Week 20: Celebrate

February 2, 2015 Wm. AllenLeave a comment

For those of you who read this blog regularly, you will note that I jumped from Week 9: Visualization to Week 20: Celebrate. Hey, what is more ordinary than going in strict order?

In addition to all of yesterday’s SuperBowl parties, for years on and off, I have tried to celebrate Groundhog Day, which falls on February 2 or this year today.

I was fascinated with Groundhog Day because of the movie, which I will discuss in the film section of this blog.

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL

I am surprised to learn that 45% of you use Visualization frequently. The results of the last several polls lead me to believe those most interested in becoming extraordinary are people who already are extraordinary or well on their way to becoming extraordinary.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (I try not to use jokes that I used in my book, but since many of you have not read my book and I thought this joke was just so appropriate for the Celebrate trait, I just had to share with everyone who reads this blog.)

Upon dying, the pope goes to heaven where he meets a reception committee. They tell the pope that he can enjoy any of the many recreations available.

He decides that he wants to read all of the ancient original texts of the holy Scriptures and spends the next eon learning the languages. After becoming a linguistic master, he sits down in the library and begins to read every version of the Bible, working back from the most recent, “Easy Reading,” to the original.

All of a sudden, there is a scream in the library. The angels come running to him, only to find the pope huddled in a chair, crying to himself, and muttering, “An R! They left out the R.”

God takes him aside, offering comfort, and asks him what the problem is. After collecting his wits, the pope sobs again, “It’s the letter R…the word was supposed to be celebrate.”

WEEK 20: CELEBRATE–YOUR OWN SUCCESSES, AND ESPECIALLY THE SUCCESSES OF YOUR FRIENDS

Extraordinary people celebrate a lot and it is easy for the ordinary person to say sure, “That is because they have so much to celebrate.” I ask, is it possible that they have so much to celebrate about because they do celebrate, rather than let even small successes go by unnoticed.

But I believe what makes the extraordinary person truly extraordinary is that they are just as quick to celebrate the large and even small successes of their friends.

Be extraordinary and look for opportunities to celebrate yours and your friends successes, both big and small.

THIS WEEK’S POLL

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

“there is nothing more beautiful in life
than celebrating the talents, dreams,
joys, and accomplishments of another being
to see – and call attention to – the best in someone else…”

Source: Kate Mullane Robertson

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

I wish I could write a self-help book as good as the one David Brown wrote, The Rest of Your Life is The Best of Your Life. He was a gentleman who truly celebrated life and he was also the husband of Helen Gurley Brown.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I think this is my favorite movie because it is about a person who lives the same day over and over until he finally gets it right. Isn’t that what we are all trying to do!

CONCLUSION

If you like this blog, please pass it on to your friends. Also, I would appreciate your support by liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC.

Week 9: Visualization

January 25, 2015 Wm. AllenLeave a comment

I really wish I didn’t know so well that sometimes, it is hard to visualize yourself as anything other than “less” than ordinary, let alone extraordinary.

Fortunately, there are many extraordinary people around and because they are extraordinary, they are more than willing to help you and encourage you. I was fortunate enough to meet one such person, Monica Sholar, an up and coming author.

She has given me some very good advice as well as encouragement to continue my writing efforts.

My wife, who is an English Major and a retired Detroit Public School teacher recently started reading one of her books, The 24th Letter, which is part of Monica’s Belle Isle Heights Series, and my wife thought it was very well written.

If you are interested in a good story, please check the following sites

http://www.monicasholar.com/

https://www.facebook.com/MonicaSholarAuthor?ref=hl

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL

I am overjoyed to report that close to 95% of you believe making your dreams come true is within your own power.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE (If in your mind’s eye you see yourself as extraordinary, you may also see how this joke relates to the topic–anyway, it was the best I could come up with for this topic)

A man went into a bank to withdraw some money.

The bank teller asked, “Can you identify yourself?”

The man reached into his pocket, pulled out a mirror, looked into it, and said, “Yes, that’s me.”

