Healthy Reboot!

Facebookpinteresttumblrmail

Dearly Beloved we are gathered here today…you know the rest! This past week we lost a music icon, Prince Rogers Nelson. No one could merge church and state as eloquently as Prince did. His music was truly ahead of its time. I mean who else could write a song in 1982 which would still be on the charts during the Y2K drama? It’s also becoming clear that, although he was a silent contributor, he invested in many worthy community endeavors. Thanks Prince for a legacy of excellent musicianship and philanthropy!

Prince2
Source: http://www.ifitshipitshere.com/tag/prince-album-covers/

 

This past week was a bit trying here in Houston as we had a real downpour of rain and flooding. I’m thankful that most of us made it through with minimal lasting impact. However, my sincerest condolences go out to those who lost a loved one during this event. For those whose home and automobiles were damaged, I’m praying that you are able to recover quickly through fair insurance and contractor services. I personally learned to heed the warnings issued by the authorities and to take my personal safety seriously; material things can be replaced!

In the midst of all the events of last week, I also began my healthy lifestyle reboot. While it was very trying, I was successful in completing my 7 Day Detox. I have to admit that I did cheat; however, I stayed within the boundaries of the eating plan and I got to the gym to achieve the exercise goals I set for myself. I’m feeling amazing as I look into the mirror to see my skin becoming clearer, my muscles toning, and my energy level increasing. I must say that what I’m giving up pales in comparison to what I am gaining.

The icing on my cake last week was that my good friend and I attended Gabrielle Bernstein’s session on “How to bring peace wherever you go” at Unity church. This was an amazing event and I learned a lot! I’d like to share two quotes that Gabby related to us that I believe are great lessons.

The first quote is from Rumi, which states that, “The wound is where the light enters you.” The second quote is from Jim Kwik. He says, “If an egg is broken by outside force, life ends. If broken by inside force, life begins. Great things always begin from inside.” So many times in our lives we do not appreciate the great internal storms that lead to our transformations. Be thankful for the internal wisdom you sense that there is something not quite right that must be healed in you. This is God’s way of helping us to grow, to live. Don’t wait until an outside force demands the change; at that point it may require a complete resurrection. Have not doubt, you will be transformed because you will become what you are called to be. Be open to what God wants you to heal so you can be who you were destined to be. I know I’m working to achieve this in my own life.

As I’m working through my healthy reboot, I realized that a significant contributor to my success is the love and support from my family and friends. So, I’m offering 1000 hugs and kisses for your support. Take it away Prince…

 

Until next week,

Pernà

Be a CHAMPION!

Facebookpinteresttumblrmail

This past week I was at home sick in bed with the flu. I really did not know what day it was at any given point in the day. I would simply wake from napping, take medication and proceed to fall back asleep. Later in the week as I began to recover, I realized that I was not focused very much on eating. I recognized that my body needed to focus its energy on healing and I was very careful with what I did choose to eat. Of course there was the traditional chicken soup; which I understand is not only good for the body, it’s good for the soul. It really got me to thinking that I should pay more attention to healing my body with food. Hippocrates has suggested that we, “…let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”

Perna_Thrive
Me Thriving…Okay, I just love this pic of myself…

I grew stronger every day paying close attention to add fresh vegetables and herbs from my organic garden to my plate. Actually, I decided to just make smoothies and juices to make digestion easier. By the time I was fully recovered, I had committed to a 7 Day Detox to continue eliminating added sugar and working to increase my ability to Thrive. I’m planning to implement this detox program and then reduce my meat intake while increasing my green vegetable consumption. I’ve even ordered a neat spinach like plant which when consumed, aids in lowering cholesterol and helps to manage blood sugar.

I’ve not only recovered from the flu but I’m feeling better than ever! Of course, transformation is not complete without a good exercise program. So, I’m recommitting to my 45 minute daily workout routine. I’ll work my way back up to a decent running routine and a long distance bicycle ride. When I’m working out I MUST have music. And here is one of my most favorite workout songs performed live by The Script….because I’m striving to be a CHAMPION!

Until next week,

Pernà

Sunday Dinner

Facebookpinteresttumblrmail

There is no better place to find Love than at the Sunday Dinner table. For many families, it is a time when the extended family gets together to catch up and enjoy each other’s company. As a mother, I am overjoyed to have the family over so that I can ensure that everyone is doing okay. For those who may be experiencing challenges, I want to offer comfort and a strong sense of belonging. When we know who we are and that our village is available to us, it helps to weather life’s day-to-day storms.

Sibling_2016b
Flashback on National Sibling Day! My Siblings and Me. Yes, we need an updated picture!!!

My family and I have discussed rotating where we have Sunday dinner and honestly we have not been able to get anything going. The closest we’ve come is creating a family GroupMe where we check in on each other and share personal milestones; it’s so much fun! Although it’s good catching up over the net, I’d so much rather be in the presence of my beloveds.

I was in the grocery store the other day and saw some crab claws. I immediately thought about making one last gumbo before the Houston heat takes over; because who eats gumbo in 100 degree weather? When I woke up today, on a whim I decided to make the gumbo. All I could think of is that I should have been a bit more organized and invited the family over to enjoy it with me. Don’t get me wrong, I’m going to eat this gumbo and enjoy doing it; however, it would have been so much better to have the whole village over shooting the breeze and hanging out.

They say food made with Loving energy transmits to those who are eating it. I’m not sure I understand this thinking, but I do know that when I do something in Love, I personally feel better and I invite good feelings between myself and others; maybe that’s what they mean. Regardless, I know that I want to restart the Sunday Dinner tradition in my family and I’ll be working on the village to make this happen over the coming month

There are some traditions that we need to examine, revise, or abandon. I don’t think Sunday Dinner is one of those; except, maybe what we can cook those dinners in a health conscious way.

Every time I think of Sunday dinner, I think of my grandmother and the Soul Food movie.  So, let’s end with the title song from the soundtrack.

Until next week,

Pernà

It’s Spring!

Facebookpinteresttumblrmail

It’s officially Spring and I’m so excited! It’s the time of year when the flowers begin to blossom, the weather is nice, and sunlight lasts longer.

Pictures from ‘the Festival of Colors’ sum up the joy and visual stimulation I get when Spring comes.

Festival of Colors
Source: http://freeing-if.blogspot.com/2014/01/happy-holi-festival.html

For me, Spring represents the time of year when I am most hopeful and willing to take risks to pursue new ideas and experiences. Just as I work in my garden to plant vegetable seeds expecting a great Harvest; I reflect on the important things in my life and lay out plans to achieve the goals I’ve set in each of those areas. I’m also reminded to focus on my health and wellness. Well at least I consider whether I want to fit into that bathing suit this summer. And so, I work a little bit harder at improving my body, mind, and spirit.

This Spring, I’ve decided to focus on aligning my life with the legacy I want to leave, balancing today versus tomorrow, and improving my risk/reward tolerance related to key decisions I need to make. My hope is that these areas of focus help me to live a more fulfilling life, brings me big FUN, and benefits the great LOVEs in my life.

We’ll chat more in coming weeks about the progress I’m making, but enough about me. What are you hopeful for this Spring?

Check out the joy in this video…

 

 

 

Until next week,

Pernà