The Path to Good Health...

So what has happened since I wrote my last blog entry (November 7, 2010)? I had a very busy school year, but with the excitement of work and all the busyness, I haven't had too much time to dwell on my "health issues." Truthfully, I cannot complaint at all. I'm very thankful that I have a very good job and that I work with some great colleagues. I also have a great family - my husband and daughters are my most precious treasures. My students also inspire me and fill me with energy - they're very enthusiastic and loving (a pleasure to teach!) and I enjoy teaching them and trying to inspire them as best as I can. They also make me laugh a lot, which is truly a great thing, since laughter heals...

My back is pretty good now... my lower back doesn't hurt much anymore! My body is achy at times, and my feet still give me some problems (especially my right one), but I'm optimistic and confident that if I lose some weight (my goal: about 20 pounds) and continue avoiding caffeine and eating healthy, I will feel a lot better. My feet are actually small for my height (size 9 for a 5'10" frame - I should be about a size 10 or more); and as I have gained some weight these past 5 or so years, due to my slower metabolism and hormonal issues, the arches on my feet have started to collapse (according to my foot doctor) - this is why I went from a size 8 1/2 to a size 9 in shoes in the past few years. Also, joint pain is common when you are having these hormonal problems. Luckily I decided to take Tai Chi lessons a couple of months ago; and since then a new sense of empowerment and optimism has filled my spirit. I've joined Golden Breath Tai Chi in Philadelphia, and I know that this discipline with gentle exercises (and emphasis on "breath") will help me and make a difference in my life (check: www.goldenbreath.com). The important thing, no matter what, is to stay positive and hopeful, and to continue with optimism, enthusiasm and passion to achieve whichever goals and dreams you set your mind to accomplish. If you embrace an attitude of "doom and gloom" (a negative attitude) - you're doomed. Your energy is drained out of you and depression and disease can set in. You have to learn to be strong and to pay attention to your thoughts! I don't get tired of stressing how important our minds are...

I've learned 20 movements to date and I'm very excited about it. I know that I have to improve them; but with practice, perseverance and my commitment to get better and better, I think I'll do all right (more than all right - GREAT!)

Yes, life goes on - but it's up to us to make the best out of it, don't you think? It's really our responsibility to live our best life and create beauty wherever we go. I hope you are also committed to making the best out of your life as well. In good times and in tough times, we learn many lessons; and a bad situation can improve considerably if we remain positive and optimistic, and if we learn to love ourselves, just the way we are - with our weaknesses and our strengths. Don't ever forget that!

Peace and love always...

"When you know better, you do better." ~ Maya Angelou

"Unless you love, your life will flash by." ~ Mrs. O'Brien (character in "The Tree of Life" movie by Terrence Malick, actress played by Jessica Chastain).

Life is Good...

In my previous entry (back in July) I mentioned how I was dealing with a few health issues. This past Summer I had a lot of back problems and other inconvenient health challenges; part due to overexertion, no doubt. I think we all at times think we're "supermen" or "superwomen" and do a little too much. In this day an age of "busyness" and "multitasking" is like we are trying to keep up with everyone else even when our bodies are telling us to slow down (I try to keep up with my daughters and my teenage students). Also part due to hormonal problems, I'm sure. The good news is that I'm feeling great now!

I had canceled my third Epidural Steroid Shot scheduled for September 15, because I was still in a lot of pain; and the doctor said that if the first two shots don't work (and they didn't) there's no reason to have a third. I was disappointed that I was still in so much pain. Then, school started and I got very busy again, and excited too (since I love teaching and love my job!) Little by little I felt like a different person (a new person). Maybe the shots helped somewhat after all; but also, after reading so many books on the importance of paying attention to our feelings and not allowing stress to affect us so much - I believe something good came out of all that research. I put into practice some of the best advice.

