Carefreedom Living®

December 22, 2019December 15, 2023

Plant Love; Reap Joy

One of my favourite flowers is the Forget-me-not. A woman I worked with many years ago gave me a packet of Forget-me-not seeds, when we stopped working together, so that I will always remember her. The first spring those sweet little blue flowers popped up, I smiled and thought of the kind-hearted person who gifted them to me.

The following season, there were more and over the years, in some areas of our garden, there’s a pretty blue carpet that reminds me of friendship and kindness. I love how nature has so much to teach us.

Here’s something important we can learn from nature: everything we plant in our mind with our thoughts will produce some kind of result, just as it would if you planted a seed in the ground.

The question is what’s growing in your garden? Do you want flowers or weeds?

I love the question because it guides us to consider what we really want. I like to think of myself as a farmer, planting seeds and nurturing them, so that I can benefit down the road. If we want to feel good in life, it’s up to us to invest in the crops that will produce that result. I like to grow healthy crops with my thoughts and I like to weed out things like chronic complaining and gossip because neither one is going to help with what I want to grow and harvest.

As humans, we’re wired to feel safe, so challenging our thoughts seems unnatural; we have to work at this stuff. Brain science tells us that we have between 60,000 and 80,000 thoughts rolling through our minds every day and most of them are negative. If I asked you to pay attention to the thoughts that pop up, say for one day, I think you’d notice what I’m talking about.

We have deeply ingrained habits that at one time in our evolution served to help us survive. Take judgement for example: we love to categorize and compare, don’t we? It makes us feel powerful but judgement and separation, taken to an extreme have caused so many problems in our families and our communities. I think the most damaging thoughts we have are focused on judgement of ourselves and separation from others. Listen to how you talk to yourself with your inside voice. Left unmanaged, the random thoughts in your mind can take you down some scary rabbit holes. So, it’s key to catch ourselves when judgement pops up and reset to compassion and empathy for ourselves first and then for everyone else.

Another habit is holding on to bitterness, anger and resentment because it makes us feel powerful where we might otherwise feel powerless. Buddha said, “Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.”

We can’t control life’s events and we can’t control other people. The only things we have control over are the thoughts we choose. Keep in mind that nobody has it all together, we are all beautiful works in progress and having a focus on empathy, compassion and kindness means that we will harvest tons of good will and enjoy more connected relationships with our families, friends and our communities. Plant love, reap joy and live well.

Kathie Donovan
Currently a Wellings Ambassador and Living Well Advisor, Kathie was Canada’s
broadcasting sweetheart for almost three decades as well as co-host of the beloved television show Regional Contact. Kathie is a gifted storyteller who shone a light on characters and creative types tucked into small towns. Her love of connecting people, caring and sharing is inspiring. Kathie has authored two books with a third on the way; she continues to build on her annual event “Refresh Your Passion” and other workshops. Kathie’s priorities are to love what she does and live well.

This Wellings blog by Kathie Donovan was exclusively written for Wellings Communities and appeared first on MyWellings.com.

in Carefreedom Living® Posted by Kathie Donovan

December 16, 2019December 15, 2023

The Season of Giving

Here we go again: another Christmas season is ramping up and I wonder:

Are you ready?

I don’t mean are your gifts wrapped and under the tree. I mean are you ready for all of the silliness that comes with long to-do lists and unexpected sideswipes that can invade what should be a joyful time of year.

After all, we’re celebrating the birth of Jesus and birthdays should always be enjoyable, right?

Our challenge is perspective.

Somehow over the decades, we got lost in the wonder and magic of a Coca Cola promotion that stuck. Now for the most part, instead of the central focus of the season is about the all-important life lessons Jesus

taught like kindness, forgiveness, and compassion, at the center of Christmas is a jolly fellow in a red suit, who flies around the world delivering presents to hopeful children and adults who trust that Santa has their name on the nice list and not on the naughty list.

