Are You Suffering from SRS (Stinky Room Syndrome)?

Remember that Pigpen character from Charlie Brown?  He was the kid who carried a dark cloud around with him everywhere he went.  The problem with his situation is he never truly knew what it's like to be clean.  The same thing happens when we live in a dirty environment.  It's also a state of mind.  I've been there.  The sorry thing about SRS is that you may fall into the trap and accept it as the way life is supposed to be. 

Don't succumb to SRS.  Go outside and smell the fresh air.  Change your zip code.  Walk away from stinky people.  Change your career if you're not finding fulfillment.  When you're away from the stink for a while and return, you'll notice the bad odor in the air.  You stop noticing you're living in dirt if you stay in it too long.  Beware.  SRS is peligroso.  You deserve clean living.  Have a great day.

Why My Friends and Family Members are Playing Rock, Paper, Caveman

It all started out as a 45 day food experiment to help me eliminate my blood pressure issues.  I released all my body fat during the food challenge.  Once I got my good health back, I started asking my friends to give it a try.  Now I'm giving away $100 to the biggest loser in the group.  Click here for the Facebook link to my new social media game – Rock, Paper, Caveman.  It's not too late to join the fun.

I believe the number one reason my friends and family members are playing the game is because they want their good health back.  Ever since we humans started tinkering with the food supply, we introduced foods our bodies can't handle.  Processed foods are silently killing us.  There's only one way out of this mess – we need to eliminate foods with labels on the package and return to the way our ancestors ate.  I'm excited to share what I'm learning with others.  Why not join my friends today and give yourself an opportunity to regain your health?  I look forward to hearing from you.  Have a great day.

Before and After ~ Caveman Update

A silent killer was lurking inside my body at the most inappropriate time when the "before" photo was shot in late August of last year.   It was my first vacation to visit family since I relocated to Iowa nearly four years ago.  I called it a celebration of life tour because the first visitor on my list was my sister who told me she was so close to death she could smell the reaper's bad breath while she was in the hospital surrounded by a team of doctors.  She was given a 5% chance of survival.  The doctors couldn't figure out what was killing her and her clock was already in overtime.  She spent over two weeks in intensive care.  I showed up shortly after her release.  The last thing my family needed was another health scare.  Boo!  Big brother discovered he had three strikes against him on day one of the celebration of life tour.  How ironic.  That's when this caveman made a decision to try a 45 day food experiment initiated by my cousin John.

The "after" picture was shot at the beginning of my "friends and family tour."  What a difference five months makes.  I'm 34 pounds lighter and feel better than ever.  My tennis coach from Glendale Community College told me I'm running and hitting the same way I did when I played on his team over 35 years ago.  But that's not the whole story.  For me,  the biggest thrill in my life is sharing my success story with others and watching them go through the same changes.  My mother lost four pounds while I was visiting at her home for ten days.  Others are reporting amazing results.

If you know someone who is struggling with obesity, high cholesterol or high blood pressure, please share today's story.  My cousin, a doctor who has a passion for solving mysteries like the one that was silently killing me, told me it's our relationship with processed foods that's making us so sick.  I'm done with processed foods and anything that has a label on the package.  From now on I'm eating mainly fruits, veggies and nuts.  That's my caveman update.  Have a great day.

I'm Home

This story was written in advance so there aren't any updates yet from my ten day friends and family adventure in Arizona.  I wrote this story ahead of time to get more quality time with my wife before I return to my day job early in the morning.  I would like to thank my mother, my extended family and all my friends who made the time in their busy lives to see me.  I would also like to thank all the people who came to chat with me as I shared my writing journey at Kathy Erickson's home in North Phoenix.

I'm working on two writing projects and will share more when the time is right.  I should be caught up answering your emails in the next few days.  Thank you for your patience.  I'm really happy to be connected to you.  Have a great day.

Vitamin M

I'm away from my laptop during a ten day friends and family tour and today is the final day.  I won't be able to communicate with you until 1/27.  I'm returning home to Iowa on an afternoon flight.  I'm fully recharged and my vitamin D levels are restored after receiving healthy doses of sunshine.  My wife was shocked when I told her I swam outdoors.  Most importantly, my vitamin M levels are now in the ideal range.  M is for Mulligan and all the people associated with the family name.  After being away from this family for four years, this was the trip I needed to correct my Mulligan deficiency.  Never again will I let my life get so out of balance for so long.

