Posted by: Suzan | October 5, 2011

Relief from the Over 40 Monday – Sunday Blahs

Do your over 40 Monday blahs extend throughout the week? Do you wonder where your perky self is? Are your mood swings ballroom dancing across life’s floor?

 There is good news. This is absolutely normal according to a study reported in Social Science and Medicine in 2008. This study by researchers at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, and the University of Warwick in                    Coventry, England utilized 35 years worth of data on two million people from 80 nations. They concluded that there is a consistent pattern of depression and happiness levels which result in people feeling down during midlife. They discovered that women in theU.S.are most unhappy at 40 and men at 50. Researchers speculate that this builds over time in most people rather than being caused by dramatic events.

 The best news is that this discomfort is only a temporary blip in life’s landscape. Most people emerge from it in their 50’s with a renewed life perspective. Ideas to support this include the reality that when we reach the 50’s often some of our peers have passed on. This helps us be more grounded in reality and appreciative of the lives we have. Other possibilities are we learn to accept our strengths, weaknesses as well as release unreasonable expectations. Essentially we realize what really matters and focus more of our energy here.

 So during our midlife dip how do we stay assured we’ll get back up? We begin by embracing our feelings rather than rejecting them. Understanding that it is normal to feel a bit down rather than berating ourselves for feeling this way is the first step. Learning more about Positive Psychology will definitely help to readjust. This science advocates that feeling happy isn’t just about experiencing pleasure. Real happiness, according to Positive Psychology, relies on living a purposeful life which has meaning and connection. It may help to volunteer for a cause you find worthy and/or spend more time in “quality relationships” with chosen family and/or friends.

 If you’re feeling out of sorts remind yourself it won’t last and it certainly doesn’t define you. You’re also in good company with the rest of us over 40 folks. Celebrate you’ve reached this milestone and eventually you’ll be counting your blessings too.

 For further support, check out the Father of Positive Psychology: Dr. Martin Seligman’s site. He has some terrific free quizzes for you to take: http://bit.ly/3KVbrH

 My research came from:

http://bit.ly/cR6XtN

http://bit.ly/11PgK1

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Posted by: Suzan | September 26, 2011

Simplicity Begins with Me

Simplicity begins with me

for it is my natural state.

Setting my mind free

allows me to uncomplicate.

 Simplicity is living in the now

while pausing to receive life’s lessons,

being less attached to “how,”

and respecting that whatever I need—beckons.

Simplicity is selecting activities and friendships with care

as I respect my need for rejuvenation and rest.

It begins with a willingness to share

joys, sorrows, and burdens along my life quest.

 Simplicity is communication’s shortcut

by saying what I mean and not mincing any words.

It is attuning to the wisdom of my “gut”

where my truth and clear advisement is stored.

 Simplicity requires being patient until I understand

and releasing any “stories” and/or anxiety over what “might be.”

It diminishes my need for control and demand

and allows a sense of peace to become me.

****Please note that my blog will be moving in October, 2011 to my new website which is www.SuzanTussonAuthor.com. It is still somewhat “under construction.” You will need to resubcribe when the blog moves. I will keep you posted. My eBook, Women at P.L.A.Y! Peace, Love, and Acceptance of Yourself after 40 will also be available SOON for purchase on my site (it is now in PDF format and will be available on all retail sites some time in October with links on my website).  Thank you for your interest!

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Posted by: Suzan | September 6, 2011

No More Excuses – Start Writing Your eBook Today

Do you have a print book that you’d like to expand readership for?

Do you have a book inside of you begging for release yet you don’t know where to begin?

 Consider publishing a digital, eBook. Amazon stated that eBooks are now outpacing print books. In May, 2010 they reported a 207% increase in eBook sales from the previous year. http://on.mash.to/opMgxm. In 2010 114 million eBooks were sold, a 1039% increase since 2008 according to the Association of American Publishers and the Book Industry Study Group. By contrast, 603 million “trade hardcover” books, both fiction and non-fiction, were sold, a 5.8% increase since 2008. http://www.publishers.org/

 Here are some tips to help eliminate any pesky excuses.

 Excuse #1: I don’t know where to begin. What would I write about?

Remedy: We all have knowledge within us which can empower and enlighten others. If you’re a business owner, or subject matter expert, all you need to do is clearly define why you want to write the eBook. What do you want for your readers? What do you want for yourself by completing this project?  Also, writing an eBook will give you more credibility in marketing yourself. You become an expert and this can definitely improve your bottom line.

