Reinvigorated and full of hope, off to a new practice he went! This particular group focuses on a holistic approach, where they incorporate nutrition, fitness, massage, chiropractic care, as well as a medical doctor. Michael came home super excited, and feeling great with just the first visit. The x-ray showed his back issue right away, and they are working to resolve his pain. He said he feels like a new person.

The beauty of life is that no matter what happens, you can always begin again. Whether it’s a physical ailment, or personal issue, in every moment we have an opportunity to create a new outcome. This is why I love ‘detoxing’ – it is a symbol of cleansing, a commitment to yourself, and a way to begin again, fresh!

Every year I take a couple of weeks or so to “detox”. I began this ritual about thirteen years ago, and I find it to be amazing both inside and out! The idea came to me after my brother turned me on to a food detox, to cleanse my body of impurities, toxins, and so forth that may have contributed to my borderline diabetes (which has since gone away!).

As the years went on, I continued to add to the detox from a general ‘life’ standpoint – this may include cleansing my home, my cabinets, releasing self-limiting beliefs, letting go of the weight of my mind, shoulders, and weight carried on my body. It also has included looking at priorities, time vacuums, and cleansing of my schedule as well when necessary. Sometimes it includes eliminating electronics entirely for a period just to relish in the simplicity of life, creativity, and connecting.

I realized all of this equated to ‘Letting Go’ in a sense. And, I find it very powerful to choose what you want to let go in order to become the person you were born to be. So, Letting Go became a technique I use for myself, and teach in my workshops. I think it’s important to take some time on a somewhat regular basis (whatever makes sense to you as an individual personally) to clear away debris that may be building up in our lives. This can feel liberating and exciting. It’s a chance to eliminate what’s no longer serving a purpose or what’s simply not serving you well and what doesn’t align with your core values; to begin fresh. It’s a technique you can use throughout your daily life, but it’s especially important to create a ritual around it as well, because we all know how the speed of life can increase without our realizing it, and when we blink, it’s years gone by!

Choosing to turn the technique of Letting Go into a detox can keep you feeling in balance even when life is crazy, stressful, and bring you back to your ‘center’ when you haven’t properly nurtured yourself well.

So, in the ‘detox’ form, it is my ‘annual ritual’, and of course, in an ‘everyday mode’ the more in-tune and aware I am, the more simply choosing what to ‘let go’ happens naturally on a regular basis as well. The beauty of it is there really are no rules, just the ones I design based on my life in that moment – often with a bit of help from God telling me what to let go of and release !

It dawned on me that it has been a few months past my annual detox time, I typically like to do it in September. But, this September was more crazed than usual: my father was admitted into the hospital and stayed there for almost 3 months, my book writing/editing was in full swing and my workshops were filling up, and my little LuLu started kindergarten so add in homework, social gatherings, and a change in schedule…yes fall turned to winter without a proper annual detox in 2011!

I have to admit, I felt it yesterday when I opened my closet and practically an avalanche of clothing fell from the top shelf. Did it really pile up that badly? I always stack it neatly, but I didn’t store away my fall clothes at the change of seasons, so voila, just like that – sweaters, long sleeve tees, and ponchos were pouring down on me!

Let the cleansing detox ritual begin! I will post daily so you can see what I’ve done to detox over the next 2 weeks. Last night, I…

* organized my dresser drawers and jewelry box

* drank 74 oz. of water with lemon and chose not to drink my usual iced coffee

* closed one of my email accounts that was just receiving junk mail – even though I don’t read the junk mail, just seeing the number of messages was feeling heavy

* released with my hubby- we talked about the weight on our minds, and it felt so good to acknowledge it together – I felt more clarity almost immediately after

More later!

What do you need to release, let go of, cleanse from your life?

My Annual Detox: Releasing, Letting Go, and a Comprehensive Food-Life Cleanse is a post from: Inspired Girl* by Jennifer Tuma-Young

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Situations happen, from hurtful comments to misunderstandings to errors in judgment to personalities clashing – these things can easily make for difficult relationships.

