Hear How You are Doing?

 

You would like to hear about how I am doing?

Thanks for asking! Do you see that elephant up there....the one wading into the water? Well, that's a pretty good picture of how I feel. Let me explain...

Today, instead of eating the elephant, I feel more like I AM the elephant....Although I don't feel as confident about where I am headed as that elephant appears to be. I am headed into new waters. The water isn't turbulent, or full of high waves....just different.

I am working on getting my website up and running .... In Constant Pursuit. My vision is for it to be a source of information and services for caregivers, both professional and non-professional. In addition to all of the doctors, nurses, and lots of other ancillary medical personnel, there are many men and women that are care-givers for elderly parents or other family members. They often need help and support, and someone to care for them. It is easy to neglect self-care, and get stressed and burned-out. I want to help. It is a big vision for me, but I am super excited about it. 

I've spent a lot of time doing this:

And some time feeling like this:

But, God has given me a lot of peace about this adventure. So, mostly I feel like this:

I am looking forward, and upward to where this adventure is going to lead. I sure would like for you to join me!

Follow this link to be added to my email list: 

Follow along here:

Where do I get the energy and focus at my age? Lots of time in the Word and in prayer. And some of my "power powder."

Click here if you are curious about that....

Next time, I will be blogging from my own, brand new website. Woohoo!!

Constantly pursuing better, inside and out.

Martha P

 

 

Hide my skin?

 

Hide your skin? But, why?

Oh, I see....like the elephant in the above photo? You have wrinkles, sagging skin, and dark circles under your eyes? Uneven skin tone?

I get it....trust me....I get it! I grew up in the days before sunscreen was a thing. As a teenager, I couldn't wait to bake in the sun with mineral oil, of all things (disguised as baby oil) smeared all over my exposed skin. (that's a whole different issue that I won't go into today). Suffice it to say...I did some terrible damage to my skin that caused permanent damage.....uneven skin tone, wrinkles, dark spots, and yes, a mild form of skin cancer. All in the name of "health and beauty." I have very fair skin, and sunburn very easily. So you could say, that one of my personal missions is to educate people on protecting their skin, and preventing as many future skin problems possible.

But alas, for me....the damage is already done. What to do? I do have a few suggestions:

1 - Definitely hide your skin from any potential sun damage. Cover your skin with clothing, or a mineral based sunscreen, with the primary active ingredient being Titanium dioxide, or Zinc oxide. These have fewer side effects and sit on top of your skin, instead of soaking into your skin. 

2 - Invest in good, high quality skincare products, like Karine Joncas  The better your skin looks, the less you will need to spend on foundation and concealer to cover your skin flaws. Quality products pay for themselves in results. High quality skincare products heal your skin from the deepest layers out, giving your skin a soft, healthy glow. Let your natural beauty shine through!!

3 - Use your high quality skincare products consistently. It really would be a waste of money to buy them, and then not use them. Believe it or not, they don't work from your vanity drawer......Even if you don't wear any makeup, you still need to wash your face in the morning, and at bedtime. Environmental pollution soaks into your skin, causing the release of free-radicals that damage your skin. Wash your face at bedtime to remove unwanted chemicals from your skin, and then moisturize it with products that help to break down the free radicals (anti-oxidants like Vit C, Vit A, Peptides, etc). In the morning, wash off the dead skin cells that have accumulated on your pillow, and moisturize again, to seal and protect. 

Karine Joncas moisturizers (Icons, as Karine calls them) are 4 in 1. They serve as your day, night, eye, and decolette cream. No need for a separate cream for each. A high quality moisturizer is definitely money well spent. 

4 - Don't neglect the rest of your body's skin. Remember, your skin is your largest organ, and your first line of defense against infection and disease. Using a body exfoliant and body cream will make your skin feel soft and smooth, and will help prevent rashes and other skin problems caused by exposure to contaminants picked up by your clothes during the day. 

Body Care Products.

5 - Eat healthy and drink plenty of water. We really are what we eat. We need plenty of protein and some fats to rebuild our tissues. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provide trace vitamins and minerals necessary for cell reproduction and to fight off infections. Avoid any added sugar - it causes inflammation throughout your body, and aggravates conditions like arthritis and eczema. Drinking plenty of water flushes out the toxins, and will also help keep your skin hydrated. Dry or dehydrated skin is wrinkly skin. ( I will do another post on how to tell the difference).