I love the magic and beauty of the decorations, music and special food prepared at this time of year. I have my own tradition of making a plum pudding that my Mum and God Mum made for decades and the white fruitcake that my husband’s Mum made; it wouldn’t be Christmas without them. For me now, this season is about kindness, forgiveness, and compassion the gifts you won’t find in stores…they’re one size fits all and everyone needs them.

As anticipation is building and shoppers are shopping, what I’d like to recommend is a focus on the gifts we really need in our world.

We need more presence; not presents. We need to acknowledge one another, be there and care for each other.

What about the neighbor whose child or spouse passed away or the new immigrant who might not have a community here? Could we not deliver some kindness or compassion to them over this Christmas season? How about delivering a smile to your neighbors and your family, asking how they’re doing and then really listening to the answer?

Joy and happiness are not dependant on our bank balance, our age, size, nationality or our status.

Happiness and joy are cultivated in our hearts and once shared freely with others have an amazing ripple effect.

Experts who study kindness say that even when we observe someone being kind, we benefit. So there you have it: you give a gift; you receive a gift.

This festive season, give a little bit of love to everyone you encounter.

It could be that your kindness, empathy, and compassion are the Christmas miracles that change someone’s life.

Kathie Donovan
Currently a Wellings Ambassador and Living Well Advisor, Kathie was Canada’s
broadcasting sweetheart for almost three decades as well as co-host of the beloved television show Regional Contact. Kathie is a gifted storyteller who shone a light on characters and creative types tucked into small towns. Her love of connecting people, caring and sharing is inspiring. Kathie has authored two books with a third on the way; she continues to build on her annual event “Refresh Your Passion” and other workshops. Kathie’s priorities are to love what she does and live well.

This Wellings blog by Kathie Donovan was exclusively written for Wellings Communities and appeared first on MyWellings.com.

in Carefreedom Living® Posted by Kathie Donovan

December 6, 2019February 11, 2022

Calm Your Dogs Anxiety With Essential Oils

The Science of Wellness: Eat>Live>Love

Recently we decided to test the waters again with our 3-year-old English Pointer named “Drifter”. Commencing the process to give him more freedom of space in our home.

The first few times we were met with feathers from under the door. Only to find behind the door, inside the bedroom that our pooch, a hunting dog, had chewed a small hole along the seam of the duvet fill. And voila the entire carpet was a few inches deep with fluffy soft billowy feathers.

I’m new to crate training a dog. As a puppy, he was crate trained so the crate is very much his home and dog den. We are attempting to give him more run of the house and a safe environment.

After a few unsuccessful attempts arriving home to half-eaten shoes, pillows and numerous duvet fills we decided to do our research and read up on anxiety in animals.

We find a few drops of 100% Veeva anxiety essential oil blend Lavender, Frankincense and Geranium on his favourite blanket, or crate carpet to be a wonderful way to remove his anxiety.
A diffuser also helps to add aromatherapy with this dog-friendly blend of essential oils. They work great for removing wet dog smells too.
Rescue remedy is a natural supplement that helps to combat your dog’s anxiety; a few drops in the water dish is all you need.

It’s peace of mind in the WellingsⓇ pet-friendly environment, and as a bonus, if you do use the diffuser and the essential oils, it will boost your mood and having a calming effect on you as well!

Eureka we have success!

It’s been several months with Drifter having the run of the bedroom and no more coming home to a room full of feathers! The anxiety blend has everything you and your dog needs to relax.

Happy dog, happier pack leaders!

Susan Stephen

Susan Stephen is the Vice President of Living Science Wellness Centre located in Stittsville. A Mind Body Spirit & Business Coach, UFH Unity Field Healing Practitioner, Relational Clearing Practitioner and a Business Transformation Advisor. To connect with Susan and her team: https://livingscience.ca/

in Carefreedom Living® Posted by Susan Stephen

November 11, 2019February 11, 2022

Sleep Ease

Getting a restful good night’s sleep may be challenging as you adjust to your beautiful new surroundings at the Wellings. As the time changes we are reminded “Spring forward – Fall back” we change the clock back one hour on Sunday November 3, 2019.

