#transformation – Page 2 – I and Thou Reflections

Valentine, Oh Valentine – Part 2

Medicinal Properties of the Strawberry

Heal Thyself

Strawberries are an incredible fruit. Their medicinal properties date back to the ancient Romans. According to David Trinklein from The University of Missouri, Integrated Pest Management, the Romans used strawberries to remedy kidney stones and other ailments. Another interesting fact he uncovered was Madame Tallien, related to Napoleon, bathing in twenty-two pounds of fresh strawberry juice. Maybe she knew something we don’t?

In a recent article from the Cleveland Clinic, Registered Dietitian Bailey Flora, MS, RDN, LD, describes the benefits of the naturally dense, low-caloric strawberry.

“Strawberries give you a lot of nutritional value for very few calories,” says Flora. “They’re tasty but naturally low in sugar. That’s a combination that’s hard to beat.”
Bailey Flora, MS, RDN, LD

Nutritional Powerhouse

Ms. Flora teaches us that eight strawberries contain 160% of your daily recommended allowance of Vitamin C. They are also packed with anthocyanin, an antioxidant. The more vibrant the color, the more antioxidant value it has. Fiber, manganese, potassium, and folic acid are also in strawberries and have less sugar than other fruits.

Image Credit: Karen Arnold, PublicDomainPictures.net

In a nutshell, strawberries:

Boost Brain Power

Strengthens Immune System

Protects Heart Health

Reduces Inflammation

Helps Manage Blood Sugar

A Gift of Love

Strawberries are a tiny gift. A gift of love. A gift of nourishment. A gift to the taste buds. If you want a delicious, minimalistic, consumable gift for Valentine’s Day, visit your local farmer’s market or grocery store.

Happy Valentine’s Week!

https://ipm.missouri.edu/meg/2012/5/Strawberry-A-Brief-History

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-strawberries

#Love #ValentinesDay #Strawberries #Medicinal

A Tribute to The Groundhog

It’s Groundhog Day!

Many of us are familiar with the 1993 film, “Groundhog Day,” starring the famous comedian Bill Murray. In this flick, he plays a weatherman sent on assignment to Punxsutawney, PA, to cover the annual Groundhog Day event. Does the groundhog see his shadow for six more weeks of winter, or does he not indicate spring will arrive shortly.

Groundhog Day,

“is a tradition observed in the United States and Canada on February 2 of every year starting in the 16th century. It derives from the Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that if a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day and sees its shadow, it will retreat to its den, and winter will go on for six more weeks; if it does not see its shadow, spring will arrive early.”
Wikipedia

The movie begins with the clock turning 6 a.m. and the alarm playing “I Got You Babe,” a Sonny and Cher certified Gold hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Bill, who plays Phil Connors, wakes in his hotel room, only to repeat this segment many times in the movies. Finally, Phil realizes he is caught up in a time loop, with the same day playing over and over.

In psychological terms, he experiences a personal transformation. Phil’s character matures from an arrogant, self-centered one to a more authentic human being who genuinely cares for others. His pursuit of love offers comic relief to the often awkwardness of dating.

Lessons Learned

Lesson #1: Be Open to Personal Growth

Phil has an incredible opportunity to reflect on his day, reassess, and make changes for the next day. He learns to be kinder and compassionate by listening more and seeing life through other perspectives.

Lesson #2. Embrace the Present

The endless loop Phil finds himself in allows him to live in the moment. He learns to find joy in simple pleasures

Lesson #3. Find Purpose

Phil falls in love with one of his colleagues, and in his pursuit of “winner her over,” he realizes that love gives purpose and fulfillment to his life.

Reflection

This movie provides an opportunity for all of us to pause. To Pause and reflect on how we would live our lives differently if we knew what was coming next. How often do we say to ourselves, “If only I’d known?”

This movie serves as a reminder to live life fully.
To be our best selves.
Not mediocre selves, but our best!

What does your best look like? And, would your best be the best for someone else?

Living my best self taught me to think more and talk less. I have learned that my words matter. My actions matter. My intentions matter. I want to make this place a better place and impact lives. The lives of friends, family, and strangers. I want us to come together as one.
One people.
One God.
One love.

#GroundhogDay #PersonalTransformation #BestSelf #Authenticity #Relationships #ServeOthers

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The Spirit of Garnet

The Spirit of Garnet

January blankets us with frosty whispers,
Beckoning us to cuddle up to a flickering flame.