One thing I decided is: "I don't want to live with this pain anymore! I love life, I love my family, I love my work and I don't deserve this... so pain begone!" I stopped taking the pain medicines prescribed by my doctors (I only take Aleve once in a while) and started taking Platinum Essential Amino Acids Plus with MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) which is a natural source of sulfur and an anti-inflammatory supplement used for osteoarthritis, as well as Vitamin D3. And I also eliminated coffee (I only indulge myself drinking some decaf once in a while). Some studies have proven that caffeinated coffee increases osteoarthritis pain. So, whatever did the trick thank God it's working; even my feet are a lot better! I used to have a lot of foot pain (especially after the grueling walks we took in Spain in 2008). As long as I'm using my good Easy Spirit Sneakers I'm fine, and can walk a lot. Alleluia!

Another thing that always helps, of course, is to maintain a positive attitude. To know that what we're going through is temporary and THIS TOO SHALL PASS. We cannot dwell on the pain, the sickness, the past, the grief, negative feelings, etc. Even if we have to deal with some very hard challenges, we must keep a positive attitude NO MATTER WHAT, and enthusiasm and passion towards life!

I suggest the following sites: http://www.adifferentkindofdoctor.blogspot.com/ written by Dr. Sarah Cimperman. Dr. Cimperman is a Naturopathic Doctor and gives great advice. There's a great article written by her in the Wisdom Magazine of Nov/Dec 2010 about "Forest Therapy." It basically emphasizes the importance of communing with nature, taking a walk in the forest. Studies have documented reduced stress, lower blood sugar, better concentration, diminished pain, improved immunity and improved mental and physical health in general. Japanese call this popular practice "shinrin-yoku" which translates to "forest bathing." We need NATURE... it's been proven. Check: http://wisdom-magazine.com/ and http://wisdom-magazine.com/Article.aspx/1923/ to read the article.

We must learn to be more aware of our limitations; but remain optimistic and happy. And when challenges come, we must be strong but NEVER, NEVER, NEVER GIVE UP! Check www.YouTube.com for some inspiration, search the Internet or read a great book! I just ordered the book: "Excuses Begone!" by Dr. Wayne Dyer (since I saw his program in the Public Television Station, and was impressed with his positive messages) - you can watch the program with the same name ("Excuses Begone!) in YouTube as well.

All the best!

"The Art of Life"

"The art of life is to know how to enjoy a little and endure much." ~ William Hazlitt

Today I was following a van with the title "The Art of Life" on its back. I've seen ambulances with this name also, very cute... even though it's a medical company of some sort here in Philadelphia. I'm not sure what type of services they provide, but the title made me think that truly "Life is Art" and "Art is Life." Yes, I'm always thinking too much; especially now that I'm going through the challenging Middle Age of my life. It seems that I've become more reflective, I try to find the meaning of everything. What the heck is going on?

Life is a mystery... Come to think about it: Life is an art; some times mysterious, some times exciting, some times challenging. So let's start by defining "Art." According to Britannica Online: "Art is the use of skill and imagination in the creation of aesthetic objects, environments, or experiences that can be shared with others." Art is something that stimulates an individual's thoughts, emotions, beliefs, or ideas through the senses (Wikipedia). To create our life, and I'm a firm believer that we're responsible for creating our lives and creating ourselves, we definitely must learn many skills and use our imagination and creativity a great deal. We must learn from our experiences in order to live a better life and not make the same mistakes over and over. We must try our best to create a beautiful life for ourselves and those we love, sharing our creation as we journey through it. We must learn to embrace positive attitudes and feelings, and find time to pay attention to our thoughts, emotions and beliefs - while also finding time to pay attention to others (since life is not just about us).

Life is a challenge... but we can create a true work of art if we pay attention to what's truly important, and stop worrying so much about always pleasing and trying to impress others, pretending that we are someone we really are not. We must keep in mind that what we do affects others directly or indirectly, in a positive or negative way; our actions definitely have consequences, even when we don't even realize it. Hopefully also, to believe in "karma." Yes... what goes around comes around.

