Energy-boosting Product Review: Dr. Andrew Weil's Self-Healing with Sound & Music

When I was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer last year I scurried about to add new tools to my self-help toolbox. Yes I needed more energy. The radiation treatment was exhausting. But I was also looking for somethingS to change my insides – mental, emotional, spiritual and chemical.

Dr. Andrew Weil & Kimba Arem's self-help Cd offers to "revitalize your body & mind with proven sound healing tools." Right on.

Self-Healing with sound & music is a two-disc package. Disc One explains the science behind the sounds. Chapters include: "How sound affects our physical and emotional health," "The Principle of Entrainment*," "Vocalizing Vowel Sounds for Self-Healing" and "Interacting with the Chakras through Sound." Fascinating.

Disc Two is the sound and music – about one hour of bliss. The track names are appropriate: "Water Way," "Spinal Ebb," "Peace Journey," "Angels of the Deep," etc. This disc is now a part of my nightly relaxation bed-time routine and let me tell you – I feel like I am sleeping with angels! (Besides my husband, cats and dogs!) The music has also been very effective in helping my husband let go and sleep well. Win win.

***** I give this product a five-star out of five-star rating. Detailed explanation plus the sound and music make it an excellent product for individual and family use.

To order a copy of Self-Healing with Sound and Music, click here.

Entrainment: This is a complex concept. In brief, entrainment is changing the frequency of brainwaves to positively affect health, energy levels, mental outlook (sad/happy), sleep patterns etc. In this case I used music and sounds to affect the above.

Annual Physical: HUGE opportunity to uncover why you feel so tired.

Most health insurance plans include a FREE annual physical. Most of us walk into this appointment with less preparation than we'd put into a Baskin & Robbins outing! Is this because it is free? Partly. The big reason is a characteristic typically expressed by chronically fatigued women and men.

We (cough, couch) tend to not take care of ourselves or take notice of our "selves." We take great care of our significant others. We are attentive to work and community obligations BUT when it comes to self-care … we flat line.

I'm not putting anyone down. Look to your right or left – that's me in the trenches next to you!

Next Thursday, March 11^th, is a very important doctor's appointment. Nine days out. Today I started filling out the Fatigue Be Gone "Daily Food & Activity Log." This log is designed to help uncover your fatigue causes and symptoms, patterns and blocks. Click here a copy you can start using today. PDF file.

So far I've uncovered the following fatigue causes & culprits …

• I make my husband a great bag lunch everyday. This includes carrots, apple slices, nuts, dried fruit … good food with good energy-boosting snacks. Me, I tend to work through lunch … then I have the afternoon slump. Duh.
• Not drinking enough water. Will keep track to be sure I am getting those 8-glasses a day. Dehydration has been a past fatigue.
• Too many open projects. Mental fatigue is rolling over into physical fatigue. Time to pick what needs to go away, go on hold or be completed. (Completing taxes this weekend will help but I still need to cut back. Very tough when everything seems so important.)
• A toxic relationship is draining me … needs to acknowledge that and release or rejuvenate it.
• Thinking about working out is not the same as working out. It is not working to be in two places at once. I need to get my booty back to the gym – no excuses.
• Nails are brittle, breaking easily. Do I have a Vitamin B deficiency? Will request a test. Have been borderline anemic over the past years. Will also request to have that re-tested.
  
  

When is your annual physical? Aside from the Fatigue Be Gone "Daily Food & Activity Log" you might benefit from investing $9.95 in the Fatigue Be Gone Jumpstart e-Guide. The guide includes thorough health and lifestyle surveys, simple home medical tests that will save both time and money (yours and the doc) plus energy-boosting tips, tools and techniques.

Psst. If you are suffering from fatigue don't wait to schedule your physical. There is a big difference between feeling tired and feeling tired all the time. In this case, make your physical appointment today and order the Fatigue Be Gone Guide to help prepare yourself.

Bottom-line truth. No one will ever care more about your health than you. No one else will ever spend the time you can to figure out what is going wrong. You'll get maybe five or ten minutes with your doctor … Do your homework. You will be amazed at what your hours + their minutes will accomplish.

