Make it Aromatherapy for Me

As I was surfing around today I came across an interesting fact. Did you know that the scent of Lavender may alleviate the moods of:

Anxiety
Fear
Anger
Depression
Insomnia
Irritability
Panic & Panic Attacks
Stress

I have kept a bottle of lotion near my bed for a very long time and during times of stress I would rub the lotion on my hands and arms & it seemed to defuse the problem. After reading this article I went to see what the sent was..it's Lavender. I even bought a lavender votive this weekend not realizing it's effects.

Recently I have seen bed linen sprays, soap, candles, lotions, laundry detergent, perfume in Lavender scent. There really is something behind it. This would be great to carry in your car or purse as well as keep next to your bed to use in time of stress.

Try it out next time you feel the anxiety level rise & let me know if you are getting benefits out of it too. This would be a great gift to give to yourself for the holidays.

I am off to find more lavender products that I have & have a relaxed night.

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

**You can also find wonderful handmade lavender products in the Egg Store.

Quote of the Day

"Is everything as urgent as your stress would imply?"
Carrie Latet

A Gentle Nudge

I have had many people put in a request for daily reminders.

Are you really wanting to get serious about your health? Do you feel the need to have a gentle nudge keep you on track? If so then our new Yahoo! Group is just for you.

With this email list you receive the daily messages & other news once a day. If you subscribe to the Yahoo! Group - You will receive gently reminders & inspiring quotes through the day to keep you on track. read the ones you need & delete. Don't get overwhelmed or stressed out. As always this is a free service & another valuable tool in your recovery & "Hatching".

Let's all stay on track together. I will personally be on that same schedule everyday. You can also follow me on Twitter & I would love to follow you too.

Don't wait come join our new Yahoo! Group now
The Hatched Egg Yahoo! Group

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,

Amy

Quote of the Day

"To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world."

Brandi Snyder

The Garnish

Think about your favorite resturant, your favorite dish. Is it prepared just perfectly? What about the garnish? Little sprig of parsley, kale or a radish in the shape of a rose. That garnish really accents the main dish in a wonderful way.Friends are the same way. The people in your life should accent you in a lovely way. They support you when you are not at your best and lift you up. Who wants wilty lettuce on their plate? Today think of your friends. Are they the parsley or a wilty piece of lettuce? We have enough stuggles without someone tearing us down all the time. If you are not what they want or need, there are new best friends out there.I choose to only have the parsley!

Tonight I had some people come back into my life. It reminded me that I need to be careful of who I let in. Don't let the ones in who make you feel bad, just to make themselves feel better!

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are."
unknown

It's Time to Unwind

The turkey is gone & most of us are probably done with our festivities for the day. Did you have a good time? Were you able to really enjoy it? What were you grateful for?

Now that it's time to unwind from all the preparations & festivities turn your focus back on yourself.

I am really happy that I am not working tomorrow & I ordered a few black Friday specials online today. We are not going to get up at 3am for the sales this year. I have been working for the last few months to stock up on my gifts. My family and I are going to stop by Starbucks and pick up coffee and wander around the stores to watch the madness. It sounds strange but we like to giggle at all the madness going on.

Tonight I am going to stay up and play games. It has been a long time since I just had fun online. There are some great games out there.

What could you do to relax? Don't forget we kick off gratitude journals on monday. Do you have a notebook yet, it doesn't have to be fancy.

Hope you had a great day...now go relax! If your online tonight send we a twitter/IM or Email. I will be online late, and I would love to chat.

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

Quote of the Day
"Give your stress wings and let it fly away."

Carin Hartness

Turkey Time

Thanksgiving is tomorrow, are you ready? Every year we host our family at our house. It is a busy place.

I just wanted to remind everyone to make sure you have some quiet time & take a break if things start to get to stressful. Family can do that to you.

Also, don't feel overwhelmed. Make sure that you list out your day & don't look too far ahead or you will get stressed out. Tomorrow night should be nice and relaxed, no need to try and fix the stress symptoms.

Enjoy your turkey & remember no stressing out! I will talk to you all tomorrow. Post a note of how it's going if you are online.

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't, you're right."
Henry Ford

New Challenge for December - Are you Ready?

This week we have been talking a lot about gratitude. That got me really thinking about it. Was I doing enough? What could I do differently to really step it up?

