As we begin a new year, we reflect on our lives of yesterday, today and what we want to achieve in the future. Through your eyes you can see a reflection of who you are. I hope that when you reflect on yourself, your life, your world and your being, you see a woman who is full of faith, compassion, strength, courage, love, service, joy, zeal, and life. I hope you see a woman who is full of esteem. For all of these attributes are yours to claim as your beauty, and if you begin to claim your beauty you will see it encircle your world. It will allow your soul to shine through and make you the more lovely with each passing day.
As you claim your beauty, you will come to realize that God has bestowed upon you an eternal gift that is irreplaceable and greater than any gift on earth. Your beauty is a light that shines deep. It was bestowed upon you before your birth, placed within your soul. As a divine woman with such an amazing gift, you are in charge of how you cultivate and nourish your beauty and allow it to shine so that the world may see. You have the power to be as beautiful as you want to be and that power is one that you exercise every day through your thoughts, words, and deeds. Your beauty will be your underlining strength, your sustaining courage, and your blooming esteem.
As you continue to accomplish your daily tasks, work towards your goals and dreams, and successfully walk through the trials in your life. You will see that the beauty you have within will bring you joy beyond your imagination. It will light your world and constantly reward and bless you. Your beauty will allow you to fulfill your desire to live in esteem and confidence. It will stimulate your desire to grow, serve, succeed, and more importantly, your desire to love and be loved.
From this day onward, begin to recognize your divine beauty. Be who you are meant to be and not who you think you are. You are a divine being, and only when you embrace your true role will you be able to reach your full potential, and claim all the beauty and blessings that God has in store for you. Be divine, cherish yourself and all that you have to offer. Be willing to grow, learn, and build yourself and others in love. Your beauty should never be questioned, never be dismissed, never be misplaced or unvalued. You must defend yourself, defend what's righteous and pure. Defend your dreams, wishes, vision, happiness, uniqueness, and beauty. As you claim your beauty, you will sustain yourself.
Your beauty radiates within and wherever you go no matter what you do. Allow your beauty to refurbish your world by seeking not after what makes you beautiful to the world but to God. When you seek beauty, look towards God not towards fancy clothes, makeup or material objects, for your beauty is already present. Delight in it and it will shine from within and radiate outwards touching those around you.
Prayer:
God let my inward beauty radiate outwards.
God make me beautiful and let my gratefulness brighten my world.
God make me beautiful continuously and let my joy touch the souls of others.
God let my inward beautiful, blossom my thoughts, my deeds, and world always.
May your year be filled with Blessings, Happiness, Love and Esteem.
Chizoma Cluff
Editor-In-Chief
Esteem Yourself E-magazine
First published January 2012 © Copyright
Meebo III
12/1/11
Find Your Wonder Woman Within (The Yes Mom Way)
By: Deanne Brown
You don't need a lasso of truth, indestructible bracelets, or an invisible airplane to be Wonder Woman. All you need is to learn to say 'yes' to yourself. Saying "yes" to yourself not only gives you the means to feel fully alive, your world will open up to amazing possibilities. As you say "yes" you may find yourself at the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro, directing a play, raising money for a cancer cure or sitting at a desk writing that novel you always wanted to write. No matter what adventure you embrace, you will become an inspiration, a woman that others admire and want to emulate. You will become a hero!
The great thing is you already have what it takes to be a hero. We all do! You may not be a six foot tall Amazonian woman with enough muscle power to beat up Ares, Wonder Woman's arch-nemesis, but you definitely have the wherewithal to embody what Wonder Woman represents, female empowerment. So when you begin to lose focus by letting negativity and fear blind you from your potential, follow these seven principals to help you say "yes" to yourself and find your Wonder Woman within.
Principle 1: Love Yourself and Others Unconditionally
Love with no conditions and no boundaries. Love just because. As Paulo Coelho, Brazilian author explains, "One is loved because one is loved. No reason is needed for loving". When you love yourself unconditionally, it gives you the ability to love others. To love in this manner is the most precious gift you can give to yourself and to the world.
Principle 2: Don't Be Driven By Fear
Do not be a road block to your full potential because of fear. It is amazing how many people automatically say "no" to the world and choose comfort and security over taking risks or trying something new. Like Albert Einstein said, "Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new." Yes, life can be scary, but a life driven by fear is no life. It takes a bold person to let go of fear and say "yes" to the world, but the risk is well worth it.
Principle 3: Let Go of Expectations
It is imperative that you let go of expectations. By letting go of expectations, you let go of control. Placing controls on one's self limits your true potential. So, ditch those controlling words like "I should", "I ought to" and "I must". Instead, embrace "I can" and "I will". Living life based on "should" is a heavy burden. You either become ridden with a feeling of failure or guilt because you did not live up to your expectation or create a false-self attempting to live up to your expectation. Either way, it is a no-win situation. Living life based on "I can" is a win-win situation!
Principle 4: Believe in Yourself
You are awesome. Throw away doubt and believe in yourself. Doubt will only hold you back and keep you from the life you are meant to live. As Eleanor Roosevelt so brilliantly said, "Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent." Trust and believe that you are worthy and valuable. Give yourself permission to live, play, explore, dream, imagine, follow your passions and of course, make mistakes. In order to achieve you must believe.
Principle 5: Live by Principles not Rules
Live by principles, not rules. Many rules are biased, arbitrary and not necessary if you live by principals instead. Principles are basic fundamental beliefs, values and truths. When you live by these truths, good and desirable actions will follow. Like Abraham Lincoln so beautifully expressed, "I never had a policy; I have just tried to do my very best each and every day." These are words to live by.
Principle 6: Roll with the Punches
As Mastin from The Daily Love says, "If you fall down 1000 times, get up 1001 times." Life is full of setbacks but do not dwell, crumble or feel like a victim. It is better to roll with the punches and take a few hits rather than to duck out of the way. You will be stronger and wiser from the experience. This is called resilience. We actually gain resilience over the years by taking punches and dealing with life's problems. So the old adage is true, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger".
