Wheat Belly

As I mentioned in my "About Me"....I have many passions. I definitely feel there are not enough hours in the day to pursue all the things I would like, but at the same time, it keeps me happy and always having something to look forward to. Besides my goal to work from home full time and devouring everything I can about network marketing, I love to read anything I can get my hands on that has to do with holistic health and spirituality. I mean, if you really want to accomplish your goals in life, you really need to have your health and your mind/soul working together in a positive way.

Over the past year, I have not felt my best. Being a 48 year old woman, I know that my body is going through some inevitable changes, which I openly embrace. But, not feeling so great is not something I embrace. So, being the voracious reader that I am, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I am not a big fan of having to take drugs for every little symptom or pain. I have watched my own mom have to go down that path, and used her own experiences as motivation for me.

I follow many blogs written by holisitc doctors, one of which is Dr. Mark Hyman. He practices functional medicine, which is what our ancestors (especially mine, as I am 50% Native American) did on a daily basis. What is functional medicine you ask? Using food as our medicine. Finding out the root causes of what may be causing pain or illness, and working with them, instead of just getting 10 prescriptions and taking drugs to cover the wound.

So, I was having back pain from a fall, joint pain, erratic mood swings, weight gain and feeling quite lethargic. Happy Happy, Joy, Joy (NOT!) Coming from someone who used to roller blade for 4 hours a night, and enjoyed running and going to the gym, this was very very out of character for me. Granted, that lifestyle has taken a bit of a back seat since I became a mom and work full time, but still. To feel that badly all the time.....can really take it's toll on the quality of your life, not to mention the kind of influence I want to be on my young daughter.

So, I first decided to practice a way of eating that encompassed a low sugar life style. Jorge Cruise, who wrote the Belly Fat Cure, talks about only eating 15 grams of sugar a day and 6 carb servings, preferably low glycemic carbs. Now, 15 grams a sugar a day is really not that hard, but you must start reading labels. You will be astonished to see how much sugar everything contains. Maybe why losing weight has become an issue for many people who are trying so HARD. A banana has 15 grams of sugar. My beloved banana.....I could eat one every day, but I did not want to use up my 15 grams of sugar right off the bat. So, those are for special occasions now (did I mention that diabetes is in my family? That fact was/is an extra motivation for me).

Well, not much was happening in the way of weight loss, and those low moods were still there. I've done tons of spiritual work (using EFT, or meridian tapping) to help release trapped emotions that everyone has, and I really felt that I should be feeling better by now. To no avail. So, I chalked it up to hormones, but refused to believe that I could not go one day without having a period of sadness. I am being brutally honest here. Not easy to admit, but there is a catch.....

I decided finally, after reading Wheat Belly by Dr. William Davis, to give up the wheat/gluten. Dr. Hyman and many other doctors talk about eliminating this from our diets. I was reluctant, and who wouldn't be. I was already living low carb, but not having a beer once in awhile, the beloved baguette with butter with my organic eggs, my husbands delicious french tarts....was not a very easy decision to make. But I did. Wheat has been so genetically modified since the days of our grandparent. "They" are pushing eating whole grains every day, since many people are giving up the "white foods" (flour, processed foods). So, the athlete who is holding onto weight because he is eating whole wheat pasta for dinner, or the whole grain sandwich for lunch is really not making a healthy choice after all.

At the end of September, I took the plunge. I think humans really only make choices like that when they really have to..i.e. failing health. I knew I was feeling so bad, that the choice became easy.

Well, I am thrilled to report that those weepy low moods vanished!!!! Immediately. Of course, I wish I had really known this sooner, but I just wasn't ready. I lost 4 inches off my waist, and my joint pain has gone away. The once active woman who was suffering from lethargy.....is now bursting with energy, even without coffee! I have to make myself sit down sometimes.....just to rest, LOL. I have mental clarity that was missing before (and something that I need, being a 48 year old mom of a very active 7 year old girl!!) :)

I am now adopting this gluten/wheat free life. I do have a little rice once in awhile, and have found some great gluten free replacements, but am still keeping it low carb. I really don't want to go back to feeling the way I did. I am too young to feel so old. Yes, that means giving up many things, but it is worth it to me. I am not even tempted by a beer or a whole grain sandwich. Maybe the fact that I was already choosing healthy, organic whole foods made the transition easier for me. But, if I want to accomplish my dreams...I need to feel my best in every way.

So, I hope this blog might help one person make a healthy decision for their life.

If you click on the title of this blog, that will take you to Dr. Davis' blog. Interesting stuff!!

Here's to a long, healthy and happy life!!!

Listening - One of the Most Important Skills for a Network Marketer

The more I listen to the top leaders in the network marketing industry, the more I come away with. The one key word that I keep hearing...is LISTENING. Listening is not always an easy thing to do, even in every day life. But as someone in the field of network marketing, we are in a service oriented profession.

You are trying to help someone find a solution to their pain. You are trying to help someone figure out their "why" for wanting to change a part of their life.