Energy Boost Recipe - Casual Kitchen: North African Lemon Chicken

My fatigue-busting journey began with clearing out adrenal fatigue and the bad habits that brought it on which included very poor eating habits. Breakfast? I drank mine with a splash of milk and a side of donut or something else bready and sweet.

That was then. Now I start most mornings with my very own Oatmeal Energizer. I eat a number of small meals and snacks during the day. In fact I eat about every two to three hours. Apple slices, peanut butter on celery, sardines on cracker ... Then comes lots of fresh water and juices. One of my larger meals tends to be din din. Love to sit down around 6:00 p.m. with my husband and eat something delicious.

Tonight I came across something fun and delicious on the Casual Kitchen Blog. The recipe is the "North African Lemon Chicken." It features most of my "super and highly beneficial foods and spices. It is also easy to modify to make a meaty version for Michael and a tofu version for moi.

If you are not familiar with the benefits of the Blood Type Diet click here to learn more.

Finish what you start. A taxing weekend is part of your recovery from fatigue.

One symptom of Adrenal Fatigue is that we sufferers are easily overwhelmed by everyday tasks. We operate in an exhausting world of "brain fog," hyper-sensitivity and poor short term memory. It is easy for us to lose track of bank balances, anniversaries, personal commitments and to feel constantly "behind," frustrated and angry.

Then, add in an unwanted seasonal project like … tax preparation … and in comes the rage, insomnia, anxiety and extreme a.m. fatigue.

Have you seen that stop smoking commercial about how "quitting smoking sucks. "product name" makes it suck less." I encourage to follow my lead and have one sucky tax preparation weekend. Don't put it off because it will stay on your mind and wear you down. Don't drag it through weeks of evenings and spoil those weeks. That's what I did last year and the year before and the year before.

This weekend I will gather everything I need in one room. (and avoid the Zig Zag Syndrome. See below.) I will close the door - light the scented candle – have all my favorite music and pets near at hand and FINISH what I started three weeks ago. My husband can take over breakfast, lunch and dinner duty (as I did for him last weekend and the weekend before and …) Did you know that most people stricken by Adrenal Fatigue tend to be "Type As" who have a difficult time asking for help? True.

Final note --- few things are more exhausting then taxes but yes, they exist. The worst of them is the job not-quite-done. Tired people tend to have a lot of these. Why? Partly because fatigue and brain fog get in the way of completion. Another is that the lack of completion is demoralizing and fatiguing – the ol' chicken and the egg syndrome.

Do you remember how good it feels to complete a project? Use that memory to help you through this weekend. If your taxes are done or you have the pleasure of not having to do them, pick another "undone" and take it on. Pick something that can be done in 2 hours or less. Gather what you need in one room. Set a timer, put on your favorite music and "get rrrrr done."

Avoid the "Zig Zag" Syndrome. This is where you are cleaning out the office and carry a book to the bedroom. Then you start organizing the bedroom bookcase. Before long you carry a glass to the kitchen and start loading the dishwasher … Zig zaggers leave a trail of undones. Been there, still getting over that.

So, join me this weekend! Start and finish one task then notice how energy-boosting a job done well enough and completed can feel …

Cheers! Viveca

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A simple way to get re-energized anytime (not just tax time) is with a subscription to the Fatigue Be Gone Newsletter! Receive tips and tools to help you get your groove back. Subscribers also receive free reports, including our exceptionally popular "Why Am I So Tired?" and "Take Your Pulse" - a secret re-energizing shortcut. Subscribe TODAY at www.FatigueBeGone.com

Day 10. Understand Adrenal Fatigue. Identify fatigue symptoms and make a change or two.

Adrenal fatigue is one of the most common types of fatigue. It is said that 80-percent of American women will experience it in their lifetime --- that included me. You’re probably here trying to figure out why you feel so tired. Right?

I’d like to take this opportunity to “take you by the hand” and share some of my best Adrenal Fatigue treatment resources.

First, to better understand adrenal fatigue, its symptoms and causes, I’d like to share an excellent article written by Kathy Browning, Are You Constantly Tired? You May Be Suffering from Adrenal Fatigue.

Next, the result of our poll “When are your most tired?” is a must-read. In brief, we surveyed our visitors to find out what time(s) of day they felt most tired. Why? Because there are many types of fatigue and your specific symptoms, including the hours in which you feel extremely tired, is critical info for your recovery.