Principle 7: Do What You Love
Do what you love. When work becomes pleasure, it is not work at all. As Dr. Wayne Dyer says, "Doing what you love is the cornerstone of having abundance in your life." It brings joy and a deep sense of purpose and meaning to one's life. So, if you want to be a drummer in a rock band, travel the world on a bicycle, join the circus, perform open heart surgery or write that New York Times Best Seller, GO FOR IT!It is your choice. Don't find yourself behind a desk when you were meant to be behind a drum kit.
As you embrace these seven principles and learn to say "yes" to yourself, you will be amazed at what happens. When you love unconditionally, you will have the ability to love others. When you love others, you live fully. When you are living fully, you will not be afraid to try new things. If something doesn't work, you will try again. When you let go of "I should" and "I ought to", you embrace "I can" and "I will". You will be able to make your own decisions even if it goes against the crowd. You will follow your dreams and become who you are meant to be, not what someone else wants you to be. Your good example will inspire others and in turn give them permission to go after their own dreams. When you live by these 7 principles, you empower yourself to find the Wonder Woman within you!
First published November 2011 © Copyright
You don't need a lasso of truth, indestructible bracelets, or an invisible airplane to be Wonder Woman. All you need is to learn to say 'yes' to yourself. Saying "yes" to yourself not only gives you the means to feel fully alive, your world will open up to amazing possibilities. As you say "yes" you may find yourself at the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro, directing a play, raising money for a cancer cure or sitting at a desk writing that novel you always wanted to write. No matter what adventure you embrace, you will become an inspiration, a woman that others admire and want to emulate. You will become a hero!
The great thing is you already have what it takes to be a hero. We all do! You may not be a six foot tall Amazonian woman with enough muscle power to beat up Ares, Wonder Woman's arch-nemesis, but you definitely have the wherewithal to embody what Wonder Woman represents, female empowerment. So when you begin to lose focus by letting negativity and fear blind you from your potential, follow these seven principals to help you say "yes" to yourself and find your Wonder Woman within.
Principle 1: Love Yourself and Others Unconditionally
Love with no conditions and no boundaries. Love just because. As Paulo Coelho, Brazilian author explains, "One is loved because one is loved. No reason is needed for loving". When you love yourself unconditionally, it gives you the ability to love others. To love in this manner is the most precious gift you can give to yourself and to the world.
Principle 2: Don't Be Driven By Fear
Do not be a road block to your full potential because of fear. It is amazing how many people automatically say "no" to the world and choose comfort and security over taking risks or trying something new. Like Albert Einstein said, "Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new." Yes, life can be scary, but a life driven by fear is no life. It takes a bold person to let go of fear and say "yes" to the world, but the risk is well worth it.
Principle 3: Let Go of Expectations
It is imperative that you let go of expectations. By letting go of expectations, you let go of control. Placing controls on one's self limits your true potential. So, ditch those controlling words like "I should", "I ought to" and "I must". Instead, embrace "I can" and "I will". Living life based on "should" is a heavy burden. You either become ridden with a feeling of failure or guilt because you did not live up to your expectation or create a false-self attempting to live up to your expectation. Either way, it is a no-win situation. Living life based on "I can" is a win-win situation!
Principle 4: Believe in Yourself
You are awesome. Throw away doubt and believe in yourself. Doubt will only hold you back and keep you from the life you are meant to live. As Eleanor Roosevelt so brilliantly said, "Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent." Trust and believe that you are worthy and valuable. Give yourself permission to live, play, explore, dream, imagine, follow your passions and of course, make mistakes. In order to achieve you must believe.
Principle 5: Live by Principles not Rules
Live by principles, not rules. Many rules are biased, arbitrary and not necessary if you live by principals instead. Principles are basic fundamental beliefs, values and truths. When you live by these truths, good and desirable actions will follow. Like Abraham Lincoln so beautifully expressed, "I never had a policy; I have just tried to do my very best each and every day." These are words to live by.
Principle 6: Roll with the Punches
As Mastin from The Daily Love says, "If you fall down 1000 times, get up 1001 times." Life is full of setbacks but do not dwell, crumble or feel like a victim. It is better to roll with the punches and take a few hits rather than to duck out of the way. You will be stronger and wiser from the experience. This is called resilience. We actually gain resilience over the years by taking punches and dealing with life's problems. So the old adage is true, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger".
Principle 7: Do What You Love
Do what you love. When work becomes pleasure, it is not work at all. As Dr. Wayne Dyer says, "Doing what you love is the cornerstone of having abundance in your life." It brings joy and a deep sense of purpose and meaning to one's life. So, if you want to be a drummer in a rock band, travel the world on a bicycle, join the circus, perform open heart surgery or write that New York Times Best Seller, GO FOR IT!It is your choice. Don't find yourself behind a desk when you were meant to be behind a drum kit.
As you embrace these seven principles and learn to say "yes" to yourself, you will be amazed at what happens. When you love unconditionally, you will have the ability to love others. When you love others, you live fully. When you are living fully, you will not be afraid to try new things. If something doesn't work, you will try again. When you let go of "I should" and "I ought to", you embrace "I can" and "I will". You will be able to make your own decisions even if it goes against the crowd. You will follow your dreams and become who you are meant to be, not what someone else wants you to be. Your good example will inspire others and in turn give them permission to go after their own dreams. When you live by these 7 principles, you empower yourself to find the Wonder Woman within you!
First published November 2011 © Copyright
11/1/11
Embracing Gratitude
By: Jeanine DeHoney
Many have had to hang on to peace in the midst of chaos and God granted it to them.
Many have had to embrace change when they wanted to stay in familiar terrain and God granted them courage to move to another realm.
