Ready Set Go!
Ready Set Go!
Nourish...Nurture...Achieve...Connect! This blog will include
#2017goals (1) #2018goal (1) #acceptance (2) #Accountability (1) #Achieve (11) #adapt (1) #adoption (2) #ahhhmoment (1) #AnalysisParalysis (1) #authenticity (1) #beautifulplaces (1) #beautifulscenery (1) #beauty (1) #becurious (1) #BeHappy (2) #bestdecisionever (1) #bioindividuality (1) #blooms (1) #catsrule (1) #Challenge (1) #challengingtimes (1) #change (2) #ChangeYourLife (1) #chihuahua (1) #chihuahualover (1) #ChihulyGardensAndGlassMuseum (1) #china (1) #chineseadoption (2) #choosehappy (2) #cleo (1) #cold (1) #coldbusters (1) #comfortable (1) #congested (1) #connect (13) #content (1) #cravings (1) #crazyownerssanedog (1) #Daily (1) #DailyActions (1) #dailycalm (1) #DailyHabits (2) #dateyourself (1) #DayoftheDead (1) #dessert (1) #DiadeMuertos (1) #diet (1) #diets (1) #dogs (2) #dontbugme (1) #doterra (1) #earlburnsmillerjapanesegardens (1) #eatfeastly (1) #eatthisnotthat (1) #essentialoils (1) #explorelosangeles (1) #Facebook (1) #feelinggood (1) #findyourtribe (1) #fitness (1) #Friday (1) #friendship (1) #fun (1) #functionalmedicine (1) #Furbaby (2) #FurbabyFriday (3) #FurFriday (1) #getbackontrack (1) #GettingUnFriended (1) #GettingUnStuck (1) #giftideas (1) #girlfriends (1) #Goals (3) #GoalSetting (1) #goodbyeittybittysh*ttyvoice (1) #gotchaday (2) #GreysAnatomy (1) #growingup (1) #growth (1) #Happiness (1) #happinessthrusuffering (1) #Happy Anniversary (1) #HappyMLKDay (1) #healthy (2) #HealthyRecipes (1) #HealthySnacks #HowToEatHealthier (1) #history (1) #idoitall (1) #ilovethisdog (1) #iminthedriversseat (1) #india (1) #innervoice (1) #introvert (1) #Istanbul (1) #itsallaboutyou (1) #itsMEtime (1) #itsnotyouitsme (1) #jiangsuprovince (1) #keepmovingforward (1) #letitgo (1) #LetsEat (1) #letsgo (11) #lifestooshort (1) #LivingTheDream (1) #Love (8) #loveintheworld (1) #loveyourself (2) #Makeyourdreamscometrue (1) #makingthelifeiwant (1) #makingtime (1) #mantraMonday (1) #Mediate (1) #medici (1) #meditation (1) #memories (2) #memoriesforlife (1) #memoriesmade (1) #metime (1) #MidMonthChallenge (1) #Mimi (1) #MindfulMondays (1) #mom (1) #monday (1) #MondayMotivation (4) #moresleepplease (1) #MorivationMonday (1) #motherdaughterlove (1) #MotivationMonday (4) #MovingForward (2) #mustbefriday (1) #mybucketlist (1) #namaste (1) #nanjing (1) #napisinmyimmediatefuture (1) #naturalremedies (1) #naturalremedy (1) #nature (1) #netflixandchill (1) #nolabels (1) #noregrets (1) #Nourish (11) #nurture (23) #nurturemysoul (1) #nurtureyourself (1) #ommm (1) #onlineexercise (1) #openheart (1) #parties (1) #partysurvivaltips (1) #Perseverance (1) #postvacationblues (1) #priorities (2) #procrastination (1) #pushthrough (1) #putyourselffirst (1) #readysetgo (10) #ReadySetGo! (1) #rejection (1) #Relationships (1) #Relax (1) #santaanawinds (1) #saturday (1) #seattle (1) #selflove (2) #shopping (1) #ShoppingSaturday (1) #sleepisking (1) #snacks (1) #soulnurture (1) #spicemarket (1) #Spring (1) #staycations (2) #stockingstuffers (1) #stopdwelling (1) #sweettooth (1) #TheHollywoodRoosevelt (1) #themesong (1) #thevalueisintheprocess (1) #ThoughtfulThursday (1) #ThoughtfulTuesday (5) #Thursday (3) #ThursdayThoughts (1) #ThursdayTips (1) #time (1) #toastbandit (1) #ToDoList (1) #Transform (1) #Travel (6) #travelThursday (2) #trips (1) #truelove (1) #truth (1) #TuesdayThoughts (4) #TuesdayTip (2) #unfriend (1) #Universe (1) #vacation (1) #Vegan (1) #Vegetarian (1) #Vision (1) #Wednesday (2) #weekend (1) #WeekOfLove (1) #WhatsCooking (1) #WhatsCookingWednesday (1) #wherewegoinWednesday (1) #WorkoutWednesday (1) #WYA (2) #WYAWednesday (1) #youareenough (1) #Yum (1) #Zion (1) Achieve (1) Connect (1) Inspire (1) Nourish (1) Nurture (1)
allison_lowe@yahoo.com

Mid Month September Challenge!