Today I set off on the web to look at how other people handle their gratitude. Here are somethings that I found that I would like to implement into my daily gratitude time.

Your time of gratitude should be a time that is uninterrupted to focus on your true gratitude. (I have a bad habit of scribbling mine down while the TV is on.)

If you start a gratitude journal and complete a daily entry - in 30 days this will adjust your focus. (I have to admit I am not diligent about doing mine everyday.)

Listing your worries from the day under what you are grateful for will give you a chance to go back at the end of the month to see that most of what we worry about never happens. (This is a big one for me!)

I am going to divide my pages this month into 3 sections -Gratitude, Worries, and Visualization.

On my visualization section I will list the things that I want to happen or become. Similar to creating a visualization board - however listing it every night will keep it in the forefront & on your mind.

So, for the month of December we are focusing on our Gratitude Journals. It doesn't have to be fancy - a bound book, a spiral notebook - whatever you have will work. Find a time in your day that you can commit. 30 Days - I would love to have a group discussion at the first of January about the changes that working on our journals has made.

Monday's the 1st - Find your notebook now!


Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude."

Denis Waitley

The People I Am Grateful For

With Thanksgiving just a few days away I have been thinking of the people in my life that I am grateful for. So many times we carry these feelings in our heart but how often do we tell people how we feel.

I have a few people to send notes to in the next few days. The ones who have held me together, especially the last few years when I thought I was falling apart.

My two very best friends read this blog everyday, they do not suffer like I did, but they show an interest in my life that I am so grateful for. They make me feel so blessed and I am so proud to be able to call them my friends - my best friends at that.

I am so thankful that I have healed from my anxiety and that I get to share my life with you everyday. You trust me with your most personal thoughts and have let me be a part of your life. Thank You.

When was the last time you told someone "thank you"? Really looked them in the eyes and took the time to let them know how you feel that they are in your life. An email only takes seconds, a call or letter only takes a few minutes - but the effect last a lifetime. As you fall asleep tonight think of who you will thank tomorrow, it will make all the difference.

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

Quote of the Day
"When you are grateful fear
disappears and abundance appears"

Anthony Robbins

Sunday Snippets

Starting tonight, Sunday's blog will be a "Snippet Blog" featuring small health facts and ideas. Let us know if you have anything you would like to contribute to next week's edition. As always feel free to add your comments to our Blog or the Forum.

Stress can cause heart disease, cancer, lung
ailments, accidents.

Up to 80% of accidents are stress related.


14% of workers say stress caused them to quit their jobs.


Approximately 1 million workers are absent in the
US due to stress related issues.

New research shows that black tea has an effect on the stress hormone.

Yoga is beneficial to help with posture
and assist with proper breathing.

Today's food source is often lacking in the vitamins
and minerals that are needed by our bodies on a daily basis.

A daily gratitude journal can adjust your focus.

Small healthy snacks throughout the day can
regulate blood sugar and speed up metabolism.

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"If you concentrate on finding whatever is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul."
Rabbi Harold Kushner

I am so Proud!

I just wanted to let you all know how proud of you I am. I know how hard it is to decide to make a life change. I can remember the day I decided that I wanted a better life. It's not easy to stay the course, but if you do the rewards are huge. Pat yourself on the back, you deserve it.

Please keep me posted on how you are feeling. I love to hear the ups and downs. I am here for you, email me anytime at amy@thehatchedegg.com.

I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try."
unknown

The Holidays are Almost Here

The minute Thanksgiving is over the Christmas season begins. I think the radio station here starts Christmas music Thanksgiving morning.

As we draw closer this week to turkey time, we need to prepare for holiday spending. Financial issues are the leading cause of holiday stress, and there is nothing worse than being in the red on January 1st.

As much as we love to please everyone, financially we just can't. Make sure you take the time this week to make a list of people who will receive a gift and those who will get a token gift or baked goods. It never fails that Christmas Eve my husband and I start feeling as if we have not purchased enough for our friends and family and we make the mad dash to the mall. After grabbing any trinket in site we realize that our bank account has taken a massive hit.

I have Wednesday circled on my calendar to have my Christmas budget and shopping list completed. As fun as Black Friday is at the mall - I am going with a plan. I am going to enjoy this holiday season & fly through it with the least amount of stress and anxiety.

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

Quote for the Day

"Always plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark."
Richard C. Cushing

The Power of No!

