The last post in this series is one that is near and dear to my heart. After 31 years on this earth there are a few things I’m sure of: my God, the ability of food to bring people together, and the fact that we genuinely need relationships in our lives. Not Facebook acquaintances, but flesh-and-blood, thick-and-thin, love-you-always relationships. I truly believe that the health of those relationships will help in determining a lot of our health in general.

I’m a very introverted person; one-on-one I do great, but in huge public settings you can generally find me close to an exit door. I don’t mind being alone; in fact eating alone in restaurants or even seeing a movie by myself is extremely relaxing. But there have been times in my life when that introvertedness has hurt me rather than helped me.

The thing with relationships is this: they’re messy. When you let people in and they start to know your junk and you know theirs, it’s hard. We will hurt one another. We will disagree. There will be times when we all just want to run and hide. I’ve experienced that many times in my life to the point of not ever really letting anyone in, other than close family, until the past 6 years.

And you know what? Those 6 years ruined my life in the best way possible.

I met women (and some men) who challenged me. They made me think, they made me talk, they made me share. I told them things and thoughts and actions I never thought I’d reveal to anyone. I hurt their feelings and they hurt mine. We hashed it out, grew stronger, and for the first time I started to understand that people were not made to be alone. Our lives are stronger and healthier and more beautiful even in the mess and the junk, and I could never go back to being covered up and protecting my heart from potential mess.

My plea to you is this: open up. Share your life. Share your hardest thoughts, with grace. Don’t just sit in comfort, because at the end of the day the beauty comes from daring to be you in front of others.

One final thought: how perfect of a time does this come at? The holidays are upon us, and this is the time of year that we all look forward to and dread simultaneously. Be willing to get a little messy. A little crazy. A little FUN. Take chances and dream big with the people you care about. Open up. You’ll be so glad you did!

By Miss November 2014 Heather Disarro

I’m a firm believer that fitness is an all-encompassing product of taking care of our bodies, our spirits and the ones we love. It is a constant pursuit of learning about ourselves and what brings us joy, a pursuit that is never-ending because we are always changing.

 

I realize that sounds daunting, but in my short time here on earth there are five things that have helped me to achieve higher levels of spiritual fitness. These are what work for me, but I believe they are good jumping-off points for anyone who’s just starting to realize the need for strengthening the spirit as well as the body.

 

1. Prayer and/or meditation. I personally subscribe to prayer in my faith, but realize that not everyone does. However, taking the time – even just 5 minutes out of a day – to focus on our faith and the importance of life is vital. It keeps the minutiae from ruling our hearts and centers us in ways that no amount of social media participation can do. Realizing how important every moment is only leads to good things in our lives and relationships; so do it. Wake up 5 minutes earlier, set an alarm during your lunchtime or sit for 5 minutes in your car before leaving work. The reality is that we all really do have the ability to use 5 minutes to better ourselves!

   Take 5 min to focus on your faith.http://wp.me/p2OwPW-3hj via @heathersdish

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2. Get outside! This is a carry-over from last week’s post, but the simple act of getting some fresh air can lift the spirit in big ways. Over the past couple of months I’ve been suffering from nausea that happens in the first few months of pregnancy, a condition that has not only made me feel sick physically but also spiritually down. And then I step outside, even just for some porch-sitting with my little, and it’s like life is normal again. A quick walk, a glass of water on a porch, or skipping nighttime television for conversation under the stars are all great ways to get some fresh air your lungs. I’ve been known to take my laptop outside and work on the back porch – trust me, it works!

   Getting some fresh air can lift your spirits in big ways. http://wp.me/p2OwPW-3hj vis @heathersdish

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3. Music. I joke that my parents made us listen to hippie music growing up, but the reality is that they imparted a love of all genres through the fact that we listened to oldies most days. As I write this I’m rocking out to some James Taylor, Simon & Garfunkel and Jim Croce. There’s something about those acoustic guitars and simple lyrics that brings me so much joy, and the fact is that I hardly know what’s even popular these days. Now hippie music may not be your thing; maybe it’s country, rock, classical or something cool I’ve never even heard of. But listen to what you love, regardless of what’s popular, breathe deep, and enjoy!

   Listen to the music you love. It’s good for the soul via @heathersdish

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4. Do what you love. It took me a really long time to figure out what hobbies make me really happy, and with the rise of Pinterest (which is certainly not evil) and crafting blogs I still find myself thinking I should be creating awesome art for our walls or homeschooling my wiggly toddler boy to be doing the hobby thing right. But that’s just not for me! Not to say that it won’t ever be, but what I love doing right now that really relaxes me is cooking, playing the piano, learning the ukulele and spending time outside. Even more than that – I make no apologies that I don’t scrapbook our entire life, that I don’t decoupage everything under the sun or restore old furniture like it’s my job! So think about it – what do you come alive doing? Throw off the ideas we’re fed of what we should be doing – what do you LOVE? And then start there!