4.7-Cleo magnet



I’ve hit a slump! 

 

Which is a bummer because I was doing so well.  I spent most of my summer rehabbing my torn meniscus and spent every day “moving.” 

 

But lately, I’ve found myself doing everything else except putting on my workout shoes. 

 

So here’s my challenge to you all..  Let’s try and “move” at least 20 minutes each day for the rest of the month. 

 

I’m planning on walking, doing yoga, going to the gym and of course, putting on my tutu and pretending that I’m a ballerina…

 

I know my pup, Cleo, is in…What about you?

 

Looking forward to hearing how you did!

Tags:
allison_lowe@yahoo.com

My “FIND” For September


 
9.18-Product of Sept


 

 

So, now that I’m in my mid 50’s, I’m experiencing that sudden onset of the feeling of being on fire! I once had a hot flash so intense that I started  doing a striptease in a Chicago cab when it was 30 degrees and raining.  (Rest assured…I didn’t go all the way)

 

I’m always a little hesitant to go the “chemical” way before trying out natural remedies so I started doing some research.   I started hearing a lot about Ashwagandha, one of the most powerful herbs in Ayurvedic healing.   It’s frequently referred to as the Indian “ginseng” because of its rejuvenating properties 

 

Ashwagandha also helps manage menopause symptoms by directly stimulating the central nervous system. Since it is an adaptogen, it works in your brain to reduce cortisol levels. Cortisol is one of the stress hormones in your body, which in high levels causes a person to become increasingly anxious or depressed.

 

Not only with Ashwagandha help you with hot flashes, it will also help you with stress, inflammation, thyroid dysfunction and allergies.

 

I take this herb in powder form.  I mix it in with my coffee/smoothie.  I have to warn you that it doesn’t taste great but I’ve found it more convenient than taking yet another pill.  I get mine thru Amazon – here’s the link…


9.18-Ashwagandha


http://tinyurl.com/yc2aryo3


 

You do have to use it for at least a month before you feel the results.  But once you do, you won’t want to skip it!  Mine got misplaced in the remodel and I felt “off” until I got my replacement.

 

Trust me, this works…

allison_lowe@yahoo.com

CONNECTION:  Before You Hit That UnFriend Button...

 
9.18-Connect-  Unfriend

 

I love Facebook. 

Since I work at home and on my own, I usually feel a little isolated at times and consistently take breaks.  So, while I sip on my coffee, I go over and check out to see what my FB friends are doing.

 

It’s fun to check in on friends to see what they’re eating, what they’re doing and how they’re feeling. And the vacation pictures help remind me why I’m working so hard.  (You work to go on vacation too, right?) 
 

But lately, I’ve been hesitant to log on…

 

We’re living in such a different time now…

 

I don’t know about you, but my heart sinks when I read my Facebook Feeds these days.   There seems to be a lot of anger & confusion.  I understand the passion behind the different opinions but I don’t understand how it’s turned into threads of personal attacks and name-calling. Lately, I’ve shut my computer in disgust.

 

My teenager has the perfect solution for me.

 

“Look at this, Mom…you can just delete that person and never have to hear from them again.”

 

That is an easy solution, right?

 

But, I’m torn.

 

I’ve always been pretty selective about who I’m Facebook Friends with and I’ve made it a point to only connect with people that I really like and when there's a nice connection. 

 

I never felt that I always had to agree with all my friends.  In fact, I’m attracted to people who are NOT like me because it helps me grow as a person.

 

And, I believe this is reciprocal.  I am lucky… despite my irritating and quirky ways, my Facebook friends have always shown their support whether they agree with me or not.

 

Friends do that for each other.   We’re in each other’s corners and support each other as much as we can.  Even when we don’t understand or agree with a differing opinion.

 

So, I will be not taking my daughter’s advice...I won’t be “unfriending” anyone just because they don't share my views.

 

However, there is a caveat...

 

If I see personal insults and name calling when there’s disagreement on my threads, I will directly reach out to that person and call them on it…not on their opinion but the way they’re expressing their opinion.   If it’s in the heat of the moment and there’s an apology, then we both will move past it. 

 

Because that’s what true friends do.  We accept each other for who we are and work through disagreements.   

