Updated blog about the benefits of CHAIR YOGA with DL SWEET. Including sign up information.
Blog!
UPDATED: Yoga for Patients with Multiple Sclerosis – MS
This weekend the skies above the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles will be lighting up “orange”! The ballroom will be turned in to a huge party as the benefit for Erase MS commences! While a night to join together in fellowship for a great cause, the weekend is really dedicated to highlighting the newest findings in research for MS diagnosis and treatment. The Center Without Walls will be making huge announcements about a newly released and approved medication and much more. All of this made possible by the vision of Nancy Davis, founder of Erase MS and a woman living with Multiple Sclerosis.
In another section of Los Angeles county, DL Sweet will be helping improve the lives of people in another capacity. For eight years she has been yoga instructor with a specialized instruction and certification for Therapeutic & Restorative Yoga in 2013. But, DL didn’t stop there, she now offers “Chair Yoga” to people who are limited in movement and independent motor skills, such as those with MS.
Chair Yoga is not exclusive to those with physical limitations as seniors also are embracing chair yoga. And althouth not quite a “senior” I find myself being more and more intrigued!
Now here is where the story about DL get more fascinating! A few months ago I met DL at the Beach Cities Breakfast Club (BCBC) morning network meeting. It was apparent that she had challenges with speech. But, let me tell you this dynamo is not hindered by this “disability” but in fact able to communicate her vision quite clearly. Each week she presents about her participation in the company Young Living Essential Oils, just fine! After learning more about DL’s personal story, it became apparent that her disability was a catalyst vs. a hinderance to her “next chapter”, including being a Yoga instructor!
When asked why DL started to learn and subsequently teach yoga she replied, “I sat in one class to MS individuals, so the teacher and I became good friends… I have a disability of <my> own, I can relate to what are people are going through.” (Note: Come back to visit this blog for updates as to DL’s schedule for upcoming classes offered to MS patients, etc.)
Remember I said I was intrigued by chair yoga?! Well, that meant I had to do some research and find a way to check it out at home. I immediately stumbled upon DL’s Youtube videos. Below is one that I watch on a regular basis (and yes, try to practice along with her!) Her videos are great for those who have limited resources for traveling to a class, are homebound or just interested – such as myself!
It would be great if DL’s chair yoga could reach more people who are seeking ways to exercise muscles in spite of limitations. That is why I am hoping that when the skies over LA turn “orange” with the Erase MS benefit that there will be discussion for resources in the area for patients with MS. I hope that conversation includes the amazing commitment and expertise that DL demonstrates in the field of yoga.
Revised YogaInChairs Class2 MS Flyer
When asked what are the next steps that DL plans on taking as a business owner and yoga instructor – she stated that she wants to expand chair yoga programs to become available in workplaces and businesses where people are often seated for long periods of time and should get MOVING! (Ok, time to get my yoga outfit on and sign up for DL’s class!)
Connect with DL:
ABOUT MS patients sign – up for chair yoga >> http://www.beachcitiesgym.org/news-events/classes/yoga-chairs-funded-ms-foundation
On FACEBOOK
https://www.facebook.com/Young-Living-It-is-so-Sweet-1453548738287620/
https://www.facebook.com/Path-To-Love-548004568668525/
And, of course we invite you to check out the great work of Erase MS.
Disclaimer: Prior to starting any exercise program, such as that discussed in this article, one should check with their healthcare provider to ensure that they are able to participate in the activity, such as chair yoga, regular yoga, etc.
This is a sponsored post for DL Sweet.
Writing Your First Blog
You have heard about “blogging” and maybe even attempted to start your own without any guidance. Yet if your experience is like many people I know, before you knew it frustration settled in and you gave up! No need to give up entirely – let me help by offering you a step by step “short- course” on writing your first blog posts!
Step 1: Use a solid blogging platform. Whether it be WordPress (my first choice), Google Blogger or even Linkedin – find a place to express your thoughts.
