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Editor’s Scribbles
Hello fellow Chasers, current and new. Welcome to the fourth straight day of choking haze outside.
Everything’s one massive blur, even the nearby buildings. The roads are quiet and eerie. My eyes smart even when I’m indoors with all the windows closed and the air-conditioning on. I’m writing in a squeaky voice today, my throat’s so dry!
Yeah, that’s how bad it is! Good thing I have experience driving in the fog while living in California LOL. Schools are closed, the kids are home, and I get a few days off from taxi runs - a Minute Chaser’s dream come true LOL.
Moving on, you guys who’ve been diligently reading my scribbles every week will know I’ve been eating out quite a bit more lately. What you might not know is that I’ve lost quite a bit of weight too. How’s that possible?!
Want to know my secret? I’m ordering less, therefore eating less, but working out more. Good for the pocket, even better for the waistline LOL. More tricks in today’s article.
Hope you find this issue fun. Have a sunny weekend. See you back here next week .
Kit
Editor/Publisher
Website: http://MinuteChaser.Go-GetGlobal.com
Email: chaser@go-getglobal.com
Modern Living
Reclaim Your Life - Live in Balance
by Mark Susnow
“I don’t have time to get together with you. I have to finish this project.” Or the conversation might go like this. “I’ve been overwhelmed at work and I’m too tired.” Do these conversations or variations on the theme seem familiar?
We have lost our ability to live in the moment and to be spontaneous. We are consumed by our “to do” lists and our responsibilities and obligations.
Living a balanced life is a dynamic process that involves making a series of adjustment much like sailing. When the direction or intensity of the wind changes, you have to adjust your sails to keep the boat sailing in the direction you want.
And that is your life...The winds or circumstances of your life are always going to change. The sooner you can recognize these changes the better.
Sometimes, when you are out of balance and sailing off course, it’s obvious. At other times, you need to pay attention to the signs or signals that are letting you know that something isn’t right.
These signs or signals show up in many different ways. Health issues, relationships issues, financial issues and many other challenges are there to remind you to look deeper into how you are living your life.
In this fast paced world, you need to be prepared to adjust to the many challenges you will be faced with. Taking time for quiet reflection in the morning and beginning your day with calmness, clarity and focus is the best preparation for the day’s challenges.
However, instead of starting the day with calmness and focus most of us start the day in a hurry like we’re trying to catch a train and have developed the sense that we won’t have enough time to get it all done.
To compensate for this constant state of anxiety, we have developed the habit of working harder and longer. As a consequence, we don’t have enough time for the things that give us meaning and pleasure.
Changing this pattern is not easy. It involves leaving the familiar to enter the world of the unknown. The fear of exploring the vast unknown keeps many individuals trapped in an unfulfilling career or relationship and from exploring new opportunities.
Other fortunate ones are blessed with that spirit of adventure and are able to embrace the unknown and its opportunities.
The fear of fully expressing who you are also contributes to this pattern. It is this fear that keeps hidden some of your deepest needs, feelings and insights. It is only when you are your most authentic that you have the deepest impact on others and experience real freedom. Being less than authentic deprives many others of your gifts and contributions.
It takes courage to live an authentic life and to be true to your values. Living true to your values and priorities is not as easy as it seems because as you expand and evolve, what is important to you will also change.
For example, many busy clients that I work with want to have a relationship, but forget to ask themselves if they are willing to devote the time necessary to have one. Many have a desire to become a more interesting person, yet are unwilling or unable to devote themselves to activities or interests that make them so.
Others say they want free time yet they are involved in careers or projects that are time consuming. When you have a passion, it’s much easier to find the time to pursue it. When I was a busy lawyer, I always made time to play music.
Once you have developed clarity as to the life you want to live you are well on the way to making that life a reality. Having clear boundaries is the bridge to this life and affects every aspect of your life.
Setting clear boundaries requires you to be courageous and to take a stand. It requires you to say “no” which for most people is the most difficult word to say. Many people are fearful of the repercussions if they say ”no,” and or reluctant to disappoint another.
But think of the alternatives, you end up agreeing to live someone else’s life and resenting it. To put it another way, setting clear boundaries is about reclaiming your life and reclaiming your power.
You have more empowering choices than you realize. As you reclaim your power you will be living your life from choice rather than fear. Here are a few suggestions to help you with this inquiry.
- Take time each day for quiet reflection in the morning and for reading a personal growth or spiritual book. It sets the tone for the day.
- Take some time to commune in nature.
- Eat healthy and exercise and don’t forget to smile!
Through “Letters on Life” and the many people I am blessed to be in contact with, I get to practice living a life in balance. As time goes on it gets easier and I seem to be supported by the synchronicity in my life.
