Apr 21 2013

The Ride of Life!

In a previous post, I shared that this past October, I was in New York at a Hay House writer’s workshop with my editor. [Hay House is one of the largest self-help publishing companies in the world.] I also shared in the past that working on the computer is not my favorite thing to do. Oh! Let me be honest−it is one of the last things I would choose to do. I’d much rather be in the kitchen making colorful, delicious meals; at a yoga class; or on my daily walk taking in the beautiful sun and fresh air, listening to one of my favorite motivational speakers or oldies but goodies.

i'm bloggin thisThe main message I walked away from the writer’s workshop was that I need to build a platform, a network of electronic approaches to reach my intended audiences. In plain English, OMG!!! On our train ride home, the tears welled up in my eyes and panic struck, flowing through my body like a roaring river. Thinking, “How will I ever get through this next step?” Totally exhausted from the busy weekend, I did my best to push the platform out of my mind. “Maybe it will go away. Let me just get home.”

When working through the fears, tears, and days of anxiety had finally settled down over this thing called a platform, I decided, okay, let’s do what I always do. l will just jump on and be open to this new twist and turn on the ride of life and do the best I can. Only five months later, I am proud and excited to share my website with you and my 20 blog posts. That’s right, I said 20. No one is more surprised than I. I am sitting here with one big grin of gratitude as I write this post. I want to say thank you, thank you, and thank you again to Karen, my web helper, and Nancy, my editor. My website is up and I have become a blogger. I feel like looking around and asking, “Who’s saying these words?” I have become a blogger!

I would like to share some of the feedback I have received so far on my website:

“Congratulations, Casey! Your site is beautiful and your honesty and sharing are so moving. I know that you will help many other seekers to find their way to peace and healing. Thank you for sharing with us. Your story and all that you have accomplished in building your platform are both inspiring. Love to you, and all.”

“Hi Casey, I absolutely love your site design. The title banner is beautiful and really pops. It is very clear and concise and simple to navigate. I also love how your blog is the center; I can scroll through quickly and read the titles to see what you’re about. Casey, it is a beautiful site! Thanks for sharing who you are with the world! Much love.” 

“I just got done reading things on your website. I LOVE your honesty. I love the format. You have so much to offer the world in healing and helping people accept themselves and become who they are meant to become in their own lives. I am so excited for you. Thanks for sharing. Of course I want to know when Crawling Out is released.”

“Everything looks wonderful, so much more intrepid than I could be. All the Best Casey. Love your website and your honesty. You have loads of great information and resources. Hope you are well and happy.”

Thank you for sharing the ride of life with me and all the positive feedback. Please keep in touch to let me know what you loved and wanted to share with someone near and dear to you. And remember to be open and ready to jump on to do your best with your next ride of life.

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Post by Casey Morley – I have emerged from a life filled with abuse and chronicle my journey in my my book,Crawling Out, due to be published soon. I hope by sharing my story I can help other victims of domestic violence realize that they too, can start their own journey of crawling out – and that they don’t have to walk alone. I am also the owner of Casey’s Image Consultants, and a Certified M’lis Wellness Consultant offering Lifestyle Change Programs for detoxifying the body. I am dedicated to helping people improve their appearance and overall health from the inside out.

Photo courtesy of Foxtongue   

http://www.flickr.com/photos/foxtongue/24720422/

 

Apr 04 2013

Domestic Violence−Please Help

In a previous post, I shared my connection as a salon professional to a national campaign called Cut It Out, Salons Against Domestic Violence. As I was checking out their resource page, at  www.cutitout.org, I discovered the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence [CCADV] right here in Wethersfield, Connecticut.

CCADV is the recognized leading voice for victims of domestic violence and those who serve them in theCT Coalition Against Domestic Violence
state. The organization works to change the social conditions that perpetuate domestic violence through policy advocacy, public awareness, technical assistance and training.

As many of you who have followed my blog know, I am a survivor of many forms of abuse and domestic violence. I chronicle my journey in my book Crawling Out, due to be published later this year, in which I share my gut-wrenching battle to live abuse free. Thus, I found myself intrigued by a discussion held the first week of March on the impact that witnessing domestic violence has on children, co-sponsored by CCADV and the Connecticut Office of the Child Advocate.

The discussion featured Dr. Steven Marans, director of the National Center for Children Exposed to Violence and professor of psychiatry, Yale University, as keynoter. Dr. Marans is also a member of the U.S. Attorney General’s National Task Force on Children Exposed to Violence. The roundtable discussion also included state executive directors and commissioners involved with the topic, child advocates, etc.

