Be bored

The weather here in California has been nice lately, although it does get a bit cold in the evenings. I recently started exercising again, now that my IBS is doing a little better, and I’ve been enjoying running outside.

I was listening to an audiobook, What I Talk about When I Talk about Running: A Memoir by Haruki Murakami. The author is a very famous writer in Japan who has won tons of awards, although to be honest I haven’t read his fiction since the more literary style of his books aren’t to my taste. But I bought the audiobook since it was about two subjects I wanted to hear, writing and running.

The author apparently has been running for decades, and has run numerous marathons and even an ultra-marathon. His training methods aren’t as scientific as what I followed when I trained for the Honolulu Marathon, but his discipline is no joke. I liked the way he compared and contrasted his writing with his running.

One thing that especially struck me was the “void” (I’m afraid I can’t remember the exact terms he used at the moment), the state of not thinking (or not thinking much) as he runs, aside from listening to music.

It actually reminded me of something I read in the book Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World. The author mentions that one step in training yourself to focus and concentrate is to learn how to be “bored,” how to not do anything rather than striving to fill the empty times with looking at your phone or watching TV.

I think this is similar to how God tells us to be still and know that He is God.

If I have a free moment where I’m not doing anything, I will ALWAYS pull out my phone. Sometimes I’ll do something productive like go through my Japanese language study flashcard app. Sometimes I’ll jot something down in my bullet journal. Sometimes I’ll read an ebook. But I always fill the time with something.

I think I’m actually afraid of being bored with nothing to do. The thought of being bored actually causes me to feel a bit of stress! I don’t think this is a good thing.

So lately I’ve been only listening to music as I run. I’ve been used to listening to audiobooks so that I can engage (or rather, distract) my mind from my running, but I wanted to try this concept of the “void.”

It’s made me notice my surroundings more, the trees and flowers, but also the feel of the sun and the wind, the smell of the dried weeds and grass. (It also made me notice the doggy poop on the ground, but we’ll forget about that for the moment.)

I want to overcome this strange fear of being bored. I want to open my mind to this quietness and stillness, and maybe enable God to speak to me in His soft whisper.

I think this concept of stilling your mind is especially useful during this week. I don’t know about you, but I’ll be busy cooking for Thanksgiving (although thankfully my husband makes the turkey). When things get so hectic, I start to feel frazzled, and that’s not a good mindset when the holiday is all about being thankful!

So today, I challenge you to be bored. Whether you go out walking or just sit quietly, still your mind.

I will be doing the same. While trying to avoid doggy poop.

I Feel Young At Heart! Do you?

Do you feel as old as your birth certificate claims you are? I don’t. I feel young at heart. In my head, I feel I am about half my real age, and I often marvel when I write down my birth year. No way, I tell myself. I am not that old. I believe each of us is an average of three “ages.”

Chronological Age: This is the age that is dictated by your date of birth. Are there eighteen candles on your birthday cake? Thirty-seven? Eighty-two? There’s nothing we can do to diminish the number of years we’ve been alive. (Well, nothing we’d want to do, anyway. A visit to the undertaker is something everyone wants to put off as long as possible.) Our chronological age is concrete and unchangeable. 

Biological Age: This is the age of our physical bodies. How well do your lungs work? Your heart? Your muscles? How much extra fat do you carry around? There are lots of things we can do to keep our bodies younger. Physical activity, aerobic exercise, strength training, stretching, yoga—all these things will help keep your body fit and lower your biological age. You don’t have to do them all, but keeping active is very important. Eating fresh, nutritious food is another good way to give your brain and your body what it needs to feel young.

Psychological Age: You might not believe it, but how and what you think affects how you age. Are you curious about life? Do you love to learn new things? There are plenty of ways to enrich your psyche—learn a new language or skill, travel, take a dance class, read good books, listen to music, cook a new recipe, meditate, develop a rich spiritual life, go out of your way to meet new people, smile and love more, frown less. Cultivate confidence by making a What Makes Me Unique list. Learn to forgive; the anger it takes to hold onto a grudge can contribute to cardiovascular disease and a weakened immune system. Avoid negative thoughts and live from a place of gratitude. Learn to let go of the things you can’t control. I’m sure there are many other ways to keep a healthy mind and attitude. If you have some ideas, please share in the comment section.

As many of you know, I’ve been exercising regularly for some time now. I’ve dropped some weight and I’m feeling fit. I’ve never lost my curiosity, I have always loved to learn new things, I laugh often (especially at myself), and I stay positive as much as possible. Because I’ve worked on lowering my biological and psychological ages, I’m sure that’s why I don’t feel my chronological age.

For those of you who don’t remember the classic song YOUNG AT HEART, it was sung by the unforgettable Frank Sinatra. He was famous during my father’s era. The lyrics include some great messages:

~  ~  ~

Fairy tales can come true, it can happen to you
If you’re young at heart.
For it’s hard, you will find, to be narrow of mind
If you’re young at heart.

