Funk Session 1

Wishing Everyone a happy and healthy 2022!
As we move into year 3 of this alternative lifestyle, I am making some changes that I hope will have a positive effect, and I invite you to join me. Pandemic winters have been especially traumatic, and the loss of or separation from many friends and family members has only increased feelings of sadness, loneliness, apprehension and dread.
Since 2015, I have been researching diy ways to improve resilience and reduce stress that are easy, effective, and proven scientifically. The result is a circuit of executive function practices that I call the Funk Sessions. My dream is to enjoy these in group classes with funky/empowering/relaxing/inspiring music but for now I will share here. If anyone would like to make additions or suggestions feel free!


Funk Session 1 focuses on balancing techniques to either raise your energy level or reduce stress if overly anxious or excited. They are great first thing in the morning or at bedtime. Do not do these while driving 🙂 Enjoy!

Recreating the Wheel

Fun Fact

So for the last 5+ years I have been researching, developing, practicing a program to help people improve their own wellness through a prescribed series of frontal cortex exercises. Turns out I created something that has been around for thousands of years ❤

Qigong is a practice that cultivates inner strength, calms the mind, and restores the body to a natural state of health. Through a series of movements, controlled breathing, postures, and meditation you will experience greater balance, relaxation and wellness. Qi is the vital life force that flows through all of us, and gong is the method of cultivating this force and getting it to flow throughout your body.

Love these practices! Excited to add some StayAfloat funk 🙂 Cannot wait to share!

A year ago we were all set to start offering Executive Funk Sessions: group wellness exercise classes with live music… then the tidal wave of covid hit and the world still has not recovered. But we have not stopped working on creating an awesome program! We have several surprises in the works and now with the vaccine ramping up we can soon start to schedule yay! Stay tuned and stay well 🙂

love and hugs,

Karen

#qigong #executivefunk #stayafloatwellness #empower #enrich #enjoy #breathe #staywell #thrive

Purpose

We can all get sucked in at times…

Years ago swimming with my 65yo aunt in Wildwood, I got too close to the jetty and it started sucking me under with great force. Luckily the lifeguard on duty was highly trained in jetty rescue, and saved my life. But it could have been deadly. Lesson learned — have not been caught swimming near a jetty since.

People can suck you in as well. You may just be swimming around not paying attention and suddenly your life as you know it is threatened. They can sweep you up and suddenly you are acting in ways that go against your soul, or that threaten your own safety. You may feel the danger but are helpless to stop once you have gone too far….

Some people never return from these situations. They become a shell of their prior self; without identity or purpose. They are followers or addicts for the rest of their lives. Often there are many opportunities for rescue and each are turned away.

The first step is the most difficult- recognizing the situation is dangerous and accepting that you are in too deep. Then accept help. You are not alone. Perhaps your purpose right now is being there for someone else to save. Maybe then you can help save someone too.

Stayafloat Wellness LLC Stayafloattools@gmail.com

Regeneration

After a long ordeal of any kind it is good to do something to regenerate yourself. This usually happens to me this time of year; the holidays are past, the days are still short, winter cold… these are great times to go to a museum or library, take a painting class, or learn ayervedic cooking. Yesterday a friend and I went tubing then to a float spa for chair massage and oxygen bar- both great experiences! Added bonus plenty of laughter 🙂


Our lift tickets were from 2-4 so it gave us time to have a leisurely start and stop at an antiques mall on the way to browse. We arrived at the ski slope just in time and anxiously got prepped up. We were the oldest people there by far lol. So we get on the sidewalk lift with our tubes and I think I am gonna fall before the end you had to stay in one place on a steep moving slope.


We get to the top and the kid pushing us down asks if this is our first time and I say my first today and her first ever and they spun us like a top and we sped down this hill spinning until I thought I might pass out. We both come to an abrupt stop way short of the end and wow my head is still spinning! Then they are yelling for us to get up and we had to walk to the end while everyone up top watched, it was a tough first run… We took a break and noticed that when people are tethered together they don’t spin at all so that is how we did it from then on and it was awesome! Gorgeous day in the mountains! We got in about a dozen runs.