It's that holiday time of year and our calendars are filling up. If you are like me you hate to leave anyone disappointed. However at this time of year they just seem to come out of the wood work.

What if your holiday season could be a calm one? What if you had time to relax and really experience the holiday season?

I have decided to scale back on any volunteering & getting roped into rushing through the holidays with my pants on fire. There always seems to be so much we are committed to do.

How could you relax more, play with the kids or watch old holiday movies? Take time out for you this holiday, it would be the best gift you could give yourself. Let us know how you are pampering yourself, stop by the forum or post a comment on the daily blog. Or come by and post what you turned down this holiday season. That would be fun to see.

Just remember that it's OK to say "No", they will find someone else. :)

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"For fast-acting relief, try slowing down."
Lily Tomlin

My Wahoo! Moment for the Day

I live in Houston, Texas - a city with lots of freeways. For the last 6 years or so I have found every side road that exist that can get me where I am going. My husband rolls his eyes, because a 20 minute drive takes me an hour and a half. I have been terrified of freeways.

For the last year I have practiced every now and then getting on & right back off. White knuckled the entire time. It's not very fun.

Today my daughter had a field trip downtown and I had 45 minutes to drop her at school for the bus & meet them downtown. I didn't have a choice, I had to take the freeway. I jumped on with no problem & the traffic was moving, but this time it didn't seem so scarry. I was not in a panic! I had my GPS and I actually enjoyed my drive. I was able to listen to music and enjoy the beautiful weather.

It's the little things that make me so happy! It's always a great feeling to see how far I have come. What doesn't kill us - makes us stronger!
Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

***I am looking for guests writers for the nightly message. I want to make this site about our community. We would love to hear what you are thinking about. We also have a few guest speakers coming soon. If you would like to be the featured writer of the night, please send an email with "Guest Writer" in the subject to amy@thehatchedegg.com.

Quote of the Day

"In times of stress, be bold and valiant"
Horace

When Did I Stop Living for Today?

When did I stop living for today?

As I was driving home tonight thoughts of riding in the car with my parents popped into my head. Maybe it's the cool weather reminding me of being a child.

I was thinking about how we are when we are children, only worried about our wants and needs for the immendiate moment. We were not worried about what would happen to us next week or where we would be in one year.

I think it was about the time I had my children that I began to worry more about tomorrow than today. Why is that? I know that I can't do anything about tomorrow, and I am not experiencing everything today has to offer because I am so distracted.

I am ready try to focus on the moment a little more. I know this is going to take lots of practice. But I'm curious about how it might change my perspective. Do you think about today or are you focused on tomorrow? Give it a try and see what you come up with.

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"With the past, I have nothing to do;
nor with the future. I live now."
Ralph Waldo Emerson

I Am Afraid of Loosing Control

It all started when I had my first panic attack. I was so vulnerable and defeated. It was something that no one I knew had ever been through, they had no point of reference. I was told a lot that I was too uptight, I needing to relax. After you have a panic attack I don't know if you ever relax again.

I can remember one night in bed, I was working on my breathing exercises. I think I truly became "relaxed". It scared me to death. I didn't feel like a lighthouse - you know where you are constantly assessing how everything in your body feels. For a moment I thought I stopped breathing. It was a long time before I would let my guard down again.

After that first attack I became terrified of being in a spot where I was not free to runaway. I would anticipate another attack. Sitting in a car with other people, what would I do if it started? They would think I was nuts. I have to admit to you that I have not been on an airplane in 8 years. Mostly because I have been so busy that we have not vacationed far from home. I don't really feel scared anymore, but there is that little voice in my head that says "you will be trapped and have an attack". If I let my mind wander I can see myself on that flight freaking out and it's all over the news "Girl Flips Out...news at 10". I am sure I would be fine, it's been almost 2 years since the last attack, but you feel so vulnerable and out of control.

So I like to try new things every now and then that test my stress management - a crowded grocery store, a bus ride, a ride where I don't have control. I think it all has to do with faith, faith that I will be ok. I am a million times better than I was 5 years ago & will be a million times better 5 years from now.

What's holding you back from living? The fear of loosing control? Step out in faith that everything will be ok, one step at a time.

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"Change your thoughts and you change your world."

Norman Vincent Peale

Sunday Snipets

Starting tonight, Sunday's blog will be a "Snipet Blog" featuring small health facts and ideas. Let us know if you have anything you would like to contribute to next week's edition. As always feel free to add your comments to our Blog or the Forum.