 

Don’t you know that it’s worth

every treasure on earth
To be young at heart.
For as rich as you are,

it’s much better by far
To be young at heart.

~  ~  ~ 

So tell me, what do YOU do to stay young at heart?

New Release for just 99¢ every day:

USA Today Bestselling Author Donna Fasano brings you the first book in her A Family Forever Series.

A BEAUTIFUL STRANGER

When Sean Hudson arrives to claim his new daughter, he discovers the adoption hinges on the impossible. Unless he finds a wife immediately, the tiny orphan will be snatched away from him forever. But before Sean can abandon hope, a beautiful stranger proposes a surprising solution—marriage.

Sean swears the love in his heart is only for his soon-to-be daughter. And that is perfect for Nicki Willis, whose restless spirit yearns to have a family for just a while. But the tenderness of Sean’s touch soothes Nicki’s fears as well as little Sona’s. Now Nicki aches to become a family forever… and she refuses to believe she can’t make this dream come true.

About the author: Donna Fasano is a USA Today Bestselling author. Learn more about her at her website: DonnaFasano.com.

 

Let's Move by @Donna_Fasano

At the beginning of the New Year, I started an exercise program called Sprint 8. It’s a 20-minute workout on the elliptical that’s done 3 times a week. The workout starts with a short warm up and then there are a series of 8 30-second sprints with 90 seconds of recovery time in between. The workout ends with a short cool down. 

I remember thinking, “Four minutes of sprinting in a 20-minute workout? I can do this.” But I have to admit, at the end of those 20 minutes, I am wiped out! However, I have completed over a month of workouts, and I feel good and I’ve also lost a few pounds. The science behind how and why this workout works is solid, so I hope I can keep it up. You can find out more about the Sprint 8 workout by clicking here.

Do you follow any kind of exercise plan? So you tend to stick with the same sort of exercise or do you switch things up? Are you naturally motivated? Or are you more like me… someone who has to really psych herself up to get moving?

~  ~  ~

This month, I’m offering SECOND CHANCE VALENTINE for just 99¢. You save $2 on this sweet romance. Here’s more about the book:

As teens, Josie and Alex met under golden sunshine, frolicked in the surf and sand, and fell head over toes in love. But their one glorious summer ended in ruin and Josie fled Ocean City with a broken heart.

Now Josie’s grandmother is ill and needs help with the family business, a thriving harbor-side diner called Joe’s Place. So after more than a dozen years, Josie returns to her hometown only to discover she has a 180 pound problem—Alex is the Kitchen Commander at Joe’s Place. Surely, Josie can work with Alex to keep the diner going until her grandmother is back on her feet. However, when Alex’s little girl starts scheming, not a single heart will be safe from the little matchmaker.

This book contains bonus recipes from Joe’s Place! Download today for 99¢ at the Kindle Store.

About the author: Donna Fasano is a USA Today Bestselling Author of sweet romance, contemporary romance, and women’s fiction. Sign up for her newsletter here.

  

Work in Progress: Me! - by Magdalena Scott

In an effort to rediscover my waistline, my weekday menu changed drastically this summer. I've also increased my daily walking mileage. I have lost a little, mostly where I wanted it to disappear. One of these days I might even find my hipbones.

I've also been working to wrap up my Serendipity, Indiana series. THE RING, Book #5, releases TODAY. Book #6 has a cover and is partly written, and #7 won't be far behind.

The great part about all this is that I love it. Healthy food tastes better to me now than high-calorie meals or desserts (yes! me, the girl who always liked the frosting better than the cake). I'd rather walk than do any other exercise, and I read somewhere that the best exercise to choose is the one that you'll do. And writing, while not always easy, is worth the groaning and hair-pulling. There's no feeling like re-reading a story and enjoying it.

If I'm lucky, I'll continue to be a work in progress. And I hope I'll be producing works-in-progress in the way of books for a very long time.

Is summer a good time for your works in progress? Do you have projects waiting for cooler weather?


***
Magdalena Scott is a USA Today Bestselling Author of small town sweet romance. Visit her website to learn more about her books, sign up for her newsletter, et cetera:
http://www.magdalenascott.com/

Buy your copy of THE RING here:

Amazon (US) ~ Amazon (UK)  ~ iBooks ~ Kobo ~ Nook

Writing Exercise? by Christine Bush

I’m not talking about doing a writing exercise where you pick a prompt and get inspired, or practice changing point of view.  I’m talking about exercise.  The hard kind.