Step 2- For newbies write an outline. Simple paper and pen will be your first “tools” to use. Write a series of topics that you are passionate about on the top of the paper. Love dogs? Great! What do you love about dogs? Perhaps you want to blog about adopting from a shelter or rescue and the experience you had adding a puppy to your family via a local animal shelter?
Once you have settled on a topic then start writing down your primary thoughts. Let’s use the adoption of a dog as basis for our “model blog template”. I would perhaps write the following as my outline for my blog:
1- You always wanted to adopt a dog, but waited until the time was right as a dog is part of your family for many years.
2. The problems with overpopulation in shelters of unwanted dogs. (I would add an link of some evidence citing this fact, maybe from a reputable source such as the ASPCA.org)
3. Add your own research on finding a family friendly breed and/or how to integrate a new dog in to your family home. (Use a different source than the ASPCA.org -so it doesn’t look like you just read on kind of website. Remember do not plagiarize. QUOTE any and all facts that are directly copied. Give credit to all sources.)
4. Description of your search for the dog and how you finally found “Fluffy”.
5. A bit about “Fluffy” and his / her backstory. (Fluffy was abandoned, given up by owners, sickly, cute as pie, etc.)
6. Now be sure to add some links such as from more dog friendly sites about their advice on adopting a dog from a shelter. OR perhaps a personal story about growing up with a pet.
7. Lastly, close the blog with last thoughts, pearls of wisdom and of course, an update on how Fluffy and the family are doing.
Side note: Check out my own dog-adoption story here (and a template for writing, too!)
Back to my steps...
Step 3: When you have completed the actual writing of your article be sure to include the following components for finalizing your blog:
>ADD photos or images (such as an infographic). Use great apps such as Pic Collage or website like RELAY to give your post a visual boost! Important: Put your name on the photo that is YOURS. Be sure to give credit where it is due. DO NOT just “lift” photos from a Google Search in to your blog. Trust me – Getty Images will know that you did that. They are notorious on seeking out people who post their images and “fining” them a ridiculous amount of money. I like to use budget friendly photo sites such as PIXABAY or PEXELS.
USE the spell and grammar check available on your blog platform. Write like an adult not like a third grader. And please, be positive – not negative in your first blogs. If you want to be controversial that is fine. But, hone your blogging skills first.
>Add CATEGORY and TAGS to your post. Categories should be the general gist, such as Dogs or Dog Adoption. Tags should be sub-categories to get peoples attention like: Dog Adoption, Adopt Don’t Shop, (the breed) like German Shepherd, Mixed Breed dogs, Family dog, etc. Both help with optimization of people finding your post in an online search.
>Check it for SEO readability if you have an SEO package added to your blog.
Be sure to SHARE it on popular social media sites such as TWITTER, FACEBOOK, TUMBLR or LINKEDIN. Use a hashtag such as #DogRescue #DogAdoption #GermanShepherdMix
Do not panic if you feel that it wasn’t well received. Thousands or even millions of blogs are written each week so there are some that gain traction and others that … well… go unnoticed.
There are a zillion more things I can tell you about writing a blog. But, I fear that may overwhelm blogging newbies and scare you from even trying! So, with that – enjoy the process and remember – write what interests YOU!
Am I too old for social media? Survey for those who dare to answer
Am I too old for social media? I am getting the sense that my “mature” demographic is not necessarily the one desired by brands, unless it is for medical equipment or pharmaceuticals. Maybe I am just having a bit of “post- birthday blues”. But, in all seriousness, lately, I have had more than one overt signal that I am too old to be a viable media specialist. I won’t lie – that stings a wee bit.
But, here is the real grit to this blog… I have some secrets that perhaps some brands who have rejected me (and my fellow “mature friends”) may be surprised to discover!
First, my friends have influence and affluence. They aren’t starting out millennials – they are people who have actually sweated day and night for every dollar in their bank account and stock in their portfolio. And, they have a heap of both!