I'm reading a fascinating book by Dr. John Sarno ("Healing Back Pain") - check http://www.healingbackpain.com - where he explains how most pain conditions, like Back Pain, Fibromyalgia, Bursitis, Digestive Issues and many others, are due to our repressed emotions (especially repressed anger). This subject is very interesting to me since I've been suffering with some shoulder, arm, neck, back, leg and foot pain for the past two years. What's going on with me? Why do I feel so much pain at times? My doctors will explain it as Fibromyalgia, or Sciatica (I have Spina Bifida Occulta - my L5 vertebra is deformed a little and my Sciatic Nerve is irritated), or a Degenerated Spine (which happens to all of us as we get old, our discs start drying out), etc. I also fell a couple of times on my right side, which probably created a few issues. Then again, I must consider many other possibilities: Am I unconsciously repressing some negative emotions? After all, when you go through hormonal changes your moods are affected, you get more easily irritated, annoyed, moody, etc. We become more sensitive, less patient. No matter how positive I am, and trust me I am - I think at work they think I'm "too" positive and "too" happy all the time (I love my work and my students, so why not?!), nothing ever bothers me (or so everyone thinks) - am I keeping some angry or other negative feelings inside? Am I repressing some emotions without even realizing it? I have work to do! It's pretty mind-boggling, really... Maybe I should visit a therapist, or just see my friends more often, so that I can talk to them about my feelings and inner thoughts. I must start analyzing my thoughts and feelings, and pay more attention to my hidden emotions. I should probably write more, reflect more, learn to meditate and pray more. I always said that it's essential to pay attention to our emotions, feelings and thoughts - I guess it's time for me to do that. We get so busy in life that we neglect ourselves and our diets. Well, like I said: Life is a challenge... I'm ready for this one!

No matter what, though, we must create an authentic life (I think Oprah said this); a true masterpiece - the best possible life for us and for those we share our life with. It can be a simple piece, but hopefully full of love, color and beautiful experiences. Let's stop stressing and complicating our life with unending worries and fears. Let's simplify it more and not take it so seriously. Let's take it one day at a time and live our BEST LIFE! I have to start reading my own advice more often, especially now that I tend to forget so many things. Forgetfulness, another challenge that comes with growing old - the reason I started taking Ginkgo Bilova (to improve my memory and circulation). I'll keep you posted about any new discoveries (on improving my memory and my health)! In the meantime, remember that "life is truly an art" - create your best work!

Assignment: Think about this - which painter inspires you? Which painter or painters do you like the most? Why? Your life at the moment looks like a ... painting (which painter)? Why? Jot down any ideas that come to your mind. Write (or type) about your feelings and any thoughts that pop-up. Do a little research online, check the work of various painters (Renoir, Dali, Magritte, Monet, Rembrandt, Kahlo, etc). Get creative!

No More Coffee...

It's been one of the hardest things to do... to give up coffee. I was not a heavy coffee drinker; but I loved to have a 12 oz. cup of half-decaf and half-regular coffee every day. At times I also had an 8 oz. cup of just regular. I also enjoyed Dunkin Donuts Iced Coffee (particularly on hot days). Well, those days are over... I've decided to be honest with myself and realize that it's really not a good thing for me. The truth is, no matter what they say (since they come up with new studies every day, sometimes condemning and sometimes praising this drink) coffee is not a good thing. I've been in denial for a long time (many years), convincing myself that I need a little bit of caffeine (from coffee) every day, to feel more alert and energized, to get more creative, to enjoy, etc. I personally have a problem drinking it. It's a very acidic drink and can easily upset your digestive system. It also affects the functioning of your adrenal glands. Coffee is an irritant and a stimulant that releases "stress hormones" and also raises your blood sugar levels very rapidly; in a little while, after drinking it, you crash and crave for more, or crave for sweets or carbs (at least this happens to me). It's been proven that it raises your cholesterol levels and your blood pressure; and now that I'm passing through the "great middle age" stage in my life, my cholesterol and triglycerides levels are very high, so I need to do something about it, unfortunately. Coffee can make you feel irritable, nervous and moody too. So yes, I've decided to stay away from coffee! I'll try to be strong! I've done this before, I've been on no coffee and no carbs diets before - I can do this! I never drank coffee when I was pregnant with my daughters (no sodas, and no caffeine at all!)