Finally, Fatigue Be Gone blog features fatigue-busting tips, tools and techniques, energy-boosting recipes and natural ways to recover from fatigue.

If you are suffering from insomnia, take a moment to read the Insomnia and Fatigue blog post. Discover the link between fatigue and insomnia along with natural remedies to help you sleep tight at night while boosting energy during the day.

The best news about fatigue is that it usually isn’t deadly. Our body is amazing. It gives us warnings (fatigue) and time to change before we are too damaged. Don’t put off your change. Think of your fatigue as a symptom that something isn’t working in your life.

Take time NOW to become a sleuth and figure out what it is trying to tell you. Along the way take care of yourself and treat your mind and body to the 'good' stuff.

Thank you for visiting. I hope this information helps you relax while empowering you with knowledge to move forward with changes that will affect you in a positive manner.
Congratulations! Your recovery – your new life has begun.

Click here for today’s instantaneous energy boost.

Cheers! Viveca

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Fatigue Be Gone Jumpstart! E-Guide provides useful forms and journals to help you keep track of vital health information. Simply fill out the forms and provide them to your doctor. Use it to discover simple home medical tests and natural remedies to boost energy. It will save you time, money and frustration. A "must-have" for anyone who is tried of being tired (and their spouses and kids.) Order your copy today at www.FatigueBeGone.com. (Note: This hyperlink goes to the URL below. I just shortened it, but it redirects to the order page)

You may also want to read this review from The Succulent Wife, a satisfied customer and internet community leader.

Day 9. News Fast.

Day 9. Tune out the news and boost UP your energy.

On a good day we are blasted with way too much "news." On a bad day the news can be that final fatiguing straw on our back.

Years ago I read a book by Dr. Andrew Weil
in which he recommended a weekly "news fast." I thought the doc was out of his mind and that it was absolutely impossible to stay away from the news for an entire day. (TV, internet, radio, friends!)

Oh my. Add ten or fifteen years and I am beggin to turn the cable. I actually did it for almost a year. Then came the football season and my husband prevailed ...

Anyway. Back to that news fast.

Isn't it delightful how easy that would be to do this week? Our capital is actually snowed in and our politicians are snowed out ... Then next week they are all off for the week. I feel better already. Don't you.

Enjoy today. Turn it all off and bake some cookies or spending time with a beading or photo album project. Ummmmmmmmm.

Day 8. Pay the piper when you have do and ...

Day 8. Pay the piper when you have to & talk it out with a friend.

Today I am having one of "those" days. This morning I told Jeannie I was having a lousy week. She reminded me that it was only Monday at 11:00 a.m. Yikes.

Today all my disorganized chickens are coming home to roost. I woke up mentally tired - hiding under the sheets from the biggest cluck. Taxes. When I did get up I fumbled and bumbled through a couple hours. Got a call from my husband wondering which credit card he could use on his trip. Good question and another chicken. Accounting.

Then at 11:00 Jeannie called me with dire news. My foster dog she's been fostering isn't doing well - constantly drinking, urinating and pooping in the house. Sad as I am for her and for Sydney the dog (and I am) I immediately started to feel very sorry for myself, my rugs and hardwood floor.

As I write I am three hours away from rescuing Jeannie, picking up Sydney and bringing her into my already unmanageable home. Did I mention I have 5 dogs, 3 cats and a bird? Thank goodness my main animal, my husband, is out of town for the next couple days ... Over the past year and a half he's become increasing less excited about new members to our pack. Wonder why.

I'm sharing this because one characteristic of the tired-woman-clan is that we take on toooooo much. Before one project ends the next oneS are being slipped under our door. Where others say NO we say "Sure, I guess I can." That's my people pleasing, animal pleasing chicken.

Right after that phone call I called my foster coach who reminded me that "no good deed goes unpunished." We laughed, brainstormed and commiserated. Can't say we came up with any great solutions but I feel better. That's what friends are for. Perspecive.

Pray for me, Sydney and my pack tonight. I'm already cookin' up a chicken and making stomach settling broth. Is that for her or me?

Cheers!

P.S. What's up with your week? Do tell ...

Day 7. Get ready tonight for tomorrow.

This is a standing commandment for Sunday nights.