Before the meeting began, CCADV Executive Director Karen Jarmoc walked over with a warm welcome
and gave me permission to blog whatever I would like about CCADV.

As I prepared myself for some note-taking and waited for the discussion to start, I jotted down all that
the coalition had listed on its marketing board:

  • Safety planning
  • Crisis intervention
  • Safe houses
  • Court advocacy
  • Counseling support groups
  • Children’s programs
  • Community education

Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen started the discussion with statistics about child abuse,
and domestic violence that are alarmingly frightening. Dr. Marans continued with statistics that make
domestic violence very real to anyone who was listening. I was overcome by all that I heard:

  • The #1 cause of emergency department visits is domestic violence.
  • 15.5 million children exposed to domestic violence have adverse childhood experiences. 

These statistics took my breath away. It took all of me to maintain my composure. My emotions started to take over; I fought back my tears. For a short while, I felt the doctor and I were the only people in the room and that he spoke directly to me, acknowledging all that I have overcome. A man who didn’t even know me seemed to recognize my battle. The realization of the odds that were against me−and that I have beaten them−was once again placed in front of me by another expert. I often wonder, How did I do this? How did I crawl out?

The two hours just flew by. I left that meeting empowered to do something more to create additional
awareness about this horrific epidemic in America. No one deserves it, it is not your fault, and you’re
NOT alone. If you are a victim of abuse, please go to CCADV’s website www.ctcadv.org for
resources, or if you need help or just someone to talk to for counseling services, support groups and
advocacy services, please call its 24-hour statewide domestic violence hotline at 888.774.2900.

If you or someone you love suffers from any form of abuse, there is help. We need to work together to
spread the word. It’s time to talk. There is no more room for hiding in shame, enduring the cycles of
abuse and living in fear. We need to awaken those around us to the truth about the lasting effects of
domestic violence and child abuse – to the truth about what 1 out of 3 people endure. And to the ability
we all have to make a difference. And, please, lets not teach our children that this way of life is normal. 

Help us bring awareness to every household. Please share my website link www.caseymorley.com with all your email contacts−to help those who are too ashamed to talk about it, to help those who don’t even recognize they live in abusive situations, or to help those who need a discreet avenue to find help − to begin their own journey of crawling out. Perhaps one of my treasures or blogs will be just the gentle nudge they need to see things in a new light.

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Post by Casey Morley – I have emerged from a life filled with abuse and chronicle my journey in my my book,Crawling Out, due to be published soon. I hope by sharing my story I can help other victims of domestic violence realize that they too, can start their own journey of crawling out – and that they don’t have to walk alone. I am also the owner of Casey’s Image Consultants, and a Certified M’lis Wellness Consultant offering Lifestyle Change Programs for detoxifying the body. I am dedicated to helping people improve their appearance and overall health from the inside out.

 

Mar 24 2013

Help Us “Cut Out” Domestic Violence

Help Us Cut it Out

As a survivor of many forms of abuse, I think the following information is important to share. I have been a member of the National Cosmetology Association, now the Professional Beauty Association, since 1986. I would like to introduce you to our connection to a national program called Cut It Out−Salons Against Domestic Abuse.

salons against domestic abuseCut It Out began as statewide program in Alabama created by the Women’s Fund of Greater Birmingham and the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Cut It Out trained more than 500 Alabama salon professionals in 2002 to recognize the signs of domestic abuse and what you can do to safely refer clients to local resources.

That was a great start, but Southern Living At Home Founder and Executive Director Dianne Mooney envisioned a program that would reach nationwide. The NCA and Clairol Professional had separately identified domestic abuse as an area in which both could make a difference. Partnering with Cut It Out, the three organizations took the program national in March 2003.

Please check out the Cut It Out website at www.cutitout.org,where you’ll find more information like:

What Is Domestic Abuse?

  • A pattern of violent and coercive tactics committed by one intimate partner against another.
  • A pattern of controlling behavior that consists of physical, sexual, and/or psychological abuse or assaults
  • A learned pattern of behavior.
  • A behavior that impacts all those around the adult and child victim: family, friends, and co-workers.

While most perpetrators are men, it is important to remember that most men are not perpetrators.

What Are the Characteristics of a Perpetrator?

  • Perpetrators of domestic abuse are in all socioeconomic groups, cultures, and races.
  • 97% of victims of domestic abuse are female and their perpetrators are male.
  • Domestic abuse does occur in same-sex relationships, and in a small percentage of heterosexual relationships where the female is the perpetrator.
  • Perpetrators believe that they are entitled to own their partner and that love is about ownership and possession. They use this entitlement/ownership belief system to justify their abusive actions.
  • Perpetrators believe that in a relationship setting, they must have absolute control over their victim.

