Monday Morning Musing….

Written by: Debbie

Once again, a weekend has passed and I am preparing for a busy week ahead. At the end of the week, I am attending a conference in Daytona Beach with the International Association of Therapists and Counselors. I will be giving presentations, so I am working out the last minute details of these seminars. There are appointments to keep during the week. Wednesday is my wonderful husband’s birthday, so we will be celebrating that! All in all, a busy, productive week. I love those.

I will take a few moments to reflect on my gratitude, as this morning I have so much to be grateful for. Two of my brothers live just outside of Macon, Georgia. This weekend tornadoes swept through that area. Both of my brothers were untouched, their families are safe. Both brothers are involved in the clean up. That truly is a reason for gratitude. My sister in law is in a suburb of Khartoum right now. Over the weekend rebels from Darfur attacked a nearby village. Her friend Tito lives in that village, he was away from home and stayed at a nearby church for safety. Both are safe right now. More gratitude.

Research shows the effects on the brain and immune system from emotional displays like gratitude; kind, affirming words cause chemical changes in the brain that work much like antidepressants (creating a sense of peace and calm). As a positive message travels along a nerve in the brain and reaches the end of the nerve, chemicals are released then picked up by the next nerve allowing the message to continue through out. These chemicals, known as neurotransmitters release the feel good chemicals such as serotonin.

However, the gratitude must be genuine. So, perhaps in a given moment you don’t feel gratitude for what is occurring in your life. What then? Perhaps that is a time to take stock of what is good and right in your life. Are you safe in this moment? Do you have your health? Think of one small thing that is right, in this moment and focus on that.

Gratitude is a choice. So is bitterness. Your health and well being depend upon your attitude, your choices. You can remain bitter and allow yourself to become numb, ill or even worse or you can choose in this moment to focus on something, anything to feel gratitude for. Imagine moving through an event and until you reach a place where you say, “ I learned something.” Then imagine as a result the next time adversity hits, you are prepared with knowledge as well as a neurological and physical resilience. Knowing that you will be OK. Then you truly are able to give thanks and be grateful.

Mother’s Day

Written by: Debbie

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mom’s out there, especially to Mumsy.

It was through Mumsy that I learned about loyalty. She is loyal to a fault. Truly, it is a fault of hers, I tried to change her, but she is stubborn. Wait, let’s call that tenacious, because I am so much like her. My dear mother believes the best about everyone, holds on to her beliefs regardless of misunderstandings (or even facts). She loves as unconditionally as a human is capable of loving.

Mumsy taught me the values I hold dear, like honesty and compassion. She has always had a great senses of humor as well. She taught me to laugh, we have shared many laughs. My mother taught me to think things through, then follow my heart. She taught me how to parent, hopefully my boys know they are loved, the way I knew it growing up. She adores my boys, it is evident. (She spoils them and undoes all my discipline!)

Most importantly, my mother taught me every naughty thing I have ever done. That is my story and I am sticking to it. It isn’t the devil who made me do it, it is my own dear mother! So, cry innocent all you want, Mumsy dearest, the truth is out for all the world to see. Oh and by the way, I love you Mumsy.

Friday Silliness

Written by: Debbie

This has been around for a while. It just seems appropriate for me today. It seems I have more blonde moments when my sons are around to point them out. I mean really, how was I supposed to know that the computer monitor works better when it is plugged in? (We had unplugged everything to move stuff around.) Is it my fault that my glasses were on top of my head while I frantically searched for them? Who expects to remember to bring the clothes they’ve packed with them? Well, you get the idea.

But hey, we laugh a lot around here. Just last night, I went on a sunset cruise. The water was rough and the boat was throwing us around. The captain kept slowing down and speeding up, just to hear my laugh. I was hysterical as the water was splashing all over my lovely outfit. It just struck my funny bone and that made everyone else laugh at/with me.

