I’m Madeline – a healthfully humorous, radically ridiculous, momentarily messy broad here to give you a flicker of joy on the (in most cases) most indignant day of the week.

Monday is like…

…a fog bank, it hides all the danger until it’s too late.

I’ve been in such a mothering mode…now what that means to you might be completely different from what it means to me.  In my case it’s all about the attention to detail…knowing where they are, what they’re doing, who they’re with, what they’re playing with….and so on.

Today, I thought I’d do a little tribute to all of you super moms out there with this fun little list.  Pay attention; you’re in there somewhere.

You Know You’re a Good Great Mom When…

1.  Your teen tells you that she spilled a crock of cheese in the van, you tell her it’s OK even though you know her story is a crock of something else.  Hint: Nacho cheese dip smells suspiciously like barf…I figured cleaning up her drunk friend’s puke was punishment enough. (We had words later).

2.  Your toddler makes poopy in the potty.  You both stand there afterwards and wave goodbye to Bob, Bill, Jeff, and John as they swirl down.

3.  Your four-year-old daughter cuts her own hair, her sister’s hair, Barbie’s hair, the cat’s hair and, instead of punishing her, you start researching cosmetology schools.

4.  Your son thinks the song “Pants On the Ground” should be in the top 40.

5.  You don’t ever let your kids watch The Shining…accidentally or on purpose…not unless you want to go to the bathroom with them for the next seven years (OOPS).

6.  You have a box filled with all of their passing fads, ie, Beanie Babies, Pokemon Cards, YuGioh Cards, Tele-Tubbies, Power Rangers, Bratz…just in case.

7.  You don’t tell her that you look better in her jeans than she does.  Shhhh…

8.   You allow your son to spend 40-50 bucks on a new video game only to watch him beat it in one day…it’s a real self-esteem booster.

9.  Your child receives a gift from someone visiting the Middle-East.  The stuffed camel chants what you’re sure translates as ”kill the infadel”, but you let them have it because it teaches tolerance.

10.  And for the grand finale…your husband wants a raunchy, sexy song and striptese to add a little spice to your love life, and the only tune in your head is Won’t You Be My Neighbor.

Love,

Madeline♥

Photo by Gothicjade

How fitting that Introspective Sunday showed up as the first post of my second year as a blogger.  As I was “introspecting” myself, I really wanted to get in touch with what motivates me to keep going, to press through difficulties, to see the finish line…if there is one.  The question is really an easy one for me to answer on some levels, but for the deeper issues, it’s not quite as simple.

I know that I am a results-driven person…that’s easy to see; I always get moving with enthusiasm when the fruit of my labor reveals itself.

I also love when someone else notices my effort.  Verbal encouragement goes a long way to crank up action in my world.

Knowing that I have support, physical, emotional, and spiritual.

And let’s not forget about Purpose…it’s the reason, the purist form of motivation.

Let’s take a look at each of these..but first a cool quote:

“The only lifelong, reliable motivations are those that come from within, and one of the strongest of those is the joy and pride that grow from knowing that you’ve just done something as well as you can do it.”

˜Lloyd Dobens

Results

If you are motivated by results, you will find it imperative to keep a journal and make continual short-term goals.  It is this practice that will show you what you’ve accomplished on a regular basis.  Even though I believe everyone would benefit from being anal about the details, YOU (the results-driven go getter) will do more than that; you will thrive!

Encouragement/Praise

If only you could just count on this one.  Unfortunately, you can’t.  When you involve the actions of others in your little get-me-going plan, you must understand that it might not work out the way you had hoped.  And when you have expectations like that, you are almost always going to be let down at some point.  Even your biggest supporters…family, friends, associates, etc. don’t know what you need all the time; they can’t read your mind (thank God). 

Here’s the good part.  It will come…and usually just in time.  Spontaneous encouragement is the best kind.  It is pure. In other words, you didn’t really do anything special to receive it.  You might say it’s inspired.  It leaves you knowing that you are loved and looked after by Divine forces.   That’s more comforting than your best friend telling you your painting is “interesting” when you know it is just plain bad.

