Easy Way to Stay Healthy

To learn more about my stay healthy "must have", Colloidal Silver, go to: http://lifeforce.net/index.php?mode=products&section=12&key=90
To see how amazing Life Force product's really are, use enroller and sponsor i.d. 20726313

Forgot to mention:
One of the reasons that I love the colloidal silver being 100% natural and alcohol and toxin free is I can use it on my daughter's hands and not worry about her getting chemicals in her mouth, because lets face it little kids love to stick their hands in their mouths. One less thing for parents to worry about!!
 
It also works well for diaper rash and burns...you will also find it in my first aid kits!!

In the video I mentioned "you don't have to live with lupus". As much as I would like to say these products can cure, I can't make that claim...we are all different and it would be wrong of me to make that claim. I will, however, say that Life Force products have transformed many lives not just my mom's life. You can read some of those stories here: http://liquidstories.com/

Take the November Unplug Challenge for a Chance to Win a Free Massage or Body Decoding Session

A little extra incentive to get you to unplug...a chance to win a free hands-on Bodywork/Massage Session or a long distance Body Decoding Telesession. See details below. Learn more about these sessions: http://return2balance.blogspot.com/p/services-rates.html

Drawing Rules:
1) Subscribe to this YouTube Channel so you will continue to receive tips on how to live a happy, healthy life: http://www.youtube.com/ReturntoBalance

2) Unplug from electronic devices (including but not limited to: cell phones, t.v., internet, computers, etc) one day a week (at least 12 consecutive hours). I will exclude ereader/ipad if it is being used for the purpose of reading a book. I am also updating this to allow devices to be used for the purpose of meal planning/cooking.

How you can win:
Your name will be entered into the drawing each time you unplug one day a week in the month of November (4 chances total). If you unplugged that week, either email me at returntobalance@gmail.com or let me know in the comment section of this email. I have no way of proving you did in fact unplug but I'm trusting you to be honest. 

Winner will be picked in December.

I'd also love to hear comments on what you did instead of being plugged in.

Some of my favorite things to do while unplugged: be outside, exercise, journal, read for leisure, learn something new, engage in a favorite hobby, spend time with people that enrich my life, have alone time, dance, meditate and more. I can also be incredibly productive by using the time to get house projects done, organize, etc. I'm always excited when I find a new way to simply and streamline my life!

Be More Present: Unplug!

"Be present" is sage advice...how do you do that though?!? Check out my latest YouTube video for one of the techniques I use to be more present and bring balance to my life:

Video Description/Summary:
We live in a time of amazing technology that can connect us instantly. Life is short though and living in this "instant response" mode just quickens the pace. Not to mention the energy-draining, time consuming devices that we spend so much time plugged into. Unplugging is one of the ways that I have been able to be more present. This technique has also helped me to have more energy and open more time in my life so that I can move beyond the daily grind and pursue things that move my life forward in a meaningful way.

I highly recommend:Checking your messages, especially email, in the morning, afternoon and evening instead of continually throughout the day. You might actually find that this makes you more efficient and helps you better manage your time.

Unplug completely one day a week. I usually do this on a Saturday or Sunday. This practice has changed my life!

September Facebook Posts: Recharging Your Battery & Honoring Your Energy

Since many of my clients are not on Facebook, as promised here is a digest of September's posts. As of 10-22-12, there was only one non-video post. The video post (dated 10-17-2012) can be seen on this site or at http://www.youtube.com/ReturntoBalance


Posted to Facebook on 9-18-2012:

Recharging Your Battery & Honoring Your Energy
After a massage I often recommend clients take a salt bath. It's a great way to help prolong the benefits of the session, ease detox, decrease muscle soreness and more. Unfortunately its not always feasible. So here's a quick alternative: a 10-15 minute foot salt soak. Dissolve a ratio of 1 cup Epsom salt to 1/2 gallon water. For a little extra pampering you can add any of the following: use luxury salts, pumice your feet, add marbles to the bath (roll feet over) or finish with some cooling peppermint lotion. This is a great quick pick me up when your energy is feeling low.

It feels like I have been attached to my phone, laptop and other energy draining devices for the last month due to the flurry of activity. Good stress is still stress and the body doesn't know the difference. So it's time for me to unplug and recharge. In the past I would have a good week then my super week of "being on the ball" and then an awful week. In pursuing the parenting project I finally realized that this is my energy cycle: two high energy weeks and then a need to slow down for a week.

My body is already telling me I've pushed myself too long. Oh yes, our bodies speak to us. More on that another time. Now its time for me to unplug and rest. Last week was my "on the ball" week. Instead of having an awful week this week I'm going to slow down and rest. It's time I stop trying to fight for consistent energy all the time and simply embrace and honor the ebb and flow that is my energy. Who knows maybe in recognizing this I won't need to spend so much time recharging. Now I'm going to go soak my feet :)

Avoid Cold/Flu Season

Video summary and additional tips not mentioned in the video are below.