Many have ached because of loss, heartbreak, or a dream that seemed to be unattainable, and God granted them wisdom, a forgiving heart, and a new vision or goal and put people in place to help it come to fruition.
And because of feeling God's presence, comfort and peace, they have learned, with arms wide open to embrace an attitude of gratitude. But having an innate aura of gratitude in your spirit can be difficult when you are disheartened. During those low tides in your life, gratitude is usually the last thing on your mind. Instead of being thankful for what you have in life, what is sustaining you emotionally, spiritually, physically and financially, you wallow in depressing and counterproductive thoughts of what is wrong or lacking in your life.
It is then though, that we need to sing a praise song. It is then we need to shout to adversary that you refuse to let it steal your joy. Thank God for something small and watch his miracle wonder working power cause a chain reaction of thankfulness in you. So, if you are finding that you are courting negativity and angst instead of gratitude, here are some suggestions that will hopefully change your way of thinking and help you live your life more abundantly.
Pray.
Begin and end your day with thanks. Give thanks to all the ways God has manifested small and big miracles, favor, and care throughout the day and evening. Pray throughout the day. Make it a habit.
Start from the basics.
Start from the basics, if you are hard-pressed to find things to be grateful for. You can start with, "I'm thankful for eyes that see and ears that hear…" It may sound juvenile but begin there. Be grateful for every part of your temple from your head to your toes. Be grateful for a boyfriend or husband that treats you like a queen, or a parent that still spoils you even though you're grown, or a sister-friend you can call at two in the morning just because you have something on your mind and she won't hang up on you.
Create a treasure chest.
Get a beautiful keepsake box and fill it with objects that evoke wonderful memories. Things like pictures, greeting cards, a knick-knack from a favorite family member, something from your childhood, etc. During troubling times open up your treasure chest so that you can have literal reminders of all of your blessings and relive cherished memories.
Take a walk in someone else's shoes.
Imagine what it would feel like to walk in someone else's shoes for a day who was less fortunate than you are. Imagine being homeless, being unemployed, a struggling single mother, and abused wife or girlfriend. Be grateful that you have not had to carry many of the burdens other people have. Then go out and serve! Serve at a local women shelter or find other ways to make a difference in someone whose shoes by the grace of God you have not had to walk in.
Encircle yourself with splendor.
There is splendor all around us that is inspiring and instrumental in cultivating a spirit of gratitude. Grab a friend, throw on your sneakers and take a walk through the park to sojourn with nature. Go to an art museum or an art show of an up and coming artist or designer. Buy tickets to a concert and go see your favorite artist or buy a new CD. Try going to a much talked about restaurant and pay attention to everything from the ambiance to the way your food is plated. Savor each bite and give thanks that someone prepared your food with love and the end result of seeing your palate satisfied.
Create a ripple effect.
Gratitude begets more gratitude; it has a ripple effect and reverberates not only in your soul but the soul of others.
Today choose to release your reservoir of discontent by embracing gratitude. Know that through prayer no vision is ever unreachable or problem ever insurmountable. Just open up your beautiful "eyes to see," and you will be a witness to all of your blessings.
First published November 2011 © Copyright
Many have had to hang on to peace in the midst of chaos and God granted it to them.
Many have had to embrace change when they wanted to stay in familiar terrain and God granted them courage to move to another realm.
Many have ached because of loss, heartbreak, or a dream that seemed to be unattainable, and God granted them wisdom, a forgiving heart, and a new vision or goal and put people in place to help it come to fruition.
And because of feeling God's presence, comfort and peace, they have learned, with arms wide open to embrace an attitude of gratitude. But having an innate aura of gratitude in your spirit can be difficult when you are disheartened. During those low tides in your life, gratitude is usually the last thing on your mind. Instead of being thankful for what you have in life, what is sustaining you emotionally, spiritually, physically and financially, you wallow in depressing and counterproductive thoughts of what is wrong or lacking in your life.
It is then though, that we need to sing a praise song. It is then we need to shout to adversary that you refuse to let it steal your joy. Thank God for something small and watch his miracle wonder working power cause a chain reaction of thankfulness in you. So, if you are finding that you are courting negativity and angst instead of gratitude, here are some suggestions that will hopefully change your way of thinking and help you live your life more abundantly.
Pray.
Begin and end your day with thanks. Give thanks to all the ways God has manifested small and big miracles, favor, and care throughout the day and evening. Pray throughout the day. Make it a habit.
Start from the basics.
Start from the basics, if you are hard-pressed to find things to be grateful for. You can start with, "I'm thankful for eyes that see and ears that hear…" It may sound juvenile but begin there. Be grateful for every part of your temple from your head to your toes. Be grateful for a boyfriend or husband that treats you like a queen, or a parent that still spoils you even though you're grown, or a sister-friend you can call at two in the morning just because you have something on your mind and she won't hang up on you.
Create a treasure chest.
Get a beautiful keepsake box and fill it with objects that evoke wonderful memories. Things like pictures, greeting cards, a knick-knack from a favorite family member, something from your childhood, etc. During troubling times open up your treasure chest so that you can have literal reminders of all of your blessings and relive cherished memories.
Take a walk in someone else's shoes.
Imagine what it would feel like to walk in someone else's shoes for a day who was less fortunate than you are. Imagine being homeless, being unemployed, a struggling single mother, and abused wife or girlfriend. Be grateful that you have not had to carry many of the burdens other people have. Then go out and serve! Serve at a local women shelter or find other ways to make a difference in someone whose shoes by the grace of God you have not had to walk in.
Encircle yourself with splendor.
There is splendor all around us that is inspiring and instrumental in cultivating a spirit of gratitude. Grab a friend, throw on your sneakers and take a walk through the park to sojourn with nature. Go to an art museum or an art show of an up and coming artist or designer. Buy tickets to a concert and go see your favorite artist or buy a new CD. Try going to a much talked about restaurant and pay attention to everything from the ambiance to the way your food is plated. Savor each bite and give thanks that someone prepared your food with love and the end result of seeing your palate satisfied.
