Hi everyone,
Apologies for being really quiet lately. I've actually been really busy!
So I was speaking with a close friend recently, and she shared a great thought, passed along to her by a counselor:
"To whom much is given, much is required".
Guess what.
We are ALL given so much. We ALL have incredible talents, unique to each of us.
And, because we have been given so many talents, we are expected to use them for the greater good.
My question to you is, what are the talents you have been given, and are they being utilized in the most abundant of ways?
If not, it's time to identify those talents. List them all out, regardless if they are 'popular' to others. Own them - they belong to you. Use them - you have the opportunity to bless SO many people, in so many ways.
The great thing is, using your talents to assist others will affect people for many generations, in such a positive way.
Every day, you are living, and creating your legacy.
How cool is that?
Cheers to the most positive of days for you.
Cristina
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Saturday, January 9, 2010
What Are You Doing, Tia?
I have the most beautiful, wonderful, handsome almost-6-year-old nephew in the world. Just speaking truth.
I called my brother today, and he answered on speaker-phone as usual. In the background, I heard my little nephew Joaquin say "Hi Tia (which means AUNT in Spanish)".
Children and their questions. They are truly amazing.
"Are you doing what you want today?" my little nephew asked.
Honestly, I was taken aback by his question. "Am I doing what I want?"
Now that's a great question.
Where are we spending our time, and our we spending our time in doing what we really want to be doing in this journey of life?
As the pastor at my church shared in sermon a few weeks ago, what are we doing with the dash, you know, the dash that separates our birth date from our unknown departure date?
My nephew's question made me very conscious of how I spent my time today. I took a friend lunch on the job, took down my Christmas lights (actually, I stayed inside while another friend took them down), and have been working on a business plan. I also spent time working through an issue regarding my pool pump. Some things I wanted to do, other things I knew I had to do.
I then posed the question back to my nephew.
He said he wasn't doing what he wanted to be doing today, because what he really wanted to do was work on his new Transformer project.
What a wonderful life, right?
Whatever your day is/was filled with, I hope it is something that you love, something that inspires you. If not, there is always this moment and tomorrow to make it happen.
I called my brother today, and he answered on speaker-phone as usual. In the background, I heard my little nephew Joaquin say "Hi Tia (which means AUNT in Spanish)".
Children and their questions. They are truly amazing.
"Are you doing what you want today?" my little nephew asked.
Honestly, I was taken aback by his question. "Am I doing what I want?"
Now that's a great question.
Where are we spending our time, and our we spending our time in doing what we really want to be doing in this journey of life?
As the pastor at my church shared in sermon a few weeks ago, what are we doing with the dash, you know, the dash that separates our birth date from our unknown departure date?
My nephew's question made me very conscious of how I spent my time today. I took a friend lunch on the job, took down my Christmas lights (actually, I stayed inside while another friend took them down), and have been working on a business plan. I also spent time working through an issue regarding my pool pump. Some things I wanted to do, other things I knew I had to do.
I then posed the question back to my nephew.
He said he wasn't doing what he wanted to be doing today, because what he really wanted to do was work on his new Transformer project.
What a wonderful life, right?
Whatever your day is/was filled with, I hope it is something that you love, something that inspires you. If not, there is always this moment and tomorrow to make it happen.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Thankful for Gratitude
I'm thankful for the gift of being grateful.
We always have something for which to be thankful. If you have health problems, be thankful for the areas of your health that are strong. If you have relationship issues, take a moment to be grateful for the relationships you have with friends and family who love and support you unconditionally - including the person with whom you have the struggle.
Your heart may ache because of the loss of a loved one. Embrace and celebrate the moments of joy that you had with them when they were alive. Those memories with last a lifetime - it's something that no one can ever take from you.
You may be in a point of transition regarding your profession. In this case, give thanks to our wonderful God who already has a divine plan for you. We just need to step back and let him do His work. Remember, God's delays are not His denials. Your path is already carved out, and we are each in a daily journey of discovery.
We may just be feeling a little down, in which we should give praise, because it's in these moments that we can appreciate the joys in life.
Wherever you are, know that you are so very fortunate. May you own this, embrace it, celebrate it, and be thankful that you have so many things for which to be ever so grateful.
We always have something for which to be thankful. If you have health problems, be thankful for the areas of your health that are strong. If you have relationship issues, take a moment to be grateful for the relationships you have with friends and family who love and support you unconditionally - including the person with whom you have the struggle.