Some Domestic Abuse Statistics: 

  • A woman is battered by an intimate partner every 15 seconds in the United States.
  • More than half of female victims of intimate violence live in households with children less than 12 years of age.
  • 31% of women report being physically abused by an intimate partner at some point in their lives.
  • Four women in the United States are murdered each day by a male intimate partner.

(Source: www.cutitout.org)

The Cut It Out website states that 1 out of 3 people suffer abuse. Speaking from experience, I believe the percentage is higher than that. For I was the type that never talked about it; I was too busy carrying someone else’s guilt and was ashamed of what I was living. Always wondering, how did I get here? I did not want anyone to know my secret.

Please help us Cut It Out by sharing my website link with your contacts to help those too ashamed to talk about it. You never know who that 1 out of 3 could be. Perhaps this discrete avenue for help is the beginning of their journey of crawling out.

_______________

Post by Casey Morley – I have emerged from a life filled with abuse and chronicle my journey in my my book,Crawling Out, due to be published soon. I hope by sharing my story I can help other victims of domestic violence realize that they too, can start their own journey of crawling out – and that they don’t have to walk alone. I am also the owner of Casey’s Image Consultants, and a Certified M’lis Wellness Consultant offering Lifestyle Change Programs for detoxifying the body. I am dedicated to helping people improve their appearance and overall health from the inside out.

Feb 26 2013

Candida and What It Could Mean For You

Candida is an over-infestation of yeast in the body. It can invade every tissue in the body including the brain, and it grows and lives on what you eat. It makes you crave what it needs to grow, and rampages until you eat it. I call it the awakened dragon that roars until you give it attention by feeding it something that it loves but is making you sicker.

Many medications, such as steroid drugs, birth control pills, and antibiotics can increase the likelihood of a candida yeast imbalance. In some cases the next life crisis, trauma, major loss, or emotional setback may awaken the dragon as well. It may occur alone or in combination with any auto-immune disorder, including Fibromyalgia. Candida can be transmitted through sexual contact, pregnancy, or swimming pools and hot tubs. There are medical tests for yeast, including stool sample testing, urine, and blood test and by the health screening test we offer.

Some symptoms include frequent yeast, bladder or skin infections, chronic fungus such as athlete’s foot, allergic reactions or increased sensitivities to foods or chemicals, bowel disorders, muscle pain and fatigue. Headaches are very common along with fatigue/ lack of energy, cravings or addictions, mood swings, anxiety, depression, irritability. Overweight/ underweight,
insomnia, restless sleep, and list goes on.

Conventional treatment usually includes anti-fungal drugs and antibiotics, but these in fact can increase the severity of the problem in the long term. Often, when finishing a course of antibiotics or a steroid drug, a person experiences a yeast infection. Drugs that specifically address fungus or candida destroy some of the yeast, but those not destroyed begin to colonize and become more and more drug-resistant. In a stronger state, yeasts produce toxins that attack the body’s defense system and destroy the friendly bacteria in the body so that there is no defense against the new, stronger fungus. “Solving” candida with drugs stuffs the immediate discomfort, but causes the yeast to come back with increased strength and over time, the yeast becomes a problem that affects every facet of life and health.

Through an effective balance of dietary changes, nutritional support, and the increase of friendly bacteria, yeasts can be brought under control within 30-60 days. In this short period of time, a new level of vitality and health will have been reached that can be maintained for a lifetime. One of my first opening sentences when I am about to start a health screening test for a client is 80% of Americans have candida and 95% of degenerative diseases comes from a toxic colon.

If this blog stirs up some interest or questions please do not hesitate to call for more info and start your get healthy regime with finding out your score.

“In order to change we must be sick and tired of being sick and tired” -Author Unknown

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Post by Casey Morley – I have emerged from a life filled with abuse and chronicle my journey in my my book,Crawling Out, due to be published soon. I hope by sharing my story I can help other victims of domestic violence realize that they too, can start their own journey of crawling out – and that they don’t have to walk alone. I am also the owner of Casey’s Image Consultants, and a Certified M’lis Wellness Consultant offering Lifestyle Change Programs for detoxifying the body. I am dedicated to helping people improve their appearance and overall health from the inside out.

 Photo courtesy of Miheco

Feb 19 2013

The Man Behind the Foot Bath

I thought since I offer Ion Cleanse Foot Baths at the salon you might like to read a little about the
man behind the foot bath, and his diligent path to get well.