My cousin, David Mulligan, belongs to a band currently touring in Europe.  He's making an appearance in a neighboring state in March and I'm planning a special date with my wife to meet his friends for the first time.  There's nothing like making the time to be with your loved ones.  Make sure you're getting all your vitamins.  Healthy eating and quality time with friends and family trumps artificial supplements.  Yes, I'm loaded up on vitamin M.  It's impossible to get too much but too little is not good for your health.  Keep in touch with your family and friends.  Have a great day.

Birthday wishes to a special aunt

My Aunt Peggy and my cousin John, two special people in my life.

I'm away from my laptop during a ten day friends and family tour and today is day 9.  I won't be able to communicate with you until 1/27.  Today's post is dedicated to my aunt Peggy, a very special lady in my life who is 76 today.  My cousin John and I visited with her yesterday and she told me to tell all my friends she loves you.

Happy birthday, aunt Peggy. You look fabulous.  Your children are amazing.  Thank you for being a positive influence in my life.  And a special shout out to you, cousin John.  Thanks for spending the day with me yesterday.  God bless both of you.

Day 8 - Friends and Family Tour

Be still and know that I am God - Psalm 46:10.

 I'm away from my laptop during a ten day friends and family tour and today is day 8.  I won't be able to communicate with you until 1/27.   One of the biggest topics of conversation with family members is my weight loss, a by-product of my 45 day food experiment to get my blood pressure under control.  Mama caveman is shocked.  She decided to give the food experiment a try and immediately lost three pounds in the first three days of my visit.  I signed her up for Rock, Paper, Caveman, a social media game that encourages players to give up processed foods and concentrate on a diet of fruits, veggies, and nuts.  The game ends on Valentine's Day.

If you're thinking about a gift for your lover, consider making changes to your own food program.  I believe it's the best gift you can give.  Your loved ones want you to be around for a long time.  Most heart attacks and strokes are food related.  So is diabetes.  In fact, many illnesses come from eating foods your body has no idea how to digest.  These foods end up in your belly.  You can turn this around.  If you decide today to give up processed foods, your health will immediately improve.  If you are interested in joining my friends who are battling for the $100 cash prize for the biggest loser, go to FaceBook and search for "Rock, Paper, Caveman."  Click the join button and I'll add you.  Have a great day.

Day 7 - Friends and Family Tour

I'm away from my laptop during a ten day friends and family tour and today is day 7.  I won't be able to communicate with you until 1/27.   I'm in Arizona today visiting family members from both sides of my family at a nearby park in Sunnyslope where I grew up.  I can't wait.  The family is growing at an exponential rate. There are new cousins from the next generation to meet and fun times to share.  Tomorrow night I'm connecting with classmates from SHS, class of '78.  The temperature differential here is about 80 degrees warmer.  I'm loading up on my vitamin D from the sun to help me finish the Winter season strong when I return home.

I would like to give a shout out to Kathy Erickson who invited me into her home to share my writing journey with her circle of friends a couple of days ago.  It was an evening I will never forget and Kathy was an amazing host.  It looks like I will be doing more of these types of conversations in the future and look forward to more friends and family friends tours as time allows.  I look forward to responding to your emails when I return home.  Thanks for stopping by today.  Have a great day.

It's Reflection Day

I'm away from my laptop during a ten day friends and family tour and today is day 6.  I won't be able to communicate with you until 1/27.  While I'm away, I'm sharing some ideas I penned before my departure.  Today's thought is a reflection I would like you to ponder.  Take a moment and ask yourself how you're doing reaching your goals for the new year.  Are you in your comfort zone?  Is that good or bad?

I did something last night I never thought I would do.  I shared my faith in front of friends,  family and strangers.  I was invited into a home and the topic was "spiritual journey." Let's just say it felt good to share.  There were lots of questions.  I have a feeling I'm going to be out of my comfort zone more often.  Some of the people I saw last night will be visiting here for the first time.  I would like to thank them for welcoming me.