WEEK 9: VISUALIZATION–IN YOUR MIND’S EYE, SEE YOURSELF AS EXTRAORDINARY

If you can’t imaging something, it is unlikely it will happen. If you want to be extraordinary, you need to spend time visualizing yourself as extraordinary. Before going into situations, you need to visualize yourself over and over as extraordinary in that situation.

If you can’t even imagine yourself as extraordinary, how can you expect to be extraordinary?

THIS WEEK’S POLL

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

“Ordinary people believe only in the possible.
Extraordinary people visualize not what is possible or probable,
but rather what is impossible. And by visualizing the impossible,
they begin to see it as possible.”

Source: Cherie Carter-Scott

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

Back in 1999, I was in Las Vegas and visited the Liberace Museum. While there, I learned of the great influence Claude Bristol’s book had on the extraordinary entertainer, Liberance.

This 1948 self-help book can be found at:

http://www.amazon.com/Magic-Believing-Claude-M-Bristol/dp/0671745212/

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Although I try not to suggest movies that I suggested in my book, I just had to suggest this movie again. When it comes to Visualization, well, if you watch it you will see what I’m mean.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1436572/?ref_=nv_sr_4

CONCLUSION

Please pass this blog on to your friends, if you feel it is of any value. And also I would appreciate your support by liking my Facebook page Harmony Books & Films, LLC.

Week 8: Action

January 19, 2015January 22, 2015 Wm. AllenLeave a comment

How extraordinary is it that as I write this blog today about Week 8: Action–Take Some Meaningful Action Daily to Make Your Dreams Come True that it is Martin Luther King Day, a national holiday here in the USA

Martin Luther King, Jr. delivering “I Have a Dream” at the 1963 Washington D.C. Civil Rights March. [Source: Wikipedia]

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL

I’m delighted to report that half of you responded that you believe your level of self-esteem is above that of the average person. You folks are on your way to being extraordinary, if you aren’t already.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

After every flight, pilots fill out a form requesting action on mechanical problems they encountered during the flight. Mechanics take action and then respond in writing on the lower half of the form what action they took.

(P = problem logged by the pilot.)
(A = action taken by mechanics.)

P: Left inside main tire almost needs replacement.
A: Almost replaced left inside main tire.

P: Something loose in cockpit.
A: Something tightened in cockpit.

P: Evidence of leak on right main landing gear.
S: Evidence removed.

P: Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick.
A: That’s what they’re there for.

P: Number 3 engine missing.
A: Engine found on right wing after brief search.

P: Aircraft handles funny.
A: Aircraft warned to straighten up, fly right, and be serious.

P: Target radar hums.
A: Reprogrammed target radar with lyrics.

P: Mouse in cockpit.
A: Cat installed.

WEEK 8: ACTION–TAKE SOME MEANINGFUL ACTION DAILY TO MAKE YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE

“I Have a Dream” is a public speech delivered by American civil rights activist Martin Luther King, Jr. on August 28, 1963, in which he calls for an end to racism in the United States. Delivered to over 250,000 civil rights supporters from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington, the speech was a defining moment of the American Civil Rights Movement. [Source: Wikipedia]

What actions are you taking to make your dreams come true?

THIS WEEK’S POLL

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

A dream doesn’t become reality through magic,

it takes sweat, determination and hard work.

Source: Colin Powell

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

If you want to read about the life of a person who made is dreams come true through courage, risk taking, handwork, generosity, forgiveness, etc.; check out this book below.

More than two thousand years after his death, Julius Caesar remains one of the great figures of history. He shaped Rome for generations, and his name became a synonym for “emperor” — not only in Rome but as far away as Germany and Russia. He is best known as the general who defeated the Gauls and doubled the size of Rome’s territories. But, as Philip Freeman describes in this fascinating new biography, Caesar was also a brilliant orator, an accomplished writer, a skilled politician, and much more.

[Source: Amazon]

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

This film is a bit old, 1998, but if you like romantic comedies, you might enjoy this film about a geeky high school kid trying to find the courage to act on his feelings for the prom queen. Perhaps, it will inspire you to act on your feelings to make your dream come true.