Create a ripple effect.
Gratitude begets more gratitude; it has a ripple effect and reverberates not only in your soul but the soul of others.
Today choose to release your reservoir of discontent by embracing gratitude. Know that through prayer no vision is ever unreachable or problem ever insurmountable. Just open up your beautiful "eyes to see," and you will be a witness to all of your blessings.
First published November 2011 © Copyright
10/1/11
When Life Throws A Snowball At You, Throw It Back Harder!
By: Deanne Brown
Life can be crazy and unpredictable at times. It can throw snowballs at you in the middle of the summer. It can knock the wind out of you, when you least expect it. It can leave you breathless and stunned. For some women that snowball is breast cancer. Over 200,000 smart beautiful women are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in the United States every year. 40,000 of these women will die from this dreaded disease.
Chances are you already know someone who has breast cancer; your mother, a sister, an aunt, a girlfriend or a friend of a girlfriend. No one is exempt. That includes you. This is not intended to scare you. This is just a friendly reminder of how fragile and precious life is. So consider this a wake-up call, a reality check, or a word to the wise.
Breast cancer has become quite notorious. Unfortunately, the incidents of breast cancer have been increasing year by year. Fortunately, the death rate is showing some signs of decline, probably due to early detection and better treatment. So, empower yourself and get those gorgeous tata's to the doctor for your yearly mammograms. And, don't forget your self-exams! They can be life saving.
Although we still don't know everything about cancer and why it grows in the first place, there is mounting evidence that cancer cells multiply when the immune system, your body's natural defense is on the fritz. But, the really amazing thing about our bodies is that you have the power to boost your immune system and reduce your risk of breast cancer, by implementing these ten tips:
Take your mom's advice and eat your veggies.
It is pretty clear, we are what we eat. But, just as important, we are what we don't eat. According to Joe Cross in his film, "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead," Americans are not eating their vegetables. In fact, for many, veggies only make up 5% of their overall diet. This is a crime. Our bodies cannot live on carbs alone which makes up the majority of the American diet. You need some green stuff. Veggies are packed with phytonutrients. According to the voice of sustainable wellness, Frank Lipman, "phytonutrients help our cells communicate better with each other, some help prevent mutations at a cellular level, some are anti-inflammatory, others are potent antioxidants and many have functions we are only beginning to understand. What we do know is they help prevent cancer, heart disease and most chronic diseases in general, are anti-aging, boost the immune system and generally promote health." An important tip: cooking kills enzymes and certain vitamins found in veggies, so make sure that you include raw veggies in your diet every day. A salad a day keeps the doctor away.
Ditch the sugar.
Sugar is to cancer as oxygen is to fire. In other words, cancer loves sugar like Bugs Bunny loves carrots. Americans eat on a per capita basis 156 pounds of sugar per year. This is equivalent to 31 five-pound bags. That's a whole lot of sugar. Honestly, you are sweet enough without it.
Limit your alcohol.
According to the Harvard Nurses' Health study, drinking more than one alcoholic cocktail per day can increase breast cancer risk by 20 to 25 percent. Imbibing in an alcoholic drink can certainly relax you after a long day or help you to break loose a bit at a social gathering but like sugar, cancer loves it as much as you do. There are other ways to relax and have fun. You may need to get a bit creative but the results are worth it.
Reduce your caffeine intake.
The jury is still out on this but some studies indicate that caffeine plays a role in breast cancer. One thing known for sure is that caffeine increases levels of cortisol and stress hormones in your body. Maybe you can consider herbal teas instead. Slurp!
Shake your booty.
Get active, go for a walk, ride a bike, go dancing, join a gym or swim in the deep blue sea. Whatever your choice of activity, get off that couch, log out of Facebook and dance your heart out for thirty minutes a day.
Take your vitamins.
Many of our foods today are depleted of their natural nutrients due to poor soil conditions, toxicity, pesticides, early picking, and many other modern agricultural practices. To make up for this, it is a good idea to take supplements. For example, most Americans do not get enough Vitamin D in their diet and low amounts of vitamin D are linked to some of the most aggressive breast cancers. A glass of milk, fortified orange juice or a day in the sun will not give you the needed amounts. This is one of the few times when popping a pill is good for you.
If you can't pronounce it, don't eat it.
Stay away from processed foods, chemicals, food dyes, and foods treated with pesticides. Limit your exposure to non-organic foods and residual hormones found in dairy and meat. In fact, limit dairy and meat altogether and get your proteins from nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes and wild caught fish. An added bonus, your gut will love you.
Maintain a healthy body weight.
Estrogen is stored in fat tissue. This stored estrogen is known to increase your risk of estrogen-sensitive breast cancers. Maintaining a healthy weight also helps you to feel good, look good, squeeze into your favorite jeans and run fast to avoid those snowballs.
Get your zzzzzzzzzz's.
Your body does most of its healing while you are sleeping. Treat yourself like a princess. Slip into some comfy pj's, fluff your pillow, splurge on some silky sheets and drift off into wonderland for at least 8 hours every night.
Don't worry, be happy.
There is an incredible mind body connection that we are just beginning to understand. Our thoughts and feelings can positively or negatively influence our bodies. As Lawrence LeShan, Ph.D. and father of mind-body therapy states, "Feelings affect body chemistry, just as body chemistry affects feelings." You know what it feels like to be stressed out about work, devastated over a break up with that hot guy, or anxious about a test you have to take. Your muscles tighten up, your stomach churns, your head pounds, or a pain in your chest makes you wonder if this is the big one. This is stress and it can wear down your immune system, making you vulnerable to all kinds of diseases. So, throw away those negative thoughts, fill your glass to half full and practice your affirmations, "I am an amazing, beautiful, happy, healthy woman. I am an amazing, beautiful, happy, healthy woman. I am an amazing, beautiful, happy, healthy woman". Got it? Good!