· Anxiety Disorder affects 19 million.

· Women are more likely to suffer than men.

· Zinc can have a calming effect on the central nervous system.
Also aids brain function.

· Vigorous Exercise will ease the symptoms and severity of
Anxiety.

· To receive the maximum benefit of magnesium, it should be
taken with calcium.

· Bedtime Panic Attacks are known as - Nocturnal Attacks.

· Chamomile Tea has nerve-relaxing properties.

· Sugar can increase anxiety & depression.

· Vitamin C is a great support for the adrenal glands.


Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

Quote of the Day

That which does not kill me, makes me stronger.
- Friedrich Nietzche

It's Saturday Night!

As we continue finding time to relax, I thought I would "Google" How to relax. I found some interesting answers. So if you don't have big plans tonight maybe you can pick one to relax.

1. Laugh - Watch a Funny Movie
2. Have a Spa Night - peek in that medicine cabinet and take out all of your beauty treatments. Maybe soak in a candle lit tub.
3. Meditate - Have quiet time or read a devotional
4. Get Rid of the Clutter
5. Music - Put on a favorite CD and dance around the house. This might cause you to laugh too. :)
6. Enjoy a cup of herbal tea and a good book
7. Breathe Deeply
8. Go for a Walk
9. Work on your Gratitude Journal
10. Call a friend and have a great chat.
One I found was "Call your mother", I guess that could depend. :)

As for me, I am off for a Date Night with my husband. I hope you all have a relaxing Saturday Night. Treat yourself special.

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

Quote of the Day
"Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop. "
Ovid

It's a Choice!

I have to tell you about a friend of mine. Her husband passed away suddenly in their home back in July of this year. We were all just devestated by the news. I went to the funeral and squeezed her tight telling her that we would all be there to support her anyway we could. I should say they were married for 26 years.

The other day I saw her and she came bouncing up and gave me a big hug and had a huge grin on her face. The few times I had run into her before it was the same thing. For a while I thought she was just putting on a brave face.

When I saw her this week I told her that she was my hero because she was making plans for her life, doing some things that made her happy, and just getting out of bed. Her response to me was "Every morning I have the choice to stay in bed and be sad or get out there and enjoy the rest of my life". That has really stuck with me all week.

What if every morning as soon as we open our eyes we smile and take a deep breath and make a choice to be happy. Fake the smile if you have too. I am choosing to enjoy my life. It all starts with a choice. Let me know if you try it and how it is working for you.

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

Quote of the Day
"It isn't what you have, or who you are, or where you are, or what you are doing

that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about."

Dale Carnegie

You Can't Feel Guilty!

This is something that I really struggle with, it's Guilt. You could just question my decision and I am ready to change my mind. I have always been a people pleaser & it brings me great stress.

It is also very hard for me to treat myself the way I want to treat everyone else. I always feel that I should cut corners when it comes to my needs and just make do.

But you know what, it has only helped fuel my stress, anxiety, and depression. In April 2007 I made a vow to myself that I was going to take better care of myself. I picked up my workouts, set-up my vitamin regimen, purchased some new clothes & started taking time out for me.

Now, I still struggle with running myself ragged for the sake of others - but I feel healthy and strong. It's a work in progress.

Are you feeling guilty about moving yourself to the head of the list? You can't take babysteps, it doesn't have to cost money. Just do something for you everyday that makes you smile. Know that you deserve all the good things life has to offer - just like everyone else.

If you are using a gratitude journal, make a vow to yourself tonight - you are moving up the list! I'm proud of you!

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"The more you love yourself, the better you perform." M. K. Soni

Feeling Disconnected?

Have you ever started taking with someone and you feel as if you have been removed from the situation? Sometimes I felt as if I was looking through really foggy glasses.

Did you know that there is a real reason for it? When stress chemicals build up in your body you are at an unbalanced point - causing that fuzzy. lost feeling. This buildup causes the delay in transfer of information between neurotransmitter points within your body. When the stress subsides the chemicals will return to a normal point and so will you.

If this happened to me a few years ago I would tense up and start the vicious string of worries - ending up in a full blown panic attack. Best thing to do is remain calm and tell yourself that you are over stressed.

