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Maybe She’s Born With It or Maybe It’s Magic

“We do not need magic to change the world. We carry all the power we need inside ourselves already. We have the power to imagine better.
~J.K. Rowling

I recently started reading the book The Magic by Rhonda Byrne. 

Rhonda Byrne is the creator behind The Secret, a documentary film that swept the world in 2006, changing millions of lives and igniting a global movement.  The Magic is one of the books in the trilogy of The Secret and is basically a “how-to” guide on using gratitude to manifest anything you want into your life.  It’s basically a 28-day guide to magically manifest anything you want into your life.  

Now, I’m not sure if I actually believe in Magic per se. But I do believe in consistency and the power of believing in yourself and I think J.K. Rowling says it well. 

So maybe she’s born with it or maybe it’s magic…

Either way, I’m all about gratitude and positive thinking – so why not give it a shot.  

We ALL desire something we don’t already have.  

There are two reasons I decided to go ALL IN on this. A couple of weeks ago my friend Cherie Marquez (aka The Dog Mystic) asked me to form a Facebook group with her.  And inside the group, she wants to do the 28 days of Magic together.  

This way we’ll hold each other accountable and lift as we climb.

This is why we’re inviting you to join us.  

The other reason is that I did my research as any good copywriter would do.

I read the reviews and here’s what I found: The book has a 5 out of 5-star rating on Amazon with 87% of readers giving it 5 stars and that’s with 12,490 reviews.  

One verified purchaser, a person by the name of E. Blossom said, “ABSOLUTELY LIFE CHANGING. Went from roughly $70 in my bank account to traveling and making over $78K in 3 months.” 

And we can all use a little extra cash. I also truly believe in the power of community.  

When we band together the magic happens… 

So here’s the deal: each day, one of us (either Cherie or I) will be going Live inside our Facebook group and sharing how to use gratitude to manifest anything you want in your life. 

This could be with your health, relationships, money, career. your business, abundance, love, passions, material things, or anything your heart desires.  Even finally writing that book you’ve thinking about. We’re starting this Wednesday, May 5 (which happens to be my Mom’s birthday, and what a fitting memorial tribute to the wonderful woman she was).  This way, the 28th day will be June 1st which is Cherie’s birthday. That one we planned. 🙂 

Which I thought makes a perfect birthday gift for my friend.  We named the group Find Your True Bliss 

Because to me, that’s what life is about. Finding joy and happiness in all that we do.  To join us inside our brand new Facebook group and find your true bliss use the link below. 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/findyourtruebliss 

Make today amazing! 

Irene  

P.S.
If you need some one-on-one help with anything pertaining to writing your book or getting clarity on your path (or your business) hit reply to schedule a private coaching session with me.  

I’ve opened up just a few spots this week for the first 3 people who respond. I don’t do this very often but I’m offering an enormous discount so grab it now before it’s too late. 

We’ll schedule a live 60-minute Zoom call for only $97.  These spots fill up quickly… So hit reply now to save your spot before they fill up! 

Discover how to manifest anything your heart desires... #blogging #startaBlog #writing #writerslife #barefootwriter #bliss #happiness #happy #inspiration #quotes #motivation #book #writing #workfromhome #workfromanywhere

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My Sister’s Death Helped 2 People See Again

The Importance of Early Detection in Breast Cancer

The first time I found a lump on one of my breasts, I was in my early twenties. Actually, I didn’t find the lump, my doctor did. It was during a routine annual exam. It was a little scary going for my first mammogram at such a young age.

Fortunately, everything turned out fine for me.

It turns out I have dense tissue in my breasts. This means I develop lumps fairly frequently. They’re usually nothing to be concerned about. But the only way to know for certain is to have a mammogram.

A mammogram is a breast exam used to screen you for breast cancer. They squeeze your breast between two cold, hard, flat surfaces. Then they take x-rays of your breasts at various angles. It’s sometimes painful but mostly uncomfortable.

How to Prepare for a Mammogram

There isn’t very much preparation for a mammogram. It is recommended that you avoid chocolate, coffee, or caffeine before the test. The caffeine can make your breasts more tender making it more uncomfortable during the exam. You should begin to avoid them about a week before your exam.