The Support System

Here’s where the family and friends support comes in.  They see your efforts; they know your strengths and weaknesses; they know what happens when you fail…when you succeed.  They are your constant.  In fact, one or more may even be right there with you in the trenches, a running partner, a pal to weigh in with you, a fellow blogger who wants the same things as you…You know they love you no matter what…even if you don’t win this one.  Knowing that you can cry, laugh, sulk, bitch, do the happy dance, and express every emotion known to man and they will be there.  Just go easy on the bitchy part.  Lean on them; they are there. 

***One other thing about the support system, don’t forget about the Divine.  God is on your side.  Always.

Purpose

This is really my favorite motivator.  It’s the one thing that checks your heart and sets you on the right road, going in the right direction.  If you know your purpose, you can set your goals according to your present understanding of the plan for your life.  Let’s say that all of those other motivators we talked about are your road map.  And while knowing where you are and where you WANT to go is necessary, it still doesn’t tell you which direction you’re headed or the best way to get there.  Even the smartest, most functional people get lost using maps.  What we all need is a compass…or in today’s terms, a Tom Tom.  

My friend, your purpose is that navigation tool.  It tells you exactly how to get there, where to turn (and when), it’s keeps you out of trouble and moving even when you think you’re lost.  Your purpose is something that you’ve had hanging around your whole life even if you didn’t have a clue it was there.  Just to let you know, whether you choose to discover it or not, it will be there whispering, nudging, waiting for you to get a clue.

I like the “he went to Jared” commercial where the guy’s GPS system (a female persona) on the dash starts asking him what he purchased at Jared.  She pretty much demands that he give her (the GPS) the diamond necklace that he bought for his girlfriend. He initially resists.  The end shot is the necklace hanging over the GPS.  My point is:  Your purpose is like that; it will keep track of you and what you’re doing.  And, one day, it will make itself VERY known.  It might even have some requests (the diamond necklace), or demands.

So, in closing, ask yourself what motivates you.  You know the answer…if not, find it.  Be well-be beautiful.

***Not to be considered lightly.  Your connection with God and Spirit is the most important thing you will ever have. 

Photo by Lunaizar

What a life we bloggers have, really.  It’s one of the greatest treasures I’ve found in my life.  The satisfying joy I get every time I hit that Publish button didn’t come with just any old job.  It took me awhile to discover this wonderful blog planet we live on, but I’m here now, here to stay.  I’m thankful to every one of you out there, our readers, fellow bloggers, professionals, vendors, family, and contributors.  Women’s Life Link wouldn’t be what it is on this first anniversary without your support.  No, I would have threw in the towel a long time ago. 

Well, I don’t have a big giveaway to do today or news that a Hollywood director wants to make my blog into a movie, no publisher beating my door down, but I do have peace and security in knowing that I’ve accomplished something this past year.  I’ve made a difference in someone’s life…hopefully yours.  I would like to share this special poem with you…a tribute to my followers.

The Blogger’s Gift

By Kellie R. Stone

In the middle of the day, I wonder how you are,

And if you saw the gift I left at your door,

It wasn’t too big, long, or wide,

Just perfectly wrapped with nowhere to hide,

I picture you opening the package with care,

Laughing, crying, maybe cursing, if you dare,

Another day you looked between the lines,

And saw my heart, my fears, my foolish sighs,

You believe in me, and I in you,

There’s no lies between us, only the truth,

It’s all for you my beloved friend,

Don’t stay away long for you understand,

I bid you farewell for another day,

Until tomorrow when I, again, come your way.

Be Well-Be Beautiful

Photo by YuriPanda

We have a real treat for you today.  Meta-Physician, Deborah Stuart, forwarded the following chart to me to help with understanding and developing a healthful emotional state of being.  First, please read a little about her and the contributions she’s made to this science.

“As a pioneer in energy systems, Stuart co founded Oxygen Research Institute LLC .with Norman McVea PhD. Together they created a complete line of Life Energy Amplifier Systems including, State of the Art Feng Shui and meditation systems known as the Atlantis Environmental Energy Systems, and Vison Quest Systems.”

