The Looking Glass by King Vidor appears in the a wonderful collection of articles from the 1940s and ’50s called Words to Live By.  It’s one of the best and sums up what I have found to be one of the greatest truths in all of the world:  We are the artists of our own life.  The majority of the strokes come from our own hand… for better or worse!

The Looking Glass

by King Vidor, Producer and Director

“The world is a looking glass and gives back to every man the reflection of his own face.” – William Makepeace Thackeray

I had to live a long time before I found the courage to admit to myself that we – all of us – make our own world.

The realization came to me in a very simple way.  Though I am a Californian, I make frequent trips to New York, and I had decided that all New York cab drivers were impatient, bad-tempered or hated their jobs.  And hotel employees and railroad personnel were the same.  I found them all difficult to get along with.

Then one day in New York, I came upon the words from Thackeray quoted above.  The very same day when a cabbie and I were snarling at one another, this thought occurred to me:  “Could this whole situation be the result of my own thinking and outlook?“

I began to live Thackeray’s idea and soon it became a part of me.  The result:  On my next trip East, I encountered not one unpleasant taxi driver, elevator operator, or employee!  Had New York changed or had I?  The answer was clear.

To abandon excuses for one’s own shortcoming is like journeying to a distant land where everything is new and strange.  Here you can’t continue to blame someone or something else for failures or difficulties; you have to assume the responsibility for them yourself.  Of course, outside pressures do influence our lives, but they don’t control them. To assume they do is sheer evasion – it’s so easy to say, “It’s not my fault!“

Since that day in New York I’ve come to believe that this idea is the basis of all human relationships.  It doesn’t matter whether it is your neighbors,  your mother-in-law or the people of a foreign nation.  The quickest way to correct the other fellow’s attitude is to correct your own.

Try it.  It works.  And it adds immeasurable to the fun of meeting people and being alive.  -   by King Vidor

Several things about this wonderful article stand out to me.

1. I love how King Vidor words it, “I began to live Thackeray’s idea..”  He doesn’t say “I read Thackeray’s words…” or even “I thought about Thackeray’s words….”  He says I began to LIVE Thackeray’s idea.  There’s the difference, right there!  If we merely READ inspirational, educational, or motivational teachings (whether they’re from the Bible, a favorite Self Help author, or wonderful quotes from outstanding men and women) – we aren’t changing and we aren’t growing.  We’re reading!  Big whoop, most people over the age of 6 can do the same.  However, most people won’t change and that’s where we can really gain ground and make a difference in our lives and world.
2. I love that he points out that  outside influences and occurrences DO influence our lives but they don’t have to control them.  We are at the controls – always have been, always will be.
3. I love that King Vidor didn’t have too much foolish pride to admit that he was headed off in the wrong direction before someone else (Thackeray) showed him a better way.  Too many people are so afraid of looking less that perfect – whether they’re politicians, authors, online marketers, salespeople, authors…. the list goes on.  It takes character to admit that you’ve made a mistake or came up short in some area.  It takes guts to share it with others.  Others can benefit from our mistakes, not allowing them the benefit to do so is thisclose to selfish.
4. He’s as right as rain!  Your own attitude and disposition affect how you see the world and others.  If you are genuinely happy and positive, your outlook will be the same.  If you tend to think negative thoughts about 5 out of every 10 people that you see or meet, it’s way past time for a gut check.  The problem doesn’t lie with them.
5. “Try it.  It works.  And it adds immeasurable to the fun of meeting people and being alive.” Shouldn’t being alive be MORE about fun and less about finding fault? Dang right it should!  Thackeray’s quote appears again below.  Are you going to read it, write it down, or live it out?

“The world is a looking glass and gives back to every man the reflection of his own face.” – William Makepeace Thackeray

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The Looking Glass: Thursday Throwback Woefully Late

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You may be wondering, “What in the world is a tranquilista?” So glad you asked! A tranquilista is a woman who embraces her many sides: spiritual (she’s a tranquility-seeker), creative (loves style), and entrepreneurial (calls her own shots). She hearts fashion and philanthropy. Parties and prayer. Entertainment and enlightenment. The golden rule and layers of vintage gold bangles. She is you and she is moi. She is full of aspiratioins and always seeking inspiration. Oh, and she sparkles. Literally. – Kimberly Wilson, Introduction of Tranqilista

I recently received a beautiful little book to review called Tranquilista: Mastering the Art of Enlightened Work and Mindful Play. When I opened the package, I was immediately smitten by the cover. Fun! Girly! Pink! I’m so completely there!

