As I sit up in bed with a large cup of coffee, just enjoying a peaceful Saturday morning, I'm reading a book by Wayne Dyer called: Change your thoughts-Change your life. I am no stranger to this book. I've read it many times and usually finish the book, turn it back to page 1, and start reading it again. Yes, I usually have at least 3-4 books going at a time.
The book is worn, many pages have yellow highlights and ink pen underlines. Many pages have personal notes in the margins or at the bottom of pages as mental reminders of the mental clarity or message imparted to me while reading the verse of the day.
In the book, author Wayne Dyer takes each of the 81 verses of the ancient text, Tao Te Ching, and writes a brief commentary of his interpretation of the verse and ends the daily reading with a suggestion of how to "Do the Tao Now".
I find that reading only one verse daily allows me to meditate on it and notice the happenings around me that make the ancient words of wisdom, spoken by Lao Tzu some 2500 years ago real and alive today. I notice similarities to King Solomon's words of "there is nothing new under the sun" as written in the Bible's Old Testiment book of Ecclesiastes.
Today I was struck by Wayne's commentary on verse 41, wherein he states " Less effort is actually easier - work gets done when you lighten up internally and let yourself be moved along by the ceaseless Tao, rather than by setting goals or meeting standards set by others".
As a person who used to have 3 To Do Lists (#1 Will be done before I leave work today, #2 Would be nice to get done before I leave work today and #3 Would be nice to get done somday when I have a spare few minutes or hour) and a Personal Assistant who met me in my office promptly at 8am each morning with his pen and legal pad and then again at 4:30pm to see where we were on our lists and which items would get cross off as complete, moved to tomorrow's schedule or to a different list, I find that retirement and age have mellowed me.
I no longer operate with multiple lists. I recognize something needs to get done and I walk past it, some would say procrastinating, until I feel like doing it. With this new style of task completion I no longer feel pulled, anxious or stressed completing a task. Instead I know that once I feel like doing it, it will be a breeze, get done quickly and with great attention to detail, but until then, I just wait to feel like it. When the urge strikes, it feels effortless to complete the task.
This is a new luxury for me. I sometimes wonder what my life would look like if I had always been this laid back. But, as the Bible teaches, there is a time for everything.
As I sit here contemplating that thought, I'm also reminded that my life has been as it has been, which is exactly as it was supposed to be, it was all perfect. I'm just in a new, relaxed season and I love it.
Saturday, July 15, 2017
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Readers Digest Interview 2
Healthy decisions you should make during your lunch break
As a nurse, I get a very short lunch break but understand the value of making every minute of my day count. Below are some great preventative exams that you can easily fit into your luck break so don't neglect your health!
1 Pap smears: while guide lines are changing regarding the frequency of Pap smears, they are an important test you don't want to miss. Even if you are of an age where you have “graduated” from Pap smears it is still a good idea to have regular pelvic exams to check for vulvar and other vaginal cancers.
2 Mammograms: most ladies of child bearing age should have an annual mammogram for early detection of breast cancer. Most breast cancer is treatable when detected early. Don't forget the self exams. Most easily done in the shower. Feel the breast in small circles for lumps or bumps. Also visually inspect for any dimpling of the skin or drainage from the nipple. Early detection saves lives
3 Dental visits are important for more reasons than pearly white color. A dentist will inspect and clean your teeth but also exam your mouth for any oral cancers. Especially if you are a smoker, vape or chew, yes I've met women that do.
4 Eye exams don't take very long and ensure you have good vision for driving, reading and other daily tasks. Checking for cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration on a regular basis can ensure you have healthy eyes as you age and that you can enjoy the normal activities of daily living for a long time. Don't skip it! And oh, the frames they have now. So many stylish frames, with glare protection. Your glasses can be a great fashion statement.
5. A good foot exam is very important especially if you have diabetes. Tell your doctor immediately if you have burning, tingling or numbness in your feet. Visually inspect your feet for calluses or breaks in the skin that can cause infection. I see patient every day that lose a toe or Part of their foot because they had neglected the numbness in their foot and couldn't feel a skin break that quickly became infectious.
6. Know your numbers! Have your annual bloodworm drawn. Checking your blood sugar, cholesterol, thyroid, urine, vitamin d and vit b12 are all great tools to check your overall health. A good phlebotomist can draw you in just a few moments and you’’ll be able to return to work in a flash.
Make your lunch break count!!!