Hopefully, where you for your exam will be as cool as mine. They have coffee readily available and giant jars of Hershey kisses in the waiting rooms. To make up for all the chocolate you gave up

On the day of the exam, do not put on deodorant, lotion, perfume, or anything else on your breasts or under your arms. If you do, you should thoroughly wash it off before the exam. It could alter your test results or prevent the x-rays from being clear.

After checking in for your exam you will be asked to undress from the top up and put on a gown. You should wear a skirt or pants so you can at least have your bottoms on when they remove the gown during the exam.

The worst part of a mammogram is trying to hold still while they take the x-ray. If you move while they are taking the x-ray, it could come out blurry. Making it difficult for the doctor to make an accurate assessment.

Then you have to do it again. Which is a little more painful now that your breasts are already tender. After years of experience, I’ve mastered the art of holding my breath while they are taking the x-rays.

Read this true heart warming story... #earlydetection #cancer #breast #family #women #girls #prevention #health #wellness #fitness #exercise #life #organ #donor

When Should You Have a Mammogram?

Your doctor will recommend a mammogram if there is something unusual or suspicious about your breasts. Like a lump, tenderness, pain, unusual changes or discharge from your nipples; or any other unusual changes to your breasts.

If you’re old (like me) it is recommended that you have a mammogram once a year. Typically if you are over the age of 40 or if there is a history of cancer in your family. Speak to your doctor if anything seems unusual about your breasts or to find out when you should have your first mammogram.

If you have any of the above mentioned symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor immediately. Early detection could mean the difference between life or death.

After they take the x-rays you will be sent to a waiting room. They recommend that you keep the gown on in case the doctor recommends more testing. Then you sit in a room with other women all a little nervous while waiting for their test results.

The doctor will call you into a room where you go over the x-rays together.

If everything looks good they send you on your way. You can breathe easy now knowing you’re okay.

If something looks suspicious, then further testing is recommended. They typically start with more x-ray taken from multiple angles and more advanced technology like 3D images.

If something warrants concern, the next step is to have a biopsy. Where they extract samples from the breast tissue to run more tests.

After your mammogram, you will most likely be offered a choice whether to stay and wait for your results or to leave. If you decide to stay you will wait to see the doctor and go over the results together.  If you decide to leave they will call you with the results.

Keep in mind, if you are called back it is no longer considered prevention. Your health insurance may charge you differently for your follow up visit. I learned this the hard way by having to pay out of pocket. Apparently, had I stayed the entire appointment would have been covered under prevention saving me money.

I usually wait since I want to know the results as quickly as possible. One year when I was there for a routine visit, it was kind of busy and I didn’t feel like waiting. Since I was there for a routine visit and not because of any unusual changes I wasn’t too concerned.

As Murphy’s Law would have it, things looked suspicious.

I was surprised when I received a call to come back for more testing.

This time when I arrived at the facility, they sent me to the other side. This side is where the women go who failed the initial breast screening. I call it the scary side. It was not fun sitting in the waiting.

You can’t help but people watch while you’re there. Wondering who has cancer. It makes me happy to see women come out of the doctor’s office with expressions of relief and joy. I too felt relief on that day. It turned out to be nothing.

My sister Natalie wasn’t so lucky. She died of breast cancer. She had been struggling with her weight and was taking high blood pressure medication.

She was only 46 years old when she died. She found the lump between her regular checkups and annual mammograms. Only 7 months after having a routine mammogram. She wasn’t scheduled for another one for 5 months.

It turned out to be the most aggressive form of breast cancer. After careful consideration, she decided to have the most aggressive treatment. Her doctor scheduled a double mastectomy and both her breasts were removed only 2 weeks after she was diagnosed with cancer.

Six weeks later, she went back to have her stitches removed. Another cancerous lump had already formed on one of her scars. She went back to surgery to have the lump removed. Then she went through chemotherapy, radiation, and chemotherapy again. Despite the early detection, cancer spread rapidly into stage 4. Once in her lymph nodes, cancer spread everywhere including her lungs. She died exactly one year after having her breasts removed.