Here are a few simple tips to ensure you sleep well and wake up feeling rejuvenated.

During the day

How much sleep we get and how well we sleep, is profoundly affected by sunlight, especially in the morning and the early part of the day. Exposure to sunlight will help for both alertness and energy during the day, and good quality sleep at night. If you cannot get enough sunlight into your day invest in a natural spectrum lamp for your desk or your suite. You won’t believe the difference.

In the evening

Start to prepare for bed 30 minutes before you plan to go to sleep.

Dim the lights as the evening progresses. Our bodies haven’t evolved to handle all the artificial light.

Turn off the television, radio, and computer to quiet the mind and senses. The light emission from various devices can be stimulating and wakes you up, keeps you up long after your bedtime.

Draw a warm hot bath or take a shower to relax, unwind, chill. Add bubbles or essential oils with restful scents to prepare the mind for rest. Aromatherapy has benefits try using lavender, mandarin, clary sage, roman chamomile all found in Veeva’s Sleep Blend essential oil.

Have a bedtime routine. Do the same things each night, to tell your body it’s time to wind down. This might include reading a book, or listening to soothing music. Enjoying relaxing activities (please no tv, computer screens) think drowsiness, calm, and quiet.

Comfort is key, create a room to allow for you to ease into la la land. Temperate is important, choose light non clinging clothing, maybe cool the room for some, opening a window for fresh air & white noise, closed for quiet solitude, consider earplugs, sleep masks, perhaps a fan. Invest in a quality mattress, comfortable pillows, linens and blankets make your sleep restful and pleasurable.

Did you know that Just a few drops of our beloved Veeva essential oils will not only bring a whole new freshness to your laundry but in a diffuser it can aid in peace and tranquility throughout your entire cosy studio suite. Lavender is a calming scent and science has shown it can aid in falling asleep, it is another good choice for your pillow cases, just remember a little goes along way!!

You’ll wake up rejuvenated and ready for the gym!

Susan Stephen

in Carefreedom Living® Posted by Susan Stephen

September 6, 2019December 15, 2023

The Kindness Effect

“Kindness is the one size fits all gifts that everybody needs.”
-Kathie Donovan

Science is finally catching on to the kindness movement, recognizing that thoughtfulness is not a sign of weakness but a healthy and meaningful habit.

What may appear to be a very simple act is actually a rather complex experience for us humans. Even observing kindness can have an impact on us. We experience kindness in our heart as in “his kind act touched my heart” as well as in our head because we remember kindness and are sometimes inspired to be kind to others as a result of having the experience.

When I was researching my first book Inspiration in Action: A Woman’s Guide to Happiness, I had a study group who would play along with some of my ideas, one of which was an experiment called The Mindfulness Project. I challenged the participants to carry out simple, thoughtful acts for other people for one week. Some were asked to give compliments freely for a week, others were asked to buy someone a cup of coffee, or smile at three people. The results were inspiring, as each person reported back that they felt the power in a small kind act, even when they weren’t the recipient. Science calls this effect “helpers high.”

Acts of kindness have tremendous physical benefits. Showing kindness, releases the hormone oxytocin, which produces nitric oxide that helps lower blood pressure. Oxytocin also supports good self-esteem and optimism. So, next time you’re feeling shy, show someone some kindness and you’ll feel the benefit too.

“In the same way that it wouldn’t take much to turn your day around, ask what you could do for someone else.”
-Kathie Donovan

A few years ago, I used a simple strategy to spread kindness. I wrote thank you notes on a piece of paper, folded it in half and placed it under random windshield wipers in the parking lot, outside my doctor’s office, outside a hospital, in a very full downtown parking lot; always when I thought nobody could see me. The message inside would say “you have a beautiful smile” or “you make our world better by being here” or “you are loved,” you get the idea. I’d write For You on the front of the paper and leave it under the windshield wiper. While I’ll never know how those messages were received, I know what I intended and I definitely felt that “helpers high.”