Kimberly Wilson wrote this very, very charming book. She’s also the author of Hip Tranquil Chick: A Guide to Life On and Off the Yoga Mat – My secretary (a purple notebook with recycled paper) has been instructed to remind me to order this book off of Amazon today.

A  few of the things I’ve taken away from Tranquilista are:

• No matter how chaotic life gets, we should take time to enjoy the moments within the hour.  We shouldn’t be so worried about squeezing everything from them that we can.  We should try to allow the moment to just be and ourselves to just be in the moment.
• We should give back to life, not just take from it.  We will be better people when we begin caring for others and going out of our way for our neighbors, our community, and our earth.
• We need to breathe deeper and more often.  Inhale the good, exhale the bad. And repeat.
• Our homes, offices, and/or home offices should be filled with things that make us smile – things that make us feel happy to be alive.  Whether or not anyone else gets it or not.  Near my home office desk, I have two stuffed possums.  They make me smile every time I look at them.  My husband bought one for me and my oldest daughter bought me the other.  I think of them each time I see them as well.  They’re both named Margaret, just in case you were wondering.
• It’s important to enjoy good food and exercise.  Fortunately, the author seems to have almost as big a sweet tooth as I do, so she never told me that chocolate was a no-no.  That would’ve been a deal breaker.  Because she’s a yoga enthusiast, she has excellent advice about yoga and nutrition.
• We should never, ever, ever stop being girls!  What’s more we should never apologize for our girliness – just flaunt it.

Kimberly Wilson is an engaging and entertaining author that I know you’ll fall in love with.  One of the smartest things you could do this week would be to head over to Amazon and order not just one, but BOTH of her books.

I’ll leave you with one of my favorite passages from the book.  Personally, I’m a HUGE believer of the bath.  Oh, the healing, soothing properties of a long, warm bubble bath with a hot beverage (coffee, hot tea, hot cocoa….) and your cat nearby.  It’s love.  This passage is pretty much an ode to this experience.  It’s from the chapter called Sustainable Style:

Bathing Rituals

After the glorious art of sleeping, my favorite pastime is partaking in a long, luxurious soak in the (preferably claw-foot) tub.  During the colder months, you’ll find me marinating nightly in some yummy concoction of bath salts, bubble bath, or bath bombs.  This is more about indulgence than cleaning le corps.  You’ve probably seen the commercial “Calgon, take me away.”  It may seem silly that the simple act of immersing yourself in water can be touted as producing miraculous results.  I’m here to evangelize that water has healing effects; indulging in them is called hydrotherapy.  For centuries in European spas, water has been used to release toxins, treat disease, and stimulate blood circulation.  Jump right in!  – Page 95, Tranquilista: Mastering the Art of Enlightened Work and Mindful Play by Kimberly Wilson.

To Learn More About the Author:

If you want more information about Kimberly Wilson or books, you’ll find the following links most useful:

Tranquilista: The Official Website

Kimberly Wilson’s Blog

Tranquilista on Twitter

Tranquilista on Facebook

Follow me on Twitter! http://twitter.com/JoiTaniaSigers

Tranquilista by Kimberly Wilson: Celebrate Being a Girl

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Stress is nothing more than a socially acceptable form of mental illness. – Richard Carlson

Have you ever seen an individual in the throes of stress?  They look like they’re convinced they have it worse than anybody on earth and seem to be almost incapable of functioning.  Sometimes they lash out in a temper tantrum like a 5 year old that’s being forced to leave the McDonald’s playground or cry and/or sulk like one that never made it to the playground in the first place.    Other times, they internalize and cause themselves a whole host of health problems.

Irregardless of how the host reacts, stress is a most unwelcome guest.  Like all unwelcome guests, it boils down to two choices:

1. Get rid of it.
2. Learn to live with it.

If you’re one of those people who seem to stress out over every little thing, you truly need to learn some great coping techniques.  Not for the sake of everyone around you, but for your own.  Blowing up, internalizing, sulking, stressing – these are all things that are causing damage inside your body.  If you could somehow look inside and see what your inability to handle stress is doing, you’d find a way…. make a way… to cope.

When you feel stressed or on edge, picture the Blue-Footed Boobie! There’s no way you’re going to feel cranky or upset when you picture these guys or even just say their name out loud. I guarantee you’ll smile long before you explode or implode. Now, won’t that feel better?

I’m not judging and I’m not condemning.  I’m probably the least judgmental person you’ll ever encounter.  I get that everyone is different and I, honestly, love that fact.  I also have read enough, observed enough, and simply know through good old common sense that everyone reacts to things differently.  On any given day, three people can get a flat tire and each will react differently:

1. One may cuss, pound the steering wheel, and search for the nearest person to blame – the road crew, the city, construction workers, the spouse (always a good one), God (yeah… He’s always home and has nothing better to do than pop tires), etc.  The blamers of life are real pills, aren’t they?  My oldest daughter and I watched a man outside of a coffee shop one day last week.  Something wasn’t quite right under the hood of his truck and he put on a display unlike anything I’ve seen in a while.  He hit the hood, he screamed at his mortified wife, he stomped, he kicked…  Some people were laughing at him, my daughter said he was “gross” and I just went back to my coffee hoping I never met him face to face.
2. One may tear up and have a little “poor me, nothing ever goes right for me” cry.
3. The third one might just say, “Wow, didn’t need that, but at least no one was hurt.  Oh well, if this is the worst thing that happens to me today, I’ve got it made.”

One person isn’t OVER ALL any better, smarter, or cooler than the other two.   Each simply copes differently.  The thing is, when we get to the place where we’re able to cope with stress like the individual in the third example, we’ll enjoy life more, we’ll function better, our health will be better, our relationships will be sweeter and we won’t be spectacles for others to laugh at, call gross, or wish we’d never even seen in the first place.

One of the best ways to deal with stress is to identify your triggers.  The man in front of the coffee shop obviously couldn’t cope with adversity.  (Good luck with life, buddy!)   I also wonder if a little bit of feeling helpless had something to do with his performance.  After all, if he knew what to do, wouldn’t he have been doing it rather than acting a fool?  The lashing out at his wife was probably somewhat of a defensive reaction to keep from showcasing that he didn’t know what to do.  (Pick up the phone… call someone who does…)

We can’t all know everything and there is no shame in simply smiling and saying, “I know as much about this as I do the mating habits of the blue footed boobie.“  There never has been and there never will be any shame in admitting that you’re human.  Some of my best friends are human.

Other people are triggered, seemingly, when they think the world isn’t doing enough for them or giving them enough.  Ah, the selfish crowd.  God love their little hearts, they honestly feel like everyone’s day should center around serving them, catering to them, and bowing down to their mightiness.  I guess it’s obvious why they’re so miserable – that’s just not going to happen. If you go around demanding respect and telling everyone why they should (or MUST!) respect, fear, and applaud you – you obviously don’t deserve any of the accolades.  If you did, they’d be yours.

My advice for these people is this:  Love yourself, feel proud of yourself, and pat yourself on the back all you want.  But, you must let others make up their own minds about you.  Don’t tell them how great you are, show them.  The world doesn’t owe you anything.  If this is your thinking, let me hasten to point out that you’ve got it all twisted…. You owe the world.  Start giving and you won’t have time to throw a pity party.  Also, while you’re at it, stop complaining that others aren’t doing enough for you.  If you want something done, do it. Try this on for a while:  Go out of your way to do things for other people.  Compliment them, smile at them, help them out whenever and however you can.  There’s a great old saying, What goes around comes around – maybe you’ve been living that out and what you’re receiving is what you’ve been giving… or, in this case, haven’t been giving.

Just a thought.

A third stress trigger is feeling overwhelmed – like life is just giving you too much at one time.  We’ve all been there and few of us ever want to go back.  The emotions, turmoil, and so forth that surrounded my mom’s sudden death in 2006 left me feeling like I was completely and totally spent.   If not for prayer and an outstanding family, I might still be in bed with the covers over my head.  I remember the day that I “got up.”  I hadn’t physically stayed in bed for days after losing my mom, but my spirit did.  Then, one day, I was in the back of the house and I heard my husband and our youngest daughter in the front of the house looking for something.  I knew that, not only wouldn’t they be able to find it, they’d make a mess trying.  I flipped a switch that I’d forgotten even existed and, literally, rejoined my family.