CONCLUSION

Please pass this blog on to your friends, if you feel it is of any value. And I would be delighted to add any of your friends to my weekly distribution list. Also, if you have ideas on how I can make this blog better, please let me know at HarmonyBooksFilmsLLC@comcast.net

Week 7: SELF-WORTH

January 11, 2015January 20, 2015 Wm. Allen1 Comment

This blog is about helping both you and I become extraordinary. I believe this is possible, if we want it badly enough to open our minds to new ways of doing things and new beliefs.

I am writing this blog today from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. I have met some world travelers on this trip and they appear like ordinary people. However, when you speak to them and listen to the various lands they have visited, you soon realize they are anything but ordinary.

Traveling to other countries to see other cultures is something that I believe most of us can do, if we really want to do it.

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL

I had no idea how last week’s poll was going to turn out. Nelson Mandela and “I Can’t Decide” were the top two choices selected. I can certainly understand why “I Can’t Decide” was selected, since the folks named were extraordinary in such different ways. As for Nelson Mandela, to me here was a person who suffered so much for so long, and yet forgave those that did him wrong to create a better society. What an extraordinary example he is to everyone.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

Q: What has two arms, two legs, and a weight more or less proportional to its height?

A: Absolutely nothing.

WEEK 7: SELF-WORTH — BE YOUR OWN PERSON

If you think someone is holding you back from being an extraordinary person, you are definitely correct. The person who is holding you back is yourself.

How do you expect anyone to believe in you, if you don’t believe in yourself first.

THIS WEEK’S POLL

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

Never let the lack of ability stand in your way.

Source: Ken Wasaluski

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MY OWN

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Sweat-Small-Stuff-Its/dp/1567318797

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

John C. Reilly stars as fictional pop icon Dewey Cox — who, on his hard-knocks road to fame, crosses paths with the likes of Elvis, Buddy Holly and the Beatles — in this spot-on parody of rags-to-riches music biopics. [Source: Netflix]

CONCLUSION

Please pass this blog on to your friends, if you feel it is of any value. And if you have ideas on how to make it better, please let me know at HarmonyBooksFilmsLLC@comcast.net

WEEK 6: COURAGE

January 4, 2015January 20, 2015 Wm. AllenLeave a comment

As you know this blog is about helping you and I both to become extraordinary, which I believe is possible if one wants it badly enough.

If you don’t see extraordinary people all around you, look closer. For instance there was a boy born in Tupelo, Mississippi on January 8, 1935. He was likely viewed as just another ordinary child, but he was far from ordinary. He would become the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley.

Perhaps, not as extraordinary, but still extraordinary are those individuals who ran in the various New Year’s Eve races, such as the 5K race that was held on Belle Island, in Detroit, on New Year’s Eve. It does take a bit of courage to go out and face the wind and cold on a New Year’s Eve in many parts of the country.

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL

In last week’s poll on clothing the majority, 55%, selected feeling comfortable as the primary reason for their clothing choices. Those who selected “comfort” can feel comfortable that they are in the majority. And for the 20% that selected “looking good”, I thank you for helping to keep the world beautiful 🙂

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

A man appears before St. Peter at the pearly gates.

“Have you ever done anything of particular merit?” St. Peter asks.

“Well, I can think of one thing,” said the man.

“Once when I was in the Black Hills of South Dakota, I came upon a gang of macho bikers who were threatening a young woman.

I told them to leave her alone, but they wouldn’t stop.

So I went up to the largest and toughest looking biker and ripped out his nose ring and threw it on the ground, saying, ‘I said to leave her alone.'”

St. Peter was impressed. “Wow, when did this happen?”

“Just a couple minutes ago.”

WEEK 6: COURAGE – DEVELOP BOTH PHYSICAL AND MENTAL COURAGE

Courage comes in so many flavors and it is such an individual act. Something that seems like nothing at all, may take a great deal of courage for some individual. And for still another individual, the courageous act that so many of us applaud may be nothing special to that particular individual. I tried to make this week’s poll an example of the many different flavors of courage.