The cool thing about kindness is that it’s absolutely free. Kindness is a smile, looking someone in the eye, saying thank you, giving compliments freely. It’s assisting someone when it looks like they need it, it’s doing something kind for someone and not telling anyone about it.

Kindness can be learned and it’s an excellent habit to cultivate because kindness has magical powers. The kinder you are to others, the more kindness comes to you in ways you would never anticipate. Kindness when practiced regularly helps to reduce stress and leads to a feeling of wellbeing.

If you choose to see the world with kindness instead of fear, you’ll have a much better day and everyone around you will benefit. I challenge you to foster kindness in your community and notice what a difference it makes for you and everyone you encounter. All you have to do is ask yourself what small act of kindness could you do for someone to make their day brighter? Then enjoy doing it. Be kind; live well.

Kathie Donovan

Currently a Wellings Ambassador and Living Well Advisor, Kathie was Canada’s broadcasting sweetheart and co-host of Regional Contact for almost 30 years. Kathie travelled the Country shedding light on attractions, causes and talented artisans tucked away- off the beaten track. Her love of connecting people, caring and sharing is inspiring. Kathie has authored three books, continues to build on her workshop series “ Refresh Your Passion”, and is currently taping a new TV show, yet still has time to love what she’s doing and live well.

This Wellings blog by Kathie Donovan was exclusively written for Wellings Communities and appeared first on MyWellings.com.

in Carefreedom Living® Posted by Kathie Donovan

July 30, 2019December 15, 2023

The Power Of Connection And Community

I remember what it felt like when I walked into a new classroom in grade school, after my family moved to a new city. I felt so alone and uncomfortable until I connected with the people in my class, which didn’t take too long. I’ve experienced that same feeling over and over throughout life whenever I’ve been courageous enough to join a class or a new group of any kind.

You’d think we’d learn that the feeling of being alone doesn’t last very long but fear often wields its power to keep us from trying new experiences because fear’s job is to keep us safe and comfortable. Ultimately, I believe we’re all looking to feel connected and we’re at our best when we’re part of a community. Our fear is quickly eased either through conversation or shared activity, just like it was when I was in grade school. Our work then is to ask fear to take a seat while we get on with the business of exploring the amazing opportunity communities have to offer.

Science shows us that human beings are born for connection and we thrive when we’re part of something greater than ourselves. Today, young people often refer to their group of friends as a tribe, borrowing from history and they’re not wrong. We thrive when we’re with our tribe because ultimately community is where we feel valued, seen, heard and appreciated.

Communities have a powerful effect on our wellbeing: emotionally, physically and spiritually; helping us feel socially connected and providing a sense of being part of something meaningful. In our digital world, on-line communities can provide a touch point without us having to be together physically but nothing can replace the relationships we make when we’re together in person.

As human beings, we need familiar threads to tie us together: family is a great example. Although not perfect, a family’s story has commonalities and provides a sense of belonging that we attempt to replicate throughout life. Depending on the stage of our life it could be a social circle, a spiritual group, a workplace family or the community we choose to live in.

Just as our roles in life shift, the importance of connection and community shifts as well. We are meant to continue learning and growing as humans, so as we retire from full time work or become empty nesters, joining a group or community offers focus, engages our imagination and enriches our social skills. How about learning a new language, volunteering, joining a dance or yoga class; perhaps taking martial arts classes?

As we age, our focus should be on enjoying a good quality of life: maximizing friendship, health and happiness. Living well at The Wellings means being part of a community where everyone is encouraged to thrive, where everyone has an opportunity to contribute, where there’s reduced stress, opportunities to make new friends, learn something new and above all feel safe when you’re at home. This tribe is fuelled by the enthusiasm of its members and supported by the staff; I just don’t think you’ll find a better definition of a freedom living community than the lifestyle enjoyed by folks who live at The Wellings.

