The Great Historians
story telling for modern times
Long before streaming media, texting, the internet and even the printed word, history was passed forward using the spoken word. Communities of indigenous peoples would gather in a broad circle around a warm inviting fire while the tribal elders shared stories of conquest and heroism. This was how history was depicted, sometimes created but, always passed to the younger generations for them to future share with future generations. In Native American culture a sacred talking stick was held by the story teller and that passed to the next elder when he was through. During the time of storytelling only one person talked.
My great aunt passed away a few years ago leaving boxes of miscellaneous papers and documents going back to the turn of the 20 th century. It was an amazing treasure trove of history. There was memorabilia from two world wars and several passing of relatives I didn't even know existed. I was going through this portal into the past at my grandparents' house in northern Wisconsin. My grandmother peered over my shoulder and commented “oh, I remember those”. It was a booklet of unused gas stamps. (see link) My grandmother went on to explain to me that during World War II the entire society participated. Gas, food and other necessities were rationed. You had a book of ration stamps and once those were gone that was it for the month. The entire nation took a deep breath sucked in their belly and toughed it out without complaining. They felt like it was their duties as Americans a far cry from how society functions today. This generation was the original conservationist. Under Roosevelt national parks were created, public lands were protected and the American infrastructure was greatly improved. They are referred to them as the greatest generation ever to live.
I would have never known the depth struggle and glory of triumph my grandparent's generation lived through if it weren't for the box of papers my great aunt left behind. It was my grandmothers talking stick and I listened intently to every word and felt the pain, hope and splendor of their generation.
I have always treasured my relationship with my grandparents and older generations. Their stories are amazing, enriching and inspiring. I hope this story inspires you to open a story telling dialog with older generations and if you are part of an older generation pass along your story to us.
Thank all of you for your patronage.
Have an excellent day.
Steviva Brands, Inc.
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There Is Always A Choice
You don't have to buy from anyone.
You don't have to work at any particular job.
You don't have to participate in any relationship.
You can choose.
You steer the course you chose in the direction of where you want to be today, tomorrow, or in any distant time to come.
You hold the tiller.
You can decide to alter the course of your life at any time.
No one can ever take that away from you.
You can decide what you want and go after it.
It's always your next move.
copyright 2013 www.yourdailymotivation.com
Dieting Without Denial
by Lisa Houghton
Think of the word 'diet', and it's probable you'll start to yawn, or even weep! After all, the whole idea behind a diet is to stop eating the unhealthy foods we all know are the tastiest; something that requires unwavering self-control and extreme denial. However laudable the end goals may be, when thought of like this, the journey is not one most people relish. If you want to shift those pounds for good, maybe a better idea is to stop thinking in terms of going on a diet, and instead start developing an enjoyable and healthy eating plan filled with exciting new ways of enjoying your favorite foods.
The problem with diets
The main problem is that a 'diet' suggests a finite period of time; a restrictive regimen you'll follow only until you lose the weight and reach your goals. But the question arises: so, then what? Once you've made friends with the bathroom scale once more and slipped into your skinny jeans, do you rush to the kitchen and reach for the cookie jar to celebrate, or maybe reward yourself with a take-out pizza? Whilst there's nothing wrong with taking your foot off the gas once in a while, there is the danger of falling foul of the 'slippery slope'. This is especially true if you've been following a very restrictive diet. Not only do you feel like you've reached the end of an unpleasant ordeal, but your body wants food. Specifically, it wants the foods you've been denying yourself; such as processed carbohydrates and those sweet treats you embargoed on day one of your diet. But if you don't deny yourself those things in the first place, you can avoid those feelings. That's where Stevia can help; by replacing the sweetness of sugar with a natural sweetness you can add to hot beverages, mix into homemade granola, or incorporate into your favorite dishes.
Breaking the 'feast and famine' cycle
How often have you refused a tasty treat with the words, 'I can't; I'm on a diet'? Psychologically, the whole process of refusal makes you feel like you're missing out; especially in social or family situations where everyone else is tucking in and enjoying themselves. Often the easiest way is to just relent and have 'a taste', which, let's face it, is rarely enough. This is one of the issues with diet plans that cause many people to fail before they've even started. It also promotes the cycle of restriction and overindulgence that can lead to an overall increase in body weight, rather than a reduction, as well as other potential health problems. A better solution to this kind of yo-yo dieting is to ensure the eating plan you adopt is something you can incorporate into your everyday life and live with every day for the rest of your life. This means finding foods and recipes that promote healthy eating and are enjoyable enough to not make you feel like you're missing out.