After hot chocolate we drove into Hagerstown to a place called Regenerate Float Spa where my friend had booked us an anti gravity chair massage and time at the oxygen bar, both new experiences. The place was awesome! Loved the floaty decor! Lots of poured paint, himalayan salt and mesmerizing pieces. The focus there is sensory deprivation float tanks which looked like space ships, very cool! They also have a light therapy room and sauna, plus another mystery coming attraction.

Eric the owner was a great host and explained that he and his wife try to connect with each guest. He set us up in a private room with two massage chairs and wow they felt great after some runs down a mountain. Then we oxygenated with a tossable single use mask while talking about their business and Stayafloat. Soon it was time to float home ~~~ defintely felt regenerated! Recalling our day and watching videos cracked us up! Some good belly laughs rounded off a perfect day, and now I can get through a little more cold and dark with the help of some great memories.


#stayafloat #connect #laugh #goodday #rejuvenate #regenerate

Take A Breath

Over the years I have taken part in several fitness routines. Forty years ago I led aerobics classes at a women’s spa. Women and men did not work out together then. In fact most people did not ‘work out’ at all— that stuff was for professional body builders.

When a coed gym opened in my area in early 80s, I was hired as a personal trainer, helping people use the nautilus equipment properly and develop a routine that best suited their needs. My aerobics experience was all that was needed because the field was so new.


I started running then too, and literally vomited during the first run. I was so out of shape despite my youth and the above^! Did not quit, but definitely learned to adjust my activity to accommodate my current ability. Walk, run, walk, run, walk and gradually increase speed and duration… same as weight lifting. Never ran a marathon but a half hour through the park always boosts my mood. Hiking and cycling are great too.


Flash forward to when I can consider any self care, or ten years later when my youngest of three is in school. My friends and I would take musical classes at the gym using free weights. It combined aerobics with strength training and is still my favorite way to get in a complete physical workout. But it is physically taxing, and so once the habit is broken after illness, injury, or life getting too busy… it is hard to restart. Currently I have started watching youtube videos and taking the classes at home, without the weights. After this sedentary year any movement is a challenge!

Which brings me to the topic: the breath. Lately I have become increasingly immersed in studying the benefits and practices around the breath, and there are many of both. Breathing is an activity that requires nothing! It can be done in bed, in the shower, at a meeting, anywhere and anytime. Last year I started a qigong practice and am now using some of the postures in the circuit. It is my goal now to get certified as a qigong instructor to share the benefits of this practice with others when we can gather again. Highly recommend finding a lesson at home on youtube and checking it out! It will be the new aerobics lol

Even if you cannot do the movements just now, follow the breath.
#selfcare #qigong #breathe #wellness #stayafloat

Stayafloat Healthy Image Project

Suicide, depression, domestic violence, addiction, loneliness… people are drowning. Things are tough for many people, and we need a way to help ourselves out of a funk.

Life is always changing, just like the sea ~~~

The SHIP or Stayafloat Healthy Image Project was started in 2017 to research natural ways to reduce stress and strengthen the mind. Just as physical exercise is helpful in preventing some physical ailments, mental exercises should be able to prevent mental ailments as well. Of course this is not a guarantee and we still need to seek professional help when necessary.

We are in the process of creating an online series of musical guided mindfulness exercise sessions. By hiring musicians, motivational experts, and athletes to be our guests we can provide a needed diy outlet for self discovery and wellness. These professions have been especially hard hit, and we all need their energy now. The goal is to provide opportunities for mindfulness and to make it cool and fun! The goal is to help people connect in a positive way with themselves and others, and remove the stigma often associated with mental health.

Covid has highlighted our need for connection to others, and our need to connect within. The SHIP hopes to provide tools and training for both. We look forward to welcoming you aboard!

Stay tuned and Stay Well!

Herstory

This has been a herstoric week ❤ so proud of my sisters who shined in so many ways! And the guys did pretty great too 🙂 those Bernie memes are hysterical, and science is making a strong comeback. A new day and a new era. And a woman is at the top yay! I totally appreciate this magnificent milestone,


Unfortunately we are still mostly in lockdown and will continue to be for the immediate future. After almost a year it has become habit to stay home, to not touch, to cover our faces. We have conditioned ourselves in ways that would have been unimaginable this time last year.. the longing for human contact grows but still feels unreachable.