How hard it is to give up something you love... Especially, I think, since I grew up in coffee-growing countries; my grandparents, both from my father's and my mother's side had coffee farms in Costa Rica. I grew up drinking coffee with boiled milk (Latin American style) from a very young age - a tradition in Central and South American countries. We had coffee with our breakfast, coffee after lunch and coffee at around 4 PM with a snack (or baked goods). I probably was completely dehydrated, and didn't even know it; since I drank more coffee than water. And we lived in Barranquilla, Colombia, with temperatures of 90 plus degrees every day, for many years (13) and then moved to San Jose, Costa Rica (where I was born) - with milder weather - but still a drink of choice for most Costa Ricans and especially my family.

Well, so now I have to find a substitute drink that I can enjoy, but with health benefits. I'm trying Green Tea, Rooibos Tea, Black Tea, Oolong Tea, and soon will try "Dandelion Coffee." I recently read that Dandelion Coffee is a very good alternative, according to the information found online, it's a very healthy drink (not really coffee) made from the roasted roots of Dandelion plants. Funny that in my Teens Self Help Blog I wrote about the benefits and versatility of dandelions. Well, I will visit my Health Food Store soon and will try this so-called coffee that is not really coffee and see how I like it. For right now, I'll continue committed to stay away from coffee and sodas and will try my best to drink more water and some of the teas that for right now have a "good reputation." And of course, I will remember that water is still the best drink of all (I hope) ... Wish me luck!

A "Stagnant" Life...

While riding in the car today, driving to one of our favorite parks -Lorimer Park- I noticed that a pond nearby, which is usually full of water lilies and geese, and full of life, looked quite dirty; it now has a dark and ugly green color and stagnant water. Its water was completely still, not moving at all. Let's think for a moment, what is the meaning of "stagnant"? The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines stagnant as follows: "not flowing in a current or stream, e.g. 'stagnant water' or not advancing or developing e.g. 'a stagnant economy'." The thought occurred to me that sometimes our lives, or certain areas of our lives, can become stagnant like that pond, if we let it...

There will always be moments in our lives when we feel kind of stuck in certain situations, certain relationships or certain jobs; this is basically part of living and it happens to all of us, some times. But there are also times when we really lose that zest for life. When we find life too boring, or too stressful, overwhelming, chaotic, etc. It's during those tough times that we need to remember that it's up to us to make a difference and change our circumstances; that we have to put aside the "excuses;" and that we can just relax and go with the flow. We have to remember that we have the power to change some negative events when we embrace positive attitudes. Let's see these "stagnant" times as lessons to be learned, but let's keep in mind that these tough times will pass - because they always do. Life as it is, is not "stagnant." Life is always changing and flowing. Life is change. Life is growth. Don't dwell on the negative and try your best to remain strong.

If you look to the future with optimism and hope, your life will slowly change for the better, I promise. Put this in practice and learn how to be passionate about everything you do (whatever that is). Soon you'll find out how important a positive outlook on life is, no matter what. Even in a "stagnant" economy or a "stagnant" personal life (or just the few "stagnant" areas in your life). Your life can change for the better! Your life WILL change for the better if you go with the flow... and you will change for the better too!

I know that that "stagnant" pond will be full of life very soon. Spring finally arrived and rainy days are on the horizon... Life is good!

"Simply Delicious"

Today I saw the movie "Julie & Julia" and I loved it! Very refreshing, funny and "feel good." I enjoyed it very much and highly recommend it. It inspired me to find ways to make cooking more fun and interesting. After many years of cooking thousands of meals for my family, I have to admit that some times I just don't have the desire to slave so much over the stove. I've lost interest in preparing complicated meals and have resigned myself to cooking quick and simple ones. In fact, the simplest and faster the better! We also eat out a lot... I just don't have the energy to cook after a full day at work.

I've discovered that a great way to get new tips and ideas and motivate myself to "keep cooking" is to watch some of the great TV cooking shows (like the ones in the Food Network Channel). One of my favorite meals is the very versatile "omelette." You can customize any omelette to your liking by adding vegetables, cheeses, and meats of your choice. I do like it well cooked though, so my trick is to turn it around quickly when the bottom is cooked and golden (most chefs probably would disapprove of my technique - but I don't like runny eggs at all); then I add the goodies and fold.

You can saute your favorite veggies, like onions, green and red peppers, mushrooms, zucchini or other in butter or oil before you add them to your omelette. Chop some ham, your favorite cheese and you have the "perfect meal." You can find many recipes here in the internet and get very creative.