The fiery gemstone warms the soul,
Carrying a tapestry of passion to the core.

Beyond its exquisite allure,
It dazzles and dances the essence of fire.

*Image Credit: https://gemstoneartist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Garnet-01.jpg*

Hot, steaming, romance of flesh,
Bodies keep each other warm.

In the depths of a cold winter night,
The Spirit of Garnet is a poet’s muse.

Its deep red hues and embers aglow,
The fiery vigor of life itself.

Love’s enduring trust that binds,
Two hearts and spirits become one.

Shielding from harm, its protective powers,
Guides us on a spiritual journey.

The transformational force consumes and purifies,
The fire of love ignites the spark.

#love #garnet #fire #gemstone #January

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A Thanksgiving Mindset – Part 4

Achieving a Thanksgiving mindset requires gratitude, introspection, and transformation. We must also learn to intentionally pause so we can recharge and refocus. Once we do that, we can reflect and reset.

“It’s never too late to press the reset button on your life.”
Unknown

Recharge

Recharging involves replenishing our inner resources. It encompasses activities that rejuvenate our spirits—whether it’s through solitary introspection, pursuing hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or immersing ourselves in nature’s tranquility. This process isn’t merely about resting; it’s about actively seeking what revitalizes us, ensuring we’re emotionally, mentally, and spiritually equipped for what lies ahead.

Refocus

Refocusing invites us to reassess our goals, recalibrate our energies, and realign our intentions. It’s about acknowledging the distractions that pull us away from our desired path and consciously steering ourselves back on track. Amidst the chaos of daily life, these moments of realignment act as compass points guiding us toward growth and development.

Our lives are so busy that we must consciously take a break from our busyness. Take a deep breath. Let’s think about where we have been and where we are going

Reflection

Reflection serves as the cornerstone of personal growth. It’s the conscious act of looking back at our experiences, discerning the lessons they offer, and applying these insights to propel us forward. By reflecting on life’s twists and turns, we pave the way for continuous improvement. Identifying our personal blessings and the profound impact our interactions may have on others can serve as a catapult to more empathy, understanding, and a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of our lives.

Reset

Thanksgiving can serve as a reset button. It’s about shaking off the old, shedding what no longer fits, and embracing the chance for a fresh start. Picture it as a makeover for your mindset—an opportunity to grow into a newer, better version of yourself.

A reset is that pivotal moment where we let go of what’s holding us back. It’s about taking a hard look at what’s not working and daring to reimagine what could be. It’s that push to let go of old habits, beliefs, or fears that no longer serve us.

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to refocus, recharge, reflect, and reset. As we express gratitude for what we have, we also open ourselves up to the idea of change. It’s like saying thanks for what’s been and getting excited about what’s to come—a chance to start afresh.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

A Thanksgiving Mindset – Part 3

A Thanksgiving Mindset – Part 2 focused on a simple message.

Transformation and Introspection.

To recap, we discussed developing gratitude, improving ourselves through self-assessment tools, learning and understanding healthy relationships, and practicing mindfulness.

Let’s continue with Transformation.

This morning, a good friend of mine posted this to her Facebook page:

“If you fail, never give up because fail means ‘First Attempt In Learning.’ The end is not the end. In fact, the end means ‘Effort Never Dies.’ If you get no as an answer, no means ‘Next Opportunity.’ Change your mindset!”
Author Unknown

Growth Mindset

For transformation to occur, we have to change our mindset. A growth mindset sees challenges as opportunities for learning and development, much like the cycles of planting, nurturing, and harvesting in nature. It stems from the belief that we can do better. We can improve. We can become better people. Why? Because there is no limit on learning. We can improve ourselves by shifting our thinking and reactions and being proactive.

Proactive to more intentional awareness.
Thinking before we speak.
Choosing our words more carefully.
Learning the art of “pause.”
Listening more and speaking less.
Observing nonverbal communication in dialogue.

If we actively practice healthy communication, we will eventually, transform into something different than we were or even currently are.

