Kickoff

football-1488156_1920Football season has begun.  The first pre-season game has been played and many of the players, as well as some of the coaches, are wondering what their future holds.  A crowd-pleasing punt return; the dejection of an intercepted pass; or the season-ending injury will change the tide for many.

We are still in the midst of summer so the tantalizing smell of grilled meat fills the air.  The “splursh” of a pop-top can spreads the yeasty scent of beer.  Chlorine, coconut oil and wet dog hair.  The sounds of summer echo with the squealing giggles of children playing.  Summer is for play, whether you are a big kid or small.  It is no wonder the game of football begins in the middle of summer.

braai-2572725_1920Football games can change the mood of traffic.  Fortunes are won and lost on chancy bets.  Big money rolls through the NFL in the form of salary caps, signing bonuses and the inevitable Super Bowl commercials.  How many Clydesdales have marched across the television screen?

We worry and stress over the players lives and the weekly games as much as we worry about what to have for dinner.  And forget that football is just a game to entertain us on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.  It’s not much different than watching “The Voice” or “American Idol”.  Relax, football friends, I’m not picking on football, just making a comparison.  I get all edgy, too, when I watch the Broncos.

football-801047_1280So why do we get all twisted up when we watch a football game?  The action and suspense, of course.  And then there is the beauty of watching a pack of incredible physical specimens do amazing things with their bodies.  Football [and its European counterpart, soccer] is an enjoyable diversion in our lives.  When some strong-armed guy launches a football downfield and a speed demon latches onto it with one hand, tucks it into his chest and runs hell-bent for leather to a touchdown. .  . well, it’s pretty easy to forget all about the big report you have to write the next day.  Or maybe when you have to kick-off a big project, you’ll have that touchdown in mind and the process just might seem a little easier.

I say, go for the two-point conversion and maybe you’ll get a bonus.  It might be just enough to go and see your favorite team play in the Super Bowl.

Walk This Way

rundmc-aerosmith[1]Aerosmith or Run DMC with Aerosmith?

Either one, the message is still “move your a$$”.  Walking is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your well-being, especially if you can get out and connect with nature.

man-1225488_1920During my work week, I take a half hour walk at lunchtime.  Beyond the exercise, it gets me out of my chair and out of the building.  The first five minutes are a bit stiff-legged and my feet are tender.  Sometimes my thoughts match that movement. Then the blood flow kicks in, joints get lubricated and most all of the pain and stiffness goes away.  There are two ponds located near my building, with a variety of birds, a few turtles and an occasional muskrat.  Just moving past water drops my stress level.  If I tune into the sights, smells and sounds of nature my thoughts slow down and make room for the Universe to give me suggestions for problem-solving.  A bonus, for sure.

nature-243483_1920Yesterday, I battled with a database not giving me the information I needed.  I fussed with it for a half hour and it resisted.  So I went for a walk.  My thoughts calmed down as I enjoyed the beautiful day.  And then, lo and behold, I heard a voice in my head [that would be the Universe, not a psychotic episode] tell me to delete the problem data and re-enter it.  When I went back to working on it, I did that, and . . . you can guess the results.  Bingo!

As I have gotten older, I have discovered that walking doesn’t necessary cause weight loss like it did in my younger years.  This seems to be a common complaint, especially amongst women.  I read an article about menopause that said when your estrogen drops your body looks for another place to find it.  Apparently, belly fat is a source of estrogen.  WTF.  Fat gut or hot flashes from h*ll.  I don’t think there is a choice.  I think sometimes your body gives you both as payback for all the abuse you’ve put it through.  You men don’t get hot flashes, but that beer gut might be replacing your lost testosterone.

Enough about guts and sweating to the oldies.

Walking is still one of the best things you can do for yourself.  Movement keeps you moving and as you move forward through life you will want to enjoy it as much as possible.  If nothing else, being able to walk to the bar to support your beer gut and avoid a DUI.

Slainte!

