The Power of Daily Rituals: Ensuring Your Day SHINES
Our lives are often packed with responsibilities, leaving little time for self-renewal. For coaches, professionals, business owners, and caregivers, a daily practice of self-care and reflection is essential to stay radiant and effective. Imagine a routine that helps you âsharpen the saw,â fueling your mind, body, spirit, and emotions to shine brightly every day. Each step of this practice, symbolized by the acronym “SHINES,” is designed to help you replenish and renew yourself from within.
Affirmations are not merely positive statements â theyâre tools for rewiring the brain to reinforce self-belief and resilience. Studies show that affirmations activate brain areas linked to positive valuation and self-related processing. For a deeper dive into this phenomenon, check out this article from the Educational Psychology Review.
Proper nutrition and regular exercise are vital for maintaining energy and cognitive function. Studies have shown that physical health practices contribute to emotional well-being and mental clarity. For insights into the impact of nutrition on mental health, this study in the Journal of Health Psychology offers valuable findings.
A routine like “SHINES” empowers you to give your best self to others while preserving your own well-being. Each component helps you stay balanced, focused, and resilient, allowing you to approach each day with renewed energy and intention.
Our vintage family photos generated using AI pic created by pic created by Frank Shines
Presentism and Historical Trauma As a descendant of Cherokee, Choctaw, English, and African American (and much more) heritage, my family’s journey reflects the deep scars left by historical injustices. đž The Stroud familyâs migration from Oklahoma to Colorado Springs as part of the Trail of Tears, alongside the resilience born from the Emancipation Proclamation, has shaped our legacy. These stories carry both pain and the potential for transformation. Through my work in transformational wellness, I help others honor the past without being trapped by it. đ
What is Presentism? Presentism is when we judge historical events through the lens of modern values. đ Imagine driving through a neighborhood where the speed limit is 20 mph. Suddenly, the limit changes to 10 mph, and you receive a retroactive ticket for speeding based on the new rule. đđ¨ Thatâs how presentism worksâjudging the past with todayâs rules. History, however, is more complex than that. We canât erase it or change it by tearing down statues or rewriting narratives. đď¸
The Changing Nature of Judgment and Childhood When I was young, we describedkids who misbehaved as “mischievous.” đ We didnât go to jail for it; we were given chances to learn and grow. But today, many young people face harsh punishments for actions that used to be seen as part of growing up. We made mistakes too, but we werenât jailed for them. Today, it’s important to recognize that we all evolve over time, and our mistakes should serve as lessons, not life sentences. đ
Transformational Wellness: Healing Through Understanding and Growth In my role as a Transformational Wellness Coach, I guide my clients through the process of healing from past trauma. đ¸ By incorporating mindfulness, meditation, and energy healing through chakra alignment, we learn to release the weight of generational pain and past missteps. đ§đ˝ââď¸ Itâs not about dwelling on past mistakesâitâs about saying âyesâ to the possibility of healing and renewal. đ
From Historical Trauma to Personal Transformation The journey of my family, from the Trail of Tears to a thriving life in Colorado, reminds us that we can transform hardship into strength. đ The past is a part of who we are, but it doesnât have to define us. Transformational wellness allows us to heal and create a more compassionate, loving future. đ By releasing the grip of presentism, we can step into a life of resilience and growth.
Conclusion: Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future Our history doesnât need to be rewritten or torn downâit needs to be understood. đ Through transformational wellness, we find the tools to heal from the trauma of the past and step into a future filled with strength and compassion. By honoring our journey, we release what no longer serves us and embrace the power to transform and thrive. đżâ¨
Me and Hubbie Daren; Grandaughter#3 MaKenna just turned 10 yrs old and me and grandaughter#2, Ava
The Origins and Purpose of Labor Day
Labor Day started as a way to honor the hard-working folks who built this country. Back in the late 1800s, workers fought for fair wages, safe conditions, and reasonable hours. Thanks to their efforts, we now have this fantastic day to appreciate how far we’ve comeâand to enjoy a break from our daily grind.
Debunking Myths about Labor Day
Some people think Labor Day is just the unofficial end of summer or a day to keep working if youâre truly dedicated. Letâs bust that myth right now! This day is about celebrating the dignity of work and, just as importantly, the right to rest. So, go ahead and indulge in that lazy morning or afternoon napâyouâve earned it!
The Pros of Labor Day
Rest and Recharge: Itâs your day to press pause, breathe, and refresh. A little rest goes a long way in boosting your energy and creativity.
Celebrate Progress: Take a moment to reflect on your achievementsâbig or smallâand give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back.
Connect and Enjoy: Whether you’re BBQing with friends or just chilling with family, Labor Day is a perfect time to connect, laugh, and create joyful memories.
