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October 2002, Issue 5In late August while shopping with my mom at a small specialty store in Sacramento, a set of boxed cards caught my eye. “Just trust yourself. Then you will know how to live” –Goethe. This quote, written on the front of the box, called to my heart. I bought the cards and a few days later, returned home to Denver.
Since then there have been some major changes in my life. I have resigned from my position at Baxter, trading in a successful career along with the corresponding recognition and income, for the hat of a domestic engineer (i.e.: stay at home mom). I have decided to listen to my heart. I missed Peyton, not just when traveling, but day to day, and longed to spend big chunks of time with her, not stressed out moments of time scheduled on my Palm. I also love to write and wanted to spend more time honing my craft. I figured that while Peyton napped or attended pre-school, I’d get those hours to write, to chase my dream. So…after much prayer and thought, I mustered up my courage and leapt.
I am blessed to be in a position where I can make this move and I am thankful for that…but I will say this: There was a time, not very long ago, when this wouldn’t have been possible. I truly feel that as I clarified in my mind what I wanted and what was most important to me, my path was made clear. I believe that ultimately, life (and God) calls each of us towards certain things and we have to trust ourselves enough to follow the yearnings of our hearts. It is tough. It was hard for me to leave Baxter because I loved my job. And being with Peyton full time is no piece of cake either. (I am currently speed reading the book “How To Behave So Your Pre-Schooler Will, Too” and feel like I am in college again, cramming for exams, trying to get the big concepts before I flunk out.) However, what keeps me inspired is the belief that I will bring greater value to the world following my own path.
So… now that I am listening to my heart, I figure I’d better take care of it from the inside as well. (Keeping up a regular exercise program is not exactly my strong suit.) However, as I get older I am realizing that I need to work out and eat right not just to keep turning heads, but so that I don’t drop dead of heart disease. I’m not kidding. Did you know that heart disease is the #1 killer of women and nearly one fourth of all women who die of heart disease are between the ages of 35 and 44? (Info from www.oprah.com.)
From this point forward, I have a renewed focus on diet and exercise and am going to challenge you to make your health a top priority as well. I will keep a work-out log and (ugh) update you as to how I am doing in the next letter. Do it with me. Whether, it’s changing your diet, exercising more frequently or resolving emotional issues…we all need to listen to and take care of our hearts. Nobody else will do it for us; we must take care of ourselves.
I hope you enjoy this issue. Many of you have contributed; thank-you. When more GIRLS share their voices, the letter just comes together. And for those of you who say you want to contribute, DO IT! Just think, your words or experience may be what helps someone else live their best life! If you’d like to contribute, write or e-mail me. Also, if I do not currently correspond with you via e-mail, send me yours so I can include you on my GIRLS letter e-mail list.
I wish you all peace for this upcoming holiday season. Don’t get crazy with all the obligations that beckon from your day timer. Take time to be still and rejoice in the blessings that surround you. (Easy to say, hard to do.) Create joy and share it. Mostly, trust God, tune in to the innermost callings of your soul and believe you can do whatever you dream…
Live! Laugh! Love!Celeste Palermo
PS: Look for the January 2003 issue at: www.thegirlsletter.com.
HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS
With the holidays coming up, I thought we could share some creative holiday gift ideas. I’ve also included contact information for friends with businesses…(better to support a friend than the corporate machine). And lastly, if you are short on time and need something unusual, I’ve suggested a few web-sites that I like. Enjoy!
Here are a few of my ideas…
Paint bowls or cups at a pottery place and give them with hot chocolate or soup mix….Make napkin holders out of small frames with family photos inserted in each one. Hot glue a ribbon to the frame to hold the napkin in place…Purchase a small book on a topic that your loved one is interested in. Sign the book to them with a sincere note of love and encouragement….Make a basket of just about anything: a pasta lover’s basket, a coffee basket, a relaxation basket with a bottle of wine…let your imagination fill in the blanks! Anything with a little thought and a lot of love will be perfect!Homemade Cookie Trays and a 1/2 gallon of milk! --Jen
Give your loved one an ornament every Christmas....this is something my husband started. Every year we give each other an ornament to put on our tree.....we hope that way our tree will be filled with meaningful ornaments from every year we've been together....we plan on passing the tradition on to our daughter Sophie by getting her an ornament for every year. --Adrianna
Since I have many nieces & nephews I started giving each of them an ornament for Christmas every year. I try to find a collectable, or something handcrafted that symbolizes something from the current year (i.e. a favorite sport or sports team). This way I hope when they have their own homes they will have a tree full of beautiful ornaments. --Elaine
One of my favorite holiday treats is orange cranberry bread. You can make a bunch of mini-loaves, wrap in foil and decorate with fun ribbons. They make great gifts for office people, if you like to bake. –Abby
(You could also wrap the bread in a new dish towel, after you wrap in foil, so they have something to keep once the bread is gone!)I have taken small sliver baskets that I got at JoAnn fabrics and put a fingernail polish in it and wrapped it in cellophane with a cute bow. Cost: $7 and a great stocking stuffer. Take a hand cream in a tube put some shred in a Christmas coffee cup with a candy cane wrap it in cellophane with a nice bow and you have another nice gift that is only to $10. (Appropriately called Coffee and Cream). Do you like this idea? Contact Candy at this web-site to order great Mary Kay items to use in your gifts! www.marykay.com/cpulliam
Do you have a friend that needs help balancing her schedule or re-prioritizing for the New Year? Giver him/her a session with a personal coach…E-mail Cara at coachcara@prodigy.net for more info and / or pricing.
