THE NETI POT...

If you don't have one of these, get one. It's an essential cold season accessory! For those of you who may not know what a Neti Pot is, it's a nasal passage cleaner. I know it seems gross and isn't the most attractive thing to do, but once you try it, you will be hooked. My advice is this... Do it by yourself, shut the door to the bathroom, and whatever you do... DON'T look in the mirror (unless you are into that kind of thing of course)! Here is the one I have. There are lots of models out there, so just find one you like and go for it. I will spare everyone the images of the actual usage, because as I said, it's not pretty. If you want to see, there are plenty of images online, and videos too (once again, if you are into that kind of thing). Happy nasal cleansing!

CHICKEN SOUP...

Never underestimate the power of good old fashioned homemade chicken noodle soup to cure that pesky winter cold. Over the weekend I felt like I was knocking on deaths door. My wonderful husband, Jay, made me some soup yesterday, and I am a functioning human being again. Yes, I did rest, but I am convinced it was the soup that made me right again.
AND... I am not the only one... my dad also had a nasty cold, and after my mom took Jay's cue and made him soup, he too is feeling much better.
I would suggest adding lots of healthy veggies to your chicken soup- Jay added carrots, celery, onion, scallions, green beans, peas and potatoes. You really can't go wrong with more veggies. It's a great way to boost the vitamins and help you heal.
I'm telling you... soup works!

NOT TO TOOT MY OWN HORN...

But I am a great teacher.
Ok, so maybe there was some tooting involved there. However, I am simply repeating what I have been hearing lately from my students... and really, who am I to argue??
In all seriousness, there is nothing better than hearing that you are doing a good job at something you love and believe in. What's even better is hearing it from someone, usually a complete stranger, who has nothing to gain from giving you the compliment. Someone who feels strongly enough about it to let you know. So, what I am saying is, if you come across someone who is doing a great job, or who inspires you... Tell them. It doesn't have to be a grand gesture, a simple statement goes a long way. "Thanks for the class. You are a great teacher." I tell you, it means the world.
It's easy to complain or give negative feedback, and a lot of times the good stuff just goes unsaid. I say, say it!

FRESH AIR...

It's so amazing to me that this is something rare, which I long for. It seems so mundane and obvious... Of course you can find fresh air- go outside. But no. Being in the city we forget that what we are breathing in is air, yes, but fresh?? I have just been to the country/mountains, my friends, and let me tell you- THAT is fresh air! It's like a magic elixir, a wonder drug. When you breath in that fresh clean mountain air, you can't help but feel ALIVE! Your whole body is recharged. It's like you are breathing into every inch of yourself, from the top of your head down to your pinky toe... There is nothing like it. I encourage all you city folk to get out, far out, and breathe in some of this rare and elusive fresh air. I promise you will thank me.

JANUARY...

The month we all get to start over, do something new, like say... write a blog. For most of us it is the month we try to undo what we did over the past two months, or better yet pretend it didn't happen. The month that the excuse "It's the holidays" is no longer acceptable. It's here again.
This year I am not going to get overwhelmed by setting crazy goals and putting tons of pressure on myself. New Years resolutions are good, but I think a better way to approach it is to just take it one day at a time. Say to yourself, "What can I do today to live to my fullest potential?" Instead of saying "I have to lose 10 pounds by Februaury", say "Today I am going to eat healthfully and exercise." Then you feel great when you do those things and attain that small goal you have set, which is much better than hopping on the scale Februaury 1st and realizing you didn't lose the 10 lbs and feeling disappointed and somehow like a failure. If you wake up every day with the intention of living to your fullest potential then odds are you WILL lose those pounds or whatever your goal may be.