May 8th

Written by: Debbie

Funny how certain dates seem to stick out for an individual. There are obvious dates, such as holidays, birthdays and anniversary’s. Then there are those that over time just seem to become significant. May 8th is one of those for me.

Initially it was the birthday of a friend of mine from way back in high school. Mary’s nickname was Mullet. Not because of hair, this name preceded that awful mutation by years! Mullet was the first person to say to me, “thoughts become things”. She had an amazing upbeat personality and outlook. I learned so much about thinking positive from her. Mullet saw possibilities everywhere, her energy was high and I will forever remember her laugh as she would say “Oh Coppertone, you are so funny!” at something ridiculous I had stated in the moment. I will always carry a piece of Mullet with me through out life. She left an incredible and wonderful mark on me.

May 8th took on a new meaning the year I lived through a storm that flooded out the apartment complex I was living in. I have written about this event before. It was life altering for me. My apartment was on the second floor, above flood level, so many residents took shelter in our home until the rescue boats were able to deliver them to dry land. During this time, I made it my duty to keep everyone in good spirits. I conducted sing a longs. (Many people sang along just to drown out my voice!) We told jokes and became comrades in the storm.

Today is May 8th and again there is an event of significance for me. I have made a friend on the net who is a blogger. His blog BadEvan is raw and sometimes harsh. He views life from a jaded and angry aspect, according to him. There is another side to this young man, but I promised to never publicly tell how I view him. BadEvan is facing major surgery today. He is having a complete colectomy. He has suffered for many years with Sever Ulcerative Colitis, the medications are not effective and this is a dramatic step the doctors feel they must take.

As I am writing this, BadEvan is in the operating room. So, my thoughts and prayers are with him and his surgeon. I ask that you join me in sending positive thoughts and prayers his direction. It is my intent that May 8th take on one more significance, that it becomes the day my friend BadEvan began a new life, healthy and whole. For BadEvan, I see possibilities and opportunities ahead!

Seven Useful Facts

Written by: Debbie

I have made an online friend with the adorable Rachel of The Baked Blogger. Rachel blogs about her baking, her family and life in general. Whether or not we agree, she is as sweet as the recipes she shares.

Unfortunately, Rachel tagged me with yet another of those meme games. I swore I would never do another, so I guess my swearing doesn’t mean much at this moment. Let this serve as a warning, however, to any and all others, I will not participate ever again!

In this particular game, I am expected to list 7 facts about myself that make me useful? What, like a cup or a monkey wrench? That is a tough one for me. Maybe if I compare myself to useful items in my life I will be able to come up with seven things.

1. A cup: you fill a cup with a liquid to hold it as you drink from it as needed. I am willing to be filled with your thoughts and dreams prior to a hypnosis session, then you slowly will drain back as needed. (Ugh, already this is sounding corny.)

2. A shoe: shoes provide protection for your feet as you walk on your journey, as well as often building your self esteem and identity. Hopefully, I provide a safe space for you on your journey, while you begin to become aware of your value and uniqueness.

3. A watch: watches keep you aware of the passing of time. It is my goal to help you enjoy the moments as they pass, noticing the joys in each one.

4. A cell phone: a way to communicate with others, no matter where you are or they are. It is my hope that through our sessions, you improve the internal dialogue you have, thus improving your interactions with everyone you encounter.

5. A hacky sack: no, I am not the universal hacky sack for everyone to kick and toss. However, when you play with a hacky sack, often you release energy and develop coordination, through focus. I allow people to vent and release, then help them become more focused on achieving their goals, leaving the mundane garbage behind.

6. A pen: pens are used to journal, to sign documents, to leave a mark behind. In hypnosis you are able to go into a brain wave pattern that allows for creative thought and answers. If you follow a hypnosis session with journaling, amazing stuff ends up on the page! Stuff that may help you create your signature or mark!

7. The delete key: Imagine taking old beliefs about yourself that limited you in some way and just plain hitting delete. That is what often occurs in a hypnosis session.