I think it’s fairly common to ‘surface forgive’ in order to smooth it over. But, when we ‘surface forgive’, we actually are still holding on to resentment and uneasy feelings on the inside. Surface forgiving is like stuffing down the hurt to block our vocal chords from speaking. And, when we ‘surface forgive’, we choose to just carry on, either by ending the relationship swiftly or by continuing it as if nothing happened. This wreaks havoc on our health and does no good in healing relationships, it may even deepen the wedge.

I know the old saying ‘forgive and forget’, but can we ever really do it without the practice of true forgiveness?

True forgiveness isn’t about just getting along, and doesn’t have to be about dumping the relationship entirely. It’s not about right or wrong. It’s about understanding that we are each imperfect, that we may not always see eye to eye, that miscommunications are a 2-way street. Practicing true forgiveness connects us as human beings- each of us is flawed, yet beautiful in our own ways.  We all put our foot in our mouth, don’t always say or do the ‘right’ things, make mistakes. I believe most people have good intent, but delivery or content may not always be ‘perfect’. It’s about understanding that people are affected by stress differently, and if they are going through difficult times, choosing to be compassionate, not defensive will change your perspective entirely.

True forgiveness is about recognizing that we all have a history that impacts our actions, and often our thoughts, and that there may be deep reasons another human being “is” the way he or she is, and none of us are exempt from making mistakes. Instead, let go of the anger or frustration.

Let me be clear, I don’t think true forgiveness means we have to accept standards of behavior that are less than we deserve. If your gut is telling you something is unacceptable, you should remove yourself from the situation or release yourself from the relationship. And make peace with it, forgive, and move forward in your life.

True forgiveness sets us free, lightens the load that drags us down. So, today choose to practice forgiveness…release the uncomfortable feeling of discord, and instead listen with compassion, communicate with your heart, be gentler on both yourself and others.

What does forgiveness mean to you? How do you practice true forgiveness in your life?
 

Hurt, Healing, and Practicing True Forgiveness is a post from: Inspired Girl* by Jennifer Tuma-Young

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My words won’t do his justice, so simply watch as Eric describes his WAKE UP moment thanks to a room full of lively, engaged children – life’s greatest teachers…

About Eric Handler:

Named by Fade In Magazine as one of Hollywood’s Top 100, Eric Handler was a highly respected entertainment professional for 11 years, working as a development executive at Dreamworks and as an agent at the William Morris agency. All of that was not enough and eventually Eric was led to some soul searching, which sparked the idea of Positively Positive.

His Positively Positive Facebook page has garnered over a million fans in its first year, and is in the process of becoming an immersive website with uplifting messages from all walks of life, from Olympic Gold Medalists, to kids fighting for their lives, to everyday people wanting to make a difference in the world.

Eric lives in Los Angeles with wife and business partner, Julie, two daughters, and two dogs. He is a successful real estate entrepreneur, a certified Kundalini Yoga teacher, and an active board member with Y.O.G.A. for Youth, a nonprofit organization that provides urban youth with tools for self-discovery. In his spare time, he enjoys yoga, traveling, and spending time with his family.

http://www.positivelypositive.com/

Are You Living in the Dash? Eric Handler Reminds Us to Live Our Legacy Now… is a post from: Inspired Girl* by Jennifer Tuma-Young

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“Why wouldn’t the boys and girls hold hands?” I would think.  The innocence of a child.

But as I got older, and I learned the harsh realities that other human beings have lived through, I felt an even stronger admiration for Martin Luther King, Jr. that he had the courage, the wisdom, the strength to speak out, to transform our country and the world.

I know that each and every single one of us, regardless of race, age, size, color, economic status- every single one of us has a story, has a history, has something to offer, something to give, to teach. I believe that our dreams should serve others, not simply ourselves. We are all connected, we are all important, each an integral piece of the puzzle. Martin Luther King, Jr. had dreams that he put into motion- they served millions of lives, and his words are still a catalyst for change.

Thank you is not enough. One day off from work or school is not enough. We must love and accept each other without judgment. We must “be” the change that Martin Luther King, Jr. paved the way for just 5 decades ago.

What dreams do you have? How will your dreams serve a purpose beyond yourself? What will you do today to take a step toward your dream?