 Excuse #2: I’m so busy. Where would I find the time?

Remedy: Most eBooks are between 100-200 pages or 25 – 50,000 words. If you commit to writing one to two pages per day, you can finish it within three to six months. You can work on it as a seasonal project (e.g. your “leaves of change” fall project). Finish it as your holiday gift to yourself and others. You can also work on it during the National Novel Writing Month. Every November writers from around the world commit to writing 50,000 words in one month. You receive a website, resources, and support including groups in your community to either write with or meet with for motivation. I participated in this last year and wrote more than 50,000 words (about 180 pages toward my novel). Even though it says novel, you can work on any writing project you wish. This is the perfect time to pump out your eBook in one month. I felt swept along by the energy of people from around the world all focused on their writing endeavors. http://www.nanowrimo.org

 Excuse #3: I don’t have the best writing skills. How would I write the eBook?

 Remedy:You can hire a ghostwriter and/or editor to help you complete this project. The ghostwriter will write the book for you from your copious notes and interviews. The editor will take your manuscript and make it “reader-friendly.” All you need to do is provide her/him with your knowledge, stories, whatever you intend to include in the eBook. You can ask for samples of their work to see if he/she is the right fit for your vision of the eBook. You can go to http://www.writersaccess.com for a list of professional writers in the U.S. You can also check out local writers’ groups as they normally have a website with a listing of professional writers and editors. For example in San Diego, you can refer to Publishers Writers of San Diego http://www.publisherswriters.org/.

  Excuse #4: How would I produce and manage my eBook? I don’t want the hassle of tracking it.

 Remedy: You can use a service like Smashwords http://www.smashwords.com. They have a list of converters which they work with. You must first have your eBook converted to a certain format for the reading devices by one of these professionals. Then you load it onto their site at no additional costs. They will sell your eBook for you on their site and send it out to numerous other retailers (i.e Barnes and Noble for the Nook). They anticipate having a relationship with Amazon Kindle by year-end. It is possible now for readers to buy eBooks for their Kindle devices from Smashword’s website. You will be sent your payments quarterly and can check your status at any time.

 Excuse #5: I don’t have the budget for this. How much would this cost me?

 Remedy: You can do this project with minimal expense. For example, you can provide this eBook as a gift with other purchases from your website or you can offer it to increase subscribers. Just have it downloaded as a PDF. Seth Godin, a best selling author who popularized permission marketing, offered a free eBook on his site which went on to have more than 1 million downloads. As a result, one of his books moved up to #5 on Amazon and he received countless offers to speak, as well as have his book translated to sell in other countries. http://sethgodin.typepad.com/

 However you choose to market your eBook, you can do so at the fraction of the cost of a print book, gain ongoing passive income, as well as publicity, more clients, brand recognition, and more.

 So you have no more excuses, you can start writing your eBook today. Your readers are waiting……

 Suzan Tusson is the author of the eBook, Women at P.L.A.Y! Peace, Love, and Acceptance of Yourself after 40. Her eBook will launch later this month.

 

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Posted by: Suzan | August 29, 2011

Joining Nature’s Communi-Tree

 

 

 

 

 

Inspired by camping at Burnt Rancheria Campgrounds in the Laguna Mountains 8-26 – 8-28

Communi-Tree-this is where I want to be,

Recognizing our oneness and unity,

Knowing I’m not alone sets me free.

Learning nature’s patience is the essence,

No rushing to get anywhere makes so much sense,

Staying rooted in being and allowing-I give up pretense.

  Discipline is the natural factor, 

All the elements work in tandem with one another,

She does whatever is needed for survival, growth, for “her.”

Nature’s acceptance of what is,

As a bird doesn’t question-why am I this?                                                                                                                                                                                                                         She accepts the natural order as her bliss.  

The trees and flowers embedded in their place,  

They don’t run around longing for another space,                                                                                 

They bloom where they are–no need for life’s chase.

Communi-tree is surrendering to full cooperation,                                                                                  

It is nature’s way of celebrating life as one,                                                                                                      

If we could release our resistance, we can also realize her perfection.

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Posted by: Suzan | August 15, 2011

5 Tips for Remembering Names

Have you ever turned your head because you’ve forgotten the name of the person coming toward you? You’re nearly holding your breathe hoping, maybe even praying, that she/he won’t notice you. Sound familiar?