Learn to create a few favorite recipes; I promise you that you'll feel a great sense of achievement!

Check the book: "My Life in France" by Julia Child and Alex Prud'Homme. Great reading...

The Trials of Getting Older

I have to admit it – I’m having a hard time accepting the fact that I’m getting older. Yes, we all "grow," we all get older – it's part of life, it's the way it is; but I still wish I could look like I did at 35. Maybe it's vanity. I’m 52 years old now and can say that, in general, I’m in good (not great!) health and look pretty good, for my age. I really cannot complain, especially, when I'm aware of the problems some of my friends and co-workers are having (health problems, financial problems, family problems); and aware that so many people in this country, and others, have lost their jobs and their savings (401 K's, stocks, etc.). Even as I’m going through the dreaded “hormonal changes” of middle age (a metamorphosis of sorts) and most nights cannot sleep very restfully; and my metabolism is crawling like a turtle - I’m still very active, and most importantly, I feel very fulfilled at work, have a great family and family life, have good friends, and can honestly say that “life is good”…! I’m a lot wiser now than I was at 35 or at 40. I really feel that I understand what is truly important in life! My priorities are clear; my spirituality is stronger than ever, my life is amazingly rewarding, and I thank God every day for my many blessings… But, let's face it, it still stinks to get OLD. I have to work on accepting the changes and challenges that come with growing older more gracefully and just “go with the flow” like they say; after all, life is a constant challenge, isn't it?

Change is always difficult, no matter what! I never paid too much attention to change when I was younger; but now for some reason – I do! I try my best to have the "C'est la vie..." attitude, but it's definitely hard at times. I guess the fact that I work with teenagers (I teach 15, 16, 17 and 18 year old girls) may contribute to this feeling. In many ways, I wish I could be as beautiful, energetic and active as they are or as my daughters are; but remain as wise as I feel at the present moment. This is my challenge now, and the challenge of all of us, to accept life as it is… to live one day at a time and make the best out of every moment. Life is precious! We have to embrace the beauty in our lives and keep a cheerful and positive attitude while learning to ADAPT.

I have to believe what Barbra Streisand said once: "It gets easier as you get older. You accept yourself for who you are - your flaws and your attributes. It's easier to live in your own skin." I certainly hope so.

The good news is: A research conducted by the University of Colorado, at Colorado Springs, confirms that “older adults exhibit a better balance than younger adults in the way they process emotional information from the environment. Younger adults, 18-25, tend to pay more attention to emotionally negative images than to positive ones." The new finding from their study was that the older adults, ages 55 plus, didn't show this so-called 'negative bias;' instead they tended to show a better balance between paying attention to both negative and positive images.

"We care less about our appearance (not necessarily) and more about our emotional well-being, our character, and our involvements in the world at large and with those we love (I agree with the last three parts)," says clinical psychologist Betsy Stone, Ph.D., of Stamford, Connecticut.

"As we get older, we know more not only about the world but about ourselves. We have better attention spans and an increased ability to focus. In general, most non-neurotic older people (I love this!) are content with what they've done with their lives, are happy, have high self-esteem, and a sense of well-being," says clinical psychologist Forrest Scogin, Ph.D., of the University of Alabama. "We become more adaptable and flexible, and have a greater understanding of our own resilience."

"RESILIENCE" - that's the key word.

"There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of the people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age." ~ Sophia Loren

“Youth is not a time of life - it is a state of mind. Nobody grows old by merely living a number of years; people grow old by deserting their ideals. Years may wrinkle your skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles your soul. You are as young as your faith, as old as your doubts; as young as your self-confidence, as old as your fear; as young as your hope, as old as your despair. In the central place of your heart there is a recording chamber; so long as it receives messages of beauty, hope, cheer, and courage - so long are you young.”

~ General Douglas MacArthur (based on a poem written by Samuel Ullman of Birmingham, Ala.)

For the entire poem check: http://www.bartleby.com/73/2099.html.
Also check: http://www.psychologytoday.com, and http://www.dreamcoach.com/pdfs/soulful_living.pdf for great articles and advice.