Below is Just a Snippet of Some of the Wise Words from Martin Luther King, Jr.:

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence, and toughness multiplies toughness in a descending spiral of destruction…the chain reaction of evil–hate begetting hate, wars producing more wars–must be broken, or we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation.” ~Martin Luther King, Jr., Strength To Love, 1963.

“Success, recognition, and conformity are the bywords of the modern world where everyone seems to crave the anesthetizing security of being identified with the majority.” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr., Strength to Love, 1963.

“A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death.” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr., Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?, 1967.

Below is An Excerpt from “I Have a Dream” by Martin Luther King, Jr, delivered August 28th, 1963, at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C:

“And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today!

I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of “interposition” and “nullification” — one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today!

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; “and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together.”2

This is our hope, and this is the faith that I go back to the South with.

With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

And this will be the day — this will be the day when all of God’s children will be able to sing with new meaning:

My country ’tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing.

Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim’s pride,

From every mountainside, let freedom ring!

And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true.

And so let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire.

Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York.

Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania.

Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado.

Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California.

But not only that:

Let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia.

Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee.

Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi.

From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

And when this happens, when we allow freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual:

Free at last! Free at last!

Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”

Honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. is a post from: Inspired Girl* by Jennifer Tuma-Young

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The lyrics to this song say it all, because it is truly amazing what faith can do…

What Faith Can Do by Kutless

Everybody falls sometimes
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think it’s more than you can take
But you’re stronger, stronger than you know
Don’t you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard
Impossible is not a word
It’s just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody’s scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water
It’ll be alright
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

Overcome the odds
You don’t have a chance
(That’s what faith can do)
When the world says you can’t
It’ll tell you that you can!

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do
That’s what faith can do!
Even if you fall sometimes
You will have the strength to rise

Morning Morning Get Up & Sing: What Faith Can Do is a post from: Inspired Girl* by Jennifer Tuma-Young

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Last year I wrote this blog about rethinking resolutions. I’ve worked for over a decade with clients who make “January” or “Monday” or the beginning of a new month, their time to “start”. I myself used to do that quite often.

But, over the years I came to realize the amazing power of  just “being”, and its transformational affects in my life and the lives of many others. So, I decided to re-post this blog for New Year’s 2012:

*********

While New Year’s is a very popular time for everyone to think about resolutions, what we want to change, what we want to accomplish, I am taking a stand against the “mad rush” to “start” (the  phenomenon that happens every New Year), and instead, asking you to consider how awesome you are right now, in this moment, and relish in the fact that you can just “be”.

Be happy. Be healthy. Be inquisitive. Be strong. Be kind. Be yourself.  Be gentle. Be accepting. Be present.

I mean, you don’t have to wait until you lose 20 pounds, or you get a new job, or you pay off the loan, or you get married, to be the person you were born to be now, right? Happiness isn’t about being someone else, or having everything “perfectly perfect”. The beauty is in the flaws, and to me we are each flawed perfectly- we learn, we grow from our experiences every step of the way. So, give yourself permission to just “be”, and  take the actions that align with your being your best self.

We are all works in progress– there is beauty in life unfolding as it should. We have the skill, the drive, the intelligence, the means to do whatever we set out to do. Awareness and vision magnify our best qualities, so we can achieve extraordinary things.

Who were you born to be?

Rethinking Resolutions: Give Yourself Permission to “Be” (repost) is a post from: Inspired Girl* by Jennifer Tuma-Young

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I was just speaking with a dear friend, and she couldn’t wait for the new year – she said she needed a new beginning. But, as we discussed 2011, she also realized that while it had its share of “cruddiness”, the not so good stuff made her begin appreciating what was right in front of her – the simple beauty of life itself. She also opened up to new endeavors, which are taking off very soon for her! You may have dealt with your share of stuff, too, (haven’t we all?) but I’m certain in some incredible way, the tests and the trials are serving a purpose: to teach us something, to stretch us to reach our potential, to reconnect with the blessings around us. So, in these final days of 2011, let’s celebrate our lives, our imperfections, our successes, and our challenges…by showing gratitude for it all. Let’s pull out our journals and start writing!