We women are interesting creatures. Many of us know that we should be taking better care of ourselves but it usually takes a snowball hitting us at 80 mph before we take real action. We smoke when we know it causes cancer. We sit on the couch and promise to exercise tomorrow as our muscles shrink and our bones thin. We eat an exorbitant amount of empty carbs, sugars and bad fats as our waist grows and our energy is depleted. We drink too much alcohol even after many studies connect alcohol consumption to breast cancer. We think French fries are a vegetable and Red Bull "gives you wings." But it is never too late to change.
Remember, knowledge is power. Empower yourself by learning as much as you can about your health, good nutrition, and breast cancer, then take the appropriate action. Eat your veggies, ditch the sugar, take your vitamins, get your zzzzz's, shake your booty and throw away those negative thoughts. Knowledge coupled with action is some powerful stuff. You are worth it girl!
By the way, if you are one of the many gorgeous women out there that has been diagnosed with breast cancer, it is not the end of the world. These ten tips still apply especially to help avoid recurrence. Many women like Melissa Etheridge, Sheryl Crow, Suzanne Sommers, Christina Applegate, Carly Simon, Sandra Day O'Conner, Betty Ford, and Peggy Flemming have beaten this disease and so can you. So when life throws a snowball at you, throw it back…harder!
Deanne Brown is one of the 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States today. Find out more about Deanne by clicking here and follow her journey.
First published October 2011 © Copyright
Life can be crazy and unpredictable at times. It can throw snowballs at you in the middle of the summer. It can knock the wind out of you, when you least expect it. It can leave you breathless and stunned. For some women that snowball is breast cancer. Over 200,000 smart beautiful women are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in the United States every year. 40,000 of these women will die from this dreaded disease.
Chances are you already know someone who has breast cancer; your mother, a sister, an aunt, a girlfriend or a friend of a girlfriend. No one is exempt. That includes you. This is not intended to scare you. This is just a friendly reminder of how fragile and precious life is. So consider this a wake-up call, a reality check, or a word to the wise.
Breast cancer has become quite notorious. Unfortunately, the incidents of breast cancer have been increasing year by year. Fortunately, the death rate is showing some signs of decline, probably due to early detection and better treatment. So, empower yourself and get those gorgeous tata's to the doctor for your yearly mammograms. And, don't forget your self-exams! They can be life saving.
Although we still don't know everything about cancer and why it grows in the first place, there is mounting evidence that cancer cells multiply when the immune system, your body's natural defense is on the fritz. But, the really amazing thing about our bodies is that you have the power to boost your immune system and reduce your risk of breast cancer, by implementing these ten tips:
Take your mom's advice and eat your veggies.
It is pretty clear, we are what we eat. But, just as important, we are what we don't eat. According to Joe Cross in his film, "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead," Americans are not eating their vegetables. In fact, for many, veggies only make up 5% of their overall diet. This is a crime. Our bodies cannot live on carbs alone which makes up the majority of the American diet. You need some green stuff. Veggies are packed with phytonutrients. According to the voice of sustainable wellness, Frank Lipman, "phytonutrients help our cells communicate better with each other, some help prevent mutations at a cellular level, some are anti-inflammatory, others are potent antioxidants and many have functions we are only beginning to understand. What we do know is they help prevent cancer, heart disease and most chronic diseases in general, are anti-aging, boost the immune system and generally promote health." An important tip: cooking kills enzymes and certain vitamins found in veggies, so make sure that you include raw veggies in your diet every day. A salad a day keeps the doctor away.
Ditch the sugar.
Sugar is to cancer as oxygen is to fire. In other words, cancer loves sugar like Bugs Bunny loves carrots. Americans eat on a per capita basis 156 pounds of sugar per year. This is equivalent to 31 five-pound bags. That's a whole lot of sugar. Honestly, you are sweet enough without it.
Limit your alcohol.
According to the Harvard Nurses' Health study, drinking more than one alcoholic cocktail per day can increase breast cancer risk by 20 to 25 percent. Imbibing in an alcoholic drink can certainly relax you after a long day or help you to break loose a bit at a social gathering but like sugar, cancer loves it as much as you do. There are other ways to relax and have fun. You may need to get a bit creative but the results are worth it.
Reduce your caffeine intake.
The jury is still out on this but some studies indicate that caffeine plays a role in breast cancer. One thing known for sure is that caffeine increases levels of cortisol and stress hormones in your body. Maybe you can consider herbal teas instead. Slurp!
Shake your booty.
Get active, go for a walk, ride a bike, go dancing, join a gym or swim in the deep blue sea. Whatever your choice of activity, get off that couch, log out of Facebook and dance your heart out for thirty minutes a day.
Take your vitamins.
Many of our foods today are depleted of their natural nutrients due to poor soil conditions, toxicity, pesticides, early picking, and many other modern agricultural practices. To make up for this, it is a good idea to take supplements. For example, most Americans do not get enough Vitamin D in their diet and low amounts of vitamin D are linked to some of the most aggressive breast cancers. A glass of milk, fortified orange juice or a day in the sun will not give you the needed amounts. This is one of the few times when popping a pill is good for you.
If you can't pronounce it, don't eat it.
Stay away from processed foods, chemicals, food dyes, and foods treated with pesticides. Limit your exposure to non-organic foods and residual hormones found in dairy and meat. In fact, limit dairy and meat altogether and get your proteins from nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes and wild caught fish. An added bonus, your gut will love you.
Maintain a healthy body weight.
Estrogen is stored in fat tissue. This stored estrogen is known to increase your risk of estrogen-sensitive breast cancers. Maintaining a healthy weight also helps you to feel good, look good, squeeze into your favorite jeans and run fast to avoid those snowballs.
Get your zzzzzzzzzz's.
