Tag Archive for conscious talk

5 Reasons To Be Grateful For Struggle

May 17, 2021 John Uncategorized No comments

Life’s struggles usually don’t move us to feeling grateful that we have them. But GenuLines iinvites you to re-examine this idea.

You may be surprised at the results!

5 Reasons To Be Grateful For Struggle

Have you ever asked yourself why you always want more? You want to make yourself better.
 
Get that promotion. Earn more money.
 
man needs to be grateful
 
Win the lottery, a new car, a bigger house, another pet, to travel more often. It’s natural to pine for new things and to aim your sights higher.
 
But…
But there’s a problem here. We often take our eye off the ball.
 
And instead of living in the present, we become obsessed with the future. We figure everything will be better there.
 
But you can’t make everything better there without first putting in the work here.
The struggles that we face now do serve a purpose.
 
It isn’t something we enjoy or look forward to, but we may be able to find reasons to be grateful for those struggles.
 
Here’s why:
 
1. It Could Be Worse
This might not sound like a reason to be grateful for struggle, but… do you have the food you need to survive and a roof over your head? You have the basics down and while that isn’t everything, for right now it is.
 
Sometimes coming back to that thought is enough to remind you of your life achievements. You’re building the strength to handle what you’re facing now.
 
2. You Can See Through People
When you’re struggling, you learn who your real friends are. Friends can offer a great shoulder to lean on. But false friends can make their way into your life. They’re the first ones to run for the hills when things get tough.
 
3. You Rediscover Who You Are
You might wonder how this could be true, but it is. Think about the darkest days you’ve ever experienced. Now realize that you’re still here and you’re still standing. This speaks to your ability to be strong..
 
4. You Learn To Appreciate The Little Things
Sometimes we take these things for granted. Pause to savor your morning cup of coffee.
 
Carry this attitude with you through the day. Share your good energy with other people.
 
An act of kindness can change your day – and help others to change theirs.  
 
5. Struggle is Building You Up
It might feel like your struggles are trying to tear you down. But like working a muscle they’re building you back up.
 
It’s difficult to think of struggles as being a blessing. But the blessing comes from your response to those struggles.
 
What’s the most difficult type of struggle to cope with? One that you have no control over.
 
You learn to cope and when you know how to cope, you learn how to succeed.
 
 
 
JohnK 5-17-2021
 
stick man being gratefulOverheard: “If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough.”
                             ~Meister Eckhart
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for being grateful

Thyme For Some Sage Advice About Parsley

December 4, 2018 John Uncategorized No comments

You sit down to dinner and you can’t wait to dig in to everything, EXCEPT the parsley. Today GenuLines looks at the humble parsley and why it’s a nutritional star!

 

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ARTICLE:

 
You may have seen that parsley on your plate and thought of it as a mere decoration. And while parsley is often used as a pretty garnish, it also has many health benefits.
 
 
parsley on cutting board
 
 
It turns out that parsley is very high in antioxidants. These chemicals help to prevent disease and improve your health in general.
 
What exactly is so special about parsley? It:
 
  • slows the aging process
  • contains powerful antioxidants luteolin, vitamin A, and vitamin C
  • can strengthen your immunity
  • helps your body repair connective tissue
  • strengthens bones and teeth
  • repairs cuts and scratches faster
  • protects you from hardened arteries and heart disease
  • discourages plaque buildup in your blood vessels
  • protects nerve cells to help prevent nervous system disorders
 
 
The natural oils in parsley are also known to fight cancer. Specifically, you can reduce your risk of colon cancer and prostate cancer.
 
You can even get some protection from the carcinogens in cigarette smoke. (though parsley consumption won’t make it a good idea to start or keep smoking)
 
Parsley can help inflammation-related diseases. These include arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and autoimmune disease.
 
How much do you need to eat to get the benefit? It turns out that you only need about two (fresh) tablespoons each day.
 
This gives you the vitamins and antioxidants it provides in high levels.
 
Parsley is delicious in its own right. It makes a great compliment to many dishes either raw or cooked.
 
Raw parsley gives you you the most benefits. And don’t forget to throw a few sprigs into the juicer for a tasty and healthy drink! (you can mix the juice with something sweet like apple)
 
Oh, there’s also a cosmetic benefit to consuming parsley. The oils and texture of parsley help to clean your teeth and freshen your breath after a meal.
 
This is great when you don’t have time to brush your teeth between meals.
 
