A Perfect Night for FEAR

I am ok with the princesses and even the goblins, but we had kids come to the door with bloody plastic knives and bloody shirts. I know to most people that's ok, but it really sends chills down my spine.

This morning my daughter asked about the guy that lives down the street that's a sheriff. Well, we live outside of Houston & she thought he was THE Sheriff - not just one of possibly thousands. I told her I wish the city was so quiet we just needed the guy down the street.

Some days I just feel the need to stick my head in the sand and act like (or maybe wish) nothing was going on around us. That there was no need for ambulances racing through the streets, or a sheriff on every corner. Then again, it's so easy to give in to fear and hide under the bed because of the unknown.

I don't know how people watch Law and Order or ER - all I can think of is that it's happening to someone somewhere and it's not entertainment.

So my porch light is off and I am off to watch a happy show on TV that has nothing to do with haunting or a murder. I guess that leaves home shopping. :) Maybe I'll take a long soak instead.

Tomorrow starts our focus on our relaxation time. So get started tonight, and unwind.

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

Quote of the Day
"Courage is not the lack of fear but the ability to face it."
Lt. John B. Putnam Jr. (1921-1944)

Have you tried this?

I have suffered from chronic congestion for the last 3 years. I was put on allergy medicine, but I'm not good about taking it. So my doctor suggested a Neti Pot to cleanse my sinus cavities. I have to admit I was uneducated about this subject, all I knew is I can't breathe.

The Neti pot looks like a small teapot you fill with lukewarm water and salt and pour it into one nostril and it flows from the other & your mouth. The first time I tried it I thought it was a torture procedure. After I was done, it was a great relief for the next few days. I could breathe deep for the first time in years. Not to mention it is not medication. the next time was much easier.

A funny story is that after you do this watch leaning over stuff, because for a while water continues to pour out of your nose. It's really funny.

These pots are available at the drugstore for about $10 and are located near the cold medicine.

My doctor said that many people use these everyday & it keeps them off of cold medicine. Cold and flu season is approaching! Give it a try, you might really like it.

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"We must always change, renew, rejuvenate ourselves; otherwise we harden"

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Want to Feel Stressed & Nervous...Drink This.

I was feeling a bit sluggish this morning so I decided to whip through Starbucks and order a large coffee. What was I thinking? I sipped on that coffee most of the morning and by lunch I was twitching all over. I know better.

When we have stress and anxiety in our lives the effects of caffeine seem to intensify. Do you know what all that caffeine is doing to you?

Irregular heart beat
Quickened Pulse
Jittery
Promotes weight gain (increases Cortisol)
Decreases DHEA
Restricts oxygen flow to the brain
Tension
Indigestion
Increased Adrenaline
Inhibits absorption of Adenosine - which is a natural calming hormone

I am going to make sure that when I do have caffeine it will be in a smaller amount & not the largest size. How does caffeine affect you?

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"All successful people men and women are big dreamers. They imagine what their future could be, ideal in every respect, and then they work every day toward their distant vision, that goal or purpose."

Brian Tracy

Do You Have a Relaxation Place?

Next month we are going to focus on relaxing. The holidays are quickly approaching, and if your life is anything like mine it will be stressful.

First thing I want to put in your mind is to find a place where you can relax. It might be a favorite chair, a bench on the porch, or a quiet area. It should be a place where you won't be interrupted, and you can be alone to practice your deep breathing and vizualization.

I have decided where my new place will be. We have a small area in our back yard that is hidden on the side of the house. For years it has been a catch all. I have decided to make that my relaxation garden. It's going to be all about me. I am planning beautiful plants and a nice chair. It's small, cozy and quiet. Great thing is it's affordable on a budget, just a little bit of elbow grease that's all. I can't wait to show you how it turns out.

Where can you go to unplug and get away? Next week we will start trying to relax for at least 10 minutes a day for 1 month. So start thinking.

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

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

Are You Determined?

Do you have a fantasy in your mind of what you want your life to be like? I did. I felt as if I was at the bottom of a well and I had no idea of how to get out. Seemed like no one knew how I could get out. I had tools just to make my time in the well better, but I personally didn't want to settle for that. I wanted to be up in the sunshine. I was willing to do anything to get there. Only problem is I had no idea what that was.