Fixed Mindset

Shifting from a growth mindset to a fixed mindset, the fixed mindset perceives the world as black and white. It is, or it isn’t. Growth is stifled, like a dormant seed unwilling to sprout. Those who seem stuck might be fixated on something they can’t get past. It is overwhelming. Whatever the “it” is. One way of becoming “unstuck” is by talking. Talking it out with a trustworthy friend. Or by seeking professional help. We can’t fix a problem that isn’t ours. What we can do is to do something ourselves. Accept the situation and learn from it. What can we do differently next time? What can we learn from it?

“With a fixed mindset, it can be hard to find motivation to work through perceived weaknesses because the ability to change may seem as hopeless as changing your eye color. In contrast, with a growth mindset, you’ll see your perceived weakness as a challenge that can be motivating — and even fun — to overcome.”
Mia Primeu, Stanford Today, November 10, 2023.

Thanksgiving to Transformation

Thanksgiving is the perfect canvas for cultivating a transformation mindset. Instead of focusing solely on what’s on the table, we can shift our attention to what we are grateful for—the love of family, the support of friends, and the opportunities surrounding us. A transformational mindset encourages us to foster a sense of appreciation for the present moment and provide grace (tons of it, perhaps) to those who surround us. As we sit down to a Thanksgiving feast, we can view the past year’s challenges not as obstacles but as stepping stones for personal and collective growth.

Let’s not think only of ourselves but others.

Pondering the transformation process begins with recognizing past experiences of ourselves and others, understanding reactions to life’s circumstances, and what we can do to make a positive mark on the people who mean the most to us and the world at large.

Sacrifice
Rebirth
Emergence
Growth
Adaptation
Flight
Legacy

Transforming into people God wants us to be can only be done when we adopt a growth mindset.

We don’t have to be fixed; we can choose to change

– a canvas yet to be painted.

A Thanksgiving Mindset – Part 2

Last weekend, I dragged my husband to the Arts and Crafts Festival to a section of Tampa called Temple Terrace. The closest parking was about a half mile from the event. When we walked through a parking area into the park, a regal-looking historic building sat majestically on a bed of lush green grass.

Artist Credit: Chrysalis by Patricia Allingham Carlson
fine america dot com

Built in 1914 as a horse stable, The Woodmont Clubhouse is the oldest structure in Temple Terrace. It served as a schoolhouse and is now the home of the Woman’s Club and a venue for special events.

As I squinted at the building, I marveled at its timeless beauty and rich history. I found myself lost in thoughts of transformation. The transformation of a horse stable to a schoolhouse. And, then, to a venue for special occasions.

I thought of resilience and evolution. This brought me back to the theme of transformation. Which, of course, means personal growth for me. I pondered how we could convert this sense of transformation into a Thanksgiving mindset?

Timeless beauty.
Architectural grandeur.
Serene and tranquil.
A treasure trove of memories.
Harmonious and picturesque.

It is simple:
Transformation and Introspection.

You can’t have one without the other.

Let’s begin with Introspection.

“It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it. It’s not enough to dream of it. It’s not even enough to pray for it.
You must work at it.”
Eleanor Roosevelt

Introspection requires:

Developing a Gratitude Attitude
Improving Self through Assessment Tools
Understanding Healthy Dynamics of Relationships
Practicing Mindfulness
Respecting Cultural and Spiritual Interpretations

Introspection demands a heart of gratitude to understand the emotions and attachments we have with things. Embracing ourselves as unique sons and daughters of the Almighty Designer of the Universe initiates this journey.

You must work at it!

Self-improvement involves learning lessons, identifying areas for growth, and recognizing strengths through self-assessment tools.

You must work at it!

Strengthening our relationships with others involves observing and learning from them.

You must work at it!

By examining our origins, family system, and individual experiences, we can better recognize triggers so we can redirect ourselves in a healthier way. Digging deep into childhood and unpacking past trauma takes work! It is not for the faint of heart.

You must work at it!

Mindfulness, a multifaceted practice, involves grounding ourselves in the present, examining the past through a magnifying glass with a different lens, creating space to dream, and setting goals for personal growth.

You must work at it!

By fostering a Thanksgiving mindset of introspection, we can truly celebrate beyond material abundance to a godly abundance within ourselves and share joy with those we cherish.

We’ll explore Transformation next time.

A Thanksgiving Mindset – Part 1

*Artist Credit: Gratitude by*
*Victoria Campbell*

The other day, I was in a Marshalls’ store and Christmas music was piping through the speakers. I caught myself humming to the music, and then I stopped. Dead in my tracks. And out loud, I quietly muttered, “It’s not even Thanksgiving yet!”