This happens with abuse. In the beginning our instincts tell us we are harming ourselves or being harmed, but after a while it becomes an acceptable alternative. Being alone or ignored or ridiculed for not playing along feels like death, and so the rules of engagement are followed.


It is important I think to state your truth, if only to yourself, to say that you are doing x or y not because you want to, but because you don’t want to face the consequences for not following along. Yes find the silver lining if you can, but it is ok if you are feeling tired and lonely and need human touch. I know I do.


This week I was finally able to reach out and ask for help ❤ will keep practicing that… Hope to meet with tech pro next week to learn about podcast setup.
Attended a webinar on breath work that was very informative. The breath is so powerful and there are so many ways to practice, who knew? 🙂 excited to share!


I also listened to a presentation on creating podcasts and love the concept of building community, not just content. Also love the idea of contests and games and will look into adding Gamipress to my page. Even after we are able to have group lessons the virtual lessons will continue to be important since they can reach a wider audience without time constraints.

Product of the week is facial masks. My friend Jennifer gave me a couple as a gift and it feels so relaxing and refreshing! You just open the package, unfold the mask and put it on. There are holes for eyes nose and mouth. This is an easy inexpensive way to pamper yourself, and you are worth it!


It was inspiring watching the songs from inauguration, especially when Garth Brooks asked everyone to sing Amazing Grace with him. Singing together is a peak experience, and a great exercise to build empathy and improve emotional control. Your voice is unique and powerful. Listen to it ❤








Learning curve

So once again jumped the gun announcing an upcoming podcast when honestly by the time we have figured out each of the technical parts and how to produce and publish, we will all be able to attend group lessons. It is still an important endeavor, and so will keep plugging without a deadline and with sincere apologies.

Hoping to find someone, who surely exists in our sphere, to just set it all up to plug in and play 🙂 or maybe find a studio to record… it is very hard to delegate control but also very important to realize limitations. The selection process for equipment and software is daunting for someone with zero tech knowledge. And once purchased it needs to be set up meaning manuals and hardware… studio idea is sounding great lol open for recommendations

In the meantime while learning and obtaining the necessary equipment, we are also selecting and designing items for purchase. Again covid is making this way less fun by canceling the wholesale markets we would normally attend. Our goal is to sell local products of good quality, and to affiliate with other wellness vendors to share great finds as available. Again working on it daily but progress is slower than hoped. Excited to share the products once they are available! If you have a product idea email us.

The foundation of wellness is the breath. Take some time to focus on your breath today. See how many breaths you are able to observe. Are they deep or shallow? Long or short? Relaxed or tense? Thank yourself for paying attention.

How do you stay afloat?

Email us at stayafloattools@gmail.com

Executive Funk Sessions

StayafloatWellness.com presents the Executive Funk Sessions!

We will be hosting musical and wellness guests each week beginning 1/11.

Together we will share a self discovery journey and offer:


Products and Practices

Music and Mindfulness

To Circuit Train Your Brain

and

Strengthen Your Mind

Empower! Enrich! Enjoy!



Our goal is to provide opportunities for mindfulness and to make it cool and fun!

You take from the session whatever you want or need each time:

Maybe you just want to connect with others for some smiles, good music and dancing.

Maybe you want to practice the drills for reacting to difficult situations.

Maybe you want to examine your own identity, values, or boundaries today.

Maybe you want to share grief, anger or pain and know you are not alone.

You Are Your Captain!

Things are tough for many people, and we need a way to help ourselves out of a funk.


Stayafloat Wellness Executive Funk Sessions will air weekly each Monday.

We will review self-care products, practice a variety of group mindfulness activities, and enjoy some great music.

We hope you can join us! All ages and abilities welcome!


*This is not therapy and does not take the place of therapy. You will be guided through optional exercises for your frontal cortex using a variety of executive functions. The staff and guests of Stayafloat Wellness are not doctors. We are all learning together.

No special clothing or materials are needed. These exercises can be done while sitting standing or even dancing!


These lessons will be offered free of charge. Your contributions go a long way to helping us create an amazing program for people facing difficult times today or anyone who just wants to thrive.


Please feel free to tip the band! Creative and wellness professions have been especially hard hit, and we all need their energy now.

