You can see the fruits of my labors in the resulting website:

www.HappyHealthyHer.com

Given my time away, I have been able to reflect on just how great a hiatus can be:

Education is Empowering

My experience with completing a master’s degree in Integrative Health & Healing was amazing! It made me realize that although I had been reading voraciously on health, and writing as well, I wasn’t completely immersed in the process. I didn’t have colleagues or instructors to share my passions with, and to learn from. I had been going it alone, which kept me informed, but it hadn’t made me empowered. I can honestly say that being immersed in the educational experience has provided me with the comprehensive experiential knowledge and understanding that I just could not get on my own. I think all adults should have the opportunity to fuel their creative spark in such a way.

Introspection is Essential

In education you must do a great deal of soul searching. You have to think about what is really important to you, and bend your beliefs as new information is uncovered. It can be tiring, yet amazingly uplifting at the same time. During my degree, daily journaling was encouraged and I found that putting my innermost thoughts on paper was a window into my soul. I was able to uncover who I really was at heart, and what I really wanted out of life. That is some pretty profound stuff! We all think we know what we want, but I can tell you, I was never as sure about what I stood for as I am now after two years of journaling. If you haven’t ever tried it, I urge you to give it a shot.

Reading is “Fun”damental

I remember that somewhat cheesy line from grade school. Back then I really didn’t like to read because books were often forced upon me, and then I was told what they meant, or how I was supposed to interpret them. Ridiculous! All written material is subject to the reader’s perception. Now that I understand that, and feel free to read under my own terms, I love reading. I feel so inspired by a good book, and also grateful to its author. Discovering works that move me has also enriched my writing tremendously and made me more sure than ever that I was meant to be a writer. My recent favorite works include: Kitchen Table Wisdom (Rachel Naomi Remen), The Genie In Your Genes (Dawson Church), The Art of Effortless Living (Ingrid Bacci), The War of Art (Steven Pressfield), and Writing Down the Bones (Natalie Goldberg). Even if you don’t opt to go back to school, you can always expand your mind with a good book.

So, although I have been on break from this blog, you can see that I have kept myself busy. If you took a hiatus what would you do?

The Only Exercise Tool You’ll Ever Need

My exercise basket complete with trusty calendar

As justification that some of the best things in life are free, my 2011 calendar was sent as a gift with my annual donation to the American Institute for Cancer Research. And, what a gift it was as it has served as a constant reminder of my goal to exercise daily, or at least 5 times per week. When empty spaces started to appear, I knew that I needed to get moving.  At the beginning of the year, I stuck mostly to my favorite yoga and Pilates routines, either following along with Exercise TV on Comcast On Demand, or using my favorite DVDs. After I completed a session, I wrote it down on the calendar. The simple act of documenting my progress was very rewarding and empowering. As the year progressed, and my calendar spaces began to fill, I opted to mix things up, heading outside for hikes, trying strength training, playing Wii Fit, and my latest Wii favorite – Just Dance 2, which has proven to be quite the fun cardio workout! The key is that I never got bored and never really saw the exercise calendar as something I had to fill, but rather embraced it as something I wanted to fill.

My Inexpensive Home Gym

The full home gym complete with exercise basket, Gazelle, exercise ball, and recumbent bike.

Of course I simplify my exercise tools a bit by stressing only the calendar. There are other basics that have proven helpful for my success. But, what I want to stress is the fact that none of these items were expensive, and for the most part the only truly essential requirement was a good pair of running sneakers, although even those aren’t necessary for yoga and Pilates routines which are done in bare feet. Here is a list of the core items that I keep in a small exercise basket in my bedroom:

• Running Sneakers – a good pair of sneakers is crucial for preventing injury when doing cardio exercises like running, dancing, or aerobics. I have a pair of inexpensive Asics ($30) that I purchased at Kohl’s a few years ago. I only wear these indoors which has kept them clean and minimized their wear-and-tear. Running sneakers seem to have the most support and cushion, although cross trainers are ideal as well.
• Hand Weights – the pair I use is only 3 pounds, but enough weight to challenge my muscles.
• Exercise Bands – I love exercise bands because they are so portable. The set I use now was only $2 at Target. They are great for strengthening the back and chest muscles.
• Mini Exercise Ball - I must admit it, I bought the Bender Ball! It is actually a pretty helpful piece of ab equipment. The exercise DVDs with the ball are easy to learn and do a great job of working the whole abs.
• Yoga Blog & Strap – The beauty of yoga is truly how little it requires.I rarely use anything more than my own body when I do yoga routines, but it doesn’t hurt to have a block or strap available for new or especially challenging poses.