THIS WEEK’S POLL

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

Courage doesn’t always roar.

Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying,

I will try again tomorrow.

Source: Mary Anne Radmacher

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MINE

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

Since this is the week of Elvis Presley’s birthday, I had to recommend the following book, which like my book is an easy read, entertaining and contains some good advice.

http://www.amazon.com/Tao-Elvis-David-Rosen/dp/0156007371

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Determined to make her own path in life, Princess Merida defies a custom that brings chaos to her kingdom. Granted one wish, Merida must rely on her bravery and her archery skills to undo a beastly curse. (Source: IMDB)

CONCLUSION

Please pass this blog on to your friends, if you feel it is of any value. And if you have ideas on how to make it better, please let me know at HarmonyBooksFilmsLLC@comcast.net

Week 5: Clothing

December 29, 2014January 20, 2015 Wm. Allen2 Comments

This blog is about helping you as well as myself to become extraordinary. I don’t think any of us should view being extraordinary as something unattainable. If we look closely enough, we will often witness extraordinary acts or actually meet people who have performed extraordinary acts.

For instance, it was only a few weeks ago that I witnessed the bowling of a 300 game by my friend JR, whom I consider an extraordinary individual for a number of reasons in addition to bowling. Bowling a perfect game (i.e.; a 300 game) is an extraordinary act, as any bowler can tell you.

I would appreciate you passing on to me extraordinary acts that you have recently witness or extraordinary people you have recently met. Just email me at HarmonyBooksFilmsLLC@comcast.net

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL ON ALCOHOL

It seems a quarter of us routinely have one or two drinks daily, while at the other end of the spectrum about 12% of us abstain from drinking for religious or health reasons.

THIS WEEK’S JOKE

You hear about the guy who was disappointed in the reflective running jacket he had bought?

It just sits around reading works by Proust and Descartes.

WEEK 5: CLOTHING – CHOOSE APPROPRIATE CLOTHING

Clothing is a form of communication. So is your clothing saying what you want it to say about you?

Is it saying you want to fit in with a particular social group, profession or trade?

Is it saying that you respect the social conventions surrounding the function you have chosen to attend?

Or, is it saying you don’t care what people think of you?

This posting wraps up the section of my book on the physical traits. I do hope that all of you take these posts on the physical traits very seriously. If you do not watch your diet, do not exercise, short change your sleep, and drink too much; your years after 50 are going to be more and more unpleasant with each passing year.

THIS WEEK’S POLL

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

Clothing is the first step to building a character.

Source: Sylvester Stallone

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MINE

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

I have been using this blog to bring to your attention self-help books in addition to my own, that I think you will find helpful. However, when it comes to clothing advice, I believe current magazines are more helpful than books I can think of, plus just looking around in stores and at people in general and you will likely see clothing very becoming to you.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

The Devil Wears Prada, is an entertaining movie that also says a lot about fashion. If you never saw this film, you should and for those of us that saw it when it first came out in 2006, we may want to watch it again–I think it is that good.

CALL FOR SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT MONDAY’S POSTING

Next Monday’s posting will be on “Courage – Develop Both Physical and Mental Courage”. If you have suggestions for an inspiring and entertaining joke, poll, quote, book or movie related to “Character”, please send me an email at HarmonyBooksFilmsLLC@comcast.net

CONCLUSION

As always, if you believe this blog has any value, please pass it on to your friends and people you care about. And if you have suggestions as to how I can make these Monday posts even more helpful to you, please let me know.

Thank you

Week 4: Alcohol

December 22, 2014January 20, 2015 Wm. Allen1 Comment

Before I start this week’s posting, I would like to mention the passing of an extraordinary person last Monday at the age of 86. He was Robert Dean Stanley, who among other things created the Chrysler Pentastar logo, when he was employed as a graphic designer for the firm of Lippincott & Margulies in New York City.