In 1982, Bob was diagnosed with lung cancer. Upon receiving this diagnosis, he embarked on a
life transforming program that included dietary modification, extensive total body detoxification
involving colonics and a multitude of herbal formulations and, finally, an arduous thirteen-year
journey through the angers, hatreds, and resentments that had accumulated in his body over the course of his confrontational life.

Bob’s journey exposed him to Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, acupuncture and Native American cleansing techniques which he incorporated into a private practice that spanned 16 years from 1985-2000. He first encountered ionization technology in 2000. The detoxification protocols that he had been using on himself were physically arduous, requiring his body to expend significant amounts of energy to rid itself of the toxins that the herbal and homeopathic remedies were releasing into the blood stream. He quickly realized that the primitive ionization technology that was introduced to him from Australia, enabled the body to deal more effectively with the processes initiated by these remedies.

Through a healing journey that has continued to this day, Bob has devoted himself to perfecting
a device that would deepen the body’s relaxation response and create the precise amount of
osmotic pressure that would maximize the amount of toxins released into the water during each
session.

Please contact me @ 860-628-8857 with your questions about the Ion Cleanse Footbath and or
our Lifestyle Change Programs to detoxify the body to begin your journey to wellness.

____________

Post by Casey Morley – I have emerged from a life filled with abuse and chronicle my journey in my my book,Crawling Out, due to be published soon. I hope by sharing my story I can help other victims of domestic violence realize that they too, can start their own journey of crawling out – and that they don’t have to walk alone. I am also the owner of Casey’s Image Consultants, and a Certified M’lis Wellness Consultant offering Lifestyle Change Programs for detoxifying the body. I am dedicated to helping people improve their appearance and overall health from the inside out.

 

Feb 14 2013

Betrayal Was Engulfing Me

When I thought life couldn’t get any worse, I was diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). My first thoughts were,“Finally, an answer to my symptoms.” I was naïve to the reality of the diagnosis. And, in the middle of that new understanding, I was kicked in the stomach with betrayal once again. The depth of this betrayal paralyzed me. I felt like this hurdle, this cross to bear, would be the very thing to do me in. As I learned about PTSD, I believed the combination of circumstances−my history, the PTSD and all it encompassed, the most recent betrayal−would be just too much for me to endure. I had certainly surpassed my limit; my strength and courage were completely depleted. I remember thinking, “There’s just no more fight left in me.”

The hours of my days seemed to go on forever and ever. A robot, I struggled through every phase of them, longing to crawl back into bed as soon as I crawled out of it. Even the one thing I enjoyed, my daily walk, became daunting because it was the only place I was alone and could allow the tears to come. Thoughts of this betrayal raced through my mind continuously like a crazed animal races through the woods. Again and again I asked myself the same questions. “How did I not recognize this again? How could I let another one get to me? Why me?” My heart was heavy with “I should have known better. How foolish to be sucked in again by another one. More wasted time on someone who ended up hurting and disappointing me deeply.”

One afternoon after my walk, I had a little time before I had to pick my son up from daycare. I was drained from the emotional struggle I had just been through. I decided to have a cup of  tea, trying to pamper myself a little. I struggled to find some peace. As I sat in my prayer chair, I grabbed the top book off the pile in the basket by the side of my chair. It happened to be The Angelic Realm by another of my favorite authors, Doreen Virtue, Ph.D.

Halfheartedly, I opened the book at random, really wishing I could just crawl back into bed. On the page I opened to, the angelic message displayed as big as life. Betrayal. I sat up in total disbelief. My heart raced as I read the first paragraph: What is at the heart of betrayal, dear one? A feeling of being compromised or unloved? Truly, the person who hurts you is betraying him- or herself alone. This person unwittingly cast a pebble into a pool with ripples that stung you with deep pain instead of a clear reflection of love. Will you now betray yourself further by leaving your true self behind in consciousness? Your focus upon hurt will only serve to further hurt you, precious one. You can do more harm to yourself than any other person by your continually focusing upon this hurt. As I continued to read this angelic message, I felt the deep, stinging wound begin to lessen. The feeling of foolishness began to dissipate; almost instantly my disheartened spirit was nudged as well to begin to find forgiveness, to just let it go, to help me get back to honoring myself and my beliefs.

If you are struggling with some form of betrayal, I urge you to pick up one of Doreen Virtue’s many helpful books. I am sure it will move you on some level to free yourself of the pain you are in, to assist you to find your happy, peaceful self again.