   What do you come alive doing? Then do it. via @heathersdishhttp://wp.me/p2OwPW-3hj

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5. Laughter. This is going to be a piece that segways into next week’s post, but laughter really is the best medicine…for life. It’s been proven many times over that those who genuinely laugh more tend to have more positive attitudes, a better sense of humor and increased relational health. Plus, it’s fun! So whether it means spending more time with loved ones, watching comedic shows or movies, or just looking for more ways to smile more – do it! The reality is that it certainly won’t hurt

   Take time to laugh. It’ll do the body and soul good! via @heathersdish

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I’d love to hear what you think in regards to spiritual health! What works for you? What are your go-tos? Or are you like I once was, and in need of a spiritual fitness awakening?

 

By Miss November 2014 Heather Disarro

The easiest thing in the world for me to do is keep up on my physical fitness. Note: I didn’t say I have a 6-pack and a year-round beach body. But working out and staying in shape and healthy from a physical standpoint has been a way of life for the past 17 years for me. It started off as a necessary evil to play sports, but even after my competitive glory days it was a deeply ingrained habit I just couldn’t (and didn’t want to) shake.

Over the years it’s looked different: long-distance running, weight lifting, yoga, Pilates, Cross Fit, HIIT (high intensity interval training), walking. Changing it up has been a great way to keep myself interested and keep my body guessing. I can’t imagine ever subscribing to just one way of working out; and with the availability of options out there I don’t ever have to!

The one thing that has always been my biggest motivator, though, is getting outside. Do y’all realize how lucky we are to live in such a gorgeous state? Even if there aren’t a variety of trails or walking paths or parks right in your backyard, it’s likely that you can still get outside and find a place to run or walk. Or, if the weather is overcast, maybe open a protected window while following along with an indoor workout.

Regardless of what you do, that fresh air does wonders for improving your mood and creating a fun distraction!

So what are you waiting for? Let’s get outside! What is YOUR favorite mode of exercise and how can you do it outside?

By Miss October 2014, Deborah Brauser

My last “Guilty Pleasures” confession for the month of October is about something I grew up eating in Kansas – casseroles!

In fact, we ate all kinds of crazy concoctions. Many called for cans of cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup; one even used crushed up Doritos chips. All were super delicious. As I got a little older I learned they were also super easy to make, adding a little of this and a little of that into a deep baking dish, stirring, and then cooking. Voila! Dinner was ready.

Through the years I’ve moved around a LOT and discovered that this wasn’t exactly a food experience shared all over the country. In Los Angeles, friends couldn’t even get past the fact that I liked meat, so I thought they were the strange ones. (Ha!) But people on the East Coast also wrinkled their noses when I talked about the beloved casseroles of my childhood.

A friend’s young son even asked incredulously while watching me cook, “You’re going to put all those different things into one dish?? You sure eat weird stuff.” But then curiosity got the best of him and, after trying my nacho chicken casserole, admitted to enjoying it. A casserole convert!

Since moving to Arkansas, I don’t see that many casseroles at get-togethers and pot-luck dinners here. Interestingly, when I cross the border to the West, I’ve noticed that Oklahoma seems to have more of a taste for those Midwestern “throw-it-all-together” dishes.

Now that I finally have a house with a big kitchen that’s making cooking fun again, I’ve been going through old family recipe books. And I recently came across my favorite favorite.

When my brother and I were growing up, my mom made us a super tasty chicken and rice casserole a lot, which we loved. But for some reason I stopped making it and even thinking about it years ago. After coming across the recipe again, I made it one night and the onion-y smell and distinct taste instantly transported me back to happy childhood memories. Success!

So, for my last post as the October Blogger of the Month, I’m sharing the recipe for this fantastically delicious concoction. I’m including it as written, which isn’t exactly the healthiest version it can be but it is authentic. (Just substitute as needed. Or save up calories for the indulgence. It’s worth it! J )

Mom’s Chicken & Rice Casserole

-1/2 stick Land of Lakes unsalted sweet butter, sliced
-1 cup uncooked rice (note from Mom: use Riceland extra long grain white rice!)
-1 pkg Lipton onion soup
-2 1/2 cups water
-chicken (use Tyson frozen grilled ready “Oven Roasted Diced Chicken Breast”)

1) Pour out chicken to 1 layer full on a plate, microwave using defrost setting just until unfrozen, set aside
2) In casserole dish, place butter slices, spread rice over butter, sprinkle soup mix evenly, add the water, then put the chicken on top (don’t worry that it looks like a watery mess at this point)
3) Cover completely with a lid and bake at 350 for 1 hour
4) Uncover and cook 10-15 minutes more, checking as you go to make sure it’s done
5) Eat up!