“Stuart’s special interest in spirituality and metaphysics has inspired her to develop subtle energy technologies to aide people in achieving deeper states of meditation, higher states of consciousness and abundance. Located in Marin County, California. Oxygen Research Institute has designed a complete line of oxygen-fortified products, including Far Infrared anti-aging technologies and spa energy systems” (Oxybliss.com).  Deborah is the founder of Oxy Bliss.com and  High Chi Energy Jewely.

Instructions to move into positive emotions:

1.  Discover your emotional state and feel it intensely for a short period of time.     

2.  Walk up the steps and purposely feel each emotion intensely for a short  period of time.     

3.  Do not skip more than one step.

4.  At the top of the Emotional staircase is LOVE (the most powerful and successful emotion).

The True Ladder of Success

Expanding Emotions

•  Love

  • Happiness, Wonder 

    • Passion, Compassion   

      • Hope, Trust                              

        • Thrill,Eagerness, Enthusiasm                        

          • Optimism                                                                                                                                

            • Well being, Content, Satisfaction  

Transitional Emotions

               • Boredom, Impatience

                 • Frustration, Confusion ( Can be springboard to new GROWTH)

                   • Worry, Doubt

                     • Pity, Crisis, Overwhelmed

                       • Guilt, Sadness

                         • Pessimism

                           • Anger, Fury, Resentment

Imprisoning Constrictive Emotions

                              • Fear, Anxiety, Angst- Leads to Dread

                                 • Hurt, Betrayal, Abandonment, Rejection, Humiliation

                                   • Jealousy, Envy That Plots Destruction of Your Enemy

                                     • Blame- This Never Works. Might as well blame self

                                       • Revenge, Violence

                                        • Lonliness & Worthlessness. Feeling Hollow

                                          • Hopelessness, Despair, Emptiness

I hope you find the exercise revitalizing and uplifting in every area of your life.  If you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to let us know.  To read more about Deborah Stuart, you can contact her via her website, oxybliss.com.  Be well-be beautiful.

***The content of this article  is strictly informational and is not meant to replace the advice of your health care provider.  Women’s Life Link, its authors, associates, linked sites, and commentators do not claim that any of the content will diagnose or lead to a cure or improvement of any disease or condition.

Photo by Samsshi

Sorry, Ladies; this is going to be short…no, I mean really short.  I’m currently experiencing one of the worst migraines that I’ve had for awhile.  I’ve just never missed a Wellness Wednesday, not willing to do it now.  Also, I’m attempting to push through these moments when I’m tempted to give up and crawl into my hideyhole for the duration (See my post, Am I Attached To My Problems?).

I need my body and it needs the other two parts of me (mind and spirit).  We are joined…for now, a partnership of mutual respect.  Pain can cause anger, frustration, and sadness; I’ve felt all of those things just in the last five minutes as I sit hunched over this notebook trying to type through the nausea and throbbing. 

I wanted to share something that I’ve discovered about pain and my body.  I’ve learned that I can’t direct these emotions to my body.  If I do, I’m only making it worse by causing negative energy to disrupt the flow of healing that I could be receiving. 

So…I love my head even though it hurts.  ♥

I have made peace with my body.  Be well-be beautiful.

Recommended Reading: Yoga for Pain Relief: Simple Practices to Calm Your Mind & Heal Your Chronic Pain (Whole Body Healing)

***Because I am an Amazon Associate, if you plunk around on the above link and just so happened to buy the book, I will recieve some pocket change.  Thanks for supporting Women’s Life Link.

Photo by Redhotkiedis33

Does it seem like this week went really fast to anyone else?  WOW, it was like just yesterday I posted for TNT Tuesday.  A couple things to share on this wonderful day that puts us closer to Spring.  The grass isn’t green yet…more like a nice shade of ocre, but I’m hoping for it soon!  This inspiring really put me in the mood for springtime flowers.