The Fun of Labor Day
Me and my son, Granison, kids celebrating and getting hyped for sleepover
Labor Day isnât just about honoring workâitâs about celebrating life! Soak in the last bits of summer, enjoy your favorite activities, or simply do nothing at all. Whatever brings you joy, lean into it.
Remember, this day is for you to enjoy. Celebrate your hard work with some well-deserved fun and relaxation. Have an amazing Labor Day!
My name is Helen, and like many of you, Iâve lived through some tough times. Iâve seen how life can change in ways we never expect, especially as we grow older. I want to share my story, not just as a cautionary tale, but as a beacon of hope and resilience for those who might be struggling with the same worries about Social Security and their future.
As we age, the thought of financial insecurity can be daunting. I remember the anxiety I felt when I lost my job in my later years. I ended up working at McDonald’s, a job that was far from what I had ever imagined for myself, but I needed to supplement my Social Security. It wasnât easy workâstanding on my feet all day, cleaning the lobby, and cashiering. But like so many of us, I did what I had to do to make ends meet.
The Impact of Financial Insecurity
The financial strain of losing a job late in life is something that many older adults face. We rely on Social Security, but sometimes it just isnât enough. I worked hard, despite my body telling me otherwise. My health began to suffer, and I developed goutâa painful condition that made every step feel like a struggle. But I kept working because, honestly, I didnât feel like I had a choice. The fear of financial instability drove me to keep pushing, even when I should have been taking care of myself.
Thatâs something I want to emphasizeâwhen youâre older and dealing with financial worries, itâs easy to neglect your health. The constant stress and anxiety about making ends meet can take a toll on both your body and mind. And itâs not just about the physical pain; the emotional strain can be just as overwhelming.
Building Resilience and Prioritizing Wellness
If thereâs one thing Iâve learned, itâs that resilience doesnât just mean pushing through no matter whatâit also means knowing when to take a step back and care for yourself. I wish I had realized that sooner. My stubbornness and fear of financial insecurity led to a slow, painful decline in my health. I ended up in the hospital, where I eventually passed away from complications that might have been prevented if I had prioritized my well-being.
So, from one elder to another, hereâs what I want to share with you:
Donât Ignore Your Health I understand the need to keep working, but your health must come first. If youâre struggling with a condition like I did, seek help and take care of yourself. No job is worth sacrificing your well-being. Listen to your body, and if itâs telling you to slow down, please do.
Seek Financial Guidance Itâs never too late to ask for help. Whether itâs a financial advisor or a community resource, there are people who can help you navigate your options. Donât be afraid to explore whatâs availableâwhether itâs additional support programs, benefits you may not know about, or even part-time work thatâs less physically demanding.
Lean on Your Support System I know it can be hard to ask for help, especially when youâve been independent your whole life. But thereâs strength in leaning on others. Whether itâs family, friends, or community groups, donât be afraid to share your burdens. Sometimes, just talking about your worries can ease the emotional weight.
Empower Yourself with Knowledge Stay informed about your Social Security benefits and any potential changes. Understanding what youâre entitled to and how to maximize your benefits can give you peace of mind and reduce the stress of uncertainty.
In Conclusion
My story is a reminder of the importance of balanceâbetween resilience and self-care, between working hard and knowing when to rest. Social Security concerns are real, and they can be frightening, but your health and well-being are just as important. You are not alone in this journey. Take care of yourself, ask for help when you need it, and remember that true resilience is about surviving and thriving, even in the face of lifeâs toughest challenges.
In Loving Memory of My Friend Helen
This article is written in loving memory of my dear friend Helen. Helen was a woman of incredible warmth, with those big, beautiful brown eyes that seemed to hold all the love in the world. She had a way of making everyone feel welcome, never passing judgment, always offering a kind word. Helen was a hard worker, someone who thrived on being out with people and staying active. She loved life, and she never wanted to appear weak or in need. That was Helenâfiercely independent, always insisting on returning any kindness shown to her, even when she was the one who deserved the care.
Helen had a deep need to keep working, even when her body was telling her to slow down. Looking back, I believe she felt she had no other choice. She needed to pay her bills and didnât want to ask for help. She never wanted to be a burden, and we were the closest thing to family she hadâat least, she didnât have any family nearby. Helenâs story is a reminder of the quiet strength that so many carry, often at great personal cost. Her memory lives on as a testament to resilience, but also as a gentle nudge to all of us to care for ourselves and seek help when we need it.
Helen, you are missed dearly, and your legacy of love and hard work will never be forgotten.
As a Transformational Wellness Coach, Iâve always been deeply concerned about the impact of our diet on our overall health. My journey into understanding the true nature of our food system began back in the mid-1990s when I first discovered the book Fit for Life by Harvey and Marilyn Diamond. This book was a revelation, offering insights into how the foods we eatâor don’t eatâcan dramatically affect our health, energy, and well-being. It introduced me to the concept of “eating for energy” and opened my eyes to the dangers lurking in processed foods, dangers that RFK highlighted in his recent, eye-opening speech.