Do you know a wine lover? My long time friend Matt owns Linne Calodo Wine in Paso Robles, CA. His wine has been getting great reviews and is featured at elite restaurants. Send your loved one a few bottles of Linne Calodo wine. Or consider the “L.C. Experience” for the serious wine lover you know. (The LC Experience is 3 bottles of wine every 3 months or as weather permits…) Call 805-227-0797 for more info and prices.
Order your loved one custom made wine charms or jewelry! Contact Christina at: princess@legacymtg.com for more info and pricing.
Other ideas: I think these websites have some great stuff…things you don’t see everyday. I have had some nice success with items ordered at all three websites…so, if you’re stumped on what to get someone (or short on time), check these out: www.femailcreations.com, www.redenvelope.com, www.skymall.com.
Take time to work.
It is the price of success.
Take time to meditate.
It is the source of power.
Take time to play.
It is the secret of perpetual youth.
Take time to read.
It is the way to knowledge.
Take time to be friendly.
It is the road to happiness.
Take time to laugh.
It is the music of the soul.
And take time to love and be loved.Adapted from an Old Irish Prayer
Grandma Gerry’s Letter Challenge…
“Feathers shall raise men even as they do birds, toward heaven; that is by letters written with their quills.” –Leonardo Da Vinci
A Heart Healthy Recipe for Fall…
OK GIRLS. I made this recipe and it is YUMMY. Of course, I like butternut squash…but, Pete had second helpings and liked it a lot as well. I thought this would be a good soup to serve up inside little pumpkins for a dinner party or special occasion. (Another creative use for little pumpkins: hollow them out and use to hold candles…along with pinecones, etc. they might make a great centerpiece on a table for Thanksgiving dinner.)Butternut Squash and Roasted Garlic Puree
(From Williams-Sonoma SOUP, Page 48.)
Ingredients: 1 large or 2 small butternut squash, 20 cloves garlic, 4 tablespoons olive oil, ¼ cup water, 2 leeks, including tender green parts, finely chopped, 5 cups vegetable broth, fresh parsley or chives, salt and pepperDirections: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut squash lengthwise and remove seeds and any fibers. Carefully remove peel and cut into small slices 1 inch thick. In roasting pan, combine squash and cloves. Drizzle 2 tablespoons oil and toss until well coated. Roast 50-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until squash and garlic are soft and golden. Add more water if squash begins to scorch. While squash / garlic is roasting, Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil over medium heat. Add leeks and sauté until golden brown, 12-15 min. Set aside. In blender, in batches, combine roasted squash, garlic, and leeks with broth. Puree until very smooth. Transfer to a large saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Ladle into warm bowls and garnish with parsley or chives. Serve immediately. Makes 4-6 servings.
**Note: I bought this cookbook at King Soopers for $11 and ALL the recipes look awesome. Lots of yummy soups for winter!
At the Heart of Matters…My goals for taking better care of my heart (and overall health) include the following: exercising four times a week, drinking green tea instead of coffee, eating more fish, consuming WAY less sugar and drinking more water. Here are some things other GIRLS are doing to take care of themselves. Read on…
I try to eat healthy for breakfast and dinner - lunch is hit or miss because of my crazy work schedule. Breakfast - shredded wheat with raspberries, blueberries, or raisins & soy milk! Soy milk is great because it is sweet so you don't need sugar and it is also good for you. Dinner - this past year I tried to grill everything! Easy dinner would be to throw chicken, fish or beef on the BBQ and I bought a grill basket for veggies. Marinate the vegetables in a light salad dressing with lots of seasoning (basil, lemon, pepper) throw them in the grill basket right on the grill and let them cook with the meat. Also, I tried to eat more fruit. --TeresaAs far as my health, I made a decision a little under a year ago that changed the way I view my health. I decided I liked my body, just the way it was and I was going to spend the rest of my life keeping this body fit, while still enjoying life. I may not be the smallest woman, but I am me, and I like me. This is much easier than trying to not eat, diet, exercise all day, everyday, to be someone who I am not. I am Lori, and I am a 6.