Photo by Dead Rat6 

The Bucket List

I had the pleasure of being interviewed by my new friend from Six Feet Over.  Melody is blogging her way through her “Bucket List” (aka the things you want to do before you die or kick the bucket).  Well, the interview is about one of my BL items.  You’ll have to go to her inspiring blog to read about it.  My interview at Six Feet Over.  If you have not made your BL, or Life List, as I call it, check out a previous post for some tips.

How’s Your Memory Lately?

Mine isn’t so good.  I often struggle to remember my own name…OK, it’s not that bad.  But, I do forget the names of people, places, and things that I should not be forgetting so easily.  I went surfing in search of a free site that just might help me get those neurons going again.  And, low and behold, I found a spectacular Brain Training site called Lumosity.com  that is not only easy to navigate but it’s loads of fun.  My son has even been playing around with some of the games. 

Basically, you can play the brain games for fun or you can enlist in the “training” that takes you through a program to enhance your memory and cognitive ability according to the info that you give when you register.  They do offer an upgrade to your free membership that I have not done, but I’ve found the free stuff satisfactory for now.  It’s interesting to see how well you do with the various components of the training.  You really start to see your strengths and weaknesses emerge.

Are You a Beautiful Woman?

Well, of course you are.

I need some or all of you to be interviewed for Women’s Life Link’s Beautiful Women category that has become a desert lately with no new posts.  If you have an interesting story (we all do), want to share a couple of ideas with the world, own a business or run an organization, are from another country and want to tell others about your culture, or simply would like to see your name in print, please email me (Kellie) via the contact page.  In the meantime, check out some of our other Beautiful Women posts from the past so you’ll know what to expect.

One quick reminder about the Flea Market Round Up hosted by Designing DNA on March 20 and 21.  A portion of all of the sales will be going to help victims of the recent disasters our planet has sustained.  Click on the face ad to your right or the link for specific details of this important event.  I guarantee there will be some fabulous stuff for sale over there…take a good look at the site that’s hosting it!  If you are interested in selling an item or helping with this cause, please indicate so in an email to Designing DNA.  And, most of all, GO SHOPPING!

Well, that winds up this week’s TNT Tuesday.  Have a productive week!  Be well-be beautiful.

Photo by Dead Rat6

♦  I must thank the person who bestowed this honor upon me.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Redhead Riter!  You are pretty special yourself.

♦  Copy the award and place it on my blog.

Here’s the good-looking award for the post, and I’ve placed it in my sidebar, a more permanent display.

♦  Link to the bestowers’ site.

I’ll give you two links…

♦  Share seven things about myself…the hard one.   Well, I’ll do my best to make this intersesting.

1.  I have a mole on my earlobe the size of a pea.  I’ve never been able to get my ears double pierced because of it.  I’ve consideed removing it, but I sort of think it makes me unique.

2.  I secretly want one of those little accessory dogs to hang out with at the mall and coffee shop.  My preferred breeds…the cockapoo or pekinese.

3.  I move one foot continuously while going to sleep. 

4.  I once started a club with a friend of mine called The Devil’s Angels.  Yeah, I was a rebel without a cause (that should count for #5).

5.  I get strange, disturbing sensations up and down my legs when I see someone get injured, especially my children. 

6.  I once took my mom’s car (at age 13) and accidentally hit the neighbor’s fence.  Oops…

7.  My ancestory is English, Irish, and Scottish.

Phheww…glad that’s done.  It took me forever to come up with good stuff that I haven’t posted before.

Now, for the last one, I have to pass this prestiges awad on to seven othe bloggers that I feel deserve it.  Here’s to you, my chosen 7!

My Cup 2 Yours

Six Feet Over

Beauty and the Blog

Musings of a Housewife

Barely Domestic Mama

Theta Mom

A Mom in Red High Heels

Please accept this award with my gratitude for being who you are and for changing the lives of women all over the world.  Be well-be beautiful!

Photo by Mohaganbev

I’m Madeline – a healthfully humorous, radically ridiculous, momentarily messy broad here to give you a flicker of joy on the (in most cases) most indignant day of the week.