 It’s common for everyone since we’re taking in so much when we meet someone new. We’re noticing them visually and even on an emotional level. If her/his name is uncommon, it becomes even more challenging. Add to that our own inner-mental chatter, and it’s no wonder we can struggle with this at times.

 On social networks it is easy to recall names because they are right in front of us. Yet in person we don’t have this advantage unless of course someone has on a “My Name is” badge.

 You never know what you might be missing by not striking up a conversation. You could receive a business lead or maybe make a new friend. The rewards might be high yet you’ll never know if you turn your head.

 Here are some tips from Forbes Magazine April, 2010 to help you recall someone’s name:

(1)   Use the FACE Method as suggested by Benjamin Levy, author of Remember Every Name Every Time, which is “focus, ask, comment, and employ.” First really gaze at someone’s face. Then ask them which name they prefer to be called or where there name is derived from if it is unusual. Make a comment to yourself about the name. Have you known anyone with this name before? Does the name remind you of something or a place? Make a mental note and connection. Finally use the person’s name again e.g. “I enjoyed meeting you, Sarah.”

(2)   Repeat the name as much as possible. Say the person’s name several times during the conversation. The person you’re conversing with will be grateful for your effort, and you will have a better chance of engraining it into your memory.

(3)   Speak up. If you’ve forgotten the name in the beginning of the conversation bring it up right away. Say, “I’m enjoying talking with you yet somehow have completely forgotten your name.” Otherwise it will not be as easy to do so if you run into this person again. If it is someone at one of your networking groups or your health club there is a strong chance you will see her/him another time.

(4)   Use word play. Make up a rhyme in your head related to the person’s name e.g. “Betty likes spaghetti” or “Stan is a tall man.”

(5)   Find a trigger word based on what you learn about them. This one is more valuable because you will memorize something personal about them too. e.g. “Mikelikes to mountain bike” or “Susieis in sales.”

Finally, you can either e-mail yourself some notes about the person’s name and any vital information from your cell phone or jot them down in a small paper notebook after she/he leaves. If you’ve exchanged business cards, this makes it much easier. Commit to remembering names and you will open up a whole new world of possibility. Now you can face the person walking toward you with a smile and who knows what can happen next.

 Suzan Tusson’s eBook, Women at P.L.A.Y! Peace, Love, and Acceptance of Yourself after 40, will soon be released. Stay tuned.

 

 

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Posted by: Suzan | August 2, 2011

Shakespeare was Right–All the World’s a Stage

“All the world’s a stage” said Shakespeare. As I learn more about performing in my intermediate acting class at UCSD, I agree with Shakespeare’s wisdom. In life we have the chance to fully develop our characters, become more in touch with our emotional intelligence, and for some of us, life can be quite a “drama.”

 We interact with each other and sometimes it is believable, what actors strive for, yet at times it seems artificial, contrived, as if we are mouthing the words that only others wish to hear. It is as if we’re reading from a script rather than speaking from our own hearts.

 Here are some of the life lessons I’ve learned from acting:

(1) Do not talk over your scene partners

In acting and in life we must listen to whom we are talking with. When they are finished talking, then we can speak. Often we’re so consumed with our own thoughts that we don’t hear what the other person is saying. We’re so focused on speaking ourselves that we’re quick to blurt out what we have to say, often speaking over the person we’re communicating with.

 (2) Never put your back to the audience

 In acting and in life we must face our audience to engage them. Our audience can be our life situations which we must not hide from and instead deal with head on to resolve them. Our audience can represent the person we’re communicating with—to look them in the eyes when we’re speaking to them. It can also mean being willing to be seen and heard by others. Expressing ourselves freely rather than hiding in the background. This is the only way to build our confidence.

 (3) Imagine you are hearing the lines for the first time

 In acting and in life we benefit from bringing a fresh approach to each day of our lives. On the “stage” we want to be fully present to others and imagine we’re hearing the lines for the first time, and on “life’s stage” when we’re in the now, seeing this moment for the first time, we can feel more alive and energized.

 (4) Pick up the Pace

In acting and in life we often bring more energy to ourselves and situations when we pick up the pace. On the “stage” we sometimes need to speak our lines more rapidly to hold our audience’s attention.  On “life’s stage” we can move our bodies with exercise, get up from our computers to take a break, or change the momentum by starting a new project. When we pick up the pace, we don’t over think our lives which can sometimes keep us in a rut. Instead we move with life’s flow and feel more “get up and go.”