Thank you for your generosity! And thank yourself for caring for you!

Tip links will be provided at each class. Or keep the SHIP afloat with your sustaining contributions. Click the Member link and join the CREW!

StayafloatWellness.com

Music as therapy

Finally putting the finishing touches on the SHIP Circuit! Today is the day I scheduled to reach out and ask for help. I am also publishing a video that explains You Are Your Captain in 15 minutes. The actual curriculum will not include this explanation so it will be published to view if desired. The video has poor lighting, no makeup bad hair but whatever… practice not perfection 🙂

The class curriculum is set with a wide variety of activities that do not require any special clothing, materials, or ability. I have great music from artists I hope to include and promote, as soon as permissions are granted. The visions in my mind after the covid crisis are beautiful, but in the meantime it is important to give people direction in how to help themselves through difficult times. The next few months could be stressful and difficult and tensions may be high at times. It really brings home the need to have a strengthening class for the mind…

Finishing up the new website, shopping for awesome wellness products to promote including some great stuff with our own designs, and searching for approporiate venues to hold outside group lessons without violating distancing rules. Whee!

I have also begun a music therapy class at Berklee College of Music which is fascinating! Cannot wait to incorporate the lessons into the SHIP. Today it is about creating music that is naturally soothing, such as lullabies or singing bowls. Turns out they are both very specific in their methods and once the method is learned you can produce your own soothing sounds. Lullabies use 6/8 time, so I include here a short video on the history of 6/8 time in America. Enjoy, and best wishes to all who are starting the school season! Stay well and safe ❤

Let them breathe

Trash was all over the square this morning and people were still partying until 4am. So of course there is talk about how horrible ‘those people’ are that just left the place looking like this. But hello did anyone die? Did windows get broken or stores get looted? Did the national guard need to be called in? Were major weapons on display? NO. Instead it looks like my dorm or many frat houses every Sunday! Or the same square after our team won the Super Bowl! Or hello St Patrick’s weekend! Q—How much partying would we have done in our twenties if we had to cramp down with our parents for 3 months!!! Like Al Sharpton said can y’all just get your knee off our necks and let people breathe?! Jeesh

I am not color blind

I am not color blind. As long as I can remember, probably starting as a toddler, African Americans, South Americans, and Latinos were treated as less than whites. I heard them called names like jungle bunny and monkey more times than I can count. The N word was so common in my neighborhood that it was incredulous during the OJ trial to hear someone say they had never heard it. Funny that I cannot even remember who said these things, but as Maya said I remember how it made me feel… it was also obvious that Nixon was racist to me even as a child. My grandfather always had a great tan in summer and I remember feeling ashamed that maybe he was black. But it wasn’t just verbal abuse. We were taught to fear ‘them’, to be wary if they were in our presence. We were taught that one family moving into the neighborhood would create crime and make property values plummet. We were told in Catholic school that if we didn’t behave we would be forced to attend the black public school. We were concerned about Morgan University being built nearby. We were taught that black men raped white women. We were taught that they were uneducated, uncultured, and that we were centuries ahead of them intellectually. The riots in 68 confirmed everyones belief that they were just heathens with no sense of pride or class. They lived in filthy homes and neighborhoods because they didn’t care to clean them. They sat around doing drugs and living off of hard working people, and still felt like we owed them more. They were prone to violence on a much greater level than whites. They hated us. They resented us. They wanted what we had but did not want to work for it. They did not want to stay in their place. They suddenly refused to give way to us on the bus or the sidewalk. They seemed hostile toward us. They might mug us or rob our homes. They could kill us. They have no concern for life, they even kill their own in massive numbers.These beliefs do not go away overnight. No matter how much I want to just see humans, no matter how many beautiful amazing people I know and love, no matter how accomplished and talented I see that they are, I still get a fear tingle when I see a large black man while walking. I am sincerely sorry about that. It brings tears to even admit it. I hate my prejudice in feeling that way. I want to change. Fear brings on survival responses. If I cannot remove the fear perhaps I can change the response. To override these innate responses I need to recognize them as they occur and ask myself if my initial instinct is correct, or if there is a better solution. It is an opportunity to practice kindness and empathy. It is not easy and will not change anything overnight, but it is a start. And so I smile and give a sincere greeting.Also I have educated myself on the causes of poverty and the forces that perpetuate it. I have gone into neighborhoods and homes that took me out of my comfort zone. I listen. I try to contribute to the solution rather than the problem. I acknowledge and accept my shortcomings.I have a very long way to go, but it is a good cause so I will keep practicing. Much love to all who are suffering today. We feel your pain.