They bring with them a rich history of the decades which translates to creativity. They don’t need to invent what they “think is retro” – they only need to pull some photos from their drawers or record albums from their attics. They lived the generations now reflected in the Goldbergs or Mad Men. They are boomers and proud of it!
My colleagues, family and friends are well- educated, have a thirst for continued learning, travel, sports and entertainment and a plethora of other interests. In other words – they like to earn and spend money to make their lives more interesting and enriched.
My inner-circle are smart, clever, creative and have wisdom that could fill Wikipedia. Most of all, many of them have raised children to be decent, hard working and self-sufficient citizens. This avalanche of smarts and buying power should be attractive to companies – right?
“But you are not a millennial, Louise!”
Brands want millennials – they are the future-
Ouch! I know that I am not a millennial. Thank goodness! I don’t have college debt, worries about healthcare nor building my future on hopes and dreams of becoming the next Youtube sensation. And, in all fairness – not every millennial is what I just described. In fact, my own kids and most of their friends are amazing humans who are working very hard to create their own paths and ensure for the security of their own futures. They are passionate and fabulous. They also have buying power – thanks to their parents putting them through expensive college educations that allowed them these opportunities.
What am I looking for?
I would love to learn if I am too old for social media? I know I have skills and influence. There are plenty of metric companies that tell me so! But, the real question is why do I feel that there are missed opportunities for people like me – simply based on age?!
And, doesn’t integrity and a desire to make a difference in this world count for something?
I don’t associate with nor care about those who put their own interests before those of the greater good. In other words, I believe that #SocialGood should be the theme song that runs throughout the social media world vs. #WhatHaveYouDoneforMElately?
So, here comes the survey… (answer in the comment section)
Do baby-boomers, like me, have a place in social media campaigns?
1) YES
2) NO
3) OTHER… here is why__________
For those who wish (or dare I say have the courage) to engage with mature social media specialists, please connect with me via this blog or 411 voices, a consortium of people of many demographics dedicated to social good and helping brands.. Thanks!
Pebbles in the Pond (Review)
Are you stuck? Looking for the magic pill or words that will help you overcome a failed relationship, deal with unexpected changes in employment or cope with a loss of a loved one?
Are you looking for a way to find some meaning and purpose as to why your life might be topsy – turvy? Why yesterday made sense, but today it does not? Everyone at one time or another experiences a tidal wave of self – doubt, grief or apprehension.
Confession: The week I felt stuck.
Yet, despite feeling a bit “stuck” in situations that I thought I had no control, I found solace and hope in a series of books written by Christine Kloser and featuring a consortium of excellent contributors. I had started reading them earlier this year, but really delved in to them this week. Pebbles in the Pond (2014), shows that behind every life changing event there is a purpose. It also demonstrated that beyond a shadow of doubt that the human spirit is resilient beyond measure.
Each chapter talks about situation that serves as a catalyst. Something that prompted the author to change or shift their thinking. While many of the stories resonated with me there were a few that I believe stood out the most.
One story, Transforming My Aging Script, by Sharon Matthias, talked about the personal passages one faces when turning 65. How life seems to shift mentally when you are deemed “too old” to be employable. Everywhere you look there are people or organizations that tell you that “65 or older” you should take this pill for this ailment or it is time for retirement. Yet, this author convinced me that 65 is not to be feared but simply an age where you re-invent yourself – again. Thanks, Sharon!
What would you do if you were faced with a life and death situation? One author , Carin Rockind, discussed just that as she wrote From “Perfect” to Purpose, how she changed her life course when she became face to face with a predator holding a gun to her head. She eloquently described how her biggest fear moments earlier was her bad choice in blind dates. Now as she bargained with God for her life, she realized that if she survived this personal assault that her priorities would need to change. Heck of a way to find out what path you should be on – but Rockind did survive and now leads a life that gives her a more purpose, grace and meaning.