Try a few simple tricks to bring yourself back to normal without alarming everyone around you. I love to use sented lotion on my hands, or a few simple shrugs with your shoulders can help release the tension. This might be a great time to get up and moving. When I would feel the anxiety at a high point this is when I got up to do the laundry or dishes. These two chores seem to help divert disaster.

Stop by the forum and let us know how you change your focus.

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"The source of anxiety lies in the future.

If you can keep the future out of mind, you can forget your worries."

Milan Kundera

How is Your Diet?

Is your diet filled with French Fries and Pop Tarts? If so you might want to start to take a look at what is going into your body. I know, it taste really good. But an hour later are you really thinking about that Pop Tart? Probably not. So why not fuel your body with healthy food that will support the other changes that you are making. You don't have to change everything, but little steps are a really good start. Maybe just make adjustments to one meal, or replace a few Diet Cokes with Lemon flavored water. You will see changes in the way you feel pretty quickly.

Changing my diet was something my doctor insisted on. She said if I wanted to have any chance of feeling better I had to eat to live, not live to eat.

It is really a hard thing to do. My family adopted the "cheat meal". We all try to eat really clean during the week and then Saturday night we take turns picking where we really want to go eat. During that meal we can have what we want - once you leave the table that's it for the week. I will tell you that it really makes you enjoy that dinner a lot more.

Today think about what you could change. Add more veggies, avoid the chips, skip the extra cookie? It's not about our waistlines as much as those foods are so bad for our system and they can really end up adjusting our moods.

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"The wise man should consider that health is the greatest of human blessings. Let food be your medicine." - Hippocrates

Muscle Pain? It might be Vitamin D

I have heard lots of people talking about sore muscles and aching backs. That lead me to do a little investigating on what might be able to help.

Did you know that the Mayo Clinic did a study on 150 people aged 10 to 65 with persistent, nonspecific musculoskeletal pain. They were screened for vitamin D serum, 140 out of 150 were deficient.

With the vitamins in our food not giving us the support we need. Supplements are necessary. The other problem we are facing is the fear of the sun which is where we absorb vitamin D on a daily basis. Some doctors are recommending moderate sun exposure for children and adults for one hour per day.

If you are suffering from lots of muscle pain you might want to try adding additional Vitamin D to your diet and see if you feel any better.


Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

If you are looking for quality vitamins that are shipped to your door - check out our Egg Store.

Quote of the Day

"Wisdom is nothing more than healed pain." Robert Gary Lee

Feel like you have lost control?

The most helpless I have ever felt was after I had a panic attack. Most of the time they came out of the blue, just as I had allowed myself to relax. Maybe that's why I have adopted the attitude of staying busy all the time. I have been afraid that if I stop, it might make me vulnerable to attacks.

It has been over a year or so since my last full blown panic attack. I have felt them try to sneak in to see if they can take hold of me. But I have learned to not fear their presence and they don't seem to stick around.

I think it is a very hard thing to feel as if you don't have control. For things to creep into your mind uninvited and do what they wish. In a second you can feel as if you are dying and you have noting to say about it. Everything stops, your helpless.

I found that realizing that I was physically healthy and I had the opportunity to focus my attention on becoming healthier helped. To be able to control my diet and control my fitness - that that would make a difference. If you told me 4 years ago that I would be myself again - I would have bust into tears at the thought. Never would I have thought that I would be healed, but here I am. All put back together and ready to help the other soul who is so desperate to find a way.

I am here for you, to laugh and cry along with you. I was so scarred, I don't want you to be. It will be wonderful - don't give away your control. It's time to stand up and take it back.

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

Quote of the Day

The cyclone derives its powers from a calm center. So does a person. ~Norman Vincent Peale

My Day of Relaxation

It's a beautiful day at our house today. My family and I decided to take advantage of that and spend the day in the back yard.

We headed to the nursery this morning and loaded up on plants. It never really gets too cold here in Houston. So the plants were 70% off and we don't really have to worry about loosing them.

We got home we pulled out the sandbox for the kids and let them run wild in the backyard. They were in heaven making mud pies and tunnels for hot wheels.

This gave me the whole afternoon to start a new flower bed. It has been a long time since I was able to really work in the yard. My son is almost three and it's been a few years of chasing him around. That is stressful enough. It was a huge relief to watch him sit and play quietly for a long period of time today.

I forgot how therapeutic it is to dig in the dirt and completely focus on a job. And working out in the cool sunny air was great too. When was the last time you worked on something that gave you great pleasure? Maybe it's been too long.

