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How to avoid getting sick this winter

 Finding balance, Fitness, Self-Care  No Responses »
Dec 262011
 

One of the best tips to follow to avoid getting sick this winter is to focus on prevention.  That means building up your immune system as much as possible.  Other than building up your immune system, you must avoid contracting the viruses that can make you sick.  Following are steps to make sure your immune system is in the best condition and to avoid those germs.

1.  Keep your hands clean!

Make sure to wash your hands whenever possible and keep sanitizer handy.  Even when you are getting together with friends and family instead of going to the mall, you still need to make sure you keep your hands washed frequently and before eating.

2.  Stay hydrated!

Keeping your body hydrated with plenty of water keeps your system less susceptible to viruses.  Water is necessary for our body and mind to function at optimum level and most people don’t get enough.  It is an easy fix!  Always have some with you.

3.  Get enough sleep

Getting at least 6-7 hours of sleep will allow your body to repair itself better and fight sickness.  Make sleep a priority and do what you need to make sure you get enough.  This might mean you need to cut down on alcohol, caffeine or sugar to sleep better.  Make certain your environment and bed-time routine enables you to get the best sleep.  Make sure to get enough sunshine daily to help your body have enough melatonin to help sleep.

4.  Eat healthy

Eating a healthy diet will ensure that your body is getting all the supplements it needs to be healthy and have all the supplements it needs.  It never hurts to take supplements such as vitamin c and zinc as insurance, but keep in mind they do not replace eating well.  The holidays can pose a challenge to our efforts to eat well.  This might mean you need to eat healthy prior to an event or make a commitment to eat small portions of foods that do not help your immune system.

5.  Get enough exercise

Exercise reduces stress and maintains a stronger immune system, making you less prone to illness.  Get out there to burn some calories and boost your spirits at the same time.  Try yoga at home or partner up with a friend to take an aerobic class at your local gym.

 Posted by Pria at 5:23 pm  Tagged with: , ,

Affirmations and meditation

 Finding balance  No Responses »
Dec 182011
 

According to Deepak Chopra, “daily affirmations are steps out of pain toward a higher reality.  We can become living memorials to tragedy by restoring the power of life.  You are that life, you are that power.   The true self contains the light that no darkness can attack.  Daily affirmations are steps out of pain toward a higher reality.  Let us see if we can find the spark that will make the spiritual flame spring up.”  Affirmations and meditation can be the spark to restore our lives.

“Meditation is the practice of going inward to access awareness that is deeper than thought.  Meditation isn’t just a time for peace and quiet, although both are needed.  You are returning to your source.  Make it your habit to find time alone, preferably once in the morning and once in the evening, in which you can close your eyes and go inside.

There are many forms of meditation.  A simple but effective one is meditation on the heart.  Sit quietly for a moment, placing your attention on your heart, at the center of your chest under the breastbone.  When you are settled, repeat the word “peace” silently, and see its influence radiating out from your body in all directions.  Do this three times, and then say the word “happiness” the same way. Repeat three times, then go on to “harmony,” “laughter” and “love.”

For longer meditations, you can use these words for as long as you like.  Start with five minutes a session and work up to half an hour.  Sit quietly for a few minutes after each session with eyes closed and simply appreciate the simplicity of quiet awareness.”

 

Source:  Deepak Chopra

 Posted by Pria at 5:40 pm

Diagnosing Autism

 Autism, Children, Finding balance, Motherhood, Parenting  No Responses »
Dec 122011
 

When I think about the path that led to my daughter’s diagnosis of high-functioning autism in July when almost 2 1/2, I am amazed at how random that path was.  My husband happened to speak with a coworker who was getting some assistance for their child through Child Find.  We wondered about Maya and had her evaluated with the organization when Maya was about 1 1/2.

The results were primarily that there was a speech delay.   She then began to see a speech therapist and occupational therapist.  This service will end when she turns 3 in February.  Soon she will have an evaluation to see if she qualifies for services through the district once she is 3.

Earlier in the year, concerns had been brought up by a therapist regarding autism.  The ball to have her evaluated for the disorder started rolling and was blocked repeatedly by her insurance.  After much pushing and coordination between Child Find and myself with Maya’s insurance, she was given a referral to be evaluated.

I filled out a mountain of paperwork and waited for her evaluation on June 24.  We were lucky to not have had to wait too long, as many people wait a while on a long wait list.  As the evaluation approached, we heard increasingly that she did not seem to have the disorder.  I was just glad to be able to rule it out.  This of course made the actual diagnosis of her having high-functioning autism even more mind-boggling.  Every day, we look at her wondering if there was a mistake – at times it seems it was, and at others it achingly does not.

The material and books to read and learn about autism are immense and daunting.  How does a parent even find the time when we are overwhelmed and exhausted from the extra effort involved in raising a child with autism?  What little I have managed to read so far stands out with the message to look at my daughter specifically as the wonderful human being I know her to be and to learn directly from her about her and not get worried or weighed down by a label.

