"Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success."
-- Henry Ford

I just listened to John McCain's farewell address to the nation as read by his ex-campaign manager.  Let me be honest.  This is not something I would normally do, but as I changed channels, I was compelled to stop and listen. 

I rarely delve into politics with anyone, but this speech friends, was not about politics.  It was about life and living one which you believe in and feel good about.  The following are some of the things I heard and/or took away from his final words:

1)  Be grateful.  Always be grateful for the experiences you have had and will have throughout your life.  Find things to be thankful for as it is in that gratitude that you will find acceptance of yourself and love for others.

2)  Be gracious and kind.  Do not tear down those around you.  You don't have to agree with everyone all of the time, but we will not come together if we constantly tear one another apart.  Listen to what is being said and be thoughtful in your response.  

3)  Be humble.  Remember that each of us makes mistakes and that noone is perfect.  Admit when we're wrong and learn from that.  Move forward.

4)  Be patient, but persistent.  Always follow your dreams.  Work hard.  Do what you know to be right and keep pushing toward your goals.

There were so many other things and I may write about this topic again.  We don't all agree all of the time, but that's one of the things that makes this such an amazing place to live.  I hope that I can leave this world with such dignity and grace and promise having lived a life I'm proud of and letting those around me know how much they mean and have meant to me.

#blessedbeyond
​ ~ K

Do you remember your last massage?  Has it been a while?  Have you ever had one?  Is it time to take some time for you - perhaps to relax - perhaps to feel better - perhaps as a preventative measure???

Did you know that massage is not just a luxury treatment?  There are actual benefits (and I'm not just saying that cuz it's my job ;-0)  Research continues to prove the various benefits of touch, triggering the medical community to actively embrace bodywork.

There are physical benefits including:

• Reduction in high blood pressure
• Helps to alleviate arthritis and bursitis
• Releases endorphins
• Enhances immunity by stimulating lymph flow
• Helps athletes prepare for and recover from workouts and events
• Improves skin condition
• Improves everyday energy and sleep
• Assists with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers
• Increases joint flexibility and range of motion
• Reduces scar tissue and stretch marks by promoting tissue regeneration
• Improves circulation by pumping oxygen and nutrients into tissues and organs
• Reduces post-surgery adhesions and swelling
• Reduces muscle spasms and cramping
• Relaxes injured, overused muscles
• Relieves migraine pain

Massage can also help with emotional balance which may be just as vital and valuable as the physical benefits.

• Reduction of fatigue
• Decreases depression and anxiety
• Eases and reduces medication dependence by releasing endorphins
• Improves concentration and focus
• Decreases stress (Experts estimate that 90% of disease is stress related and it ages us faster, both internally and externally)

I quite often have people ask how often they should get a massage.  My answer would be that it depends on the individual and their circumstance and condition.  If working on something specific you may need/want to get massages more frequently and then work into a regular routine.  As with most things, consistency is the key.  I personally believe that every 4-6 weeks is a good rule of thumb for overall wellness and preventative measures.  Listen to your body - it knows what you need.

#blessedbeyond
Live your best life...
​ ~K

August 14 is kind of a big deal in my family.  We celebrate two things on this day.  The people who joined together to give us our beginning and the guy who makes us laugh and cry and cheer and scream.  Ok - more laughter and cheering, but let's be honest there are tears and screams as well.

Today marks my parents 53rd wedding anniversary.  As I think about that I am grateful.  Grateful that they found eachother and grateful that they have continued - through good times and bad, in sickness and in health to work through things, laugh, cry, share and all the other things that make a marriage.  I am not naive enough to tell you it's been perfect.  I remember some days that were not, but they were committed to one another and to us and I am thankful that they have shared so much together and with us as well as many others throughout this journey.

I could probably go on some big rambling about what does or does not make marriage work, but I'm not going to.  I haven't done it, so I'm not sure I would qualify as any sort of expert on that particular topic.  I can go on about how even on the days they didn't want to, they did.  They still got up and went to work, cleaned the house, got us to whatever activity we were in, volunteered, attended church, belonged to community organizations, helped with homework, disciplined, came out (in a robe - on main street) looking for us when we were not home on time, took us hunting and golfing and allowed us to make mistakes - not excuses.  Even on the days we threw temper tantrums or told them they didn't love us because we weren't getting our way, they did.  I don't know this for sure, but can imagine that there were days they wanted to throw in the towel, give in or give up and they didn't.  They still haven't and I'm blessed.  We're blessed and they're blessed.  

The guy who then came into our lives 10 years ago today has brought much with him.  He's funny (at least he thinks he is), smart, sassy, annoying, adorable, caring and kind (most of the time).  He's precious in his own right and for him, we're grateful.

It took a long time for me to really understand how much my family means to me and as I write this there are tears in my eyes.  Not because I'm sad - oh sure, there are times when I wish we were all together again, but because I really, truly, deeply love these people I call family.  And because somehow, someway, even on the days we don't want to - we will.  Together we are strong.

#blessedbeyond
​~Kelley