I am not a natural exerciser. Being a writer (as many writers will attest) demands a lot of time sitting in a chair and working the keyboard. Or researching (Or playing Sudoku, or checking out Facebook, but we’re not going to talk about that today).  So there is a bit of an excuse.  Sometimes I wonder if the writer choice was partly motivated by that fact.
As in… “Hmmm, what job can I do that necessitates sitting a lot?” Not really. I love to write.

But the truth is, you are not going to find me coming in first in a 5K, or wearing those bike pants as I peddle across the nation. Once, I tried Tai Chi, where the aim they said was to be as  balanced and graceful as a swan.  My nickname was “The Drunken Flamingo”.  Sigh. Does that tell you what I am up against?

  Yet, I believe what they say.  It is beneficial, even crucial, to exercise.

So I discovered aqua aerobics.  Today I could be in the aqua aerobics Olympics, if there were such a thing.  Aqua aerobics are awesome.

There is something wonderful about defying gravity, and bouncing around in a pool.  Nothing hurts.  There is something wonderful about the people I  meet  there, men and women of a certain age (like me) who are doing what they can to stay healthy.  No judgment in a bathing suit (thank goodness).

In some classes, music is played.  There is nothing like bouncing around to the oldies and singing with your friends. Some workouts are more challenging.  Some are gentle.  Some build flexibility, some muscle. All build good spirits and health.

When it’s quiet or the action is repetitive, I come up with some great plot twists for my stories.  Or meditate.  And I keep moving, so I’m keeping fit even though I spend so much time “in the chair” doing the writing I love so well. I’m grateful I discovered this.

How about you?  Are you a willing or unwilling exerciser? What do you do to keep your body as tuned up as your mind?  I’d love to hear.

Christine Bush is an award winning, USA Today Bestselling author who has written many books and novellas of sweet romance and light mystery. She also writes Middle Grade Fiction. When she isn’t writing, she can be found working with clients as a Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice, or teaching Psychology at a local college.  She lives with her family and two crazy cats in northeastern Pennsylvania, and loves to hear from readers and aspiring writers.

  www.ChristineBush.com

https://www.facebook.com/christineabush

Check out her sweet romance! On sale for $.99!

https://www.amazon.com/Courageous-Heart-New-Beginnings-Book-ebook/dp/B005I6B35M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1465498590&sr=8-1&keywords=christine+bush

 

Health and Wellness

I am always reading articles on how to improve my health without taking medicines.

Over the years I compiled my own booklet of useful remedies—although I should read it more often and follow my own advice. 

Here are some specifics guaranteed to help:

A twenty-minute walk will help a lot of woes: unwind a tense mind and restore your good mood, relax a tired back, give a break to sore eyes, and battle constipation by regulating and optimizing GI function. In addition, even a five minute walk after sitting for three hours at my computer can reduce the risk of stroke.

A swim in the pool improves your balance. Swimmers use their core muscles and coordinate movement of their arms and legs to stay afloat—both of which increase balance control.

Relaxing by a crackling fire engages all the senses and lowers the blood pressure.

Use omega-3 fatty acids to reduce craving and control hunger.

A sip of apple cider relieves bloating by speeding stomach emptying.

Use vitamin D to strengthen your bones and ease knee pain.

Snacking on walnuts which are rich in antioxidants protects brain cells from oxidative damage and slashes risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Watermelon helps reduce cholesterol.

Avoid loneliness, surround yourself with friends, and believe in yourself when starting a diet. A positive attitude helps considerably.

Many of my readers would tell you that nothing beats a good book and a cup of herbal tea to unwind. And according to my Mom, nothing could restore a woman's good mood like shopping for a new outfit or a pair of shoes.

For ultimate relaxation, plan a cruise or a weekend getaway.

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author, Mona Risk

lives in Florida and writes contemporary romance simmering with emotion and sprinkled with a good dose of humor. Her novels are set in the fascinating places she visited--or in Florida, her paradise on Earth.

HUSBAND FOR A WEEK will go live on Amazon in a few days. This romantic comedy is set in Florida and Sicily.

 

Avoiding Writers' Butt!

I sit in front of a computer for many hours every day, both writing and running my business. When I'm concentrating, I also have a habit of dipping into a bag of pistachio or cashew nuts and nibbling away. It's oh so easy to pile on the pounds if I'm not careful and along with that comes aching hips and knees and a bad back.

I've heard of writers trying all types of things to burn calories and keep active while they work, treadmill desks and little cycles under the table. I'm sure these work for some but neither appeal to me.

For me, the ideal way to counteract the physical inactivity is to take regular breaks and go for a walk. The problem is remembering to do so and motivating myself. A few weeks ago I discovered a pedometer called a Fitbit Flex. It's a wrist band that contains a small device that measures the wearer's steps.