 (5) Know your objectives

In acting and in life when we take the time to research, reflect, and know our objectives we communicate more clearly with conviction. We then have a much better chance of attaining our goals. We not only want to know our objectives – it is also important to understand others’ motivations, our scene partners on the “stage” or those relationships closer to us on “life’s stage.” When we have a better understanding of one another, we are more in sync and harmony.

 Suzan’s eBook, Women at P.L.A.Y! Peace, Love, and Acceptance of Yourself after 40 will soon be released. Stay tuned!

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Posted by: Suzan | July 19, 2011

Celebrate L I F E

 

Celebrate L I F E!

Life is…

… a symphony. We each have a part to play.

… a forest, often thick with uncertainty.

… bright sunlight, shining its brilliance to light our way.

… a jungle, dense with rich diversity.

… a garden. We are all intended to grow.

… a stream of rushing water which can carry us along.

… a mountain range, there is much to get over and so much to know.

… the space between the notes of every song.

… a banquet, a sumptuous feast for our senses to enjoy.

… a puzzle–to be continually sorted and put back together.

… a traffic jam, a child’s shrill cry, a dog’s loud bark—sometimes it can annoy.

… an integrated ecosystem–we owe our lives to her.

 … a coastline – an endless sea of expansion.

… an infant with outstretched arms seeking love and embrace.

. . .a playground beckoning us to jump aboard and have fun.

… a toddler exploring every inch of space.

Life asks us…

…  to be patient as we traverse along our journey.

… to discover the vast, inexplicable ME of who we are to BE.

… to honor each precious moment of our time here.

… to not dismiss her with boredom, abandon her with annihilation, nor reject  her with fear.

 … to savor her as we would surprises, to rejoice in new beginnings, to relish every moment of the time we’ve been given here.  

… to honor her because our last breathe may be near.

 

 

 

 

 

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Posted by: Suzan | June 28, 2011

Life Tips from the Bunny Whisperer

Bunny

 Life Tips from the Bunny Whisperer

While gazing out of my large picture window toward MissionTrailsPark, I spied a bunny eating her breakfast. This gray-brown fuzzy critter with the puffy cottontail locked her eyes upon me. She hesitated a moment and then continued gnawing away on the grass at the top of our hill.

 As I stared back into her big dark eyes, I sensed life messages from this “bunny whisperer.” Sometimes the universe sends us creatures dressed in odd clothing, aka “bunny whisperers” to convey wisdom. If we pay attention, nature can teach us timeless truths.

 Life Tips from the Bunny Whisperer

1)     Take small bites along with tiny steps and hops.

Change happens in small increments.  Do not judge the size of the steps you take in life. Continue to move forward and you are guaranteed to arrive at your destination (whatever your goal may be).

2)     There is an abundance of nourishment.

Just like the grass for the bunny, there is plenty for everyone. We will always be taken care of if we trust it is so. Know there is more than enough supply –this land belongs to all of us.

3)     Be with what is in front of you.

We often think what we’re seeking is somewhere over “there.” More often it is right in front of us. Quit the desperate search and flourish from where you are at this moment.

4) Be observant. Gaze with open eyes and extend your ears to listen well.

The bunny remains aware as coyotes and hawks just might get in her way. She is poised to scamper off to protect herself. We must notice if something doesn’t seem right for us too and do whatever we need to do for our best interest. The bunny also models communication for us as she has much bigger ears than her little mouth (so much better to hear you with). She reminds us to look others directly in the eye when we speak to one another.

5)     Pause from time to time to look around. Engage all your senses and even wiggle your nose.

Watch any tendency toward “tunnel vision.” Be open to possibilities and notice them. Use all of the senses as you move through life to live a “larger life.” Make time every day to play and be silly. Who knows how many more days any of us have.

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Posted by: Suzan | June 23, 2011

Five Tips to Avoid Thought Pile Ups and Free Your Mind

Do your thoughts seem like gridlock traffic on the freeway? Do they cut in front of one another vying for your attention—often getting you nowhere?

Since research shows we have more than 80,000 thoughts in a 24 hour day, one every 1.2 seconds, no wonder there is little space for our brains to maneuver.

 If we allow our thoughts to run rampant without monitoring them, we can easily get stuck in circular thinking, negative patterns, and/or overall life stagnation.

