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 come—and 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 you’re truly dedicated. Let’s 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 nap—you’ve earned it!
The Pros of Labor Day
Rest and Recharge: It’s 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 achievements—big or small—and 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 isn’t just about honoring work—it’s 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, I’ve lived through some tough times. I’ve 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 wasn’t easy work—standing 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 isn’t enough. I worked hard, despite my body telling me otherwise. My health began to suffer, and I developed gout—a painful condition that made every step feel like a struggle. But I kept working because, honestly, I didn’t 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.
That’s something I want to emphasize—when you’re older and dealing with financial worries, it’s 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 it’s not just about the physical pain; the emotional strain can be just as overwhelming.
Building Resilience and Prioritizing Wellness
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that resilience doesn’t just mean pushing through no matter what—it 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, here’s what I want to share with you:
Don’t Ignore Your Health I understand the need to keep working, but your health must come first. If you’re 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 it’s telling you to slow down, please do.
Seek Financial Guidance It’s never too late to ask for help. Whether it’s a financial advisor or a community resource, there are people who can help you navigate your options. Don’t be afraid to explore what’s available—whether it’s additional support programs, benefits you may not know about, or even part-time work that’s less physically demanding.
Lean on Your Support System I know it can be hard to ask for help, especially when you’ve been independent your whole life. But there’s strength in leaning on others. Whether it’s family, friends, or community groups, don’t 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 you’re 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 balance—between 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 life’s 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 Helen—fiercely 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 didn’t want to ask for help. She never wanted to be a burden, and we were the closest thing to family she had—at least, she didn’t have any family nearby. Helen’s 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, I’ve 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 eat—or don’t eat—can 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 I’ve 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, I’ve 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 conditions—issues 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 be—so 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 brain’s 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 body’s 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 content—like fruits and vegetables—to maintain energy levels and support the body’s detoxification processes. These principles are more relevant than ever in today’s food landscape, where processed, energy-draining foods dominate our diets.
The Broader Implications for Public Health
RFK’s 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 health—it’s a societal issue that affects us all. The burden of chronic diseases is growing, and the costs—both financial and emotional—are 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
RFK’s 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. It’s 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 live—not 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, let’s take RFK’s message to heart. The food we eat is not just about satisfying our hunger—it’s about feeding our bodies, minds, and spirits. Let’s make the choice to nourish ourselves fully and take control of our health, one meal at a time.
Louise Hay, pioneer of the famous mirror work above
As a Transformational Wellness Coach, my mission is to guide you on a journey to mental wellness, helping you transform your story into one of healing, growth, and self-empowerment. In this journey, we often draw inspiration from the wisdom of pioneers who have paved the way for holistic healing and self-love. One such figure is Louise Hay, a remarkable woman whose contributions to the world of personal development and holistic health cannot be overstated.
Who Was Louise Hay?
Louise Hays became one of the most influential figures in the self-help and holistic health
Hay was not just a best-selling author or the founder of a successful publishing company—she was a beacon of hope and healing for millions around the world. Her life was a testament to the power of positive thinking, self-love, and the mind-body connection. Despite facing significant challenges, including a traumatic childhood and a cancer diagnosis, Louise turned her pain into purpose.
She became one of the most influential figures in the self-help movement, teaching us that we hold the power to heal our lives.
The Power of Positive Affirmations
A positive affirmation by Louise Hay
Louise Hay’s teachings are centered around the concept of positive affirmations. She believed that our thoughts shape our reality and that by changing negative thought patterns into positive ones, we can heal ourselves both emotionally and physically. Her book, You Can Heal Your Life, is a powerful guide that has helped millions transform their lives by encouraging them to take responsibility for their thoughts and beliefs.
Powerful affirmation by Louise Hay
Hay House: A Legacy of Holistic Healing
Louise Hay didn’t just stop at sharing her wisdom—she created a platform to amplify the voices of others who shared her vision. In 1984, she founded Hay House, a publishing company that has become synonymous with self-help and holistic wellness. Through Hay House, Louise brought the teachings of many influential authors to the world, including Wayne Dyer, Deepak Chopra, and Esther Hicks.
Hay House continues to be a leader in the field of personal development, offering books, workshops, and online courses that inspire and empower people to take charge of their mental and emotional well-being. However, while many know of Hay House, fewer are aware of the incredible woman behind it all. Louise’s impact reaches far beyond her company—she was a true pioneer in promoting holistic modalities for healing.
Why Louise Hay’s Work Matters Today
A positive affirmation by Louise Hay
Transform Your Story: A Journey to Mental Wellness
In my practice as a Transformational Wellness Coach, my objective is simple yet profound: to help you transform your story. Whether you’re dealing with past trauma, seeking to overcome negative thought patterns, or looking to create a more fulfilling life, the journey begins with mental wellness.
I invite you to explore the teachings of Louise Hay and see how they can be integrated into your own journey. Together, we can work towards a future where you are empowered, healed, and thriving.
My name is Helen, and like many of you, I’ve lived through some tough times. I’ve 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.
