Having an Advocate!

Having an advocate is vital! Having a support team is incredibly helpful. The following section was written by one of my very first advocates. This is his view on fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia - a mysterious if not unknown condition, a condition for the longest time that was thought to be in a person's head. I, myself, until recently, had never been exposed to a patient with fibromyalgia that was debilitating. All of my patients in the past had isolated issues with it instead of total body discomfort due to the pain. That has all changed since Oct. 09, I have been challenged with one of the most severe cases of fibromyalgia in my 25 years as a clinical nutritionist. The best way to describe this case of fibromyalgia is a body in constant pain with no hope of relief - a body severely deprived of nutrients; a body so toxic that any situation sent this person into excruciating pain that eventually leads to depression. People who suffer this severely have a tendency to withdraw from all forms of socializing and live life minute-by-minute, hour-by-hour, praying for an end. Since Zija, these people now have hope. With detoxification and nutrition all-in-one, the moringa tree has amazing healing and detoxifying properties; the two areas that must be addressed in order to see improvement with this condition. The problem is there is a "Catch 22" with this condition; the body is so toxic that these toxins compete with the nutrients in the diet, making absorption very difficult. Without proper nutrition to the detoxification organs, the body becomes more toxic. Even if you are eating proper nutrients, the body has difficulty absorbing it as the body gets more and more toxic. Never before have I seen a product that's able to so wonderfully address every aspect of this disorder as the moringa-based products from Zija. Zija is the core nutrition that makes everything else better. -MoringaMedMan

YSS Athletics Started With A Challenge, Still Going Strong

YSS Athletics Started With A Challenge, Still Going Strong

A Day with Fibromyalgia from 7.28.10

Recently I set a goal for myself to exercise 3xs a week. Now as a person who has fibro, although I know exercise is important for me, I also know that it is difficult for me. First of all, there is already a lot of stiffness and soreness so why would I want to increase that with exercise? Secondly, I am tired-dealing with chronic fatique-why make myself more tired? Well, I am happy to report that I accomplished that goal of 3xs a week last week and I am already at 2xs for this week and it is only Wednesday! Having a goal helps me! I know in the long run that the benefits to exercising are supposed to far outweigh the short-term difficulties; however, short-term, it's not as difficult to exercise now as it used to be because of the use of Zija smart mix with its 36 anti-inflammatories and the use of xm3 drink for energy!

Dealing Daily with Fibromyalgia from 7.20.10

Three things on this earth get me through my rough days with fibromyalgia-zija smart mix, a group of friends and family who support me, and xm3 drink and xm am caps. I didn't know how bad I actually had gotten until I started getting better! Rather incredible to grow worse year by year and not realize how bad off you had gotten until you find something that helps you start getting better! For me, it was a nutritional supplement call Zija that comes from the moringa oleifera tree. With its 92 nutrients that are 100% bio-available, it didn't take long for me to see improvement. This is the smart mix that I referenced above. A couple of areas that the Smart Mix has addressed are the issue of horrible sleep patterns and awaking tired each morning and feeling bruised if someone touched me! Secondly, friends and family-I am so thankful to the Lord for providing me with a husband who may get frustrated with having a wife with a chronic condition but he doesn't give up. I don't share with him what it is like to live in a body that constantly hurts and is normally tired but I know he sees it. He loves me anyways. I am also extremely grateful for the friends God has placed in my life. My friends have really helped me over some major hurdles in the past 10 months. Even now, when I am battling, it is not uncommon for one of them to call even when they may be clueless to what is going on. Thirdly-xm3 drink and xm am caps! Xm3 is my "drug" of choice. Actually, both xm products are completely natural and legal! =) Xm3 drink provides the energy that I need with the chronic fatigue that comes with fibro. Xm3 drink also helps dull the pain intensity when I am having a bad day. I am SO HAPPY to say that every day or 5/7 days per week are NO LONGER bad days thanks to Zija!!! The xm am caps work in the chemical pathways of the brain which help battle the depression that is so often a part of the life of a person with fibro. To summarize, Zija has helped with my sleep, my pain, my energy and my depression. If you struggle with fibro (or if you know someone who struggles with fibro) my question for you is: You have tried everything else, what do you have to lose by trying Zija except for pain, awful sleep patterns, tiredness, depression, etc.? Sounds like some very good reasons to give Zija a try!