Have a great day.  I look forward to answering your emails when I return home on Wednesday.

Endurance

I'm away from my laptop during a ten day friends and family tour and today is day 5.  I won't be able to communicate with you until 1/27.  While I'm away, I'm sharing some ideas I penned before my departure.  Today's thought is about endurance.  It's inspired by the loved ones in my life who have found a way to stay on the challenge course in spite of major obstacles.  Sometimes, winning is defined simply as not quitting.  It's the daily effort to keep running no matter what happens.

Think of all your ancestors who came before you.  Each generation had defining moments – the Great Depression, the World Wars, the Civil War, the Revolutionary War, the Pilgrimage.  Our ancestors were busy fleeing famine and oppression, fighting for survival and struggling to raise families.  They kept running.  They never gave up.  If they did, you wouldn't be here today. 

I'm thankful for those who came before me.  I'm carrying their drive to thrive in my DNA.  I owe it to them to finish this race strong.  How about you?  Are you willing to keep running no matter what you encounter in your daily endeavors?  Seize the day.  You can do this.  Have a great day.

How to Gain Confidence

I'm away from my laptop during a ten day friends and family tour and today is day 4.  I won't be able to communicate with you until 1/27.  While I'm away, I'm sharing some ideas I penned before my departure.  Today's thought is about confidence.  It's about being willing to ask yourself open-ended questions.

I'm meeting with a private group tomorrow.  When I share my thoughts, there won't be any notes in my hand.  Does that sound scary?  I don't think so as long as you have some kind of mental template to follow.  I'm going to share three questions I asked God at a time in my life when I was feeling lost.  The answers were both revealing and scary at the same time.  The truth is God works in mysterious ways.  He has all the answers.  If you want confidence and you don't have all the answers, bring your questions to God.  Close your eyes and ask.  Some day you may end up sharing your answers with others.  Don't be surprised by the confidence you gain, expect it.  Have a great day.

Day 3 ~ Friends and Family Tour

I'm away from my laptop during a ten day friends and family tour and today is day 3.  I won't be able to communicate with you until 1/27.  While I'm away, I'm sharing some ideas I penned before my departure.  Today's thought is about recharging.

I've been living in somewhat of a bubble these last four years since moving away from friends and family members and relocating to the Midwest.  I'm focusing on getting back in touch with my loved ones during my ten day adventure back to my roots.  For me, recharging is about reconnecting.  It's about doing the things you love with the people you love.  Don't wait until you're on your deathbed to think about what's important in your life.  Don't let your flame die because you failed to recharge.  Take a break.  Go on vacation.  Spend time with the people you love.  Have a great day.

Day 2 ~ Friends and Family Tour

I'm in Arizona today for the second day of my vacation.  I left my laptop behind in order to maximize my time with friends and family.  I promise to respond to your emails and comments when I return home on 1/27.

Today's message is about balance.  I've been on both sides of the spectrum.  On one end, I cheated my sleep time in order to get more done.  I didn't understand the idea of taking breaks and skipped vacations for years.  On the other end, I slowed down so much that I lost momentum and felt like a bear in hibernation.  The real challenge is to work on projects that define who you are.  Choose them wisely and don't go overboard.  Avoid over-committing.  Pay attention to your body's warning signs.  Schedule vacations.  Spend time with your friends and family.  Have a great day. 

Day 1 ~ Friends and Family Tour

I'm leaving my laptop behind starting today and will be mostly out of touch for the next ten days.  It's time to reunite with friends and family in Arizona.  Mrs. Caveman and our attack dog, Roxy, will be keeping the household going in my absence.  I won't be replying to emails or checking this blog until my return home.  The stories you're reading during the next ten days were prepared ahead of time in order to stay connected with you while I'm away.

Do you remember the last time you went away and left your laptop at home?  As much as I enjoy writing and blogging, I value my face time with friends and family even more.  Take a look at your routine.  If you find yourself spending too much time on your laptop, consider taking a break.  I'll let you know how everything works out when I return home next week.  Thanks for visiting today.  Have a great day.