Healthy decisions you should make during your lunch break
As a nurse, I get a very short lunch break but understand the value of making every minute of my day count. Below are some great preventative exams that you can easily fit into your luck break so don't neglect your health!
1 Pap smears: while guide lines are changing regarding the frequency of Pap smears, they are an important test you don't want to miss. Even if you are of an age where you have “graduated” from Pap smears it is still a good idea to have regular pelvic exams to check for vulvar and other vaginal cancers.
2 Mammograms: most ladies of child bearing age should have an annual mammogram for early detection of breast cancer. Most breast cancer is treatable when detected early. Don't forget the self exams. Most easily done in the shower. Feel the breast in small circles for lumps or bumps. Also visually inspect for any dimpling of the skin or drainage from the nipple. Early detection saves lives
3 Dental visits are important for more reasons than pearly white color. A dentist will inspect and clean your teeth but also exam your mouth for any oral cancers. Especially if you are a smoker, vape or chew, yes I've met women that do.
4 Eye exams don't take very long and ensure you have good vision for driving, reading and other daily tasks. Checking for cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration on a regular basis can ensure you have healthy eyes as you age and that you can enjoy the normal activities of daily living for a long time. Don't skip it! And oh, the frames they have now. So many stylish frames, with glare protection. Your glasses can be a great fashion statement.
5. A good foot exam is very important especially if you have diabetes. Tell your doctor immediately if you have burning, tingling or numbness in your feet. Visually inspect your feet for calluses or breaks in the skin that can cause infection. I see patient every day that lose a toe or Part of their foot because they had neglected the numbness in their foot and couldn't feel a skin break that quickly became infectious.
6. Know your numbers! Have your annual bloodworm drawn. Checking your blood sugar, cholesterol, thyroid, urine, vitamin d and vit b12 are all great tools to check your overall health. A good phlebotomist can draw you in just a few moments and you’’ll be able to return to work in a flash.
Make your lunch break count!!!
Readers Digest Interview
“Debunking trusted home remedies that actually harm instead of help”
1. Are all natural health remedies safe?
Generally speaking, most home remedies are pretty harmless. Whether they are actually effective is another matter. However, you can't assume that ALL natural health remedies are safe. People still equate the word “natural” with safe and that's not always the case.
2. Are there any people who shouldn't use a home remedy (i.e children, elderly, sickly etc)? If so, then why not?
Absolutely. Those with compromised immune symptoms should seek immediate attention when illness sets in vs. attempting a home remedy first. With a compromised immune system they may have less reaction time than a healthier patient. Pregnant ladies should never use a medication or home remedy without discussing it first with their doctor, for the obvious reason of having a baby on board. And certainly patients with several co-morbidities should avoid home remedies. When a list of medications gets beyond 3-4 meds, even vitamins and over-the-counter supplements can render diabetic, hypertension, cholesterol or thyroids meds less efficacious. This “stacking” can cause interactions of their own.
3. Can you give an example of a possible complication from using a home or natural remedy
Often we see complications arise when people suddenly or radically change their diet to loose weight or improve memory. Eliminating entire food groups or eating only one thing for days or weeks at a time can do more harm than good. Complications can range from headaches to dizziness or constipation
4. What are three home remedies that you believe are more harmful than helpful
Trying to clean ear wax out of your ear with cotton swabs. A small amount of ear wax is normal and helpful to the ear, but sticking cotton swabs into the ear canal just pushes and compacts wax deeper into the ear, which can lead to diminished hearing. I can't tell you how many ear lavages I've performed to remove the cotton tip that unexpectedly came off the cardboard stick once shoved far enough into an ear canal
Certainly you should never take a medication/supplement on the advice of someone other than your doctor or pharmacist. Important and well intentioned people in your life like you’re your hairstylist, gym trainer or massage therapist mean well but again they may not be familiar with your medical diagnosis and current medication list.
I've seen people put bleach on their skin in attempt to stop a rash or insect bite. Harsh chemicals can actually produce burns on the skin, penetrating several layers deep. I'm short, Don't do that.
Some home remedies patients swear by, that I can't endorse or refute:
A teaspoon of vinegar for acid indigestion
Putting a bar of soap at the foot of the bed to stop leg cramps
Using the warm air of a hair dryer to stop an ear ache
Rubbing butter on a burn
Urinating on a jelly fish sting
I could go on, but that's another story :-)
“Debunking trusted home remedies that actually harm instead of help”
1. Are all natural health remedies safe?
Generally speaking, most home remedies are pretty harmless. Whether they are actually effective is another matter. However, you can't assume that ALL natural health remedies are safe. People still equate the word “natural” with safe and that's not always the case.