As I strolled the aisles, I noticed the festive and glittery Christmas section. There were huge bins filled with holiday merchandise on wheels waiting to find a home on the store floor. I pondered how we could convert this sense of abundance into a Thanksgiving mindset?

It is simple:
Thanks and Giving.

Let’s begin with gratitude.

“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”
Melody Beattie

Let’s be thankful for who we are.

Where we are.

How we are.

And why we are.

Redirect.

Instead of conforming to the materialism of the holiday, we can redirect our focus to enriching our own lives and the lives of others. Which can be done by doing instead of buying.

By focusing less on the shopping gods who want us to spend our money on frivolous gifts, we can spend more time being grateful for what we have right now.

Who are the people in your life who genuinely want you in theirs? Who extends a warm welcome? Who reaches out for help or to simply say, “Hi?” Thanksgiving is the perfect time to center our thoughts on gratitude for the people and experiences that shape our lives.

When we embrace a mindset of thankfulness, we will naturally want to give back to others. We want to help those in need. Those less fortunate.

What can we do to help others?

We can purchase one small item when we go shopping and place it in a box to give away during the holidays.

Or, we can visit an elderly person in a nursing home who may want some company.

A video call to catch up with someone who impacted our lives and whom we have lost touch with might also be an excellent expression of gratitude.

By fostering a Thanksgiving mindset of both thankfulness and giving, we can truly celebrate the season in a way that extends beyond material abundance to a godly abundance of doing good for others.

But what if you don’t feel thankful?

I think most of us would agree that stress and anxiety are part of the holidays, no matter what stage of life you are in. Even as a youngster, I remember feeling anxious about what Santa would leave under the tree. Would it really be what I wanted? Or, something else?

So, I get it. It sure is difficult to focus on gratitude when life sometimes, just simply sucks.

I get that – all too well.

If the holidays are overwhelming, please reach out to a trusted friend, or a professional to help you navigate this time of year.

DO NOT REMOVE TAG UNDER PENALTY OF LAW – Families

Isn’t it interesting that pillows and mattresses come with a tag that states, “Do not remove under penalty of law?” What if each of us were tagged from birth with a “Do not remove under penalty of law?”

The metaphor of the pillow tag represents the bond between family members and the weightiness of breaking it.

Why would some parents remove the tag and others keep the tag on forever? Why would siblings rip the tag off from their brother or sister? Or mother or father? Or child?

Some families abide by the pillow law, while others break it. The difference between them is how they treat each other and how they affect one’s well-being. And this can be intentional or unintentional. And thus, the spider’s web gets more intertwined within itself.

Families who abide by the pillow law are those families who are trying with all their might to keep their family intact.

Healthy families:
Provide emotional support.
Come together in a crisis.
Help solve problems.
Speak to one another after a divorce.
Provide financial support when needed, if able.
Are there for you when you are down.
Intervene on your behalf.
Stick to you like glue.

Bravo to the pillow law families!

But not all families are like that. Some families break the pillow tag law.

Families that are incomplete.

Not whole. Not healthy. Or just not the family you thought you would have.

A family that is dysfunctional. Abusive. Toxic. Narcissistic. Inability to set boundaries. Abandoned. Alienated. Discarded. Like trash.

Divorce. Estrangement. Parent Alienation. Intergenerational Trauma.

A word of caution.

Each family dynamic is unique; not all relationships can or should progress. Distancing yourself from toxic or harmful family members can be helpful at times. It can lead to personal growth, healing, and developing healthier relationships. Prioritizing your well-being and safety is crucial. And seeking professional guidance, such as therapy or counseling, can be transformative. Use all the tools available to make informed decisions about family reconciliation.

It’s vital to understand that not all family relationships are salvageable. In some cases, reconciliation may have negative consequences. If the family members have not sought counseling or had profound introspective work done, mending the fences may not be possible. If the parties experienced abuse, addiction, substance abuse, or felt harmed, it may be futile to pursue reconciliation.

It takes two to tango.
You both have to be willing partners.

You can repair the pillow tag!

It won’t be perfect like before, but you can mend it. And it could be better than new!

What would reconnection look like in your family?

A divorced family on speaking terms?

A reunification from an estrangement?