My sister Natalie didn’t win her battle with cancer but many do.

Her overall health wasn’t very good, to begin with. She was overweight, was taking high blood pressure medication (which completely killed her sex drive), and she smoked.

Your health and choices can significantly impact your treatment. Including your chance of survival and risk of contracting other deadly diseases and breast cancer.

There are many cancer survivors who are alive today because of early detection.

As well as their overall health and choices.

It’s scary to think about but extremely important. Early detection and immediate treatment is the best way to battle this deadly disease.

Check your own breasts every month. Only you know what your breasts feel like. What is normal for you and what is not. If you have any unusual symptoms or any of the above mentioned symptoms, it is critical that you call your doctor to have your breasts examined.

As quickly as possible.

On a side note, my sister was an organ donor. Because cancer had spread throughout her entire body, only her corneas could be donated. I learned shortly after her death that two people can now see because of her. An eighty year old woman in WNY and a 44 year old man in Tennessee.

Knowing her death at least allowed two people to use their eyes helped make the healing process and loss of her death a little bit easier.

Being overweight increases your risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. Discover how you can lose weight fast and keep it off for life.

Read this true heart warming story... #earlydetection #cancer #breast #family #women #girls #prevention #health #wellness #fitness #exercise #life #organ #donor

Why You Should Write a Book

A few years ago, I was watching a popular morning show on one of the major networks. Tim Larkin, author of “Surviving the Unthinkable” was demonstrating self-defense techniques and promoting his book.

Watching the show ignited two things inside me. Fear and envy.

I ordered the book immediately.

Every few months, I pick it up and read it again. I don’t want to be one of the many women who’ve joined the “Me Too” movement. I prefer to create a new movement.

“Not Me”

By protecting myself. And creating the kind of power and income to protect myself from as many horrible things as possible.

Like debt, stress, limited choices, narcissists, stalkers, becoming a victim and envy.

Why was I envious?

I have always wanted to be a published author. Not sure why exactly. Maybe because I love to write. Or because I’ve always been a bookworm.

I was a little envious of the man on television promoting his book. Not because he was on television. I’ve been on TV. Not that big a deal.

Because he was a “published author.”

This might not mean much to you. But to me? At one time I wanted to be a writer and a journalist. I was shot down by an English teacher, who told me “You’re a bad writer.” He wasn’t even an English teacher. He was an unemployed substitute, taking the place of my real English teacher, while on a leave of absence.

My dreams were crushed. Yet another way, we can become victimized.

It was a big deal to me.

I finally did it. I wrote, published and sold my first book within a couple of weeks.

Once I set my mind to it and set a goal.

Like Tim Larkin, I have knowledge about something people want. And Need. To lose weight, feel great and live a happier and healthier life.

You do too.

We all have a superpower.

You have a superpower. Something that you can teach others. Writing a book is one of the best way to reach millions of people who need what you can teach.

Who can benefit from your knowledge and experience.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Too many people die without achieving their dreams.

Don’t say “Me Too.” Say Not Me.

Download your FREE checklist to start writing your book now.

Why Diets Don’t Work

I recently read an article about weighing yourself. Correction, it was about why you shouldn’t weigh yourself.

Apparently, there are people who obsess over the scale.

I get it.

And if you’re obsessing over a scale, you probably have bigger problems than being overweight. Other issues that may be causing you to overeat.

Don’t blame it on the scale.

I weigh myself every morning. Just once a day. About the same time every morning. Before I eat or drink anything. Just to keep myself in check. “They” say, it doesn’t matter. It’s just water weight. It takes days to lose actual fat. Blah, blah blah. Whatever.

It works for me.

The reason it works for me is that I look at it positively either way. Whether it’s tipping high.

Or weighing in low.

If it’s low, I feel good. But it doesn’t mean I head for the bacon, eat a burger and fries for lunch, then eat candy bars and chips all day. I look at what I did right and try to do it again.

Wash. Rinse. Repeat?

Eat healthy. Exercise. Everything in moderation.

Rules I live by. We all have times when we gain weight. Most of us average folks, anyway. My weight has fluctuated many times throughout my life. People look at me and assume that I am naturally thin. If I had a dollar for every time someone said that to me, I would have a heck of a lot more money.

