To Visit ...the verb

Visit \vi-zet\ verb: 1: to go to see in order to comfort or help 2: to call on either as an act of courtesy or friendship 3: to dwell with for a time as a guest.

I had an "aha" moment this weekend. One of the things that I miss so much that I used to do as a child is visiting family, friends and acquaintances on the weekends....every weekend. Often we would go with our parents on Friday nights to my Aunt Bernice and Uncle Ed's home near Outer Drive and State Fair. My parents and aunt and uncle would play canasta or Michigan rummy while we played with our cool older cousins. We would dance to 96 Tears by Question Mark and the Mysterians (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7uC5m-IRns). We always ordered Buddy's Pizza from the "original" store on Conant. I remember how delicious it was with Faygo orange pop at midnight. Sometimes we would actually stop by the Top Hat hamburger on 8 mile and get a whole bag of burgers. My Dad must have had the munchies after a couple of shots and beers. The buns on those warm hamburgers would be almost soaked through before we got to eat them when we arrived at home. Not a great idea right before bed!

On Sundays we would visit both sets of grandparents. I loved that because my grandpa Surdel would always give us silver dollars. While he spoke hardly any English, he always had the greatest smile on his face when he snuck us a coin without my Mom seeing him.

These were magical times and the memories are so very clear. I wonder if we have lost the art of "to visit, the verb" in our crazy busy world. I know that I have not been the best visitor.

Make a plan to visit family, friends and acquaintances more often. Stay connected, not only during the Christmas season but all year long. Connecting with people makes our lives better and makes great memories. I hope you can rekindle a friendship, comfort an old friend or make someone's day by your presence. "Reach out and touch somebody's hand, make this world a better place if you can." (http://www.allmusic.com/album/reach-out-and-touch-the-very-best-of-diana-ross-mw0000711299)

To Your Best Health,

Denise Lovat
Certified Health Coach

Visit my website for tips on how to survive the holidays without gaining weight: http://www.deniselovathealthcoach.com
Go the to Services Page and at the Request Information Box type in : HOLIDAY TIPS and hit send.

What is vitamin "G" and what can it do for YOU?

We have all seen people I would call "up with People" who are never in a bad mood. These people used to really annoy me, especially when I was at a low point in my life or  when I let myself be in a bad mood. HOW CAN ANYONE BE THAT HAPPY ALL THE TIME! ICK.

I have a hunch that one of the things they have going for them is vitamin "G," GRATITUDE.

In my health coach training we were exposed to an exercise where we wrote down three things every night before bed that we were grateful for. It was an interesting exercise for me. The first couple of nights I actually had a hard time thinking of three things I was grateful for. I was making it too hard. 

• I am grateful for getting up this morning.
• I am grateful for my four limbs.
• I am grateful for my eye sight.
• I am grateful for a home to live in.
• I am grateful that I am able bodied and can leave my house each day.
• I am grateful for my two sisters for their support.

This gratitude exercise started to accelerate and get easier as I wrote in my journal each night.  My overall mood shifted to more positive and the little things that would normally annoy me, did not. I have been sporadic at writing in the journal lately and I am glad I ran across this 21 Day Gratitude Challenge which starts on November 7, as a reminder.

Try it! See what can happen in 21 days. I would love to hear your results.
Sign up for the challenge, it is free and you will be a part of a community of kindness, what could be better.

http://www.kindspring.org/21day/

I would like to thank my IIN classmate for posting this challenge on facebook.

To Your Best Health,

Denise Lovat
Certified Holistic Health Coach

Visit my website complimentary Raw Energy Bites Recipes http://www.deniselovathealthcoach.com
Go the to Services Page and at the Request Information Box : type in RAW RECIPES