As you can see by the above photo, I also have a Gazelle. Yes, that is the very one sold by Tony Little! With the Bender Ball and the Gazelle – you can see that I am not immune to infomercials. But, I really do enjoy both pieces of equipment. Although I don’t use the Gazelle as much as I had hoped, it does provide a smooth, quiet cardio workout. Sometimes I will use it while watching TV, or as a means of stretching my leg muscles.

The biggest dust collector in my exercise arsenal is of course the most expensive – my recumbent bike. It was one of my first big purchases when I lived on my own, making it a bit of a sentimental item. Back in those days I hadn’t discovered yoga or Pilates, so simply hopping on the bike and peddling away was a chore, but an effective workout none-the-less. If I had to give up one piece of equipment, that would be it, but my husband uses it occasionally, so for now it stays.

Exercise Should be Fun

I think the biggest challenge to maintaining a steady exercise routine really is a lack of commitment and accountability. If you don’t commit to doing some form of exercise every day, and then hold yourself to it – with a calendar, a planner or even an exercise app – then it is very easy to just let it go all together. That is of course, unless you grow to love your exercise routines. Because when exercise is an enjoyable part of your life, you want to do it. So, for the coming year, I encourage you to give exercise a try – whether it be walking, dancing, swimming, active video games, or one of my favorites – yoga or Pilates – there is bound to be some activity that will fill up your calendar in 2012.

However, I have gotten much better at accessing a quiet, reflective state, which is a huge breakthrough for me. The past two days in particular have been pretty profound (more alliteration ♥ ) as I have been meditating in honor of the 11/11/11 energy shifts. I was aided by recently completing  Level 1 – Emei Qigong which has helped me tap into my energy field. But, what I think really helped me reach a state of calm and relaxation was listening to healing music and performing a healing meditation – both of which had been shared by my sister Kristi. She has links on her website to the downloadable music and a recording of her reading the meditation. I’m not sure how long she will keep them posted, so get them while they’re hot! Here they are: Meditation Help (EraofPeace.org).

It has taken me over a year to get to this place where I can now sit quietly in peaceful relaxation for more then 5 or 10 minutes at a time. In fact, today I found a document I had composed from a Facebook chat with my nephew Brian that had a date of 10/16/10 on it. At that time he had given me tips as to how to help me find my inner zen. It seemed so easy at the time, but here I am over a year later and I am still a work in progress. His tips are too good not to share, so here they are :

• The general point is to gradually work towards calming yourself to allow your mind to settle down.When a thought enters your mind, don’t fight it just let it pass.
• Play peaceful music and then eventually try to block the music out.
• Some people also focus on creating a circle in their mind’s eye, then putting a box in the circle, then a triangle in the square, and repeating that imagery over and over.
• Others use a mala (a string of prayer beads) to help them stay focused. You can repeat a mantra while moving the beads to keep track of the number of times you repeat the mantra.
• Vocal meditation is also helpful. That is where you repeat a mantra (similar to a prayer) while remaining in Lotus position, or a comfortable seated position.  Chanting Ohm Shanti is an easy and calming vocal meditation.

Right around the time of getting all of Brian’s help, I also began completing a master’s degree in Integrative Health & Healing at the Graduate Institute. The program emphasizes the integration of mind, body and spirit, making meditation a regular focus of our studies. As such, I have uncovered my own tips and techniques for calming my mind and realigning my energies through meditation. My favorites include:

• Meditating to a piece of music that moves my spirit. I absolutely love Heart’s version of Reign O’er Me. I just listen to the music and let my mind go. It is very powerful!
• Using a short guided meditation. LearningMeditation.com has some great meditations that are free and are only 3-5 minutes. I especially love the Healing Meditation.
• Simply focusing on deep breathing. I read a great tip from Deepak Chopra that said to breath in to the word “just” and breath out to the word “this”. It’s a great reminder that all we ever really NEED to do is breath. How freeing!
• Burning sandalwood incense. The scent alone puts me into a relaxed and clear-headed state.
• Wearing a sodalite necklace or holding a carnelian crystal. Crystals carry a powerful energy and just having them in contact with my body gives me a sense of calm.