Now, the last thing you want to do is be all about the money and come off as desperate. Hell, no one likes a desperate person. Take your time to cultivate this skill, and let your prospect know that you care about them, and that you are there to help.

This is not a guarantee that every person is going to want to work with you, or buy your product, but don't let that deter you...have patience and persistence and your good listening skills will get you far.

To your success!

Are You Leading a Life of Quiet Desperation??

I recently came upon this quote and wanted to share it with you.

Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.
Henry David Thoreau

Honestly, I am a pretty spiritual person, but just reading that one sentence hit me like a ton of bricks!! Sadly, I had to answer………yeah, there has been a part of me leading a life of quiet desperation. That disturbed me deeply. Spiritually has always been there inside me, but it was a buried for a long time. I promised myself that I would do something to change my life in a more positive way, especially after experiencing the panic I felt after reading this quote. Thank you Henry David Thoreau. You were a wise wise man.

In my quest for just feeling more joyful and releasing a lot of deep sadness I had inside, I stumbled upon EFT, otherwise known as Emotional Freedom Technique, also known as Meridian Tapping. It was no coincidence that I attracted this to me as I was inviting healing into my life and have been studying and practicing it for over two years now. I have to say it has helped me enormously in releasing old wounds and stuck energy from traumas that have occurred in my life. Nobody is immune to loss and trauma in their life, but most people don’t know how to handle it or find the tools to cope in difficult times. It’s nice to know there is a way without having to take anti-depressants or spend years and years in therapy.

How would I describe EFT?

This is an excerpt taken from the website of Carol Look, one of the first EFT experts I discovered. She is professional and no nonsense, which just increased her credibility for me when I first started exploring alternate ways of healing.
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"EFT is a form of psychological acupressure that uses a gentle tapping technique instead of needles to stimulate traditional Chinese acupuncture points. The tapping on the designated points on the face and body is combined with verbalizing the identified problem followed by a general affirmation phrase.

Combining these ingredients of the EFT technique balances the energy system and appears to relieve psychological stress and physical pain. Restoring the balance of the energy system allows the body and mind to resume their natural healing abilities. EFT is safe, easy to apply, and is non-invasive."
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As time goes on, I have become a firm believer that whatever we are thinking, whether positive or negative, we attract the same. We know this as The Law of Attraction. As we all know, staying positive is oftentimes easier said than done. But, wanting to live a life that is filled with joy, and less obligation and desperation, I set out on a path to make this positive mindset become as natural as breathing. Believe me, many struggles and challenges ensued…but I never gave up, because I know that I deserve to have the life I desire, not just living a life of quiet desperation.

Being the newsletter queen that I am, especially spiritual newsletters that help to lift me up and keep me positive, I chose this excerpt (again)from Carol Look. This particular one resonated with me. I hope it resonates with you.

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Here's what I know...

People who learn how to Keep Looking For Successes
improve their vibration -- then they attract
more success and abundance!

In my newsletters, I like to include the benefits I have found to what I am proposing to you, my readers. Below are my favorite benefits of learning how to Keep Looking for Successes:

(1) When you learn how to Keep Looking for Successes in your life you train yourself to have positive expectations, always a good type of energetic shift.

(2) When you eliminate your blocks to learning how to Keep Looking for Successes you will automatically raise your vibration so the Universe "notices" that you are congruent with your desires. (Remember, the Law of Attraction "hears" your vibration, not your words.)

(3) When you commit to this new habit to Keep Looking for Successes in your life, you will release much of the energetic resistance in your vibration and start a wonderful new habit for attracting success. This will allow you to attract more abundance into your life every day!

As Law of Attraction teachers say -- it's all energy. The Law of Attraction sends you situations that have the same energy and vibration you are putting out... so when you are feeling hopeful and optimistic because you successfully trained yourself to Keep Looking... the Universe will bring you more opportunities that match this good feeling on an energetic basis.

It's your choice... Keep Looking For Successes
and enjoy the abundance that flows
into your life!

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So, I guess what I am trying to say is, believe that you can have the life you so deserve. Don’t resign yourself to a life of quiet desperation. Know that what thoughts you put out there, you will attract the same. Keep looking for those little successes in your life, even if it is just a little thing…like a nice walk on your lunch hour, or hearing a great song, having a chat with an old friend, a big hug and kiss from your child. You have the choice, make the positive one! Don't go to the grave with your song still in you...........sing now! Follow your bliss!

To learn more about EFT, here are some of my favorite websites (and let me tell you, EFT has really worked miracles in my life):

www.attractingabundance.com
www.chipeft.com
www.missingmother.com
www.caroltuttle.com
www.thrivingnow.com

How I Made $1,497 in My First Week!

I recently had the pleasure of connecting with another mom who happened to be working from home. In going through my emails one day (in my SPAM box nonetheless)....I came across an email and just felt compelled to open it. Now, just because it is in the SPAM box does not mean it's SPAM.

Anyway, I opened it, and read the email and saw there was a YouTube video attached.