Your body does most of its healing while you are sleeping. Treat yourself like a princess. Slip into some comfy pj's, fluff your pillow, splurge on some silky sheets and drift off into wonderland for at least 8 hours every night.
Don't worry, be happy.
There is an incredible mind body connection that we are just beginning to understand. Our thoughts and feelings can positively or negatively influence our bodies. As Lawrence LeShan, Ph.D. and father of mind-body therapy states, "Feelings affect body chemistry, just as body chemistry affects feelings." You know what it feels like to be stressed out about work, devastated over a break up with that hot guy, or anxious about a test you have to take. Your muscles tighten up, your stomach churns, your head pounds, or a pain in your chest makes you wonder if this is the big one. This is stress and it can wear down your immune system, making you vulnerable to all kinds of diseases. So, throw away those negative thoughts, fill your glass to half full and practice your affirmations, "I am an amazing, beautiful, happy, healthy woman. I am an amazing, beautiful, happy, healthy woman. I am an amazing, beautiful, happy, healthy woman". Got it? Good!
We women are interesting creatures. Many of us know that we should be taking better care of ourselves but it usually takes a snowball hitting us at 80 mph before we take real action. We smoke when we know it causes cancer. We sit on the couch and promise to exercise tomorrow as our muscles shrink and our bones thin. We eat an exorbitant amount of empty carbs, sugars and bad fats as our waist grows and our energy is depleted. We drink too much alcohol even after many studies connect alcohol consumption to breast cancer. We think French fries are a vegetable and Red Bull "gives you wings." But it is never too late to change.
Remember, knowledge is power. Empower yourself by learning as much as you can about your health, good nutrition, and breast cancer, then take the appropriate action. Eat your veggies, ditch the sugar, take your vitamins, get your zzzzz's, shake your booty and throw away those negative thoughts. Knowledge coupled with action is some powerful stuff. You are worth it girl!
By the way, if you are one of the many gorgeous women out there that has been diagnosed with breast cancer, it is not the end of the world. These ten tips still apply especially to help avoid recurrence. Many women like Melissa Etheridge, Sheryl Crow, Suzanne Sommers, Christina Applegate, Carly Simon, Sandra Day O'Conner, Betty Ford, and Peggy Flemming have beaten this disease and so can you. So when life throws a snowball at you, throw it back…harder!
Deanne Brown is one of the 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States today. Find out more about Deanne by clicking here and follow her journey.
First published October 2011 © Copyright
9/1/11
Step Into Your Best Life
By: Paula M. Ezop
What is your best life? Is it determined by age or appearances? Is it made up of things that you own? Is it status? Is it your job title? Is your best life doing what makes you happy? Is it reaching your goals? Is it pursuing your dreams? Or is your best life made up of the things that you can't see, that you can't buy? Is your best life made up of relationships, emotional happiness, love, kindness, and spiritual well being? Or is it a combination of all of these things?
Most of us would agree that our best life is a combination of all of those things, some perhaps more important than others. The wonderful thing is that we are all so very different, what is one person's best life might make someone else very unhappy. Although we are all connected we are also individuals. Yes, individuals with different preferences and priorities, individuals that may enjoy entirely different things. We enjoy living in different places, and we have passions that reflect our spirits, our hearts and our souls. It is simply amazing.
What is even more amazing is that we can create our best life by believing that we can create it starting today. In many ways, we are the masters of our destiny. We can choose to remain positive. We can choose to see the glass half full instead of half empty. We can set our sights high and we can live in the moment, not dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Living as your best self today and enjoying the present. Your best life is filled with joy and happiness from within your soul, with gratitude and hope to live in each moment.
Life has a way of changing just like the rhythm and melody of a song. We go through the different stages of life - as we learn and grow. That brings to mind the lyrics to that wonderful Frank Sinatra song. "But now the days grow short. I'm in the autumn of the year. And now I think of my life like fine old wine, from fine old kegs, from the brim to the dregs, and it poured sweet and clear. It was a very good year…" enjoying the best life into the autumn of our days. Even with all the changes in life, you can still live your best life.
There is a rhythm, a beat, a constantly changing melody to our lives as we continually strive to live our, "best life." We are the composers, we determine the rhythm, we set the pace, and we create the melody and lyrics. We determine the qualities that we desire for our "best life." This inner song that speaks to our souls is what makes our hearts sing! Follow that inner song, the inner joy and happiness. Listen to its beautiful melody, and step into your "best life" this very moment!
First published September 2011 © Copyright
What is your best life? Is it determined by age or appearances? Is it made up of things that you own? Is it status? Is it your job title? Is your best life doing what makes you happy? Is it reaching your goals? Is it pursuing your dreams? Or is your best life made up of the things that you can't see, that you can't buy? Is your best life made up of relationships, emotional happiness, love, kindness, and spiritual well being? Or is it a combination of all of these things?
Most of us would agree that our best life is a combination of all of those things, some perhaps more important than others. The wonderful thing is that we are all so very different, what is one person's best life might make someone else very unhappy. Although we are all connected we are also individuals. Yes, individuals with different preferences and priorities, individuals that may enjoy entirely different things. We enjoy living in different places, and we have passions that reflect our spirits, our hearts and our souls. It is simply amazing.
What is even more amazing is that we can create our best life by believing that we can create it starting today. In many ways, we are the masters of our destiny. We can choose to remain positive. We can choose to see the glass half full instead of half empty. We can set our sights high and we can live in the moment, not dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Living as your best self today and enjoying the present. Your best life is filled with joy and happiness from within your soul, with gratitude and hope to live in each moment.
Life has a way of changing just like the rhythm and melody of a song. We go through the different stages of life - as we learn and grow. That brings to mind the lyrics to that wonderful Frank Sinatra song. "But now the days grow short. I'm in the autumn of the year. And now I think of my life like fine old wine, from fine old kegs, from the brim to the dregs, and it poured sweet and clear. It was a very good year…" enjoying the best life into the autumn of our days. Even with all the changes in life, you can still live your best life.