Ok, I played along. I am not sure this was exactly what Rachel meant, not what you, my loyal friends hoped to find here today. It is what it is. Next blog, back to hypnotic thoughts.

Monday Morning Musing….

Written by: Debbie

This weekend I was invited to a fabulous luncheon. The hostess was expressing gratitude. The event was amazing, a collection of the most eclectic individuals, it was an honor to be included. The meal was divine, she had a “special guest” who provided intrigue and the gifts she gave were most amazing.

She gave me a book! Everyone surely knows at this point how I love books. (I sat and read it poolside yesterday.) Knowing my preoccupation with shoes, it was fun to receive a shoe magnet amongst the goodies as well. Mostly, it was the attitude of these divine individuals that I felt the most blessed by. The gratitude the hostess was sharing, became contagious. Everyone seemed to be sharing stories of gratitude in their lives, connecting, blessing.

All too often we use familiar thought patterns, going to the negative. We focus on what is wrong in our day, the situation, our lives. This moment was special. It was an opportunity to think about what is right in our lives, how we have been blessed. Blessed even by instances that seemed negative at first glance.

Take a moment and imagine right here, right now, what are the blessings in your life. If you are reading this, most likely, you have access to a world of information about any given subject. How awesome is that? Through the internet we have the ability to communicate with loved ones at a distance. My sister in law just left for mission work in Africa. I am certainly grateful for internet connections with her.

I enjoy going to this blog for reminders on how simple it is to stay in the moment and be grateful. Check out: Things I’m Grateful For

I am also grateful for my webmaster, friend. She reminds me that my blog is not supposed to take all of my time on a Monday, when there are other opportunities at hand. So, with gratitude, I leave you this thought: God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say “thank you?” ~William A. Ward

Friday Silliness

Written by: Debbie

Yesterday, my good friend and colleague, The Transparent Hypnotist (Ellie Blunt) left a comment on my blog about the book I reviewed. She mentioned often being given books that require a dictionary, in order to read them. I can so relate to that, my oldest son often gives me books he believes I will enjoy and understand. (Perhaps it is just that he is hoping to raise his mom above the blonde IQ!) I have been enjoying The Owner’s Manuel For The Brain, however, I needed a teaching aid to help me visualize all the parts of the brain.

Well, today I have found it and want to share it with you.

I Will Live A Thousand Years

Written by: Debbie

Last Friday, my friend Mark Byrne (the Balloon Guy) loaned me a book he felt I might enjoy. I enjoy books, that is not a secret. I read voraciously, I love to read. However, I have books everywhere. I have a book on my nightstand that I am in the midst of, I have a book in my office I am part way through, I have another book where we watch television to read (just in case my husband puts sports, other than hockey on). I have a book in my car, you never know when you might get stuck somewhere and want to pass the time. So, really, another book to read? What is more, this book was a loan.

Loaners carry a few understood requirements with them. Number one, the book must be returned in good condition. (Especially one like this that was signed by the author.) The book must be returned in a timely fashion. Finally, the person who loans the book will expect an honest reaction t0 the book, so it must be read! Tomorrow morning, I see Mark again. Tomorrow morning I will return the book. At this moment, providing an unforeseen act of God or my dog, the book is in good condition. So, timely and good conditions are met.

I have to be honest, I was not sure how number three was going to go for me. Mark was so enthusiastic about the book and the author. I tend to be a bit more jaded in my views, I wasn’t sure I was going to agree. It is a self help/motivational book, as if I haven’t read a million of those in my line of work. The title didn’t grab me (my apologies to the author.)

When I return the book will I have a review to share with Mark? Did I complete the book? Will he like what I have to say about the book? Yes, yes and yes! I picked the book up on Saturday, read it straight through, finishing it Saturday night. I loved the book, have reviewed parts of it again through out the week and plan on ordering my own copy, as well as the companion “tools” that the author has created to go with the book.

