Health Talk Today

Motivation and Inspiration

45 Life Lessons and 5 to Grow On

Jan 13th, 2012
by Marilyn.
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One of my favorite sayings is, “Life’s good … and I’m paying attention.” This is my New Year’s Resolution … Remembering that life IS good and not letting the days just slip by – one after another. Each day is special and I want to pay attention.

Regina Brett is a columnist for my hometown newspaper, The Cleveland Plain Dealer. I recently ran across her article from May 28, 2006 titled Brett’s 45 life lessons and 5 to grow on.” I’m posting it here to share with all my readers. But, I’m also posting it so I can read it often throughout the year.

Regina Brett

Following is Regina Brett’s column written on May 28, 2006 …

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 rolls over to 50 this week, so here’s an update:

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. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

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. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.

17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.

18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.

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. Overprepare, 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 except 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. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn’t do.

35. Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.

36. Growing old beats the alternative – dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.

38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.

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. Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

42. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.

43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

45. The best is yet to come.

46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

48. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.

49. Yield.

50. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.

From now on, every time I say “Have a good day” I’m going to mean it. How about you? Leave a comment with your favorite life lesson.

Marilyn Kvasnok

Flash Mob Dance

Jul 13th, 2011
by Marilyn.
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In this hectic, stressful world, I found a feel good video that always makes me smile. As of today, 2,280,798 people have watched it. Well, that’s not exactly true. I’ve watched it several times! I hope you enjoy it, too.

What’s your favorite inspirational or fun video?



Cultivate the Skill That Will Set You Apart: Charisma

Jan 5th, 2011
by Marilyn.
2 comments

(ARA) – You speak well, dress professionally, have impressive experience and can clearly communicate complex information in speech and writing.  But thousands of other professionals and job-seekers possess the same qualities.  So what sets the movers and shakers apart from the masses?  Could it be charisma?

Many people can’t quite put their finger on that exact quality that makes certain professionals more desirable to prospective employers and many people believe charisma simply can’t be taught.

Not so, says Kurt Mortensen, a leading authority on persuasion, motivation and influence.  It is possible for virtually anyone to develop a compelling presence.  “Charisma is the ability to empower and persuade others to believe in you, trust in you and want to be influenced by you.  If there is just one skill to master out of all the tools of persuasion and influence, it is charisma,” Mortensen explains.  “It gives you the quickest return on your time and dramatically increases your success and income.”

It is possible to cultivate charisma, adding charm and the power to persuade to your repertoire of professional skills.  Mortensen says that in order to develop charisma, you must hone 30 specific skills, traits and attributes.  In his new book, “The Laws of Charisma,” Mortensen offers some advice for developing your personal charisma.  Here is his insight into seven charismatic qualities and how you can develop them:

Find your passion
“Passion is critical to influencing others and transmitting charisma,” Mortensen says.  “Charismatic people radiate heartfelt passion.”  Exploring new tasks, topics and social or professional interactions will help you discover what you’re passionate about – and what doesn’t move you.  Educating yourself about a particular topic, task or issue is a great way to increase your passion for it.

Know your purpose
When you find your purpose, your life will be easier and more enjoyable, Mortensen says.  Ask yourself: “What is my destiny?  Where do my interests, gifts and talents lie?  What is my mission in life?”  People with a purpose ooze charisma and naturally draw others to them.  Their purpose inspires others.

Live with integrity
Integrity is consistency between your professed values and your actions.  To enhance your charisma and influence others, you must radiate integrity.  What do you really believe in?  And what are you willing to stand up for?

Tap your creativity
Creativity is the ability to solve a problem by combining old ideas, new ideas and imagination.  Tapping your creativity, or inspiring those around you to feel more creative, opens the door to new solutions – and enhances your charisma.

Establish focus
The ability to control impulses, resist distraction and stay focused on the task at hand is an integral element of success.  You cannot influence others if you can’t stay focused.  Ask yourself: What is the best use of my time right now?  Am I wasting time on unimportant things?  Do I confuse being busy with getting things done?  Am I clear about exactly what I need to achieve?

Listen
“Listening and understanding enhance charisma,” Mortensen writes in “The Laws of Charisma.” When you listen well, you discover everything you need to know to help, change or influence, inspire, motivate and gain trust.  “People feel more respected and valued when you listen to what they have to say,” he writes.

Motivate
Charismatic people not only motivate others, they help others motivate themselves, aiding them in visualizing goals and inspiring them to feel they can achieve those goals.  Helping others self-motivate allows them to solve their own challenges and make their own decisions, while still feeling part of a larger team.


To nurture your personal charisma, you will need to practice every day, says Mortensen, whose new book is available now in bookstores and online.  “I was once stretching in preparation for running a half marathon when I saw a T-shirt that revealed a great truth.  It said, ‘The challenge is not finishing; the challenge is starting.’  Make up your mind to start the race, and you will know that you are moving toward your goal of finishing.”

Secrets of the Skinny

Nov 19th, 2010
by Marilyn.
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Doctor OzI’ve been very impressed with The Doctor Oz Show. I like his common sense approach to getting healthy and staying healthy. This morning’s show was no exception. Three women were guests on his show. They each lost over 100 pounds and kept it off. They found the “Secrets of the Skinny” that worked for them. And they’re willing to share those secrets with Doctor Oz and his audience. Here are the secrets . . .

Cravings Killers

  • Brown rice tortilla, lightly toasted (baked) with salsa or parmesan

Metabolism Boosters

  • Cayenne pepper, sprinkle on food or supplements
  • Vitamin B Complex
  • Cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon a day.

Must Have Meals

Weight Loss Secret Weapons

  • Learn to grade food.

          A = Fresh green beans out of the garden
          B = Frozen beans changed a little
          C = Canned green beans cooked – A little altered
          D = Processed
          F = Grandma’s green bean casserole

  • Use cans of food as weights. Lift weights while watching TV
  • Work out with a weighted vest. The more weight you have on your body, the more calories you burn.

The women had words of wisdom for the audience:

  • Becky’s advice: “I changed the way I looked at food. Food became nutrition.”
  • Cari’s advice: “Start slow and stick with it. Make plans and hold yourself accountable. Definitely have support … Have supportive people around you.”
  • When Doctor Oz asked what kept her motivated, Caroline answered, “There’s no such thing as the impossible.”

Becky’s Story on The Secrets of the Skinny
Cari’s Story on The Secrets of the Skinny
Caroline’s Story on The Secrets of the Skinny

What’s your Secret of the Skinny?

Marilyn Kvasnok

If I Had My Life to Live Over by Erma Bombeck

Oct 28th, 2010
by Marilyn.
3 comments

Erma BombeckI would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the ‘good’ living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn’t show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I’d have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, ‘Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.’ There would have been more ‘I love you’s’ More ‘I’m sorry’s.’

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute, look at it and really see it … live it and never give it back.  STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!!

Don’t worry about who doesn’t like you, who has more, or who’s doing what.

Instead, let’s cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.



Erma Bombeck was an American humorist.  From the mid 1960′s to the late 1990′s, she wrote a very popular newspaper column describing home life in the suburbs.  She also published 15 books, most of which became best-sellers.

Marilyn Kvasnok

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