The Wooden Bowl I guarantee you will remember the tale of the Wooden Bowl tomorrow, a week from now, a month from now, a year from now.  A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year-old grandson.  The old man’s hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather’s shaky hands and  failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor.  When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth. The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. ‘We must do something about father,’ said the son ‘I’ve had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.’ So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. When the family glanced in Grandfather’s direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone.  Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food. The four-year-old watched it all in silence.  One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor.  He asked the child sweetly, ‘What are you making?’ Just as sweetly, the boy responded,  ‘Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up. ‘ The four-year-old smiled and went back to work. The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.. That evening the husband took Grandfather’s hand and gently led him back to the family table.  For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family… And for some reason,  neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled. On a positive note, I’ve learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles four things:  a rainy day, the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I’ve learned that making a ‘living’ is not the same thing as making a ‘life..’ I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands.  You need to be able to throw something backsometimes.  I’ve learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you But, if you focus on God, your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one. I’ve learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone.. People love that human touch — holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn. I’ve learned that you should pass this on to everyone you care about .I just did.

Unfortunately, rice has very little nutritional value – most certainly not enough to support the nutritional needs of growing children. We’re happy to see MannaRelief  partner with John to bring proper nutrition to the children he seeks to help.Learn how you can get involved at www.mannarelief.org.

Malnutrition is prevalent everywhere even in the concrete jungles we live in, and there are a ton of nutrition products out there.  But Mannatech products are very different from other products being offered. That is what makes this company unique and especially the way the company helps others like those who could not afford these products get their nutrition back to live better and healthier lives. So take about 26 minutes from your busy day and check out Mannatech’s story so you can know for sure, that Mannatech is your Nutrition Company.

I’ve been living in the Philippines for almost a year and a half and I completely agree with this article.  Below is an excerpt:

“Being as people tend to listen more to testimonals rather than advertisements, Cramer think the direct selling model could be the best way to sell goods in the developing world. 

Despite the good news for direct sellers, Cramer complained that these kinds of companies have never “gotten their due from Wall Street.” While people have acted as if the business model is “bogus”, Cramer thinks it’s actually fabulous.

“I think it’s time to recognize that the direct sales model works and works well,” Cramer said. “Tupperware and Herbalife are great businesses and even a loser like Avon’s now succeeding thanks to the power of the direct sales model.” “

I feel that Direct Sales is great especially when you are with a company that you know, like and trust.  Most importantly, you should be using the products of the company you are with.  How else can you share your experiences?  That is how it works.  You just simply share your experiences with the products and the business plan.  It’s as simple as that.  I’m sure you’ve heard of K.I.S.S., otherwise look it up!

So for those of you looking for a something to do on the side while working your job, or you want to merge into a new career, then Direct Selling just might be for you.  If you live in Emerging Markets, this is a great opportunity.  Almost everyone I know in the Philippines is purchasing or involved in a direct selling company.  Many of these individuals have their own respective businesses aside from their direct selling business.  I’m sure they feel the same what that I do.  I love what I do with the company I’m with.  I can’t live without the products and so does many of my personal customers and partners.  And that is the best thing about this.  Good Products!  Good Company!  Means great success for all of us who wants to be part of this.

You’ll help Japan get aid and in return you’ll get Kuniko Ruch’s great artwork. Check out her website to see examples of her work.

If you’re not familiar with Ambrotose, it’s simply a natural glyconutrients product designed to support your immune system and good cell to cell communication (yes, your cells communicate, that’s how they know what to do).

Anyhow, Ambrotose Complex has been around for about 15 years now. This is so exciting.  Myself and all of the people I’ve shared Ambrotose with, have great results.  Ambrotose is non-toxic and me personally knows that even better.  So now the people I’ve shared Ambrotose knows for sure that Ambrotose is a good product for supporting good health and wellness.

I’ve had some customers quit Ambrotose in the past with reasons ranging from financial issues or they just didn’t feel anything.  Well in order to get results, you’ll have to take Ambrotose on a long-term basis.  Short term…  yeah, you won’t drastically feel anything.  But it does work and scientific studies shows that.

