A Painless Life
By Danielle Boonstra Here’s something I know for sure is true: when I am not doing what is in alignment with my talents and values I experience pain. Sometimes it’s a dull ache in my gut and other times it’s a full-out tornado in my chest making me weep, tearing me up. And I think: [...]
Reality TV and Moral Callosity
By Kimberly Badgett “A culture that does not grasp the vital interplay between morality and power, which mistakes management techniques for wisdom, and fails to understand that the measure of a civilization is its compassion, not its speed or ability to consume, condemns itself to death” (Hedges, 103). That which we choose to entertain ourselves [...]
I Just Decided I Rule.
By Danielle Boonstra No one decides what I am worth except me because everyone else’s decision will be based on mine. I set the bar. I give the vibes. I, in essence, write the cheque. And I never used to have to think about that. I had a job; I got paid twice a month. [...]
Choose Wisely
By Susan Stackpole The truth about chick hatcheries. The truth about KFC. The truth about farming. ? ~ ? ~ ? ~ ? ~ ? ~ ? ~ ? ~ ? ~ ? ~ ? ~ ? ~ ? ~ ? ~ ? ~ ? ~ ? ~ ? ~ ? ~ ? ~ ? [...]
Mother’s day
By Carol Bender My calendar declares today, April 3rd, Mothering Sunday (UK). I love this! To mother sounds more nurturing. You don’t have to be someone’s mother to mother them. You just need to care about them. You can be mothering to animals, people big or small, or our planet. You name it, you can [...]
The Truth That Unites Us
By Danielle Boonstra I’ll be honest, sometimes I don’t tell the truth. Not so often these days, but it happens. And every time, without fail I think to myself afterwards “Why did I say that? Why didn’t I just say what was true?”. The only reason I am ever not telling the truth is because [...]
Prayers Answered
By Carol Bender I can’t get Charlie Sheen’s bi-winning interview out of my head so I wrote this little poem hoping it helps. Prayers Answered Two farmers live on the very same road. And this is their story so I am told. One prayed and worked to harvest his crops. The other wished and played [...]
The Secret to Surviving Super Success
by Susan Biali I often joke that one of the major challenges in being a “successful” life balance expert, is that it becomes harder and harder to successfully balance your life! I recently had coffee (actually, it was more of a steamed soy milk, on my part) with mega-successful radio host Jesse Dylan, of The [...]
Cleansing
By Kim Badgett I’m sorry I never told you that I don’t like you very much. I’m sorry that I never said you seem really shallow and inconsiderate. I’m sorry I just nodded along while listening to your delusional tales of grandeur, giving you the impression that I actually believed any of what you were [...]
Down and Out? Wait for the Surprise!
by Susan Biali This past weekend I was honored to be invited to listen to Laura Lynn Tyler Thompson, my good friend who also happens to be the host of The Daily (the program on VisionTV and JoyTV, that I appear on every Wednesday), speak about the amazing story of her life. Her story changed [...]
5 Reasons Why You Should Still Go to the Spa (even in tough times!)
by Susan Biali A while ago, as I was getting a facial treatment at my favourite local spa, my aesthetician told me that spas across the city were experiencing a slump in business. Apparently, when things get “tough”, people see something like going to the spa as an extra, inessential splurge. Than, the other day, [...]
How to Stop Overeating: Look Good, Feel Better, Forever!
by Susan Biali What’s your relationship with food like? From the time I was around ten years old, and my aunt invited me to try my first “diet” with her (eating only grapes – we lasted around six hours), until just a few years ago, I was obsessed with food and the way that I [...]
I Didn’t Listen To My Body
By Danielle Boonstra I didn’t listen to my body. When it said “Move”, I said “Hush, I’m too tired”. I wanted comfort and nothingness…a place without challenge. I didn’t listen to my body. When it said “Enough”, I said “I’m not numb yet”. I wanted fullness and escape…a space where I did not have to think. [...]
Let’s hear it for Costco! (This is just mind-boggling!)
by Pam Bignardi Enough to make us SICK!! Make sure you read all the way past the list of the drugs. The woman that signed below is a Budget Analyst out of federal Washington , DC offices. Did you ever wonder how much it costs a drug company for the active ingredient in prescription medications? [...]
How Getting Sick Taught Me to Lighten the Heck Up
By Danielle Boonstra I’ve been sick since Friday morning. Barely able to eat (though I just managed to eat some macaroni…yay!), sleeping constantly and feeling very drained. It has made me appreciate the lightness that is health. I feel like I did when I was pregnant. And while I love my 2 babies like there’s no [...]
How to Pull Yourself out of a Funk
by Susan Biali Last night on TV, I saw a very successful speaker, who regularly talks to groups of women of 10,000 or more, say that she’s disturbed by how much depression she sees around her, these days. Those of you who already know me know that I struggled with it for years. It rarely [...]