I don’t believe in “naturally thin.”

I believe in being healthy. There is a reason that I don’t have health issues. Even at my age. To prove that even I have struggled with weight over the years, I pulled out a book that a friend lent me back in my twenties. No, I never returned it.

My bad?

I’m pretty sure she told me to keep it. I must have put on a few pounds at the time and wanted to lose it. Since I am of the proactive nature and I keep myself in check. Before things get out of control, I read the book. It’s called Diets Still Don’t Work by Bob Schwartz. There are two main reasons I like the book: One I agree that diets don’t work. And two because a key element to success is “mindset.”

The mind is a powerful thing.

We cannot change the things that happen to us. Of course, we can make choices about what we do and where we go. That might increase our risk for danger. I certainly wouldn’t walk alone at night in a high crime part of town. But we cannot control everything. Death is inevitable. Challenges arise. The only thing we can control is how we react.

It’s not always easy.

We were born with emotions and we can’t change that. What we can change is how we take care of ourselves. It isn’t rocket science that when you are healthy and feel good, that everything in life is better. It helps us deal with whatever challenges get thrown our way. If you want to be proactive, take better control of your life and deal with challenges a little bit better…

Read a good book.

One that might actually help you. Like “Zipping it Up: How to lose 5 pounds fast and look great in that little black dress.” It is not a diet. And the absolute first thing I teach is “mindset.”

The down side? You gotta do the work. And you gotta want it. If you don’t, don’t waste your money. Buying the book won’t do you any good.

Unless you read it, devour it and implement it.

Just like a gym membership does you no good. Unless you go to the gym and exercise. Anyway, don’t take it from me.

Here’s what Jocelyn Jones says:

“Thank You Irene, this is a very helpful tool for all the ladies out there that need to lose weight fast for a special occasion or just because. The tips are simple to follow and implement. I HIGHLY Recommend this book! :)”

And this Amazon customer:

“I lost 8 lbs that was driving me crazy.” –LS

When you are ready to be proactive just zip on over here:

Learn more…

For a little more guidance check out the Zipping It Up meal planning guide. It is *exactly* that – a guide. The meal planner for folks who want to lose weight but hate meal planning. Here is the link: Your guide to success.

 

How to Build Your Confidence

Everyone should walk the red carpet at least once in their life.

Discover the confidence it takes to walk the red carpet.

What would you do if suddenly you were going to a fancy event, black tie dinner, or…

You are finally about to take the long anticipated walk down the red carpet?

And you need to get red carpet ready – FAST!

Don’t think it could happen to you?

Don’t be so sure.

Big dreams can turn into realities. 

Look at Channing Tatum. Stripper turned famous actor.

Cheryl Strayed, author of best-selling book and blockbuster hit movie Wild. She became famous after sharing her true story of overcoming drug addiction and walking the Pacific Crest Trail.

Jack Canfield, famous author of Chicken Soup for the Soul was rejected 144 times before a publisher agreed to publish his best-selling book. Now with over 40 million copies sold.

Living proof that it could happen to you.

Even if you never walk down the red carpet. You can walk with the same confidence at any event. A wedding, a formal dinner, a hot date. Or strutting your stuff on the beach.

All you need to walk the red carpet is confidence.

The kind of confidence that only comes with feeling good about yourself. Like when you lose a few pounds. Your clothes fit better and you can even fit back into some of your favorite dresses.

But losing weight doesn’t just change your dress size…

It can change your life.

After I had my second child, I was 20 pounds heavier than I like to be. I was miserable. I hated the way I looked and I hated the way I felt.

After I lost the weight, my whole life changed. I felt happy again.

I ended a bad relationship, changed my hairstyle and started a new career. I eventually went on to start my own business and published my first book.

If I can do it, so can you.

You can accomplish anything your heart desires.

Taking care of your body and your health can give you the confidence you need to change your life. Giving you the confidence to go after your dreams, reach your goals and create a life of happiness.

Like my friend Charlotte did.