The "subscribe" button mentioned applies to the YouTube page and I was wrong it is above the video not to the right of it...live and learn.  http://www.youtube.com/ReturntoBalance

This video was also posted on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Return-to-Balance-LLC/309904055773492?ref=hl

Not mentioned in the video:

Do you have some tricks of your own for boosting your immune system? Feel free to share them in the comment section below.

Drinking water (half your weight in oz, ie if you weigh 100 lbs your ideal amount would be 50 oz) can help keep your body flushed of toxins. Toxin build up can put you at a higher risk of getting sick.

Using a tissue/hanky and putting it back into your pocket is a great way to spread germs to everything in your pocket such as money, which you will probably give to someone else to pay for something...that cash will be handled by many people.

If you do get sick, the best thing is to stay home if you can. Taking a day or two off to let your body rest can help you fight the bug faster...an added bonus is it protects the rest of us from catching your bug.

Video Summary:

I am noticing people coughing and sneezing and hearing reports about stomach bugs and other viruses. The cold and flu season may already be upon us. Here are some of the ways I stay healthy and avoid getting sick during cold and flu season.

The Importance of Vitamin D3: Starting this time of the year I take 5,000-10,000 IU of Vitamin D3. If you aren't comfortable taking this amount, you can ask your doctor to test your vitamin D levels and discuss an appropriate dose. We naturally get vitamin D from the sun. There are so many benefits from being outdoors! Being out in the sun also causes the brain to release the feel good chemical serotonin. This can help combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or a lesser case of the winter blues, which can result due to less daylight this time of the year.

Cover Your Neck: If you do go outside, cover your neck. Even if it is a nicer day and you don't want to be bundled in a heavy coat, at least wear a scarf or clothing (like a turtleneck) to make sure your neck is covered. Wind and cold (I forgot to mention in the video dampness too) enter the body through the area where your head and neck meet and can cause you to get sick.

If You Do Get Sick: cough/sneeze into your elbow instead of your hands/Kleenex, it is more sanitary. If you do cough/sneeze into your hands/Kleenex, wash your hands immediately. Please don't spread your bug to the rest of us by touching things with your contaminated hands.

Hope these tips help you stay happy and healthy! For more tips, subscribe to my YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/ReturntoBalance

The Parenting Project's End???

Looks like another mommy my have beat me to the punch. The book "Why Have Kids?" by Jessica Valenti was published September 4, 2012: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0547892616/thedaibea-20/

If this parenting project goes no further than this, it was worth every: milisecond of time, ounce of energy and even all the times I worked into the wee hours of the morning...which were numerous. This project wove inspiration and truth telling into every aspect of my life. It made me take an honest look at myself and my life. It allowed me to connect to something that mattered to me and made me no longer afraid of the sound of my voice. In less than a month I started networking again in person and online. I also finally embraced social media like Facebook, blogging and even set up my own You Tube channel: http://www.youtube.com/ReturntoBalance.

In developing these things for the parenting project, I also set them up for my wellness practice. I mentioned inspiration weaving its way into every aspect, that included my practice. I recently figured out a way to do the work I do in a deeper more meaningful way, for myself and hopefully my clients. I also figured out a way to expand my practice to the biggest vision I had set for it 5+ years ago when I first decided to work for myself...working beyond the barriers and limitations of location and schedules. I am in the process of turning these ideas into a reality.

I'm glad this other book is out there, that someone else saw a need for this and that perhaps it will get the conversation started. I've got plenty on my plate right now anyway. I will, however, leave the project's Facebook page up and continue to contribute to it as my schedule permits. I've come to greatly enjoy sharing my current and past parenting moments with you, despite how embarrassing some of them may be. I'll also leave the survey up so parents have a place to experience truth telling anonymously: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NTVMRY5 If you want to share publicly, please feel free to post on the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Dark-Side-of-Parenting-Project/410319935698235?ref=hl

Truth telling helped lift this veil of shame so I could see my life more clearly. Now I can see the beauty beyond the illusion...my life is so so very rich...and getting richer by the moment :)

This is what connecting to and sharing my truth did for me...what might it do for you?

Other Parenting Resources

[Initial description (post dated 8-16-12), mission/scopes of The Dark Side of Parenting Project and information about the anonymous survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NTVMRY5 can be seen in previous posts below. I've also added a page listing these to avoid scrolling as there are more updates, see list on right hand side.]

In my search to see what else is out there regarding open, honest discussion of parenthood, I came across the Madison Postpartum Peers (http://madisonpostpartum.wordpress.com/) Their first meeting is September 22, 2012. In my initial announcement about my parenting project,

I mentioned that the shame, disenchantment, etc felt different than postpartum depression. I think, however, if left unchecked these feelings can lead to it. If this holds true for you, this group may be a good resource. A special thank you to Ann, the group's coordinator, for your encouraging email and "truthing".

Parenting Project: Open Sharing

[Initial description (post dated 8-16-12), mission/scopes of The Dark Side of Parenting Project and information about the anonymous survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NTVMRY5 can be seen in previous posts below. I've also added a page listing these to avoid scrolling as there are more updates, see list on right hand side.]