I'm Going on a Blog Vacation Tomorrow

There's one thing that beats connecting with friends and family in cyberspace – real life, face-to-face contact.  That's what I'll be doing for the next ten days.  Yes, I'll still have blog posts for you to check out in my absence but I won't be checking in here until I'm back in ten days. 

For those of you who are playing Rock, Paper, Caveman, make sure you post your weight loss numbers today and again next Sunday.  I'm really impressed with the results so far and look forward to giving the biggest loser one hundred bucks on Valentine's Day when the game ends.  Click here for the link to the game.  Have a great day. 

Can You Pass This Happiness Test?

Any score below 100% in this happiness test means failure.  Ready?  Here goes:

1. True or false, I'm happy in good times and in bad.
2. True or false, The stock market has no influence over my level of happiness.
3. True or false, My favorite sports team had a losing season, didn't make the playoffs, or decided to move to another city and I'm still happy.
4. True or false, The weather outside does not affect my happiness zone.
5. True or false, I believe happiness is a choice.
6. True or false, I never let negative people invade my happy place.
7. True or false, I like spending time with happy people.
8. True or false, I smile at often.
9. True or false, I believe I will find my purpose before I die.
10. True or false, I will remain happy no matter how great the challenge or the struggle in my life may be.

If you answered true to all ten statements, you appear to be a happy person.  If you answered false one or more times, take a moment to examine why you answered that way.  Is it possible for you to change your answer in the future?  My hope for you today is that you are happy.  I know some people going through some very difficult situations.  They are happy.  Thank you for taking this test.  Have a great day.

How One Choice Can Change Your Life

“The history of free man is never written by chance but by choice– their choice.” Dwight D. Eisenhower


Think about the last time in your life you were faced with a difficult choice.  What factors influenced you to decide which way to go?  How about future choices?  I'm referring to the big ones.  I would like to share about a choice I made to forgive.  It didn't come naturally for me.  Once I made the decision to forgive, I felt this huge weight being lifted off my shoulders.  The people on my naughty list were pretty much unaware of my decision.  The forgiveness decision wasn't really for their benefit – it was for me.  This is a choice that opened new doors and created more options for a better life.  It improved my relationships.  This one choice I made to forgive changed the entire direction of my life.

If you're struggling with an important decision today, take your time and think about the consequences of your actions.  Be bold.  Remember, this is your choice.  Have a great day.

The Reset Button

The reset button, when used appropriately, may be your best option when you find yourself in a situation that appears hopeless.  It's the starting over button.  It's your mulligan.  I've used this button to redefine my health, my career and my finances.  The neat thing about the reset button is that even though you are starting fresh, you have all the knowledge and wisdom from your prior experiences.  You will find yourself moving through the steps at a much faster rate.

Think of your reset button as a new chess game.  You already know what moves work and what moves get you in trouble.  Even though each new game has a new set of circumstances, the general patterns you need to succeed remain timeless.

Try the reset button the next time you feel trapped with no way out.  Have a great day.

Have You Found Your Destiny Yet?

“A person often meets his destiny on the road he took to avoid it.” Jean de La Fontaine

The world is filled with surprises.  Your job is to unwrap all the unopened packages and discover your purpose.  Your answers can be found in the people around you and in the situations you find yourself in.  Study the clues.  Ask questions.  Your destiny is awaiting.  Have a great day.

The Best Valentine's Gift You Can Give Your Lover

It's not chocolate or flowers.  It's better than diamonds.  Would you like to guess what I believe is the best gift you can give your lover for Valentine's Day?  It's your clean bill of health.  It's the body you had in your younger days.  I admit this gift means you need to make lifestyle changes that may not be easy.  The truth is your lover deserves the best version of yourself you can offer.  If that image staring back at you in the mirror appears to have an oversize belly, then maybe it's time for you to get to work on your Valentine's gift right away.

Today's story is dedicated to one of my friends who is currently in first place in a social media game I started to help people lose weight and gain improved health.  Christine has lost 15 pounds since she first gave up processed foods and tried my experiment.  She texted me this morning to tell me her husband is interested in joining because he sees how well his wife is doing in such a short period of time.  I believe when couples work on improving their health together they increase their chances for a successful outcome.