Then there is the poignant story by Tiffany Kane, who I know personally from our association with the Beach Cities Breakfast Club. I have heard Tiffany speak before, but wow, I was unprepared for her deep sole searching following a series of tragedies that was eloquently written in the chapter simply titled, “Inner Power Parenting”. Tiffany describes how one can find the tools you need to grieve and turn a life that seems “stuck” into a productive one. I admire Tiffany for her candor and willingness to help others who are “only parenting”. Tiffany is also the founder of Widows with Kids, an organization well worth checking out. Please do.
I could write much more about the golden “nuggets” of wisdom throughout Pebbles in the Pond. Instead, I will invite you to read them and enjoy them on your own time.
Also recommended: Cultivating Joy and Choosing Happiness, featuring chapters by Tiffany Kane, as well. All books are available on AMAZON.
Note: I received nothing more than the books for this review. The books will be donated to a local Los Angeles library.
What Cruise Newbies Might Want to Know
This article originally appeared on Linkedin here
I just disembarked from my “virgin” cruise vacation. It was short and sweet – 72 hours from Long Beach to Ensenada, on the Carnival Cruise Line – Inspiration. I was expecting the entire time to be spent in my cabin waiting for the “horror” to end. See, I get sea- sick looking at bath water, so I was predicting a miserable time. I was wrong! It was fabulous and hubby and I had a great time – really!
Our trip left from the Port of Los Angeles at sundown. A great photography opportunity. Once out to sea, we went to explore the ship and what it had to offer. This “mini-city” on the sea was packed with about 2400 travelers and quite a bit of activities that were well organized and advertised via their ship’s brochure that was easily found in each cabin. The food was so-so (probably the worst part of the trip), but the fitness center, outdoor track, spa and water actives were quite fun. The people we met were from as far as Europe and a close as Long Beach, the city where we set sail.
Not many people write about cruising for “newbies” in a way that is raw and honest. So, I will take this opportunity to give a few helpful hints with the sole purpose to educate others. Note Carnival, the cruiseline mentioned in this post, did not compensate me. They just happened to be the first cruise line I tried.
Here is my “To Do and Not To Do” list for first – time “cruisers”
1. Seek out good deals with short cruises. Many are available from the Port of Los Angeles (Long Beach and San Pedro). Some cruise lines offer 3 and 4 night cruises for a very comfortable price.
2. Book an inside cabin, in the center of the boat and on a lower floor. Less rocking happens in this part of the ship.
Read more from the original article posted on Linkedin January 24, 2016
Photographs of Sunsets
I will start this very short blog post by saying I am not a professional photographer. I just love photography and sunsets is one of my favorite “subjects”. While I would like to say that the photos below were taken after much thought and with great care, they were not. In fact, they were all snapped via an smartphone camera and are unfiltered. Most are from my hometown area in Southern California – on the Palos Verdes peninsula. A few are from other beach areas and Hawaii.
Enjoy and feel free to post your blog url if you are a lover of photography, too! Thanks!
San Pedro, CA
, Redondo Beach, CA
After SoCal fires, the sunset turned bright orange
The lighthouse
Maui
“Fog” rolling in during a SoCal sunset
Oahu
Taken from the air on a flight to San Fransisco
Maui
Kindness, Social Good and Sweetness found in these Valentine’s Day Cards (Review)
I don’t often review holiday specific products on this blog. However, there was something intriguing about Peaceable Kingdom’s Valentine’s Day card collections that piqued my interest.
First, they are A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E! Not only do they have some weight and substance to them (unlike the store bought ones I use to give my kids to hand out in school), but they come with messages that are thoughtful, yet not too “sappy”.
The “foodie” in me loved the Scratch and Sniff Valentines (Chocolate scented – a bonus!). They are large enough to go through the US mail without being lost, but small enough to not be overwhelming in a backpack. The box that I received had the standard classroom quantity- 28 cards and 28 envelopes (kinda wish they would add one extra envelope for boo-boos).