My heart is simple, I follow Jesus. I try to read my bible for at least 15 minutes each morning, which helps me to start my day with Him, in His presence, where I find peace. Obviously, I do not always meet this goal, but I try. Jesus is my strength, my light, and He daily changes my heart from glory to glory. --LoriTrying to put all the negative things that have happened to me in the past exactly where they belong...in the past. Letting go of past pain has been extremely difficult for me and it's started to affect my personal well-being. I've realized how much things can bother you and how it affects your health...whether it be your sleeping habits or your eating habits, negative thoughts can overtake your whole body. I'm working on my worst problem...sleep. I've realized that the amount of sleep I get per night is 100% of my personality and productivity the following day. I'm taking a couple of moments every night to just relax and think about the incredibly happy things going on in my life right now, and the potential for even more happiness in the future. Forget the dishes & laundry for a half hour every day and think about your happiness...soak in a bubble bath with some Sinatra in the background!!! …Eating fruit with breakfast, and starting my day off with a big bottle of water instead of a bottle of soda. I admit that I do crack every once in a great while, but soda is no longer a daily habit. Lastly…I'm also going to start walking my very large and very out of control dog on a daily basis. -- Jen
I started taking yoga when I was pregnant last year. It is relaxing and invigorating at the same time. Fitting into my clothes is my motivation! As a stay at home mom I am on a tight budget and can't afford not to fit into my clothes! Sorry we are chocaholics here and eat a relatively healthy diet, but no Boca burgers on our menu. –Elaine
I have lost 25 pounds. I am walking 4.2 miles in 65 minutes and 22 minutes of that walk is one mile of straight uphill. El Paso has very few level areas on my side of town. It is either up hill or down hill. I have cut back on carbs and am drinking 80 oz of water a day. Needless to say the toilet paper companies love me. I am going to join EP Fitness so I can start to lift weights and I am doing some inner core strengthening exercises. I finally realized that to respect myself I had to make sure that I was fit and healthy. I had to take control of that part of my life and give up all the excuses. --CandySoy milk and regular soy protein. On cereal or in smoothies, soy protein promotes a healthy heart and is good for women too. I also now view exercise as a way to promote health from within, not just for physical appearance. One other thing I've done is switch to old fashioned oatmeal - it helps keep cholesterol levels down. --Abby
My goal to better health is to eat breakfast every morning....even if its something small like a yogurt, drinking more water.....and getting back into shape by incorporating aerobics into my life again....something I used to love to do but had to quit doing while I was pregnant and during the first few months. –Adrianna
“Recent research has shown that much illness is self-created. Words are often the trigger (catalyst) that lead to symptoms of disease: You are what you think, feel, and say about yourself. You are what you believe about you. Language is a visible link between the physical reality of the body and the emotional reality and thoughts of the mind.”
--An excerpt from: Your Body Believes Every Word That You Say
By: Barbara Hoberman Levine, Aslan Publishing, page 49
This piece is written by my sister, Cara. She lives in Seattle and works as a personal coach, helping people live creatively while she does so herself.A light note on sickness, since flu season’s coming up...
Consider this: “Even sickness, by and large, is just a method by which your body is telling you to do something or change something.” --quoted in Creativity in Business
It may seem strange to find health insights in a business book, but this one caught my eye. So many people are sick lately, and many are more frequently sick than healthy, that I thought there could be something to this thought.
If you’re sick, do you ask yourself these questions? What is my body telling me to do? What do I need to change?
Often people, whether they consciously ask these questions or not, have the answers. They know what it will take to get better, to stay healthy. But just as often, they don’t act on that knowledge. Why? Why not move toward health?
It could be that the changes or actions would cause too much commotion, stress, or unrest. They don’t have time -- though there’s always more behind that excuse. Maybe sickness has become a habit of sorts. They believe other things are more important than themselves. Only we know what our reasons are for getting and staying sick, whether we acknowledge them or not. Take time to acknowledge. Paying attention to the cues our body gives us and acting on those cues will most likely result in better health.
