Insight & Tips to Weathering the Girl Scout "Cookie Storm"

It’s a new beginning to a new year!  We are approaching the end of the first month of 2013.  People (myself included) have feasted and fasted and now following through on the promises made to self to do better this year in regard to habits. I have incorporated a regular workout routine that has proven interesting and effective thus far.  I also have begun dancing.  I thought that I would enroll in a class but, I have been recruited to TEACH a class for the next 5 weeks at a local church!  Wow!  I didn’t see that coming but, I am up for the challenge.  I am MOTIVATED.  I have barely reached the mile-marker of 21-days to re-adjust old habits to the new and improved habits that support the vision of what I want for myself.  I feel stronger, more agile and, fit.  I can see visible differences in the mirror and the way I feel.  Great!

Then as I am on the phone with a friend, she asks,  “would you be interested in purchasing any Girl Scout cookies from my daughter?”  Damn!  Just as I am seeing and feeling my progress, temptations arise.  I know that I am not alone.  I think about the many who make resolutions in the beginning of the year and slowly over time their resolutions dissolve into vapors as if they were never there.  I think to myself, “Those cute little girls with their annual fundraising and cookies are at it again!”

I like the Girl Scouts of America and what they stand for.  I remember my days as a little Girl Scout, learning, setting goals,winnng a prizes and patches, selling to neighbors, family, friends of family, teachers, and of course having my parents sell on my behalf at work.  I can emphathize with those who live in a house with a serious Girl Scout and trying to maintain their weight loss and other wellness goals.  I have come up with some ideas to not get derailed from your wellness and fitness plan.

DONATE.  You can support your local Girl Scout by opting out of getting cookies but, donating a set amount to benefit the troop.  You are supporting the Girl Scout and your wellness & fitness goals at the same time.

PURCHASE & FREEZE.  You can pick a number of boxes (please make it a reasonable #) and freeze the boxes so that they can be rationed out as a reward.  Small doses are allowable.  I strongly suggest that serving amounts are maintained to no more than 3 cookies at a time.  Say what you want, I am offering real solutions for real people. I know that there are some die-hard wellness experts out there that may be appalled that I would even make this allowance but, the truth is that the bulk of the people that I deal with are everyday people who are accustomed to eating the Standard American Diet (SAD) and eat out regularly. As a matter of fact.  I personally don’t think that the cookies taste the same as once before.  It is no longer difficult for me to turn them down.  If I am going to eat something that I know that I will have to clean up or make up for, it has to be worth it. 

BE INFORMED.  Know what you are putting into your body and research the ingredients and the nutritional content.  Go to: http://littlebrowniebakers.com/products/trefoil/.  This will help you decide for yourself if these little cookies are even worth the trouble. 

There are ingredients that I consider to be everyday no-no’s so consume at your own risk. White flour and sugar ingredients in addition to the hydrogenated oils and high fructose corn syrup are mucus forming .  I also have my suspicions that the soy, cottonseed, and corn products are NOT organic and possibly GMO.   I have not confirmed this to be true so do your own research. In the meantime.  Be strong.  If you falter, don’t beat yourself up too bad.  Pick yourself up and keep moving because life goes on.  Don’t let one poor choice stop you from making better choices for yourself in the future.  If you can make it through Spring, then you have weathered the “cookie storm”. 

Good Luck!

It’s a New Year! According the Julian Calendar it is year 2013!  As far as I am concerned, EVERYDAY is a new day and consequently a New Year in some point of our rotation around the sun.  However, our collective focus marks a new beginning.  I have done much to reflect the marked events, lessons, opportunities, relationships & experiences of 2012. I also envision how to take things to a new level in 2013 and beyond.  It is amazing how time flies! 

2012 was a year of cultivating a higher vibration collectively.  There was the Heal Thyself Collective that emphasized self-care, cleansing, natural lifestyle, herbs, foods, and various exercises to achieve a higher quality of living & wellness.  We gathered together in a supportive and learning environment and had fun in the process.  I also facilitated health and wellness lectures regularly with The Afrikan Village & Cultural Center in Charlotte, NC.  I can’t tell you how fulfilling it is to arm people with practical information and confidence to improve their habits & mindset so that we are healthy enough to carry out the work of our purpose.  It is a wonderful feeling to see people make positive changes in their lives and know that they have the tools to continue to build on the knowledge that they have and put it into action!

The Herb’N Garden Collective was formed and had a productive year to collectively “grow together” through the growing seasons with new and seasoned gardeners in various settings.  In addition, we did Herb'N Nature Walks to explore wildcrafting. We made learning fun and applicable through exchanging seeds, plants, information, recipes & solutions to benefit our group and supporting communities.  

Open-air classes were established at the Cathcart Family Farm in Rock Hill, SC.  The classes were a great environment to see various techniques at work and offer participants the hands-on opportunity to learn and experience cultivation, harvesting & processing techniques so that we can make the most and better manage our resources from the land & collective efforts. 

I achieved a dream close to my heart, with the help of many prayers, encouragement, & contributions as I went on my very first trip to Africa!!!  I spent a bit more than 2 weeks in Nigeria where I learned so much about to local herbs, foods, culture, business environment & traditions in the areas that I traveled.  I returned and shared my experience with any who had an interest and an ear.  It is obvious that there are solutions to our challenges in the US in Africa and that there are things that we can share through our collective memory, experiences and resources that will benefit our Mother Land.  It is an experience that I intend to build on this year as I prepare to return again.  Although I learned much, I am sure that I barely scratched the surface of the deep knowledge and ancestral history that resides there.  I hope that you will join with me in as I return again this year.

There were many wonderful people, experiences & things that I am grateful for as I reflect on all the changes and advancements.  I am grateful for the experience of Serenity Suites as a center for community wellness and launching pad for our collective of small businesses.  I am truly blessed with a wonderful family, friends, colleagues, and a very supportive community who continuously sends me love.  I am inspired to do even more.  Therefore, I continue to Send Love in Every Direction and Love will always be the main ingredient in EVERYTHING that I do!  

Join me this NEW DAY/NEW YEAR so that we can make the very best of what's to come!!!  Happy New Year!

I have only highlighted a portion of what has been done. If you want more information or to inquire about consultations, classes, lectures, groups, events, products and services, email: herbnspice.info@gmail.com