6- Get good advice for skin concerns that need more than just cleaning and moisturizing. Don't waste time and money buying products over the counter, or online, without the advice of a good skincare consultant or medical professional. Most problems can be solved by just finding the products that are right for you. A good consultant will ask you questions and provide solutions. Many will provide free samples and help facilitate the return or exchange of products that aren't getting you the results you need. 

As always, I'm here to help....that's what I do.

Take good care of your skin! It's the only one you will get!

Martha

Eat the elephant?

 

Eat the elephant?

Ummm...well, why is it you want to do that?

Well you see, I have this huge goal for 2021, but I'm not sure where to start...

Gotcha. Well, then! That's a great question!! I would love to share with you what has helped me eat the elephants in my life....

1 - Choose the right elephant. There are usually plenty of elephants around to choose from. Spend time praying and thinking about it. Look at all of your options, and then make a commitment to the one that you know is right for you, and make sure that now is the right time to tackle it. I'll use myself as an example. I want to grow my business, but that may involve a lot of elephants of various sorts and sizes. "Growing my business" looks a lot like a huge shape off in the distance that I'm pretty sure is an elephant...but I think I need to take a closer look and get a more clearly defined goal in mind. OK. So, my elephant for 2021 is to develop brand awareness. To me, that is still a big, very fuzzy elephant!

2 - Get close enough to the elephant to see each and every part. Aha! Yes, that is clearly an elephant. Very intimidating. Look at the size of that trunk! (For the sake of the analogy...let's assume the elephant is dead and ready for consumption...and that consuming it will be a good thing to do....) Now, back to my example -  Brand awareness has several parts to it...a website, blog, email list, landing page....etc. Lots of parts waiting to be consumed...

3 - Get some help! My goodness, you will never get the elephant eaten in a timely way all by yourself.  I have put off developing a web site (just a part of brand awareness) for at least two years. The thought of trying to do it by myself was too overwhelming. I have been looking at several options, from friends to expensive professionals. Meanwhile, a friend recommended someone that I feel comfortable working with, for a reasonable monthly fee. No long term commitment or huge upfront cost involved. I am depending on them to help me choose which body part to start with, and, for their help and support throughout the entire process. They promise to help me get all the parts clearly identified and consumed.

4 - Pace yourself. Plan it out. Don't sabotage yourself by planning to tackle the biggest part in a month full of family commitments or other demands on your resources of time and energy. In my situation, because it is a coaching group, I will need to follow the prescribed timetable. However, I plan to build in a little cushion for the unplanned. There are a lot of things I just don't have control of from time to time. But that's ok...because my business isn't the only elephant in my life. Know your own limits and stick with them. Don't take over-sized bites, or try to eat too fast!

5 - Is there actually more than one elephant?  Keep first things first. Most people have several areas in their lives that present huge challenges. Yes...I have huge goals for my personal life as well, and sometimes the elephants have to be juggled. I often have to work at keeping my priorities in order. 

6 - Next, put that big old elephant on paper. I plan to have a couple of paper elephants for 2021. Identify every part. Leave room to add the parts you didn't see the first or second time around. And then, break the parts down into little bite-sized pieces that you know you can get down in one day. Try to not have any left-overs. They will build up, get stinky, and turn into another form of unpleasant elephant. And then, it will be easier to walk away from the elephant than to keep eating away and watching it disappear. Which by the way...is incredibly satisfying. It's really quite amazing...eating all that elephant doesn't make you gain weight...it makes you stronger and wiser. 

7 - Find an accountability buddy. It may be one of those people that you have hired or a friend/family member that can help you eat the elephant. Encourage them to check in with you on your progress. Allow them to ask the tough questions, and to give constructive feedback. 

8 - Finally...celebrate even the smallest victories. Seriously...some days my to-do list contains the most mundane things, like run the vacuum, refill the bird feeder, make a grocery store run...call three potential customers, make three Pinterest posts... etc. But, you know what? At the end of the day, all those checkmarks under the "done" column are small victories that add up to a successful day. One big toe....GONE!! Woohoo!!

OH, and this really is the last thing.....enjoy the experience!!

And, if you want to know more about my business...

check out the Karine Joncas link to the right.

Happy New Year!!

Martha P

Just send an electronic gift card?

 

Well, you want to know what I think?  I think that's a great idea, especially this year. If you are like me, you have been anxiously tracking packages since the end of November, and there is still no delivery in sight. What to do? 