Here’s to health, happiness, peace, and miracles in 2012!

Reflecting on 2011… is a post from: Inspired Girl* by Jennifer Tuma-Young

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Soar – Like a bird flying. To Soar seems effortless, but really learning to fly is one of the most painful, strenuous things a living creature must endure. Soar is about taking inspired actions, putting “footsteps to your prayers”, and doing the work necessary to create your vision. Soar is also that beautiful feeling when you are in motion, living out your purpose, flowing through the course even when you are being challenged, tested, or re-routed.

Today I want you to “SOAR” by stretching yourself beyond your normal routine, and stepping outside of comfort and into the scary, thrilling space of the unknown!

There are lots of ways we can stretch ourselves, from simple to complex. So, if Einstein defines ‘insanity’ as “doing the same thing over and over but expecting different results”, checking your routine may be a good place to begin looking for ways to stretch yourself. Here are some ideas to get rolling (or stretching I should say!):

- If you always walk after dinner, try raising the bar by going a bit faster, jogging, or adding ankle/wrist weights. Push yourself a little harder to work your heart and strengthen your muscles (safely, of course). Or literally stretch yourself and take a yoga class!

- If you are constantly at odds with a loved one, and all you do is argue, try kindness by doing a simple, nice gesture for him or her “just because” without expectation of accolades or resolution.

- If you feel lonely or in isolation, try chatting up with a stranger, smiling at your neighbors, talking in the break room with a co-worker. Share something about yourself and connect with the world around you.

- If your stove has turned into an extra storage unit because you aren’t much of a cook, find your favorite recipe, dust off your pots and pans, and channel your inner Nigella Lawson or Julia Childs.

- If your same old same old routine is boring you, be bold and paint on red lips, pin curl your hair, and put on your favorite dress, have an impromptu date with a friends, spouse, or solo – try a new restaurant, boutique, or out of the way cafe.

- If you have something weighing on your mind you need to discuss with a boss or co-worker, but keep biting your tongue because you don’t want to have a sticky conversation, stretch yourself to speak your mind and allow your voice to be heard. Sometimes one uncomfortable conversation can lead to positive changes that make for a much more comfortable environment.

- If you’ve always wanted to try your hand at a hobby or sport, pick today to begin. Buy a paint set and canvas, release fear, and have at it. Grab a hot glue gun and create something. Play a round of basketball or game of bowling.

I think you get the drift. The most important thing about stretching yourself is to just do it. Register for that class, send out your resume, call an old friend, write an apology, give a stranger a flower, take a funny photo of yourself, whatever it is…remember stretch yourself to soar so you can be the woman you were born to be!

How will you stretch yourself today?

Stretch Yourself Today is a post from: Inspired Girl* by Jennifer Tuma-Young

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It got me thinking, there are tons of tiny gestures that people do for each other all of the time that can make someone’s day, so why not list them out? If you’ve been caught up in “non-presence” (aka not noticing the little things, wrapped up in life’s hustle and bustle, mind anywhere but here), take a moment to BREATHE, focus on the moment, and do something nice for someone:

1. Leave a post-it compliment on someone’s computer. Things like: ”Great presentation at the meeting yesterday!” or “Thanks for always being there!” or “Love the necklace!!!”

2. Make someone a cup of coffee (fixed the way they like it) unexpectedly.

3. Ask to see photos of someone’s kids, new boyfriend, family, or whatever it is they love (even if it’s a material thing like a car, home, motorcycle- if they talk about it, it’s important to them).

4. Send a hand-written note for no reason to your spouse, children, mom, or best friend. Because they see you regularly, they will be extra-surprised by this simple gesture!

5. Inquire about a situation someone casually mentioned- if a colleague’s daughter went off to college, a neighbor’s son just had a baby, your hairdresser’s mother was under-the-weather…People like to share, but sometimes feel like it’s a burden/selfish to talk about themselves unless they are asked! Just remembering the things that are happening to others, and asking about them can really brighten someone’s day.