Next time, instead of leaving the parsley on the plate, go ahead and eat a bit of the garnish to get the health benefits.
 
You’ll come away with fresher breath and an army of nutrients to help keep your body healthier and younger.
 
JohnK 12-4-2018
 
 
 
 
 
man hears about parsleyOverheard: “He who takes medicine and neglects to diet wastes the skill of his doctors.”                          ~Chinese Proverb
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for parsley
 
 
 
 

Good Thanksgiving “Chi” from GenuLines to You!

November 22, 2018 John Uncategorized No comments

 

On this Thanksgiving Day, I am incredibly thankful that you are a part of the Chi For Yourself and GenuLines communities!

Rather than sending you wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving, I’m sending you all the best energies– in other words: good “chi.’

Use this time to rest and recharge with your family and friends. And keep in mind that what you think about is what you bring about!

Be well

 

JohnK 11-22-2018

chiforyourself.com home

 

graphic for thanksgiving

 

 

 

man on thanksgivingOverheard:  “If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough.” 
                             ~Meister Eckhart

 

 

 

 

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Depression and “Feeling Better” With Cindy Stulberg

November 20, 2018 John Uncategorized No comments

Our latest Chi For Yourself topic was depression. But it centered on a different kind of treatment. 

Woman talks depressionCindy Stulberg is the author of Feeling Better: Beat Depression and Improve Your Relationships with Interpersonal Psychotherapy.

Her message is that depression can be treated by getting a better handle on your relationships. 

 

Here are some of the talking points from the show:

 

  • Interpersonal Psychotherapy or IPT
  • Four depression problem areas 
  • Social media’s effect on isolation
  • 13 signs you might be depressed
  • Step 1 you can take right away

 

If you missed the show, you can hear it by clicking on this logo:

 

radio logo for depression show

 

Be well!

 

 

JohnK 11-20-2018

chiforyourself.com home

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depression And a Different Way of Dealing With It

November 14, 2018 John Uncategorized No comments

For years, the first line of defense for depression has been pharmaceuticals.

 

Woman talks depressionBut on our next edition of Chi For Yourself, we’ll look at relationships as a path to healing.

Our guest will be Cindy Goodman Stulberg, co-author with Ronald Frey of Feeling Better: Beat Depression and Improve Your Relationships with Interpersonal Psychotherapy.

 

 

Be here for the interview on Thursday, November 15th at 1 pm Pacific, 4 pm Eastern time at chiforyourself.com

 

JohnK 11-14-2018

chiforyourself.com home page

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do You Have A Financial Safety Net? (And How To Build One)

October 16, 2018 John Uncategorized No comments
Movement in the financial markets lately can make you seasick! If you manage your own finances as I do the market ups and downs will make you wonder if you should make changes or stand pat. 
 
The GenuLines post below offers some ideas on getting your financial house in order. Read it and “reap”
 
 
financial remedy
 
 
 

Do You Have A Financial Safety Net? (And How To Build One)

 
Do you have a financial safety net? It’s something worth thinking about and setting up.
If not, now is the time to get started.
 
You can begin by putting away three to six months of living expenses.
 
Keep this money in an interest-bearing account. Know what your family needs to live on in the event your income stops.
 
Then start saving as much money as you can until you have built up this safety net.
You can shave your spending, too.
Do More With Less
Do a little less eating out. Think twice about buying the newest TV and tech gadgets.
 
To make the process go faster add any bonuses, tax refunds, etc.
 
But don’t stop there. Make it your goal to add to your cushion as often as possible.
 
Then come back and revise your numbers from time to time.
 
Your living expenses may go up or down over time. You can quickly adjust the amount you need in readily accessible cash.
Protection
Life and disability insurance are two more important parts of your financial strategy. Do you have a plan in place to continue to cover your living expenses (or those of your family) if you can no longer work?
 
Call your insurance agent and go over your current coverage. Make sure the insurance you’re paying for will pay out what you need and if not, make adjustments.
 
Now you have two legs of your plan firmly in place. Next, think about investing any additional savings in higher interest-bearing accounts.
 
Do your best to forget about accessing any of this money in the near term. Think about how handy it will be to have it when you’re dealing with an emergency.
 
Or, when you’re ready to retire.
 
And, don’t let your money sit in a bank or, worse yet, in a drawer in your house. There are lots of investment vehicles that will get you a much better return than a savings account.
 
Talk to your financial adviser. You’ll come up with a plan that’s right for you, your family, and whatever the future may hold. 
 