 

 Posted by Pria at 2:21 pm  Tagged with: ,

Learning About Autism

 Autism, Children, Finding balance, Motherhood, Parenting  No Responses »
Aug 282011
 

Maya 7.18.11

I started to learn about the neurological disorder autism when told my daughter may be on the spectrum.  The disorder is not black and white and has a huge grey range or spectrum where one may fall.  My daughter is fortunately on the high-functioning end.  I hesitate to use the word “fortunate.”  Over-all, I am fortunate to have this human being in my care, no matter where Maya is on the spectrum.  As any parent can appreciate, she is my precious child, no matter what issues she and I need to overcome or manage.

While I was waiting to have Maya evaluated, I was amazed at all the coverage the disorder receives these days.  It’s possible that I was more attuned to the topic and noticed it more due to my situation.  There was mention of the disorder being possibly caused by vaccines and as a result, some parents have refused vaccinations.  This has largely been proven to be a myth and is potentially dangerous to children.  There was mention of potential contaminants in the environment as a possible cause along with genetics.  It’s possible certain environmental situations “activate” the gene.  It is still unknown what definitively causes autism, though it’s generally understood that genes play a role.  It’s possible some relatives in a family have some level or mutation.

A parent can invest considerable energy trying to understand “how” and “why?”  I realized I could surf the web forever trying to get answers.  Meanwhile, Maya needs care and attention.  It became apparent I needed to balance my desire to understand with trying to be the best parent I can be to her now.  Whatever I do understand of her specific needs can be utilized immediately.  In that sense, there was some relief in getting the diagnosis because it helps me to understand some issues that did not make much sense to me.  I have a place to turn to now for answers rather than guessing or doubting myself as a parent.

A resource:

Lack of Eye Contact May Predict Level of Disability in Children with Autism

 Posted by Pria at 3:03 pm  Tagged with: , ,

Overcoming Obstacles

 Finding balance, Goals, Outlook, Personal Growth, Philosophy, Spirituality  No Responses »
Aug 102011
 

The topic of overcoming obstacles has been fascinating to me. How are some people able to come out of challenging situations negatively impacted while others thrive in their lives?

There have been various accounts of people getting caught in a similar difficult situation, but who came out of the experience feeling different – with some less negatively affected than others.  This could have been based on how they perceived their situation and whether they acted to overcome their circumstances and potential negative effect versus becoming passive.

What situations have you felt you’ve overcome well?  Are there tools that you developed that you rely on as a result to continue to overcome difficulties?

I’ve blogged about similar topics along with writing articles for magazines.  I’ve gotten to the point where I wanted to challenge myself with a bigger piece of work.  I’m now polishing up my first (hopefully) ebook entitled:  “In Search of Ganesha, the God of Overcoming Obstacles.”

Look for it within a week!  In it, I share my own experiences on this topic, my reflections, lessons I’ve learned (and still learning), along with tools I’ve found useful that I try to utilize.

Update 8/11/11:  Here is the link to purchase the ebook:  http://uploadnsell.com/buy/k3bEbI

 Posted by Pria at 1:29 pm  Tagged with: ,

An Unexpected Diagnosis

 Causes, Children, Personal Growth  No Responses »
Jul 232011
 

Maya enjoying a Caribbean beach 2 weeks ago

We returned late the night of July 11 from Cancun, Mexico where we had vacationed for a week at the Riviera Maya. It had been an exhausting full day journey from the resort to our city of Denver, CO.  The following day, we had an appointment to get feedback from our daughter Maya’s evaluation for autism, which we had just before leaving.

Maya had been seeing a speech and OT therapist the past year for some delays, but we had been getting very encouraging signs about her progress.  We were being regularly told by friends that she did not appear to have the disorder.  Her OT therapist was also doubtful, particularly as we got close to the evaluation on June 24.  She was concerned about our time and energy being wasted with the lengthy evaluation.

As a result, we were also assuming that we would get a clean bill of health regarding our daughter, particularly me.  We discussed how we would handle it if we received the diagnosis of autism and we decided that there was no way to fully prepare.  We would just have to take the blow and begin the process of dealing with it; if that is where we would be.  And that is how it went.  The two psychologists met with us for two hours on the afternoon of the 12th in a small room and gave us the news upfront.  Then they patiently waited as we absorbed the hit and placed some tissue between us, which I soon required.  Then I tried to ask every question I could think of and to understand what I could, while being in the mental haze of  jet lag.

On the way home, after leaving a message with the OT therapist on the result, I bawled all the way home.  She called back and we chatted while I was parked in my garage.