I have delayed telling you the name and author long enough. The book is Live A Thousand Years and the author is Giovanni Livera. Livera managed to weave a tale that captivates the imagination while reminding you of the importance of measuring your life by moments and experiences rather than by clocks and calendars.

I often remind my clients while under hypnosis that time is a gift that only we can give ourselves. Often we squander time on unnecessary details or give away our time, leaving ourselves overwhelmed. In hypnosis, the concept of time becomes distorted. Many times a client will believe they have been with me for 10 minutes when it has actually been closer to two hours! This book reads that easily. I was truly mesmerized.

Give yourself the gift of time and the pleasure of the wisdom that Giovanni Livera has to share. Read his book, Live A Thousand Years and be ready to be inspired to make changes in your life.

Live A Thousand Years

No Excuses

Written by: Debbie

I often tell my sons, excuses only please the one who is making them. When we don’t live up to our responsibilities, it is time to take inventory of ourselves and figure out why. Are the expectations more than we are capable of or are we choosing to let life’s circumstances control us? Is it time, perhaps to re-group, reorganize or rethink our priorities?

This has been the case with me. I can give you a list as long as you like as to why I allowed myself to fall off the wagon when it comes to managing my weight and my health. The truth is, I did not treat myself and my body with the love and respect I deserve. I choose to let life get in the way. So, I am done with excuses and reasons. Only a few days into my resolve, I am already feeling better.

I have been juicing again, oh how I love fresh carrot, celery and whatever veggies I have on hand in a juice. I really do like the taste! (My youngest son thinks I am a bit daft for that, but he is a teenager.) I am following through with lots of water, slow eating and stopping when I am full. My body is responding with a very clear thank you! I am feeling more energetic, sleeping more soundly and even my clothes are more forgiving!

I am using my own audios to enhance my resolve. I enjoy the power that hypnosis gives me. What an awesome gift it is. I am motivating myself with self hypnosis to get out and move. It is feeling so much better to respect myself. Seems others respect me more when I do this as well. Isn’t it funny how that happens?

Monday Morning Musing….

Written by: Debbie

Yesterday was a beautiful, sunny day here in Florida. Chamber of Commerce weather, even. So, my husband and I decided to take advantage of that and rode our bikes up to Innisbrook to lay by the pool. The ride was more difficult than I remembered. I wore a one piece swimsuit, poolside, black. I made sure our chairs were right next to the pregnant woman. All the signs were there, I was feeling uncomfortable.

Yes, I eat healthy foods. I eat slowly, placing the fork down between bites. I stop eating when my body signals it is full, not stuffed. I drink lots of water. Most of the time. Lately, not so much and now I was aware of that. It is time to get back to feeling as healthy and lean as possible. I feel better when I am following proper eating and exercise guidelines. I know that. Yet, I let it slide.

One recent morning I was out walking when a neighbor stopped me. He asked,”Why do you walk, aren’t you a hypnotist? I thought you would just imagine the weight away!” He was serious. If only it were that easy. Yes, hypnosis is a weight management tool in my arsenal, however, I follow the same guidelines I give my clients. Lately, I guess I thought I could get away without doing so and it has shown up on the hips!

So, I am listening to my audios again, reinforcing good habits. I am remembering to focus on health and being committed to myself, rather than on fat and loss. I forgive myself for past mistakes, moving forward, towards good health. I can’t change yesterday, I can only start from where I am right now.

Because of this awareness, I have decided to make it easier for anyone else who wants to make changes as the summer is approaching. I am offering my Lean, Healthy You audio at the discounted rate of $17.00. That is a savings of $6.77! This is available at my website for a limited time.

Join me, begin taking steps towards a healthier, happier you. When you begin your quest, drop me a note and let me know how you are progressing. We can share our victories and even our challenges. Let’s make this the summer of a Lean Healthy You!