The second pack I received was the more interactive Lollipop Valentine’s with “Moustaches and Lips”. These are a hoot! Imagine dress-up for Halloween blended with the sweetness of Valentine’s Day! Again, 28 was the quantity.
Not just for kids!
Here is an “out of the box” idea for the grown-ups who read this blog. These Valentine’s are not just for kids! Imagine how fun it would be to put some out in your office lounge or at your organization’s meeting? Not only are they a fun discussion starter, but they also show that your place of business or group has a sense of humor sprinkled with compassion.
About Peaceable Kingdom
Before I tell you how to get these delicious cards – let me delve more in to the company itself. Peaceable Kingdom is “my kind of company”. They are dedicated to #SocialGood. In fact on their “about page” they go in to length about their commitment to being ecologically friendly as a “green company.”
Peaceable Kingdom’s company mission or “promise” says it all…
The future, as they say, is in our hands. We consider this every day in everything we do so that our children and their future may be as healthy, as peaceable, as our kingdom today.
Also, they don’t just create speciality cards as they are big in to the board game business. Their website also helps promote game inventors, creative kids and much more. People in the San Francisco Bay area who are interested in being a GAME TESTER can learn more via their website.
Where to buy?
Direct purchase can be made here via the Peaceable Kingdom website.
On Amazon you can get the Scented Valentine’s for a very reasonable $5.99 (and if you have Amazon Prime that is even better!) Click here for the direct link.
For the Moustaches and Lips box click here. They are priced at $12.99 but are both a lollipop and clever designs.
Follow on Twitter Peaceable Kingdom and Facebook.
Have fun!
Should I write the post or not?
Recently, I have become a bit agitated by events going on around me. Our political arena seems to be topsy-turvy. Some people in my sphere are not making the best of choices and seem to be posting their very strong opinions and photos carelessly and without regard to whether or not they are experts in a field or being sensitive to the feelings of others. Some things are just not making sense.
I have started and stopped a variety of blog posts on these various situations and keep deleting them. I have wanted to yell via my Twitter feed – “Stop posting negative political posts!” Or… “That is online bullying!” Or…” You are NOT an expert in this field – don’t make blanket statements about medical treatments that are standard and customary!”
That begs the question – should you post or blog everything you want to say or not?
I decided to NOT post for now all the random and intense thoughts that are flowing through my brain. For one, the post would actually be an e-book. Instead I will just give resources on what is considered standard practice or words of wisdom for bloggers and those in social media.
For those who feel they need to post without a filter I suggest reading about possible repercussions to ones’ career in this New York Times article. Rafael Gomez, the author, makes a good point when he queries about whether a person would post a photo that they used in social media on the wall of their office cubicle? If the answer is – NO – then you should proceed with caution about what you upload on your Twitter, Instagram or Facebook stream. (And note, this is especially the case of college students who think the photo of them on Spring Break is funny – but prospective employers may not share their sense of humor.)
Don’t think that your rant about the President, key officials or even your boss will go unnoticed? Your negative post could result in loss of job, a trip to the police station or a visit from an agency with three letters in their acronym. Your comment will and should be taken seriously. So that purported innocent comment that you will back-pedal about by saying, “I was only kidding” – can potentially be THE mistake of your life. Read more here.
If you are not a physician, lawyer, accountant, etc. then you shouldn’t be dispelling advice. Sure, you can tell your opinion, but I would steer clear of giving hard and fast professional advice. And this is why – social media litigation is becoming a business. Yes, what is said, posted, tweeted, pinned, etc. on social media has become a legal entity of its’ own. So, for those who are stepping out of your profession and stepping in to one that you don’t have certification/ licensure – be ready – as you are setting yourself up for potentially a lot of “woe”. New technology means new laws. Read more about liability and social media here.
I will conclude by saying – just because you have a thought doesn’t mean it needs to leave your head. Be smart. Be safe. Be kind.
Thanks!
~Louise
