In 1381, Chaucer composed a poem in honor of the engagement between England's Richard II and Anne of Bohemia. As was the poetic tradition, Chaucer associated the occasion with a feast day. In "The Parliament of Fowls," the royal engagement, the mating season of birds, and St. Valentine's Day are linked:

For this was on St. Valentine's Day,
When every fowl cometh there to choose his mate.

Remembering all the wonderful things -
this past year we have shared,
leaning on each other,
as we did this past year.

Sharing all our feelings -
both bad and good,
knowing that we were there -
for each other as best we could.

Never did I doubt -
that you was a special friend,
someone so very trusting,
and someone I could confide in.

Someone who seemed –
to always take the time,
to show me how to love,
and especially, how to be so kind.

Now the spirit of the Christmas -
is growing more and more each day,
and the bond we made as friends,
is certainly here to stay.

I wish you so many good things -
for this Christmas time to come,
knowing that in my heart,
all the good for me you have done.

My thoughts continue to allow me -
for this much I do know,
I thank God for each blessing
as our friendship continues to grow.

And during this Christmas Season –
my Christmas wish for you,
is a blessing from Our Heavenly Father,
for His friendship is awesome too!

Sometimes, the best motivators are the ones we find when we hit a personal low point. My low point came a few weeks ago, when I realized that I hadn’t been outside for seven days straight (Eeeek!). I felt groggy, my body was aching, my energy level was low and I felt a slip in my grip on clarity.

When my clarity is threatened, I start to take notice. I now had a strong motive. I got up instantly and went for a run - a long one.

The System of OPA

OPA is a trick I picked up from Tony Robbins, which when applied, will assist us in achieving the results we desire. It stands for:

• Outcome (O) - Having a clear vision.
• Purpose (P) - Focus on results and purpose.
• Action (A) - Create a massive action plan for meaningful results.

Let’s expand on these and apply them to the jogging example.

O, Outcome

Most of us have vague ideas on what we want. We know roughly the direction we want to go, but because we aren’t clear on the vision of our destination, we get pushed into whichever direction the wind is blowing. Without a vision, we will obsess over “the how”, and will often overanalyze and fail to take action, or take ineffective action.

In the jogging example, “wanting to go jogging” is not the ultimate vision. The ultimate outcome I am seeking is actually mental clarity and physical energy. One activity that contributes to this outcome is regular exercise. Additionally, because I am focused on the desired outcome and not on the how, I have realized that there are other things I can do which will contribute towards this outcome, such as deep breathing, swimming, and yoga.

What is the ultimate vision for what you want? Be specific in describing the outcome you desire.

P, Purpose

Knowing what we want isn’t enough to give us the push towards massive action. We must know why we want it. Why is it important that we achieve our desired result? When we achieve this outcome, what will it bring us? Without strong enough reasons, we simply will not be moved into action.

In the jogging example, my reasons for wanting mental clarity and physical energy are:

• To feel physical wellbeing. To live fully and consciously.
• To have the clarity to write articles that serve others. To empower and inspire readers towards a fuller life with more joy and passion.
• When I have energy, I can get more out of my day. I can do more activities which will benefit my personal wellbeing, and in turn make more contributions to others.

Why must you achieve the target outcome? What are the reasons most important to you? What does achieving the outcome mean for you?

A, Action

Armed with your clear vision of the outcome and with the burning reasons why it is important to you, come up with an action plan for achieving the results you seek. Once you have your action plan, take one small action immediately. Then commit yourself towards taking some action regularly (everyday if possible) towards your target. Regardless of how small the action may seem, it will move you one step closer to your outcome, and - importantly - help build the momentum you will need to reach your destination.

The Holidaze are upon us! Do you love it?

I trust all to be well in your world today! Just a note to inform you of some recent changes with Turning Leaf Touch ~ Jan's Massaging Body Work, I am pleased to announced a new location!