The Write Vibe
By Danielle Boonstra I really wanted to write yesterday. I wanted that feeling of sitting back and witnessing as word after word pours onto the page. I wanted to be astonished, uplifted at what was coming through me! To give birth to something needing to be born. And nothing came. Who are these people who can [...]
Want to Lose Weight? Just Go to Bed Earlier
by Susan Biali When it comes to losing weight, most people find it hard to change the eating (and exercise) behaviors that got them into trouble in the first place. Did you know that the amount that you sleep can have a direct effect on whether you’re a healthy weight, or significantly overweight? Do you [...]
At My Side
By Danielle Boonstra There’s room here at my side. Amid the diaper bag and the knapsack. There’s room. Between the angels and the guides. Among the papers and the lists. There’s room. There’s room here in my heart. Amid the children and the grandparents. There’s room. Between the lovers and the friends. Among the parents [...]
How Come?
“I go to church, so I’m better than you.” “That’s nice.” said the Pagan girl who was making puppets to cheer sick kids at the hospital. “I work faster, so I’m better than you.” “That’s nice.” said the boy who was concentrating on doing his highest quality work. “I keep things clean, so I’m better [...]
Are you – or would you like to be – a powerful woman?
by Susan Biali A friend mentioned to me the other day that someone had brought my name up, in conversation, and had commented that I was a “powerful” woman. When she told me that, it caught me off guard. I really didn’t know what to say. I laughed and made a quick joke, but sat thinking [...]
Is “Why” a dangerous question?
by Carol Bender Why do some people have poor hygiene? Why do some people dress sloppy? Why do some people smoke? Why do some people do drugs? Why are some people mean? Why are some people ignorant? Why are some people mentally ill? Why do some people love labels? I am thankful that I am [...]
Costa Rica- a travelogue
By Erin Parker *Take a journey back in time with me, eh? It’s about time I get around to telling tall tales of my travels of yore…join me on this series where I’ll be covering travels from years ago when blogging was but a tiny speck in my mind, and I chronicled my adventures on [...]
Conversation with an Atheist
by Carol Bender Thanks Les for the suggestions. I will read the books you suggested. I don’t rely on books alone to make up my mind. hmmmm interesting way of putting it – making up one’s mind. I appreciate the time you have put into this discussion. The only atheists I know personally lose me [...]
Time was ……………………..
by Sarah Golding Time was when I danced With love Letting it envelop me With its beautiful Dark, intensity Letting the passion Wash over me in Deep waves of ecstasy Time was when I laughed With love Throwing my head back Enjoying every second Letting my whole being Be filled with this joy With this [...]
Thank a Teacher
by Cathy Areu When President Obama took office, most of the country was in agreement that Wall Street was to blame for all of our economic problems. It was obvious that unscrupulous bankers and greedy corporations had led us down the wrong path, right into a recession. But now, almost two years later, it seems [...]
Aloha Maui
by Ronda Suder Maui- You took me in. You protected me. You helped me grow. You made me see. From unveiled agendas to hidden trees Your protective energies saved me from these As the wind still blows through my curly hair The stars still shine bright way up in the air The moon still hangs [...]
The Housekeeper on Glee
by Cathy Areu I was watching one of my favorite TV shows this week, Glee, when it happened again. A Latina was portrayed in a stereotypical role: the housekeeper. Why, Glee? Why? Why did you have to ruin my TV-watching night with your prejudiced view of my demographic? Do you think we’re not watching? For [...]
Rose Bushes in Heaven?
by Sarah Golding Whenever there was some drama, some sacrifice, suffering etc my mum, God bless her, would always say: “Oh well, there’s another rose bush in heaven” Meaning that because of the pain and suffering endured she would be rewarded by a rose bush when she got up there, mum thought that by the [...]
My World of Found
by Ronda Suder I sometimes feel lost in my world of Found I sort of feel up, and then I feel down I’m often alone, though I’m not really lonely Though I wish I liked him, or him, and him–if only But a man of desperation I do not seek Though of a relationship I [...]
Is “Why” a dangerous question?
by Carol Bender Why do some people have poor hygiene? Why do some people dress sloppy? Why do some people smoke? Why do some people do drugs? Why are some people mean? Why are some people ignorant? Why are some people mentally ill? Why do some people love labels? I am thankful that I am [...]
On Freedom: My Train-hopping Friend and Me
by McCall Erickson When I accidentally wrote my first song 3 years ago and experienced the fiery rush of creativity flowing through my veins, I thought “this is what it feels like to be free.” A few moments later (it might have been 2 days, or 2 minutes later, I can’t remember) I decided I [...]
Creativity: 6 vital lessons I learned in 2009
by McCall Erickson 1. My path isn’t entirely up to me. I can’t count how many times I’ve heard this question “So, when are you gonna be famous?” This question is asked with a what-the-hell-are-you-waiting-for-you-should-be-putting-your-eggs-in-the-getting-famous-basket-now tone of voice. (Mostly from my non-musical friends. Musical friends usually know better!) As if being famous or making it [...]