Exploring a flower at the Mexican resort

 

 

 Posted by Pria at 5:28 am  Tagged with:

Passport Hell

 Finding balance, Goals, Philosophy, Travel, vacation  No Responses »
Jun 282011
 

My dual background

Recently, we planned a trip to the Maya Riviera area in Mexico.  We were excited about some beach time – it had been a while.  My kids and I have never been to Mexico.  Then I realized that my passport still had my maiden name, but the rest of my documents and my ticket were in my married name.  I had an extended visa in this passport, which I didn’t want to lose in a renewal.  I got various information, such as needing to contact the Indian embassy and also that I just needed to present both passports – the updated and the one with the visa.

I made an appointment with a local post office that processed passports, taking my toddler with me on May 19.  Although I could send in the paperwork, I wanted to make sure all documents were reviewed and that there would be no issues.  The appointment went smoothly and I was told I would not have to expedite the process (and pay more); there was plenty of time before my July 3 departure.  I was told I could check online regarding the status and could expedite later if needed.  This sounded reasonable.  It cost $110, whereas it would have been free had I processed the update within a year of marriage.

End of June approached and I did not receive my passport.  I looked online and called several times.  I was told it was in process and to call in a few days.  The agents could not give me details and finally sent a note to those processing it.  Then I got a letter on the 23rd stating an original marriage certificate was needed (apparently what I sent and was approved at the post office was a copy and not acceptable).  I called to determine my options.  I was ready and willing to overnight it, and pay for expediting, but wanted to make sure I would get it back in time, which I could not be assured of.

The final option was to start over and get a new passport with my local passport agency and get the passport within 72 hours.  It would cost $195.  I was able to get an appointment the following day.  I had a lengthy medical appointment for my daughter in the area, and was able to have my husband relieve me for the appointment time.  I was fortunately given credit for my previous payment and was charged $60 for expediting – although had I been informed of the need for the original, I could have sent it in and not started over.

Today, June 28, it finally got processed and is in my possession, just 4 days before departure!  Our upcoming trip is more of a reality now. It has been extra stressful trying to go on vacation!  The moral of this story for me is to not wait or delay on tasks like passport updates/renewals, etc. when you actually have a trip planned.  Don’t leave tasks on the back burner for long, as eventually, they may boil over if left unattended for too long!

 Posted by Pria at 7:39 pm  Tagged with: , ,

Farewell My Dear Princess Pooja

 Finding balance, Loss, Musing on Death, Personal Growth, Relationships, Spirituality  No Responses »
Jun 062011
 

Pooja

My Dearest Pooja,

it feels challenging to even accept that I’m writing to you in the universe as of 6/3/11, rather than find you in my home, to tell you directly how much you have meant to me.  The words have been forming, and they feel inadequate.

  • You have been my anchor for 15 years.
  • You have been part of the definition of my existence.
  • My daily script included you.
  • We have been extremely loyal to each other and have been there together during ups and downs.  I nursed you through a life-threatening dog attack, hip surgery and various life changes, as you nursed me by being my constant, loving companion, though bossy and ornery at times, just as I was.

Dear Pooja, how do I continue my loyalty to you now?  How do I continue to take care of you now?  This phase doesn’t fit in the script of my life and function with you.  Where do I go from here?

I am not and was not ready for the story of you and me to end.  Maybe you knew that and you left me on a Friday when my husband could help that weekend with my daughter so I could grieve and also leaving after my son was out of school, as he will be there tomorrow when my husband goes back to work.  He is also spared having to face school during this time of healing.

I can not be mad at you because that would make me not loyal and devoted to you.  But I have felt mad at something for taking you away from me in a way that I can’t even get you back.  There is not a chance of reunion in this lifetime for me and when you got lost and I found you at the shelter.

Your passing does not have a solution like your previous wounds; I can not fix it, and I am not in control.  That must be part of the loyal, parental anger I feel.  I would not desert you and I would find you to the end of the Earth, as I know you would do for me.  But you are not on this Earth now and I have been paralyzed and lost with grief and shock.  Now what?  How do I march forward without you by my side?

You have been the security blanket I’ve unknowingly had for 15 years.  All was well at a basic, constant level when you were in the picture.  You helped me feel secure, grounded, centered, and loved.  It is hard to look at any space in my home and notice that you are not in it.  With you in my life, the days seemed sunnier, the flowers felt prettier, and smelled nicer.  I cared more about having my plants grow and enjoying the warmer weather with you.  I enjoyed the breeze through you, watching you sniff it, basking in the sun and environment around you in our back yard, just within the past week.  How do I experience and enjoy life without you?

Your deteriorating health sent me to tears, as I was forced to consider the inevitable with your age.  Reading about potential help with your ailments (that I was aware of) gave me hope, which I held to as you went to see the vet this Friday, 6/3.  I assumed you would come home that night with medication to fix things, and I would continue my regimen of caring for you and the rest of my kids.  I was not prepared to consider you may not come home.  Now I try to conjure up every moment of that day, as it ended up being my last with you.  Had I known it would be, would it be easier?  Or is it like children getting a vaccination shot, when you may not want them to know the exact moment and be distracted, to lessen the pain and fear of anticipation?