Il dolce far niente

Il dolce far niente.The sweetness of doing nothing.That’s where I’ve been. That’s what I’ve been up to.No guests to prepare for or clean up after. No helping friends out with their projects.No wondering what to wear.No checking out the music lineup for the day.No planning fun events to throw or attend.No hugs or cheers or howyadoins.And so it would seem that I would relish those 11:00 posts I promised each weekday, and look forward to doing at least something! My opportunity to reach out to the world I miss. But no, actually that is not the case at all… This is known as the theory of momentum. Once a ball starts rolling it takes less energy to continue than it did to begin. The start needs an extra push. A traumatic event often stops everything. And so if you haven’t felt much like doing just about anything you are not alone. A decline in strength is quick when motion stops and the atrophy is significant. To do a little something, no matter how insignificant it may seem, can help especially when having difficulty processing fear, anger, or grief. Even a single focused deep breath in and out can get the ball rolling… some days that may be all you can do. Thank yourself for making the effort. You get to decide when that might be. I want to be more present but am doing my best for now. In the meantime enjoy il dolce far niente <3Stay well,

First presentation analysis

So no email from first SHIP presentation with any feedback, I immediately sent an email and will send a thank you gift to the staff for giving us their time. They were so generous to have their entire staff sit and listen and participate in the SHIP!! Whether they felt it was good or bad, the experience was awesome to me ❤️ the fact that my son came with me to help made everything else just icing on the cake. As a parent it is so hard to be heard, but they gave me an incredible boost which is so greatly appreciated. Every future event our company holds will include a benefit for this awesome organization!

No feedback is definitely feedback,,, so will accept that the presentation was less than stellar and look objectively at the many facets

1. Audience. They were professional staff at a nonprofit of various ages. They are constantly presented with amazing events by huge corporations and big dollar donors. Perhaps the SHIP was:

Too amateurish?

Too intense?

No fun?

Not rewarding?

A waste of time?

Did not like premise?

Did not understand?

Maybe it should be directed toward younger? older? non-professionals?

2. Method.

Too haphazard?

Not presented well?

Materials sucked?

No rewards?

No introductory activity?

No grand finale?

No candy kisses or hugs?

Activities subpar?

Music not really listened too?

Need better lighting and visuals?

Regular size journal and pen?

3. Presentation

Two days of memorials over the weekend resulted in me being exhausted and sad, and I looked it.. No time to shower since I had guests using my bathroom and had to run out to Office Depot and print stuff that should have been done a week earlier. Library and printing center both closed for Presidents Day Monday so printing became a fiasco. Worried about travel since I borrowed a car and was so low on cash I couldn’t afford to fill it with gas. Never practiced the entire class as presented or created the power point and visuals to add interest.

No notes to help remember script, though they were right behind me the whole time and I was too nervous to notice.

No video setup! Need lighting. Materials were not prepared correctly, and some activities could be changed.

The place was too small for live music though an acoustic could have attended. Not sure if it would have improved satisfaction, maybe a celebrity to exercise with or local wellness expert would make it more fun.

Have food and drink available so people are comfortable.

The silly 80s style research poster from Kmart needs to be replaced with new age banner.

Positives:

They enjoyed the story, the brain demo, bubbles breathing, Tai Chi, the line dance, and seemed engaged the entire time.

Michael thought it went well and was amazing as assistant/DJ- very well received!

The girls next to me really liked the booklet and plan to save for reference. The booklet was way too small and difficult to read. Time to publish the larger version… love the illustrations and got so much done towards completion.

People really like activities that engage them with others, add more of those while keeping in mind the need to focus within as well.