Photo by Gothicjade (the greatest edgy photographer on the web…thanks)

Monday is like…

…sitting through an important meeting knowing that your feminine hygiene product has just reached maximum capacity.  You’re afraid to move, as the situation might get worse.

***Warning: This post contains graphic description of the woman’s menstrual cycle.  Men and the faint-hearted might want to abstain from reading any further.  It’s really not that bad, but I thought I should say something anyway.

Speaking of that time of the month, how’s that workin’ for you?  Anymore, mine has been like a vicious flood of unbridled blood flow.  Comes with the forty-something season, my doc tells me.  I feel like I’ve had to reinvent my strategy for these despised, roughly 75, days of the year.  Really, it’s like a sick joke played out by the powers that be. I imagine the conversation went something like this:

“Since she’s experienced with the whole menses thing, let’s see how much she can handle!”

“I agree.  She’s a trooper.”

“After all, she’s been through a lot more blood than this; there’s childbirth and that time she cut her hand real badly while doing the dishes.  Going through a tampon and pad an hour…piece of cake for her!”

“Oh, let’s throw in some blood clots this time.  Our champ will surely shine through even that!  In fact, I’m willing to wager on that…say, a century’s salary.”

“You’re on!”

I never thought I’d be excited about getting to menopause.

Well, at least there is one consolation, the periods are shorter.  Three to five days instead of the seven to eight that I experienced my whole life.  It’s so much better…if you believe that, just wait till you reach the purgatory of female existence (39-50 something).  I think I need to go see Dr. Lamse for some hormone counseling.  I’m not sure what can be done, but I’m willing to try anything at this point.  My husband is willing to pay me to get some help with the emotional outbursts that happen once a month.  I say: “If I get some help, you have to get some, too!”

Anyway, in case you’re wondering if you’ve reached a point with your monthly cycle that you need some loving guidance (or a good kick in the ass), check out my top 5 clues…and please see your doctor if you think something may be wrong in that area.

1.  Your sweet ten-year-old offspring kindly asks you for a snack, and you reply:  Oh, wait…I forgot to tell you that you’re doubled over, holding your vagina in attempt to make it to the bathroom before you bleed all over the ever-so-slightly off white carpet that you picked out after you escaped from the mental hospital. 

 ”Kid, get your own *(blogging) snack; eat the *(blogging) cat; can’t you see that I’m having a *(blogging) emergency here!” 

2.  You can’t buy your usual 2 lattes that weekbecause you’ve helped build the net worth of either Stayfree®, Kotex®,Tampax®, or OB®, and, of course,  the toilet paper company of your choice.

3.  Crimson red used to be your favorite color.

4.  You find yourself exchanging your favorite daydream of a tropical vacation in Hawaii for one that entails being rolled into the operating room for a radical hysterectomy.

5.  Your idea of romance isyour significant other coming home with Midol® without being asked.

Well, Ladies, that’s my jibber-jabber for this week.  Excuse me now; I have to go tend to the extreme female experience.

Love,

Madeline♥

*The blog version of radio edit.  You can insert whatever words are fitting for your vocabulary and moral standards.

This is an interesting (almost disturbing) question that I just had to ask.  While in prayer/meditation last night, I actually asked if I could be attached to the chronic illness (migraine/daily headache) that came into my life, set up camp, and hasn’t left since.  I have to be completely transparent here; there are times when having a headache is a way out.  When I say that, I don’t mean that I’m purposely giving myself headaches; it’s more about the emotions that come after they arrive.  Occasionally, it means Mom gets an extra rest, a break from housework, a little sympathy….OK, it’s not all that.  I’m just saying it’s possible to get used to yourself, family, and the situation if it’s been a long term event.  It’s acceptance with a lemon twist.

Do you know the saying, you become who you hang around?  Well, if that’s true, I hang around myself with a headache quite frequently.  Could it be that I’ve gotten too used to it and don’t know how to be any other way?  I’ve worked so hard to get healthier and overcome these life-stealing headaches but have come up short every time.  This could be the answer I’ve been searching for.  I’m willing to explore it a little more.  How about you?