I know...a gift card can seem very impersonal. But, would the consequences of no gift be worse? I guess you are the only one that can decide that. If you know the person you are giving the gift to well enough to go into a store, choose a gift, take it home, wrap it, and then ship it.....that person must be family, or like family! I made a dress for my granddaughter, bought a handmade toy for her, and bought another handmade gift for my daughter. I was so proud of myself for getting it into the mail around Thanksgiving. Alas, I sent it to an old address...senior moment, I suppose. Anyway...when it didn't arrive as expected, I assumed it was lost. But I asked God to send it back to me, and He did. God is so good to care about even the little things in our lives. I was able to ship it off again (to the correct address) and it made it! Woohoo!!

Would my granddaughter have been as pleased with a gift card? I hope not! But, my daughter and son-in-law? (Actually, my son-in-law did get a gift card to Lowes). I really don't think they mind either way. For them, it's just nice to know that we haven't forgotten them....yet. That may come in another 10-15 years....

Anyway, my point is...most of the time, it's the thought that counts.  A well-thought out gift is always the best. And, the more personal, the better. So, if time is of the essence right now, and since we can't depend on an overwhelmed shipping system...I recommend you get that E-card to them in time to take advantage of the after Christmas sales. Do you know where they like to shop? Make it as specific as possible. For example, if you know that WalMart is where he/she shops for everything, then WalMart it is. However, people that know me, know that my favorite clothing splurge is Talbot's, and they always have awesome after Christmas sales. So....hint, hint....you get the idea. If it's just a general Visa card, it's great for anything...even necessities. And maybe someone you know could really use some help with the basics right now. What a blessing that would be! 

So, to answer your question...May I just send an electronic gift card this Christmas? I think that's a great idea! Thanks for asking!

And, if that special someone would enjoy some luxury bath and body care products, just visit me at 

https://KarineJoncas.com/MarthaP

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Disconnect?

 

What would you like to disconnect from?

I ask that because, if you are like me, I recently realized that for the last couple of weeks, I was already disconnected. There I was, in the midst of family, busy with work and school...knowing that I have so much to be thankful for; in need of nothing; and yet, feeling anxious and fretful, as if there was always something that I should be doing, but not knowing what it could possibly be; something more, more, more!! I was impatient and irritable, not pleasant to be around, I'm sure. 

I finally identified the feeling as "disconnected." I was disconnected from those closest, and most important to me...

How did I end up in that situation? I have a job that I love. It allows me to connect with people and help them with various problems they have in their life. I am a people person. I enjoy being with them. Like so many others, I've tried to make up for this by being electronically connected. And for me, an electronic connection just doesn't work. I want, and need more. But, I was looking in all the wrong places....more electronic distractions; more time in FaceBook, more time in a stupid game that always wanted me to do something more, more, more! I knew it was a waste of time, but my mind was so distracted, and I desperately needed to focus on something....anything! What a downward spiral that proved to be! I knew better, but I just didn't do better. 

Praise the Lord, for a moment of clarity and realization...I had become my own worst enemy! Now it was time to come up with a new plan, and a new focus. Can I walk totally away from social media? Not right now.  It really is the main way for me to work my business under the current circumstances. Can I be smarter with the way I use it? Absolutely!

So, there are a couple of things that I'm planning to do:

1 - Drastically reduce my social media time. I can check my email 2-3 times a day and find out everything I need to know in there.

2 - A couple of minutes of FaceBook time to make sure I am responding to my customers comments, 3 times a day is enough. 

3 - Keep a good book going to pick up and read for a mental break, instead of my phone or iPad.

4- I can actually call someone instead of texting them. Now, I love texting...short, sweet, and to the point. But, it is no substitute for hearing a human voice and having a real conversation. 

I have a problem, and it's time to address it.

"I am resolved no longer to linger, charmed by the world's delights.."

I want to stay connected....really connected to the people that I am so blessed to have in my life....family, friends, neighbors. People are hurting right now, and I want to reach out and touch in a personal, meaningful way. That helps me just as much as I hope it helps them!

So, don't be surprised if I call you just to ask..."how are you really doing?" And you feel free to do the same. I am still texting and posting. It has its place. But I am resolved to keep social media and all of its buddies in the proper place in my life.....not in charge of my life. Does that make sense?

I hope I have answered your question. Yes, you may, and probably should disconnect from some things from time to time. Just make sure they are the right things.

Merry Christmas, and Happy Disconnecting!!

Martha

p.s....I'm also going to make sure I give myself some self care, and continue sharing how to do that with others. Please feel free to ask me how!

Start planning now?