There is a rhythm, a beat, a constantly changing melody to our lives as we continually strive to live our, "best life." We are the composers, we determine the rhythm, we set the pace, and we create the melody and lyrics. We determine the qualities that we desire for our "best life." This inner song that speaks to our souls is what makes our hearts sing! Follow that inner song, the inner joy and happiness. Listen to its beautiful melody, and step into your "best life" this very moment!
First published September 2011 © Copyright
8/1/11
Finding Yourself When You're Lost
By: Ansa Edim
Relationships and responsibilities can be a heavy load to bear. Work, friends, family, significant others, children, personal time, exercising; there aren't enough hours in the day! When you've gone too long taking care of business without taking care of yourself, it is obvious: you're depressed for little reason, lonely around company, and dissatisfied with who you are. How do you get back to the core of your being without letting anyone (including yourself) down? Answer the following questions:
Who am I?
It's a loaded question. Who are you after you've stripped away your job, your family, your friends, and loved ones? What do you like to do when no one is around? What motivates you? What is your passion? In all the business of life, you could easily have forgotten how much you like to sew or write, or how great it feels to wake up and go for a run. Truly evaluate who you are versus who you want to be. Is there a difference? Do you feel like you're letting yourself down? Remember: it is never too late to be the person you were meant to be.
What do I love about myself?
What you love about yourself should be affirmed as often as possible. When you feel lost in the madness of daily life, you must remember who is most important in your life: you. In order to truly express love outwardly, we must be able to express it to ourselves. Do you love that you are able to accomplish so many things at once? That you are sociable? Always remind yourself that if you are loved by no one, you should always be able to count on yourself. In the darkest times of confusion, you are never alone; you are always loved. When you feel confident in yourself, there is nothing holding you back from achieving your goals.
What makes me feel powerful and strong?
As a woman, it is important to feel strong, even powerful. Whether it is physical strength, emotional fortitude, or executive prowess, think about what makes you feel strong and do it! Can you do 15 pushups? Do you manage a group of people or your home? What gives you strength to feel like you are making a difference in the lives of others as well as your own? Sometimes, we feel weak and depressed because of that weakness. Reaffirm your status as a strong woman on a daily basis. First thing in the morning, say to yourself, "I am strong" and then maintain that mantra throughout the day.
What is important to me?
Although the answer might seem obvious (your family or your career), this question needs some time answering. Take a minute to write it down. Why do you do what you do on a daily basis? Perhaps, it's worth it to work 16 hour days if your career is important to you and you're on a path, or maybe it's worth it to take a year off to start a family. Make sure that you have justified your actions by what is important in your life before anyone else can. Keep it within yourself that there is a reason why you do anything and that reason is because you want to.
How is my life prioritized?
What is important is not always how we prioritize our lives. If our priorities are out of sync with what is truly important, we lose ourselves in the chaos. Sit down with your priorities and think: Is my first priority actually what is most important to me? When your life is prioritized by what is actually important to you, you will be amazed at how your outlook changes. You feel connected to your actions, and no longer tethered to your worries or stress. If you are doing what is truly important to you, you will not be bogged down by it. In essence, you need to love what you do!
How can I find myself when I feel lost?
Look inside you. When you feel disconnected and just going through the motions, think back to who you are, who you want to be, and what is important to you. Reevaluate your priorities,values and goals. Once you do that, all you have to do is face the right direction, put one foot in front of the other, and walk.
First published August 2011 © Copyright
Relationships and responsibilities can be a heavy load to bear. Work, friends, family, significant others, children, personal time, exercising; there aren't enough hours in the day! When you've gone too long taking care of business without taking care of yourself, it is obvious: you're depressed for little reason, lonely around company, and dissatisfied with who you are. How do you get back to the core of your being without letting anyone (including yourself) down? Answer the following questions:
Who am I?
It's a loaded question. Who are you after you've stripped away your job, your family, your friends, and loved ones? What do you like to do when no one is around? What motivates you? What is your passion? In all the business of life, you could easily have forgotten how much you like to sew or write, or how great it feels to wake up and go for a run. Truly evaluate who you are versus who you want to be. Is there a difference? Do you feel like you're letting yourself down? Remember: it is never too late to be the person you were meant to be.
What do I love about myself?
What you love about yourself should be affirmed as often as possible. When you feel lost in the madness of daily life, you must remember who is most important in your life: you. In order to truly express love outwardly, we must be able to express it to ourselves. Do you love that you are able to accomplish so many things at once? That you are sociable? Always remind yourself that if you are loved by no one, you should always be able to count on yourself. In the darkest times of confusion, you are never alone; you are always loved. When you feel confident in yourself, there is nothing holding you back from achieving your goals.
What makes me feel powerful and strong?
As a woman, it is important to feel strong, even powerful. Whether it is physical strength, emotional fortitude, or executive prowess, think about what makes you feel strong and do it! Can you do 15 pushups? Do you manage a group of people or your home? What gives you strength to feel like you are making a difference in the lives of others as well as your own? Sometimes, we feel weak and depressed because of that weakness. Reaffirm your status as a strong woman on a daily basis. First thing in the morning, say to yourself, "I am strong" and then maintain that mantra throughout the day.
What is important to me?
Although the answer might seem obvious (your family or your career), this question needs some time answering. Take a minute to write it down. Why do you do what you do on a daily basis? Perhaps, it's worth it to work 16 hour days if your career is important to you and you're on a path, or maybe it's worth it to take a year off to start a family. Make sure that you have justified your actions by what is important in your life before anyone else can. Keep it within yourself that there is a reason why you do anything and that reason is because you want to.
How is my life prioritized?