Thanks so much for letting me hang out with you all this month. It’s been a lot of fun! And feel free to share any wonderful casserole dishes you’ve discovered…

By Miss October 2014, Deborah Brauser

As I’m running around trying to get ready for another overseas business trip, my Mom calls with an urgent message, “Are you getting your money transferred to euros ahead of time? And if so, how many are you taking??”

Mom and Me in Spain

I think the most fun part about the upcoming trip to Berlin, Germany is how excited my Mom and my Aunt Darlene are. My Mom has tagged along on at least 1 of my big trips each of the past 3 years, but this will be the first time that my Aunt will be part of the group too. She has never been outside the country and keeps calling it the trip of a lifetime. So my Mom and I have been spending a lot of time comparing notes to make sure we can show her a good time – in between my work schedule of course!

I’ve always loved travel and believe it all started when I was very, very young and was left at home with my Grandmother instead of allowed to go with my parents on a trip to California and Disneyland.

Grumpy Little Me in Mouse Ears

Yep, my parents met Mickey Mouse without me!! I’ve written before about this incident, but it’s funny to think that that long ago feeling led to me never wanting to miss out on, well, ANYTHING ever again.

Once I was a little older, my folks would pack up my brother and I on weekends and we’d all go exploring the fun and sometimes down-right odd attractions around our state (Kansas). We visited the World’s Largest Ball of Twine, the World’s Largest Hand-Dug Well, the Dalton Gang Hideout and Escape Tunnel, Boot Hill in Dodge City, Dorothy’s House and Land of Oz, and a giant 160-foot electric shovel nicknamed Big Brutus.

Big Brutus

Later, we made several cross-country trips, including 1 particularly memorable time we sat inside the family van in the middle of rush hour traffic in New York City. Wowza!

But the biggest highlight came when I was 16 and somehow talked my grandparents into letting me tag along with them on their first trip to Europe. They said if I could figure out how to pay my way, they’d let me go with them. Thankfully, they had signed up for a budget tour that saw a different country almost every day. So I was able to save up the needed funds and then experience a colorful buffet of new locales.

Grandma and Me in Gondola in Venice

Although it took a lot of years, I was finally able to start making overseas trips again as an adult, including several by myself. But no matter how busy I am covering conferences, I always hear a little voice saying, “Are you missing out on something fun that’s going on?” And away I go. A few hours open in between lecture sessions? Let’s go exploring! An interview’s been canceled? Plenty of time to ride London’s giant Ferris wheel!

And now I’ll soon be traveling to Germany with two family members determined to see absolutely everything. They may even wind up wearing me out! But that’s okay. We can all sleep when we get home, right?? 😉

Mom and Aunt Darlene

Hello everyone! I’m so honored to be asked to be the October blogger of the month. It’s another wonderful reminder of how important it is to “gather, grow, and connect” – because great things can come of it!

Who is this Deborah person?

I’ve been a full-time freelance writer off and on since I first graduated from college, with this last wave lasting for the past 8 years. I started out as a writer/producer of corporate videos, TV and radio commercials, newspaper ads, etc. and worked with or for companies such as Pizza Hut, Taco Bell International, Ryan International Airlines, Koch Industries, and a whole bunch of ad agencies, marketing companies, and video production facilities.

That’s me at the camera, hanging over the water while deciding on the perfect cute kid shot

The best part was it allowed me to move wherever I wanted, including Orlando, Florida. Unfortunately, I was there when the bottom fell out economically. Or rather, it basically keeled over and died for a while. Several struggling clients told me they were sorry but couldn’t pay my invoices and I was suddenly out several thousands of dollars. And starting to panic.

But you know that old saying about how when 1 door closes, another opens? Thankfully, that’s what happened. Orlando is a HUGE market for conferences of all types. (I guess everyone likes the idea of getting away to a place where they can bring along the whole family!)

Medical + Travel = Great Combination

In 2008, when I was approached about covering a medical conference in town that had already started, I said yes without completely understanding that it meant I’d be interviewing doctors and writing about newly presented research with a short 1-2 day turnaround. Yikes! I’m super grateful that the editor was very forgiving of my very amateurish efforts. But a strange thing happened – I really, really liked writing about medical topics and started learning everything I could.