2. Are there any people who shouldn't use a home remedy (i.e children, elderly, sickly etc)? If so, then why not?
Absolutely. Those with compromised immune symptoms should seek immediate attention when illness sets in vs. attempting a home remedy first. With a compromised immune system they may have less reaction time than a healthier patient. Pregnant ladies should never use a medication or home remedy without discussing it first with their doctor, for the obvious reason of having a baby on board. And certainly patients with several co-morbidities should avoid home remedies. When a list of medications gets beyond 3-4 meds, even vitamins and over-the-counter supplements can render diabetic, hypertension, cholesterol or thyroids meds less efficacious. This “stacking” can cause interactions of their own.
3. Can you give an example of a possible complication from using a home or natural remedy
Often we see complications arise when people suddenly or radically change their diet to loose weight or improve memory. Eliminating entire food groups or eating only one thing for days or weeks at a time can do more harm than good. Complications can range from headaches to dizziness or constipation
4. What are three home remedies that you believe are more harmful than helpful
Trying to clean ear wax out of your ear with cotton swabs. A small amount of ear wax is normal and helpful to the ear, but sticking cotton swabs into the ear canal just pushes and compacts wax deeper into the ear, which can lead to diminished hearing. I can't tell you how many ear lavages I've performed to remove the cotton tip that unexpectedly came off the cardboard stick once shoved far enough into an ear canal
Certainly you should never take a medication/supplement on the advice of someone other than your doctor or pharmacist. Important and well intentioned people in your life like you’re your hairstylist, gym trainer or massage therapist mean well but again they may not be familiar with your medical diagnosis and current medication list.
I've seen people put bleach on their skin in attempt to stop a rash or insect bite. Harsh chemicals can actually produce burns on the skin, penetrating several layers deep. I'm short, Don't do that.
Some home remedies patients swear by, that I can't endorse or refute:
A teaspoon of vinegar for acid indigestion
Putting a bar of soap at the foot of the bed to stop leg cramps
Using the warm air of a hair dryer to stop an ear ache
Rubbing butter on a burn
Urinating on a jelly fish sting
I could go on, but that's another story :-)
Saturday, March 4, 2017
Chonda Pierce
So I went to see this funny lady last night. And what a surprise when she started singing!!! I had no idea she had such a beautiful and strong voice. That's was just an extra treat!! Fun night with my sister, Laurie and some fun girls.
If you ever get a chance to attend an Ash Wednesday service, I highly encourage you to do it. There is something so beautiful about humbling yourself and receiving the ashes, reminding us that we won't live forever and from dust we came, and to dust we shall return.
For me, Lent has always touched my spirit in a stronger way than even Advent. The ashes remind me that to dust I will return and the cross reminds me there is victory over death thru the blood of Jesus.
May this Lenten season be a wonderful time of reflection for you too !!
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Need to settle an estate? I can help
Sample Letter to creditors
Do you need a sample letter, to send to a creditor of a deceased loved one? I included one in my book for you.
Do you need a petty cash journal? Expense Report? Mileage Log? Telephone Encounter? I've got you covered. They are all in my new book Til Death Do We Part.
You can buy on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble or directly from my publisher, Westbow Press.
Hit my up on one of my social media sites if you have questions. I'm happy to answer as best as possible.
www.KimberlyJenkinsauthor.com
www. Facebook.com/KimberlyJenkinsAuthor
www.Twitter.com/KJenkins_Author
55% - 64% of Americans have no Will
I read an article today on uslegalwills.com today stating that anywhere from 55% to 64% of Americans die without a will.
Can you imagine having to settle the affairs of someone who left you with no clue as to what they want, don't want for prefer?
As someone who has done this for a family member, I can tell you that it was a much bigger undertaking than I ever expected.
For those of us who like to live nice, neat, orderly lives, it is unthinkable that you'd leave such a mess for someone else to clean up after you're gone.
When my aunt passed away, she had gathered much of her information in a three ring binder for my sister and me. She had spoken to several people in advance like her banker, her insurance man, her lawyer, accountant and clergy. Even being as prepared as she was, she unknowingly left a two year project for us to complete.