JohnK 10-16-2018
 
 
 
 
 
man talks financialOverheard: No wealth can ever make a bad man at peace with himself” 
                                  ~Plato
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for financial

6 Life Hacks For Better Aging

October 9, 2018 John Uncategorized No comments
As we age, we look for things we can do to prevent wrinkles, diseases, and cognitive function. The good news is that there are hundreds of things that you can do to help you age An aging couplein the best way possible.
 
GenuLines looks at six life hacks you can apply to your life today to help you age better.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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1 – Stay Active:
It’s no secret that as you age your metabolism slows down. Getting at least thirty minutes of activity a day increases your metabolism. But can also help to increase bone density, putting you at a lower risk of bone injuries as you age.
 
2 – Invest In Large Sunglasses:
The skin around your eyes is the most delicate and thin skin you own. It’s also the place where wrinkles tend to appear first.
 
By wearing over-sized sunglasses you’re preventing sun damage from occurring around your eyes. And you’re also squinting less.
 
You’ll have fewer eye wrinkles as well as fewer forehead wrinkles.
 
3 – Make Time For Your Friends:
Often your schedule can be so hectic that you neglect to make time for a social life. But having a social life can help you age better in many ways.
 
Most important is lowering your stress level. Studies have shown that stress damages your skin cells, causing premature lines.
 
Stress can also lower your immune system, making it more likely you’ll become ill. As a bonus, making time for your friends also means that you’re more active both physically and mentally.
 
4 – Take Fish Oil:
 
Fish oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids. An Ohio State University study found Omega 3’s are good for joints, eyesight, and hair growth.
 
They make skin supple. And they improve your heart and immune functions.
 
If fish oil isn’t for you, you can also increase your intake of seeds, nuts, sardines, or salmon.
 
5 – Keep Your Diet Colorful:
There are foods that speed up the aging process. What you may not know is that there are also some foods that can do the opposite.
 
The list includes kale, broccoli, blueberries, strawberries, oranges, and plums. All are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can promote healthy aging.
 
(***Some of these nutrients include alpha lipoic acid, carotenoids- including vitamin A, ß-carotene, lycopene, astaxanthin, and retinol- CoQ10, glutathione, polyphenols, and vitamins C, D, and E) 
 
6 – Change Your Opinion Of Old:
This one’s my personal favorite. There is no formal definition of what old means.
 
The word can have many different meanings depending on the context.
 
Don’t degrade yourself by talking about your “senior moments” or the things you can no longer do. Having a positive attitude and a good mental outlook is half the battle.
 
When you tell yourself that you’re old and can’t do things, it becomes the truth. Instead, focus on all the things you can do.
 
And though it’s a cliche’, age IS only a number.
 
In today’s busy society we tend to forget to take care of ourselves. We ignore our own needs because we’re so busy taking care of everyone else.
 
Make yourself a priority. For now, begin implementing at least one of the above suggestions.
 
Practice and stick to these six. Make them part of your normal routine.
 
Take care of yourself now so you can ensure that you’ll age in a positive way.
 
 
 
JohnK 10-9-2018
chiforyourself.com home
 
 
 
 
man talks agingOverheard: “I suppose real old age begins when one looks backward rather than forward.”
 
                    ~ Mary Sarton
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for food
 
 
 
 
 
* Photo by Matthew Bennett on Unsplash
 

You’re Eating Too Much- What Do You Do?

October 4, 2018 John Uncategorized No comments
 
 
Eating is a fundamental pillar of life. Most of us enjoy it, especially when we’re having some great tasting food! 
 
But, smart eating is part of a conscious lifestyle. This GenuLines post will help you stay on track with your dietary habits. 
 
 
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ARTICLE
 
We don’t always have the best sense of when to stop eating. We have access to not only good-tasting food but food in immense quantities.
 
It’s easy to poke fun at humorous situations such as Homer Simpson eating until he can’t move a muscle. But in reality, we’re blind to the consequences of eating too much.
 
These can range from a simple mild stomach ache in the short term to more serious health risks. Think chronic obesity and its connection to cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
 
Overeating doesn’t have to be as dramatic as eating until our pants are about to burst. It can be eating more than we need in one sitting.
 
Or eating until we’re full rather than until we get enough nutrients.
 
 
girl eating sandwich
 
 
We don’t have the natural constraints our ancestors did to prevent us from over-eating. In evolutionary terms, most humans couldn’t over-eat.
 