Your heart may ache because of the loss of a loved one. Embrace and celebrate the moments of joy that you had with them when they were alive. Those memories with last a lifetime - it's something that no one can ever take from you.
You may be in a point of transition regarding your profession. In this case, give thanks to our wonderful God who already has a divine plan for you. We just need to step back and let him do His work. Remember, God's delays are not His denials. Your path is already carved out, and we are each in a daily journey of discovery.
We may just be feeling a little down, in which we should give praise, because it's in these moments that we can appreciate the joys in life.
Wherever you are, know that you are so very fortunate. May you own this, embrace it, celebrate it, and be thankful that you have so many things for which to be ever so grateful.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Protein and Carbohydrates: The Perfect Couple
(Special Thanks to Frank who Encouraged me to write this article)
Sweet and Savory
Carbohydrates. Most of us have a relationship with carbohydrates. We are no stranger to warm flour tortillas, savory corn chips, mouth-watering desserts, bread, cereal, and our favorite flavored beverages. The key is to have protein with our carbs, and eat often, as our bodies crave to be fed every few hours in order to function optimally.
What Exactly is a Protein vs. a Carbohydrate?
Foods high in protein include meats, eggs, cottage cheese, nuts, seeds and beans. Foods high in carbs include desserts, bread, fruit, rice, corn, cereal, tomato, tortillas and potatoes. Carbohydrates are also found in a tall glass of your favorite juice or alcoholic beverage.
Balance Your Carbohydrates with Protein
Carbohydrates break down into sugar, and if they are not burned off right away, they turn into fat. Yes, a certain amount of fat is essential for the human body to function. The problem is, however, when we have a glass of juice, a piece of fruit, candy bar, or a bag of chips by themselves, it causes the pancreas to overcompensate by secreting large amounts of insulin. With an overabundance of insulin secreted, many people experience a surge, otherwise known as a “sugar high”, followed by a lack of energy. Over time, we may become desensitized to the sugar highs, yet wonder why we don’t “feel” healthy.
So, what is the solution? For every serving of carbohydrates, take in a serving of protein, and eat every 3-4 hours. This includes meal-time and snack-time. Add meat to your salads. Spread some peanut or almond butter on your toast. Have a handful of almonds with your cake. Over the past 2 years, I’ve established a habit of carrying a bag of almonds or walnuts in my purse and car, so that I always have protein on-hand. Mixed nuts are also a great snack in between meals.
Eat Every 3-4 Hours
The human body is a brilliantly made machine. When we skip meals, the balance of our blood sugar is negatively impacted, and the body goes into self-preservation mode. This means that the next meal we take in will be mostly stored, for fear of not knowing when it will eat again. Over time, this may result in weight gain, inflammation, and an overall, internal imbalance. The right response is to consistently eat every 3-4 hours. Please note that I am promoting having meals/snacks every few hours, not grazing throughout the day. Hungry at bedtime? Six or seven almonds are a perfect bedtime snack.
What Kind of Results are Possible?
By following this plan, you may discover a positive impact on your waistline as well as improved and balanced moods. Consuming protein with your carbohydrates also slows the aging process from the inside out, because the body isn’t experiencing as much stress.
Where do I Begin?
Keeping a daily food journal can be very helpful. In writing down everything you eat and drink, it is easier to track and be mindful of your ratio of protein:carbs. This is NOT a diet. We are not taking anything away from your regime, simply adding protein and increasing frequency of meals. Remember, consistency is key.
Sweet and Savory
Carbohydrates. Most of us have a relationship with carbohydrates. We are no stranger to warm flour tortillas, savory corn chips, mouth-watering desserts, bread, cereal, and our favorite flavored beverages. The key is to have protein with our carbs, and eat often, as our bodies crave to be fed every few hours in order to function optimally.
What Exactly is a Protein vs. a Carbohydrate?
Foods high in protein include meats, eggs, cottage cheese, nuts, seeds and beans. Foods high in carbs include desserts, bread, fruit, rice, corn, cereal, tomato, tortillas and potatoes. Carbohydrates are also found in a tall glass of your favorite juice or alcoholic beverage.