A Day with Fibromyalgia from 7.16.10

I'm still transferring my original blogging over to this site. Hang with me as I relive the battles I have faced. The great news is I'm still here to tell about it! =)

  The chronic fatigue and the high pain level should have kept me in bed today; however, I despise being restricted by the way I feel. Because of that, I fought back. I forced myself out of bed this morning after taking my Zija smart mix. I went downstairs (which is no fun when your pain level is HIGH) and drank two ounces of the xm3 drink. Yea for xm3 drink!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The fatigue started lifting and the pain level started decreasing. By the time I finished eating breakfast, I was ready to start. I made a to-do list and started tackling my day! The xm3 drink is an important weapon in my battle against fibro!!!!

A Day with Fibromyalgia from 7.10.10

A Day with Fibromyalgia

I think it is time for me to stop trying to figure out what the worst part of having fibro is. I think that answer varies from day-to-day depending on how that day is going. Today I would say (at least at this point of the day =) ) that besides being a little sleepy, it's not too bad having fibromyalgia except for the "waiting for the other shoe to fall" mentality. What I experience with fibro is I never know when the symptoms will strike! That is very taxing on the mind!!!

I do know that since I started taking the zija smart mix consistently in September of 2009, I am doing better! My pain levels are better, my fatigue is much better, my energy is better, my outlook on life is better! I am realizing that my outlook on life is key to dealing with the fibro. I am learning to recognize when my outlook is slipping. I am learning to catch thoughts that are leading me down a path I don't want to go. By recognizing that I am slipping, I can head off the depression. Yes, depression-most people with fibro struggle with it because it is very depressing to hurt constantly, to get up in the morning as tired as you were when you went to bed, etc. By the way, Zija has really helped with the sleep issue, too!

Operator's Blog-a Day with FMS from 7.8.10

  It's been a couple of days since I have blogged about living with fibromyalgia. For some reason the last couple of days I have spent a lot of my day resting. I have been very tired. I know that is part of dealing with fibro. I also know that there are things I can do with Zija, like take some xm3 energy drink to help overcome the tiredness. However, I decided to let my body get the rest it obviously needed instead of pushing through and taking more Zija or taking some xm3 energy drink. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the energy drink!!! It is healthy, safe, and all-natural and I feel GREAT when I take some of it. I felt like the best course of action for yesterday and today was to allow my body to rest. Of course I still took my zija smart mix =). I couldn't imagine not taking it. Putting the proper nutrients into my body is very essential especially with fibromyalgia where the proper diet is essential for better health.

Quotes

Champions aren't made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them a desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have the skill and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill. - Muhammad Ali

First ask yourself: What is the worst that can happen? Then prepare to accept it. Then proceed to improve on the worst. - Dale Carnegie

You don't have to be a "person of influence" to be influential. In fact, the most influential people in my life are probably not even aware of the things they've taught me. - Scott Adams

When we are motivated by goals that have deep meaning, by dreams that need completion, by pure love that needs expressing, then we truly live. - Greg Anderson

I just think that we're capable of so much more; we don't utilize all our capacity like we should. - Marcus Allen

But for Grace-A Day with Fibromyalgia 7.5.10

But for Grace-A Day with Fibromyalgia

As I began to think about what to write today about my condition, fibromyalgia, the word GRACE came to mind. I did a quick check on dictionary.com to check for different definitions of the word Grace. As a believer in Jesus Christ, I knew that there would be different definitions relating to Christianity; however, I wasn't expecting 20 definitions for the entry, grace.

As I think about dealing daily with fibromyalgia, I realize GRACE is essential. You must demonstrate grace-moral strength: the grace to perform a duty. You need to receive grace especially during difficult days  from those around you-favor or good will or a manifestation of favor. We need to extend and receive grace daily-mercy; clemency; pardon.  Another grace that all need is the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God.

As individuals, each of us needs to extend GRACE and receive GRACE daily. Whose life can you impact today with grace?

Dealing Daily with Fibromyalgia 7.4.10

Dealing Daily with Fibromyalgia 
   One battle that most people with Fibromyalgia face is the battle with weight. We are told to exercise to help lose weight, but what person in their right mind who is dealing with FMS wants to exercise???? It normally hurts to move, no less to exercise! For me personally, I lost about 20 lbs eight years ago before my wedding. In the years following, I gained back those 20 lbs plus 25 more. However, in the past 8 months, I have lost 33 of those pounds!!! I have done this, not through exercise, let me assure you of that, nor through changing all my eating habits-which were horrible! I have done this through a weight management program by Zija. This weight management system has all the nutrition that a body needs, a way to turn off the hunger trigger and the cravings, and a way to gently detox the body (which is VERY important for fibro people). I have 7 more pounds to lose to get down to where I was when I got married 8 yrs ago this month!

Have I mentioned that I lost 35 lbs without dieting and exercising since I started taking Zija?

Dealing Daily with Fibromyalgia

One major issue I've dealt with since being diagnosed with FMS is not reaching REM sleep. The doctor I was under the care of in FL had me on a low dosage of muscle relaxers to aid my sleep. Even on that, I still didn't reach REM sleep. How do I know? Dreams! I haven't dreamed at all, or very, very little for years! Now that I'm dreaming more regularly, it's almost unsettling or tiring. I feel like I'm not getting "good" sleep because my dreams are so vivid and busy; however, I know that's not true. In fact, I know that my health must be continuing to improve since I'm reaching REM sleep more often and dreaming. It makes me extremely happy to still be seeing improvements in my health after almost 3 years using nutrition to "treat" my body instead of drugs!

Why am I blogging about this? I woke up from a 2 hour nap this afternoon remembering my dreams! In fact, I can still remember part of that dream now 5 1/2 hours later!

I'm giving my body what it needs in regards to nutrition and it's responding! As many of my colleagues and friends like to say, "Plants heal, drugs kill!" If you don't believe me, check out the list of side effects of the prescriptions you're correctly taking and do some research for yourself.

Living Daily with Fibromyalgia

Living Daily with Fibromyalgia--Unless you have a condition you deal with daily that randomly changes on a whim, it may be difficult for you to fathom what it is like to deal with Fibromyalgia. I am blogging about my victories and struggles with fibro only because I know that there are literally thousands and thousands of other people in the world who struggle with Fibro or another conditions daily.

It can be very disheartening and discouraging to awaken each morning not knowing how you will feel as the day progresses. Some days I know before I get out of bed that it is going to be a high-pain day. Other days I awaken alive and ready to conquer the world! One of the most frustrating things about this condition is I never know when I am going to suddenly worsen. The day can be going great when suddenly, 30 minutes later, I am ready to scream in frustration at the pain.

I began struggling with the symptoms of Fibro in the mid-1990s, but wasn't diagnosed for several years. Each year it seemed like my symptoms increased and spread. Gradually I reached a point where I didn't want to be around people because they could unintentionally hurt me simply by touching me or bumping into me. I began withdrawing from society. It was safer to be alone then to place myself in jeopardy of additional pain. However, my friends noticed. It was difficult to explain what was going on within my body and mind with the Fibromyalgia.

For me, my "lifesaver" from Fibromyalgia came in the form of a friend who introduced me to a nutritional product call Zija that contains over 90 nutrients and is 100% bio-available. As I began on the Zija nutritionals, my condition actually became more apparent but now I had some new friends who could help my body begin healing. Not only that, but they were there, and still are there, through the hard days. I found hope again through a friend.

I have two challenges for you today. First, if you have a friend who is struggling, be there for them. You may not have all the answers, but be there, that means a lot. Secondly, if you are struggling, don't give up. Keep learning, keep your mind open to new information and be willing to try an alternative way of helping your body heal.

The Importance of Mindset w/ Fibromyalgia from 7.1.10

Here is another blog from my meandering through some of my journaling:

I think I can, I think I can! The power of the mind is incredible. When I face days like today w/ my fibromyalgia, I grab a hold of the thought of I CAN do anything that I determine to do. Is today a horrible fibromyalgia day? No, but it's not a good one either. The day is overcast and it is misting. For some reason, the rain makes my body react as though I have arthritis-aching in the joints-usually on one side of my body. What do I do? First of all, I take more ZIJA! WOOHOO, very thankful for my Zija! Secondly, I guard my mindset because where my thoughts go, my emotions follow. I determine I will press on, I connect with my friends, and I function through my day. Do I want to have days like this? Yeah, right! Am I concerned about it? NOPE! My life has improved SO much in the 9 months that I have been taking Zija, that I don't worry about it. It took years and years to get this bad so, of course, it will take time to get better! Have a great day everyone and remember your mindset is VERY important.

Dealing Daily with Fibromyalgia-6/29/10

Reflecting back to where my journey with Fibromyalgia has taken me. Here's an entry from back on June 29, 2010. Blah days with Fibromyalgia-today has been one of those blah days. Tired, hurting, struggling-however, as I have endured this day, and I stop to write about it, a few important things come to mind. First of all, gratitude toward my friend, Jake Witte, who shared Zija with me because w/o my Zija, I wouldn't have hope. Secondly, HOPE! I had reached a point where fibromyalgia had caused me to sink deeply into depression, but with my zija products and support team, I have been lifted out of that daily hole. I can now face the bad days because I know that the good days are happening more often than the bad days. Thirdly, SUPPORT--I have a wonderful group of people who encourage me, pray for me, and love me. All I have to do is let any of my Zija family know that there is a problem and they are right there with me. Do bad days still happen? I think the answer is obvious-yes. Do they hold the same power over me? Absolutely NOT!

GRRRR!

It's not been a fun month! Okay, I take that back. I did many things in the month of July that were fun--spending time with friends, planning and participating VBS, working with my team. What hasn't been fun is my health. I don't know if I overdid it this month and it caused a flare or what?!?!? The sinus/allergy/ear issues never developed into anything that required me to go to the doctor but it sure had me down for 10-12 days. As soon as that started to clear, the fibromyalgia flared. UGH!!! Not been a fun month.

I am sooo glad for my Zija!!! I can't believe that every day used to be like yesterday or today before I started Zija. With 36 anti-inflammatories, 46 antioxidants, 92 nutrients that are 100% bio-available, and all the amino acids, my body is so much better overall because of my Zija Smart Mix.

To help deal with my energy levels due to my fibromyalgia and CFS, I take Zija's XM3 drink or XM+, which are all-natural energy drinks formulated by Dr. Russ Bianchi. (Google his name!) To detox my very toxic body, I use Zija's premium tea.  It's gentle yet very effective.

Added to Zija's Smart Mix and Premium Tea, are the XM AM caps and the XM PM caps for weight loss. I've lost 35 lbs.

Need the pain to go away but I AM very  thankful that yesterday and today are the exceptions to the rule now thanks to my Zija.

Why Your Dreams Die | Creatives

Why Your Dreams Die | Creatives

Chapter 10: "Getting Started" from Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

10 Steps

1. Your reason which is the power of your spirit. As my mentor, Mark Mandela likes to say, "Your why must make you cry." It should be a combination of things you don't want and things you do want. Ex. I don't want to end up like my parents, unable to retire. I do want to be able to travel.

2. Choose daily. Every time you get a dollar, you have a choice--follow Rich Dad's mindset or Poor Dad's mindset. You have to decide daily what you are going to do with your money, time, and brain. Your first investment should be in your education because your brain is your most powerful asset and tool.

3. Choose friends wisely. You know the saying, "Birds of a feather flock together." You should be learning from your friends. From some of them, you will learn what not to do. Don't go with the flow. Listen, learn, but go with your choice. Wise investors don't do what is popular.

4. Master a formula and then learn a new one. Learning--remember, your mind is powerful. You become what you study, what you put into your head. Be careful about what you study, read, listen to. Choose carefully. Once you learn something, apply it. This requires discipline.

5. Pay yourself first. Speaking of discipline, use it here. Don't pay yourself with the bonus you got on the J.O.B. and go spend it on a new gadget or a trip. Take the money you pay yourself and invest it into your asset column. Side note: If it's not making you money or it doesn't have the potential to make you money, it's not an asset! Paying yourself first doesn't mean ignoring your bills or starving. It means that you need to be wise with your money to start with, and use the extra pressure of having bills to pay to move you into motion to create more money.

6. Pay your brokers well. They advise you; their information allows you to make more money; they should be paid well. Many times they will even educate you. It is a way of investing in your education. Choose your brokers and other professionals carefully. Find out about their asset column. Does their philosophy line up with yours?

7. Be an "Indian Giver." Once you get your initial investment has been made in a stock, pull that amount, and invest it in something else. By doing this, you are now making money for nothing. If that investment crashes, you've already pulled out what you put into it. If that investment soars, you're making money for free.

8. Assets buy luxuries. If there is something you want, use that desire to focus and motivate you. You should not be buying luxuries on credit. Make more money in your assets column and use that money to buy those luxuries.

9. The need for heroes. Find someone to copy/emulate. Make sure that person makes whatever you are striving for look easy. Learn all you can from them; read about them, listen to them.

10. Teach and you shall receive. Give! If there is something you want, learn to give first. Make sure you aren't giving to get though. Give for the sake and joy of giving. "Your world is a mirror of you." p. 184

 

Passion for Your Creativity, Day 2 | Creatives

 Are you ready for this one? Don't just skim it. Take the time to follow what Andrew says! Impact your own life!!! Thanks, Andrew!

Passion for Your Creativity, Day 2 | Creatives

Passion for Your Creativity, Day 1 | Creatives

How is your self talk? I know personally that this is an area where I really struggle. Check out this post.

Passion for Your Creativity, Day 1 | Creatives

Turn Good Intentions into Results

Morning Mentoring Call with Mark Mandela
1. You need determination.
2. You need good habits.
3. You need to associate with people who are already achieving.
4. You need to repetitively do the right activities.
*Summary:
1. You need knowledge.
2. You need good habits.
3. You need people.

It's been a while!

What a journey I have been on! I just finished reading through How We Love by Milan and Kay Yerkovich for the first time. I need to go back through it again as I start the workbook. As I state in the opening of my blog, life is about growth. Growth isn't easy. This book has challenged me, hurt me, helped me, stretched me, and made me think. I have a long way to go, and while I know it won't be easy, I know it is a process that I need to go through. It reminds me of the verse that states,  "Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer." Proverbs 25:7 and Proverbs 27:21, "As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold;" What is the concept? Fire/heat to purge the impurities, to make the metal better! I just have to say that I am thankful for my friend who not only gave this book to me but who also encouraged me to read it while being there to talk about it when the way became dark and scary.

Sex + Drugs = Rock ‘n Roll in the Workplace

Sex + Drugs = Rock ‘n Roll in the Workplace
It's not what you think! Go ahead, read it, I dare you!

Empower Me Now!: The 5 Ultimate Ways To Make People Like You

Empower Me Now!: The 5 Ultimate Ways To Make People Like You: Making people like you is the first step to making long lasting relationships, and long lasting relationships are what bring you happin...

An E-Mail from Yourself: Creative Life | Creatives

An E-Mail from Yourself: Creative Life | Creatives

Self Development 4 You: Five Simple Effective Ways to Blast Through Anxiet...

Self Development 4 You: Five Simple Effective Ways to Blast Through Anxiet...: One of the best ways to build confidence, self-esteem and overcome anxiety is to just do it. You're caught in a vicious circle and the only ...

Overcoming Obstacles from Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

5 reasons people don't grow their asset column:
1. Fear--the main difference between a poor person and a rich person. Develop a Texan attitude: Be proud when you win and brag when you lose (at least you went for it). If you lose enough, you will win because winning usually follows losing. Losing/Failing makes you stronger if you will allow it to. Use the failures to inspire you.

2. Cynicism--Everyone has doubts or "noise" in their lives either in their heads or from outside sources. How you handle those doubts or the noise is critical though because they can make you poor. "Unchecked doubt and fear creates a cynic." p. 154 Criticizing instead of analyzing is a thought pattern that keeps people poor. When investing, you can use stops to help minimize your losses if prices begin dropping.

3. Laziness--staying busy to avoid something you don't want to face. The cure for this type of laziness is a little greed. Don't use the words, "I can't afford it." instead use the words, "How can I afford it?"

4. Habits--the reflection of your life. Pay yourself first.

5. Arrogance--ego + ignorance. What you know makes you money, what you don't know makes you lose money. If you know you are ignorant in an area, educate yourself.

Forgiven

Forgiven

Forgiven! All I had to do was ask.

Coming to a point of realization and

Asking Him for forgiveness.

I am forgiven!

Anytime, day or night,

No matter how far I have run,

One Person is waiting for me to ask Him.

I am forgiven!

No matter what I am going through

Christ is waiting for me.

All I have to do is ask Him for help, because

I am forgiven!

It doesn't matter about what I have done,

Or who I have become.

There is One name that I can call upon; and then

I am forgiven!

I am forgiven because He loved me.

He loved me so much that He died.

He died a very cruel death,

So I could be forgiven!

I am forgiven!

Tamara Renee Dugger Brown 8-19-94

Lesson 6 from Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

Work to Learn; Don't Work for Money


1. You need other skills besides working hard.


2. You need more than talent.


3. Know a little about a lot. (This depends on how you apply it because the first thing that came to mind was "Jack of all, master of none." However, if you're looking at within a particular field such as a business, an overview knowledge of all aspects in needed.)


4. J.O.B.-Just Over Broke is in this chapter along with the concept of at the job you are working just hard enough not to get fired and getting paid just enough not to quit. (p. 136)


5. Analogy of getting into the bill paying routine is similar to being a hamster on a wheel--round and round you go without going anywhere.


6. Communication skills are vital to becoming successful.


7. Give as well as receive. The truly wealthy are those who give.


8. Most importantly to me--I have a better understanding and clearer picture regarding what my mentor has been doing with me for the past 2 years. He has continued to educate me and make my skills more diversified. About the time I have figured out what he expects of me in my role, he changes it. New responsibilities are given and new skills are learned. Delegation has also been included in that.

No, Really???

Do you ever have a day or two, or perhaps a week that feels that way? Wow, my week is off and running and I'm having a hard time keeping up with it. For those of you who know me really well, you know I deal with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue. 

A couple of years ago I was introduced to a supplement that has changed my life. Not to retell the story (you can look at older blogs if you want to read it) but in reality, I had reached a point where I was hopeless; I had given up. I've written a lot about dealing daily with fibromyalgia on my team site but it's been a while since I've really written. Okay, I'm rambling trying to set the stage. 

Anyways, the last 2 weeks my body has been reminding me that it's not well yet. I've been running low grade fevers and feeling quite fatigued. (It took years to become this ill so it will take time to recover. Every so often my body likes to remind me that I haven't arrived yet.) The fever finally manifested itself in a way that I could respond and deal with it--sinus issues. Spent a few days dealing with it but . . . I quit too soon! So, what happened today? You guessed it! Sinus issues, headache, and fatigue back. 

It reminds me of a couple of things. First it reminds me of the Christian life. The Bible talks about being a new creature in Christ; old to new. One thing that Christians sometimes forget though is you need to replace the old habits/things with new habits/things. If you don't, you end up going back to the old. 

That principle applies to life in general, too. If you are trying to change your old habits such as eating poorly, you must replace it with good. If you are trying to change your thought process, you have to put new material in there. 

Another thing that comes to mind is the quitting too soon. So many times we are nearing the finish line, achieving the goal, and we quit. We think we are close enough or possibly we think it is too hard and we quit. If we would have continued, we would have accomplished what we set out to accomplish. By like Paul who said that he had fought the good fight and finished his course. Be a finisher not a quitter!

Also running through my head is Psalm 61:2, ". . . when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I." Now, my heart isn't overwhelmed but my mind certainly is! One of the issues with fibromyalgia is a term called "fibro fog" where your thoughts just don't come or come clearly. 

(If you could see me writing this post, you'd have to laugh as I experience one of those moments, lol.) My mind tends to fill up to the point that it "quits" on me. I've been experiencing that for a couple of days now. Instead of stressing out or worrying about it, I'm singing Psalm 61:2-3. It's a great way to calm the mind and de-stress the body. 

This too shall pass! Enjoy life; we all have different things that we deal with!

Lesson 5 from Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

p. 110--"We all have tremendous potential, and we all are blessed with gifts. Yet, the one thing that holds all of us back is some degree of self-doubt. It is not so much the lack of technical information that holds us back, but more the lack of self-confidence. Some are more affected than others."

Being smart is good, but those who are bold frequently get ahead.

You need both knowledge and courage. Fear that is too great suppresses your genius.

Don't wait for the "right" opportunity to come along.

Your mind is the greatest and most powerful asset you have. Learn to be creative when looking for financial solutions.

Learn to welcome changes instead of clinging to the past.

You see great opportunities with your mind.

Always remember to have fun.

"Sometimes you win and sometimes you learn. Most people never win because they are afraid of losing. In school we learn that mistakes are bad, and we are punished for making them. Yet, if you look at the way humans are designed to learn, we learn by making mistakes." . . . "Unfortunately the main reason most people are not rich is because they are terrified of losing. Winners are not afraid of losing. But losers are. Failure is part of the process of success. People who avoid failure also avoid success." p. 125

Develop your financial IQ. Invest in developing your financial IQ. Results:

1. You have more options. As changes come, you will see opportunities and know how to respond.

2. You will prosper greatly. New ideas, new information is how money is invented.

Since there is always risk involved, learn to manage the risk instead of avoiding it.

Lesson 4 from Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

1. Be educated. Know the laws.

2. Knowledge is power. Without it, the world pushes you around.

3. Corporations are a secret of the rich.

4. 1031--trade up in real estate to delay paying taxes on the gains.

5. 4 areas to financial IQ--accounting, investing, understanding the markets, the law

6. A wealthy person owns nothing. They control everything but own nothing.--protection from lawsuits (Suggested book on power of personal corporations--Inc. and Grow Rich.)

7. The difference between a corporation and a person is a corporation earns, spends, then pays taxes on what's left while an individual earns, pays taxes, then spends what is left.

How about You?

O sing unto the Lord a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory. (Psalm 98:1 KJV)

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. (Psalm 98:4 KJV)

How about you? I know personally that I don't praise the Lord like I should. He gives me so much yet I tend to ignore that it's from Him. As I sit outside this beautiful Saturday afternoon reading my Bible, my heart is full with all He has done for me. Thank you, Lord, for the many marvelous things you have graced my life with!

Lesson 3 from Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

Mind your own business aka grow your asset column.

Don't confuse your profession/job with your business.

Keep your job but use your raises and bonuses to grow your assets column.

Take the money that your assets are making and reinvest it into your assets.

Luxuries should be viewed as a reward after your assets have grown enough to pay for them.

Answered Prayers; Goal Met

As many of you know, I have a home-based business where I have the opportunity to help other people lose weight, have more energy, and feel better through nutrition as well as have their own business if they desire. The company has recently started a program where you have zero overhead each month if you qualify. I set a goal to qualify, shared it with my pastor, and we started praying. I've been lying in bed at night praying about it, asking God to show me how to meet my goal. Yesterday it happened! All I can say is "Thank you, Lord, for hearing and answering prayers!" I know that this only happened because His hand was there. I'm super excited about the person God put in my path because there is a spiritual need as well as a physical need. I am looking forward to being able to help this family feel better by using proper nutrition, but I'm more excited about the fact that they want to join us for church! Please pray that Satan will not hinder this family.

Lesson 2 from Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

1. Retirement doesn't mean not working, it means freedom.

2. Intelligence solves problems and produces money. Use my brain. Think through things, stay educated, look for opportunities to have money work for me. Once you have money, make sure you also have financial knowledge.

3. Know the difference between an asset and a liability and buy assets. Assets produce money, liabilities spend your money.

4. Ask if what I am doing makes sense financially. Going to work? Buying something?

5. Don't let fear control me. Don't be afraid to go against the flow or the norm. Don't be afraid to stand out. Don't conform.

6. As my income increases, invest in assets and let the assets further increase my income instead of increasing my expenses by spending my income on liabilities.

7. Before increasing my expenses, increase the cash flow from the asset column to cover the new expenses.

Operator's Story-FMS-Part 3

Another step in my journey with Fibromyalgia has been emotional. I have begun to stabilize emotionally. I had reached a point emotionally, after dealing with constant pain, that I was asking God why He still had me on the earth. What good could I do? What good was being accomplished by my living in constant, debilitating pain? Really, I had slipped into a state of depression unaware.

A couple of months after starting Zija, I overheard my husband make a comment to one of his sisters that sums up the journey I am on. He told his sister that he felt like he had been given back the girl he married. I am on a journey to regain my life thanks to a compassionate friend who shared Zija! I am eagerly anticipating the next stage in my amazing journey with Zija.

Difficult to Do

One of the hardest things for me to do right now is apply the following principle from my mentor: "Give 100% of yourself and expect nothing in return and you will never be disappointed." Wow, that's a difficult principle to apply! Go ahead, try it! Another really difficult principle to apply is, "Do not expect gratitude for things you do for others." If you expect gratitude and you don't get it, you are robbing yourself of the joy of giving. That thought and lesson is from another book I am reading, How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie.

Lesson 1 from Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

1. Don't work for money.
2. Fear is why people work for money instead of overcoming that fear by making money work for you. Points 1-2 are great conversation pieces to have when discussing business.
3. Use your emotions to help you think instead of thinking with your emotions. Don't become emotionally involved when things happen in your business.
4. Life--how do you handle it when it pushes you around? Do you give in, give up, or push back? Do you learn the lesson that life is trying to teach you so you can move on? You either give it, fight back, or learn and move on.
5. Stop blaming others and realize you are the problem. If you blame your boss, you have to try to change him. If you blame the government, you have to try to change it. Accept the blame yourself and change yourself.

Operator's Story-FMS-Part 2

My Amazing Story--Part 2
Another battle in fibromyalgia I began to win was the battle against pain. I had spent years being afraid of someone touching me. Imagine shying away from all human contact, including your spouse! That was the life I was living. The reason I was living that life was due to the fact when someone touched me it either caused muscle spasms or it felt as though that person was pushing on bruises on my body. Thanks to Zija, those sensations started receding! Those few results were more than enough to convince me that there was truly something special about Zija.

The discovery period was not complete though! I have seen a great improvement with my allergy problems and with my legs staying cramped after I started Zija. The journey continues-I began interacting with people again. My friends have noticed a definite difference in my personality. I have been asked to tell them what has happened. I now had energy and emotion left at the end of my teaching day to invest in others! I started becoming more outgoing, too.

Wisdom from the Word (and a few thoughts from me)

The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. (Proverbs 18:10 KJV)

~Safety! Great concept that many people are longing for.

He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. (Proverbs 18:13 KJV)

~We've all heard that we need to think before we speak but how often do we hear that we need to listen before we speak? If we don't know the whole story, perhaps we should abstain from speaking.

A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24 KJV)

A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape. (Proverbs 19:5 KJV)

A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish. (Proverbs 19:9 KJV)

~There's something to be said about God repeating Himself.

Operator's Story-FMS-Part 1

My Amazing Journey-the beginning of the Operator's story

September 7, 2009, is a day etched in my memory, a turning point for my life. Hopeless is the choice word to describe my life physically, emotionally, and mentally. Living with the chronic pain of fibromyalgia had taken its toll on me. Only two things kept me functioning-my faith in Jesus and my sheer stubbornness.

Fibromyalgia had impacted my life in such a way that my life style had changed, my thought process was altered, and even my personality was transformed. That disease had slowly impacted my life in such subtle ways that I had not realized it until after my amazing journey had begun. In fact, I am continuing to see areas in my life where fibromyalgia had changed me.

My life is dramatically improving thanks to a friend who had compassion for me. My friend, Jake Witte, told me that he could change my life if I would let him. I am so thankful that Jake saw a need and knew how to help me. He introduced me to Zija--the miracle tree product. After only three days of consuming Zija, the first result I had was energy. When you have fibromyalgia, one struggle you endure is fatigue. The fatigue I faced was caused by the combination of not sleeping well (which Zija has also take care of) and the constant battle with pain.

Growth

Life is about growing; if you're not growing, you're dying. Because I choose life, I choose growth. I don't know about the rest of you out there, but for me, I learn lessons the best when they are hard. Since the lessons are sometimes hard, I work to not repeat them. This blog will be filled with my times of growth, which will cover growing spiritually, emotionally, mentally, physically, and socially. Join me on my journey!