Awe?

Experiencing a sense of awe occurs when people encounter things that are large and vast – such as walking among tall trees – transcending their current understanding of the world. These experiences have been shown to lead people to be more altruistic, less entitled, humbler, and more aware of others.

Live Well in 2024!

We all want to feel better, look better, and live as if we are a finely tuned instrument, or well-maintained vehicle. Here are some tips I’ll share to get you started on the road to feeling, looking, and living better and increasing your chances for enjoying life. Your age is just a number fight, fight, fight! 1. Smile. Researchers at Harvard found that people with positive attitudes are more likely to have fewer heart ailments. 2. Take Monday Off. Researchers in New York found that missing a few days of work lowers your risk for stroke by 30 percent…not to mention most heart attacks occur on Monday morning! 3. Eat Oatmeal Cookies. University of Connecticut researchers found that eating oat-bran cookies daily can lower your LDL cholesterol by 20 percent. 4. Go To Bed Early. People who are fatigued have high levels of fibrinogen, a blood-clotting protein that reduces blood flow to your heart and brain. 5. Wash Your Hands. German scientists found people with high levels of antibodies from fighting infections also had more clogging of their arteries. 6. Read A Good Book. Need I say more? 7. Meditate 30 Minutes A Day. Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found meditation may reduce depression and anxiety by up to 25 percent. 8. Drink Cranberry Juice. People who drink 8 ounces of cranberry juice a day increase their HDL cholesterol levels by 10 percent…reducing heart risk by 40 percent, according a New Jersey study. 9. Bike Your Blues Away. Biking was found to be as effective at relieving depression as antidepressants reported Duke University researchers. 10. Join A Group. People who have a circle of friends handle stress better and have less heart disease, according to University of Chicago researchers.

Clear the Mind with Meditation

Meditation has long been touted for reducing stress and increasing mental clarity, but it’s also been shown to help with physical ailments like fibromyalgia, inflammatory bowel disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Making a conscious effort to clear your mind can be easier said than done, but even the unconvinced can start a meditation practice today.  You don’t have to sit still. If you feel restless when sitting, try walking while meditating. Take slow, calculated steps. Remain aware of the sensation in your feet each time you lift and set them back down.  You don’t need a silent location. If there are noises around you, then notice and acknowledge sounds you hear while meditating.  You don’t have to go it alone. Many apps help guide beginners through the meditation process. Headspace (headspace.com) and Calm (calm.com) lead users through a daily 10-minute sessions.

Home Makeover Ideas

You can makeover your living space with these simple decorating tips: 1. Change your color palette. You can choose neutral and earth tones, such as whites, tans, beiges, and golds. A room of monotone decors appears more spacious. And you can dress up a room with white walls, a white sofa, and white or glass coffee tables with accented throw pillows, colorful table runners and placements, and decorative rugs. 2. Soften the lighting. Lighting adds warmth and drama to any room. A lamp or sconce lighting will provide more warmth and mood than overhead lighting. In your rooms, place your lamps and lighting arrangements so that they form a triangle of light in the room. 3. Rearrange the furniture. Try moving your sofas away from the wall. You can place two sofas in “V” formation with tables behind them. Or you can arrange the sofas so that they’re parallel to each other. Placing a rug between them creates a conversation area. 4. Create a focal point. Select a special focal point in your room: a piano, piece of art, picture, or floral arrangement. Make sure to hang your art and pictures at eye level. (Many people hang them too high.) 5. Create warmth. You can transform your dining room by adding lamps on each side of the buffet. Be sure to choose tall, sleek lamps to add drama to your dining area. 6. Experiment with ideas. Don’t be afraid to experiment with light, color, and furnishings. Use your own personality and charm to create the living space you’ll enjoy entertaining and spending time with your family. If you are in the market for a buying or selling a home and need competent and caring representation, please call me at 206-226-0565.

Ready In An Emergency

It’s always a good idea to have an emergency preparedness kit ready to grab at a moment’s notice. Some items are standard, regardless of who you are or where you live, such as a flashlight, first aid kit, and multi-purpose tool. Consider the specific needs of those in your family and geographical location as well. Find pre-made lists and help in building an emergency kit at ready.gov/kit and redcross.org.