Robert Dean Stanley was the father of Dean Stanley, who is a regular attendee at the various happy hour parties, that many of you from the Detroit area have attended. Our condolences go out to Dean and his wife, Mary Ellen.

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL ON SLEEP

A little over half of us typically get less than six hours sleep. I suspect most of us aren’t surprised at that result.

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Three guys were sitting at a table in a biker bar.

A drunk came in, staggered to the table, looked the biggest one in the face and said, “I went by your grandma’s house and I saw her in the hallway, naked. Man, she is fine!”

The biker didn’t say a word. His buddies were confused, because he was a bad dude, and would fight at he drop of a hat.

The drunk said, “I got it on with your grandma and she is good!”

The biker still said nothing, but his buddies were starting to get mad.

The drunk then said, “I’ll tell you something else, your grandma liked it!”

The biker having heard enough, stood up, took the drunk by the shoulder and said,

“Grandpa, you’re drunk! Go home!”

WEEK 4: ALCOHOL – DRINK RESPONSIBLY, IF AT ALL

People often have strong feelings when it comes to alcohol and I suspect very few things will change their position on alcohol. There are plenty of reasons and examples that point to how harmful alcohol can be. There is also a lot of evidence that moderate drinking can be beneficial to your health. The key word is “moderation” and for many people, drinking becomes a slippery slope, where moderation often leads to “excess.”

THIS WEEK’S POLL

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

Here’s to alcohol: the cause of, and answer to, all of life’s problems.

Source: Matt Groening

SELF-HELP BOOKS IN ADDITION TO MINE

I am using this blog to suggest other self-help books that go into more detail about a trait mentioned in my own book. Younger Next Year by Chris Crowley & Henry S. Lodge, M.D. in their chapter sixteen “The Drink”; provides a very balanced view of drinking which they sum up by saying, “If you don’t drink, don’t start. If you do drink, don’t stop–if you’re able to do it in moderation.”

http://www.amazon.com/Younger-Next-Year-Strong-Beyond/dp/076114773X

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

I couldn’t decide which of these two versions of the famous drinking movie, “Arthur” to suggest, so I decided to suggest both the 1981 version and the 2011 remake. I think you will find either entertaining, and there is a message in this movie. If there is no message, it is just entertainment; but, with a message it becomes Art.

CALL FOR SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT MONDAY’S POSTING

Next Monday’s posting will be on “Clothing – Choose Appropriate Clothing”. If you have suggestions for an inspiring and entertaining joke, poll, quote, book or movie related to “Clothing”, please send me an email at HarmonyBooksFilmsLLC@comcast.net

CONCLUSION

If you believe this blog has any value, I urge you to please pass it on to your friends and people you care about. And if you have suggestions as to how I can make these Monday posts even more helpful to you, please let me know.

Thank you

Week 3: Sleep

December 15, 2014January 20, 2015 Wm. AllenLeave a comment

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL ON EXERCISE

I was totally surprised that 40% of those who took the poll said that they do all three components of fitness: cardio, weight bearing and flexibility exercises. That is really impressive and encourages me to put some flexibility exercises into my own program. Hopefully, the results of the poll will be also benefit you by either maintaining your current fitness program or adding to it.

CALL FOR SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT MONDAY’S POSTING

Next Monday’s posting will be on “Alcohol – Drink Responsibly, If at all”. If you have suggestions for an inspiring & entertaining joke, poll, quote, book or movie related to Alcohol, please send me an email at HarmonyBooksFlimsLLC@comcast.net

JOKE OF THE WEEK

A woman woke up and told her husband, “I just dreamed that you gave me a pearl necklace for our anniversary. What do you think it means?”

He said, “You’ll know tonight.”

That evening, he came home and gave a small package to his wife.

Thrilled, she opened the package and found a book entitled “The Meaning of Dreams.”

WEEK 3 : SLEEP – START YOUR DAY AFTER A GOOD NIGHT’S REST

It is wonderful to get an early start on the day instead of rushing because you are running behind. As important as it is to get a early start, it is also important to get an adequate amount of sleep each night. There has been research showing that adequate sleep promotes weight loss, keeps the memory sharp, your disposition more pleasant, and you are prone to less accidents.

