GRATITUDE IS MY MIDDLE NAME!

Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G

When you live alone, as I do, it is very easy to concentrate on the negative things going on in your life instead of the positive.  I find it robs me of energy and creativity along with less interaction with others.  I also think it has something to do with low se lf esteem. Or how you’ve treated yourself throughout your lifetime

When you live with others you have them to bounce things off.    If you have a job it usually takes at least 40 hours of your time weekly plus commute time.  At least you’re not alone 24/7 . 

Henceforth, I want to treat myself  better than I have in the past.  I want to treasure what talents I have and use them in a way that will help others. 

You may find that’s easy but if you’ve not valued yourself or your talents in the past it becomes a whole new ballgame.  This becomes a whole new way of life for me.  I’m going to make it a goal to do whatever I can to raise my spirits and enjoy life.    Being a single senior need not be boring or the end of the line.  If you’re not there yet treasure what you have and who you are.  The day may come when you are completely alone and have only yourself to bolster your ego and spirits. 

I hope to report these findings with you.  Yes indeed, Gratitude has become my new way of life

Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG

Writer ● Speaker ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663

http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com

Copyright© 2017 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you

THAT WAS THE WEEK THAT WAS

 Last week tested me in many, many ways.  Physically was the most challenging. On Thursday I was unable to put one foot in front of the other without being in excruciating pain. Thus I had to shuffle around and cling on to furniture to get around..  The pain was also in my mid back where I have 3 fractures and where I broke my pelvis in two places.

Seeing my doctor on Thursday did little to resolve things except that I now will finally see a spine specialist since the back pain is getting worse even after several ambulance trips to hospitals.

My goals were temporarily abandoned which upset me until I can get some relief.  I also decided it was time for me to take some action to heal myself.  I decided to order a HoMedics  magnetic back brace.  I had used one several years ago and it had helped me.  The magnets apparently help the blood flow.   Yet when I asked both E/R doctors,  and my own doctor, if a back brace would help me they all said “No,” it will only make the manufacturer rich.”  I chose to ignore their advice and go for it.  Just like when I chose not to have more breast surgery and chemo and radiation therapy and go for holistic medicine instead, which lead to my cancer remission last year.

About this time the book I ordered from Amazon “The Art of Extreme Health Care,” by Cheryl Richardson arrived.  On page 78 she states “The old days of giving your power away to health-care professionals are over…”  She talks about having your MD as an equal, mature partner in your health issues.  She also gives loads of examples on how to set up your Extreme Health Care Kits, e.g. “Finding Your Own Rhythm and Routine.” So, I have a lot of work to do but it won’t be boring and I trust I will learn things I can share to help others.

Stay tuned! 

.  

Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG

Writer ● Speaker ● Artist

artistwithaflair@att.net

Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663

http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com

Copyright© 2017 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you

HAPPY NEW YEAR - 2017

Hello everybody.   I'm glad I set goals this year and not resolutions!   This gives me the opportunity to see where and how I've spent my time and did I fulfill my goals.

What I found out mostly is that If  I've done what I'd planned and given it my best shot then, I must be happy with that.  It gives me chance to adjust goals if
necessary, or even delete them.

Well this week I had a few health setbacks that upset me and made me adjust some goal time frames.   I was not prepared to be in constant pain and on so much medication.  My leg wound has been going on since October and I thought by now everything would be healed.  So I've had to hold off on some aquatics I was looking forward to. The other is flare ups from fractures in my back.  I will keep at my new goals and adjust some time frames.  Good Health is my big goal this year and I need to be more patient with myself.  It's hard to work through the pain!

Wishing you all a Happy New Year and may you reach your goals!

Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG

Writer ● Speaker ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663

http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com

Copyright© 2017 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you

I'M BACK!

Without going into too much detail I feel I am ready to start blogging again!  From late August up till today I've experienced a plethora of health problems and did not have the energy or desire to write except in my private journal.

I realize now, more than ever, how precious good health can be.  Without it, the world becomes very small, fragile, and almost empty.  I beg of you if you have good health celebrate it!  I feel you can do anything and go anywhere ff you have good health...indeed the sky is the limit!

In the next few days I expect to write several tidbits that you may also enjoy.  So, stay tuned!

BIRTHDAYS ARE PRECIOUS!

Shirley M. Carolan, ATM-G

This year I got to celebrate my birthday two days in a row!  Thursday evening my Tick Talk Toastmaster Club honored me with a scrumptious birthday cake, followed by gifts, good wishes and a beautiful tribute to me from President Pat Partin.  It was all unexpected and humbling.  Thank you all for making it such a special night!  Also it was great fun to see Jack Cummings and Eric Humber again (both former members of Tick Talk).