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"Gardening is about enjoying the smell of things growing in the soil, getting dirty without feeling guilty, and generally taking the time to soak up a little peace and serenity."
Lindley Karstens

Put Yourself in Time Out

In honor of our sweet member "mom4joy", she is on a personal retreat this weekend doing some personal reflection. I am so excited for her!

We all need to take a time out every now and then. When was the last time that you sat for an extended time with no TV, computer, or phone. If we could just silence the world around us and listen to the small voice inside, it tells us exactly what it needs.

We are so busy running and pleasing others, that is why we struggle so hard. We are the ones who have to fight to save ourselves.

Over the next few days find time to take a time out. Tell your family that is what you are doing. Maybe you need to get up one morning and watch the sun rise or stay up late to create a gratitude journal. It's time to take for you.

I would love to hear your experience, I have started a thread in the forum. Stop by and let us know how your time out went. I will be up early Saturday & Sunday morning - spending it in Time Out.

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action."
Peter F. Drucker

Watch the Whine

The other night I was putting my 10 year old daughter to bed. As she crawled into bed it all started, "My head hurts, my toe hurts, my back hurts...." Seemed like the complaints were coming one after the other and never lasting to long. She didn't even seem to notice what was going on.

Now we all need to vent from time to time, that's what helps to heal us and give us that connection to other people. However there comes a time that whining can become a habit. One small thing after the other. The negative thoughts can overpower you and drag you deeper.

Practice sharing your thoughts with those who can help. Whining every now and then is fine, just don't make a habit of it. Our focus is to try and stay positive!

Make sure you write in your gratitude journal today and list all of the good things in your life. Stop by our forum to share how you are doing.

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

Quote of the Day

This is a great one!

"Fear less, hope more; Eat less, chew more; Whine less, breathe more;
Talk less, say more; Love more, and all good things will be yours" Swedish Proverb quote

Will you let it define you?

On the darkest days of my battle with anxiety and panic I often felt as if the anxiety had taken such a hold that it defined who I was. I had lost my sense of independence and individuality. Everything I did and thought was wrapped up by my anxiety. In my mind I often thought of Hester Prynne in the Scarlet Letter. She wore the "A" on her chest for committing adultery, however I felt as if I had been given a big "A" for Anxiety. I felt that that might warn people of what I was going through & the issues I had been given.

I was so busy trying to fix myself I didn't watch movies that were stressful, no caffeine, no alcohol, no theme park rides, no airplanes, limited care trips, you name it I put myself on lockdown. I had become defined by the letter "A" that I had placed on my own chest.

I think it was an episode of Dr. Phil that I happed to see. He explained that there are times in your life and events that you encounter that define your life. It's true I might never be as I was, but did I want this as a stepping stone to the next part of my life, or did I want this to be my life? I became determined that this was a "phase" of my life that I would soon pass through. I had no idea if it would ever get better, but I focused on the fact that it would. When my mind would wander I would daydream what it would be like to have freedom again.

Fast forward, I am free now, Hallelujah! I do experience things, but part of me still has those apprehensive moments. I do remember so clearly what it was like to be right in the middle of my life or death battle. I am happy to say that the "A" has been removed for Anxiety & now I can just be me again.

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim.
Accept no one's definition of your life, but define yourself."

Harvey S. Firestone

Feeling Like a Failure?

You forgot to take out the trash, your car is on flaming "E", your child forgot their lunch, their hair looks like a bird landed in it, and the electricity was shut off because you forgot to pay the bill. All you can do is sit in your car and weep. Sound familiar? It does to me because I have called my husband in tears more than a few times because I am just a mess!

Battling stress is hard enough but when you don't feel like you are gaining any ground it is so easy to give up. The world feels like it is about to swallow you up. But that's when you have to become a warrior and decide the small steps to gain control.

In my daily gratitude journal I like to list the things I am grateful for and at the bottom of the page I list the day's troubles. Out beside them I write how I could have done it differently. It gives me a petter perspective on my day & I am able to let those troubles go in the hopes that my day won't be like that again.

We would all like someone to swoop in and rescue us, I know I still wait for Superman to show up. The truth is we can only rely on ourselves. If we depend on others to do what we think they should do we are going to be very disappointed and even more stressed out.