Recommendations

1. Finish logbook

2. Prepare better quality materials

3. Prepare power point

4. Practice more

5. Offer food drinks and rewards

6. Ask celebrity, musician or wellness expert to attend.

7. Design and order banner

8. Complete the mini lesson podcasts to show for instruction

9. Audiotape lesson to study after

10. Prepare a questionnaire to get feedback

11. Prepare fun finale for lasting positive impression

12. Be focused! Take a damn shower! Don’t schedule other things same day until all sections are well practiced and complete. Have transportation and rewards prepared well ahead of time.

14. Have flyers and other promotional materials on hand.

15. Wear t-shirt with Captain logo

16. Laugh! Smile! Enjoy!

Lots to consider.. Overall an amazing experience! Feeling so extremely grateful today, and filled with hope ❤️

#MondayMotivation #Mondaymedia

Another month has slipped by without posting… so as this is named the next step is to train myself with an easy prompt to remember to take a minute to write. Let’s see how that goes :). There has been a lot of positive activity in 2020 though and I am very excited to be actually preparing for in-person group lessons! Musicians, wellness experts, materials, tools, are coming together and it is beautiful. Last weekend Baltimore enacted the first Trauma Responsive Care Act, renamed in honor of Elijah Cummings. It was beautiful to see our youth and leaders come together to acknowledge and take positive steps to address the hidden dis-ease that results from years of struggle. So many people want to scream about increasing the jail times for violent offenders, and I agree that violence needs to be addressed in a firm manner. But that is only one half of the equation…. there is no such thing as ‘time out’ if there is no ‘time in’. Punishment means to reduce the probability of a behavior recurring. It does not need to be harsh. Proactively creating alternatives to violent behaviors will go much further to reduce violence than ‘taking them off the street’ for a while. We tried institutionalizing everyone who made us uncomfortable before and it did not work. I look forward to meeting in the next weeks with grief recovery groups, childhood cancer support staff, local veterans, victims of domestic violence and homeless shelter to share hope and help people Empower Enrich Enjoy their lives ❤

Task Initiation

For over four years now, I have researched and written about the importance of functional fitness. I have published a book, started others, composed a song, presented at conferences, and taught children and adults whenever possible. If you know me you may have been subjected to one of my enthusiastic rants on the topic. I am very passionate about it. I have seen so much trauma and believe strongly that improving and practicing functional fitness is vital for mental health.

The task ahead is to start contacting businesses to promote and offer SHIP building services. For some reason it is very frightening, and something that could honestly have begun years ago but the fear has kept me frozen in place.

Task initiation is a very important function. All the great ideas in the world are useless if they are kept locked in your own mind. Time is not unlimited. Resources are not endless. People do not say they wish they had waited to act on their passion.

So the time is now to DO IT! My goal is to make 5 contacts every week day. Tomorrow I will report on first day progress. Hoping that writing it down and announcing provide extra incentive.

Intentions…

This week

This holiday season

This year

This decade

This lifetime…

So much is still unaccomplished. Life, and death, requires inopportune breaks and drain time, energy and attention. Or, perhaps they direct the focus of attention and time to those things that are truly important.

Thankfully the wheels are still turning in the background whether the focus is there or not. The direction has been set and the ship chugs along slowly toward the goal. The ripples it has made will continue to spread. Setbacks and delays offer time to chill and enjoy the scenery. Celebrations of life and friendship are blessings.

Too many loved ones have been taken too soon. 😦 they will live on through the many lives they have touched.

Here is what has been accomplished this month:

  • a couple more one minute lessons have been produced and published.
  • worked with my congressman and others on a trauma initiative for the city.
  • reached out for opportunities to coach.
  • coached a class and applied feedback to enhance the program.
  • worked on the business plan in more detail.
  • daydreamed about opening a space <3.
  • given a great microphone for Christmas to use with podcasts and audio book yay!
  • prepared a detailed contact list and one minute speech.
  • worked on completing the Captains Log and curriculum for a 12 week session.

Next year will bring more opportunities. 2020 is the year of clarity and vision.

Many blessings to you and yours!

SHIP Launch December 2

Today I was able to create and share three segments of the class; on organization, goal setting, and decision making. I wanted to publish by 11am but the BNB needed to be cleaned for check in today so of course was late. I was able to use previous audio from lessons created back in March using videos of Ursula Ricks Project for goal setting and organization lessons. She is awesome and very motivational, love her version of Amazing Grace plus her original Mary Jane. For goal setting I paired the All Mighty Senators song Giant Steps that they released with a video of street dancers in New York, 1974 enjoy!