When I have my luncheon fruit & veggie bags made up ... and I know exactly what I'll be wearing (clothes - outer & under) jewelery, shoes ... and the table is set for breakfast ... and I have an easy dinner just waiting to be reheated I know I am starting my week off right.

I wish tomorrow was going to be the kind of day I am describing.

Tomorrow I'll tell you about how my day really goes.

So for tonight just do what I'm telling you to do instead of what I am doing and you will wake up feeling on top of the world, energized, optimistic and full of life!

Cheers!

Day 6. Go with the flow be it snow or shine.

Day 6. Go with the flow be it snow or shine.

The more we accept what is out of our control the more we can enjoy our lives. In fact, about the only thing we can control is how we feel and react to our flow.

I love this saying and have it at the top of every page of my daily planner "Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom." First Things First

My flow today includes lots of snow, snowdogs and cats,a bird named Peetie, my husband and comfort food. Here are two of my pals chillin out ...

Day 5. Defrost something delicious and share.

Day 5. Defrost something delicious and share. The flip side to this is, of course, doubling up on a yummy recipe and freezing half for use on a rainy (or snowy) (or lazy) day.

Tonight I am taking a night off from cooking and will enjoy every moment! Michael and I will be sipping on red wine and dining on that Boeuf Bourguignon we cooked up a couple weeks ago. I LOVE the Barefoot Contessa and this recipe from her book, Barefoot in Paris: Easy French Food , rocks!

Perhaps that is thanks to that 1/2 cup Cognac that burned so brightly?

Anyway ... another version of the "Defrost something delicious" exercise is the "Swap-something delicious-with-your-girlfriend" version. Any method of getting one or more nights off and out of the kitchen, in a healthy, delicious way, is exhilarating and energizing! Go for it!

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Did you know that everything you allow to cross your lips can either make you feel better or worse? Are you attempting to fuel your body with energy-zapping foods such as sugar, caffeine or energy drinks? Simple dietary changes can result in amazing energy gains. Discover nutrition and dietary supplementation secrets by subscribing to the Fatigue Be Gone newsletter. Sign up for your free copy today at http://www.fatiguebegone.com/newsletter.htm

Day 4. Sleep in tomorrow.

4. Sleep In.

If you suffer from adrenal fatigue you need more quality sleep! Sounds obvious but adrenal fatigue has a way of starting our days slowly and drearily then amping up our energy in the evening so that we toss and turn instead of sleeping. Sound familiar?

My simple strategy is to be in bed by 9:00 p.m. with a good book. This in not a thriller that revs you up but something like the autobiography I'm reading about the life of Martha Washington. If you fall asleep and wake up again don't fight it - don't toss & turn, just move. Get up and take your book to another comfy location in the house and read some more until your drift off. (I'd also recommend a small bowl of cereal and milk ... works for me.)

For more insomnia busting tips, click here. If you have tips, please add them here!

Oh and tomorrow, Saturday, sleep in as long as you can and/or at least until 9:00 a.m. Our adrenal glands are doing important recharging after 11:00 p.m. and up until 9:00 a.m. so take advantage of this natural healing opportunity. If need be - get help from your significant others to help you hit this goal.

Cheers!

Viveca

Bye the way --- It is estimated that 80% of American women will suffer from adrenal fatigue at some point in their life. They also recover. I can attest to that.

Day 3 - Mail Thanks & A Smile

Day 3. Friend-mail. Have you ever noticed the feel-good-buzz you get when you open a personal note from a friend (vs. a bill, a notice or other random "junk-mail?") You get the same little buzz when you think about someone, write a note to someone and mail it off ...

Yep. There is nothing quite like friend-mail. Today, take a moment to write a quick note to a friend. Let him or her know you're thinking about them --- appreciating them ---- thinking of that fun or special time you spent with them --- remembering a snowball fight or a slumber party --- seeing their smile in a new friend --- toasting them ---

Who should you write to? Whoever comes to mind first.

Psst. You can send friend-mail, smile-mail AND raise money for dog and cat rescue when you order DogCaption Cards! Check them out here ... I ordered lots of their "No ... I insist ... Thank YOU!" card packs to catch up on my holiday gifts and favors.

Orange ... the energy-boosting color of joy & optimism!

Did you know that looking at the color orange is an instant mood boost? It is. And, our moods effect our body chemistry which in turn RAISES or lowers our energy levels.