When I was a child there was this feeling that I had. Looking back it must have been what peace felt like. Everyone I try to describe it to looks at me as if I have lost my mind. I have had small flashes along the way of that feeling. I would try to grab on to it and it would vanish just as quickly. I felt it was a tease that I had to work to get that feeling back.

Do you feel that determination within you? Have you thought about what your life could be like. Now I'm not going to lie to you, it's going to be hard. But I have faith that you too can find your way out of that well. It seems pretty dark at times & you might even hear a voice or two that says you can't make it, but you can.

Today I want you to focus on the road ahead with optimism and excitement for the future. Fake it if you have too, it will eventually stick. Write yourself a quick note in your gratitude journal to remind yourself what you are working toward.

You will hit lots of bumps in the road, but eventually you will find what works best for you & what makes you fell better.

Let us know how you are, we really care about you. And we will all celebrate your rise to the top!

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"The belief in a thing makes it happen."

- Frank Lloyd Wright

Routines are Necessary

It's Sunday night here at my house and I have been busy getting everything for tomorrow. I am the one who makes sure everyone starts off to a calm day.

After years of finding what gives me peace, I found that I am very routine oriented. Have you heard people say that babies and children need routines? Well it is mostly because they need the stability and to be able to understand what is next. I am the same way, I'm not ashamed to admit it.

I become a giant stress ball when I wake up and I have to run around in order to get us all out the door. And then it never fails I left something at home & have to go back to get it.

Did you know that if you are not multi-tasking and focusing on your routines that you can get a lot more accomplished. I once was the queen of 50 unfinished projects. It stressed me out and made me feel like a failure.

Try making a list of what you need to do when you wake up to make your day better. Then focus on your routine that needs to be accomplished before bed. That way when you crawl in bed you won't worry that you didn't lock the door or forgot to pay a bill. You could actually relax.

If you need help getting a routine started check out www.flylady.com. I have been a flybaby for years and it has helped me greatly.

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"Your mind will answer most questions if you learn to relax and wait for the answer."
William S. Burroughs

Do you Yoga?

This exercise plan is not only for the hip and trendy. Yoga is a wonderful way to improve your posture and breathing techniques.

However, finding the right class or DVD is most important. For a while I was teased about my Yoga class that it was too "fluffy", so I invited my husband to participate in my class. I have to say that was a great time full of laughter as I watched my husband struggle through the class. I never heard another word about my yoga class again.

Many DVDs have programs based from beginner to advance & you can progress at your own pace. I decided to do the yoga class at my gym because it was away from home and I didn't get interrupted.

Finding the best fitness regimen is so important to changing the way you feel. But try yoga at least a few times, don't give up after the first time. You will be amazed at your relaxation and the health benefits.

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"The yoga mat is a good place to turn when talk therapy and antidepressants aren't enough."
Amy Weintraub

"B" Good to Yourself

In continuing with our look at important supplements this week, tonight's focus is on the B Vitamin. Vitamin B complex is a group of vitamins that includes thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, B-6, folate, B-12, pantothenic acid, biotin and choline. Essential for mood, energy, support for the nervous and immune system. Other benefits include better skin, hair and healthier eyes.

Did you know that stress, birth control pills, alcohol, caffeine, and sleeping medications quickly deplete vitamin B in the body? It is very hard to have too much vitamin B. Taking several times a day may be a benefit for you. I take twice a day.

Two things to remember, first taking on an empty stomach can make you nauseous. Second, it will give you energy - don't take at night unless you want to party all night.

Make sure this one is in your daily arsenal.

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"What we think, we become." Buddha

Fish Oil

Strong Body, Strong Mind!
We need to have a strong core in order to heal our minds. When starting a vitamin regimen remember that one vitamin helps, but it will take 4-6 weeks to really feel the effect. After that stay on your vitamin regimen to keep your body strong.