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Post by Casey Morley – I have emerged from a life filled with abuse and chronicle my journey in my my book,Crawling Out, due to be published soon. I hope by sharing my story I can help other victims of domestic violence realize that they too, can start their own journey of crawling out – and that they don’t have to walk alone. I am also the owner of Casey’s Image Consultants, and a Certified M’lis Wellness Consultant offering Lifestyle Change Programs for detoxifying the body. I am dedicated to helping people improve their appearance and overall health from the inside out.

Feb 07 2013

I Had to Be There to Get to Here

It was a beautiful blue-sky, sunny day. As I approached the entryway of Our Lady of Calvary retreat house, a clean, fresh breeze brushed my checks. I slowed down for a second or two to just enjoy the beauty and serenity that surrounded me. As I stepped into the foyer, the aroma of something delicious baking in the oven hit me instantly. For a second, I pretended to be one of those lucky children who got to go home after school to a mother waiting to hear how their day went and a homemade treat to hold them over until dinner.

In moments, Sr. Pauline, whom I saw weekly for spiritual direction, was there to welcome me. We always met in her second-floor office, and on this day, I could see the beauty of the day as I sat in my comfortable chair. At this particular session, I was frustrated and my heart was heavy. Sr. Pauline picked that up very quickly, stating, “You don’t seem yourself today.”

My problem, I felt, was that I had wasted so much of my life trying to figure out and understand why things were the way they were in my life. Suddenly, though, I had an Aha! moment. I remember saying, “Oh, Sister! I had to go through all of that to get to here!” The sudden understanding excited me. With a gentle smile, Sr. gave me her famous, comforting, “exactly right” nod. I instantly released my “I haven’t done well enough” thoughts. The heaviness lifted almost immediately, and my heart was peaceful once again.

What helps me remember now that I am never wasting any of my life as I learn and grow is a quote I read awhile back. Part of the story goes like this: In an interview on CNN, Ted Turner was asked how he kept going when he seemed to lose again and again. Without hesitation, Ted replied, “I wasn’t losing. I was learning how to win.” Today I know that is exactly what I have been up to all of my life. I was learning how to win.

I hope you can start now to turn any losing thoughts you might have into I-am-learning-how-to-win thoughts. Let me know how you do with this.

__________________

Post by Casey Morley – I have emerged from a life filled with abuse and chronicle my journey in my my book,Crawling Out, due to be published soon. I hope by sharing my story I can help other victims of domestic violence realize that they too, can start their own journey of crawling out – and that they don’t have to walk alone. I am also the owner of Casey’s Image Consultants, and a Certified M’lis Wellness Consultant offering Lifestyle Change Programs for detoxifying the body. I am dedicated to helping people improve their appearance and overall health from the inside out.

 

Jan 30 2013

What You Think About, You Bring About

My friends, family, and clients will tell you I have used this phrase for years. It has almost become my middle name. Casey What You Think About, You Bring About Morley, I have to chuckle when I think of all the times I’ve gently slipped these words into a conversation with someone who is sharing about the same old struggle, or story and wonders why things are so in his or her life.

Have you ever stopped long enough to pay attention to or to ponder your thoughts? What thoughts
typically pop into your head or race through your mind every day? What words do you use? Perhaps, “It’s just the way it is.” Or “I can’t . It’s too hard.” Maybe, “I’m such an idiot.” Or “I am not smart enough.” Could these words, these thoughts, be holding you back, keeping you stuck, or worse creating an illness or disease?

I have learned what we believe can come from our upbringing, someone else’s perception of us, an opinion we have accepted to be so. What we learned could have sounded like this: ”You can’t trust anyone these days.” Or, “You will always be poor.” “You’re not good enough.” Or, was it more like this? ”People are good.” “You can accomplish anything you put your mind to.” “You are strong and
capable.”

Perhaps you worry about things, think about revenge, hatred, resentment; or let your thoughts bring
you to deep raging anger? How have your thoughts come back to you? How do your words fit your experiences?

You can change how you see your world, beginning with your thoughts this very moment. What you
choose to think and say today creates your tomorrows. What kind of day, and month do you want to
create? What side of the fence will you choose to think on, the positive side or the negative side?

Maybe it is time to ask yourself where your beliefs come from. Why do you believe this or that, and is it
time to change that belief?

An exercise I often give to help in this process is to make three headings on a blank sheet of paper:
Positive: Thoughts that make you feel excited and hopeful
Negative: Thoughts that make you feel defeated or afraid
Neutral: Thoughts that are just simple conversation with yourself, like, “What will I wear today?
Or, “Should I walk, or go to the gym?”

You get the idea. Fill in your columns as often as you can. At the end of the day or week, see what side
of the fence you spend more time on. You may be surprised at what you learn.