Large-scale agriculture and food processing generally weren’t available until more recent times. Today most humans (Americans for sure) have access to more convenience food than ever.
 
So, what drives us to eat more than we need?
 
We have lots of information. We can learn to eat only as much as we need.
 
Why don’t we?
 
One key insight is the emotional connection to food many people have. Research has shown that overeating follows bouts of sadness, depression.
 
It can also come during struggles with our issues.
 
The Journal of Adolescent Health studied the eating habits of young people. The participants developed disorders like binge eating.
 
The study’s main result: “it’s important to consider depressive symptoms in overeating.”
 
We can keep track of our reasons for eating. Are we eating because we’re hungry, or because we’re wrestling with emotional issues?
 
Another consideration is symptoms of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar.
 
A Medical University of Warsaw article looked at hypoglycemic symptoms. It found that people might eat more as a way of satisfying urges to increase insulin.
 
 
man eating cookie
 
 
So it’s important to eat sweets in moderation as a way of limiting consumption in general.
 
Finally, there is no better warning system than our own bodies. Excessive constipation, blockage, bloating, vomiting or stomach aches tell us we’ve had enough.
 
Add to that list our constant need for laxatives or antacids. Our level of energy and mental alertness are signs, too.
 
We all enjoy a nicely cooked meal or tasty snacks. But in biological terms, food is simply fuel. It’s the fuel our bodies consume and turn into energy.
 
Just know that we can bog down our systems with excess fuel or fuel of poor quality- aka junk food.
 
Our energy level drops. We feel sluggish and less alert. These are signs of an overloaded digestion system.
 
Final Thoughts
 
It’s a no-brainer to say that we love food, but how much is enough? Our bodies brains and emotions hold up the stop signs.
 
Being mindful of our current state can help us avoid the pitfalls. The signs are there and our brains and bodies are telling us.
 
We just have to listen!
 
JohnK 10-4-2018
 
 
 
 
 
man talks eatingOverheard: “I lurched away from the table after a few hours feeling like Elvis in Vegas – fat, drugged, and completely out of it.”
         
                         ~Anthony Bourdain
 
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for food
 
 

Junk Food: Is It Food or Just Junk?

September 27, 2018 John Uncategorized No comments
We hear the words junk food all the time. What is it, exactly?
 
Today GenuLines goes beyond the convenience food names and the fast food menu items. We’ll look at content, and what goes into your body when you get that “quick bite to eat.”
 
 
 
 

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ARTICLE

 
Here are some things to consider if junk food products are a staple of your diet:
 
 
junk food burger
 
 
They’re Loaded With Sodium
 
Much of the sodium we consume each day doesn’t come from real whole food. Instead, it comes from the processed foods that we consume every day.
 
There are so many foods that contain excessive sodium that you’re unlikely to realize it. For example, you may not have a natural liking for such “salty foods”, but you love sweets.
 
That soda you’re consuming is also loaded with a sodium derivative, even though you can’t taste it. Such are the hidden dangers of processed food.
 
They’re Heavy On Simple Sugars
 
If you rely on processed foods for “nourishment”, you aren’t really getting it. You may notice that while using junk for sustenance, you tend to get constipated.
 
That’s due to lack of complex carbs and fiber. Simple carbohydrates enter the bloodstream and are quickly absorbed.
 
This disrupts blood sugar levels. Natural foods consist of more complex carbs.
 
And the fiber they contain help promote digestive health and regularity.
 
Processed Foods Contain Trans Fats
 
If you think all fats are bad, think again. In fact, natural fats are good for us and even essential.
 
It’s trans fats that get most of the bad rap. Trans fats are a modified variety of an oil that allows it to remain solid at room temperature.
 
Trans fats are pro-inflammatory. Inflammation speeds up aging and contributes to many of our chronic diseases.
 
The list includes high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.
 
Many Processed Foods Contain Anti-Nutrients
 
Foods that bring down the nutritional value of a meal are called anti-nutrients. These foods prevent the absorption of nutrients.
 
Did you know that white potato is considered an anti-nutrient?
 
And guess what? White potatoes are a favorite ingredient in processed food.
 
White potatoes are cheap. And you can argue that they’re tastier than sweet potatoes.
 
This combination leads to more profits for big brand junk food companies.
 
Junk/ Fast Food Can Be Deadly
 
Food doesn’t sit on your shelf for months without spoilage or rancidity occurring. So, how does processed food last so long?
 