Fish Oil

The information and research that has been done on Fish Oil/Omega-3's is very interesting. New studies have shown that daily doses of Fish Oil from cold water fish has significant improvement in symptoms in depression, anxiety, insomnia, decreased sexual desire, suicidal tendencies, overall sadness.

This amazing supplement is not only good for mood enhancement but great from your heart, circulation, and may lower blood pressure. Some research show that it may lower your triglyceride number by 30%. Other heart related benefits are lower risk of heart attack, stroke & abnormal heart rhythms.

For those of you who suffer from arthritis this is also a natural anti-inflammatory. It has shown great results in relieving some of that pain.

Make sure you keep this in your arsenal of daily supplements. You will be glad you did.

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"Every evening I turn my worries over to God. He's going to be up all night anyway."
Mary C. Crowley

Multi Yourself

Strong Body, Strong Mind!
We need to have a strong core in order to heal our minds. When starting a vitamin regimen remember that one vitamin helps, but it will take 4-6 weeks to really feel the effect. After that stay on your vitamin regimen to keep your body strong.

Multi Yourself!

The sad reality is that our food is not as full of nutrients as it should be. Fact is if we do not supplement ourselves daily we could be running the risk of a vitamin/mineral deficiency.

Some of the common symptoms of a deficiency can be:
* Depression
* Anxiety
* Increased irritability
* Fear
* Nervousness

Studies have shown that people who take a multivitamin are not only healthier but happier. Now don't depend on a multi-vitamin to take up the slack for a bad diet. Eat healthy and this will fill in the gaps.

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

Quote

"It's bizarre that the produce manager is more important to my children's health than the pediatrician." ~Meryl Streep

Do you suffer from Adrenal Burnout?

Strong Body, Strong Mind!

We need to have a strong core in order to heal our minds. When starting a vitamin regimen remember that one vitamin helps, but it will take 4-6 weeks to really feel the effect. After that stay on your vitamin regimen to keep your body strong.

I was speaking to my nurse friend this last weekend, and she suggested that I do a segment on the adrenal gland. Over the last few days I have poured myself into anything that I can find out about the adrenal gland and a condition called adrenal burnout. My findings became a light bulb moment for me. It's amazing to me that after all of the test I have had no one mentioned anything about adrenals. Tonight's blog is a little lesson on your adrenal gland. It's amazing how this little gland can impact your stress/anxiety and depression.

The Adrenal Gland

Located on top of each of your kidneys, this round gland is approximately 3-4 inches in diameter. This gland is responsible for secreting the hormones adrenalin, noradrenalin. It produces norephinephrine, cortisol, and cortisone, aldosterone, testosterone, progesterone, pregnenelone, DHEA, and estrogens. Problems from the Adrenal Gland:· Cushing's Disease· Addison's Disease· Adrenal BurnoutFor our group I am focusing on Adrenal Burnout, it is the most relative to our condition.Great news is that Adrenal Burnout can be corrected. Now, you can stop worrying.
Symptoms Include:
· Sunken eyes when severe
· Full Eyebrows
· Hair: Dry, Wispy, Sparse on Forearms and lower legs
· Skin: Dry and Thin
· Fluids: Can't hold onto water
· Headaches/Migraines
· Hot or Cold easily
· Cold Hand/Feet
· Emotional: Hyper-reactive
· Allergies
· Sensitivity to medications
· Anxiety
· Depression
· OCD
· Startles easily
· Insomnia
· Loss of concentration

There is a wonderful chart showing all of these symptoms and more at:http://www.drrind.com/scorecardmatrix.asp

Ways to bring your adrenals back
Great news is that everything on our website is what will help them to recover.
· Eat a balanced diet with low glycemic carbs
· Low/No Sugar
· Minimal/No Caffeine
· Exercise Moderate/Interval
· Vitamin Supplements· Lots of Water
· Relaxation

Look though our site, there is lots of great tips. We are all on the right path to feeling great.

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

Quote:

"The groundwork of all happiness is health."
Leigh Hunt

Magnesium is a must have!

Strong Mind, Strong Body!
We need to have a strong core in order to heal our minds. When starting a vitamin regimen remember that one vitamin helps, but it will take 4-6 weeks to really feel the effect. After that stay on your vitamin regimen to keep your body strong.