Meditation is about the journey, not the destination. So, the most important piece of advice I’ve gotten about the practice came from my instructor Denise Romano who reminds all of her students to think “who cares!” That simple statement reminds us to let go, give up all pretenses and just be. And that is what meditation is all about – no mastery required.

If you are interested in incorporating the power of meditation into an online degree program
check out this masters degree in human services.

Friends and family still find it hard to believe that I no longer eat my favorite candy (Twizzlers) or nosh on my beloved Papa Gino’s pizza. And, they find it harder to believe that I’m unable to eat anything they serve. At parties and family gatherings I live with the hunger and the virtual torture of everyone around me “eewwwing” and “ahhhing” over the delicious treats… Mom’s spaghetti and meatballs, my Mother-In-Law’s eggplant parmesan, and every birthday cake at every birthday party (some 10+ a year, but who’s counting?). “Oh you can’t eat this? Really?” “Really” is all I can mutter in response. Most foods contain gluten in some form since gluten is in wheat (the base for flour), oats, barley and rye. I tend to bring my own snacks, so I don’t literally starve, and I keep my sobbing to a minimum as I do my best to avoid the delicious smells wafting around me. I am trying to make light of this, as I often do. But, believe me there is nothing funny about HAVING to avoid gluten.

Imagine never again enjoying the sweet simplicity of a fresh baked roll, or the decadence of chocolate cake. Not being able to just grab a bagel at the office, or having to refuse a friend’s homemade blueberry muffins. Needing to read every label and scrutinize every bite. Does any of that sound funny to you?

Allow me to get a bit more graphic to really drive home this point. If I eat something that contains gluten in any form (i.e. a touch of flour, a bread crumb, a single stray oat) l have diarrhea within 15-30 minutes. Sometimes it’s accompanied by nausea, bloating, and sores at the corner of my mouth. Would it scare you if you knew that something in food could damage your entire digestive tract if you ate just a morsel? That is the fear I live with every time I eat outside of my house. And, the residual damage of having even a little gluten causes me days of fatigue. It is as though my body has been poisoned and it then must take time to recover. Some research shows that the damage from gluten can actually last for months. It’s not funny. It’s a disease (Celiac) and it’s very debilitating. Coming off a weekend trip to Cape Cod where I ate only 2 meals at restaurants, the lack of humor is especially fresh in my mind. At both meals I stressed to the servers that I could not have gluten, and I picked from just a few items on the menu that I knew to be naturally gluten free, yet after each meal I had digestive upsets that sent me running back to the hotel room. I wasn’t laughing.

I wasn’t going to share any of this with the world, because it’s embarrassing and somewhat hard to talk about. But, then I just happened to be watching TV as I did the dishes last night. The show Two Broke Girls came on TV and although I didn’t enjoy the show when I watched it the week before I left it on as background distraction. The show is a comedy featuring two waitresses; one is a snarky, seasoned server, the other, a spoiled, rich girl who has never worked in her life. The spoiled girl says to the snarky waitress, “one of my tables is asking if we have anything that is gluten free. What should I tell them?” The snarky and overtly ignorant waitress responds, “tell them ‘you’re not allergic to gluten, you’re just masking an eating disorder.’” The studio audience roared with laughter. I dropped my dish brush and immediately turned off the TV.