Today - Day 2 - wear something orange. I have a fun pair of orange earrings that I love to wear. They cheer me up and everyone who sees me!

You can also place something orange on your desk, within your sight, like a fruity drink with an umbrella from that fabulous get-away, or a bunch of carrots, a figurine ...

There. Wasn't that easy?

28 Creative Ways to Boost Your Energy, Happiness & Self-Satisfaction.

I confess. This idea was inspired by watching the movie Julie & Julia in which Julie cooks at least one recipe a day from the Julia Child's Cookbook. She does this for a year! Me - I'm committing to daily posts for one month - the fabulous month of February!


Day #1: A Shopper's HIGH for less ... CD Shopping at Goodwill.

Yep. Now you know my secret. I feed my adrenals the good stuff shopping for oldies but goody, sometimes goofy, treasures at Goodwill. I love music but never bought much because it so expensive ... then I discovered $3 CDs at Goodwill. FUN FUN FUN! (And I'm raising funds - funds - funds for them.)

So far my growing collection features CDs by Trisha Yearwood, Melissa Etheridge, Amy Grant (listening to her now) Mary Chapin Carpenter, Julio Iglesio, Dixie Chicks, Cecilia Bartoli, Whitney Houston, Annie Lennox, Chris Isaak, Abba Greatest Hits and Norah Jones. Norah's feels like home CD is fabulous.

Then I've picked up some cool totally eclectic pieces like a CD called "Natural Stress Relief" by Solitudes music for your health. I'll let you know if it works! "The Glory of Gershwin" is a jewel that inspired my husband and I to dance in our kitchen while cooking up a Boeuf Bourginon last weekend. Then there's a rhythm country and blues duet CD, a Letting Go "Relaxation in a Busy World" Cd that puts music to stretch poses - cool eh? Another gem is a comedy cd of Jerry Seinfeld's "I'm Telling You For The Last Time." Finally, you-guessed-it, I bought a CD holder for $3.00 to hold all of them and more.

Yes. I'll Go Baaack soon. Right now I'll put in that Abba and listen to "Dancing Queen." That will help liven up my next tedious chore.

Oh, do let me know what you find on your treasure hunt! Take a friend and hang out for hours!

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Your simple guide to improved health, happiness and energy is only one click away! The Fatigue Be Gone Jumpstart! e-Guide is a simple, yet powerful way to get to the root of your tiredness. Physical and Lifestyle Surveys can help you uncover energy-zapping habits. Easy fill-in-the-blank forms provide important information for your doctor. Simple re-energizing solutions can help you get back on the fast track. All can be found in the Fatigue Be Gone Jumpstart! e-Guide at www.FatigueBeGone.com

One easy way to feel GREAT ...

Want to feel GREAT the easy way?

Take time to play today ... in the snow, in the rain, in a forest or on the beach. I recommend you do it with a four-footed friend. A two footed pal would be a good second choice. Maybe one of each?

This is my Beaubeau The Snowdog. He was almost put "down" a couple months back as being "un-adoptable." I took him home with me that night and ended up falling in love. Lots of time the lables we're given are Not True. If you think you're stuck with a label like "tired-all-the-time" that's not true either.

You can prove that to yourself when you get out there and PLAY today. Then, post here and tell me all about it!

What’s in a serving?

I keep hearing how we should be eating four to five servings of fruit & vegetables daily BUT I honestly haven’t known exactly what constitutes a “serving.” Do you know what I mean?

A new friend who is a RD (Registered Dietician) helped clear this up and I’d like to pass it on to you!

One serving = 1 cup and, generally speaking 1 piece of fruit = one serving i.e. 1 apple * 1 pear * 1 banana

When it comes to veggies and smaller fruit …

½ cup grapes = about 16 grapes
1 cup strawberries = about 12 berries
1 cup of salad greens = a baseball size portion
1 cup of carrots = about 12 baby carrots
1 cup cooked veggies = a baseball size portion
Glass of natural juice = 1 serving


For more information about servings and portion size recommendations, click here: http://www.webmd.com/diet/printable/wallet-portion-control-size-guide and here for a version you can stick on your fridge: http://www.webmd.com/diet/printable/portion-control-size-guide

Dr. Andrew Weil says ...