 

Absolutely!! Start planning now, for next year, your next big project, even your next shopping trip....I have learned the hard way that a little bit of planning goes a long way towards successful living. Let's just call it "living intentionally."

If you are anything like me, planning and executing said plan, is a daily challenge. I have used all kinds of excuses over the years...kids, work, pandemic, blah, blah, blah. (Think Charlie Brown adult voices in your head). But the bottom line is, living a life that has measurable success doesn't happen by chance or accident. It happens as a result of living intentionally.

So, what are some things that you would like to accomplish over the next several months? The pandemic will end eventually, and we won't have it as an excuse anymore. 

Our family has identified some things that we would like to accomplish together, and I have several personal goals. I am hoping that life will look very differently 12 months from now, and I look forward to sharing with you as we move into 2021.  

For starters, I am specifically looking for ladies that enjoy working with other ladies, and enjoy the challenge of learning new things.  Just post in the comments below if you are interested.

Meanwhile, Christmas is just around the corner. We shopped much earlier this year, and I think I like it better that way. Way less stressful than putting it off until the last minute. 

But if you are still looking, I have some great ideas for some personal care products that are proven, customer favorites....in full size and stocking stuffer size.  

Just click Shop Here. 

Thanks for joining me here every week. I will appreciate any comments or feedback that you would like to share below.  

See you next week!

Martha

Ask.....What is Maskne?

 Maskne is defined as:

• "As the name suggests, maskne is a type of breakout that results from wearing a face mask. “Maskne is acne formed in areas due to friction, pressure, stretching, rubbing or occlusion,” Nazanin Saedi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Thomas Jefferson University, explains to Health."

The two main things to do for maskne is to keep your skin clean and moisturized, but there are a couple of extra steps to take that will also help treat and prevent it.

1. Use a gentle, but effective cleanser. Do not use a cleanser with salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide. They will further dry out your skin and may cause more irritation. 

2. Use a moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type. Not too heavy, but creamy enough to keep your skin soft and hydrated all day.

3. Change your mask at least once a day. If you work a job that requires you to wear a mask all day, take at least one extra clean one with you to swap out on your meal break.

4. Reach out to a skincare professional. Last, but not least, 

reach out to a skincare professional that can help you choose the products that are right for you. It doesn't have to be a dermatologist. There are other professionals such as estheticians and independent consultants that represent reputable skincare companies, and this is the kind of situation where it is worth paying a little more to make sure you are getting the people and products that can really make a difference. Don't waste time or money picking random products from off the shelf. Your skin may end up worse than when you started. 

And yes, I am one of those professionals. As an RN, I have researched many products and product ingredients. I would love the opportunity to work with you to help you solve any particular skincare concerns you have, whether it's maskne,  dry, irritated skin, or just the normal fine lines and wrinkles that come with aging. It's what I do, and I love helping people to feel comfortable in their skin again.

Here is a link to the company that I represent. I invite you to just click and take a look.

Hang in there with the masks, and have a wonderful, Happy Thanksgiving!!

I would love to hear from you,

Martha

Take a moment?

Please do.

Meanwhile, something happened this morning that made my heart rejoice, so I just wanted to share it with you....

I normally get up very early in the morning so that I can have some quiet, uninterrupted time to read my Bible, pray, and think through the day ahead. My day always goes so much better when I have this time.

Today was no different in that regard, but it's what my 3rd grade son did this morning that I think is so awesome. He is like most boys that age...never ready to go to bed at night, and rarely ready to get up the next morning, especially on a school morning. But, we have been working on helping him go to bed more easily at night, and also encouraging him to make more healthy breakfast choices. Last night, he asked for hot chocolate with his breakfast. I kind of kicked-back on that one...I'm thinking chocolate, sugar...probably not the best choice. So, I didn't make any promises. But, he got up on his own this morning. Wow! Happy Momma dance at this point. So, when he requested his hot chocolate, I was all over that.  I even heated the milk in a pot instead of just heating hot water in the microwave!

He ate his breakfast of sausage and biscuit, and tried sipping on his really HOT chocolate. It was foggy this morning. He was looking outside as he was sitting, and asked about it. "Is it cold outside?"  "Chilly", I said. "Can I take my hot chocolate outside and drink it out there so that it will cool off?" I objected a little. My momma brain is thinking cold and damp....and then I realized that it really was a harmless request. So out he went, no jacket, but carefully clutching his cup of hot chocolate followed by "don't spill..don't get any on your uniform..."