At first I thought turning off the show was the only retaliation I had for such ignorance and cruelty, but then I remembered that education is the best remedy, and thus this post. As you can probably tell after more than three years of trying to live gluten free it is still very, very difficult and I am totally stunned by how hard it is to protect myself not just from gluten, but from the ignorance and lack of compassion of some people. Apparently many believe that avoiding gluten is a fad, a weight loss gimmick, or even some form of eating disorder. This certainly could be true for some people, but those are surely the minority. Given how incredibly difficult it is to avoid gluten, which as I previously alluded to is in virtually all prepared foods, it is odd to me that anyone would believe that avoiding it is for reasons of vanity alone. I’m quite certain that the many individuals with Celiac disease and the many more with gluten intolerance would tell you that if they had a choice they would not go out of their way to make a fuss about avoiding gluten in their meals. It is a medical necessity! Would you laugh at a diabetic if they told you that they couldn’t eat a piece of cake because it could eventually cause them to go blind? Would you carelessly add sugar to their meal? I certainly hope not. The same consideration and understanding needs to be taken for anyone avoiding gluten.

I leave you with some final questions that I think everyone should be asking themselves. Why are some people (especially children) so harmed by gluten? Is it possible that those who are so sensitive to its effects are just harbingers to gluten’s long term dangers? If that is the case, then maybe those of us who are so diligently avoiding gluten will have the last laugh in the end, but I doubt any of us really want that.

To show your support for those trying desperately to avoid gluten for medical reasons, please support Gluten Free food labeling

Here is the letter that was posted in the paper & Dr. Gott’s response:

DEAR DR. GOTT: I read your column daily but don’t recall seeing my question before. My wife will eat a meal and then shortly after have a running bowel movement. She will declare that something she just ate must have made it happen. I’ve repeatedly explained to her that it’s not possible to eat something and have it pass through a person that fast, that it takes many hours and possibly overnight. She insists she can eat something tainted now and within the hour it makes her run to the bathroom.

Please clarify this for me and especially for my wife. I’ve tried to tell her if she has a runny bowel movement soon after eating, it’s most likely from something she ate earlier or the day before.

DEAR READER: For most healthy adults, it takes 24 to 72 hours following a meal for it to be digested and excreted. It takes up to eight hours for it to pass through the stomach and into the small intestine. It then enters the large intestine for further digestion and absorption of fluids and nutrients. Elimination of undigested food residue begins after 24 hours, but complete elimination may take longer.

The rapid sensation your wife experiences may simply result from the new food stimulating the existing digestive process. I side with you on this one.

And, here is my follow-up:

Dear Dr. Gott,

I regularly read your column and enjoy your answers as you often point to interesting solutions. However, your recent 9/6/11 column on Urgency after Eating really missed the mark with regards to the woman in question’s problem (urgent bowel movements after eating). You note how normal digestion is supposed to take place in 24-72 hours, but the reality is that what is supposed to happen with digestion often doesn’t. It is a very individualized process, particularly if a digestive problem is occurring. I am a dietitian, so I am well-versed in what we believe the body is supposed to do with the food we eat, but there are a myriad of reasons why this process often goes awry.

On a personal level, three years ago I began having urgent bowel movements 15-30 minutes after eating. I found it hard to believe that a food could trigger such a response, but it absolutely did. For me the trigger was (is) gluten, and any food that contains that protein will cause an almost immediate response in my body. Unfortunately, it is quite common for it to happen after eating a meal at a restaurant even after telling the server that I must avoid gluten, as restaurant foods are typically laden with additives.

Rather than “siding” with the woman’s husband as you did, you really should have suggested she investigate a potential gluten intolerance or other food sensitivity. Dairy (particularly lactose intolerance) is a well-known trigger for diarrhea, as are stress, viruses, excess consumption of sugar alcohols, fat, or hypertonic solutions. I hope you will consider these factors in future responses, and more importantly acknowledge that what someone says is happening is far more important than what is supposed to be happening

Best Regards,
Michelle Traub, R.D.

Let’s start with a particularly scary household product – carpet cleaner. I have talked about this toxic substance before in Cleaning Tips for the Holidays. But, as a quick refresher, most carpet cleaners and stain removers have very potent and harmful solvents in them. I know this mostly through experience, since every time I cleaned my carpets with my Bissell steamer and regular carpet cleaner, I would find myself feeling very ill – weak, tired, light-headed. And, I noticed my cats didn’t seem to feel so hot either.