If you're interested in losing weight and improving your health, I'm willing to help you.  You can do it on your own or join my Rock, Paper, Caveman group and compete for the $100 cash prize I'm giving the biggest loser on Valentine's Day.  Click here to check out the group.  If you prefer to lose weight on your own, try giving up processed foods and increasing your intake of fruits and veggies.  Do this every day until Valentine's Day and you will have something special to give your lover.  Have a great day.

Trust Your Co-pilot

The first time I boarded a plane with the love of my life she held me with a death grip.  Her breathing patterns changed during take-off.  Her eyes were fixated on the flight attendant who was demonstrating what to do in case of emergency.  I noticed my love was squeezing me so tight that her knuckles were turning white.  The turbulence in the air was worse than normal.  We eventually made it to our destination and my love regained her composure.  She trusted me.  I think that first flight was only a warm-up for even greater challenges ahead.  Now I'm the one with the white knuckles.

I have no fear of flying but there are other things that spook me.  I prefer to keep them private for now because they involve family matters.  What helps me get through my challenges is having a co-pilot.  Jesus is in the cockpit.  He tells all the passengers, "I've got this.  Don't worry."  He can read our minds.  He knows exactly what we need.  I trust Jesus with my life, even if the flight gets a little bumpy.  Don't leave home without Him.  Have a great day.

Celebrating 1.5 Million Blog Visitors Today

Have you ever noticed how slow that little slug moves when he pops out of his shell?  If you've been following my blog, maybe you see some similarities.  Depending on your own walk of life, you may have some advice for me, like, "hey, why don't you give up?"  Or perhaps, "please don't quit your day job."  Who in their right mind blogs every single day?  Yep.  It's been 6 years, 126 days of slow and steady continuous writing.  And today marks 1.5 million page views.  I'm just a kid playing in his sandbox while outsiders from around the world stop by to watch that little slug come out of his shell and share stories.

I'll share a little secret with you.  I think I'm on to something.  I'm going to keep moving forward, one day at a time and I'm not going to stop writing until the end.  It doesn't matter to me how many or how few stop by to check in on me but it sure is nice to get positive feedback every now and then.  What matters is I keep doing what I'm called to do.  Since I don't move very fast, it may take a while for me to reach you in person.  Bookmark this page to stay in touch.  Or, better yet, invite me to your home for a visit and I'll share more about the journey with you.  Thanks for visiting.  Have a great day.

Are you having a super Saturday?

Mrs. Caveman and I are spending the day together today.  It's extra special for me because a Saturday off from my day job is rare.  I still get excited about our dates, even though we've been married for twenty-six years.  There's one thing I never take for granted and it's the blessings that can be found when you are with your loved ones.  Yes, it's super Saturday.

Make every moment count today.  Tell your loved ones how much they mean to you.  Say thank you to the people in your life who make you smile.  May your day be filled with joy and happiness.  Have a great day.

A Lesson in Perseverance

This picture is worth more than a thousand words.  Take a look at that frog.  Do you see yourself in his position?  It looks hopeless, doesn't it?  The poor frog has been snatched from his comfortable surroundings.  He's in total darkness.  I don't hear him making excuses or playing the victim.  Nope.  He's got one thing on his mind – survival.  Sometimes, that's what life is all about.  It's about perseverance in tough times.

If you have a friend who is struggling today, please forward this story.  Have a great day.

Are you proactive in God's plans for your life?

God's got this.  It's something I often say when I feel like I'm in over my head.  He's got my back.  But there's something to remember from our Bible stories.  It's the weak and the powerless who are often called to do big things for God's glory.  Is this the part of today's message where you feel like cowering because you don't want God to call on you?  Would you rather God do everything and you sit back and watch?  When I say, "God's got this," what it really means is, God is your coach on the sidelines calling the plays.  He knows the enemy better than we do and He's calling your number to get out on the field and execute.

The Christian playbook is very different from the other side.  It's not about personal glory.  How many times have you been out on the field of life wishing you could call an audible and change God's play call?  I bet Joseph felt that way when he discovered his fiance was pregnant and he wasn't the father.  I bet Mary felt uncomfortable from the very beginning of her journey that ended with watching her son get nailed to a cross and crucified.