6. Take off the shades, turn off the cell phone. This will allow you to smile and make eye contact with strangers- at the bank, the post office, the food store, the toll booth. Connect with people in the world around you.

7. Give a small gift to someone who’s been a little down. It can be homemade (like cookies or muffins, a picture your child made, or an inexpensive token. For example, go to the dollar store, and get a candle or picture frame. Wrap it in pretty tissue with a bow, sign a simple notecard, and let the person know you are thinking of them, and there if they need anything!

8. Sing loudly in the car by yourself! Laugh, have fun, and when you get to a stoplight, you’ll be sure to brighten the day of the driver next to you- not to mention you’ll lift your own spirits!

8 Small Gestures You Can Do to Brighten Someone’s Day is a post from: Inspired Girl* by Jennifer Tuma-Young

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* My children have grown in leaps and bounds. LuLu writing, spelling, reading, now in school, being a Daisy…and the Little Man singing full songs, doing simple addition, using the computer all by himself. The way they play together, yes there is fighting, but there’s also “Sista, you my hero” with her responding, “Oh brother, you’re MY hero!” And those moments make up for the wrestling on the floor ones ten-fold.

* My husband working so hard to provide for us, not just monetarily, but in so many ways…from helping with all the household stuff to surprising me with an iced coffee on a long day to being a kid at heart jumping and running in the leaves with Lu and the Man. We may sometimes be still on Mars and Venus, but we always kiss each other goodnight.

* My parents are so amazing. They would do anything for anyone, always willing to lend a hand, an ear, give encouragement, believe in us. Their  unwavering faith is such a blessing, and I am so grateful. From driving down at a moment’s notice when something comes up to surprising me with a beautiful card, everything they do is from the heart.

* My mother-in-law is always thinking of us, too. She does so many little things, and we are lucky to have her kind, generous heart. She raised her kids on her own, worked very hard all of her life, and instilled that in my husband. I know he is the man he is because of his mother, and I am so thankful.

And so many people I feel blessed to learn from, to teach, to surround myself with:

* Rich and Danielle and my little niecy (!!) epitomize love

* Gail and Anthony and Chris-  kindness personified

* Joe and Carol and Katie and Mikey- generous hearts

* Jess and Mike- supportive beyond words, an extension of my family

* Jaime- a forever friend, even though our lives are busy we always pick up right where we left off

* Marta- my west coast “soul sister”

* Ellen- a friend, a voice of reason, an all-around inspiration

* Terry- a true kindred spirit

* Nathalie- a dear friend, an incredible woman, beautiful inside & out

* Celeste- not only my literary agent, but a friend – I am oh so grateful for her belief in me

* All of my extended family and friends who love me, “flaws and all”

* My magnificent clients who inspire me daily

* The people at Dunkin Donuts who know my order before I even pull up

* My facebook family who have supported me in so many ways

* All of my Savor sisters who believe in me and stretch me to reach my potential

* My favorite blog readers who encourage me and share their stories with me

* Countless strangers who have brought a smile to my face

* God and His strength that keeps me anchored

I have had many blessings and opportunities…

Honestly, I feel every experience is a blessing. With support of family, friends, media, fellow bloggers, sponsors, networks…I am able to share my words, share my experiences, and learn from so many incredible people- there is so much to be thankful for!

And I feel so much gratitude when I look back…

You know, years ago we had to sell our home. It wasn’t easy- we actually moved 3 times over the course of 3 years. But I am so very grateful for that experience. It brought us to the amazing home we are in now which has been a place of solace- we have a porch to enjoy nature, sip coffee, connect with each other- I learn so many lessons sitting on my porch and watching nature; and a place of fun- an open space where we dance together, a big fenced in yard where we run, jump, play, climb trees (or at least try to climb it!!). Fun and play is essential- it rejuvenates our spirit. And, I realize homes come and go, but I am grateful for all of the experiences we have had in this home over the past 2 years.

I feel blessed by the beautiful imperfections that have happened in my life. They gave me strength and taught me so much more than any book alone can teach.

What are you thankful for this year? Please share with me!

Happy Thanksgiving! So Much Gratitude… is a post from: Inspired Girl* by Jennifer Tuma-Young

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