That was enough for me to seek alternative methods of cleaning my cream wall-to-wall carpeting. The healthiest solution would probably be to rip the rugs up entirely, replacing them with a natural material like wood, cork or tile. But, cost and time prevents me from doing so. In addition, I  really love the feel of carpet on my bare feet (I never wear shoes in the house). So, exploring other options became a necessity.

For years I was actually quite happy with cleaning up carpet stains with the enzymatic cleaner Kids N Pets. However, after several incidences of a slight yellowing in the carpet, I decided some stains require a different approach. I bought a Bissell Spot Bot this Christmas from Kohl’s (during one of their excellent sales – I love Kohl’s). As an aside, that model is a bit handier and easier to use than my full Bissell steam cleaner. But, it  tends to leave a circle where the cleaning has taken place. And, because I was still using the Kids N Pets, the circle seemed to have a yellow tint.

In attempt to remedy the “yellow circle” effect I turned to several of my tried and true natural cleaning favorites – baking soda and vinegar. The baking soda did a nice job of seemingly absorbing the stain and hiding it a bit, but ultimately didn’t do much else. And, the vinegar just made the area smell, although the smell did dissipate within a day. I was about to give up when I turned to one last staple in my cleaning arsenal – Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap. I have the product in both peppermint and eucalyptus, but I opted for the peppermint version as I felt that smell was a better option. I put just a squirt in the formula tank of my Spot Bot, added water and a bit of vinegar (just for good measure). Then I ran the machine over the stain, being sure to use the hose feature so that the circle wouldn’t be so pronounced.  The combined efforts really seemed to do the trick. The stain was gone and all that was left was this fresh pepperminty smell. I’m not sure if it would work on all colored carpets, but it did a great job on mine. Dr. Bronner’s markets itself as 18 products in 1. I don’t really know if one of those products is carpet cleaner, but if not I would certainly add it to the list.

I also use Dr. Bronner’s as a hand soap (diluted 1 to 1 with water) in recycled self-foaming pumps. And, also as a cleaner for my bathroom sinks and counters. And, in the summer, when temps become particularly hot and sweaty, I use it diluted in the shower for a very cooling body wash.

Avoiding Healthy Foods

I was recently discussing weight loss basics with a friend. I mentioned fruit as a good choice as a dessert at a party. She said, “yah, that’s what I thought, but my mother-in-law said it has too much sugar.” That notion makes me want to scream. The dessert options at most parties include cake, cookies, and brownies. Let’s get real – does anyone really believe that fruit has more sugar than those options? It is almost as though some people just want to argue against healthy foods. We’ve all heard the lament “I can’t eat anything or I gain weight!” That is definitely a defeatist attitude. And, I suspect that mother-in-laws who shun fruit are the same ones who load their own plate with cake and cookies, because “I might as well since everything is going to kill me anyway.” If you have forgotten the basics from you elementary school nutrition class – that fruits and vegetables are some of the most nutritious foods with the lowest concentration of calories – then that’s your business, but please don’t go preaching to others on the topic. If you are really worried about sugar, foods that come out of the ground are not the ones to fear.

Eating 1 Miracle Food

I was telling a friend I was worried about her calcium intake because she smoked and didn’t eat any dairy or calcium-fortified products which put her at risk for osteoporosis. I recommended she take a calcium supplement, and she said, “I eat broccoli, so I get enough calcium.” I was floored. I tried to explain that she would need to eat a good 10 cups a day to get enough calcium from that source, but she just shrugged and turned away. A varied diet is the only way to get all of the nutrients we need every day. To think that you eat a veggie every once in a while, or drink a glass of red wine with dinner and your good to go is quite frankly delusional. I do believe that there are many “super foods” such as broccoli, tea, garlic, blueberries, walnuts, and more. However, none of those foods or drinks can impart health on their own. They must be consumed along with a wide variety of other foods in the right quantities. Getting optimal nutrition is really hard work and it requires a true dedication to the effort, along with an open mind to new suggestions. I realize that some people aren’t up for the task, but I just hope they can admit that to themselves vs. holding onto flawed thinking.