 

What if that person is insistent on expressing their views with disrespect to the opposing side on my page?  Then my decision becomes very clear and easy.  I'm pressing the Unfriend and Block button.     

After all, who needs that negativity in their lives?


 

Life is way too short…especially when there are puppies involved…

I'd love to know what you think...



 

Tags:
allison_lowe@yahoo.com

ACHIEVE:  When Life Gets Blurry...


9.18-Achieve-When Life Gets Blurry
 

I feel like Allie “Van Winkel…”

 

Do you know how to make my God laugh?  …

Tell Her your plans…

 

I had so much "planned" for over the summer.  My very-doable TO DO List had very simple and easy things to check off while giving me plenty of time to enjoy the lazy hazy days of Summer…

 

Alas…it is now September and NOTHING got checked off in addition to being completely behind in publishing this Newsletter...

 

Of course, I beat myself up for being such a slacker but then again, I might have had some unexpected things going on…

 

·     A torn meniscus and the realization that I may have to slow down!

·     Nursing my 14-old cat who survived a cold but the prognosis isn’t good…

·     A “little” house remodeling project that went way too long…Note: NEVER work on your kitchen & bathrooms at the same time!

·     My daughter deciding that she wanted to make the Varsity Tennis Team as well as take a part time job to earn her trip to Europe…guess who got to drive her everywhere?

 

This was all in addition to my other regular obligations…

 

It felt that Summer was going to be a complete #Fail.

 

But again, my God has a great sense of humor.

 

Despite my many challenges, I managed to make a complete breakthrough.

 

In a strange way, the limited time helped me prioritize and clarify what I really wanted to do.

 

While recovering, I finally had the time to take a free workshop in Functional Medicine.   I happened to mention this to my doctor (who happened to be a certified Functional Medicine Practitioner) and he got very excited.  He’s been looking for Coaches that he can partner up with.  In this day and age, doctors have the challenge of directing their patients to create a healthier lifestyle but they don’t have the time and breadth to show them how.  That’s where Coaches come in. 

 

Long story short…I might have found myself a niche.  I was accepted and enrolled in a Functional Medicine Certification program with the intent to work with my doctor and his patients in the future, helping them adapt a healthier lifestyle!

 

And, it gets even better…

 

My meniscus tear required me to change up my exercise program.  Instead of cardio cardio cardio...I had to build up my strength and increase my flexibility.   I needed to be consistent and move every day as well as change my diet.

 

Now, I’ve been active for years and eat pretty healthy but my scale never moved and I was getting heavier as I aged.  I accepted this as part of “middle age.”    While I wasn’t “unhealthy,” I wasn’t where I wanted to be.

 

 

Within the last three months, I’ve lost weight and decreased my blood sugar and cholesterol levels.  Best of all, I feel fabulous!

 

These two things happened because I had to change up my usual routine and find different paths to where I wanted to go.

 

My BIG TAKE AWAY for this Summer:

 

If you find that you’re goals are getting "blurry,"  don’t get discouraged! 

Life has a funny way of working out.  Embrace what looks like obstacles and be open to different paths.

Who knows...it may lead you to your happiness faster...

Anyone else experienced this?  I'd love to hear your story...

  

 

 

Tags:
allison_lowe@yahoo.com

NURTURE:  Let It Go! – Getting Comfortable With Who We Are NOW …  

9.18-Nurture - Let it Go.jpg

 

“Old age isn’t so bad when you consider the alternative.”

 

My mom loved to quote Maurice Chevalier…And she’s right…given the alternative, getting older is not bad at all.  

 

I’m trying not to freak out too much when things go awry.  I’m reminding myself constantly to enjoy the Present.  I’m understanding the wisdom of not sweating the Small Stuff...

 

“So, does this mean you’re going to stop telling me how to drive?”

 

See?  I’m not going to even respond because I’m past that...Ommmmm....

 

With that said, I got a wake up call in the midst of all this peace.   It all started with me going down stairs.   Craaaaaaaaack went the knee!  

 

Seriously?

 

I’ve been active all my life!  Rock Climbing, Running, Tennis and Zumba have all been my passions without ONE injury.  I even took up Ballet this last year because I wanted to "challenge" my body.

 

I spent most of June, with my knee propped up, feeling terrible and coming to the realization that I might not be "Petra Pan" after all.

 

“Mom, you’re in your 50’s…things like this happen when you’re MIDDLE AGED.”

 

Definitely need to think of new legal ways to torture my child.

 

But, I digress…

 

I’ve been blessed and lucky enough to follow in my mother’s footsteps.  She learned how to ski when she was 60 and only reluctantly quit when she was in her mid 80’s.   I’d like to think that I share her zest for life.   


 
"Who's aging?  If I live like I'm 30, I WILL be just 30!"    