Here is what Charlotte said after going through the Zipping It Up weight loss program: “I did all the things in your book and I dropped 2 dress sizes. I am so happy being back to a size 6 again!”

Don’t wait! Start now.

Every small step you take will lead you in the right direction. You can start now by learning everything Charlotte did. The system that helped her drop 2 dress sizes in 6 weeks. Zipping It Up: How to lose 5 pounds fast and look great in that little black dress.”

You will discover *exactly* how to build the confidence you need to succeed.

Get red carpet ready for any occasion.

Follow your path to success. Discover how it feels to be confident and ready.

You can begin your walk down the red carpet here:
I want to be red carpet ready!

The Benefits of Yoga

Heal your body and your mind with Yoga.

Yoga is a common practice derived from a Hindu spiritual and ascetic discipline. It is a combination of breath control, simple meditation, and the adoption of specific bodily postures. It is widely used for health, exercise and relaxation. There are many types of yoga and choosing the right one depends on your style and preference. Whichever style you choose, you can reap many benefits from adding the practice to your exercise routine.

Yoga improves muscle tone, flexibility, strength and stamina. Power yoga is my personal preference. It combines strength and meditation to build muscle, increase your heart rate and decrease stress.

Don’t let the headstands and pretzel-like twists scare you. Beginners can start slowly with easier poses that almost anyone can do. Yoga stretches help you improve balance and flexibility while working multiple muscle groups at once.

How to Take a Yoga Breath

Yoga breathing can greatly improve your mental health and overall well being. Benefits include improvements in mental clarity and concentration, stress relief, and relaxation of the mind. They are very easy to do and help improve your focus and concentrate. You become more in tune with your entire body and your mind.

You can practice yoga breathing for relaxation. Sit or lie in a relaxed position. Inhale deeply through your nose as you feel your lungs and chest fill completely with air. Tighten your core while inhaling and exhaling. Release the air by exhaling slowly through the mouth. Feeling the air leave your body, while concentrating on your inner core. The breathing helps you concentrate as you feel the breath entering and slowly leaving your body.

Using Yoga for Weight Loss

Yoga is a form of exercise that can be used to maintain a healthy weight or lose unwanted weight. It is often practiced in a heated environment to increase metabolism and pulse rate. Which can help you lose weight quickly. Maintaining a healthy weight gives you more energy, helps you prevent illness and builds confidence. To make better decisions in life, better career choices and enjoy healthier relationships.

To get started practicing yoga today, all you need is a yoga mat and a little guidance. You can find a class near you, buy a yoga DVD or find free yoga videos on YouTube.

For more ways to get more balance in your life and build a strong hard core read How to Get Flat Abs Fast.

This post includes affiliate links. Which means I may earn a small commission if you click on a link. This does not affect your price. Please see my disclosure for more information.

The Benefits of Kegels

Discover the benefits of Kegels and enhance your love life. If you aren’t doing Kegels, you should be. Kegels are an exercise where you squeeze and tighten the pelvic floor muscles then release them. The benefits include more pleasurable sex, a decrease in frequent urination, preventing discomfort from having a full bladder (frequent urgency) and stress incontinence. Stress incontinence is when you leak a few drops of urine while sneezing, laughing or coughing. It can happen to anyone. And let’s be honest, we’ve all been there.

Kegel Exercises During Pregnancy

I started doing Kegels when I was pregnant. I’d heard of them before but didn’t concern myself with them. Until the thought of childbirth stretching my vagina to where sex was less pleasurable was not acceptable. I began doing them religiously. In fact, when I went for my 6 week checkup after giving birth, my OBGYN said to me, “You’ve been doing your Kegels, I see.” She was right and I still do them daily. Whether you have children, are planning to or not, it’s never too early (or too late) to start doing them.

How To Do Kegels

There are a several ways you can do Kegels. Either sitting. lying on your back or even while standing. Once you’ve mastered the technique you’ll find you can do them just about anywhere and in any position. I suggest finding what is most comfortable for you. Like any exercise if it’s too uncomfortable or you hate doing them, you won’t do them. The benefits are tremendous. Find a comfort level or pattern that works for you and stick to it.