I can't urge you enough, to help the person who will be helping you when you're gone. Make it as easy as possible for them to wrap things up.
My new book, Til Death Do We Part, will help you do just that. I've provided much of what you'll need to gather and organize along with a shopping list of to get you off to an easy start.
The book is comprised of two sections: Section 1 is for you to compile as much of your info as you can. Section 2 is for the person who will close things out for you. It includes things like, a general flow of how things proceed after a death has occurred, forms like expense report, petty cash journal, estate sale lists, telephone encounter, sample letter to creditor and more.
If you just start the book the next time your bills arrives, you will be surprised how simple it is to get yourself together. I've added a list of things not to forget like passwords and various security codes.
The book is very helpful, I wish I'd had it when I went through the process, but I'm happy to share with you what I learned and what you can do to make the process as easy as it can be.
I need to put in my disclaimer of course: My book is not meant to be legal or accounting advice. Every state is different I'm sure but it will keep you organized and on task so I'm sure it will be helpful to you none the less.
If you have any feedback for me, I'd love to hear from you!
Thanks and God bless!
Catch me on facebook at: www.facebook.com/Kimberly Jenkins, Author
twitter: @KJenkins_author
or my webpage www.KimberlyJenkinsauthor.com
My book is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and also Westbow press
Can you imagine having to settle the affairs of someone who left you with no clue as to what they want, don't want for prefer?
As someone who has done this for a family member, I can tell you that it was a much bigger undertaking than I ever expected.
For those of us who like to live nice, neat, orderly lives, it is unthinkable that you'd leave such a mess for someone else to clean up after you're gone.
When my aunt passed away, she had gathered much of her information in a three ring binder for my sister and me. She had spoken to several people in advance like her banker, her insurance man, her lawyer, accountant and clergy. Even being as prepared as she was, she unknowingly left a two year project for us to complete.
I can't urge you enough, to help the person who will be helping you when you're gone. Make it as easy as possible for them to wrap things up.
My new book, Til Death Do We Part, will help you do just that. I've provided much of what you'll need to gather and organize along with a shopping list of to get you off to an easy start.
The book is comprised of two sections: Section 1 is for you to compile as much of your info as you can. Section 2 is for the person who will close things out for you. It includes things like, a general flow of how things proceed after a death has occurred, forms like expense report, petty cash journal, estate sale lists, telephone encounter, sample letter to creditor and more.
If you just start the book the next time your bills arrives, you will be surprised how simple it is to get yourself together. I've added a list of things not to forget like passwords and various security codes.
The book is very helpful, I wish I'd had it when I went through the process, but I'm happy to share with you what I learned and what you can do to make the process as easy as it can be.
I need to put in my disclaimer of course: My book is not meant to be legal or accounting advice. Every state is different I'm sure but it will keep you organized and on task so I'm sure it will be helpful to you none the less.
If you have any feedback for me, I'd love to hear from you!
Thanks and God bless!
Catch me on facebook at: www.facebook.com/Kimberly Jenkins, Author
twitter: @KJenkins_author
or my webpage www.KimberlyJenkinsauthor.com
My book is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and also Westbow press
Monday, January 2, 2017
Til Death Do We Part
My new book, Til Death Do We Part, has been published and I can't wait to tell you all about it.
It's a workbook for Estate Administrators. I wrote it after my aunt became terminally ill and asked me and my sister, Laurie, to be co-executors for her trust.
My sister nor I had ever done it before, but we loved our aunt and wanted to help since he was widowed and without children. When my aunt passed, it occurred to me that we now needed to engage in a process we knew nothing about. So what did I do? I googled it of course. But there was very little information to assist in this process.
Thankfully, my aunt was very organized and created a binder with quite a bit of helpful information. My sister and I referred to that binder many times and it became the jumping off point for my book.
Til Death Do We Part is divided into two sections. Section 1, tells you how to organize yourself to hand off to the person who will settle your affairs and Section 2, is for your administrator and is full of helpful forms and a sample letter to creditors. This section is where you will keep track of phone calls, letters and monetary distributions unit, you reach closure.
I think it's a great tool and I wish we would have had it when we were called upon to do it. I hope it helps you. Disclaimer: this book is not meant to be legal or accounting advise, but instead is a tool to organize yourself as you work through a long-term process.
It's available for purchase or download on Amazon, Barnes and Noble or Westbow Press.
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