It’s Your Turn

Are you doing the same thing with one or more of your problems or issues?  It’s worth a couple minutes of your time to dig deeper into your thoughts and emotions.  Taking control of your life may depend on what you discover.  It wasn’t easy for me to admit that I could be attracting more migraines by having the smallest amount of attachment to “me” with a headache and the circumstances that follow.  I never said that introspection was easy; it’s just worth it.

If you feel brave enough, please share any thoughts or discoveries you make during your own introspection.  Be well-be beautiful.

Photo by Usagicassidy

Frankly, it can be confusing to know which treatments, exercise, nutrition, supplements, and cleanses are right for you and in what order to introduce them.  Well, I may not be a doctor, but I can help you to get a handle on the most important health-promoting things you can do today.  We all need the reminder to get back to the basics. 

Number One

Since our bodies are about 3/4 water, what do you think the most important thing is?  You guessed it…water!  Not just any water, but quality, clean H2O.  And, you need about 8-10 glasses of it a day.  If you do anything for yourself today, drink your water!

Number Two

OK, forgive me in advance for this cliche.  YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT!  Now that I’ve given you that amazing NEW information…well, you would think that it’s new info the way some people eat.  Yeah, yeah…I’m guilty, too.  Having said that, this is one of those things that you have to do one meal and snack at a time.  Pay attention and make better choices.  Instead of french fries, have a baked potato; instead of a fatty cheeseburger, have a baked chicken breast; instead of eating a snickers, eat an apple and some raisins.  Put more fresh, live foods on your plate than cooked and processed ones.  And, don’t be afraid to treat yourself once in a while with whatever your heart desires. 

Number Three

This one is totally connected to the first two; in other words, if you’re drinking enough water and eating lots of quality whole grains, fresh fruits and veggies, you shouldn’t have any trouble with it.  Yes, I’m talking about your digestion, more specifically your colon.  You all know what constipation does to you; it feels wrong.  It is wrong.  We were meant to eliminate on a regular basis, in some cases even more than once a day.  Colon health is a pillar that upholds the rest of our systems.  So, if this is a problem area for you, colon experts like, Dr. Terri Hawkins-Fox, can help you get things moving again.

Number Four

Movement, movement, movement!  We talked about bowel movements, now we need to talk about moving that body.  I believe that this is an area that we women make more complicated than necessary.  After all, ladies love to talk about their Pilates classes, how cool Zumba is, the latest Yoga pose they mastered.  We want to keep up with the fitness trends like we do fashion or makeup. 

I realized with the birth of my sixth child at age 41 that everyday activities like, chasing babies, picking up the house, playing in a toddler-sized tent, are all calorie-burning, blood-pumping forms of exercise.  Though they may not be all that your body needs to elevate your heart rate, they certainly DO count!  Just spend more time moving in some way than you do sitting or lying down.  Do you hear that fellow bloggers?!?

Number Five

Keep it positive!  This is the non-physical thing that actually affects your body as much, if not more, than any of the above four items.  The mind and spirit are vital parts of your being that can not, WILL NOT, be ignored without consequence.  In fact, you can be doing the “fab four” perfectly and be killing yourself from the inside out with toxic emotions and unforgiveness.  Does this sound like you?  Get in touch with your feelings, your thoughts, and general outlook; bring yourself to change through life-coaching, therapy, meditation, prayer, whatever gives you inner peace. 

There you have it; the top 5 health musts for every woman (men and children are included, too).  Of course, each of these categories have more to them than the basics that I’ve given you here.  Just keep it simple until you get them mastered.  Then you can move forward to more complicated health-boosting adventures.  Be well-be beautiful.

***The content of this article  is strictly informational and is not meant to replace the advice of your health care provider.  Women’s Life Link, its authors, associates, linked sites, and commentators do not claim that any of the content will diagnose or lead to a cure or improvement of any disease or condition.

Photo by XYunix