Your loyalty extended to my children, whom you watched enter the world, grow, and love you.  You chose to sleep near me at the end of the day, every single day, even when your back legs were failing you recently, and you would push your body up to your spot in my room and life.  When we limited how much you pushed your body by restricting you and you stopped protesting with your barks; I was filled with sadness, knowing your were resigning to a new phase.  This was not the Pooja I knew, and I was scared.

I am so sorry for being so bad at letting you go, and if that caused you further suffering and a heavier burden.  I’m sorry for my selfishness in thinking there would not ever be a good time for you to go.  You ended up looking after me even in your passing by ensuring I was with the support I needed.

As much as I hurt in losing you, I will never regret the love you brought in my life and that of my family the past 15 years, which will always be a part of me.  You have blessed me and my family immeasurably.  Thank you, Pooja, you are a “prayer” answered, as your name means.  I pray that I will see you someday, in your peak physical form, flying through the air to catch a frisbee and chasing tennis balls.

Tennis balls will remind me of you along with everything else.  For now, just waking up, breathing and looking at anything reminds me of you.  My heart aches and feels empty at the same time.  I don’t want to be disloyal by not thinking about you and letting you go in anyway feels disloyal.  Giving up your body felt disloyal.  I will never be able to feel your soft ears that felt like the plant lamb’s ear in my yard.

Two weekends ago, I was noticing your triangular ears perked up as you were lounging next to my husband in the park.  You did not look aged.  You were beautiful, majestic, serene, and proud.  Looking into your eyes felt like I was looking at an old soul and that you could see my soul.  I am grateful for choosing to look into those eyes as you passed from this world.  And then I looked at the dreaded sight of your body not going up and down with breath.  You were still.  Your eyes and gaze remained the same.

Pooja, I will love you forever.  You are a part of me and my family and always will be.  I will be honoring you every time I love and nurture my family that I will always be loyal to, as you have been.  Rest in peace, my Princess Pooja and now my angel.

Pooja, Colin, and Bhalloo 1/18/10

 

 

 Posted by Pria at 10:16 am  Tagged with: ,

Managing Stress

 Attitude, Finding balance, Gratitude, Happiness, Humor, Outlook, Philosophy, Self-Care  No Responses »
Apr 242011
 

Think about a relaxing waterfall.

Are you highly stressed or anxious?  Stress can wreak havoc on our health in many ways.  Here are some ways to manage it:

Keep Perspective

It is important to keep perspective.  When you feel up, keep notes.  When you feel down, take notes.  When you are down, read these notes to see how you got through it, and more importantly, that you did get through it.

When you are up, enjoy it, and know that you may go down…Don’t take life too seriously!  Remember that the only thing that remains constant is change, “this too shall pass.”

    Laugh

    Maintain a sense of humor and try to find something funny in everyday life.  Be around people that make you laugh.  Watch shows that make you laugh.  Find as many ways as possible  to laugh as much as you can daily.

    Journal

    Work through issues by writing down what is blocking you from the direction you want to go.  Is it you or external events?  What is going well?  What are you grateful for?  Make a list of what you want in all areas of your life.  Diagram the different areas – mental, physical, emotional, spiritual.  Fill in the boxes with what is working.  Which block seems more empty?  That area needs attention.

      Develop a support system

      Ensure you have adequate support to help you when times are tough.  Be comfortable with utilizing professional support including life coaches in addition to friends.  Even pets can be a source of comfort.

       

       

       

       Posted by Pria at 5:50 pm  Tagged with: , ,

      Loss and Gain

       Attitude, Finding balance, Finding Meaning, Gratitude, Outlook, Personal Growth, Philosophy  No Responses »
      Mar 312011
       

      My sleeping gain

      Lately, I’ve had to come to terms with the idea of loss more – something I think I’ve had to deal with in varying degrees with some challenging peaks.  It got to an overwhelming point and I had to remind myself how I got to the other “normal” side before.

      Loss is something we deal with everyday at different levels.  Everyday, our bodies are 1 day older and we gradually have to let go of a previous notion of what we could expect.  We become one day older and we have to let go of the previous day in order to embrace a new day and all that it offers.

      One aspect of loss is that it is often one side of a coin.  If we can manage to look enough, we can sometimes see the gain on the other side.  I experienced this gain as I kissed my smiling toddler before she went to slept.   This miraculous creature was in my life now and had not been there only two short years ago.  It is true that when one door is shut, another often opens, even if we have to be patient and wait for it or try to have enough awareness to notice it.

       Posted by Pria at 3:07 pm  Tagged with: ,
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