Put Your Best Foot Forward

Recently, at work, the subject of dress code has surfaced again.  We have a new director, and he is getting his feet wet in all areas of the business.  After initiating the topic of shoes, he wisely turned the dress code idea over to a team of women.  Women police each other, after all.

59745-2001_CEREZA[1]Many a man, to his everlasting regret, has ventured in to the female shoe closet thinking to discuss the quantity, cost, necessity, appropriateness and style of female footwear.  Many of them wisely retreated when they notice the squinty eyeball staring back at them.  A brave few thought to continue the topic, and then determined that there is a fine line between brave and dumb.  Some hearty souls continued on, and were grateful that the living room sofa was a comfortable place to sleep.  And some were never heard from again.

The only men who can safely traverse the domain of the female shoe are those of a “different persuasion”, or the Great Oz of Shoes himself: Mr. Manolo Blahnik.  Should Mr. Blahnik ever appear in a woman’s shoe closet, especially if he were bearing gifts, she could succumb to a heart attack at that very moment and consider her life complete.

51g35jLUYvL._SX356_BO1,204,203,200_[1]Shoes represent the Holy Grail to women.  They are the ultimate form of self-expression.  We willingly spend thousands of dollars for coveted pairs, suffer untold agony and blisters for a few hours of wearing a spindly high needle for the praise of a friend or stranger.  Women have made new friends over a pair of shoes.

A beautiful pair of shoes can brighten a woman’s day.  Knowing that pain could come later, she will still step out proudly and with confidence that she can kick a$$.  An ugly pair. . .well, can make a woman feel ugly.  They are the equivalent of Superman’s kryptonite.  A necessity, if you will.

Oh and if you are available, Mr. Blahnik, my closet is open. . . size 7, if you please.

Let’s Talk Chakras – The Advent of the 12 Chakra System

12chakrasystem-web[1]12/21/2012 is known as the date that began a shift in Divine Energy. The Universe is simply tired of the old way of doing things. Mean people can’t hide in the shadows anymore. Greed, corruption, male domination, lack of empathy and compassion and many other negative patterns. . .I guess you could say it is the time to clean up the Seven Deadly Sins.

We live in volatile times. Shifting energy will do that. Think Spring on a grand scale. Just imagine what will blossom when we get through this. I doubt that our minds can even comprehend that right now.

Another shift in energy is with the chakra system in the body. If you have been following this series, you know that there are seven that exist within the body. There are a few minor ones that I haven’t written about: hands, feet and ears. They need equal attention as the others. Five additional new chakras are being awakened and they exist outside of your body. As they are still developing, I don’t know enough yet to write about them. However, the eighth chakra – The Higher Self – is the one we should be opening up to.

The Higher Self Chakra allows you to seek guidance from higher realms. Your Higher Self is the part of you that knows all about you and guides you to your best good. Expanding this will open you to spiritual channels that can take you to a more meaningful existence. Think Archangels and the Council of Light. They are the guardians of the planet, guiding us to peace and ensuring that we don’t blow the thing up. Good to know. Earth is an amazing incredible place, filled with endless possibilities for growth and spiritual development. We have no idea how important it is in the grand scheme of the Universe, which is why these Higher Beings are so involved.

Open your heart, allow your mind to expand with possibilities you can’t see, listen with your inner hearing to the Wise voices that can and will guide you to happiness and contentment. Don’t know what that sounds like? They speak very formal-like and calm, always starting with “We”. They will never, ever make you feel bad, scared, depressed, nervous or any other negative emotion. Their truth will resonate down in your gut in a way that you don’t understand, but just know without a doubt. If you listen to their guidance, your life will be smoother. Oh the sh*t you might be dealing with will still be there, but that guidance will help you get through it with confidence and composure. If you let them, they’ll even reduce the drama.  Wouldn’t that be nice!

So tune out, tap in and turn on the faucet of light that will fill you with the strength, courage, confidence and direction to move forward in your life. A meaningful existence will seek you out, giving you purpose and the desire to stay here as long as possible. You’ll improve your health without struggle. Relationships will be with like-minded people. You’ll have exactly what you need in your garden of life.