Sometimes we have to admit that we’ve “gone under.”  Make no mistake about it, we all do at one time or another – we feel overwhelmed and worn out.  The trick is not to stay there.  Remember Lao-Tzu’s words, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.“  If relationships, finances, work, or another potent opponent has you on the ropes…. or even if it has knocked you to the mat!… you have a choice to make:  Are you going to stay there or are you going to fight back?!?!

The answer to your triggers, your problems, your adversities, and your stress lies within your heart.  Find someplace quiet and sort things out.  Stop placing blame on anyone, beginning with yourself.  Blame is the most irrelevant and useless expense of energy I can think of.  Forge past blame, forge past self-pity, and forge past anger. Find the solution you need to either remove your personal stress from your life or determine how you’ll learn to live with it.

Life is too precious and too wonderful to spend it stressed out and on edge.  Be happy.  Lighten up.  Dance.  Repeat.

Photo Credit: The picture of the beautiful Blue Footed Booby Birds is from Animal Corner.

To learn what you can do to protect the Blue Footed Booby Bird, visit the Adoption Center of the WWF.

Follow me on Twitter! http://twitter.com/JoiTaniaSigers

How to Deal With Stress Before It Deals With You

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I mentioned, in my last post, an inspirational little book I just finished, Better Because of You by Ginny Hutchinson and Kathy Haffner.  I am absolutely in love with this book and I hope you’ll soon have the opportunity to fall head over heels in love with it as well.

This book is perfect for you if you….

• Love inspirational books and writings.
• Love books that read very fast, leaving you more time for other things.
• Are looking for more peace and zen in your life.
• Are looking for more joy and happiness.
• Would like to have your life touched and enriched.
• Would welcome a ray of sunshine into your world.

Okay, I could have said this book is perfect for anyone and everyone, but I had a few bullet points lying around and wanted to use them.

This colorful, wonderful-natured, and fun little book is just a little over 100 pages.  It’s not the sort of book that you get half-way through, put on the shelf and then have to force yourself to continue.  Truth be told, it’ll never make it to the shelf.  This is the sort of book you like to keep near you, just in case you need a uplifting quote, an inspirational shot in the arm, a soothing pat on the back, or a motivational kick in the behind.  Believe me, you’ll find just what you need when you need it inside Better Because of You.

I highly recommend this delightful book.  Its positive outlook is contagious and it will give you a lift just when you need one the most.  The gist of the book is to show the reader small, simple things they can do each day to make a big difference in their life… as well as in the lives of others.

The authors give many original insights into life and its many facets.  They share useful tips to help the reader get more joy from life while derailing stress that would like to rob them of this joy.  One of my favorite suggestions is below:

Create a Visualization Board.

Buy a blank poster board.  Think about your life one to two years from now.  Cut out and paste up pictures from magazines or download images from the Internet that represent your dreams, key relationships, a dream home, education, charities to support, vacation destinations, or hobbies that interest you. - Page 30, Better Because of You

I love the thought of having a Visualization board.  My oldest daughter recently put one together on a computer program (Paint), using pictures she rounded up online.  What can I say, my offspring is as environmentally-conscious as I am.

Along with each tip and/or suggestion, the authors include personal examples of individuals who have experienced the fruits of the tip.  As you’d expect, these have as much of an impact on the reader as the tips do.

The book also includes over 40 pages of inspirational and motivational quotes.  They’re grouped by subject, so you’ll always be able to find just the inspiration you need, in just area you need it.  Sort of like making sure you get the right shot in the right arm.   There’s even a great (equally inspiring) website you can visit and take part in, http://www.betterbecause.com/.

Book Description:
This book shows you how to make life just a little bit better in all 7 facets of your life.

Read true-to-life, inspirational stories that can help you do small things each day to make a big difference in these 7 areas:

- Health
- Wealth
- Wisdom
- Work
- Play
- Others
- Service

Authors Ginny and Cathy are successful Fortune 100 executives who wanted to make a positive difference in the world.

Simply revealed are their 3 core beliefs based on the valuable (and humorous) lessons they learned in the corporate world, decades of marriage and raising children.

This book is essential reading for anyone looking for simple insights on leading a happier life. This book shows you how you, as one individual, can be an irresistible force for positive change.

A portion of proceeds support Room to Read, a non-profit leader educating children in developing countries.

Look Up!