Dieting to Detriment

I have another friend who is ALWAYS on a diet. Her mission is generally to avoid carbs. Yet, every time I see her she is saying, “I have been good, so I am going to treat myself” as she loads her plate with a double portion of macaroni salad. I have gently reminded her that eating a moderate amount of carbs might help her feel more satisfied so that she doesn’t need to “splurge.” Again, my advice is lost on her. In fact, since I have known her the more she diets the more she gains. And, yet she is constantly telling others that they need to watch their carbohydrate intake and other misguided nutrition expertise. Dieting is a trap. I will never fully understand why people seek out diets. It is as though we are all looking for some form of punishment, which is exactly what a diet is. Why do you need to have someone else tell you what to eat? Why must you follow a regimented set of rules and restrictions when you can make your own plan by choosing the healthiest foods that you enjoy and eating them in moderation? One rule and one rule alone will always hold true – if you burn more calories than you consume you will lose weight. Sure, a diet can help to that end, but if it is too restrictive it will never work as a long term solution.

The bottom line for me is that I went through 5 years of schooling to call myself a dietitian, and one of the most important lessons I learned during that time is to always do your research. Nutrition as a science is always evolving. We learn new information, and refine previous recommendations. But, what most dietitians concede is that there is rarely one answer that is right for everyone. That, I believe, is the mark of a true expert in any field.

General Information / Education

• Alzheimer’s Disease Education & Referral Center (ADEAR) www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers (formerly www.alzheimers.org) – multiple resources and publications
o Caregiver Guide numerous helpful tips (28 pages, PDF)
o Comprehensive Caring Guide (146 pages, PDF)

• The Alzheimer’s Project from HBO www.hbo.com/alzheimers/ – documentary films offering insight on the disease with examples of actual patients and their families – a bit depressing, but well done. The site also has resources and many links.

• Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org: offers detailed information with local chapters, and an online forum.
o A Carefinder Guide (30 pages, PDF) with a list of care issues and an area for taking notes.

• Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation www.alzinfo.org – an easy to navigate site with the latest research and helpful tips, videos, blogs, a newsletter, and Preserving Your Memory magazine

• NIHSeniorHealth.gov – Alzheimer’s Disease – http://nihseniorhealth.gov/alzheimersdisease/toc.html short, easy-to-read items covering the basics of the disease, along with links to educational videos.
o This video in particular explains the technical details of how Alzheimer’s disease impacts the nerve cells of the brain. http://nihseniorhealth.gov/alzheimersdisease/whatisalzheimersdisease/video/a2_na.html

• Alzheimer’s Resource Center of Connecticut www.arc-ct.org – a nonprofit organization focused on Alzheimer’s care in Connecticut

Caregiving Resources

• Family Caregiver Alliance – www.caregiver.org fact sheets, newsletters, and information for caregivers.
Site provides an amazing amount of care resources by state, including a detailed chart of services for family caregivers

• American Health Assistance Foundation www.ahaf.org/
o Comprehensive list of resources http://www.ahaf.org/alzheimers/resources/helpfulorganizations.html
o Excellent free guides that can be ordered or viewed online (as PDFs) via this page http://www.ahaf.org/alzheimers/resources/publications.html One that is particularly helpful is on managing caregiver stress (9 pages, PDF)

Alzheimer’s Research

• Alzheimer Research Forum www.alzforum.org – research-oriented site designed for clinical professionals and those looking for in-depth scientific information.

• Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/ResearchInformation/ResearchCenters/ – A list of the Alzheimer’s Disease Centers (ADCs) around the US funded by The National Institute on Aging funds

Finding Alzheimer’s Care

In general when looking for a physician to treat someone with Alzheimer’s disease search for “Geriatricians” since they are the specialists who are most likely to have expertise in the disease.

• Eldercare Locator www.eldercare.gov – a service of the U.S. Administration on Aging that allows you to search for specific care option based on your location.

• The FHA Physician Referral Service http://www.healthinaging.org/public_education/physician_referral.php – After filling out a form, you are given access to an online search [Note you may need to enter multiple neighboring towns to find a doctor]

• You can also find local treatment option by visiting Google.com and entering the terms “Memory Clinics” or “Memory Centers” along with your town or state (i.e. Memory Clinics, CT)

Good luck in your journey!