Thank you again to all of you who have showed support for this project. Your stories and comments touch my heart and encourage me to press on. I want to make it clear that the survey isn't just for moms. It's for all parents...that means you too dads. I was saddened to hear that Happy Bambino currently isn't offering the support group for dads. Dads deserve (and need) to share their stories just as much as moms do.

 

Initially I put a deadline on the survey. Now, however, it is simply a place for you to share your story until the max number of responses has been met. I also changed the disclaimer on the survey so you now have the option to deny giving me permission to publish what is written. I truly believe that writing your story is healing in and of itself. Please feel free to use the survey for this purpose.

 

If this project resonates with you, please "like" it on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Dark-Side-of-Parenting-Project/410319935698235?ref=hl and spread the word.

On Facebook & More Parenting Project Expansion

[Initial description (post dated 8-16-12), mission/scopes of The Dark Side of Parenting Project and information about the anonymous survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NTVMRY5 can be seen in previous posts below. I've also added a page listing these to avoid scrolling as there are more updates, see list on righthand side.]

Late last night I went to set up a Facebook profile only to discover I already had one, LOL! Apparently I sent up a profile, but never published it...back in 2009. So yes Return to Balance, LLC is now on Facebook. Thanks in advance for "liking" me (I hope to figure out what that means soon) and following the project's evolution on this blog.

As this (recently former) introvert was out and about talking to people about the project, I realized another ripple effect and power of the truth...

and added to the scope of this project: exploring the energy that comes from inspiration.

More on that later.


Return to Balance LLC Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Return-to-Balance-LLC/309904055773492?ref=hl

The Dark Side of Parenting Project Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Dark-Side-of-Parenting-Project/410319935698235?ref=hl

Parenting Project Update: The Scope Expands...Again

[Initial description (post dated 8-16-12), mission/scopes of this project and information about the anonymous survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NTVMRY5 can be seen in previous posts below. I've also added a page listing these to avoid scrolling as there are more updates, see list on righthand side.]

I had no idea I'd be posting another update again so soon but here we go. I have no idea how to do this blogging thing in a user-friendly way. I'm open to suggestions on a better way, please email me if you have any. (My momma brain seems to have sucked any technology savviness I had out of me.)

This project is continually pushing me further and further out of my comfort zone. Some of you may be reading this because of it. Yesterday I handed out 60 cards with the survey info on it. I've never even done such a thing for my own business or any other endeavor. Today I went to speak to a moms group. What I imagined was walking in nervously telling them about my survey and running out as quickly as possible. What occurred was much more powerful. I walked in and no one was there. I waited a few minutes and another mom walked in. Our kids played and I said nothing about my project. A little later another mom walked in, "oh good some new moms, how exciting to not be the only ones". My heart sank. As we were talking all of a sudden one mom said "I wish I could go back to before I was a mom and slap myself for what I thought about other moms". And there was my opening, deep breath...

As I began to talk about this project I heard the scope expand once again but this time through my own words. I began..."I'm feeling guided to pursue this project that explores the power and ripple effect of telling the truth" and then told them some of the details. I braced myself and held my breath. Out of these two moms I heard "that's beautiful...there's so much unsaid..." and I exhaled. Then I heard the statement that shattered all of my nervousness, "there is so much shame that comes with being a mom".

What resulted (for me anyway) was this amazing genuine exchange between three moms. One mom shared (and gave me permission to blog) "I don't go to the Y to workout. I drop my kids in the daycare knowing they are safe and I take a nice, long shower. It's how I stay sane." As these women shared some of their stories I shared some of mine as well, some of which in the spirit of this project I will share with you now.

Prior to having my daughter, in an effort to become less introverted, I joined The Networking Group (TNC which became Pro Alliances). It was an amazing experience for me and took my business to the point that when the economy was struggling thankfully my little wellness practice was recession proof. I went from feeling like a gold fish in a shark tank the first meeting to actually running part of the meetings as (ironically) the Communications Chair. Something happened though when my daughter was born, a whole new HUGE wall of insecurity went up. I stopped networking for various reasons and excuses: I'm only working part time and have more clients than I can schedule right now so I don't need new contacts, my daughter doesn't go to daycare and I can't take her with me. (I didn't even go to the Working Moms Networking Group, I had previously been attending, which is open to you bringing your kids.) Mostly though I thought, I am a diapering and breastfeeding machine...I have nothing to say...what am I going to talk about...my kid's super poop of the day. At that point I withdrew and became even more introverted than before. I even drew back from some people close to me...I have nothing of value to share with them...I don't want to be that person that only talks about her kid...I have nothing else to talk about.

Talking with these two moms today confirmed that I'm not the only one that is experiencing this...it is a common theme. One of the moms mentioned that she recently connected with a group of women on facebook that feel the same way...a group of 70. Thank you for the wonderful conversation and telling your facebook group about this...I hope to see you on there soon...bear with me, baby steps...

Also I look forward to our upcoming play dates. A wonderful side effect of mom stepping up and out of her shame...my daughter gets to have more play date friends. And the power of sharing the truth ripples on...