“Nothing is, unless our thinking makes it so” ~William Shakespeare

____________________

Post by Casey Morley – I have emerged from a life filled with abuse and chronicle my journey in my my book,Crawling Out, due to be published soon. I hope by sharing my story I can help other victims of domestic violence realize that they too, can start their own journey of crawling out – and that they don’t have to walk alone. I am also the owner of Casey’s Image Consultants, and a Certified M’lis Wellness Consultant offering Lifestyle Change Programs for detoxifying the body. I am dedicated to helping people improve their appearance and overall health from the inside out.

Photo courtesy of  Melody Campbell

Jan 16 2013

Food for Thought

It is the end of the year, a time when I start to ponder what new goals, mantras, or intentions I will put in place for the coming year. I spend the time between New Year’s Day and Epiphany Sunday revisiting the treasures I found throughout the year that really resonated with me, to review my thoughts and perceptions. Have I grown? Changed my view? Or am I still standing on the same square? 
 
This legend continues to be one of my favorite reminders year after year, a great self-examination tool. The legend goes like this:
 
Two Wolves: A Cherokee Teaching2 wolves
 
An elderly Cherokee Native American was teaching his grandchildren about life…
 
He said to them, “A fight is going on inside me, it is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves.
 
One wolf is evil — he is fear, anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, competition, superiority and ego.
 
The other is good—he is joy, peace, love, hope, sharing, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, friendship, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.
 
This same fight is going on inside you, and inside every other person, too.”
 
They thought about it for a minute and then one child asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?”
 
The old Cherokee simply replied: “The one you feed.”
 
What intention will you put forth? Which wolf will you choose to feed?
 
Hugs,
Casey
 
photo courtesy of Nemi 1968 

Jan 01 2013

An Unexpected Gift

I hear from my clients more and more that their lives are busier than ever. The month of December can compound this busyness with all the extra shopping, gift wrapping, decorating, and menu planning, cooking, and baking. One Thursday morning in early December I had a conversation with a client.

We started off with the usual “how have you been since your last visit” questions. Over the years we have developed a comfortableness that allows us to speak from a space deep within our hearts and souls. In a sense, we walk side by side with our perceptions and what we have learned along the way. More often than not, it is about raising our children. We have come to realize we are our children’s first life coach, and how essential it is to teach the important things in life. Morals, values, don’t stand in judgment – your perception today could change by morning. Gratitude, forgiveness, charity, the gift of giving and receiving, and to remember some days we are the teacher and some days we are the student.

At this particular appointment my client shared a quote she saved on her new iPhone. I read it, liked it, and asked her to email it to me. I wasn’t sure why at the time, maybe to just share it with my son, Michael. I was sure he had heard it years ago, being the sports fan that he is. I found myself at the computer copying and pasting the quote to print it out. The quote ….. 

“I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”  Michael Jordan

What amazed me about this quote copy was what an unexpected gift it turned out to be. You see, my life is quit full with running two businesses, being a single mother, homemaker, and an author. With the added to-do list for the holidays, I noticed the feeling of being overwhelmed creeping in almost daily. I found myself reading this Michael Jordon quote often and each time it reminded me, it doesn’t all have to be done perfectly! I don’t have to stay on the perfection square (unless I choose to) to enjoy this Christmas season and have my holiday happenings turn out to be a success.

I am very thankful for this unexpected gift. I hope this will turn out to be an unexpected reminder for you as well.

Hugs,

Casey

Photo courtesy of Hades2k

 

Dec 25 2012

A Welcomed Helper

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKqDgSblXQA[/youtube]

Dec 20 2012

What is DHEA?

If you are over 40 or have an auto-immune disease, you are very likely deficient in DHEA.

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is the most common hormone in our bodies. It is a natural steroid that is present in large amounts in young and healthy individuals.

Produced by the adrenal glands, DHEA is a precursor for the manufacturing of many other hormones in the body. It is natural substance that is abundant when we are about 20 years old, but our body’s production of it decreases as we age.

The steady decline of DHEA levels in our blood stream as we age correlates perfectly with the increasing incidence of killer diseases like cancer, heart disease (including arteriosclerosis) and Alzheimer’s disease. Maintaining proper DHEA levels helps provide energy, vitality, and the natural support of most functions that involve our endocrine system.

Cancer

DHEA has been found to have significant anticancer effects. A 22-year study of 5,000 apparently healthy women showed that those who developed breast cancer had subnormal DHEA levels. Conversely, 100% of the women with higher-than-average DHEA levels remained cancer free.