I have been currently offering Swedish (Relaxation Massage, Warm Stones ( Massage using warm stones that increases circulation and brings an awareness to a new level of relaxation), Neuromuscular Therapy ( Massage that engages movement of muscles & soft tissue while applying touch) and Reiki (Non invasive energy work~ relaxing & healing).

Remember, there are many benefits to massage and bodywork, such as the release of chronic muscular tension and discomfort, improving circulation, increased joint flexibility, reduction of mental / physical fatigue and stress, promoting faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improved posture, and reducing blood pressure. Massage and bodywork are also know to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.

Holiday Special

For the holidays I am offering 1 & 1.5 hour sessions at a reduced rate as a gift for you, (Please see below for current rates & times.)

New Location ~ 200 East Swallow @ Tranquility Center.

If there are any inquiries, please contact me via phone or email. I look forward to working with you in the near future, call & book your session(s) today!

In Love & Light,

--Jan

Holiday Rates

    
• 1 Hr Swedish and /or Neuromuscular Therapy and/ or Reiki Session $ 50*
    
• 1.5 Hr Swedish and /or Neuromuscular Therapy, and / or Reiki Session $ 75*
• 1 Hr Warm Stone Session $ 55*
    
• 1.5 Hr Warm Stone Session $ 82*

Business Hours By Appt

M-W 9am-12:30pm

Thurs.-Sun 9am-8:00pm

Modalities for wellness & relaxation: Swedish Relaxation, Warm Stones, Postural Facilitation,

Integrative NMT, Clinical Sports Massage, Reiki

Gift Certificates Available

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Christmas Goodies

Hot Caramel Apple Drink

Eating and drinking are the key elements of any Christmas gathering with various types of cocktails and mocktails forming the basis of most meals. So if you are planning on having a house full of guests during Christmas, make sure that you have a bartender’s guide on your bed side table. Try some family favorites or shake up some new kinds by asking friends and family for fresh recipes. Check the internet; there are hundreds of Christmas drinks recipes available online. Here are two popular recipes, one alcoholic and one non-alcoholic.      Ingredients: * 8 oz. apple juice * 1 tbsp cinnamon syrup (recipe provided) * whipped cream; caramel syrup * nutmeg * cinnamon Method: Heat apple juice and bring it to a gentle rolling boil.Add 1 tbsp of cinnamon syrup to an empty mug. Now add theboiled apple juice. Top with whipped cream, add a generous portion of caramel syrup and let it run into the juice. Ifrequired, add extra measures of whipped cream and caramel.Sprinkle with nutmeg and cinnamon.      To make cinnamon Syrup: * 1 cup sugar * 1/8th tsp Salt * 2 tbsp flour * 1/2 tsp cinnamon * 2/3 cups water      Mix well and boil until thick. Add 2 tbsp butter.

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Christmas Candies

Christmas candies are a favorite with both adults and children alike and a plate of assorted candies gets more appreciation than any other gourmet food. So if are planning on having a house full of guests during Christmas, make sure that you have boxes full of different kinds of Christmas candies in your larder. Make some family favorites and bake some new kinds by asking friends and family for fresh recipes. Try the internet; there are hundreds of candy recipes available online. Just go to either the Yahoo or the Google site and watch the magic unfold. Here are two favorites for you. Christmas candy bars Ingredients: * 1 cup packed brown sugar; * 2/3 cup butter cups quick cooking oats; * 1 tablespoon vanilla essence; * 1/2 cup light corn syrup * 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips; * 2/3 cup crunchy peanut butter         Method: Grease and lightly dust a 9in. x 13in. baking pan. Lightly grease a 9? x 13? pan. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together till light and fluffy. Mix in the oats, the vanilla essence and the corn syrup. Smooth this dough into a flat pan cake like shape in the greased pan. Bake for approx. 15 minutes (take care to not over bake). While the dough is cooking, melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter together over low heat. Let the cookie base cool a bit and then spread the chocolate peanut butter mixture on top. Cool completely and cut into pieces.

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12 Days of Christmas with
John Denver & the Muppets

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