Kathie Donovan

This Wellings blog by Kathie Donovan was exclusively written for Wellings Communities and appeared first on MyWellings.com.

in Carefreedom Living® Posted by Kathie Donovan

April 2, 2019September 3, 2020

Laundry And The Love Of Essential Oils

It’s inevitable, we love life and between our clothes and linens at some point, the washing machine must get turned on.

Has this ever happened to you?

Laundry machines using your In-suite washer and dryer you get busy and forget there is a load in the washing machine.

In searching for your favorite piece of clothing, you come to find you have had the misfortune of leaving a load of wet damp laundry in the washing machine for a couple of days.

Chances are you opened the door and discovered a sour smell in the machine along with your freshly washed clothes.

Tip: Wash the load again this time add some Veeva essential oils, add a few drops to the soap in the dispenser.
Tip: To keep front load dryers smelling “stress-free” leave the door open and add Veeva essential oils, add a few drops of the masterfully blended stress blend on an old washcloth or pillowcase left in the dryer will leave it smelling fresh like patchouli, Ylang Ylang, Sweet Orange and Clove.
Tip: Want to keep your linens smelling “clean and fresh” longer? Add a few drops of Veeva essential oils to a face cloth or pillowcase and tuck it in your linen closet.
Tip: Make your own dryer sheet by adding a few drops of Veeva essential oils to a washcloth or pillowcase and toss it in with your drying load. Everything will come out smelling fresh and clean.

Did you know that Just a few drops of our beloved Veeva essential oils will not only bring a whole new freshness to your laundry but in a diffuser, it can aid in peace and tranquility throughout your entire cosy studio suite. Lavender is a calming scent and science has shown it can aid in falling asleep, it is another good choice for your pillowcases, just remember a little goes a long way!!

The Science of Wellness, Eat.Live.Love ~ Susan Stephen

Susan Stephen

in Carefreedom Living® Posted by Susan Stephen

March 4, 2019September 3, 2020

Rise & Shine!

“Living well, starts when you start your day” – here’s a few tips on how to boost your goodness intake and shine from the inside out…

Why is it important to get started with a decent breakfast?

“Breaking the fast” the first meal of the day after you’ve had a good night’s sleep.
Many seniors like quick and easy starts to the day.

Many are on the go with tea and toast.

Is there a better way to eat a tea and toast style breakfast?
Try adding a teaspoon of unflavoured collagen, great for your bones, skin, hair and nail growth.

Choose a hot cup of bone broth over a hot cup of tea. It has nutrients your body needs like collagen and essential vitamins and minerals, electrolytes and is warming first thing in the morning. Chicken bone broth, Beef bone broth or Vegetable bone broth are great choices.

Ginger and Lemon Tea as a warm alternative, it’s great for digestion and ginger warms the body, internal organs, also calming for an upset stomach.
Add a protein and some nutrients to your toast, some spreadable cream cheese, peanut butter, avocado and try some nut butters such as almond, pumpkin, tahini, egg salad, salmon, spreadable proteins to give you energy. If you want to add good fats to your diet, add butter or spread coconut oil.
If you are taking medications and the practitioner suggests they be taken with food, tea & toast won’t be enough. This is often the reason why your stomach feels upset, you may lack concentration, or experience brain fog, a feeling of malaise.

You’ll need to add sea salt to your diet. A pinch in a glass of water first thing in the morning and sipping throughout the day will keep you hydrated and the sea salt contains minerals your body needs. Also, sea salt helps you absorb the water and lessens the need to urinate as often.
Want to turn it up a notch?

Overnight oats are a great way to have breakfast and a good solution for those busy people on the go. As you head out the door to an appointment, to your golf game, to a meetup, or your next adventure.

