Daily Thanksgiving

Tonight, though we had our little celebration with a nice meal, Thanksgiving is observed in our household as a daily expression in our lives. Sometimes, we don't even voice the words, we just feel it in our hearts.

However, since tonight is a special reminder for many, about the importance of being grateful, I would like to once again say, thank you God/Spirit for the wonders of Creation and for our part in it!

Happy Thanksgiving, to all!

Stereotypes

Its strange... here I am approaching full menopause and I don't really feel any different. Oh, yes, I have matured (I hope!) in some areas in my life, and regressed (I hope!) in others, such as letting the silly child in me fully burst out laughing at the most inopportune moments, but no way is menopause fitting the stereotype of my younger years, where we become old hags, and neither does it for my friends and family. Sure, there may be some hormonal discomforts for some women which can be addressed, without having to conform to stereotypes of raging lunatics being possessed by PMS.

When I think of the menopausal baby boomers in my life and what they are doing, I think of my sister taking dancing lessons in Flamenco and fulfilling her life long dream of traveling to Greece even after the death of her son two years ago, (now this woman is an inspiration!) but never had the time to do because of business commitments; she grieves but has the courage to continue living for herself and in memory of her boy. I think of her friend, Mary who also has a passion for dancing, and finds joy with the simplest things. I think of Sue, who made drastic changes in her life and moved from Chicago to be with her soulmate in Virginia and lives a peaceful life, filled with plenty of wonder and growth which often brings her God tears of gratitude.

What do all these women from very different backgrounds and ethnicity have in common? They all are young in spirit and have an open mind and heart. They all have allowed for changes to take place in how they relate to life and are not shy about feeling joyful. How we feel deep within us, influences the energy we exude, overriding the stereotypes of the different cycles of our lives.

Vitamins - Yeah and Nay

Today I came across a blog entry in AOL's homepage commenting on Reader's Digest November 2007 issue 'The Vitamin Hoax - What Not to Take' and they mention vitamins such as vitamin A, folic Acid, vitamin E, C, all vitamins I have taken at some point in time, and some I still take, such as folic acid and vitamin C. What caught my attention, is that overdosing is mentioned. Taking excess vitamin A for example, has never been advised because it can become toxic and cause blurry vision, hair loss and increase liver problems. Taking iron when one is not deficient in this nutrient can damage blood vessels near the heart, reason why this supplement is best taken after having a health professional do a blood test to determine if you are iron deficient. Yet, iron when needed is an essential and important nutrient.

Will I stop taking vitamins because of reports? No. We have long term studies that supports the use of vitamins, and in a few months from now, we may get yet another report that continues to support the value of taking vitamins. I still believe, this is a society that encourages the use of drugs, as drugs translate into profits for companies and pharmacies. I don't see too many drugs advertised on TV that caution on developing a "possible side effect" such as leukemia being taken off the market! I would be irresponsible in selling vitamins for women experiencing menopause, if I didn't believe that they work. I am my own guniea pig, and I am happy to testify my life change has not been a difficult one because of the balancing supplements I take.


As my Mother used to say, use your common sense, and don't take 5 pills a day because the label suggests this, or :::gasp::::: take the "x" amount of medication that an M.D. may prescribe. If she had followed her doctor's orders to a "t", she would have been unable to function and become addicted to the drugs and on one occasion overdosed. Using wisdom and listening to your body, especially when it comes to vitamins and herbs, less is better, not more. I often have a day or two during the month where I don't take vitamins or herbs in order to give my body a rest.

Moderation in everything is the key to a healthier life.