It’s an exciting journey with new opportunities being presented constantly. I want to thank you for supporting me on this journey and for inspiring possibility in others by sharing “Letters on Life” with those in your circle. I look forward to hearing from you. Journey On Mark
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About the author:
Mark Susnow has a unique background. Formerly a successful trial attorney for 30 years, as well as musician, he integrates what it takes to be truly prosperous in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation practice. As a personal coach, leadership consultant and inspirational speaker, Mark provides inspiration and motivation to many business leaders and professionals. He knows what it means to have a big vision and has demonstrated the courage and energy it takes to accomplish it. Consider contacting Mark and be sure to visit his website: http://www.inspirepossibility.com
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Offpeak Hours
Eat Out and Lose Weight -- 25 Easy & Healthy Tips for Dining Out
by Michael Paetzold
Diners have become more health-conscious the last few years, and now want healthy choices whether eating at home or at their favorite restaurants. Luckily, the restaurant industry has been quick to accommodate the demand, so you'll find you have many options to "eat healthy" these days.
Whether you're eating at home or dining out, the same rules for watching your weight apply. You need to eat more vegetables, fruit and whole grains. Choose smaller portions of lean meats, fish and poultry. Eat a variety of foods, and fresh, raw foods are better. Cut back on salt, sugar, saturated fats and alcohol. Drink plenty of water, and include exercise every day as part of your daily lifestyle choice.
So whether you're having lunch with the gang, or enjoying a romantic dinner for two, you can enjoy delicious-tasting foods that are low-in calories and good for you, with just a little forethought and planning.
Here are some easy tips to remember when ordering out that will help you to lose weight even when eating at your favorite restaurants:
1. If you know the menu from the restaurant you're going to, plan what you're going to have ahead of time. This will help save you from making a last minute decision that could result in high-calorie choices.
2. Drink at least one full-glass of water or iced tea before eating your meal. This helps your digestive process, and, because you'll feel full sooner, you will eat less.
3. Don't be afraid to ask for the "senior citizen" special or kid's-sized portions. Most restaurants will accommodate you -- and often you'll pay less as well!
4. Order first. That way you're much less likely to be influenced by the choices of your companions.
5. If you're not sure how something is prepared, don't be afraid to ask. And if the dish is cooked in oil or butter, you can always ask if they have a "fat free" option.
6. If everything on the menu is high in fat or calories, ask if the chef could prepare a plate of fresh fruit and vegetables. Many restaurants offer a vegetarian selection, so if you don't see it on the menu, ask.
7. When ordering meat or fish, ask that it be grilled or broiled, and prepared without oil or butter. (When you eat it, use lemon or herbs and spices to give it flavor rather than heavy sauces).
8. Order an appetizer and a salad as your meal. Or a soup and salad. For dessert, choose fresh fruit.
9. When choosing soup, remember that cream-based soups have many more calories than broth-based ones.
10. If you're having a full meal, split the appetizer and desert with your companion.
11. If you decide to order pasta, tomato sauce has fewer calories than cream-based sauces, just like soup.
12. Choose breadsticks over bread, or if you eat bread, don't add butter. Stay away from muffins and croissants, and choose whole grain over white.
13. Choose steamed vegetables instead of baked potatoes or other starches. Again, use lemon and herbs and spices rather than butter to flavor them with.
14. Whenever possible, eat like the Europeans do, and have your biggest meal at lunchtime. Not only will you save money, but you'll cut down on calories at the same time!
15. Take the time to enjoy your meal. Savor the flavors and textures of your food, and enjoy the company you're with. When you eat slowly, you give your body's internal clock the time it needs to know when you've had enough. When you're full, stop eating. Ask your server to remove your plate so you're not tempted to keep eating while you wait for your companion to finish.
16. Ask for salsa on your baked potatoes, rather than sour cream and butter. Not only is salsa much lower in calories, but it adds a "spicy" flavor to potatoes.
17. Order salad dressings and sauces "on the side." This gives you more control of how much to use. Another tip for salad dressing -- rather than pouring the salad dressing on your salad, dip your fork into the dressing first, and then into the salad. You'll get the same amount of flavor, without all the added calories!
18. Choose brown rice over white rice (or french fries), whole grain breads and rolls over white. Not only are they lower in calories, but they are better for you.
19. Stay away from "all you can eat" buffets and salad bars. It's too easy to lose track of the amount of food you're eating, even when it's salads. If that's your only choice, then stay away from the pasta, marinated salads, cheeses and fruit salads with whipped cream. Stick to soups, raw vegetables and fresh fruits.
20. Have your soup first. It will help to fill you up, and most soups have fewer calories.
21. If you're craving something sweet, and don't want fresh fruit, choose sorbet. If you absolutely HAVE to have the chocolate sauce, use the same trick as you did with the salad dressing -- dip your fork into it first, then your dessert.
22. Split your dessert with your companion. You'll still feel like you got to be indulgent, and you'll only have to exercise half as long to burn off the extra calories!
23. When ordering sandwiches, order them with mustard only, rather than mayonnaise. Not only does mustard have almost no calories, but you won't miss the mayo!
24. If the portion you were served is large, only eat half of it. Take the other half home. Not only will you get two meals for the price of one, but you'll cut the calories in half as well!
25. Go for a walk after eating. Stroll along the beach, walk through a park, visit a zoo. You'll burn calories and get your exercise at the same time!
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About the author:
Online Weight Loss Tips - http://onlineweightlosstips.com - your source for diet and exercise tips.
Water Cooler
Today at at the “Water Cooler” ...
Barbara DelGiudice offers this motivational tip that a lot of us may be familiar with: “Don't ever give up on yourself or anyone else.”
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