Friends - a nice story

A holy man was having a conversation with God one day and said, 'God , I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like.'

God led the holy man to two doors.  He opened one of the doors and the holy man looked in.

In the middle of the room was a large round table.  In the middle of the table was a large pot of stew, which smelled delicious and made the holy man's mouth water.  The people sitting around the table were thin and sickly. They appeared to be famished. They were holding spoons with very long handles, that were strapped to their arms and each found it possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a20spoonful.  But because the handle was longer than their arms, they could not get the spoons back into their mouths.

The holy man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering.

God said, 'You have seen Hell.'

They went to the next room and opened the door.  It was exactly the same as the first one.  There was the large round table with the large pot of stew which made the holy man's mouth water.  The people were equipped with the same long-handled spoons, but here the people were well nourished and plump, laughing and talking. The holy man said, 'I don't understand.'

It is simple,' said God . 'It requires but one skill.  You see they have learned to feed each other, while the greedy think only of themselves.'

Remember that I will always share my spoon with you!

Friends are the family that we choose for ourselves.

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45 Lessons of Life and Friends

A dear friend of mine sent me this a few weeks ago:

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me.  It is the most-requested column I've ever written.  My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick.  Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument.  Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone.  It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God.  He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others.  You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye.  But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath.  It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood.  But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie.  Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything.  Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously.  No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life.  Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day.  Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time.  You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

And that is solid advise if I ever read any.

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An inspirational story

Here is another inspirational story of weight loss and healthy living:

MeE and MY shadow....

I weighed myself yesterday. The scales said 141.6...I realized that I had now lost 70 pounds! I then put on my gift to myself a pair of size 8 Kymaro jeans I was saving for this moment. Never in my life have I wore a size 8. They look good, yes, I can honestly tell you that.

I have been where this lady is. I just recently hit my 70-pound mark. Yup, I have lost 70 pounds since January 1 of this year (2009). My pant size went from a 42 to a 32. My t-shirt size from an XL to a medium.

If I can do it, anyone can do it.

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The right attitude, the right strategy, the right life

One of my SparkPeople friends wrote a great blog about her latest vacation trip and how she managed to incorporate healthy habits into even the most difficult of environments so that she can stay fit and healthy. I invite you to read Ingrid's blog — I bet you will laugh and also learn a lot:

Back from Vacation and Exercised in Small Spaces

Ingrid shows us what it takes to be healthy and fit regardless of the circumstances we may come across. If she can do this in the unusual conditions she describes, what is our excuse when we are at home and have everything at hand?

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Turning TV Off

We recently begun cutting TV time down to as little as possible. It had gotten to the point where the TV was an automatic appliance as soon as the kids came in the house. Many times it was on without anyone watching it. Worse yet, kids were zoned out if they were in front of the tube. So now we are limiting the TV use, and they are playing more games, reading more, and doing other things that are better for them.

Turn off those TVs!

Startling TV Facts

If you find it hard to escape the sights and sounds of the tube, or if watching your favorite show turns into more wasted hours than you planned, you're not alone. Americans watch TV for an average of 4 hours every day; even when we're not watching, the television is on--for almost 8 hours a day in the average home. Have you ever realized how much TV has become a part of our lives? Here are some more startling facts, from the non-profit organization, TV-Turnoff Network:

40% of Americans always or often watch TV while eating dinner. Eating dinner or snacking in front of the TV is linked to overeating and dissatisfaction. When you're distracted, you're not mindful of the meal you are eating, causing you to eat more without realizing it or really enjoying your food. Turn off the TV (and other distractions like the computer or the phone), and you'll savor that portion-controlled meal.

50% of U.S. households have 3 or more TVs. When you have more TVs, chances are, more of your family members are watching--instead of spending quality time together, doing homework, and being active.

Think it would impossible to turn off your TV for an entire week? Imagine how much more free time you would have if you didn't spend time watching TV! There are lots of fun (and healthy) things you could do with your newfound time. Here are some examples:

• Get active! Think you don't have time to exercise? Here's your opportunity!
• Make it a family event! Take the kids out for a walk, ride bikes, learn a new sport, go canoeing, etc.
• Read a book or magazine
• Go to bed earlier and get your recommended 7-8 hours of sleep
• Start that new hobby you've been wanting to try
• Cook dinner for your family and enjoy it together at the table
• Volunteer at your local church or community center

Source: http://www.SparkPeople.com

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Top 8 'Mediterranean Diet' Foods You Should be Eating

Top 8 'Mediterranean Diet' Foods You Should be Eating

A European Mediterranean eating style is considered a healthy way to eat by many health professionals. One primary reason is because of its plant based focus as well as that it is low in refined sugar and preservatives. These are very different eating patterns compared to the typical American diet.

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Cut Calories Without Dieting

Cut Calories Without Dieting

Here are a few tips to help you decrease your caloric intake without "dieting" or feeling deprived.

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A sad day: remembering David Martin

A good friend of mine and co-worker, David Martin, passed away last night. He was very young, close to 40 years old and, despite having had problems with his heart several months ago, he appeared to be in good health.

David was the kind of person that enjoyed life. He was an avid photographer, and he was darn good at it too.

One of David's many qualities was his uncanny sense of honesty. He was very expressive with his opinions, and you always knew where he stood on issues.

David leaves behind a wonderful wife, Christie, and two beautiful daughters.

I will miss David.

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Your smallest actions add up to something big

Everything you do makes a difference. Even if you're not on the front lines leading the effort, you have a contribution to make. Without your contribution, no matter how small, so many other things would never happen. The world needs what you have to offer. You have no idea how the simplest of your everyday actions can effect your child, and even people you've never met. Chances are, you'll never know. But if you're looking for a purpose to work toward, all you need is the desire and the right perspective. Define yourself as your task, and that's all you'll ever be. Define yourself as your contribution to your family, and suddenly you're a very important part of a bigger picture. The biggest pictures are the ones where there's room for everyone to be seen.

Source: http://www.SparkPeople.com

For want of a nail, the shoe was lost. For want of the shoe, the horse was lost. For want of the horse, the rider was lost. For want of the rider, the battle was lost. For want of the battle, the kingdom was lost. And all for the want of a horseshoe nail!

- Old English rhyme

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Make July a Stress-Reduction Month

Got stress? Here is some help:

31 Days to Less Stress

SparkPeople's calendar feature will help you focus on one healthy habit each month. For July, that means decreasing and managing the stress in your life to better enjoy the lazy days of summer.

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