Take time to be present and relish the ordinary moments of your life.  Be aware of your current place, not the past or future.  This means, look up from your cell phone, laptop, or TV.  See what’s going on around you. - Page 16, Better Because of You

I actually read the quote above (about looking up) during a lunch break last week while  serving jury duty.   All of the jurors had spread out and gone to different restaurants but (you know me), I rushed across the street to a coffee house. I was sitting near a window thinking about this website that hadn’t been updated, that blog that needed a post, the laundry that could frighten small children, my cats who would surely sulk for a month, supper that wouldn’t make itself, and so on.  After getting my Steak and Cheese Panini, iced tea, and coffee – I sat down and pulled the little book from my purse and began to pick up reading where I’d left off.  The quote above is the first thing I read.

I realized that I was very guilty of not relishing the moment I was in at the time – something that I normally excel in.  I’m simply not the person who can be found living in the future or the past – for better or worse, I’m forever in the moment, trying to make it count double.  However, a chaotic couple of weeks was beginning to turn me into a bundle of caffeinated nerves – and a bundle of caffeinated nerves doesn’t do anyone any good.

I literally took a deep breath, put the book back in my purse, and enjoyed my sandwich and tea. Then I sat and slowly drank my (outstanding) coffee without thinking about anything except my surroundings, my blessings, and this wonderful ride we call life.   The next time you find yourself coming unwound or unraveled, take a deep breath.  Then take in your surroundings and the beauty that’s outside your window.  Within this pause you’ll find clarity, peace, and relaxation.  As the ladies say, “Look Up!”

The adorable logos above are available on BetterBecause.com – I obviously chose my own mantras, but there are plenty to choose from. You can have the logos printed on a number of products, including coffee mugs and tumblers.   How cute are they?

Order Better Because of You on Amazon today.

Follow me on Twitter! http://twitter.com/JoiTaniaSigers

Better Because of You: Get Ready for a Shot in the Arm

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Hello!  You remember me, right?  Oh, come on… you do so.   I’ve gotten behind this month on Self Help Daily – with writing, responding to comments, and just about everything else.  I served all of January on jury duty and had to sit got to sit on the jury for a major trial.  It was an utterly fascinating, gut wrenching, educational, and profoundly moving experience. I’ll never forget any of it for the rest of my life.  I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again – if you ever are chosen to serve on a jury, just do it.  Don’t do back flips trying to get out of it or throw the notice away, acting like you never saw it. You’re cooler than that, I know you are.

For one thing, you could get into a lot of trouble and who really wants to invite trouble into their home… especially the kind in uniform.  For another thing, it’s the least you can do to serve your community and to stand up for your neighbors.  Lastly, why should YOU run scared from something that others are facing head on?  The entire process is laid out for you plainly and like most things in life, your primary responsibility is to just care enough to show up.

If you’re lucky, really lucky, you’ll be rewarded with the honor of serving your community and getting a chance to meet life head-on out on the battlefield.  Invigorating, much.  As I pointed out in a recent post (Behold: The Land of the Lost... sorry, someone had too much coffee and not enough chocolate that day.  There’s a sweet balance and when I get out of rhythm, I’m thrown. Too much coffee and not enough chocolate makes me testy.  Too much chocolate and not enough coffee makes me punchy.), doing things such as serving on a jury or even just reporting for jury duty is considered out of the ordinary and most people hate “out of the ordinary.”  Yet, this  is where TRUE growth happens.  Out of the ordinary is where you learn new things.  As I said in the testy post,  Each experience helps you to develop new layers and fill up fresh wells of life experiences to draw from.

I didn’t start out to lecture you on jury duty – honestly!  I just wanted to take the opportunity to let you know where I’ve been and why updates have been unusually sparse.   I also wanted to say that I’m nearly caught up on responding to comments and e-mail.  That leads me to something I’ve been meaning to say for a very long time:  Check out the comments!  In the sidebar, you’ll find a heading that says (creatively enough) COMMENTS.  Below, you’ll find the most recent 8 or so comments.  Granted, at the moment, because I’ve been playing catch-up, most are my own.  But if you click through any of these you’ll see the other comments.