Balance Your Carbohydrates with Protein
Carbohydrates break down into sugar, and if they are not burned off right away, they turn into fat. Yes, a certain amount of fat is essential for the human body to function. The problem is, however, when we have a glass of juice, a piece of fruit, candy bar, or a bag of chips by themselves, it causes the pancreas to overcompensate by secreting large amounts of insulin. With an overabundance of insulin secreted, many people experience a surge, otherwise known as a “sugar high”, followed by a lack of energy. Over time, we may become desensitized to the sugar highs, yet wonder why we don’t “feel” healthy.
So, what is the solution? For every serving of carbohydrates, take in a serving of protein, and eat every 3-4 hours. This includes meal-time and snack-time. Add meat to your salads. Spread some peanut or almond butter on your toast. Have a handful of almonds with your cake. Over the past 2 years, I’ve established a habit of carrying a bag of almonds or walnuts in my purse and car, so that I always have protein on-hand. Mixed nuts are also a great snack in between meals.
Eat Every 3-4 Hours
The human body is a brilliantly made machine. When we skip meals, the balance of our blood sugar is negatively impacted, and the body goes into self-preservation mode. This means that the next meal we take in will be mostly stored, for fear of not knowing when it will eat again. Over time, this may result in weight gain, inflammation, and an overall, internal imbalance. The right response is to consistently eat every 3-4 hours. Please note that I am promoting having meals/snacks every few hours, not grazing throughout the day. Hungry at bedtime? Six or seven almonds are a perfect bedtime snack.
What Kind of Results are Possible?
By following this plan, you may discover a positive impact on your waistline as well as improved and balanced moods. Consuming protein with your carbohydrates also slows the aging process from the inside out, because the body isn’t experiencing as much stress.
Where do I Begin?
Keeping a daily food journal can be very helpful. In writing down everything you eat and drink, it is easier to track and be mindful of your ratio of protein:carbs. This is NOT a diet. We are not taking anything away from your regime, simply adding protein and increasing frequency of meals. Remember, consistency is key.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Thankful for Feeling a Little Down
If you were at Gloria's in Addison this past Saturday night, you would have seen me there, making my way through the pack of people who saturated Salsa Night. Seriously, space was VERY limited, and this salsa queen likes plenty of room for her open-toed shoes to have no fear.
I found a corner and claimed it quickly, watching the masses of people express themselves through the beauty of dance.
The band was on break, and the DJ was playing Reggeton. I'm not a self-proclaimed-Reggeton-dancing-diva, so I sat this one out.
Standing in my own little world, I felt a nudge from someone - it was one of the guys from the band, of whom I've followed since their inception over 10 years ago.
"Don't be sad, Cristina, it's a New Year, and this is going to be a great year for you", he said.
I smiled, and said "of course. I know. Thank you".
He said "that's not what you feel now, though" - and he slouched over, eyes glued to the floor, with this long look on his face. "That was you, Cristina, before I walked up".
And with that, he walked away, disappearing into the bustle of the crowd.
Wow. He just held up a mirror for Cristina to see herself.
Thankful? Yes, thankful. I'm thankful that someone held up a mirror at a time when I couldn't see myself, because my eyes were glued to the highly-saturated restaurant/dance floor.
I can only work on that which I recognize. Sometimes it takes someone to help us see something in our own selves.
Thanks, Miguel.
I just got a text from another friend who I saw Sunday, asking if I was okay, as I seemed a little "morose". Thank GOD for dictionary.com, as this 31 year old Latina had no clue the meaning of this word.
After looking it up, I've decided I don't like this word. And I certainly don't want this word to own me.
What word owns you today?
I found a corner and claimed it quickly, watching the masses of people express themselves through the beauty of dance.
The band was on break, and the DJ was playing Reggeton. I'm not a self-proclaimed-Reggeton-dancing-diva, so I sat this one out.
Standing in my own little world, I felt a nudge from someone - it was one of the guys from the band, of whom I've followed since their inception over 10 years ago.
"Don't be sad, Cristina, it's a New Year, and this is going to be a great year for you", he said.
I smiled, and said "of course. I know. Thank you".
He said "that's not what you feel now, though" - and he slouched over, eyes glued to the floor, with this long look on his face. "That was you, Cristina, before I walked up".
And with that, he walked away, disappearing into the bustle of the crowd.
Wow. He just held up a mirror for Cristina to see herself.
Thankful? Yes, thankful. I'm thankful that someone held up a mirror at a time when I couldn't see myself, because my eyes were glued to the highly-saturated restaurant/dance floor.
I can only work on that which I recognize. Sometimes it takes someone to help us see something in our own selves.