Negotiation on the Job

Would you like to improve your job negotiation skills? A recent survey conducted by the Society of Human Resources Management and CareerJournal.com, found that both employees and HR specialists are willing to talk about salary, but they differ on other issues. Employees focus on bonuses, incentives, and time off, while HR specialists may be more willing to talk about flex schedules and relocation costs. (The survey indicated employees may have more negotiating power on non-salary issues.) Here are six valuable tips you can use for better negotiating on your job: • Make sure to show your enthusiasm for the job at hand. • Know your strengths and skills and explain why you’re the best person for the new job or raise. • Use the right words and cite facts, “I’ve done the research, and the market reflects this salary.” • Ask for what you want, and explain why you deserve it. • Be open to what is presented and remain objective. • Avoid talking about specific salary figures until the end the interview process; otherwise you may limit your options.

Stronger Family Bonds

The good news is there are quick and easy ways to strengthen your family and promote each other’s personal growth. 1. Make Family Your First Priority. Strong families spend lots of quality time together. We’ve all heard the well-known quote, “How do kids spell love?” T-I-M-E! Strong families spend lots of positive time working on family projects and playing together. 2. Appreciate One Other. Strong families appreciate each other’s unique qualities and contributions and express their feelings openly. Make a commitment to compliment each other at least once each day. 3. Foster Communication. Strong families listen to each other, respect each other’s opinions, and avoid interrupting. One of the most valuable ways to foster communication is by having at least one meal together each day. Do your best to set an example by putting away your phone or computer during meal time. 4. Strengthen Commitment. Strong families work together to solve their problems. They may not always agree, but they are willing and able to bring things out into the open and to talk about them. 5. Create Traditions. Strong families stay connected – another reason for having at least one meal together each day. Also, give your children the gift of friendship with their cousins, aunts, and uncles by keeping in touch regularly. 6. Set Rules and Expectations. Strong families set and put into practice clear guidelines and limitations. Family members take responsibility for their actions. Give grace and grace will follow.

Paramount Theater Tours

The Paramount opened in 1928 and welcomes over 450,000 patrons each year. The Paramount was restored to its original splendor in 1995 after many years of neglect and deferred maintenance. Enjoy a free tour of this historic theater the first Saturday of every month from 10:00am to noon. No appointment needed, just show up in front of the theater a few minutes early and enjoy a glimpse behind the scenes. www.stgpresents.org

Lake Washington Trivia

Prior to the construction of the Lake Washinton Ship Canal in 1916 the lake was drained by the Black River at the south end of the lake. The level of the lake dropped 9 feet with the opening of the canal and the Black River dried up. Today part of its bed forms the Black River Riparian Forest and Wetland.

This American Life

It is a weekly hour-long production that I rarely miss. When I am on a walk, on a long drive, or working on the landscaping at Arbor Heights Community Church I enjoy the wide variety of topics and love the style of narration. They have put out over 800 shows, and all are available on your favorite podcast platform.

Cleaning With Cola

Did you know the cola in your fridge is also a great household cleaner? Here are some everyday uses for it: • Remove rust stains by scrubbing with cola using aluminum foil, then wipe clean. • Remove oil stains from pavement by soaking them in cola for 15 minutes, then scrubbing. • Remove gum from surfaces by soaking it with cola for a few minutes, then scraping it with a blunt knife.

People who Walk Regularly Live Longer

If you don’t follow any other exercise program, just simple outdoor walking could add many healthy years to your life.  A Brisk Walk Is Best. You should be able to carry on a conversation and have your breathing slightly elevated.  It’s Easy—Just Walk 20 Minutes A Day. Start slowly, and then build up to longer, faster paced walks. Stretch your muscles (especially the calves and hamstring muscles) before and after you walk. For the best benefit, make a commitment to walk everyday. A recent study in Germany found that walking just two hours a week can cut your risk of heart disease in half!  Walking Relieves Stress And Invigorates Your Mind And Body. Walking will make your heart stronger, improve your lung capacity, and the efficiency of your breathing. Walking circulates more oxygen through your body and is very effective in lowering your blood pressure. A regular walking routine can be your best preventative medicine – greatly lowering your risk of stroke, diabetes, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, and even depression.  People Who Walk Live Longer. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted an 11-year study of 2,896 adults in their late 50’s who had been diagnosed with diabetes. Researchers found those subjects who walked just two hours a week had a 39 percent lower death rate from all causes! They speculate that if every healthy person in the United States walked briskly just 30 minutes a day, the incidence of many chronic diseases would go down 30 to 40 percent. So grab your shoes and get walking…your body will be glad you did!