Healing from parent alienation?

Family therapy to work out intergenerational trauma?

These are possible ways to mend a broken family and restore the pillow tag. And remember to seek reconciliation with boundaries and professional support.

Follow a new path back to an old family that has changed as much as you have.

Explore. Set an adventure. Change. Restore. Reconnect.

To peace.

To joy.

To love.

To wholeness.

To the tag, “Do not remove under penalty of law.”

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I and Thou: The Freedom to Return Home

*Image Credit: Author Alfred Gatty (1809-1873), published by Bell and Daldy, London*
*(PD-US-expired)*

The Freedom to Return Home

A baby bird in a cage, like an infant in a crib.

Tweets, hops, and flutters, but cannot fly away.

Sits on a perch, swings, back and forth.

Days turn to weeks, weeks flow into months.

Months become years, contemplating direction.

Quick. Smart. Wise.

The cage door opens and opportunity knocks,

Whispering softly, “Come out, come out.”

Independence calls, leaping out in joy,

“Go, find your destiny, not by happenstance.”

Genetics. Nature. Nurture. Self.

There is a hesitation.

Contemplating what lies ahead.

The cage door opens and out flies an eagle.

Tall. Slender. Piercing eyes. Determined.

Solo flight amid internal turmoil.

Triumphantly soaring above the trees.

Heart. Stops. Instantly. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.

Circumstances warrant rebirth.

Chirping. Singing. Flapping. Swinging. Transforming. Courage.

Homecoming.

Lessons Learned from Princess Diana – Lesson #10

Lesson #10: Carpe Diem

The final Lesson Learned from Princess Diana will focus on her zest for life. And how she seized the day with gusto!

Zest for life is a feeling of enjoyment and enthusiasm for living.
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/zest-for-life

Princess Diana was warm-hearted, zesty, and full of spunk. She had the gift of knowing what to say and when. She didn’t overstep her bounds, yet she was able to get her point across through action and facial gestures. Diana knew that her every move was being microscopically scrutinized. And she learned how to use this to her advantage. Her early childhood dance lessons taught her to focus on movement with grace. And that she did throughout her life.

Even during the dark days of her marriage, she could hold her head up high and get through the day. Yes, she experienced the trauma of an adulterer. Which led to various ways of healthy and unhealthy coping. Yet, she pulled through and continued to push herself to greatness.

The greatness of humanitarian work.

The greatness of being a good mother.

The greatness of advocating for good mental health care.

“I want to do, not just to be.” – Diana, Princess of Wales.
26 Princess Diana Quotes—Inspiring Quotes from the People’s Princess | Reader’s Digest (rd.com)

Princess Diana warmed the heart of nations. She left an indelible mark on society, and that mark was to SIEZE THE DAY!

Do what you love.

Tell people you love them.

Hug them.

ACT.

Reflecting on my mothering skills, I showed my children zest for life. By loving them. Hugging them. Supporting them. Encouraging them.

To try.

To do their best.

To pursue their passions.

My kids were cub scouts and played t-ball, baseball, soccer, tennis, football, and lacrosse. They learned to swim and pursued the discipline of tai kwon do. They sang in the children’s choir for years and went to Sunday school. They were tutored and were tutors. They played keyboard, trombone, clarinet, and saxophone. They spoke French and Spanish. They were golf caddies. They graduated from respectable universities.

And they were two sons with divorced parents – unlike me.

Like Diana, my marriage failed miserably, and my zest was zapped. It led me on a dark path. Yet, after I spent time wallowing in my sorrow, I picked myself up. Thanks to God who whooped me in the pants to stop feeling sorry for myself.

I felt transformed. Full of zest. Full of life. And love to give. And receive. Freely. It was and still is a wonderful feeling.

Carpe Diem!

It isn’t easy the seize the day, every day. There are hindrances, like migraines or feeling tired. Or plain ole–old age. Yet, I have a bubble inside of me waiting to burst. To love and to be loved. When I love, I love hard.

What is the key to life? For me, it is creating a more peaceful and compassionate world. One where we seek to understand and respect our differences.

To live humbly.

To live with a purpose.

To inspire others.

To hope.

To love.

To as the University of Ozarks’ motto is, “Live life more fully.”

Love one another. Inspire one another. Laugh with one another and cry with one another. With vim, vigor, and a dose of zest!