Thanks, Miguel.
I just got a text from another friend who I saw Sunday, asking if I was okay, as I seemed a little "morose". Thank GOD for dictionary.com, as this 31 year old Latina had no clue the meaning of this word.
After looking it up, I've decided I don't like this word. And I certainly don't want this word to own me.
What word owns you today?
Monday, January 4, 2010
Make time to Hula Hoop
Time to create a "fun list".
Yep, a "FUN LIST". It's time to have some good, old fashioned, healthy fun, everyone!
Definition of this would be a list of simple things that create joy in your life, or make you laugh.
Need a suggestion? Check these out.
A couple of weeks ago, I went to Wal-Mart and purchased 2 Adult-sized Hula Hoops, for $5 each. Both are bright in color with a lot of sparkles. I love sparkles.
I brought them home, and a friend of mine came over. I turned on Shakira's "Hips Don't Lie" and the challenge was to Hula Hoop for the entirety of the song, a whole 3 minutes and 38 seconds.
I must say that I had a difficult time getting started, because I was laughing so hard at my friend's attempt to keep the Hoop on his narrow-waisted-hips (hmmm, is that at word?).
Need another idea? Check out the local playground in your neighborhood. Go swing on the swings or slide down the slides. If people look at you with a puzzled face, tell them to join you!
Find the child within. Last week, I watched my 5 year old nephew gather a pile of leaves and jump in them. Just make sure the pile is nice and thick so you don't hit the ground :-).
What is on your fun list????
Yep, a "FUN LIST". It's time to have some good, old fashioned, healthy fun, everyone!
Definition of this would be a list of simple things that create joy in your life, or make you laugh.
Need a suggestion? Check these out.
A couple of weeks ago, I went to Wal-Mart and purchased 2 Adult-sized Hula Hoops, for $5 each. Both are bright in color with a lot of sparkles. I love sparkles.
I brought them home, and a friend of mine came over. I turned on Shakira's "Hips Don't Lie" and the challenge was to Hula Hoop for the entirety of the song, a whole 3 minutes and 38 seconds.
I must say that I had a difficult time getting started, because I was laughing so hard at my friend's attempt to keep the Hoop on his narrow-waisted-hips (hmmm, is that at word?).
Need another idea? Check out the local playground in your neighborhood. Go swing on the swings or slide down the slides. If people look at you with a puzzled face, tell them to join you!
Find the child within. Last week, I watched my 5 year old nephew gather a pile of leaves and jump in them. Just make sure the pile is nice and thick so you don't hit the ground :-).
What is on your fun list????
Sunday, January 3, 2010
The beauty of Interdependence
Interdependence.
Inter-depend-ence is sharing commonalities with others.
It's interconnectedness, with a fine line between independence and dependence.
I'm thankful for interdependence. It's nice to know we're not walking this road alone.
We must pay forward that which we receive. Today, I had a dear friend spend 3 hours fixing my garage door opener. I am ever so grateful to have my car back in my functioning-garage during these chilly winter days.
I later went to help another friend move into their new home. Turns out my sweet friend was struggling with a common life-issue in which I promptly gave unsolicited advice. Great thing is that as I was sitting up tall, so matter-of-factly giving my 2 cents, I quickly realized that I've had the same life-issue struggle lately. It was a chance for me to listen to my own advice, in which I was receptive. Had I not had this conversation with my friend, I wouldn't have a chance to walk through this my own self.
Ahhhh, the beauty of interdependence. It's an opportunity to bless others, and our own selves at the same time.
Inter-depend-ence is sharing commonalities with others.
It's interconnectedness, with a fine line between independence and dependence.
I'm thankful for interdependence. It's nice to know we're not walking this road alone.
We must pay forward that which we receive. Today, I had a dear friend spend 3 hours fixing my garage door opener. I am ever so grateful to have my car back in my functioning-garage during these chilly winter days.
I later went to help another friend move into their new home. Turns out my sweet friend was struggling with a common life-issue in which I promptly gave unsolicited advice. Great thing is that as I was sitting up tall, so matter-of-factly giving my 2 cents, I quickly realized that I've had the same life-issue struggle lately. It was a chance for me to listen to my own advice, in which I was receptive. Had I not had this conversation with my friend, I wouldn't have a chance to walk through this my own self.
Ahhhh, the beauty of interdependence. It's an opportunity to bless others, and our own selves at the same time.
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