What is important is not always how we prioritize our lives. If our priorities are out of sync with what is truly important, we lose ourselves in the chaos. Sit down with your priorities and think: Is my first priority actually what is most important to me? When your life is prioritized by what is actually important to you, you will be amazed at how your outlook changes. You feel connected to your actions, and no longer tethered to your worries or stress. If you are doing what is truly important to you, you will not be bogged down by it. In essence, you need to love what you do!
How can I find myself when I feel lost?
Look inside you. When you feel disconnected and just going through the motions, think back to who you are, who you want to be, and what is important to you. Reevaluate your priorities,values and goals. Once you do that, all you have to do is face the right direction, put one foot in front of the other, and walk.
First published August 2011 © Copyright
7/1/11
Desperate Times
By: Diana
Desperate times call for desperate measures. When we are at the end of our answers, finances, friends, hope, belief, joy and peace, we will feel as if we are in desperate times. So what do we do with the major situation that is at hand? Some of us may go for a walk in the woods or down our street, take a car ride and see some beautiful sites. While others may prefer to drink, smoke, or settle our thoughts in the office of the psychologist/psychiatrist. Other ways we may deal is to take the medicine to settle our nerves and our worries, complain, yell, or blame the person next to us or within the situation.
What is the answer in our life's trials and tribulations? What is the response we should have when our dreams have burst open and soured? What should we do when we cannot even agree with our mate, friends or co-workers on the solution? How could this have all happened, and why has all this happened?
Some answers shared within these times for all who go through them is to believe you will get through this time. Settle your mind on that this will not last forever. Allow yourself to cry, to mourn, to grieve, and to ask the questions; realizing that you may not heal immediately. Instead of dwelling on the situation, find a joyful thing to do. Don't deal with it alone, call a friend that has your best interest at heart or better yet talk about something totally different than the situation. Don't give up and don't give in, for you are going to be able to conquer this desperate time. You will find that the smoke cloud will settle and give way to the clear blue sky. Somehow and someway you will be able to laugh and find joy. Continue to believe that you can make it.
Denying or ignoring the situation is not the best thing to do, however, avoid staying focused on the problem, instead focus on the solution. As you grieve, cry, mourn and search for the answers in our life, revelation will come, understanding will be at the door of your heart, and peace will encompass you and allow you to feel joy from within again. You will not remain numb, distant, oppressed and downtrodden. Even if you have had your moment of these times, they will not stay. Just like the dark cloud becomes a clear blue sky, so will you rise up from your desperate situation. Your heart will be healed and restored; your belief system will once again take a front seat in your life. You will soar while in the midst of the desperate time, not even realizing you have made it till you stop for a moment and see that you are functioning, moving and living life through these times.
Within all of the feelings, frustration, hurt, remorse, sadness, shock and anger, it is within the arms of the Lord that you can find refuge. Knowing that the Lord will help you and give you the grace to continue in his love and care as you rest in him. Storms are settled in his arms, as you settle yourself in his arms. You can even go on with a peace as the situation is raging around you.
Desperate times call for desperate measures. Decision and position is the answer. You must not give up or give in; you must grow through what you go through. You must also grow through these times to newer heights of love and compassion for others, in turn, learning how to help others through their difficult desperate times.
In your desperate time, may you rest in the tender arms of the Lord, assured that he will get you through whatever obstacle you may encounter. Remember that your storm is no surprise to God. He already has the solution, ready for you.
First published July 2011 © Copyright
Desperate times call for desperate measures. When we are at the end of our answers, finances, friends, hope, belief, joy and peace, we will feel as if we are in desperate times. So what do we do with the major situation that is at hand? Some of us may go for a walk in the woods or down our street, take a car ride and see some beautiful sites. While others may prefer to drink, smoke, or settle our thoughts in the office of the psychologist/psychiatrist. Other ways we may deal is to take the medicine to settle our nerves and our worries, complain, yell, or blame the person next to us or within the situation.
What is the answer in our life's trials and tribulations? What is the response we should have when our dreams have burst open and soured? What should we do when we cannot even agree with our mate, friends or co-workers on the solution? How could this have all happened, and why has all this happened?
Some answers shared within these times for all who go through them is to believe you will get through this time. Settle your mind on that this will not last forever. Allow yourself to cry, to mourn, to grieve, and to ask the questions; realizing that you may not heal immediately. Instead of dwelling on the situation, find a joyful thing to do. Don't deal with it alone, call a friend that has your best interest at heart or better yet talk about something totally different than the situation. Don't give up and don't give in, for you are going to be able to conquer this desperate time. You will find that the smoke cloud will settle and give way to the clear blue sky. Somehow and someway you will be able to laugh and find joy. Continue to believe that you can make it.
Denying or ignoring the situation is not the best thing to do, however, avoid staying focused on the problem, instead focus on the solution. As you grieve, cry, mourn and search for the answers in our life, revelation will come, understanding will be at the door of your heart, and peace will encompass you and allow you to feel joy from within again. You will not remain numb, distant, oppressed and downtrodden. Even if you have had your moment of these times, they will not stay. Just like the dark cloud becomes a clear blue sky, so will you rise up from your desperate situation. Your heart will be healed and restored; your belief system will once again take a front seat in your life. You will soar while in the midst of the desperate time, not even realizing you have made it till you stop for a moment and see that you are functioning, moving and living life through these times.
Within all of the feelings, frustration, hurt, remorse, sadness, shock and anger, it is within the arms of the Lord that you can find refuge. Knowing that the Lord will help you and give you the grace to continue in his love and care as you rest in him. Storms are settled in his arms, as you settle yourself in his arms. You can even go on with a peace as the situation is raging around you.
Desperate times call for desperate measures. Decision and position is the answer. You must not give up or give in; you must grow through what you go through. You must also grow through these times to newer heights of love and compassion for others, in turn, learning how to help others through their difficult desperate times.
In your desperate time, may you rest in the tender arms of the Lord, assured that he will get you through whatever obstacle you may encounter. Remember that your storm is no surprise to God. He already has the solution, ready for you.
First published July 2011 © Copyright
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