette tapes by his bed, recordings he had made. I remember him talking about someone bugging his phone so I listened to every one of those tapes several times. There was nothing on most of them, some were recordings of my father talking on the phone. Some were just noise or his breathing. My father was delusional.

I could go on and on but there are a few takeaways.

One of the most difficult things you have to deal with in a suicide death is a closed casket funeral. You can’t see their face and say goodbye so there is an unmet emotional void that never goes away.

I did everything within my power, my dad was a grown man. A man of his own free will. I could not make him go to the doctor for help. There wasn’t a Gun Law in Texas where you could call the police and they would come out to take away a gun. There may not be one now.

I felt unbearable guilt, the pressure of the weight of thinking I could have prevented my granny’s pain was so much that I drank myself crazy.

What I did learn from his death as we had the same mental illness, Bipolar Disorder, I was 75% more likely to commit suicide because of it. I took that information and I found the best Psychiatrist I could find. He is still my doctor today and has saved my life many times.

You can’t stop someone from killing themselves if they are determined. They will find a way now or later.

What we can do is look for signs early in life and during a crisis to see if a person needs help and guide them in that direction. If you’re a parent you have much more control when your child is younger.

The key to preventing suicide is to bring all the emotional damage to the surface to be dealt with and treat mental illnesses in a responsible manner the best we can. I will also add that if you’re inclined you can push for laws that allow the police to be called and for them to take the gun away for some period of time. Each state is different. You can also push for stronger gun laws if that is your wish.

Melinda

 

Blogger Highlight-Peace of Life Today
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Blogger Highlight-Peace of Life Today

Looking for the Light1 Comment

Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week I highlight a new blogger, Peace of Life Today.

peace of life today

Taking Control… Learning Contentment

My name is Lisa and two of my major passions are in the area of health (fitness and nutrition) and money (budgeting and planning for the future). I am blessed to be able to do budget coaching as part of my job and find it unbelievably rewarding to be able to help people see money in a new way, and reprioritize was is most important.

Ironically, money and health are the two biggest concerns for many people.  They are linked together very strongly and can effect every area of our lives, including work and relationships.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

@lookinglight