I'm working on being more proactive.  Forgiving my enemies is a big part of this.  Biting my tongue is another one.  Trusting God is huge.  The outcome of the game has already been determined.  God's got this.  Remember that the next time your number is called.  If you slow down and listen, maybe today you will hear his voice.  Trust God.  Trust the play calling.  Don't worry if you make a mess of things on the field.  It's all part of the game.  Stay in the game.  You can do this.  Have a great day.

9 Ideas to Help You Improve Your Life

Maybe you're having trouble figuring out how to make this year a better year compared to all previous years.  Those resolutions you made six days ago are already broken.  Why is it some people seem to get it right while the majority fail to make significant improvements?  I don't have all the answers.  In fact, if you were to put me in a classroom, I'm the guy least likely to get the answers right.  That doesn't stop me from always seeking a better way to get things done.  Here's my list of nine ideas to improve your life.  They come from trial and error.  In fact, a lot of trials and numerous errors.  Take 'em or leave 'em.  If they work, pass them on to a friend.  If they don't, at least you tried something new.  Here goes:

1. Play more games.  I asked some of my Facebook friends to play Rock, Paper, Caveman and I'm giving $100 to the winner on Valentine's Day.  The idea is to give up processed foods and see how much weight you can lose.  Click here for the link to the game and enter today.
2. Stop trying to change others and change yourself.  This is a big one.  I'm discovering my relationships with others get better when I'm concentrating on my own flaws.  Odds are that your own shortcomings are the cause of your strained relationships.  Fix your flaws and you may end up with more friends.
3. Pray regularly.  True wisdom comes from connecting to the Creator.  He has all the answers.  Seek and you shall find.
4. Forgive often.  This is for your benefit, not the person who caused you harm.  They hold all the power over your life until you let go of that grudge you're holding inside.
5. Surround yourself with people you would like to be more like.  You are a combination of the top five people you hang around with.
6. Avoid negative people.  You know who they are.  They know how to push your buttons.  Stay away.
7. Take baby steps.  It's better to work on one goal and accomplish it than to spread yourself too thin and give up because you're overwhelmed.
8. Reflect on your day before you go to bed.  Review what worked and what didn't.  Decide to do better the next day and let it go.  Have a good night's sleep.
9. Be grateful.  Make a list of the top three things or people you are grateful for and do this for thirty days.

 Remember, these ideas are a way of life, not a list of resolutions.  Make them your mantra.  And if you decide to try idea #1, you could win a hundred bucks on Valentine's Day to treat your lover.  BTW, if you work really hard on idea #2, you may have the best Valentine's Day ever this year.  Have a great day.

Chart Your Course in 2016

If a man knows not what harbor he seeks, any wind is the right wind. – Seneca

It's hard to believe this year is already five days old.  Many who started out with a list of resolutions are already drifting off course.  Resolutions aren't really designed for the long haul.  They're more like appetizers that leave you hungry if you walk away before the main course is served.  Don't let this happen to you.  Set some goals that you can strive to achieve until you reach the final day of 2016.

I've learned some pretty good lessons about charting courses.  Even though there have been many times I failed, I didn't let that stop me from learning how to be a better sailor.  Jesus is my compass.  When I'm lost, I ask Jesus for directions.  It works.  It's also easier to reach your goals when they are in alignment with God's designs for your life.  Stop drifting.  Get your compass out and do some real navigating.  You can do this.  Have a great day.

Meet the Person Who Can Change Your World

Are you ready to meet the one person who can change your world dramatically?  This is the person who will always be there, in good times and in bad.  Caution.  You may have trust issues.  You may be afraid of the past.  Don't let it stop you from looking in the mirror and reflecting.  That's right.  That person in the mirror can do more for you than anyone else can.  Today is a good day to let go of your inhibitions and let the real you come out.  Stop worrying about how others perceive you.  Most others don't really want you to succeed in the pursuit of your dreams.  Their reasons are selfish.  They understand that if you change, they may have to also and they're afraid of this.  Don't give up.