MAGNESIUM

Did you know that 61% of the population does not meet the US RDA for magnesium?

Magnesium is essential in maintaining muscle and nerve function, steady heart rhythm, a healthy immune system, and keeps bones strong. Magnesium also helps regulate blood sugar levels, promotes normal blood pressure, and is known to be involved in energy metabolism and protein synthesis.Magnesium is one of the most common vitamin deficiencies.

Did you know that research shows that increasing you magnesium you could see dramatic changes in your anxiety and depression? I think it is worth a shot.

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

QUOTE

"Don't think about how weak you are - think of how strong you're going to be."
- Michelle (Berry) Dougherty

You Can't Unscramble Eggs

One day I heard a speach about letting go of the past, and it really struck a cord with me. It was titled "You Can't Unscramble Eggs". I had never thought of my past in those terms, because I spent to much time wishing I had done things in my life differently.

After hearing this speech, I printed out those words and placed them in my wallet and on the mirror in my bathroom. It was a daily reminder that I couldn't go back and make changes and that in the future I would not place myself in a position that I would later regret.

I have to say after awhile it was a real relief that I could start to let those feelings go. I could not put blame any longer on anyone but me.

Are you trying to unscramble eggs? Think about this phrase once a day and see what it does for you.

Quote of the Day

"What you need to know about the past is that no matter what has happened, it has all worked together to bring you to this very moment. And this is the moment you can choose to make everything new. Right now." unknown

Exercise Really Does Help

I was always the one in school that "walked" the track when everyone was suppose to run. I was not about to feel bad for the rest of the day. Little did I know that later in life being fit would help save my life.

Upon deciding that I was going to find a way out of the extreme anxiety & panic that I was suffering from - I was willing to try anything. A doctor mentioned to me that if I wanted a chance at recovery I needed to live like a healthy person and I needed to join a gym within the week. I had never been near a gym, I was terrified. I took her advice and joined that Saturday. I joined a yoga class and started on the treadmill. I soon found that this was "me time". No dishes, no office work, no husband, no kids. I was suppose to focus on me, something I had never done.

Funny thing is I actually started feeling lots better. I had more energy, I was sleeping better & the quiet time was awesome. I had more time to focus on my goals of feeling normal.

If you are looking for a program to start with, Jonathan Roche at www.momentumfs.com has a great 6 minute No-Excuses Workout you can download for free - No Excuses! I personally switched my routine this week to his No Excuses Workout System. I can't wait to get started!

Don't be afraid, you a lot stronger than you think you are. Start small & set a goal. Then celebrate how you feel!

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person's physical, emotional, and mental states." Carol Welch

Do you need to feel accountable?

Taking good care of yourself is the first priority in feeling better. Make sure you are eating better, getting lots of exercise and plenty of sleep.

I kept a journal during my battle, and I was looking through it the other day retracing my steps. It was amazing to me to see the change in my eating habits and exercise. Everyday I marked how long I slept, exercised, the food I ate and my mood in return. I was convinced that there was a system to feeling better. I still struggle to remember all that I have accomplished each day, therefore I still make a journal entry.

I have created a journal sheet for you to download & print. You can find it in the Egg Printables section of our website. Print copies and place them in a binder that you can carry with you. Or make notes throughout the day & fill it in at night as you do your gratitude journal. It makes a great end to the day to see all you have accomplished.

In a few months you can look back and see your improvements. It is also a great way to see how your supplements, food & exercise will make a difference in how you feel.

If you need adjustments to the form I will be happy to help out. Just drop a note to amy@thehatchedegg.com in the subject put Journal Pages.

Let me know how it works for you.

Quote of the Day

"Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live."
Jim Rohn

Sometimes you just have to laugh!

As I started to heal from the anxiety or at the time it might have been coping, I became very sensitive within my body. It seemed like every little twitch could be something really bad. That is the time of my life that I became obsessed with looking up illnesses on the Internet.