My husband is the fitness fanatic in our house, so I surprised us both when I took the plunge and ordered a Flex. The default setting on the device is a daily target of 10,000 steps—the distance recommended by the American Heart Association to stay healthy. I couldn't imagine taking that many steps in a day, but in fact 10,000 steps is only about five miles. (Actual distance walked depends on the length of your steps.)

The Fitbit talks to an app on your cell phone via bluetooth and free software on your computer through a dongle that's included in the box. It's possible to monitor far more than just steps and distance. If you want to go the whole hog and use it to help lose weight, it has a function for monitoring calorie use and comparing that with your daily calorie intake.

I've been wearing my Fitbit on my wrist for two weeks now, and it has motivated me to take regular breaks to walk around our garden so the step count mounts up during the day. Then I usually finish off with a nice long walk with my dog in the afternoon. I imagine it's a lot easier to hit the target if you own a dog! Sometimes I've resorted to walking around the kitchen umpteen times in the evening to rack up the final few hundred steps to hit my target—this totally confuses my cat and dog who think I've gone crazy.

The Flex also has a sleep mode to monitor quality and length of sleep each night. This has been quite an eye-opener for me. I was kidding myself I had around eight hours sleep a night. I've now discovered I manage between six and seven hours most nights. That might explain why I'm tired a lot of the time!

If you find yourself sitting too long at the computer and need motivation to take more exercise, I can tell you the Flex has worked for me far better than I imagined. After two weeks I already feel fitter.

For those of you who have to sit still for long periods of time, how do you stay fit?

Helen Scott Taylor lives in South West England near Plymouth in Devon between the windswept expanse of Dartmoor and the rocky Atlantic coast. As well as her wonderful, long-suffering husband, she shares her home with a Westie a Shih Tzu and a burmilla cat. Helen's latest venture is a ten book boxed set, Ten Brides for Ten Heroes. Find Helen on FaceBook and Twitter, or visit her website.

WHEN THE IMPOSSIBLE BECOMES POSSIBLE

Has there ever been something you swore you could never, ever do without – and then one day it’s forced on you – and you end up the better for it?

It turns out for me, that one thing is owning a car.

I’ve had a car since I got my driver’s licence decades ago, and the idea of not having one, of being dependent on public transport, of not having that freedom, I mean, how can anyone possibly survive?

Then 18 months ago the car was written off in a crash and – well, I became carless. But I was insured and I would get a replacement, so I wasn’t particularly worried. Then over the next few weeks, as I waited for the insurance company to sort it all out, I discovered I was actually getting by quite well without a vehicle. I was actually saving money. So much so I began to think... maybe I really can get by without a car.

After all, I have a job where I bus to work, and I live near a couple of useful bus routes. I could walk to the supermarket or do an on-line shop, could walk to church, and friends had offered to help me out if needed. My kids didn’t need me running them around anymore. And one of the biggest things – it was forcing me to exercise. I couldn’t just leap in the car and go down the road to the shops. I walked. Getting fit and saving money!

By the time the insurance money arrived, I’d decided: I wasn’t getting a new car. I was going to walk and use the bus.

That was eighteen months ago when it was all sweet and light and new. How has it actually panned out? Actually, it has panned out really well.

Look at all the pros. I don’t have to clean a car anymore (so happy about that!) I save money. I’m fitter - I don’t get nearly as puffed walking up hills. I’d like to say I’ve lost a few pounds but actually, I haven’t. (I’m not sure what that’s all about when you go from pathetic amounts of exercise to several hours a week, and most of it brisk cos I’m running late!) Socially – well, a social butterfly would be in trouble. Most of my “things” are close or bussable or friends offer to pick me up but I figure, going out less is a good thing. More time to write.

In spite of the odd inconvenience, it feels strangely free not having a car. I don’t lose keys. I don’t have to remember to lock it up. Don’t have to worry about it getting damaged or stolen. Don’t have to queue for petrol when I’m badly organized and running late. Don’t have to drive around looking for a park. Don’t have to fork out money for registration and insurance and repairs and petrol. Bliss.

But, yes, there are inconveniences. Having to take the bunny to the vet on the bus was interesting. Bad weather and no coat or umbrella is a pain. Taking the wrong bus and taking twice as long to get home was frustrating. But for the most part – it’s all good.

A few years back, it would have been horrible without a car, and I’ve no doubt at some point – if I changed jobs, for example – I might need one again. But in this case, it has worked out and I’m glad I didn’t just automatically think “got to get new car” but actually gave it a try.

So what about you? Have you ever given up something you swore you would never get by without, and have survived to tell the tale? Or – yikes! – given up something and regretted it?

Joanne Hill got her driver’s licence as soon as she was legally old enough but daren’t admit how many hours she’s wasted over the years looking for lost car keys. Her upcoming sweet romance Return to Frazier Bay will be released early April.

You can find her on Twitter at @joanneauthor or visit the website at www.joannehill.com