My regular commentators on Self Help Daily (for whom I’m very grateful) are a colorful bunch and always give me food for thought. Pull your chair up next to them and share the thoughts – there are plenty to go around.  Also, I ask you to visit their websites and/or blogs as well.  I have a plugin set up on Self Help Daily (CommentLuv) that allows each comment to include a link back, automatically, to the commentators last blog post.  Please visit the blogs of these individuals and see what else they have to say…. After, of course, you leave your comment here on Self Help Daily – the more food for thought, the better!

I have gotten behind… make that BEHIND on books I’ve been wanting to review and tell you about as well.  I’ve read some amazing books lately and can’t wait to share them with you.  Book reviews take a little longer with me simply because I don’t just say, “I read this book. I liked this book.  You should read this book.”  My approach is this:  If the book was worth my time and I believe will be worth your time, I incorporate the book into an article that could stand on it’s own.  That is, I try very hard to tell you about the book and review the book without making you feel like you’re in the midst of a book review.    My book reviews, I feel, are worth reading because they’re simply articles as usual here on SHD – they’re simply articles that mention a great book or two.

The book that I’ll be focusing on in the next post is called Better Because of You by Ginny Hutchinson and Cathy Haffner.   I read it this month during my jury duty – on breaks when no one was around to talk to. When others were near, I talked with them.  I love books, but I’d never ever choose one over a human.   Anyway, this is a fantastic little book and I’ll tell you all about it either later today or tomorrow.

I want to end this post with a quote from this book.  I read it during a long day of jury duty.  A day that found me missing my family, my cats, my house shoes, and my kitchen  – and hoping they all remembered who I was.    I was on schedule with my coffee/chocolate balance, so I wasn’t punchy or testy.  However, I still got a lot out of this quote and loved how it showed up at just the right time.  I’ve written this passage down and I think you’ll want to do the same.  Heck, I’d recommend starting each and every day by reading the words from front to back.

This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; the being a force of Nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.

I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community, and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.

I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live.  I rejoice in life for its own sake.  Life is not brief candle to me; it is a sort of splendid torch which I have got a hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.  – George Bernard Shaw

Splendid, Mr. Shaw, splendid.

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A Few Thoughts and The Best Quote You’ll Read This Year

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[ Not that it should (or remotely does) matter, but none of the links in this post are affiliate links of any kind.  They're simply helpful links to information and resources. It's also not a paid review or a solicited review in any way.  What it is is this:  Someone who is beyond delighted with something and is enjoying getting healthier so much that she wants to see everyone else rocking the same happy boat.  ]

Well, we did it.  We talked about it for probably over a year, and a few weeks ago we purchased and set up a NordickTrack A2550 Pro.  I couldn’t be happier with it.  If you read any of my writings (and I couldn’t love you any more if you were coated in chocolate for doing so), you know that I love to walk.  Because I’ve been blessed with chronic asthma, I’m a little limited in what I can do when it comes to fitness and exercise.  Different people have different levels of asthma and mine is simply a beaut. If I walk outside in the cold, for any length of time – we’re talking a full blown attack.  So, even though I adore to walk – when the weather turns cold, my fun’s over.

At least it was!

Anyone who walks regularly knows how amazing it makes you feel.  The benefits can be felt to an even greater extent than they can be seen.  You have more energy, your mobility is better, you’re thinking is clearer, you have a natural glow, your mood is fantastic, and your heart loves it.  The benefits of regularly walking go on and on and on.  If you’re wanting to lose weight, look younger,  be healthier, and feel better than ever before – you have to walk for it!

If the weather (or other factors) keep you from walking outside, consider walking at your local mall or even a large department store.  Just be prepared to make a lot of trips around the store.

Better yet, I strongly recommend that you do just as my family did – get a treadmill.  You’re certainly smart enough to pick out your own treadmill and research the benefits of each but I would love to give you my recommendations if that’d be okay.  My husband researched the dickens out of treadmills before making the purchase.  I believe he knew all along he wanted to buy a NordicTrack.  He’s the most brand-loyal person I know and really you can’t fault brand-loyalty.  If someone never lets you down and always seems to be evolving as a company and a brand (such as NordicTrack, HP, Vizio), why look elsewhere?

He read about each NordicTrack on the market and considered what we wanted to use the treadmill for, who would be using it, where it would sit, and so on.  He made an outstanding choice and, as I said at the beginning of this post, I couldn’t be happier.