Emptying your bladder before you begin is recommended but not necessary. It will make it easier and more comfortable. Especially for beginners. If you’re on a long car ride, do them right after a rest stop break. Along with thigh squeezes and butt crunches. The car is a great place to do static exercises that you might not think to do while home.

Kegels For Beginners

For beginners, lie on your back with your knees bent. Hold completely still while squeezing your pelvic floor muscles. Hold the muscle for 10 seconds. Then release. Repeat 10 times. If you can’t hold them for the full 10 seconds, hold them as long as possible until you work your way up. Another technique is to quickly squeeze and release in a pulsating rhythm. Work your way up to 100 squeezes. Or do 5 sets 20.

Try to avoid moving any other muscles in the surrounding areas and concentrate on the muscles you are working. If you are having trouble locating the muscles practice holding your urine mid-stream, then releasing your urine. Don’t make this a common practice but it is a quick and efficient way to familiarize yourself with the muscles.

Kegels Strengthen Your Core

Remember to breathe continuously while doing them and tighten your abdominal muscles simultaneously. Which strengthens your core. Ideally, you should do Kegels 3 times a day. However, like any exercise every bit helps. Doing them once a day is better than not at all.

To learn more ways to strengthen your core read How To Get Flat Abs Fast.

The Best Abs Workout

Discover the best abs workout to get strong sexy abs fast.

When you are on the beach or lounging by the pool, you want to feel good about yourself. You want to feel confident in everything you wear. Your bikini, your favorite sundress and even nothing at all.

Read on to learn the best abs workout for a lean, mean tight core. Ab exercises that will give you toned, tighter, stronger and even flatter abs. These are the best ab exercises I have found to get flat abs fast. If you follow this quick 6 day ab exercise routine, you will have a stronger leaner mid section. This is the exact method I use to get beach body ready.

Cardio for Abs

Adding more cardio and other exercises to your workout routine will help you get there faster. And following a healthy eating plan. Even if you exercise for 10 minutes each day. It will improve your health. Even better try doing at least 2 to 3 10-minute workouts every day. It makes no difference if you exercise for 30 minutes all at once, or in three 10-minute intervals. Start now. Begin today.

If you start today and use the method I am about to share with you for 6 days straight, I guarantee you will have a stronger, tighter core. And it is absolutely 100% FREE to use. Cassey Ho is an award-winning fitness instructor who created Blogilates. A YouTube channel that has literally hundreds of FREE YouTube videos to help you get the toned, tight body you desire. The body you deserve.

I have been doing Blogilates for a several of years now and I absolutely love it. The best part is that she has a variety of short videos you can squeeze in. Even on busy days.

6 Days to Flatter Abs

This is by far my favorite ab workout routine. It is simple, easy to follow and best of all – it works! Find YouTube on your Smart TV, on Roku, your computer, iPad or even your phone. Look up these 3 videos and do them every day for 6 consecutive days, in sequence:

Day one:   Extreme Abs
Day two:   Extreme Abs 2
Day three: Extreme Abs 3
Repeat in sequence 3 more days.

That’s it. If you’re a beginner and you can’t do the entire workout without resting, that’s okay. Take little rest breaks and then pick up again when you can. Or pause the video and grab a drink of water. Then pick up where you left off. Believe me, if you hang in there and keep doing these ab exercises every day (or most days) you will be able to complete the entire workout before you know it. And you will feel great!

The videos are short and extremely effective. But like Cassey Ho says in Extreme Abs, “You want that body. You want that life. Then you have to work for it.”

For an even faster way to show off your flat abs and tight, toned body try shedding just a couple of pounds. It will help you accentuate your hot bod physique that you’ve been working so hard for. Check out Zipping It Up: How to lose 5 pounds fast and look great in that little black dress!”

It’s available in select stores and on Amazon in Kindle and print. But don’t buy the book if you’re not going to read it. And do the work. If you want to lose weight, get more fit and have a sexy bikini beach body, you have to do the work.

Like my friend Charlotte did after doing all the things in my book. Here’s what she told me:

“I did all the things in your book and I dropped 2 dress sizes. I am so happy being back in a size six again.” Charlotte S.

If you want that body and you want that life learn more here: I want that body and I want that life!