It also traveled with me to my dietetic internship in Chicago, and stayed with me through many career transitions. I stress transitions, as my career path has been a rocky one scattered with stressful layoffs and jobs that just weren’t quite the right fit. All the while, the little pot’s message was never lost on me – even when circumstances aren’t exactly how you want them to be, you should always do your best. That notion is one that I can’t quite shake, even when I want to. Akin to my perfectionist tendencies, the idea of being the best you can be under all situations is ingrained in me. I laugh to think that during the standard interview question, “where do you want to be in 5 years?” my answer has always been the same, “I want to be happy and doing great work.” Maybe that’s why I generally end up working for small companies. The bigger companies seem to want “go-getters” who strive for the corner office. Someone looking to simply bloom is not exactly corporate material.

Blooming is an interesting concept, as it doesn’t always happen the way we’d like. That is certainly true for the avid gardener who fertilizes only to find they are nurturing weeds instead of encouraging beautiful blossoms.

I think that is why “bloom where you’re planted” just popped into my head recently. After experiencing a series of situations where things just hadn’t turned out as I’d like in my career, I needed a solution to what seemed to be stagnation in my growth. That little saying gave me comfort, and even guidance with its gentle reminder that no matter what my situation I could still be my best.

I was hopeful that my best could be achieved even in the less than fertile environment that is the current economy. But, I also accepted the fact that my freelance writing business had slowed down, and I was genuinely missing the team aspect of working with others. So, I decided to accept a part-time job with a long commute and a paycheck less than half of what my skills are worth. I knew deep down that it wasn’t a wise decision, but I was so eager to begin growing again that I acted like the impulsive early buds of spring, trying desperately to bloom more quickly than the harsh New England weather will allow.

After just a few days of work, I started to feel wilted and overwhelmed by the huge list of responsibilities my new position brought. To cheer myself up I took a little shopping trip to one of my favorite stores, The Christmas Tree Shop. There in the very first aisle I happened upon a sign that said none other than “bloom where you’re planted.” I couldn’t help but smile. I decided it was a reminder to get me through this less than ideal time.

In the end however, I’ve decided that although making the best of your current situation is always noble, to truly bloom we all need the right environment (lots of nutrients, plenty of water, and ample sunshine).  Sometimes knowing when to uproot and find more fertile ground  is really what blooming is all about.

You can choose what you will read, listen to, and what you will believe.

You can choose what you will eat, drink, and what you will say and do.

You can even choose to let go of fear, hatred, unhappiness, depression and self-pity.

You can choose the best for yourself and choose the best in yourself.

Finally, you can choose the best in everyone else as well. You can choose to see someone as a “teacher,” rather than as an enemy.

What you choose expands the reality that you experience. Choose well my friend! – Lionel Ketchian

This was part of an article entitled “Solving Problems.” It comes from the Happiness Newsletter and e-newsletter from Lionel Ketchian, founder of the Happiness Club http://happinessclub.com. I have been receiving it for over a year and it never fails to brighten my day.

The concept of happiness as a choice is a fascinating one for me. I have come to understand happiness and mood as an intermingling of hormones, environment, life circumstances and so much more. But, remembering that happiness is ultimately a choice that we all make is really empowering – and humbling too. It’s easy (and even comforting) to blame a bad mood on illness, lack of sleep, too much stress, or a million other reasons that seem perfectly justified. However,  when it comes down to it, no matter how bad you think you have it, it could always be worse. So, why wallow in self-pity and sink yourself deeper in despair? Choose to see the situation differently, choose to focus only on the positive, and choose to be as happy as you can be as often as possible.

I’m sick today – on day 5 of a nasty virus. So, it’s particularly fitting that I write this now, as much of what I write is often meant to serve as a gentle reminder to myself with also the hopes of helping others along the way. I’m choosing to be grateful that my symptoms are not worse, that I have plenty of orange juice in the house, and that my bed has kept me warm and cozy. I am also reminding myself that while happiness right now is a struggle, this too shall pass, and when it does I will embrace my health with a renewed sense of appreciation and joy.