We set our NordicTrack up in our bedroom, near the television.    I’ve had a regular routine for two forevers that I swear by – I break away from working online at some point in the afternoon, usually about an hour before or after lunch.  My cat, Alexa, and I head to the bedroom for a wonderful, relaxing trip to Mayberry, Lucy and Ricky’s apartment, or the Clampett’s mansion (courtesy of dvd collections).  During this time, there’s no such thing as Twitter, e-mail, seo plugins, blogs, comment spam, vacuuming, or laundry.  It’s a wonderful little escapism that I’ve enjoyed for years.

I enjoy it even more now.  Sure, I walk or jog through Mayberry, Beverly Hills, or a hilarious apartment in NYC now but I feel incredible afterwards.  Alexa curls up in the window and seems to find me much more entertaining than anything on the television.  I watch two episodes and find that I’m super-charged to finish the rest of my day.  I’m going to begin, tomorrow, watching LOST episodes – gearing up for it’s return.

This NordicTrack is extremely comfortable and easy to use.  There’s a display that allows me to keep  track of how long I’ve been walking, the distance I’ve gone, my pace, and the calories I’ve burned along the way.  You can affect these calories by adjusting the speed and/or incline.  My current choices in incline and speed allow me to burn 200 calories in 30 minutes, or 200 calories per visit with Lucy.

I’ll take it!

I’ve also found that when I’ll be walking at a moderate pace, I can prop a magazine or book in front of me and read.  As a book lover,  I love that.

I hope you’ll click through to read about the NordickTrack A2550 Pro and all of its features (click on DETAILS).  I know it’ll blow you away.  I believe NordicTrack.com has a current special that’ll save you a lot of money.  What’s more, they’re offering free shipping.  More money saved!

This is one of the smartest investments we’ve ever made – because it’s an investment in the health, fitness, happiness, and lifespan of each member of the family.  I just strongly urge you to consider making the same investment.  If I could, somehow, allow you to feel how wonderful I feel right now (fresh from a workout), you’d order your own within 10 minutes.

Whether you order your NordicTrack online or find one at your local Sears, just stop thinking and start doing.  Also, one other piece of advice:  If it’s available, pay for delivery and set up.  Trust me on this one – this is a major piece of exercise equipment and any money spent on allowing someone else the pleasure of moving it and setting it up is money very, very well spent.

Follow me on Twitter! http://twitter.com/JoiTaniaSigers

How Do I Love My NordicTrack, Let Me Count the Ways!

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Below are 10  links to valuable and vital health and fitness articles that I know you’ll enjoy.  I’m hoping that one of your New Year’s Resolutions was to take better care of yourself, mentally and physically.  If not, I just made the resolution for you.  You will be better to yourself this year and treat yourself like the special person that you are.

Notice how I save the best for last…

• Why Your Brain Loves and Responds to Brain Puzzles
• What is Your Risk of Having a Heart Attack?
• Cutting Salt Intake Would Boost Nation’s Health
• Is Constant Improvement Really Necessary?
• Natural Remedies for the Flu
• Jamie Oliver Leads an American Revolution
• 2010 Restaurant Trends
• Nine Signs You’re Happier Than You Think
• Win Control Over Stress in Your Life
• Re-Fill Your Coffee, It’s Okay!
  

Follow me on Twitter! http://twitter.com/JoiTaniaSigers

A Hodge Podge of Healthy Links Because I Love You, Man

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A goal is a dream with a deadline. – Napoleon Hill

One of my favorite authors of all time is Napoleon Hill. He was a brilliant man, in every sense of the word, and I simply cannot read a single paragraph written by Mr. Hill without wanting to take on the hounds of Hell with my Swiffer mop. Two paragraphs and I put the mop down.

Napoleon Hill was born in 1883 in a one-room cabin on the Pound River in Wise County, Virginia. His life as a writer began at the ripe old age of 13 when he became a mountain reporter for a small town newspaper.

This mountain reporter went on to become one of the greatest forces the motivational world has ever known. Men and women will quote this great man forever because his words will forever be worth repeating. Napoleon Hill passed away in November 1970 but not before securing a beautiful legacy anyone would be proud of.

For today’s Thursday Throwback, I’d love to direct you to a wonderful piece of writing by Napoleon Hill titled Three Feet From Gold.  Now where’s that Swiffer…..