May Divine Light and Love be with you always.

When You Learn How To Love, You Forget How To Hate

valentines-day-3124846_1280 - CopyI was recently reading a fiction novel, and the heroine was still burned by the fact that she had caught her [now ex-] husband in flagrante delicto with another woman and then discovered he’d taken $15,000 in cash from her. It was the evening of a well-attended house party, and she proceeded to toss him out on his a$$ – bimbo included. Thus earning her a, I think, well-deserved reputation as a ball-buster. At least until the rest of the story’s characters learned the truth.

Many people, myself included, have had to deal with a cheating spouse. At the very least it is unpleasant, and perhaps did us a favor. (Yay, me.) At the very worst, it is devastating to the point of life changing and shuts off the avenue of receiving love.

As we approach Valentine’s Day, there are multitudes of reminders for acknowledging those we love. Love makes the world go ‘round, so they say, or at least the cash register. But the one we should love first is ourselves.

I believe that when we pass on, we won’t be greeted by some ancient fellow peering over the top of his readers at us, quill ready to write upon some scroll as he states “what have you done with your life?” No, I truly believe that we will be greeted by some kindly soul who inquires “how much did you love?” and reaches out with a hug.

As humans, it is so easy to shut off the flow of love. Whether it is our upbringing or situations, we can become damaged from love relationships. Fear of more pain is the first line of defense. This just causes more damage because we shut off the flow of love from the Universe. Our soul pulls back, pulls in and builds a brick wall around it to protect us from some perceived hurt. We can no longer connect with the Universe and the unending, unconditional outpouring of love that would literally fill our heart and soul with more than we can imagine. It never ceases, it never lessens, and it will never cause you pain.

love-3141228_1280 - CopyTake a big step and find a quiet space by yourself. Talk to the Universe. Pour out everything that hurts. Hand it over on a big platter. Ask the Universe to fill you with love. ALLOW IT. Do this every day until it becomes a habit. When your heart is constantly full, it becomes easier to give it to someone else. They can never take it away from you or empty you. Whether your relationship is fleeting or for a lifetime, you will always be filled with love.

So when you are asked “how much did you love?” you can answer “endlessly”.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

The Men In My Closet

I know that sounds kinky. It’s not. Not even remotely. Get your mind out of the gutter.

I confess I have an attachment to fashion labels. Yes, shallow and easily swayed by a name. There is quite a crowd in my closet and I love them all. Tommy, Louis, Christian, Brian, Marc, Manolo, Franco, Michael and some I’m probably forgetting. Sorry guys. There are women there too – Kate, Cynthia, Miucci and Anna. But it seems that men are really good at creating beautiful things for women, especially shoes. I am thankful for this.

Why do women need Men In Their Closet? Yes, we know we have fourteen pairs of black shoes. Yes, we wear them all. It’s fun and it makes us feel good. When I put on a favorite outfit, I feel like I’m getting an upgrade. I smile. I stand taller. I start my day on happy

feet. A great outfit can actually turn a sh*tty day into something tolerable. Sure I look in the mirror, but why not? If. It. Makes. Me. Feel. Good. It. Is. A. Good. Thing. And if I feel good and am happy, then it radiates out to everyone around me and they feel good. Bonus!

Let’s hear it for the Boys!

He Loves Me, I Love Me Not

Did you ever play that game with a flower and pluck the petals off? If only relationships were that simple. We have invested a lot of time and effort in the romantic world: obtaining, maintaining and sustaining. We could make it easier on ourselves and it starts within.

Romantic relationships are the ultimate mirror. Whatever we feel about ourselves gets reflected back to us by those we love. And us to them. So how much do you want to be loved? Unconditionally? Nearly unobtainable in the human world. We are here to grow our spirit so those mirrors are necessary to take us beyond just our reflection in them. If you want a fully loving relationship, you should become that person you want to love you.