That eventually led to a full-time contract (but still technically freelancing!) writing job in 2010 with an online news company’s psychiatry and mental health department, where I still am today.

Around the time I was reinventing myself as a medical writer, I began writing published travel stories. Hey, I was in Orlando so there was always something interesting to write about! Not surprisingly, writing about medical research and writing about a brand new roller coaster seemed to take different parts of the brain. It was fun giving each side of the mind a rest. And I fell in love with my new, dual career.

I’m on the right, screaming my head off!

Unfortunately, as I wrote before for this site, I left Orlando in a cloud of sadness after an important person to me suddenly passed away 4 years ago. [ http://arkansaswomenbloggers.com/reclaiming-beloved-city/ ] But it was Arkansas that welcomed me in a warm, comforting embrace. I’ll admit that as much as I appreciated my new state, I was very sad for quite a while and went back to just writing medical stories… That is, until the beauty of Arkansas started poking at me and re-awakened my love of travel, and exploring, and adventure. And boy, does this state have a lot to offer!

Enjoying the views on Mount Magazine

I suddenly wanted to write about all of its hidden spots and fantastic locations, the great food (Bacon Bowl!!) and its thriving music scene. And I wanted to finally start writing about the wonderful countries I was being sent to when covering medical conferences. And so, the Travel Browsing With Deb blog was born. 🙂 [ ]

Huge credit goes to the Arkansas Women Bloggers. I created my blog last year, right before AWBU. That conference was instrumental in helping me decide what direction I’d like to take the blog and that it didn’t have to just be a portfolio of sample stories, but rather an interactive space that could even make some money. Wowza!

The bottom line? Never say no to a unique opportunity, realize that sometimes something bad happens right before wonderful occurs, and keep digging until you find yourself doing what you love. Oh, and AWB rocks!

I look forward to hanging out with everyone this month. And can’t wait to connect! Here are my social sites. (I promise to add Facebook business and Instagram sites soon) –

https://twitter.com/DeborahBrauser
www.linkedin.com/in/deborahbrauser/
www.DeborahBrauser.com

By Alicia Dowell, Miss September 2014

When I was growing up, my neighborhood was very different from my friends’ who were growing up in town. There would be days where the only vehicles that came down our road were the other people who lived on our road.

The only drawback was the limited amount playmates, my sisters were who I spent most of my time with. I learned very quickly the best place to hide from them when we all had enough of each other. The best pluses of living in our neighborhood were my Mamaw lived two houses down from where we lived. When I say two houses down, it was close to a quarter mile down the road. I couldn’t wait until I was old enough to walk down to Mamaw’s house alone. It always seemed like my older sister could do whatever she wanted because she was just the right age. Child logic is was a strange thing.

Finally at the age of nine, I was old enough walk down the road alone to stay the night with Mamaw. All I could think of when I got the end of our driveway, I looked back at the house and didn’t see anyone. Yes my Momma told me it was okay and that Mamaw was waiting but as I viewed her house which seemed like it was so far away. There was no way I could do this alone. My mom HAD to come with me. It was the only way to get there. She agreed to walk half way there so I could still have the joy of walking alone. (This was in the time before cell phones and having to worry about letting your kids out of your sight.) So there I was walking the last half alone with my sleeping bag and backpack thinking how cool it was.

Times have changed where now; I would never think to let my child walk alone. But we do have the luck to live in a neighborhood which is just family who live on a dead end road. I feel safe letting my child walk down to her Great-Grandmother’s while I am with her and not worrying about anything. It is nice to let her have some the good parts of childhood.

By Alicia Dowell, Miss September 2014

As I sit and write this post, it is the week of Arkansas Women Bloggers, and I am excited. If I had gone to something like this when I was younger I would have been scared out of my mind. I was the kid who sat alone, reading or just trying to look like I didn’t care. I have to admit people terrified me. Thinking how am I going to interact with my classmates seemed, like trying to walk over hot coals. I never got the whole small talk and hanging thing.

See the middle child with the blonde hair? It’s me in my natural environment, turning away from the attention. I could say it is because I am a middle child or because my sisters were more outgoing than me, but really I am just a homebody.

I came to accept it and continued unchanged until after high school. Then college happened. I learned being a homebody is okay, but you have to take a risk and get out there. My childhood (being a middle child and a homebody) taught me some great lessons. Some I think I am still learning and thankful for it all. Any lessons you have learned from your childhood?