To Every Thing There is a Season – Ecclesiastes 3. 1-8
By Carol Bender To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to [...]
To Motherhood…connections…and my baby boys birthday…!!
by Vicki Lickorish To motherhood…connections…and my baby boys birthday! My status update today was in my inbox this morning… it made lots of sense to me the moment I read it… “There is nothing for you to go back and live over, or fix, or feel regret about now. Every part of your life has [...]
Women More Attracted to Men whose Feelings are Unclear, study shows
By Allison Reilly Still looking for that perfect someone in your life? Or perhaps want to increase your dating chances? A study published in Psychological Science reveals that women are more attracted to men when they are uncertain about how much a man likes her. Maybe the best way to nab a man is to [...]
I have cellulite. What’s your excuse?
by McCall Erickson Life truly is not fair. I know this from experience, because I was so graciously blessed by whatever God or Goddess is in charge of these kinds of things with an unfair amount of cellulite on my thighs and legs in this life. Imagine my horror as I enter puberty (oh sweet [...]
Finding Me…Following my Goals and Finding Home!
by Vicki Lickorish “Personal transformation can and does have global effects. As we go, so goes the world, for the world is us. The revolution that will save the world is ultimately a personal one.” ~Marianne Williamson~ A friend of mine said to me the other day; the timing is always just right… off course, [...]
The power of imperfection
By Susan Stackpole “Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising, which tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires courage.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~ Do [...]
THE VALUE OF MOVIES IN TODAY’S AMERICA
by Candace Silvers As we approach the 83rd Annual Academy Awards with a slew of incredible films battling it out, I have found myself reflecting on the importance of movies to American Culture. In light of the daily news, and with respect to, well, all of us, it is my opinion that we’re stuck as [...]
Quotes
by Vicki Lickorish Just been going through my wall and decided to put all the quotes I posted in March in one place… was going to go further back until I realised how many there are!!! xx “Be not the slave of your own past – plunge into the sublime seas, dive deep, and swim [...]
Outsourced: A Sitar is Born
By Allison Reilly The American sitcom continues in its debut season, when call center manager Todd (Ben Rappaport) overhears a beautiful singing voice from the bathroom, he’s surprised to find that it belongs to the shy and soft-spoken call center worker Madhuri (Anisha Nagarajan). Believing Madhuri has a shot to win an upcoming competition, Todd [...]
To see a world in a grain of sand…
by Vicki Lickorish Last nights dreams where very interesting…I was Lara Croft (well Angelina Jolie actually!!) This poem, well the first few lines kept repeating themselves over and over, I’ve never read the whole poem before, interesting read Mr Blake! To see a world in a grain of sand And a heaven in a wild [...]
Ethiopia – Weeks 5 & 6
by Holly Robertson I’m a little late on sending out this update because I was gone for four days on an adventure and the internet has been down. An adventure that showed me the true wilderness of Ethiopia! It was a week of excitement, more sickness, MORE antibiotics, New Years Eve at an R. Kelly [...]
Eat Yourself Happy: Choose Foods that Boost Mood and Vitality
by Susan Biali I have a history of depression, though thankfully I haven’t had an episode in almost ten years. I turned my mood around by making major changes in my personal and professional life, and will tell you more about that in another post. I’m a practicing medical doctor (GP) with a degree in Dietetics, [...]
Dance Your Heart Out
By Susan L. Stackpole Irving Berlin was onto something when he said, The best things happen while youre dancing. The evolution of dance captured the attention of audiences throughout the twentieth century and is continuing into the twenty-first century. Current shows like So You Think You Can Dance, Americas Best Dance Crew, and Dancing with [...]
What moves you? You need to move toward it
by Susan Biali, M.D. It’s time to listen to what life’s calling you to do As you may or may not know, I lived in Mexico for four years (2004-2008) and had my own flamenco dance company in Los Cabos (aka “Cabo”). When I was there I did all kinds of different things in addition [...]
Drug-free Ways to Improve Sleep Naturally
By Susan Biali, M.D. Last month on the Canadian Mental Health Association’s “Anxiety and Depression Screening Day” I was invited to speak at a community event. After I finished my keynote, in which I shared my own story of depression and the various natural ways you can boost your mood, naturopathic physician Dr. Neetu Dhiman [...]
5 Reasons Why You Can’t Control Your Eating
by Susan Biali, M.D. Take back control of your food choices and your weight I’ve struggled almost my whole life with food. During my late teens I was obsessed with dieting and calorie-counting, which turned into compulsive eating and a powerful addiction to sugary, fatty foods in my 20′s and 30′s – even though I [...]
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Week Three
by Holly Robertson Merry Christmas! I hope that everyone had a fun and memorable holiday. Next up is New Years Eve so let’s start making our New Year’s Resolutions. I love New Year’s Resolutions. If you just put a little thought and ambition into it and have some backbone throughout the year, the possibilities are [...]