My son is two and when he starts to pout we all tell him he needs a happy face, he reaches in my pocket and pulls out a pretend smile and puts it on. The fit is over and he has a wonderful big smile. Try it next time you feel sad pull out a happy face & then attack the problems in your journal. If we can realize what's not working it's easier to fix. It's easier to fix if we are not feeling like a failure. It's not failure it's just overwhelmed and stressed out.


You are doing a great job! You are here wanting a better life - you're on your way! We are so proud of all your hard work!



Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"There are no failures - just experiences and your reactions to them."

Tom Krause

Patience is Learned

I love to stand in line at the grocery store and watch the faces of those around me. It never fails someone starts looking around to find another face that is upset so that they can vent and start trouble.

Funny thing is 99% of the time the line moves through in about 2 minutes. Those who chose to get upset are likely to stay that way for a while, raising their blood pressure and adrenaline. For 2 minutes of your time, is it the cashier's fault that they are running late?

What if when you are standing in line you take the time to practice your breathing, or just enjoy being still? I will have to tell you that it will make your shopping experience that much better. Make sure you plan ahead and are not in a panic to begin with.

Try it next time you are at the store, find joy in a quiet moment at the store. Just don't look at the guy next to you - he will probably ruin your experience.

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,

Amy

Quote of the Day
"Patience is the ability to idle your motor when
you feel like stripping your gears."
Barbara Johnson

Gaba & 5-HTP Would Go with Me on a Desert Island

You know the old question, "If you were to take 5 things on a desert island what would they be?" For me 2 of them would be Gaba and 5-HTP. These are 2 amazing products that I will never be without again. Lots of stress will deplete vitamin B, Gaba & serotonin very quickly.

Gaba - (gamma-aminobutyric acid)

Is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.

Low levels of Gaba in the brain can cause Depression, Anxiety, Panic and Insomnia.

Studies also show that Gaba will go into the Adrenal Gland and help inhibit the firing of Adrenaline. For us with Adrenal Burnout this is especially important.

When I take it, it seems to make me feel relaxed like after a glass of wine without any buzz feeling. I just feel more relaxed and less aggravated.

5-HTP

First Important thing to say is that 5-HTP is not for those on MAOIs or Antidepressants.

5-HTP is made in the body from tryptophan and converted into serotonin.

An increase in serotonin will help in mood, and could ease the symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Studies have also shown promise in the relief of pain, stiffness, and fatigue from fibromyalgia.

This is a great supplement before bed or in the early evening. Might help you fall asleep easier.

Make sure to try both at home to find how they will affect you. The only thing is they might make you a little drowsy.

I don't know if it's a coincidence, but when I started taking Gaba and 5-HTP my panic attacks stopped. I was working on lots of different things, so I don't know what exactly stopped them. I was having up to 2 full blown panic attacks a day. I have been free for over a year.

Before adding supplements please check with your doctor. I am not one & I want you happy and healthy.

It takes lots of work to get back on track. If you need help keeping up with your nutrition, water, exercise & supplements - check out our daily journal page in the egg printables area on our site.

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

*The vitamins that I take myself are in the Egg Store. They are high quality at a great price. I just want to make it easy for you to find exactly what you need.

Quote of the Day

"If you don't do what's best for your body, you're the one who comes up on the short end."
Julius Erving

You should be very relaxed...

am really excited about our focus this month, it's all about relaxation.

I have to admit, I am always on the run. It seems that I have something going on around every corner. I am not involved in committees, nor do my kids have lots of classes. I am just always busy.

The hardest thing for me to learn is to take care of myself. I have learned after many years that I really need to get up before my family. Nothing is harder on my day than waking up to my kids needing everything. I wake up very early and it gives me quiet time to have coffee/tea and read my mail and just be quiet. After getting my husband out the door I am able to shower and get dressed alone without little ones underfoot. If I am putting my makeup on in the car and late getting them to school I am a mess all day. My husband thinks I am strange for getting up at the crack of dawn on the weekend, but I need my time. I also like to take a hot bath with no interruptions a few times a week.

I really like to watch the Biggest Loser on TV every week & their opening song says "What have you done today to make yourself feel proud" I use this in my daily thoughts - what have I done to make myself feel proud? Did I take care of myself, did I work towards where I want to be? It can be very small, babysteps!

I look forward to all of us working on feeling more relaxed during the holidays this year!

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you runinto a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it."

- Michael Jordan