Last night Pat Partin treated me to a great dinner at Mimi’s.  The salmon was outstanding!  She then presented me with a beautiful necklace that I had lusted after weeks ago!  What a lovely surprise!  I will wear it with pride and honor.

When I got home there was a luscious azalea and homemade cake on my front porch from Bernard  and his family (the man who gives me communion every Sunday).

I feel truly blessed and honored by all this kindness from so many people, particularly since I didn’t think I would make it to this birthday.  As far as I know I am still in remission and life is good!

Again, my sincere thanks to all of you!

Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG

Writer ● Speaker ● Artist

760-732-0663, Cell 760-518-6493
artistwithaflair@att.net

http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com

Copyright© 2016 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you

IN REMISSION - FREE OF CANCER

Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG

By the grace of God I can share good news with you.  Yesterday I visited the oncologist and she read me the report of the PET scan I had in La Jolla last Friday.  I AM IN REMISSION OR, FREE OF CANCER!!!  I can't believe my goo fortune...

The last 8 months have been the loneliest, painful 8 months of my life!  The silence was deafening.   I think I experienced every emotion there is including helplessness!   . 

On July 2, 2015 I had a lumpectomy.  A few days later the doctor called and said "Well, we didn;t get all the cancer.  We're going to have to go back in again and you'll be on radiation and chemo therapy (slash, burn and poison)"  I said "No way.  I'll go up to Oregon before I do that!"  Then I called my Wounded Warrior friend, Rob Caudill, and asked him did he know of any alternative medicine to beat cancer?"  .He took me to meet Dr. Paula Shore in Oceanside who has a medical marijuana dispensary.  She prescribed Simpson Oil which I take a capsule nightly.

Then my neighbor, who has tumors all over her body, told me about her alternative medicine "Graviola."  She, and now me, take it 2 x daily.  She said it has stopped her tumors from growing.  Next, since I lost over 57 lbs.  I wanted something to build up muscle.  The oncologist prescribed something that cost $300.00.  I asked for something generic but never heard back from her or my family MD.  Again, medical marijuana came to the rescue!

I truly could not see going the traditional medical route - slash, burn and poison.  I opted for the alternative medicine instead and prayed it would help.  I truly think it has and am grateful I listened to my own voice.  If you have any questions feel free to contact me.

Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG

Writer ● Speaker ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663

http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com

Copyright© 2015 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

As 2015 comes to a grinding halt I couldn’t be happier. 

This had to be the most challenging year of my life, from ongoing health issues, financial stress and lost friendships.  After being diagnosed with the big “C” I put my life on hold in July which I wouldn’t recommend anyone do.   I declined more surgery, chemotherapy and radiation and opted for some alternative medicine.  Unfortunately, my family does not support me in this action and it saddens me.  But, I feel it’s the right decision for me and I try to live by the motto “To thine own self be true!”  And, as queen Elizabeth would say “2015 is not a year that I shall look back upon with undiluted pleasure.”

The solitude has helped me discover what I’d like to do with the rest of my life.  I’d like to become an advocate for senior citizens.  I never want them to go through some of the nightmares I encountered.  I’m writing a book and borrowing the title “YANA – You Are Never Alone” and dedicating it to them.

YANA is a group of senior police volunteers who call on housebound seniors Monday through Friday.  They knock on my door each morning and say “Good morning Miss Carolan, how are you today?  Do you need anything, etc?   It was they who found me on the floor back in February after laying there for 11hours because I slipped and fell on the bathroom at midnight.

Later, Oceanside Police Chief Frank McCoy told a reporter “how lucky the woman on Golden Ridge Drive is to be alive.”  I didn’t know I had fractured my pelvis in two places and was bleeding internally.  Later, I made the evening news on Channel 39.

Assisted living is not what’s it’s cracked up to be and I have volumes to share with seniors, caregivers, E/Rs, doctors, nurses, insurance companies, ambulance companies, etc.  I will have a list of questions for seniors to answer according to their needs and lifestyles.  It is to help them sort through all the red tape and have a thorough understanding of their rights!  Which I did not know…

Instead of setting resolutions (which I break too easily) I am setting goals.  I want to make some concrete plans with guidelines on how to get there, what’s stopping me, and how I can get back on track if need be.  This may involve some speaking engagements too.  Journaling is also at the top of my list which I encourage everyone to do.  The therapeutic benefits from journaling are immeasurable.  I used to teach seminars on Journaling and would welcome opportunities to do so again.

Whatever your goals and dreams are treasure them because without them people can walk all over you and you will never know your full potential.  As Les Brown says “Shoot for the moon!  Even if you miss… you will land among the stars!

Happy New Year!   And may the force be with you!