To get the full benefits of Ambrotose, take it for a year or more.  If you really want to know how you feel without Ambrotose, then stop for a month or so.  Yes, you’ll feel the difference.  (I may be biased because I’m a Mannatech Associate, but I assure you, I’m telling the truth and sharing my personal experiences with the products).

So if you’re looking for good health and wellness, and you want to do it naturally, then check out what Ambrotose can do for you.  I assure you, it’s a good product and worthwhile taking it.  It’s also guaranteed, so it’s free unless you love it.

To get more information on Ambrotose: Click Here

I think this is a good thing! At least a city is finding ways to fix the obesity problems. Hey, it’s better than doing nothing, right?

Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE mojitos. I know I’m not Cuban, but I do love all things Latin! The first time I tasted a mojito at a Cuban restaurant I was hooked and started growing wild mint in our garden. Recently my huge mint plant dried up and I felt as if I lost a very dear friend. I said farewell to my beloved mint plant but not adios to mojitos. I can always purchase mint at a local grocer. Jeanine (our photographer) said she made P … Read More

via Muy Bueno Cookbook

If Mother Nature was incarnated in today's world, her wrinkled, battle-scarred old body would be photoshopped within an inch of its life and adorn every food package, beauty product and health item available. It's a common trick of marketing to appear to be nature's ally, relying on the unstated belief that millions of years of gradual evolution is a far safer bet than several decades of tinkering in the lab with a shaved lab rat and glassware fu … Read More

via The Tribal Scientist

Get eight hours of sleep: sleep is so important!  They don’t call it beauty sleep for nothing.  Most of the healing , repairing and rejuvenation happens during sleep.  So sleep 8 hours before you have to wake up to start your day.

Eat and drink healthy – organic fruits and veggies and water: Living well is a lifestyle.  You’ll have to put good things in your body.  You already know what the good stuff is and what is the bad stuff.  So I’ll leave this at your discretion.  Take Dietary Supplements as well.  This is part of eating healthy.  Much of the nutrients aren’t found in the foods we eat anymore so we’ll have to supplement with all natural, none-toxic, and real food dietary supplements.

Exercise – Yoga, Tai Chi, Walking: You got to exercise! If  you want more energy: exercise!  Exercising is the best way to keep you fit, feeling, great, and looking great!  Burning the fat is hard work, so to support the fat burning process, I recommend OsoLean (Oh-so-Lean).  There’s a reason why they call it that.

Meditate / Breathe: Yoga teaches you to do this a lot.   It’s just good for your health.  There are many forms of Meditation, but I personally like to day-dream.  Day-dreaming is my meditation, it helps me think and cleanse my mind, and I get to think about things I want to accomplish in my life.

Enjoy nature and beautiful things: Golfers does this best.  People who jogs at New Yorks Central Park do this well too.  In Chicago, the Lake-front.   Or,  you can just go to your local park and take a stroll.  Jogging or rollerblading will add exercise and nature at the same time.

Nurture your body with a spa visit – massage, facials, body wraps: nothing wrong with a little pampering.

Learn or teach someone else: it’s fulfilling.  If you like cooking, teach others to cook.  One person I know became very passionate about cooking because someone else taught him how to cook which lead to delicious creations from Italy, South American Cuisine, to traditional Japanese entrés.

Volunteer – give back to your community and your Earth: I was invited to join JCI (Junior Chamber International) that focuses on developing young people to promote positive change.  Some of the JCI projects I participated in was visiting the elderly at a local  convent.  It felt really good to make a small difference in their lives as unfortunately some of them rarely get’s any visits.   They truly loved our visit.  By the way, the Nones who took care of them made really delicious espresso.  They were kind enough to teach me how to make it.  Perhaps I’ll blog about how to make it in the near future.

Avoid negativity – from yourself or from others: from all of the books I have read such as The Success Principles by Jack Canfield to The Secret by Rhonda Bryne, they all promote being surrounded by like-minded individuals that helps and empower you to be a better and more successful person. Negativity also promotes stress and it is known that stress is not good for your well-being.  Smiling increases your immune response ever so slightly and frowning decreases  your immune response ever so slightly.  Imaging what negative and stress will do.

Love – yourself and others around you: This is a no brainer!

That is the TEN THINGS YOU CAN DO TODAY TO LIVE WELL.  Make it Everyday!  That is LifeStyle Living!