Where Does It Hurt?

    Yesterday I went to my local coffee and bagel shop and treated myself to a little something just for me.  It's been a rough few weeks as my father passed away not long ago.  My emotions have been surprisingly unpredictable.  I find myself crying over magazine articles, unsure what struck me so deeply.  I guess this is normal, just unfamiliar territory in which I am treading.
    One outspoken employee was complaining to another, quite loudly, how much her heel was hurting her.  She commented over and over again how annoying it was, and how she was trying to avoid putting pressure on it while she was going about her work.  I had to stifle a laugh as an annoyed co-worker chimed in to say her brain hurt.
    As I was the only customer standing in front of them, they then turned to me to ask if I wanted in on the conversation.  I am certain they were expecting some short clip about a paper cut or bug bite.  What jumped off my lips was more real.  "My heart hurts," I simply said.  Being caught of guard, they simply stared at me.  I could almost hear one of them thinking, "The employee handbook doesn't say what to do in this situation." After a quick detailless explanation, I thanked them for my purchase and left.
    My heart hurts.  Yes, that is what ails me right now.  I am not afraid to be honest, even with strangers.  I think we'd all be more compassionate if we kept in mind that those around us may have hurts we know nothing about.  Yes, some are physical - an aching heal or a pulled muscle.  But many of the aches out there cannot be fixed with ice and stretching.  Hurt is all around us.  It is a part of life.  Pay attention to it.  And once in a while, treat yourself to a little something simply because it will make you smile.

The Sound of Silence

     I have a very loud life.  No, I don't constantly listen to music or leave a television on for hours on end.  I don't even live on a busy road.  What I do have is three young children, two of them being of the male variety.  Now, I grew up in a household with three girls.  I am proud to be an introvert.  I was not prepared for the leap into auditory chaos that raising my kids would force on me.  It took me a few years to understand the great need I had for silence in my life.

     So, now what?  I can't exactly build a sound proof room and enjoy bliss as they fend for themselves, can I?  Well, I can dream.  What I can do is be purposeful about meeting this need on a regular basis.  Every day I set aside at least an hour for "quiet time".  My younger ones nap and my oldest plays quietly on his own in another room.  It doesn't always work as I hoped, but for the most part it is enough to recharge me. 

     I don't believe "quiet time" is something only children and parents of young kids need.  Each of us needs time to recharge away from the noise of others and electronics.  Part of having less stress in life is taking time to process all the things that are being thrown at you, allowing yourself permission to just be who you are.  If you are uncomfortable with silence, consider exploring why it bothers you so much.  Don't reach for a remote or a keyboard - relax and breathe deeply.  Pray, daydream, or look out a window to appreciate the beauty of nature. 

     As for me, I might do some stretching, pray, or daydream about that soundproof room.  Consider joining me in the quietest revolution ever. 

Here's to a calming day,
Debbie

A Grateful Heart

    For the last few months I have been keeping a journal of people, events, and things that I am thankful for.  If you have never tried it, I suggest you keep an open mind.  Now, I wouldn't necessarily call myself a negative person.  I will admit that when the winter gets long and I get less exercise and fresh air than I should, I tend to get cranky.  All those who understand, raise your hand.  What I found in the past was that I focused too much on what I wanted in the future or what I did not have, than on what I was thankful for.  So began my little mood boosting experiment.
    Not so surprising, my positive focus lingered during the days when I wrote in my journal.  My day, as well as the day for my family members, improved in quality.  I felt happier and cared less about what individuals around me thought of me.  And because I was less tense, not clenching my jaw or tightening my neck muscles in frustration, I had fewer headaches.
    Pain, in any form, is not fun.  If writing down and thinking joyful, thankful thoughts helps me have more pain-free days, I better stock up on journals.  I invite you to do the same.

Debbie

Receive a Free 20 Minute Massage - Host a Ladies Night

Pulled a Muscle - Now What?

Here are a few simple things you can do at home to alleviate
the pain of a pulled muscle.

Within the first 48 hours, apply an ice pack to the sore area.
This will counteract the inflammation of the muscle.

Take ibuprofen to help the pain and the swelling subside.
You can do this for several days if needed.

Apply a cream to the area such as Icy Hot.

After two days, apply heat the the affected area.
Put a damp washcloth around a heating pad or take a warm bath.
Moist heat will help loosen up the area that is tight.

If you choose to receive a massage while you are still
quite sore, be sure to speak up about the location and level
of the pain you are experiencing.

Seems simple enough, but try to go easy on the area that is sore.
Ask for help when you need it.  Get plenty of sleep at night.
Your body needs a break so it can focus on healing.

General Chair Massage Information

Where does the massage take place?
  
   I will travel within a 25 mile radius of Cutlerville, MI to bring my massage chair to your home, and assist you to relax in familiar surroundings. I will consider longer distances on a case by case basis. 

Do I need to undress?

   The massage does not require you to remove any clothing. I recommend wearing a t-shirt or similar type of thin shirt.

What areas will you work on?

   The massage will focus on the areas of your choice: head, neck, shoulders, back, arms, and/or hands. I will tailor each session to your specific needs. 

How much will the massage cost?

        Initial  30 minute session         $10

        30 minute chair massage         $25
        45 minute session                   $35

Can you give massages to groups of people?

      Yes, I am happy to come to a special event to help several individuals relax.  The cost for each hour of massage is $50.  This can be broken up between individuals however you desire.

If you have any questions, feel free to send me an email or give me a call.

Debra

I Know a Young Lady Whose Head was Pounding

To the tune of "I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly"

I know a young lady whose head was pounding
Seems so astounding, yet again it was pounding
                    Perhaps she'll cry

I know a young lady who swallowed some meds
Like her doctor said, she swallowed some meds

She swallowed some meds to cease the pounding
Seems so astounding, yet again it was pounding
                    Perhaps she'll cry

I know a young lady who massaged her temples
Had seen the example of massaging the temples

She massaged her temples after swallowing some meds
She swallowed some meds to cease the pounding
Seems so astounding, yet again it was pounding
                   Perhaps she'll cry

I know a young lady who lay down for a nap
Her energy was sapped, she lay down for a nap

She lay down for a nap after massaging her temples
She massaged her temples after swallowing some meds
She swallowed some meds to cease the pounding
Seems so astounding, yet again it was pounding
                   Perhaps she'll cry

I know a young lady who gave me a call
Can you help me at all, she gave me a call

She gave me a call after she lay down for a nap
She lay down for a nap after massaging her temples
She massaged her temples after swallowing some meds
She swallowed some meds to cease the pounding
Seems so astounding, it ceased to be pounding
                  She no longer cries