Then, the momma moment came....because this is a boy that usually can't wait to get at the computer to play a game, or pick up his Kindle and watch something on it. Or, talk non-stop about his favorite movie characters, or grumble about anything and everything. It's a constant battle to control it. But today......this morning.....he sat on the back porch, looking out over the backyard, and sipping his hot chocolate. He sat, and watched, and sipped. He looked so grown-up. He was quiet, and listening and watching. (And yes, I took a picture through the blinds while he wasn't looking.)

He took a moment....a moment of solitude with just his own thoughts. No electronic voices and images grabbing for his attention. Just him, and the birds, and the fog.....and his cup of hot chocolate. And a precious moment it was. I hope he got a glimpse of the treasure that is in a moment like that, and that he will always seek to set aside time for them. For in them, we learn so much about ourselves, and the world around us.

So my friend, what does your "moment" look like? Are you taking time to just sit, and relax, and enjoy the moment? Please do. And when you do, I would love to hear about it.

Wishing you many wonderful moments,

Martha

Learn Something New?

 

Learn something new? Oh, please do, please do!!

The opportunity and ability to learn are such amazing gifts. I think we tend to take the gift of learning for granted way too often. I know that kids sometimes fight it tooth and nail...they just don't see or understand the value of it. But, as parents, we understand the absolute necessity of a good education.

So, here's the question for today...are YOU continuing to learn? Do you enjoy learning new things? The medical experts say that learning new things is one of the secrets to slow down brain aging. Just like our bodies, without regular exercise, the muscles shrink and weaken.

To be honest, the older I get, the harder it is. It takes me longer, and more tries to learn new apps, memorize scripture or music, or just to learn anything new. But the rewards are so worth it! 

One of the reasons I love working my business so much is that it requires me to keep learning, and pushing myself outside of my comfort zone. I've never liked to sit on the sidelines of life, and I don't want to start now. Life can be so exciting, and challenging. Just like it's not much fun to watch a game without lots of ups and downs, life can get pretty boring without challenges and rewards. If we never experience sorrow, we can't appreciate joy. Without bondage, we can't understand freedom. 

So, I encourage you to keep on learning...stay involved in life....volunteer, read, learn a new craft, work puzzles....love without limits. It is SOOO worth it.

And, if you are interested in what I've been learning lately, just 

click here.

I will add you to a 5-Day Treasure Hunt. Come check it out!

Start with the Basics?

As Julie Andrews used to sing..."Let's start at the very beginning....a very good place to start..."

I have so many childhood memories tied to that movie....very bittersweet, but I'll save that for another time.

And, speaking of childhood, which is a beginning of sorts, my topic for today is about establishing one particular habit that is very important to long term healthy habits.  

Did you know that your skin is your largest body organ, and your first line of defense against disease and infection? Think of healthy skin as a strong wall, and the only weak spots in the wall are our eyes, ears, mouth and nose...the places where germs get in the most easily. And frequent hand-washing is needed because we touch our faces so many times a day.

 

If young ladies, and gentlemen, will learn to wash their face twice a day when they are young, they are much less likely to have acne and other skin problems as they age. The natural oils on our skin attract dirt and become the perfect breeding ground for all kinds of germs and chemicals that are damaging to our skin. Be sure and find a cleanser that isn't too drying, or that will cause other problems. And, as they move into their teen years, adding a moisturizer will be the next step.

But for now, just start at the beginning, with Step 1. Wash your face twice a day.

And of course, I would love the opportunity to be a part of that process, if you have any questions. 

Click here to learn more about basic skincare.

 

Martha, May I...What?

Martha, May I.....What?

Growing older is an interesting process, and God has been very good to me during this process.  I have learned a lot of valuable lessons. One of the most important ones was to learn to trust God's word, and to obey it to the best of my ability.  Because the consequences of not doing that all of my life were very unpleasant, to say the least. So....like most moms and grandmas, I want my children (birthed, adopted, and otherwise) to avoid the same mistakes that I made. And the Bible says of the older women in Titus 2:3b-4 that we should be "..teachers of good things; That they may teach the younger women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children.."

So....this blog is the culmination of multiple suggestions, hints, requests.....you get the idea....and my desire is to be obedient and to be a blessing.  

As I have said many times to my children..."You may choose to do that...but I wouldn't if I were you..."  Thus, the title "Martha, May I?" 

What is is that you are having a hard time choosing? What is it that you would like to have more information about, or someone else's personal experience about? I've begun to tell you a little of my story...now you tell me some of yours.