You can credit additives and preservatives. These are chemicals for the most part.
 
And they give food an artificial life extension.
 
Are they helpful? Sometimes. But more often than not, they’re a hazard to your health.
 
Many are “safe” in very, very low concentrations and approved for human consumption by the FDA. But, they’re often used in amounts far exceeding their safe limit.
 
And we consume them much more than once in a while.
 
Conclusion
 
Processed foods are the far from natural- regardless of claims by their makers. Many are GMO* produced, which raises another set of ethical questions.
 
To be sure- eat whole foods, closest to their original source.
 
(*Genetically Modified Organisms)
 
JohnK 9-27-2018
 
 
 
 
 
man and junk foodOverheard: ” I don’t eat junk foods and I don’t think junk thoughts”
 
                              ~Peace Pilgrim
 
 
 
 
 
 
 disclaimer for junk food
 
 
 
 

When Grief Becomes More Than “Normal”

September 19, 2018 John Uncategorized No comments
The grief from Hurricane Florence will be felt for a long time to come. Death, destruction, and displacement have affected so many people.
 
Those in the storm-affected areas now have to deal with that grief in some form or another. This GenuLines post will deal with things we all can do to handle the heaviness known as grief.
 
Danielle Dulsky griefFirst I want to tell you about our next scheduled edition of Chi For Yourself.
 
Danielle Dulsky will make her second visit to the show. Listen in on the call on Tuesday, Sept. 25th at 4 pm Eastern 1 pm Pacific time at chiforyourself.com 
 
 
 
Danielle Dulsky is the author of Holy Wild: A Heathen Bible for the Untamed Woman.
 
 
 
Subscribe to GenuLines- get CHI FOR YOURSELF guest information and more!
 
 
 

ARTICLE

 
angel in griefGrief touches most everyone at some point in their lives. But, no one grieves in exactly the same way in every case.
 
And the intensity and duration of grief can vary from one person to the next. This is due to a combination of things.
 
 
 
 
These include genetics, personality, and previous coping patterns. Add to that any previous history of depression or other mental illness.
 
It’s also affected by the presence or lack of support networks, and the event leading to the death (ex. sudden, unexpected death vs. expected death). There’s been a lot of debate over when grief becomes something more.
 
Something that may need medical attention.
 
But when does grief become something more than “normal?” Clinicians are doing a sort of balancing act.
 
They want to be careful that they don’t “medicalize” normal grief. But they also want to make sure they don’t exclude those who may be suffering from clinical depression.
 
This depression could be set off by the recent loss of a loved one. Grief is a process, not an event.
 
In the early stages of grief (sometimes referred to as “acute” grief), symptoms can pile up.
 
Think intense sadness, trouble with concentration, and reduced interest in activities and people. There could be crying, sleep issues, changes in appetite, too.
 
And it would be no surprise to have constant thoughts about the deceased. Now, these are many of the same symptoms as seen in depression. Yet they are considered two distinct entities.
 
The experience of grief does not necessarily mean that the individual is depressed.
 
Eventually, grief can become less disabling and intrusive in one’s life. The wounds begin to heal as pleasure is increasingly found in life again.
 
Furthermore, grief has no set time frame. It can last from weeks to years.
 
There can still be periods where the acute grief returns for short periods during events. They include the birthday of the deceased, holidays, and other reminders and memories.
 
But, the acute feelings of grief eventually wane.
 
Sadly, some people have a very hard time finding pleasure in their lives after the loss of a loved one. Again, the process has no specific length of time.
 
It varies according to the person and the circumstances. In any case, it’s important to recognize that depression can partner with grief.
 
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is another possibility, especially for violent or unexpected deaths.
 
To summarize: we experience the process of grief in our own ways. Keep in mind that grief, depression, and PTSD can sometimes work together.
 
Don’t ignore signs of depression and PTSD. It’s better to seek the opinion of your physician sooner than later.
____________________
 
It is very important that you consult a physician if, at any point, the grief does not seem to be subsiding. Or if you have any thoughts of self-harm.
 
Your physician can help determine whether you’re suffering from depression or PTSD.
 
If so, various forms of treatment can help. These include psychological counseling and/or medications.
 
JohnK 9-19-2018
chiforyourself.com home
 
 
 
 
man talking griefOverheard:
 
“Those who do not know how to weep with their whole heart don’t know how to laugh either.”
 
                         ~Golda Meir
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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