One day I was having problems with my left arm. There was a dull pain on my forearm. I was wondering what was wrong with it, I was sure it was not a good sign. Later I was starting to really inspect my arm looking for something terrible. Then I spotted it....it was a long hair that had landed on my arm and was held snug against my arm. I pulled it off & then pain was gone. All I could do was laugh.

How could something so small cause such pain? I think as we become increasingly aware of everything around us and dealing with such high stress & anxiety, anything can really throw us off.

Do you have a funny story about being hypersensitive? I would love to hear it. I have posted a message in the forum, come add your story.

Take a deep breath and know you will be OK. And please stay away form the Internet doctor, all he has is bad news.

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"A bodily disease which we look upon as whole and entire within itself, may, after all, be but a symptom of some ailment in the spiritual part. "
Nathaniel Hawthorne

Are you Hydrated?

I will have to admit that drinking enough water is a challenge for me. I could just sip one bottle all day, but then I have terrible side effects from not having enough water. I started having headaches, bruises, fatigue, congestion, not to mention an increase in my anxiety.

This last month I reduced my soda intake to one a day and I try to carry a bottle of water with me. I try to drink a full bottle every 2 hours. You would not beleive how much better I feel.

On days that I exercise I will increase my water by 1-2 bottles. That helps to replenish what I sweated out.

I truly beleive that drinking water is the 1st major step in healing our minds and bodies. Tomorrow replace a Diet Coke or 2 with a bottle of water. In a day or so you will feel a big difference.

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

Quote of the Day
"Life is not merely to be alive, but to be well. "
Marcus Valerius Martial

You Can't Be Afraid

A really big lesson is getting rid of stress is that you can't make everyone happy. Usually the people in our lives who end up unhappy are not unhappy because of the decision we made, but rather that it was not the decision we wanted.

Are you in a relationship that is negative? A friend, your job, a spouse? Take a step back and release the stress that is associated with them. We have to learn to make ourselves happy and we cannot bottle up our feelings.

I have spent way to much time living a passive life just to avoid a confrontation. But in the end I spend a lot of time with built up stress because I am avoiding the inevitable. I am too afraid to tell someone what I think.

I have made a resolution to speak my mind more often and not to keep it built up inside. You know, it is really a freeing feeling, but I have a lot of work ahead.

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"Speak your mind, even if your voice shakes"
Maggie Kuhn

Keeping the Faith

Feeling beat down and alone is one of the worst feelings. We all want to feel like we all belong to something.

Having a connection with your faith can be a strong tool. Maybe you need a visit to your church, read a scripture or just to say a prayer. It can relieve a big weight to "hand" over your troubles to a higher power.

I can remember sitting in church for months and crying through the whole service. I wanted so badly for some one to come and save me.

Reach out, and connect today. Your not alone.

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"You become a worrier by practicing worry. You can become free of worry by practicing the opposite and stronger habit of faith. With all the strength and perseverance you can command, start practicing faith." Norman Vincent Peale

Time to Get Away

It's been a long time since I have gone on vacation. It must be at least 8 years or so. I was always afraid "something" might happen. But you know I always arrive home safely.

But this weekend I have runaway with my best girlfriends. We have had a really good time. Lots of laughs and relaxation. Seems that is what I really needed.

When was the last time you ran away? Make a little time for your self, where you can just act silly. We all need to let our hair down and just be silly.

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"Vacation is what you take when you can't take what you've been taking any longer." unknown

Th Sky is Falling

Are you sick of hearing all the news lately? As much as I try I can't seem to get away from it. Seems like everyone is talking politics and the economy. It's a very stressful time.

For the next month everything will just be in a spin as we gear up to choose a new leader. Don't get caught up in the swing of it all. I have friends who have gone and hidden all of their savings under their beds & are ducking for cover. Truth is we will be fine. But don't let all of this add to your daily stress.

If you are looking for some great insight into what is going on you can always check out Dave Ramsey's site at http://www.daveramsey.com/. He will help you not worry & he gives great financial advice. Be prepared, but not panicked!

Wishing you peaceful thoughts today,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"When I look back on all these worries, I remember the story of the old man who said on his deathbed that he had had a lot of trouble in his life, most of which had never happened". Winston Churchill