FDA Regulations and the Food Industry: Compromised and Corrupt
In his speech, RFK exposed a troubling reality that Iâve long suspected: the FDA, along with powerful political and corporate interests, has played a significant role in creating a food environment that is detrimental to our health. The FDA, which should be our safeguard, has allowed the food industry to push products that are not only unhealthy but are also engineered to be addictive. This manipulation of our food is disturbingly reminiscent of the tactics once used by the cigarette industry, where products were designed to keep consumers hooked, regardless of the health consequences.
Through my studies and personal experience, Iâve come to realize that many of the foods approved and promoted by the FDA do not actually nourish our cells. Instead, they contribute to a cycle of poor health and chronic disease. These products are often loaded with sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients that may satisfy our cravings but fail to provide the essential nutrients our bodies need. Over time, this lack of proper nourishment weakens our immune system, disrupts our mental health, and leads to a host of chronic conditionsâissues that RFK so powerfully addressed.
The Addictive Nature of Processed Foods and the Rat Study
One of the most striking points in RFK’s speech is the revelation that much of our food is deliberately engineered to be addictive. This reminded me of a study I encountered in Fit for Life, where rats were presented with a box of sweetened cereal. Surprisingly, instead of eating the cereal, the rats chose to gnaw on the cardboard box it came in. This powerful image underscores just how devoid of nutritional value some processed foods can beâso much so that even animals instinctively avoid them. Yet, humans continue to consume these foods, driven by their addictive nature, with little awareness of the long-term damage they can cause.
These processed foods are designed with specific combinations of sugar, fat, and salt to trigger our brainâs reward system, making them difficult to resist. This addiction not only leads to overeating and obesity but also prevents us from consuming the nutrient-rich foods that our cells truly need to function properly. As a result, our bodies are left undernourished and more susceptible to disease, while our minds become fogged by the constant influx of unhealthy ingredients. The long-term effects of this addiction are evident in the rising rates of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, all of which are directly linked to diet and lifestyle choices.
Eating for Energy: The Fit for Life Approach
My work as a coach is deeply informed by the principles of Fit for Life, particularly the idea of “eating for energy.” According to this philosophy, the food we consume should enhance our vitality, support our bodyâs natural rhythms, and promote overall well-being. This means prioritizing fresh, whole foods that provide the essential nutrients our cells need to thrive, rather than processed foods that deplete our energy and health.
In Fit for Life, the Diamonds emphasize the importance of eating foods with high water contentâlike fruits and vegetablesâto maintain energy levels and support the bodyâs detoxification processes. These principles are more relevant than ever in todayâs food landscape, where processed, energy-draining foods dominate our diets.
The Broader Implications for Public Health
RFKâs speech also shed light on the broader implications of this issue for public health. When our food supply is dominated by products that do not feed our cells and are instead designed to keep us addicted, the consequences are far-reaching. Children are particularly vulnerable, with many being diagnosed with conditions that were once rare in their age group. These young patients are being placed on lifetime medications at an alarming rate, a practice that has significant long-term implications for their health and well-being.
The crisis we face is not just a matter of individual healthâitâs a societal issue that affects us all. The burden of chronic diseases is growing, and the costsâboth financial and emotionalâare staggering. As RFK suggested, it is time to hold the FDA and the food industry accountable for their roles in perpetuating this crisis. We must push for stricter regulations that prioritize public health over corporate profits and demand greater transparency in how our food is produced and marketed.
A Call to Action: Reclaiming Our Health
RFKâs speech is a wake-up call that we can no longer afford to ignore. As a Transformational Wellness Coach, I am dedicated to helping others navigate this complex food landscape, empowering them to make choices that truly nourish their bodies and minds. Itâs time to take responsibility for our health and the health of our families by educating ourselves about the foods we consume and making informed decisions that prioritize our well-being.
This journey begins with awareness and education. By understanding the tactics used by the food industry and the failings of regulatory bodies like the FDA, we can start to make healthier choices. This means shifting our focus away from processed, addictive foods and toward whole, natural foods that provide the nutrients our cells need to thrive.
In future discussions, I will delve deeper into the principles outlined in Fit for Life and the importance of eating for energy, eating to feed our cells, and eating to liveânot living to eat. By adopting a diet that feeds our cells, we can break free from the cycle of addiction and disease, reclaiming our health and well-being.
For now, letâs take RFKâs message to heart. The food we eat is not just about satisfying our hungerâitâs about feeding our bodies, minds, and spirits. Letâs make the choice to nourish ourselves fully and take control of our health, one meal at a time.
My name is Helen, and like many of you, Iâve lived through some tough times. Iâve seen how life can change in ways we never expect, especially as we grow older. I want to share my story, not just as a cautionary tale, but as a beacon of hope and resilience for those who might be struggling with the same worries about Social Security and their future.