Follow me on Twitter! http://twitter.com/JoiTaniaSigers

Wonderful Lesson About Quitting from Napoleon Hill

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Men are only great as they are kind. – Elbert Hubbard

I’m sure Elbert Hubbard wouldn’t mind if I took liberties and said, “Men, women, and super cool young ladies are only great as they are kind.”

I have a new personal heroine and her name is Mallory Holtman. I think we can all learn a thing or two from her. I love the quote about stepping up and doing the right thing at the right time.

May we all keep those words and the image of these beautiful young ladies in our mind forever and ever, amen.

Follow me on Twitter! http://twitter.com/JoiTaniaSigers

Playing Like a Bunch of Girls! A Tribute to the Human Spirit

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I’ve noticed a very disturbing, yet escalating trend: People seem to be more disagreeable than ever before.  It seems to me that they’re lashing out with less provocation, disagreeing more readily, and all but refusing to see the other person’s point of view.   I don’t know how people who work with the public on a daily basis stand it.  If it keeps going like this, Wal-Mart greeters will need to arm themselves with mace.

Okay, I’m exaggerating but you get the point.

Frankly, I think part of the blame lies in the the things we watch on television, specifically certain reality shows. The ones that treat fighting, yelling, name-calling, and being obnoxious as something desirable and even entertaining. Is this really what most people are drawn to these days? The Reality shows on MTV are the worst.

My husband and I went to Best Buy a few nights ago and as we were leaving, some kids were standing near the door.  A few young girls were yelling and cussing – really trying to be toughies, yet looking and sounding ridiculous.  The loud f-bombs, the overly dramatic anger, the attempts to seem out of control..  it was obvious that they regularly bowed at the alter of reality television.  I’d rather have my toenails yanked out one by one than to see the average young lady begin to look and sound like these girls.  Instead of looking bright, the future would look (and sound) dim, dark, and dank.

More adults need to pay attention to what their kids are watching – and think twice about what they’re watching, themselves.  I really am sorry if that sounds…. no, I’m not.  I’m not sorry how it sounds – it’s the truth.

Don’t get me wrong, a few of my favorite shows fall under the heading of Reality TV.  I just dare you to get between me and The Biggest Loser or Survivor!  These shows, however, aren’t the ones causing the problems.  The ones that are beginning to spew nastiness out into our culture are the ones that serve absolutely no purpose at all – other than polluting their viewers, especially the ones who are a little weaker emotionally and/or mentally.  They’re the shows that highlight crass behavior, yelling, crudeness, and vulgarity.  They’re the ones that celebrate depravity and tastelessness.

I think everyone needs a refresher course in class, decency, and what it means to have character rather than be a character.

The other day, I was reading a thread of comments under a blog post.  The post was about one of these ridiculous reality shows, one of the newer ones – Heaven help us.  I’ve never seen an episode, nor would I watch one for money – but I have seen  previews.  The most recent preview showed females fighting, screaming, and then being carted off to jail as men stood around laughing.

Wow, so entertaining.  So enriching, educational, and uplifting.

One of the comments said something to the effect, “Remember when America had class?” I have no idea whether or not this was an American who made the comment or not.  Either way, as a proud American, I found the comment to be very depressing.   I’d like to go on record as saying that, as a whole, we do have class.  Most of us still shun this sort of ignorance and we cringe when people act like barbarians in public or private.

Our biggest fault, I suppose, may be the fact that we’ve remained too quiet and too laid back for too long.   I’d l0ve to see a big, beautiful, long overdue movement rise from the heartland of America.  A movement that said we’re tired of what television is doing to our country and its young people.  A movement that said, America has as much class now as it ever did!

Remember, just because you can watch morons on television acting like morons on television and realize that they are abnormal doesn’t mean that a young person is capable of the same separation. Even the most intelligent and mature young person will come away from these types of shows worse than they were beforehand.  Sit down with the young people in your life and watch what they watch with them – if you can stand it.  Ask yourself if there’s anything remotely in this show that will make them a better, stronger, more intelligent individual.  Does the show promote class, character, or tastefulness in any way?

If you think I’m over-reacting, you haven’t seen what’s on television right now.  Sadly, odds are that the young people in your life probably have.  Don’t feel left out, though, given enough time, you’ll  see exactly what they saw.  Through them.  And it won’t be pretty.

Follow me on Twitter! http://twitter.com/JoiTaniaSigers

Time for a Reality TV Adjustment

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