Enjoy happy holidays!
If you've battled with weight loss over the long-term, then you're bound to have encountered many difficult eating scenarios, such as the Thanksgiving holiday and more parties and dinners out than you care to remember. These are choppy waters to navigate for anyone looking to lose weight, even if your self-control is solid the rest of the year. There are many useful tips that can help you get through these food-focused events; such as filling up on vegetables rather than the calorific side-dishes, using a smaller plate if you're eating at someone's home, and remembering the two-fist rule (that's the size of your stomach; so that amount of food is sufficient to fill it). If you're cooking the meal yourself, or bringing along a contribution, you could consider preparing a dish with Stevia , such as a low sugar pumpkin pie or holiday eggnog. This way you know can indulge a little bit without the guilt!
Imagine being able to enjoy cakes, muffins and even chocolate as part of your healthy eating plan. Whilst the 'everything in moderation' rule always applies, by substituting sugar for Stevia in some great recipes , you can take a step towards ensuring those feelings of denial are a thing of the past and that your weight loss success is permanent. Combine this with a varied healthy eating plan filled with fiber, whole grains and natural protein sources and you'll be going a long way to achieving those weight loss goals without going through the ordeal of a fad diet or self-imposed famine that is only going to end up being counterproductive.
This information and other information is intended for general reference purposes only and is not intended to address specific medical conditions. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice or a medical exam. Prior to participating in any exercise program or activity, you should seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional. No information on this site should be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition.
Enjoying the Ride
The Flow of the Universe
by Madisyn Taylor
Many people live their lives struggling against the current while others use the flow like a mighty wind.
The flow of the universe moves through everything. It’s in the rocks that form, get pounded into dust, and are blown away, the sprouting of a summer flower born from a seed planted in the spring, the growth cycle that every human being goes through, and the current that takes us down our life’s paths. When we move with the flow, rather than resisting it, we are riding on the universal current that allows us to flow with life.
Many people live their lives struggling against this current. They try to use force or resistance to will their lives into happening the way they think it should. Others move with this flow like a sailor using the wind, trusting that the universe is taking them exactly where they need to be at all times. This flow is accessible to everyone because it moves through and around us. We are always riding this flow. It’s just a matter of whether we are willing to go with it or resist it. Tapping into the flow is often a matter of letting go of the notion that we need to be in control at all times. The flow is always taking you where you need to go. It’s just a matter of deciding whether you plan on taking the ride or dragging your feet.
Learning to step into the flow can help you feel a connection to a force that is greater than you and is always there to support you. The decision to go with the flow can take courage because you are surrendering the notion that you need to do everything by yourself. Riding the flow of the universe can be effortless, exhilarating, and not like anything that you ever expected. When you are open to being in this flow, you open yourself to possibilities that exist beyond the grasp of your control. As a child, you were naturally swept by the flow. Tears of sadness falling down your face could just as quickly turn to tears of laughter. Just the tiniest wave carrying you forward off the shores of the ocean could carry you into peals of delight. Our souls feel good when we go with the flow of the universe. All we have to do is make the choice to ride its currents.
No Added Sugar, Diabetic Safe 1000 Island Dressing
Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
Carbs Per Serving: 1.4 g
Prep Time:<25 minutes
Skill Level: Easy
Most burgers' secret sauces are simply Thousand Island Dressing. Thousand Island dressing has so many uses. I love it on Ruben Sandwiches, which I have such a craving for. For those of you living under a rock a Ruben is pastrami or corned beef, sauerkraut on grilled rye with swiss cheese and of course, thousand island dressing. But, the first thing that popped into my head is all the sugar that is in 1000 Island Dressing; over 3 times as much as soda pop. Wow! Here is a really easy 1000 Island Dressing Recipe and has almost no sugar and is diabetic friendly. Check it out!
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup Trinity Hill Farms No Added Sugar Ketchup
1 cup sugar free sweet pickle relish (see recipe here)
1 pinch salt
1 pinch ground black pepper
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sugar free ketchup, sugar free relish, salt and pepper until thoroughly combined, and serve.
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