Obesity 

A study at Temple University’s School of Medicine found that elevated levels of DHEA helped cause weight loss without a change in appetite. Dr. Schwartz, a biochemist at the university states, “DHEA is a very effective anti-obesity agent”. Increased DHEA appears to create a stabilizing effect on all body systems.It  can help overweight people to lose fat and underweight people to gain weight. It also helps build lean muscle tissue.

Bone Loss

In his book, Reversing Osteoporosis, Dr. Alan Gaby cites a strong association between low DHEA levels and bone loss in post-menopausal women. Maintaining high DHEA levels has been shown proven to help prevent osteoporosis.

Multiple Sclerosis

A study by Dr. Eugene Roberts reveals that DHEA raised level in energy, endurance, limb power, strength and agility in patients suffering from multiple sclerosis, a disease that affects the central nervous system.

Cardiovascular Disease

A decrease in DHEA levels causes the enzyme system to accelerate, which increases the production of both fatty acids and cholesterol.This promotes obesity and arteriosclerosis. In one study at John Hopkins Department of Medicine, subjects with severe hardening of the arteries had almost 50% reduction of arterial plaque when treated with DHEA supplements. Another study published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed a 36% reduction in mortality for any reason. The individuals with higher DHEA levels lived longer and had much lower incidence of heart disease.

The latest research shows that DHEA may also be beneficial in preventing and treating diabetes, auto-immune diseases, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Parkinson’s disease, symptoms of PMS and menopause, in addition to many other age-related diseases.

Are your hormones balanced or imbalanced? In just a few minutes. For just $10, I have a quick and easy test to determine what your systems are telling you. I am located downtown at 51 North Main Street, Southington, Connecticut.  Call 860-628-8857 today for an appointment.

Dec 20 2012

The Divine Plan

Can You See Yours Unfolding?

What a joyous experience it is to begin to be cognitive enough to recognize my Divine Plan. I believe there are many avenues to one’s Divine Plan that creates the tapestry of our lives. I would like to share with you today just what one of my avenues looks like.

I have learned when the time is right and I am open to doing my part, my support team has just showed
up to assist me in achieving my plan, for the highest good of all. As I was being nudged to tell my story way before I was able to recognize it, I was being aligned to my helpers, and my helpers aligned to me.The Divine Plan

You see, when I asked my client/writer-friend Priscilla to help me with my book, I was not aligned to how it was supposed to go; I wasn’t aware enough at the time, wasn’t ready to begin. When the time was right, it became clear I was the writer, she was the typist. When her divine plan took her to Afghanistan, and then a move took her out of town, it was clear her part was done. I couldn’t have gotten to that point without her, but I continued to do what I could on my own. 

In no time my dear friend/client Nancy who loves me unconditionally and always tells me with a smile that I’m incorrigible was lured in by her belief in me and the excitement of the project. When she hopped on board, the next step was oh, the editing process, an adventure that turned out to be a double win, a bonus for me. Our time together has brought many more hours of work and many shared tears, tons of love, support, and encouragement. This experience has brought a closeness and richness to our friendship, a gift I will treasure for life. Of course, now all the punctuation and commas are where they belong as well. We even found ourselves in New York at a Hay House conference for authors, an experience we will smile about for a very long time.

We then decided to do an experiment. Two of Nancy’s friends read some of my chapters, and two
friends of mine read the same chapters. My readers were just there, and then I decided we needed
someone who doesn’t know either of us. One day out of the clear, as I was cutting my client Joe’s hair, I
blurted out, “Joe, did I ever tell you I am an author?” a statement I was still not comfortable saying. With
a surprised body response and an impressed look on his face, he said, “No.” Soon he was telling me that
his sister “dabbles in that.” It took me only seconds to ask, “Do you think she will read for me?”

What an amazing, fun woman Anne Murphy is. She was very gracious to do her brother (and me) this
favor and read some of my chapters. What an hour it was to spend time with this intelligent, diversified,
charming woman, an accomplished author in her own right, who identified with parts of my story. It was
a pleasure to sit and listen to her share what memories my story brought to mind. In the end she told
me my story is compelling, to tell it, and to honor every event. Her words were full of encouragement,
and she told me I will help many. I was relieved; I now believed I was not wasting anyone’s time and my
story is worth telling. Our time together was a true blessing.

Oh the Divine Plan! It is a beautiful feeling to be aware of it unfolding right in front of me. As I
continued sharing this avenue of mine, I learned now is the time to start building my social platform.
Computers are not my favorite or most fun thing to do. I’d much rather be in the kitchen, taking my walk,
at a yoga class−just about anything is better to me than being at the computer.