"The body has an incredible capacity to regulate and heal itself, and good medicine should begin with the assumption that the body can and wants to be healthy. To that end, we should always consider natural, less expensive treatments first."

- Dr. Andrew Weil

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Right on. May I suggest you take a look at the Fatigue Be Gone Jumpstart Guide? I wrote this during and since my own recovery from fatigue. This easy-does- it 8 Step Process to healing and re-energizing the mind, body and spirit is only $9.99. The results are priceless. Click here to learn more and order a copy for yourself (or your spouse, friend, sibling ...)

To read a recent review by The Succulent Wife, click here. " ... had I known what to look for myself as this easy to use guide suggests, I would have saved myself months of frustration." Anne-Marie Kovacs

Why Chi?

Why Chi?

What’s all the fuss about Chi and what does it have to do with the way I feel?

Chi, also known as life-force, prana, ki, qi, essence, spirit or life energy, is the basic energy of the universe, existing in all things.

Chi is breath. It is the energy and vitality that sustains and nourishes you and activates your spirit. It is obtained from the food you eat, the water you drink and the air you breathe. Everything you see, touch, think or experience is made up of Chi. Your whole existence is determined by Chi.

All parts of your life, your physical health, mental alertness and emotional stability are all dependent on the flow of Chi in and around your body. The free flow of this vital energy is seen as imperative to your health and well-being. Summoning, conserving and using Chi is an important factor in maintaining a healthy and happy life.

The quality of your Chi is reflected in the way you feel, think and behave.

* Excited about doing something? Your Chi is probably strong.
* Unmotivated? It’s probably weak.
* Angry, frustrated or depressed? It’s probably stuck.

For the rest of this article, and to meet Rosanno your ChiYo Instructor, click here!

Free Energy Boost Resources --- Your Friends & Your Breath

Talk it out with your friends …

There is nothing like the soothing, healing and re-energizing touch of a best friend’s sage advice.

Yesterday Coleen chided me for not saying “No” more often. She recommended that before I make anymore “Yes” decisions that I pause and think about “What would Coleen want me to do?” She said she cared more about me than I was caring for myself.

Gulp.

Well that slowed me down – in a good way.

Then she reminded me about a fantastic energy boosting breathing technique that we had learned together! Ahhhhhhhh. Here, you try this today and see how good – how peaceful, centered and safe it can make you feel too.

Energy Boosting Healing 1-2-3

1. Inhale to a count of four. 1-2-3-4
2. Hold that breath for a count of seven. 1-2-3-4-5-6-7
3. Exhale that breath to a count of eight. 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8
   
   

Do this four times in a row. That is considered a “series.” Be sitting down and comfortable when you do this exercise. Then, do this series two times a day.

Voila! Join me in saying “No” and boosting your energy for FREE this week. If you have a moment, drop a comment and let us know how GREAT you feel.

Cheers!

Viveca

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Is your super woman role taking a toll on you? You're not alone. Experts suggest more than 80 percent of American women (and men) suffer from adrenal fatigue. Learn how to wrap your super woman cape around fatigue and cast it out of your life forever in the Fatigue Be Gone Jumpstart! e-Guide. Available at www.FatigueBeGone.com

Misery Poker and the energy--boosting power of the whine. Is there?

I suppose there is a health benefit to whining and complaining, in moderation. Isn't that funny? It needs to be moderated just like eating, drinking, exercising, thinking ...



Today I set out to determine what occurs physically when we complain. I wondered what hormones are triggered and what effect that has on our adrenals. Didn't come up with anything that specific but I know how dis-eased and fatigued I feel when I am focused on the faults instead of the pearls. Don't you?

This topic is inspired by a new column in the Wall Street Journal called "Bonds." Today's topic was Misery Poker: It's One Game Worth Losing. Big thanks go out to its author, Elizabeth Bernstein for bringing this bad habit to my attention. Once there is awareness, action - change is possible.
My husband will be thrilled.

By the by I did come across some good quotes on the topic!

I personally believe we developed language because of our deep inner need to complain.
~Jane Wagner



In trying to get our own way, we should remember that kisses are sweeter than whine. ~Author Unknown



People that pay for things never complain. It's the guy you give something to that you can't please. ~Will Rogers