For the majority of people, an adequate amount of sleep is said to be between 7 and 8 hours a night,

THIS WEEKS POLL

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Think in the morning.

Act in the noon.

Eat in the evening.

Sleep in the night.

Source: Wiliam Blake

SELF-HELP BOOKS

I wrote my book out of respect for the busy person who doesn’t have a lot of time for reading and also to reach out to people who aren’t really into reading. I wanted the book to not only be an easy read, but also entertaining so I didn’t go in-depth on the various traits.

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

I want to use this blog to suggest other self-help books that do go into more detail about a particular trait that I have covered in my book. Cameron Diaz’s The Body Book, in Chapter 22 has some excellent information on the benefits of adequate sleep and the science behind those benefits.

Cameron Diaz shares her formula for becoming happier, healthier, and stronger in this positive, essential guide grounded in science and inspired by personal experience, now a #1 New York Times bestseller. [ Source: Amazon]

http://www.amazon.com/Body-Book-Science-Strength-Amazing/dp/0062252747

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Although I suggested a more recent movie in my book, this 1993 movie, Sleepless in Seattle is a classic. I thought it was particularly appropriate to mention it since the man’s son makes his request for a wife for his father on a Christmas Eve radio show.

A recently widowed man’s son calls a radio talk-show in an attempt to find his father a partner. [Source: IMDB]

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108160

CONCLUSION

I tried making this post valuable to you, if I have succeeded, please pass it on to your friends and people you care about. And if you have suggestions on how I can make these Monday posts even more helpful to you, please let me know.

Thank you

Week 2: Exercise-The Components of Fitness: Cardiovascular, Strength, and Flexibility

December 8, 2014January 20, 2015 Wm. AllenLeave a comment

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL & FUTURE POLLS

Regarding last week’s poll, it is probably no surprise that none of us wanted to gain weight during 2015 and over half of us plan to lose weight through diet and exercise.

CALL FOR SUGGESTIONS FOR NEXT MONDAY’S POSTING

Next Monday’s posting will be on “Sleep – Start Your Day Early After a Good Night’s Rest”. If you have suggestions for a related joke, poll, quote, book or movie please send me an email at HarmonyBooksFlimsLLC@comcast.net

JOKE OF THE WEEK

My exercise coach told me to touch my toes.

I replied, “I don’t have that kind of relationship with my feet. Can I just wave?”

WEEK 2: EXERCISE – THE COMPONENTS OF FITNESS: CARDIOVASCULAR, STRENGTH, AND FLEXIBILITY

You probably have heard the expression, “If you don’t have your health, nothing else matters.” And yet you also have probably heard or said it yourself, “I don’t have time to exercise.” I’m sure if you really wanted to make time for fitness, you could by cutting out some of your low value activities.

And even those of you who do exercise, have the tendency to only do one type of exercise, such as running, while doing very little weight bearing exercises for the upper body. Others of you may lift weights; but do little or no cardio or flexibility exercises. To be fit, one needs to do all three types of exercises on a regular basis.

THIS WEEKS POLL

On a regular basis

QUOTES

The medical literature tells us that the most effective ways to reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and many more problems are through healthy diet and exercise. Our bodies have evolved to move; yet we now use the energy in oil instead of muscles to do our work.

Source: David Suzuki

SELF-HELP BOOKS

As much as I would like everyone to read my self-help book,

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

Here is one below that contains not just a lot of information on exercise, but diet and health in general. I don’t people to agree with everything in any self-help book, but this book does contain a lot of things to consider if you want to be healthy. This particular book is oriented towards males, but I think much of the info is useful to either gender. If you want a female specific book, I would suggest,The Body Book by Cameron Diaz. And this book too, contains a lot of information that would be useful to either gender.