What parts of you do you believe are unlovable? That is only based on your belief system. The Creator placed you here as a beautiful, lovable child. The Creator ain’t no slouch so that has to be true. Look in the mirror and see yourself as completely lovable. Tell yourself that: “I Love Me”. Hug yourself. Treat yourself as you want to be treated. The more you do this, the more it radiates out to others and they will mirror back the lovable you. Imagine what your romantic relationship looks like when you are lovable. Pure joy radiates from people who believe that they are lovable. They can light up a room. YOU ARE LOVABLE!

So don’t be surprised if there is a candlelight dinner waiting when you get home. And rose petals, with He Loves Me written on them.

MeltDown

Our beloved Denver Broncos are having a meltdown.  Dropped passes, fumbles, revolving quarterbacks and schemes that aren’t working.  From Super Bowl winning greatness to tough guys crying on camera and coaching staff out the door.  Such is the NFL.ice-cubes-1914351_1920

If you’ve ever had a meltdown – or a zillion of them – then I’m quite sure you understand what is happening.  Meltdowns are the product of not dealing with our sh*t.  Unmet needs, self-denial, over-hyped expectations all covered up with a stinking pile of apathy.  Until your body says: ENOUGH. And all Hell breaks loose.  Crying on camera seems pretty mild compared to the average meltdown.

Meltdowns are necessary if you hope to move on to better things.  Hopefully our Broncos see it this way too.  Your body very kindly overrides your monkey brain and takes care of business for you.  Shaking, crying, vomiting, other bodily releases is how you dump an overload of stress.  It’s called Detox.  Sure, you feel like sh*t when you are in the midst of it and then. . . whoa!. . .suddenly the world looks bright again.  Phoenix rising from the ashes.  Use your purge wisely and re-think the direction you are going.  It is the time to make serious changes.  Oh you will still have meltdowns from time-to-time, but it is normal and you will live through them.

After all, there will be another Super Bowl to win.

Daddy Do Right

Lately we are seeing many news stories about women speaking out about sexual assault from men. In many cases, it was from men in a position of trust or “father figure”. Sexual assault, abuse or exploitation are wrong on every level and should be brought out and dealt with appropriately. We know that it has been around for centuries, but maybe now is the time for this sh*t to be resolved and healed.

I wonder if we are missing a simple key to this problem. Biologically, men are wired to procreate often in order to perpetuate the species. Too often this drive is accompanied by dominance over or violence to someone. What is causing this? Could it be that men have a deep collective soul wound that can no longer be buried? One that started with the birth of humanity? Is it possible – that because men can’t grow life and give birth – that they feel inadequate to women and are afraid of our power and so they turn to dominance and violence to feel that they have power?

Maybe men fear our love more than they fear our hate.

I think we have here a huge opportunity for healing. Men have very strong and deep emotions. Perhaps if we teach them that feeling and expressing love is powerful, that strong women are supportive and not threatening, we might lessen the need for abuse. Mothers can teach their sons to be loving, and daughters can teach their fathers that girl power is still gentle.

And maybe, just maybe, we’ll begin to see balance and equality and a lot more love in this world.

Little Black Dress

Cocktail parties, candlelit dinners, dancing, a night on the town. Long, shoDress5 (2)rt, slinky, curve-hugging, revealing, full coverage. It doesn’t matter your shape or size, The Little Black Dress has been every woman’s go-to for looking her best.

The moment you slide into your favorite dress, you can feel your body change. A slight sigh, a soft smile, the arch of your back. You become more beautiful, more sexy, you ease into your feminine self.

Within the Heart of Femininity lies the Power of Sexuality. When a woman has sexual intercourse her body releases oxytocin, the pair-bonding chemical. She becomes connected to a man. Even a one-nighter can produce this chemical and leave her bonded to someone she should not or will not see again. This connection can last for up to one year. A woman’s heart must be engaged with a man before she has sex.

Dress1A woman can have sex whenever she wants, but a man can only have sex whenever a woman wants. Your power lies in heart-centered sex. Bond with a man mentally and emotionally before you bond sexually. Embrace your femininity so you feel sexy.

And slide into your Little Black Dress.