Grab this Overnight Oats Jar from your fridge & bring a spoon.
Here’s the easy recipe:

Start by using a 500ml mason jar
Add ½ cup of quick oats (we like Only Oats because they are gluten-free)
A pinch of sea salt
A pinch of cinnamon
*A scoop of your favourite protein powder (we like IronVegan vanilla sprouted protein because it has 17g of protein, 3 g fibre, 4g carbohydrates, 0g sugar).
Then add your favourite liquid to fill the jar.
We suggest 1 ½ cups of unsweetened Almond Milk and ¼ cup of unsweetened coconut milk or use any combination you choose: Such as milk, almond milk, coconut milk or soya milk.
Leave some room to add berries, a teaspoon of maple syrup a few nuts, pumpkin seeds & chia seeds the next morning. Or if you have a sweet tooth add a few nibs of dark chocolate.

Note*If you don’t have protein powder you can make a substitution and use ½ cup of Yogurt in the morning & stir.

The next morning grab your Overnight Oats and a spoon and head out the door. This delicious nutritious breakfast will keep you feeling full, fueled and energized as you begin your day.

Susan Stephen

in Carefreedom Living® Posted by Susan Stephen

February 25, 2019December 15, 2023

An Open Conversation About Change

Has this Happened to You?

You go to the produce department of your grocery store and they’ve moved your favourite vegetable or fruit. Now you have to go searching for its new location and along the way you notice some items you didn’t know were on the shelves.

You might even pick up one or two new things. Discovering date butter recently, while looking for fresh blueberries was a revelation for me.

Retailers understand the need to change their displays to keep things fresh and their customers interested but the idea doesn’t always apply to our day to day life. Really, many of us are what financial planners call risk-averse.

I’m guilty as charged when it comes to managing my finances however the rest of my life is filled with risk because I’ve learned to use my superpower of courage. Believe me, I wasn’t always so eager to change things up.

Embracing change is not a natural thing for us humans and we find ourselves complaining about it because we’re wired for safety. When we think change, often we think discomfort, right?

We’ve been trained through how we’re wired as humans and through social conditioning to resist changing anything. Our beautiful brains have intricate systems to keep us protected. When we feel threatened or pushed to make some kind of change or change is happening around us and we can’t control it, we freak out a little…or a lot depending on the circumstance and all we want is to get back to the safety of life before this perceived disruption.

What we’re really afraid of when it comes to change is being outside, what we describe as, our comfort zone. It’s that feeling of familiarity with surroundings and behaviours, where we can predict what will happen with some confidence.

Stepping outside that zone makes us feel unsettled because we can’t predict what will happen and often we choose not to take action as a result.

Of the 40,000 – 60,000 thoughts that we have rolling around in our brain every day, I’d be willing to bet some of them are about changes you’d like to see happen in your life and others are about why you shouldn’t do anything about it.

So How Can we Learn to Embrace Change?

First of all, we need to understand that our brain can change how it operates; the great news is that we’re not stuck with the wiring we came into the world with.

The science is called Neuroplasticity and it refers to the idea that we can rewire our brains not to fear change so much, in fact, we can learn to embrace change; it’s all in how we choose to think.

Some of the change we experience in life is a result of being alive…anybody else noticing a little drooping of this and that? Other change is within our control and some change is out of our control.

Faced with any of the above, we have a choice: we can either accept or resist and this is where the magic happens. It’s in our choice.

If you’ve met an older person with a youthful spirit, someone who was interested in you and has a lot to offer, then you have witnessed what I’ve just described. Remaining open-minded, being kind and courageous, making ourselves life-long learners all contribute to making us feel ageless.

I like to joke that people 55 plus today are part of generation ageless because that’s how I want us to see ourselves. Sure, change happens but when we’re open-minded, change looks more like an opportunity for growth than a threat to our safety and when we grow, the focus is always on improving our lives.

We, Humans, Crave Continuity, Yet One Thing We Can Be Sure of in Life is Change.

I think the best question we can ask ourselves is what are we really afraid of? In the answer will be the key to acceptance because when we start to get clear about why we’re afraid, it’s usually not as overwhelming as we initially perceived.