For even flatter, beach body abs, prevent bloating by drinking tons of water. Check out my yummy recipe for Delicious Detox Water to reduce bloating fast.

How to Relieve PMS Symptoms Fast

Premenstrual Syndrome or PMS is a common condition that affects a woman’s emotions, physical health and behavior during certain days of the menstrual cycle. Common symptoms are bloating, hunger cravings and rapidly changing mood swings which may lead to crying or lashing out in bursts of anger.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for PMS. However, there are many ways to prevent and relieve PMS symptoms. Here are just a few ways to relieve symptoms fast.

Eat Chocolate to Relieve PMS

Eat chocolate. Chocolate contains natural ingredients that release endorphins which instantly make you feel better. The caffeine in chocolate also provides a quick boost of energy. The combination of caffeine with the “feel good” endorphins makes for a calming effect along with the deliciousness of the taste. Don’t overindulge, as chocolate is high in sugar and calories which can cause excess weight gain. Enjoy treats in moderation.

Exercise. Sweating it out with any exercise, running, yoga, Pilates or walking in the fresh air will make you feel better. If you don’t have much time, try doing at least 10 minutes of any exercise that gets you moving and your heart pumping faster.

Call a friend. Hearing the voice of someone you love can instantly make you feel better. Feel free to share the story that made you cry or have them share a funny story with you. Listening to joyful stories or stories filled with success should make you happy. Especially if it involves a personal friend or family member.

Make healthy food choices. Select foods high in fiber, protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. You will feel better knowing you won’t put on excess weight. There is nothing worse than devouring a bag of chips or a tub of ice cream, then regretting it afterwards. Or the next day when you step on the scale.

Drink lots of water. A common symptom of PMS is bloating. Staying hydrated will reduce the bloating, make you feel better, and look better improving your morale. Adding citrus to your water and other natural detoxifiers will help reduce the bloating more quickly. Try this Delicious Detox Water Recipe for faster relief.

To sum up, eat chocolate for instant relief. Exercise regularly and for a quick fix to reduce PMS symptoms immediately. Make healthy eating choices and use the “everything in moderation” rule. Don’t overindulge. It will negate what you are trying to accomplish. If you do indulge, don’t beat yourself up over it. Your mental well being is as important to combating stress and PMS systems as your physical health. Get support from friends and family when needed. Drink lots of water to stay hydrated and use natural detoxifiers to beat the bloat for faster relief.  Download your FREE Detox Water Recipe here.

He Was Tied to a Trash Can

This morning I went for a run in the park.

The park has a lovely wooded area, a giant hill where kids go sledding in the wintertime and a big field lined with benches and trash cans. It’s a perfect place to run or walk your dog. Which many folks do.

As I was approaching the wooded area I saw a beautiful golden retriever. He was lying in the shade smiling at me as I approached.

It was strange because he was all alone.

I looked around and there was no one in sight. The first thing I thought was that maybe he had run away. But as I got closer I realized his leash was tied to the trash can.

He looked happy. He certainly wasn’t malnourished, and he even had his toy tennis ball which he promptly showed me hoping to play.

I called out thinking maybe his owner stepped into the woods or something. But why would they leave their dog?

He had tags on. Now it’s really strange. I wasn’t sure what to do. I began to look at my phone thinking I should call someone but the thought of this poor animal being caged up at the animal shelter was too unpleasant.

I was just trying to read his tags when I see a man running towards us.

He looked at me like I was hurting the dog or something.

Seriously?

You leave your dog tied up to a trash can. Then run out of his sight and you’re looking at me like I did something wrong. I explained that I was concerned.

I mean c’mon. You hear stories about missing dogs, kittens found in plastic bags. Stories too gruesome to repeat…

He thanked me as he untied his dog explaining that the dog doesn’t like to run. Then why the f*ck did you bring your dog???

Anyway, I hope the fear of my possibly stealing his dog will make him think twice next time. I could have been long gone with his dog had I wanted to take him.

And he never would have seen his dog again.

Anyway, this has nothing to do with health & wellness. Except to remind you NEVER to leave your dog tied up alone in a park.

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