It appealed to me so much because immediately, I identified with her. A woman within the same age range, with children, trying to make a better life for herself and be there for her children at the same time, which is of course, everyone's dream and has been mine for many years now.

As mentioned in previous posts, I put network marketing on hold for about a year, and even tho still working 4 days a week, I do what I can at night and on my days off. It can be tiring, but the long range goal (well, hopefully not too long range)...is well worth it. I can visualize it all very clearly, I can taste it.

So, after watching her video, and clicking on her site.....I watched a Webinar that really intrigued me. Heck, I must have watched it about 3 times. I've been in other programs before, but never felt compelled to stay. I wasn't able to put my finger on it, but when you find something that resonates with you, all of a sudden it's easy to figure out.

I called her right away after the Webinar and we clicked right away. She was able to renew my hope that the average person can make a living at home, on the internet. She is having wild success and I knew that she would be there for me if I needed her. A sponsor that doesn't run away as soon as you join. AWESOME! I was a bit nervous, but I said...I am going to take one more chance...if I can't do this, then I will throw in the towel.

So, I went ahead and became part of this wonderful team just a few weeks ago. Even our partner, the person who gives the Webinar, a top earner and success for 25 years now, is available at all times and we have weekly trainings that I adore.

Not even implementing all the wonderful tools that we are being trained to use, I was able to make my first $1,497 within a week. I am dedicated to being the type of sponsor that will not run away and help my team mates in any way I can. Duplication is the key. Easy, Fun, NO Selling and NO complicated Marketing!

I invite you to take a FREE look at our WEBINAR if this sounds like something that would interest you. My sponsor is making more than $10,000 a month and I am on my way! Click on the title if you want to take a look!

To Your SUCCESS!

How Effective Are Your Communication Skills?

Many people today are taking second jobs or trying to start their own home business. The economic situation has people panicking. They don't want to have to rely on their day job as their only source of income. So, many people decide to do online marketing or join an MLM (multi-level-marketing).

Now, this is all well and good. You start out all excited. You are going to make those dreams come true and make lots of money. Hope are high. But, after a few weeks, you find out, hmm, this is not as easy as I thought. Of course, that is a normal response if you have been working in an office all your life, or have been a stay at home mom. Marketing is not something that comes naturally. This is a skill, an important skill that needs to be cultivated. With these skills, communication is one of the most important.

How effective are your communication skills?

Now, I am an extrovert and most people that know me would use the word bubbly, or effervescent to describe me. I can get a person to tell me their life story in about two minutes. I know information about my mother-in-law that my own husband doesn't even know, LOL! I thought, oh, piece of cake, I can do this. But, I slowly learned that I really didn't know how to invite a prospect, nonetheless really make money doing this for a living.

I found that this aspect of doing a home business is not always offered to most people. I am not saying that you should toss what you are doing to the side, but make sure you surround yourself with the right people. I like to connect with people that are where I would like to be. I use them as mentors. These are the people that keep me motivated and know that I too can achieve my dreams. Read everything you can get your hands on and try to find the right training tools, even if they are outside your MLM or home business. Any investment you make, large or small, is an investment in your future.

Call reluctance is a known phenomenon amongst people just starting out in the business. You get your desk all ready, pens in place, office set up, but when it comes to speaking to a prospect on the phone...fear sets in. I know I have suffered from this. One of my favorite mentors is Tim Sales. He was with the US Navy Underwater Bomb Squad Team for 11 years and then found an ad that got him into network marketing. He realized that many of these skills didn't come naturally for him either and set out on a quest to perfect his skills so he could go on to mentor and train others.

On the issue of call reluctance, these are direct quotes from two of Tim's friends who were having these issues:

“Lack of planning, lack of preparation, and failure to recognize and receive training on the parts that make up building the business, was the reason for my call reluctance,” one of my friends told me.

“All this time I was thinking that my own call reluctance was due to fear of rejection, even though that didn’t even make sense to me. I thought maybe it was some sort of a subconscious thing. But now I know that the fact that I don’t have a clarity on exactly what to do if they say, ‘Yes,’ is the real problem.”

When I read this, I said "yes, yes, yes...this is the reason...I really don't know what I am saying or how to really handle these conversations". So, it really didn't matter that I was an extrovert, because "what" you say can have everything to do with gaining a new client/prospect or losing one.

There are so many resources out there for the newbie as opposed to people who started in this business back in the old days, say 25 years ago. The internet it self is filled with programs and tools to help you.

I love to get free newsletters and I print out articles and keep files for myself. A tip is a tip, and one more thing you can store in your memory bank to help you on your way to having a successful home business.

I strongly encourage you to do all you can to build these skills within yourself.

Tim's newsletter is a great way to start. There are tons of free articles to help you gain the skills and confidence you need so you can make your dreams come true too.

I will have more resources for you in coming posts but thought this was an important one to start with.

If you are reading this, I would suggest clicking on the title of this post or on the blinking ad next to this post. This is where you can sign up for Tim's free newsletter and free articles!

Happy prospecting! :)