Back in 1998, Dr. Life was sixty years old and a stereotype of the aging man: he was overweight with a noticeable gut and little muscle tone. His low libido was ruining his self-esteem. He felt tired all the time, yet no amount of sleep made him feel well rested. It wasn’t until a cardiologist read him the riot act that he began to make the critical diet and lifestyle adjustments that led him to look and feel younger than ever. More important, he’s been able to maintain his physique and his health more than fourteen years later.

The Life Plan offers:

A multidisciplinary exercise plan designed to improve heart health and increase muscle mass.

[ ] Rules for dining out [ ].

A complete guide to nutrient supplements [ ].

Advice for getting the best possible care from your doctor

Source: http://www.amazon.com/Life-Plan-Achieve-Lasting-Stronger/dp/1439194599

MOVIE SUGGESTION

I try to find other entertaining and thought provoking movies that are not in my book, but when it comes to movies related to exercise, I think this is the one (at least for me), but I think we would all like to hear your suggestions for other exercise movies, so please comment.

Five years after jilting his pregnant fiancée on their wedding day, out-of-shape Dennis decides to run a marathon to win her back.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0425413

CONCLUSION

Thank you

Week 1: Diet – Eat Healthy

December 1, 2014January 20, 2015 Wm. AllenLeave a comment

RESULTS OF LAST WEEK’S POLL & FUTURE POLLS

Regarding last week’s poll, approximately 25% of the 19 of you that answered have wishes, but no specific goals and another 15% do not even bother with setting goals. However, the remainder of you (60%) set specific goals that are objectively measureable. In addition some of you in that 60% category also develop action plans to accomplish those specific goals and others even go so far as to monitor progress.

Next Monday’s posting will be on Exercise, so if you have ideas for a poll related to exercise, just leave a comment or send me an email at HarmonyBooksFlimsLLC@comcast.net

JOKE OF THE WEEK

A guy walks into a restaurant and asks, “How do you prepare your chickens?”

The cook says, “Nothing special. We just tell ’em they’re gonna die.”

WEEK 1: DIET – EAT HEALTHY

Most people put on extra weight starting from Thanksgiving through New Year’s and so one of the most common New Year’s Resolutions is I’m going to lose some weight this year. It is also one of the most commonly unfulfilled resolutions.

Please don’t be one of those people who keep eating the same way each year and yet hopes for a different result. Another common mistake is to go on a crash diet. Oh sure, you may initially lose some weight, but more than likely you will gain it back, plus a few addition pounds. I would be skeptical of any diet that promises a loss of more than 1 or 2 pounds per week.

Remember, you are what you eat. I recall saying that to a friend of mine and she replied, “In that case I am coffee and wine.”

THIS WEEKS POLL

QUOTES

“Associated with this weight gain are increased risks in adulthood for joint problems, angina, high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, type 2 diabetes and, ultimately, premature death.”

Source: Jeff Schweitzer
SELF-HELP BOOKS

As much as I would like everyone to read my self-help book,

http://www.amazon.com/Tired-Being-Ordinary-Are-You/dp/0990388697

Below is one that I am particularly fond of when it comes to food.

Though food is supposed to be one of life’s simple pleasures, few things cause more angst and confusion. Every day we are bombarded with come-ons for the latest diet, promises for “clinically proven” miracle ingredients, and warnings about contaminants in our favorite foods. It’s enough to give anybody indigestion.

Packed with useful-and surprising-information, Coffee Is Good for You cuts through the clutter to reveal what’s believable and what’s not in a fun and easily digestible way.

Source: http://www.amazon.com/Coffee-Good-You-Low-Carb-Nutrition/dp/0399537252

If any of you have a favorite self-help book on Exercise, please let me know about it via a comment to this post or email me.

MOVIE SUGGESTION

A shallow man falls in love with a 300 pound woman because of her “inner beauty”.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0256380/

If you have a favorite movie related to exercise, please let us all know about it via a comment to this post or email me.

CONCLUSION

I tried making this post valuable to you and hopefully if I have succeeded, you will pass it on to your friends and people you care about. And if you have suggestions on how I can make these Monday posts even more helpful to you, please let me know.

Thank you