Seven years ago I had a heart-to-heart with my man in the mirror.  The world outside appeared to be in some kind of a war zone.  The man in the mirror looked frazzled and tired.  Deep down I knew a storm was coming.  Not the kind of storm where the sun will come out tomorrow, but a prolonged period of turbulent weather that makes you want to hide out in the closet.  Sorry, man in the mirror, closets are for people who are afraid of their own shadow.  The expressions on the face of the man in the mirror inspired me to write a novel.  I'm thankful for the man in the mirror, the one who haunted me every time I went outside in bad weather.  Seven years later, the man in the mirror is still with me.  He appears younger and happier.  He knows we can survive anything.  Everything in life is a test.  It's best summarized in a two-part question:

1. Can you change the world?
2. If you answered yes to question #1, then how?

The man in the mirror can read my mind.  He knows the answer is yes.  And he understands changing the world begins with changing the person staring at you every morning when you look in the mirror.  Do you believe?  Have a great day.

What You Can Do When You Encounter a Road Block

Think about your present circumstances for a moment.  Is there anything going on in your life that looks like a road block?  Perhaps it's a relationship issue or an elusive goal.  In fact, you can treat any area of your life like a road under construction.  Any time you attempt to move in a new direction or implement a change, odds are high you will meet a challenge you're not sure how to handle.

Your attitude towards obstacles may be the difference maker in getting through them or around them.  I expect them.  The dark side can't stand it when someone breaks through because it becomes a beacon of hope for the lost and the fallen.  Sometimes I feel like I'm on the front lines.  That's okay.  I refuse to give up no matter how lost the cause may appear to the onlookers.  Sometimes, the road we are supposed to be on is the one marked "detour."  If you want to mend a relationship, fix yourself on the road less traveled.  Learn some lessons about yourself and what you're made of.

I'll share my secret for success.  For me, roadblocks are my signal to get on my knees and say a prayer for wisdom.  There's always a way out of anything.  Try prayer.  Have a great day.  And remember to savor the journey, no matter what road you may find yourself on.

How to Increase Your Awareness Regarding Food Choices

One of my sisters asked me an important question the other day during a phone conversation.  She asked, "if you knew your food choices were unhealthy, why did you keep making bad choices for so long?"

There was a time in my life when I drank Mountain Dew like it was water.  Looking back at my old life I clearly see all my food mistakes.  I thought about her question and replied, "Bad habits.  It was easy to satisfy my food cravings by eating the same way over and over.  I suppose I was addicted."

It's really tough to break a food addiction.  Millions of people in our country aren't even aware how bad their situation is.  If you are always hungry or your food cravings are out of control, you are a food addict.  If you try to quit, your brain will do anything to stop you from breaking free.  It's not going to be easy.  If you're still not sure you have an addiction problem ask yourself, do I really know what's in all the food I'm eating?  Read the fine print on the label.  The foods you desire most are probably the ones with high amounts of sugar, salt and fat content.   There are 15 Teaspoons of sugar in a 20 ounce can of Mountain Dew.  I often drank two at a time without ever thinking about how bad it was for my health.  Addictions are powerful.  Awareness that you are addicted is the first step to healing.  It's not easy.  You will be in the fight of your life.  This fight is for your life.  Take the first step.  You can do this.

If you are serious about breaking your food addiction, click here and check out a new food game I started for people who want to make changes in the New Year.  It helps to be in a support group.  I hope you consider joining.  Have a great day.

Let the Games Begin

It's not too late to play Rock, Paper, Caveman and win $100.  That's right.  1st place wins $100.  All you have to do is jump on the scale and record your starting weight.  Click here for the link to the group page on Facebook and post a comment to let me know you're in.  Here's how it works:

• You are encouraged to eat like a caveman starting today until the final weigh-in on Valentine's Day.  Load up on fruits, veggies (especially the greens) and nuts.  Avoid processed foods as much as possible.
• Limit is 99 players.  When the game is over, the biggest loser wins $100.  Other prizes may be added as sponsors come on board.
• Exercise as much as you want.
• Avoid pop.
• Check back for helpful hints.
• Have fun.

I will post updates weekly.  Thanks for playing.