 To avoid thought pile ups in your brain and the mental fog which often accompanies this, I recommend the following five tips:

v     Become aware of your thoughts. Practice being an observer of your life. Literally step back from time to time to explore what you are thinking. If you notice yourself lingering in the past or jumping to the future, remind yourself that you can only live in the present. Return toNOW.

v     Set an alarm in your office (either your cell phone, a clock, or your computer). Check in with yourself on the hour. Learn where your thoughts are taking you. If they are leading you to a “bad neighborhood” then make a quick detour. Transform any negative thoughts to positive. This will impact the overall quality of your life.

v     Carry a small notebook with you to record any recurring thoughts you’re having. You’ll become clear about what you are dwelling on so you can make positive course corrections.

v     Meditate daily even if it is for five minutes. This is the practice of suspending your thoughts which will refresh your brain. Be gentle with yourself during this process. Continually redirect your breathing away from thoughts and toward silent stillness.

v     B R E A T H E deeply into your diaphragm and hold your breath for a few counts. An easy method is to breathe in for four counts, hold for four counts, breathe out for six counts and then hold for two counts. Then repeat this process. More oxygen in your system helps to calm your mind as well as release the gridlock. This is a sure way to keep your life in the flow.

 

 

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Posted by: Suzan | June 1, 2011

Could your stomach bloating be a sign of Candida overgrowth?

I phoned my doctor’s office to schedule my annual physical and since she wouldn’t be available for months, I agreed to see someone new, Dr. Humiston. After a relatively short wait he walked in and pulled his chair up fairly close to mine. He’d read through my completed health questionnaire and had many questions for me as to why I’d given my intestinal tract a 1 out of 10 (1 being the lowest score on the scale). I shared many unsettling symptoms though the one which had become most annoying and painful was my stomach’s daily bloating, sometimes resembling a woman’s six month pregnant bulge. Fitting into my clothes had become a strain and the pressure against them felt very uncomfortable.

He spent one solid hour with me which included asking me many detailed questions. We established that all of the antibiotics I took over the years before the dentist’s bi-annual visits for a heart murmur could be a culprit. Ironically I found out one year ago from another medical report that I never had the heart murmur. The fact that I practically lived in a chlorine pool many of my growing up years raised his eyebrows coupled with years of birth control pills and the kicker, being exposed to DDT by the mosquito truck which used to circle around our home inLouisiana spewing out these toxic chemicals which probably killed humans as well. I remember how I’d run into the house when I’d see the truck coming hoping to cover my head with my pillow in enough time. I wasn’t always successful.

After his thorough questioning and muscle testing, he mentioned it appeared I could have Candida overgrowth. Candida is a normal part of the human flora within the digestive tract yet due to many factors, some mentioned earlier, the yeast can overgrow and spread to other parts of the digestive tract and through the bloodstream as a slow, progressive process.

Candida overgrowth is a fungal infection and Western medicine does not know how to treat it so it is often overlooked, perhaps intentionally. There isn’t a specific diagnostic test either; recovery is based on how one responds to the treatments. I had blood work done and my results showed a low white blood count and high liver enzymes which my doctor suggests are indicative of Candida overgrowth patients. He has worked with more than a thousand patients with this condition, experienced Candida overgrowth himself and studied alternative medicine therapies for years after becoming a Family Medicine M.D.  After attending one of his free monthly seminars on Candida overgrowth and taking into account his extensive background with it; I chose to follow his  program.

The Candida elimination plan consists of giving up most dairy products, all sugar and soy-based products, essentially nothing processed can be consumed. I gave up wheat too because I suspect I may be allergic to it. For two months the diet is quite rigid, and then it eases up somewhat afterward. I cannot have caffeine or alcoholic beverages for now yet giving up fruit has been the most challenging aspect for me.

Dr. Humiston has developed his own plant-based system of supplements which one takes along with the diet which include pills to cleanse the liver; replenish the flora; and to eliminate the candida. There is a one year maintenance plan which follows as completely ridding the body of this yeast condition is not easy to do.

After three weeks on the diet and two weeks taking the supplements, I’m pleased to share that my stomach bloating completely went away. I also retook the liver enzyme panel and my numbers are already going down which is very positive. My mind is clearer, I’m sleeping deeply and with ease, and most of all, I’m grateful to be recovering from a situation which if gone unchecked can cause major havoc to the body.

If after reading this you are curious if you or a loved one may have this condition, please visit Dr. Humiston’s site:

http://www.CandidaMD.com

(Please scroll through to see a recent series on Candida Overgrowth and how to remedy it! It includes my most recent posts. Be well)!

 

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