That is where my client/friend Karen comes in. As I was cutting her hair and sharing my anxiety over becoming a blogger, she responded with excitement in her voice, “Oh! That’s my favorite part of the business. I’ll help.”

Oh! The Divine Plan. Can you see yours unfolding?

Hugs, 

Casey

Photo courtesy of Horia Varlan

 

Dec 20 2012

The Ion Cleanse – You Have to See It to Believe It

I have had many conversations with my clients about their health since I started offering the Ion Cleanse foot bath service at my salon. Most believe they’re healthy and take relatively good care of themselves. But, after seeing the colors of the water after one footbath, they begin to think twice about how healthy they truly are. This is the typical reaction of anyone who takes an Ion Cleanse footbath.

We live in the most polluted environment in Earth’s known history. We continually inhale and assimilate toxins from petrochemical products, including plastics, and from pesticides. Our bodies cannot metabolize most of those poisons. 

Toxins damage cells, disrupt our endocrine systems, and impair the body’s ability to absorb nutrients and heal itself. The majority of these toxins remain in the body for many years, stored in the fat cells. In addition, poor diets and high stress contribute to the accumulation and storage of excessive quantities of waste products in the body.

 

How can your body eliminate these toxins? On its own, it can’t. But with help, it can. You see, the positive and negative ions of the Ion Cleanse travel into the body through the feet as they soak in the bath and neutralize the oppositely charged ions of the toxins. Once those toxins are neutralized, they are pulled out of the body into what you see in the water. The results: fewer toxins in the body and an energized feeling, similar to what many people feel after a long walk on the beach.

 

 

 The following are testimonials from my clients:  

“First visit I felt immediately renewed and rejuvenated, no pain in my joints, muscles, torso and it lasted through the evening. On my second visit, again, I felt immediate relief of pain in my body, especially in my knees and legs. Rejuvenated! With my third visit again I was energized, and rejuvenated. The pain in my body dissipates, but is most noticeable from my feet through my hips, which are my most troublesome areas. These areas cause me pain and discomfort all day every day. The footbath feels good! And the feeling seems to last.’” ~Jodie Terry, Southington, Connecticut

“The first time I used the machine it was out of curiosity. Much to my surprise, the swelling and pain that I had been experiencing in my right ankle seemed to subside. I’d been having problems for three months with it swelling considerably by day’s end. I have noticed the swelling was down and stayed down. Also, on the same foot I have an issue with my big toe and nail. Both of those issues are also on the mend. Thank you, Casey!”  ~Carla Perillo, Southington, Connecticut

Like I said, you have to see it to believe it! I invite you to come and experience it and tell me what you think. Call me today at 860-628-8857 to schedule an appointment.

 

 

Dec 17 2012

What Are the Signs of a Toxic Body?

The human body has an amazing natural ability to heal itself. When faced with more toxins than it can handle, the healthy body forces them out through body openings. The natural detoxification process occurs through the skin by perspiration, through the kidneys by urination, through the colon by evacuation, and through the lungs by respiration.

The removal of toxins is a natural biological cleansing process. Sometimes toxins are suppressed for a variety of reasons. If they are not eliminated, the toxins go deep into the cells and tissues, which can cause degenerative damage. Suppression of the body’s natural ability to cleanse itself can lead to lethargy, sickness, and eventually to life-threatening diseases. A person can actually pass the point where the body can no longer cleanse and heal itself.

The signs of a toxic body include but are not limited to the following: 

  1. Fatigue / Lack of energy / Insomnia, restless sleep or difficulty relaxing
  2. Mental confusion, absentmindedness, poor concentration, indecision
  3. Digestive problems (gas, ulcers, heartburn, IBS) / Irregularity (constipation, diarrhea)
  4. Mood swings, anxiety, depression, irritability
  5. Overweight / Underweight
  6. Allergies, hay fever, asthma
  7. Stress / Headaches
  8. Painful inflammation (joints, muscles, sinuses, intestines)
  9. Cravings or addictions / Eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, excessive appetite
  10. Low resistance to illness and infection
  11. Yeast infection
  12. Smoking / High alcohol and/or caffeine consumption
  13. High blood pressure / High risk of coronary artery disease (high cholesterol or triglycerides)
  14. Diabetes or Hypoglycemia
  15. Skin disorders (acne, psoriasis, etc.)
  16. Male or female problems (PMS, prostate, hot flashes, impotence, infertility, lack of desire)
  17. Weakness, shakiness, poor muscle tone, muscle soreness or spasm