What do you tell yourself about your relationship with sickness? “I’m always sick!” “I always get a cold this time of year!” “Germs just like me!” or “I’m always healthy!” “My immune system is incredibly strong!”
Even if you’re sick, change the way you speak and think about sickness to health. It may feel like lying or seem a wee bit ridiculous at first, but in the long run you’ll train your brain. This shifts your focus. Instead of focusing on sickness, how you’re not taking care of yourself, and how much worse things will be if you get sick, your focus will be on health. You’ll begin to do the things that fall in line with your new, healthy belief. For example, you’ll make time to sleep and take care of yourself rather than expecting to get sick and overwork yourself anyway. As your focus shifts, you’ll start to value yourself more, to believe you can be healthy all the time, and to do what you need to be healthy.
Of course, things do come up. People get diseases. People get colds. Don’t blame yourself for getting sick or beat yourself up about it; take it in stride. What can this sickness teach you about yourself? What is your body telling you? If you listen, if you are kind to yourself, health will return quicker and most likely stick around longer.
So change your focus! Make the adjustments necessary! Listen! Be open to the possibility that you know all your answers! Most importantly, be kind to yourself. You matter most.
A little aside: My mom once told me of a man she read about who sent all of his colds to a woman in Chicago. He had seen the woman on television speaking about how she was constantly sick and could never shake her colds. It didn’t matter what she tried, she was “always sick!” This man had recently had a cold, found it quite a nuisance, and thus decided to send his colds to her. She probably wouldn’t notice the difference and he found that, indeed, he was sick less overall. The moral of the story: You don’t have to be sick! Send your stuff to someone in Chicago. If you don’t want to send sickness to someone else, send it out into the universe and watch it explode -- or whatever works for you. On the flip side, if someone is sending their colds to where you are, maybe you’re picking up needless sickness that’s not even yours! You don’t need to waste your time on that; refuse to be their dumping ground any longer! Accept only health and healthy vibes from those around you! --Cara Titcomb, coachcara@prodigy.net
Blessings and GratitudeWe are all blessed in different ways. Sometimes it is easy to forget the unique gifts we each have. Take time this season to write your own list and truly celebrate all you are thankful for. (I am most thankful for the nights when my husband does not pass gas. Just kidding, he is always passing gas!) Below, some GIRLS share what they are most thankful for. Read on…the list will make you smile.
My husbands ability to make me laugh
Hershey’s Dark Chocolate
85 degrees and higher
My cell phone
Girlfriends
Up close parking at the mall
My daughter’s sweet voice
New-found independence
French fries once a week!
My daughter’s mischievous smile
Love and support of parents
Sense of urgency to be a good Christian
My Hairdresser
Seven or more hours of solid, restful sleep
My supportive husband
Reconnections with old friends
Comfortable couches in front of a fireplace
My husband's warm feet
A lipstick color that is "just right"
Foot massages
Sunsets
Hope
Oklahoma Sooners 7-0 Season!
Full Moons on clear nights
Brightly colored trees
Life
Hugs
Smiles from strangers
Cute strangers
Cute nieces
My daughter’s health
Tangerine scented bubble bath’s
Red Licorice
Peppermint Tea
A new piece of bubble gum
No traffic in the tech center
God’s love
Possibility and potential
New bras
Good pens
Fleeting moments of true balance
Favorite songs on the radio
A hot shower
Forgiveness
The laughter of friends
Travel to third world countries
Making a positive impact on someone
Acceptance and non-judgment from friends
Healthy children
Lunch by the ocean on the Isle of Capri
God’s love that no one can take away
I am thankful for my daughter's bright eyes and bubbly laughter that can make the most miserable days melt away, I am thankful for my husband's capacity to always say I'm sorry and I love you....even when we are mad at each other. I am thankful that I have a loving family surrounding me, good health, and God's protection and guidance. I think September 11th made all of us start taking stock on just how lucky we are just to have another day on this earth to tell everyone we love them.
--Adrianna
You must be the change you wish to see in the world. –Gahndi…Remember to VOTE on November 5th. Our foremothers fought hard for this right…Let’s exercise our collective voice!
Things to think about…“Everyone has his own specific vocation in life…Therein he cannot be replaced, nor can his life be repeated. Thus, everyone’s task is as unique as his specific opportunity to implement it.” ---Viktor Frankl
“Don’t take anything personally. Nothing others do is because of you. What others do and say is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.” ---Don Miguel Ruiz