Having compassion for ourselves is a big part of learning to embrace change and sharing our fear with others who have compassion for us is important as well.

See change as a natural part of life instead of an interruption because it is natural and learning to embrace it by participating in it instead of fighting against it will bring surprising results.

When We Know Where We Fit In, We’re More Likely to Take a step in a new direction.

We need to feel like participants in every step of our life’s adventure. While it may be tempting to allow someone else to take care of your business, they may not give you the result you really want.

So, navigate change with your friends and family; don’t be afraid to seek a professional’s advice if it’s an unfamiliar subject. Continue to educate yourself and share what you fear, so you can find clarity.

Do the research, ask questions and talk it out with others going through similar experiences. It’s important to know what your priorities are, when it comes to navigating change, so you can prevent others from imposing their ideas on you rather than remaining neutral and giving you the space to make informed choices.

Enjoy your life….go to the movies, set up coffee dates, do yoga, whatever makes you feel good and fills you up, will be great support as you navigate change. Learning to embrace change is work and its work worth doing because your happiness depends on it.

Changes in our lives should be working for us; not the other way around. Live well; be well.

Kathie Donovan

This Wellings blog by Kathie Donovan was exclusively written for Wellings Communities and appeared first on MyWellings.com.

in Carefreedom Living® Posted by Kathie Donovan

February 18, 2019March 11, 2020

How To Live A Vibrant And Healthy Life

So you recognize, it’s time to change a few things in your diet and fitness level and want to know where to start…

Are you asking yourself some of these questions?

I know my energy level is decreasing, what can I do?

EAT

Eat smaller meals, snacking or grazing more often throughout the day. Add protein, a boiled egg, a bowl of oatmeal, nuts, seeds, and good fats, a slice of avocado, a spoonful of coconut oil in your morning coffee.

LIVE

Get moving, a few jumping jacks will increase your heart rate. Next a few arm circles: extend your arms, shoulder height and do a few arm circles, five forward and five backward. Smaller at first and larger circles. Staying active: Go for a walk around your landscaped grounds enjoy the water feature and stroll along the walking trail through Poole Creek to explore. Listen with your ears. Notice what sounds you hear, birds singing, planes overhead, people laughing, music playing, leaves swaying in the trees. Memory recall think of something or somewhere or someone the last time you heard that particular sound.

LOVE

February is heart health month, learn to love yourself, wrap your arms around yourself and give you a great big heartfelt hug. Trees emit energy so hug a tree & feel energized. Look at yourself in a mirror, make eye contact and tell yourself how much you love you!

I want to live a vibrant and healthy life for as long as possible, what do I do now? Answer: Just start

Is it ever too late to start? The answer is no it’s never too late to begin to live vibrantly. Look around you there are remarkable adults 55+ doing some amazing things and they didn’t start them until after their elite years. Light yoga, a stretch class, walking, exercise do something every day to keep moving or your body will seize up. Keep your mind active too! Try puzzles, sudoku, scrabble, yahtzee. And keep your spirit vibrant too try meditation, affirmations, deep breathing, a new hobby or joyful experience to add vitality.

I don’t want to focus on what I eat all the time, what are some tips I can start using now?

Some supplements we recommend for boosting energy and adding nutrients to your diet include: BioSteel greens as simple as adding a tablespoon to 250ml/1 cup of water can add 6-8 servings of vegetables to your diet. So the answer is yes you can drink your vegetables.

Deep breathing – this is another simple solution to change your mood, boost your energy and increase your vitality.

Sit quietly, feet firmly on the ground, sit up straight and tall, take a deep breath in, and imagine the word Live as you inhale, exhale the word Live, then imagine the word Live going up through your body and out the top of your head.

Your lungs will thank you for the deep breathing break.

Just breathe

The Science of Wellness, Eat. Live. Love ~ Susan Stephen

Susan Stephen

in Carefreedom Living® Posted by Susan Stephen

Plant Love; Reap Joy

The Season of Giving