 

In hindsight, this seems a little silly and a bit delusional.  Of course, I’m aging.  I’m dealing with osteoarthritis, a high A1C and I’m definitely not running my 10 minute mile anymore. 


And that is the reality. 

I have to pay attention to taking care of myself differently. 

Adaption is the key

I have to eat less of my favorite foods, walk instead of run and put myself to bed instead of pushing myself harder.  And most of all, I had to stop looking at the “new” me negatively.


 

Trust me, this is a work-in-progress.

 

But, I think I’m on the right path.   I was describing to my daughter how I was finally able to do a pirouette without knocking anyone down.  I happily described myself as the Hippo with the Tutu in Fantasia.  And, I focused on the action, not what it looked like.

 

“Wow…Hippos can dance…who knew…”

 

“Who knew indeed?   BTW…posted your baby picture on Facebook…it was completely “adorbs!”  I know I'm gonna get A LOT of likes”

 

The best revenge is hearing a teenage anguished scream and knowing that every parent is LOL'ing with me right now. 

 

I’ll work on “letting go” my grievances next month...

 

 

 

Tags:
allison_lowe@yahoo.com

NOURISH: FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - A New Approach To Medicine

9.18-functional medicine
 

I’m sure you’ve heard of Functional Medicine…

I have but I really had NO idea what it’s all about.  If you look it up on the Internet (which is my “Go To” source for everything), Functional Medicine’s definitions usually have the words “alternative” and “holistic”in it.


 

“Woah…wait a minute…I don’t want to get involved in any of that New Age stuff…you know, doctors go to medical school for a reason….”

 

Normally, I’d agree with My Guy.  I’m a firm believer in science and really do try to avoid any “woo woo” concepts.  And it doesn’t help that “alternate” and “holistic” methods had a bad rap up until a couple of years ago.

 

However, two years ago, I was introduced to Functional Medicine firsthand…

 

I’m a former fan of the “quick fix.”  Whenever my colds would get serious and refuse to leave, I’d automatically ask for the miracle,  Z-Pack.  In fact, my Ex and I affectionately called our Family Doctor, the “Drug Dealer,”  because he’d allow us to skip the visit to him  and just directly call the script in to the Pharmacy.

 
Getting rid of that pesky infection was completely worth the nausea and the stomach pain I’d get from using that Z Pack.  And, my doctor would just prescribe a stronger one when the old one didn’t work.  Unfortunately, for me, the cure was worse than the actual cold but I didn't care because I didn't know better.

 

Due to insurance reasons, I had to switch doctors.  Naturally, right after that, I caught the cold that would never leave.  I went to visit my new assigned doctor and we started playing the 20 Questions Game when I requested the Z Pack. What was I eating?  What was my environment?  Was I stressed?  Was I getting enough sleep?

 

I was annoyed at first but then he explained that he was a certified Functional Medicine Practioner and it was his job to see the complete picture.  This totally made sense for me.

 

Functional Medicine changed my life and the way I take care of myself…

 

This approach focuses on the underlying root causes of what may be happening within your body.  The body is viewed as ONE integrated system, not a collection of independent organs divided up by medical specialties.  It’s a Big Picture, Long Term focus, not applying just the short term cure.  And best of all, the customized patient-centered approach addresses & supports each unique individual.  Bio Individuality rules!

 

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT FOR YOU?

 

·     There is a sharp increase in the number of people who suffer from complex, chronic disease such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, mental illness and autoimmune disorders like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis

 

·     For chronic illnesses, our current medical system addresses the symptoms not the cause…this is like putting a Band-Aid on the wound but not understanding why we keep getting the wound.

 

·     Other elements like environmental exposures, unhealthy lifestyles and genetic factors are not taken in account when considering diagnosis and strategies to get better.  We all know we’re different…why wouldn’t we have customized unique solution for each individual person?

 

·     Functional Medicine will be the evolution of the practice of medicine to better address the healthcare needs of the 21st Century.  It will integrate traditional Western Medical practices and create a focus of prevention through nutrition, exercise and lifestyle changes.

 

 

By working with my new doctor, I realized that eating too much Dairy and Sugar created congestion and wrecked havoc on my immune system.   I also needed to move every day to “work everything” out.  My happy ending is that within the last 2 years, I only got one sinus infection.  And that was self-inflicted because I knowingly overdosed on ice cream while comforting Patient Zero.  (I’m waiting for the day when they find out why loved ones always want to share their germs) 

 

I want to know more!   Helping my clients develop natural and long term strategies to feel better and be healthier is what makes me spring out of bed each day.

 

I was recently accepted into the IFM’s (Institute of Functional Medicine) Coaching Program so stay tuned for more interesting ideas and approaches!

Tags: