"Find the Good in 2020" Weekly Wisdom

 

What is one good thing that has happened for you in 2020?

I know, I know, 2020 has been pretty bonkers. But I am getting pretty exhausted with hearing all the negativity and "wish this year was over" talk. If you are able to talk, walk and breathe - I am going to put this our there and say, there is something good happening for you in 2020. 

I also am not diminishing everything that is happening or what everyone is going through. I know there is a level of difficulty, stress and sadness being experienced all around us. I also know there is goodness happening everywhere too. 

People are talking more, connecting, finding commonalities, eating dinner together, baking, gardening and finding tiny joys in life we have been too busy to pay attention to but have always wanted to. People are pulling back their "on demand" desires of I want it now and I am going to get it or do it. People giving of themselves, of their time, resources and financially. People are waking up to injustices in our society and not subscribing to the "if it's not broke, don't fix it" mentality. If 2020 wouldn't have happened and currently is happening, none of this would have occurred. 

I ask of you, stop contributing to the 2020 bashing with memes, complaints, eye rolls and wishes of the year to be over. I ask you to find the good in each day and celebrate it. Share the good, start the positive talk and stop the negative talk. Positivity looks good on you. 

There is good happening all around us everyday, even in 2020. 

#embracethehellyeah

~AE

"We're The Same" Weekly Wisdom

What similarities do you share with the people you love?

I share the same blue eyes as my Dad.  I share hints of red hair with my Mom and Gramma Alice. I share utter and complete goofiness with my friend Carlena. I share being tall with my Grandma Josie. I share my love for onions with my Grandpa Herbie. I share a love for the beach with my friend Brenda. 

I share the desire to have fun, be with friends, giggle, watch Bugs Bunny, my love of Life cereal, playing golf (sometimes), eating taco salads and making nachos, Reese's peanut butter cups and many other things with my sister Kate - because we are more alike than different. 

While it is good to be unique and be your own person, it is even more important to recognize everyone has similarities. We all want to be loved by family and friends. We all want to feel important by the life we live through the work we do and the things we accomplish. We all want to be treated equally in the place we live. We want to be given opportunities based on our skills and abilities. We want to be paid equally and fairly. We want no problems with activities of daily living. 

But these wants are not fulfilled for everyone. 

The reason I shared about disabilities this past month is my frustration with the discrimination in the population. One that hits close to home with my sister.  My sister had an intellectual disability and struggled her whole life to find those similarities with everyone, including me. I loved my sister sooo much but still had times of frustration and sister-like differences. But, I still could have been a better sister.  

 We were more alike than different and I struggled to understand, especially when we were young. The way she felt, the things she wanted in life, how she loved, how she was sad, how she was frustrated, how she was having fun, how our parents and family loved us - we were the same. We will always be the same. There were few other things that made us different like how we learned to read and write. Nothing that would ever change my view of her or how capable she was, which is untrue of what society thinks of the people deemed "disabled."  There is nothing disabled about them. They want what we want in life and they deserve all the things in life. They deserve to share their passions, purpose and abilities with the world we live in - whatever they may be. They deserve this opportunity. 

The next time you see someone who you feel is "different" than you, in any way, change your thoughts and look at how you're the same. 

#embracethehellyeah

~AE

"Wanting to Work" Weekly Wisdom

If you knew you were making less than half of minimum wage per hour at your job, would you be excited to work?

Insert sub-minimum wage. Have you heard of this before? First, I want you to take in some numbers before I explain this more. 

There are 40.6 million people or 12.6% of total civilian noninstitutionalized population with a disability in the United States in 2018 per the 2018 American Community Survey

Out of that 40.6 million people, 7.6 million of the total civilian noninstitutionalized population ages 18 to 64 employed with a disability in 2018.

$23,848 is the median earnings in the past 12 months (in 2018 inflation adjusted dollars) of the civilian noninstitutionalized population age 16 and over with earnings and a disability in 2018.

Out of the small population of people with disabilities who are actually hired, many receive sub-minimum wages. There are many different ranges of those hired to work and what they are paid. Even as little as 3 cents on the dollar. 

What? 

The reason employers can pay such low wages is due to a loophole in the 1938 Fair Labors Standards Act. A cause allowing any company with a 14 (c) certificate to pay wages based on productivity or ability, even at rates below the minimum wage. See a list of these certificate holders here:  https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/workers-with-disabilities/section-14c/certificate-holders.

One area of specific interest of mine is how employers justify these sub-minimum-wages by saying they’re providing the workers with vocational training and jobs for those who otherwise never find one. These jobs are part of "community rehab programs" or “sheltered workshops.”  These programs are supported both by non-profit and private funding. They receive both federal and private contracts allowing them to use the labor of disabled workers. Some common jobs are food preparation, cleaning, secretarial work like filing and shredding, sorting aluminum cans, or assembling items. The theory of these programs is to employ those with disabilities, teach them a skill or trade so they can transition into other jobs. There are some great programs out there doing the best they can to service the population they have, as there are many humans in need of this kind of support both mentally, socially and monetarily. Unfortunately, sub-minimum wage does not do a lot as far as monetary support while they are working in the program. However programs will also help their clients of any ability find work outside of the program and clients can earn the same wage as their co-workers. 

Currently, Alaska, Maryland, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, the City of Seattle, Texas, Oregon (phasing out by 2023) all have eliminated sub-minimum wage. 

Hawaii, Washington, Minnesota, Kentucky and Illinois all have legislation out to end sub-minimum wage.

The more you know...

Next week, I will bring this all together for you. 

#embracethehellyeah

~AE

 

"Disabilities Affect Everyone" Weekly Wisdom

 

What or who do you think of when you hear the word disability?

Many different things comes to mind to each individual because of their own experiences.  Disabilities come in all shapes and sizes.  A disability is any condition of the body or mind (impairment) that makes it more difficult for the person with the condition to do certain activities (activity limitation) and interact with the world around them (participation restrictions). There are many different types of disabilities but most of them fall into these categories:

Developmental, Vision, Movement, Thinking, Remembering, Learning, Communicating, Hearing, Mental health, Social relationships

There are 61 million people in the United States living with a disability. That is 1 in every 4 people or 26% of the population with the leading groups being adults over 65 years of age, women and Non-Hispanic/American Indians/Alaska Natives. 

The National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs identified nearly 1 in 5 children ages 12-17 as having special healthcare needs,1 and the American Community Survey estimates that more than 1.3 million U.S. young people ages 16-20 have a disability.

I want you to take a little time this week and think about the variances in disabilities and the statistics in our country. On a day to day basis, we are not thinking of different levels affecting someones everyday life. Disabilities are not always recognizable. Which is even more reason to be kind to EVERYONE you encounter each day. As a community, we all are affected and we all can be a part of the solution for human rights. 

#embracethehellyeah

~AE

1 Health Resources & Services Administration, Maternal & Child Health Bureau. (2013). The National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs. Chartbook 2009-2010, p. 9. Retrieved from https://mchb.hrsa.gov/cshcn0910/

"Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990" Weekly Wisdom

Are you familiar with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990?

July 26th of 2020 marked the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Something I should be aware of, but really wasn't. This happened in my lifetime, I was a freshman in high school and have no recollection of it at all. I am downright pissed at my adult self for not knowing. Which is why over the next few weeks, I am going to share some of the things I have learned. 

Many injustices has been brought to light against human beings in my lifetime and I do not agree with any of them. But this one, people with disabilities, is under the radar. Where is the justice, riots and outcry for them?  This population seems to ALWAYS be overlooked and forgotten. 

The groundbreaking legislation was introduced into the Senate in 1988 by Iowa Senator Tom Harkin. Why? Because his older brother Frank was deaf and he saw all the struggles his brother had, fueling his desire to help. The ADA would provide comprehensive civil rights protection for people for the first time in our nations history instead of people with disabilities being discriminated against. 

Throughout history, people with disabilities have been feared, ridiculed and excluded from public places. They were not allowed in schools, denied the right to vote, pushed into institutions to live because of how they looked or acted, and even sterilized. There were barely any accommodations for in public building or transportation for adaptive equipment like wheels chairs. There was stigma, making people with disabilities a medical issue instead of a civil rights issue. 

The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. The purpose of the law is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. The ADA gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications. The ADA is divided into five titles (or sections) that relate to different areas of public life -  and these are just the basics.  

Did you know 1 in every 5 people in the United States has a disability?

#embracethehellyeah

~AE

"Do Things Your Way" Weekly Wisdom

When was the last time you changed something in your routine?

The last time was when I changed my laundry detergent. I have always gotten the same laundry detergent my parents got, because they are older and wiser and that's what a daughter does. Until the daughter doesn't anymore and navigates her own way and wants to try something different. I am a creature of habit and have taken all the nuggets of wisdom from my parents and applied them to my own life. Makes sense right?  They have lived longer than me and know more than I do.  But what if I did something different or tried to do something my own way?  Would they be mad?  Will it fail?  Will I fail?

Just because things are always done a certain way, doesn't mean you can't question it and try out something new. It can be scary, the unknown always is but it can be exciting. I think 2020 has proved to us all that things don't always have to be done the same way and it is scary and it is exciting. We are not doing anything the same way, socializing, shopping, vacationing - everything is different. So why not look at everything going on in your life?

Changing things up is good!  I know I am a creature of habit and have found making little tweaks in my routine has resulted in improvements. I am saving time, saving money and eliminating excess steps or things I don't really need. I am realizing just because I have always done things a certain way doesn't mean it has to stay this way - and it applies to all areas in my life. My home, my work, my relationships have all benefitted by mixing things up. There have been some failures of course, but I can go back to what worked before. No big deal!  I wouldn't have known unless I tried. 

By all means, stick to things that are working for you but don't be afraid to try it a different way. It is what makes your life yours and yourself uniquely you. 

#embracethehellyeah

~AE

“Don’t Yuck My Yum” Weekly Wisdom

How many times have you said something negative about food?

I love food and I know I have said "yuck" numerous times in my life. It wasn't until I started doing a nutrition program for elementary children called "Pick A Better Snack" did I realize this is a really ugly word. Each month during the school year, I go into a local elementary school and discuss a certain fruit or vegetable with all classes grade K through 3rd. I talk about the origins of the produce item, how to choose and use, the health benefits and show the kiddos what it looks like. Then we get to taste the item. I talk with them about not using words like "ew, gross and yuck" because those are negative words and may discourage our school friends not to try it a new yummy and delicious food. 

This has made me realize, I need to stop using these words too - especially as adults. 

How can we expect kids and adults and all people to explore new foods if dietitians use such negative words surrounding food?

Everyone has different taste buds and different food experiences. As a dietitian, I have my own food preferences but I also realize I need to retry many foods I used to say "yuck" to and be mindful of pushing my own food opinions onto others. Because someones yuck may be someones yum and vice versa. 

It doesn't matter what age you are, toss out the word yuck - and embrace a little more yum in your life. 

#embracethehellyeah

~AE

"Never Be Afraid" Weekly Wisdom

Was there a time something ended in your life and you had to start over?

Endings of meaningful things in your life are hard. There is always a chance things will end:  friendships, relationships, life, jobs, awesome vacations, even luck. When I think of things that have ended it my life, sometimes I am soooo glad they ended and then there are some where I am sad they ended. Sometimes we have a choice and sometimes we do not. 

The biggest thing to remember is to not be afraid to start over. 

If it wasn't your choice, if it broke your heart, if it was something or someone you loved, if it was something you have always done...you can start over. You can learn from your endings and let yourself have new beginnings. There is a reason for the change, you're the reason. We never learn anything from our comfort zones. Perseverance prevails when you grow and find strength in what knocks you for a loop.

I hope you find the strength from what "encourages" you to start over. You never know all the possibilities unless you let yourself be a little afraid, dust yourself off and be open to all the things in the world awaiting you. 

#embracethehellyeah

~AE

"Riding It Till the Wheels Fall Off" Weekly Wisdom

Do you ever have one of those days full of chaos where all you can do is laugh?

I have had them more often lately, that's for sure and all I can do is think of this quote. I am in it to win it and I am going to ride this until the wheels fall off - whether it be the vessel of my body, my professional life, my personal life - any part of my life. Don't get me wrong, I am very happy to have all of it, even when the wheels get a little rough along the ride. 

And the more things that come at us, the more bumps and bruises those wheels get. It is all about how we fix them and keep going. There will be days I get grumpy, there will be days I will not let it bother me and there will be days I will cry out all the tears left in my eyes. All of these days remind me how far I have come and the strength I have to carry on.

How do you keep going? 

There is so much happening in our world right now. I hope you are finding your place and understanding your purpose in it all. I hope you are weathering the bumps and bruises. But most of all, I hope you know everyone is feeling it. Everyone is trying to keep going, move forward and finding the positive place they can thrive in. Maybe that's what riding it till the wheels fall off means:  keep going, find your peace but don't expect a smooth ride.  Always remember those bumps along the way and find joy in the place you are when the wheels do fall off.         

#embracethehellyeah

~AE

                       

"Be A Better Preceptor" Weekly Wisdom

Have you been or currently are a preceptor for future dietitians?

I have been a preceptor since I started my first job out of my internship. I knew it was something I wanted to do after I had such a great experience with preceptors in my own internship. I also knew it was a key component to the success and future of our profession. We can't make this profession survive and thrive without preceptors. 

Over the past few months, I have seen a lot of things that have upset me when it comes to interns and other dietitians speaking up about their internship and experiences. I am grateful these topics are coming up, as there is a need for reform of the internship process and programs. I am also saddened there are MANY people having bad experiences in what should be the part of their education preparing them for their first job and looks into what being a dietitian is. 

There is NO room for bad experiences in an internship and working with a preceptor. 

If you are not being the BEST preceptor that you can be, meaning a preceptor who is educating, helpful, attentive and being an all around mentor for an intern, then you need to STOP doing it. If you dread when an intern starts because it will slow your day down and will decrease productivity then do not say yes when a program calls you. You are doing a disservice to the intern who has paid a lot of money to learn everything they can from you. The person who has agreed to be there for them, with them in this experience. 

On the first day an intern is with me, I tell them I want them to have a good experience. I do not expect them to do my work and be there for 12 hours a day. I want them to get what they want to experience from their time from me, ask questions, have conversations and give them time to work on the 800 assignments they have to do along being with me. I want them to know I am here for them and will support them along this stressful time, but will always be honest with them. And at the end of their time with me, I hope they learned something and had fun. 

There is a need for change in our whole internship process, but let's do what we can right now to be great preceptors and lead our future dietitians in the right direction. 

#embracthehellyeah

~AE

"Social Media Mania" Weekly Wisdom

Who else out there falls into the social media black hole?

It truly is a black whole. You click on one video, 2 hours and 16 videos later, poof! That time is forever gone. This is exactly why I spend very little time on You Tube. Not because I don't like it but because I correlate it to a shopping trip to Target. You go in to watch one thing and leave 2 hours later having watched 50 things. 

I grew up when there was no social media (thank goodness). I didn't have a computer or a phone when I was in high school and most of college. Think of all the time I had then! I was wealthy with time. Within the last few years, I found myself getting stuck in social media mania, playing the comparison game, having anxiety if I did have the perfect post go out, and feeling I always needed to be doing more. 

I have stopped all of this nonsense. 

Social media has so many wonderful qualities, I have met some of the most wonderful people and look forward to meeting more. I have gained knowledge about many thing that interest me. I have had the ability to share my conversation with amazing humans across the world. But social media also has that sneaky dark side which has been very troubling to me lately. I can tell it is affecting my mood and my sleep - which is not good. Just like everything else in life, I have had to set up boundaries with social media and it gave me so much life back!  With time being our biggest currency, going down the social media rabbit hole really does not have a place. 

I ask you to be careful with yourself on how you use social media in your life. To think it did not exist not that long ago and what was once trending on platforms to use does not exist anymore. What will happen in the future? It's all going to change...so be ready. If you're putting a lot of your time into social media, really calculate your return on investment. You may be missing out on things bringing true value and meaning to your life. 

#embracethehellyeah

~AE

"Life is Short" Weekly Wisdom

When was the last time your body reminded you of your age?

It was 3 weeks ago for me. I had done a few silly things, like slip down a few stairs, not stretch well before my first round of golf, increase my weights during strength training and baked a cake for 3 hours. And the perfect storm happened...to my back. First it was a strange twinge in my lower back, which turned into my whole middle back seizing up and then ending with a large sneeze one morning before work, resulting in a fractured rib. 

W. T. H. 

I am a young lass, so I thought - until my body reminded me I am not. Three doctor visits, muscle relaxers, epsom salt baths, daily stretching, a round of steroids and currently now on week two of physical therapy and I am gradually starting to feel like myself again but with a completely different mindset. 

I have got to slow down my body. It cannot go full force without pause and intention. I must stretch for at least 10-15 minutes before I head out for a round of golf. I must not exercise like I did in my twenties and most of all, I probably should ask for help when I am broken instead of thinking I can do it all myself. 

Life is short and I want to be in the best shape I can be to live it without having to take a 3 week sabbactical from normal activity. I've done a great job of slowing down when it comes to packing my schedule full of activities but I have not done a great job at slowing down my physical body. This was the wake-up call I needed and for you, a friendly reminder to be kind to your body. Life is short and your body has to make it through to the end. It doesn't need to go through a daily beating with any activity you are not fully enjoying for any amount of time you like. 

Just remember to stretch. 

#embracethehellyeah

~AE

“Do Better” Weekly Wisdom

Are you doing and being the best human you can be?

I hope we are all doing the best we can in our lives. This is one thing I journal about each day, how was I better today?  This idea of being better, doing better is something that should be at the forefront of each start of the day. 

If you are not working on being better, how can you expect others to do the same?  We must set an example for the other humans in our lives who are watching us, listening to us. There are more eyes on you than you know, especially in the social media landscape. There are people who look up to you and you might not even know it. So if this is true, what are you showing them?  Are you showing them your best?

We can all do better. 

The question is, are you willing to do the work it takes to be better?

Start in your own circles, the people who get to share a part of everyday with you. Your family, your friends and even your social media circles. Show them how being better happens in your life and show them everyday. In tumultuous times like these, we get fired up, engage and put a lot of effort to be better. Then it wears off after weeks, months, years. The issues are still there, but our engagement wears off. Don't let it. And if you keep it present in your everyday life, then you're doing better. 

Learn, listen, engage, and be consistent in doing better. 

#embracethehellyeah

~AE

"Opening Up America" Weekly Wisdom

The world is opening back up, where are you going first?

I officially just broke my first nail, I need a haircut. I am waiting to reschedule my dentist appointment and need to schedule my yearly lady appointment and physical. But it can all wait. I am not going to break out of my house like I haven't seen daylight in 6 weeks. 

I am just going home. 

Logically, in my head, there is nothing I need to do immediately. I am not going crazy or feeling trapped. I have not felt this way through the whole quarantine. I have actually loved every single minute. It might be because I am still working and I get that interaction with my co-workers and other humans each day but I think it is more than that. I had to slow down.  I had to go home after work each night because nothing else was open. I didn't go visit family and friends because I am exposed to a lot of people and did not want to risk being a carrier and getting my Mom or my 94 year old gramma sick. I didn't get to hop on a plane and jet set around the world at my leisure. I didn't get to go to the concerts I had bought tickets to. 

I am 100% okay with all of it. 

I am thriving now more than ever. I am getting 7-8 hours of sleep consistently. I am exercising everyday and enjoying it. I am cooking more and creating meals I look forward to eating. I am reading, watching movies I have always wanted to see and journaling more. I am feeling inspired, full of energy and joy. I am looking forward to seeing the faces of the people I love in person but I am going to be more thoughtful of how I spend my time with them. I am thinking more of what I really want to do with my life, places I want to visit and things I want to learn. I am keeping this whole "pause" in life in perspective when developing my future plans. 

But for now and for the next months, I am still planning on just going home, to do my part in this recovery effort of our new normal. Because for me, things will not go back to how they always were and I don't want them to.

#embracethehellyeah

~AE

"What is Your Food Superpower?" Weekly Wisdom

What is your food superpower?

I remember when I was little, my grandpa would pick up my sister and I after dinner for a 3 wheeler ride. He would take us out to the farm and we sometimes would snack along the way. We would stop by the mulberry trees and coat our lips and fingers in different shades of purple and then we would stop by his garden and snack on fresh peas from the pod. My absolute favorite is when he would pull the long and skinny spring onions before they turned round and plump and let me eat them to my hearts content. I can still taste how delicious they were. There is nothing like food fresh from the earth.  

I have tried a few times to grow things. I really kind of suck at it. I have sustained the life of a few house plants but as far as growing food...not so much. I have managed a few herbs here and there, one tomato plant and that's about it. I keep trying each year but I have decided I am much better at eating plants than growing them. And I welcome all kinds of plants in all forms, as long as I do not have to grow them. 

There is a lot of patience and a lot of work that goes into growing and supplying our food to us. Just thinking about having to help with a garden by pulling weeds and watering is a lot of work, think of that on a grander scale?  Farmers and ranchers of all kinds are all committed to growing the food we depend on. Empty shelves in the grocery store can cause concerns but it would be even more concerning if fields weren't planted and barns were empty. Farmers and ranchers cannot stop planting their crops or stop caring for their animals. They are #StillFarming during all questionable times we go through. 

Everyday, I am beyond grateful for those who produce our food as I grab my milk, spinach, blueberries and chia seeds and make my morning smoothie. We are so lucky to have so many options of nutritious and safe food. I am so lucky I do not have to grow or produce my own food (it would be a little dicey). 

I thank them all for their food growing superpower and will continue to use mine to consume their delicious products. 

#embracethehellyeah

~AE

"All Dietitian Jobs Matter" Weekly Wisdom

What job do you have as a Dietitian?

There are many places a dietitian can work and ALL of them are important. 

Right now, clinical dietitians are showing up each day during the pandemic for their patients and co-workers. They are on the front lines everyday and I think the world of them. I always have. I was one. Knowing what is it like being in this role, makes me sing the praises of dietitians who have a passion for clinical. There is not one clinical dietitian who ever expected to be millionaire because the job is more about the work they do and the people they serve. Not about the money. 

If you are doing a job because it's all about the money, then you're not focused on big picture. Yes, money is important but there is more to life than money. It might be time to truly look at yourself and see if there is something missing in your life if money is the priority. There are MANY dietitians working in jobs they love regardless of their paychecks. There are many dietitians creating jobs they love, regardless of the paychecks. There is no "one-size-fits-all" dietitian job and do not let anyone make you second guess the career choices you have made as a dietitian. 

There are many dietitians feeling "less than" because they are not making five figures a month or not working in an area of dietetics where it appears the person is "killing it" financially. You are not less- than, you are doing what fills your cup. And if you aren't, then it is time to find the role that will, regardless of what your bank account says at the end of the week. 

All dietitian jobs matter. 

#embracethehellyeah

AE

"Essential" Weekly Wisdom

What do you deem "essential?"

I have thought a lot about this word and definition a lot over the past 3 weeks. I have never thought about a word or definition that long in my entire life. I don't think anyone has. But have you really thought about what is essential in your life?

I am an essential worker right now. I am also an essential daughter and friend. My mom is an essential human in my life, so are my other heartbeats. In the terms of human life, that is what essential means to me. 

But then there are things, things we "think" are essential but really they are not. Pringles are not essential. Easter candy is not essential. Getting my nails and hair done is not essential. Going to movies, walking around a mall, gambling - those are not essential. And I can't believe I am going to say this, but Netflix is not essential. 

As I have been thinking of what I would deem essential outside of humans in my life, I am struggling with it. I have come accustomed to a way of life and have always thought everything I need (or do I just want it) would be right at my fingertips. This situation is an incredible hard slap in the face of reality. Nothing is every guaranteed in our lives, even people or things I have determined to be essential. I hope I will always have water to drink. I hope I will have food to eat. I hope I will have clothes to wear and a bed to sleep in. I hope my family and friends live forever. 

After my many days of how I could define essential in my life and that would be:  having human connection, just enough food to fuel my abilities I have been graciously given and being kind. 

Take a moment today (or 3 weeks if you need it) and create your definition. 

#embracethehellyeah

~AE

"Are You Bored?" Weekly Wisdom

Be honest, have you ever said "you are bored?"

I might internalize a tiny little scream each time I see someone saying they are bored or are having a hard time with finding things to do during this quarantine time. If you are counting the days, you are doing it all wrong. You're not seeing the opportunity in this time to do things you never seem to find the time to do. This time is a gift! Think of all the people who are not getting to stay home or work from home. Take that thought in for a moment. 

How many times in the past have you been concerned with your ability to find the time to read that book, or write that short story or fix a project in your home?  How many times did you wish you had more time with your special someone to talk, have dinner with your family, get that workout in, spend time with your kids or even just take a nap?  Now is the time. There is no reason to be putting anything off. There is no reason for counting the days of being indoors and not doing your best to make the most of it. 

Thank you for doing your part by staying home. Thank you for not going on unnecessary outings. Thank you for not hoarding food and supplies. Thank you for keeping your distance between other humans. Thank you for NEVER saying you are bored. 

If you feel this phrase creep up to your lips, take a moment to check in with yourself and ask "am I boring?" and remind yourself you are not. 

#embracethehellyeah

~AE

"Are Your Commitments Bringing You Joy? Weekly Wisdom

Share with me one thing you have been doing in your daily life you have realized 

does not bring you joy. 

Thank you to my friend Haley for bringing up this very important topic. 

Never before in our entire lives have we experienced anything like this. It has made us stop everything we do on a regular basis. Most of these things, we just did unconsciously. We can honestly do anything we want at any time as we have turned into "on-demand" people. If I want a chocolate covered potato chip, I could probably find one at 11:50 pm. Need some toothpaste at 7 am, not a problem. There is no need to plan or buy a back-up of anything just-in-case.  Go to the coffee shop to work and sip. Book a last minute flight for a weekend getaway, no problem!  Head to a movie on a rainy afternoon or catch a baseball game with the family because you have nothing to do on a weekend, sounds good. 

Until now. 

Right now is the perfect time to really evaluate everything you are doing in your life. Make a list of all the things that have been stopped in your daily schedule on the left side of a piece of paper and to the right of that activity right yes or no for if it brings you joy. If is it a no, then my vote is to stop doing it. Have everyone in your family do it. Maybe your kids are not loving the select basketball team they are playing on. Maybe your spouse does not enjoy getting together with the neighbors. Maybe going to the grocery store every night to grab something for dinner is wearing you out. 

Get some life back and get some joy back. 

#embracethehellyeah

~AE

"Slow Down" Weekly Wisdom

Are you following the recommendations to practice social distancing and stay home?

It is a crazy time. I truly don't think people really understand the significance of what is happening in our world right now. I also know it is hard for us to really take to heart what it means to slow down, pause and stay home. Some of us do not get the opportunity to stay home to work, be with our families, have food be delivered to us, have good health or be able to go without a paycheck. The reality is many of us will not be able to stay home. 

I do not see the need to publicly declare how self quarantine has us on our 8th bottle of wine, being already bored of Netflix, upset about sports and other events being cancelled, not getting to go on your beach vacation, not being able to have play dates or getting your nails done. 

What is so wrong with slowing down?  

You get to be home, catch up on sleep, be with your heartbeats or pets, practice some self care, clean your house, read, work on project you have been meaning to do for 4 years, learn something new, listen to music, cook and sit down for your meals, see the grass turn green, listen to the birds outside, go for a walk, help a neighbor, journal. You don't have to run here and there for practices, appointments, or accomplish the long list of errands we hammer ourselves with each day. The possibilities are endless and none of them involve negative thoughts or emotions. 

This time, right now is the clearest message we all need to slow down. We are doing way too many things that really do not have any meaning at the end of the day. We need to be home more. We need to eat dinner with our families each night. We need to be more present in our lives instead of constantly going on to the next thing in our jam-packed schedules. 

We need to #embracethehellyeah and slow down. 

~AE