Checking Your BAGS

When faced with a challenging or potentially dangerous situation that activates survival instincts of fight, flight, and freeze, it is important to have training in place so you can act with purpose and direction. Training yourself to engage in these four exercises will put them into your working memory, and allow your decisions on how to react to come from a place of compassion and wisdom rather than fear.

Today’s short playlist talks about reward systems, then provides an easy tai chi exercise to easily check all of your BAGS at once. Enjoy!

https://devepi.duhs.duke.edu/measures/the-mood-and-feelings-questionnaire-mfq/

Addiction destroys connections

Earlier this month I heard on a TED Talk that the opposite of addiction is not sobriety; it is connection. This really hit home with me. So many loved ones have severed connections while succumbing to addictions. Due to denial the tables were always turned to say that I was the one who ‘left’. But by the time I severed ties to save myself there was nothing left to leave…

As a good enabler and flying monkey I ignored so much blatant antisocial and inappropriate behavior. Now that the light is on I want others to see the world as I do, but have to stay patient and realize how long it took me.. others may still have decades of denial to endure. If I care about them it feels like watching young children play on a high ledge. I am always on edge, fearful of the inevitable fall, and cannot enjoy the moment as much as I wish I could. Staying away is excruciatingly painful, but ultimately the only choice right now. I cannot deny my truth.

Three months to second blog…

Ok so this social media thing is a little overwhelming but I am determined to keep plugging along 🙂 my twitter feed is more up to date and I have been creating video lessons and playlists on YouTube so feel free to check out those sites, the links are available on the home page.

This venue gives me an opportunity to journal the progress of the SHIP as it begins the next phase of the journey. Lesson 1. Everything takes at least four times longer than expected. Keep on keeping on ❤

One playlist class has been completed and I struggled to publish because it is not at all professional. I had originally recorded an audio version but couldn’t figure out how to publish it so ended up transcribing then breaking it up into parts then reading the parts on video while the camera watches me read. Lol it looks ridiculous but you can still hear the message without looking 🙂 practice not perfection…

Excited for the next class! I’m using original songs by musician friends in Baltimore and my dream is to put together an event aboard the Spirit ship to StayAfloat on a boat!! But getting ahead of myself… the YouTube playlist is halfway completed and this time I am not reading the lessons and am not visible. I am sharing workbook pages from My SHIP Log which is still in production and creating memes to explain and complement the topics.

If you have any songs or videos that you find inspirational or motivational or that speak to any of the topics please forward them to me! Thanks.

Have a beautiful day! What would be your treasure? Even if you don’t find it today, thinking about it will stimulate your mind and bring a sense of hope and excitement.

Ahoy!

I am excited to announce the publication of my book You Are Your Captain:  Command Decisions for Sailing Through Life.
Every day it seems we hear another tragic story of a life ended to early due to overdose, violence or suicide… as a mother I know the horrors of wondering who may be next, and how it will affect the family.  Recovering from grief often involves anger and depression, particularly under these circumstances.  People tend to want to be alone or run away; reaching out is very difficult.  And so the cycle continues…
The time to learn and practice life saving techniques is before you start to drown.  You Are Your Captain takes you on a journey of self discovery and teaches you how to become your own captain in life.  Life is related to a voyage at sea, where you are in charge.  It also provides easy options to engage in mindful activities known to reduce behaviors such as abuse and addiction.  By focusing on overall functional fitness and learning who you truly are as you go through life’s many changes, you can stay strong enough to sail through rough storms.  
Here is the book link.  I would appreciate your reviews and comments!  The Kindle book will be free every Monday in August!  This week it is also free on Tuesday.  Please download your free copy and leave a review.  I hope you enjoy it <3.  Thanks so much for your support.#MondayMotivation
https://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Your-Captain-Decisions-ebook/dp/B07SGL77KY/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=You+are+your+captain&qid=1564749168&s=books&sr=1-1

And the paperback is now available too! Whee! Can start scheduling the tour 🙂 offering complementary group functional fitness circuit sessions throughout August in the Baltimore area. Makes a great lunch and learn!

How cool is that? 🙂