Friday, May 24, 2013

#FlashbackFriday: Finding Joy in the Skin I'm In

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Happy Friday!!!

Welcome  to the Flashback.  Here is how it works, simply add a link to your favorite posts in the linky below. Share your post on the Chasing Joy Facebook Page and use the hashtag #FlashbackFriday on Twitter to promote your Flashback posts. All are welcome!!!  The only rule is to visit AT LEAST TWO other flashback posts from the linky.  If you link up early be sure to come back and checkout those who join the linky after you.  Remember our linky does not work properly if you don't visit the other links :-)

Here are my favorite posts form last week's linky.
50 years old and still can't think on my feet explains why Savvy Working Gal started her challenge to become a stronger person.
Start at the Center offers advice on where to start when decorating your home and claiming your space.
My Flashback this week is Finding Joy in the Skin I'm In.  This post is about becoming comfortable with myself and confident in my own skin.

Make sure you tell everyone you linked up. Click here to tweet -> I just linked up for #FlashbackFriday with @Chasing_Joy.

 Make sure you grab the #FlashbackFriday button!

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Chasing Joy
Now, give your old post new life via the power of the linky!!!




PS. The next Chasing Joy Brunch & Learn is Saturday August 3rd from 11:00 AM to 3:00 pm at the Maggiano' in King of Prussia PA. Come out and Chase Joy with me in person. Registration is open and Super Early bird registration is only $35. Click here to register now .

PPS.  Come back by the blog tomorrow.  We will have an Weekend Guest.  I'm looking forward to sharing her guest post on Saturday.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Happy Birthday ACS!!! 100 Years in the Fight Against Cancer

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Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you!  Happy Birthday ACS! Happy Birthday to you!

Today marks the American Cancer Society's (ACS) 100th birthday. For 100 years ACS has worked relentlessly to save lives and create a world with less cancer and more birthdays. Together with millions of  supporters worldwide, ACS is helping people stay well, get well, find cures, and fight back against cancer.  In celebration of 100 years ACS is honoring those who support those fighting cancer, the caregivers, with 100 stories about these unsung heroes. 

Caregivers come in a variety of relationships and titles.  They are not limited to spouses. Caregivers include the children, siblings, family and friends of those battling cancer. The people who help them in the fight with their support. These people cook meals, go to doctor's visits, looking up resources, help with chores, encourage laughter, share in tears, and provide support in more ways than can be imagined.

Unfortunately, I have played the role of caregiver for both of my parents. So I was 100% on board to help ACS celebrate 100 years by shining the light on caregivers.  I decided to reach out to some of my bloggy friends, Alison from Embrace the Struggle and  Erika from Your Chic is Showing who have both played the role of caregiver.  I asked them to join me in answering 3 questions. Here are our responses.
1. What was the most difficult part of being a caregiver?
For me, the most difficult part of being a caregiver was the lack of control and feeling helpless.  Knowing that there is nothing I can do outside of prayer to take the illness away from my loved one. Wishing that there was some kind of trade I could make or fee I could pay to rid them of the Cancer.  
Alison said, "The most difficult part was seeing the physical deterioration in the person’s health and demeanor and being strong in the face of that obvious reality. Keeping yourself together and not breaking down in their presence is truly hard."
Erika replied, " The most difficult part of the journey was being in Washington, DC and focusing on school while she (Erika's mom) was in Ohio. Every part of me wanted to be there to help out and all she (and my Dad) wanted was for me to be in school. It was especially difficult when I did come home because the physical transformations seemed much more dramatic to me. For example, my mom gradually cut her hair shorter and shorter until she eventually cut it all off during her chemo treatments. For me, however, she went from having a full head of hair around Thanksgiving (my first visit home since her diagnoses) to being completely bald by spring break. I also struggled with how to be supportive from so far away. Since I couldn't be there to drive her to and from appointments, I always made it a point to check in with her often, especially on chemo appointment days. Lots of times she didn't have energy to talk, but I wanted her to know I was always thinking of her. And, when I was home, I pitched in however I could, i.e. helping shuttle my brother around, running errands, etc. As a 20/21 year old, I felt terribly guilty about not being home to a) help her out and b) be a support system for my younger brother who was in high school at the time. Even now, I still sometimes wrestle with the guilt of not being there in Ohio every single day."
2. What is the best advice can you offer other caregivers?
My advice is to pray a lot and find people who you can talk to about how you are feeling.  This can be friends, other family members, even a therapist.  You will be surprised that some people who you may have thought you could count on will not have the emotional strength to be there for you or they will just say the wrong thing.   However, also expect to be surprised at who does step up and reach out to be part of your support system.  As a blogger I have had the pleasure of receiving virtual support through social media.  This type of support can be just as helpful as support you receive in person.  
 If you work I think it is important to let your supervisor know that you have responsibilities as a caregiver.  This heads up is important as you don't know how your work duties may be impacted.  While it may feel like the job is insignificant compared to your responsibilities at home but being open at work can provide the opportunity for necessary scheduling changes.  This can overall decrease your stress level.  
Lastly, make your loved on laugh.  Laughter is amazing!!!  It heals the body and the spirit. 
Erika's response, " Whatever your capacity as a caregiver (whether you're there every day or you're further away) remain optimistic and helpful. And, while being respectful of their condition remember to treat them normally. Your loved one is reminded every day that they are fighting cancer (whether there is a physical reminder like no hair or black fingernails b/c of chemo or an emotional reminder); the last thing they need is for you to remind them of it. I remember that when I would visit my mom I would crawl in her bed with her and talk to her about all the silly 21-year-old drama that was going on (who didn't like who, why my boyfriend was driving me nuts, my professors I loved and hated, etc.). Yes, my mom's illness limited her energy, etc., but she was still my mom and I treated her as such. It is really easy to look at your cancer patient with sad eyes, etc. But, just like your loved one may need you to help shuttle them to the doctor's or chemo treatments, they also need you to help them live as normally and optimistically as possible."
Alison's advice, "Offer specific help. A generic “call me if you need anything” probably won’t encourage the sick person to call you. If you say “I’m here for you whenever you have to go for chemo” or “if you need prescriptions filled, I’ll go for you,” that’s far more useful.
Be consistent. It’s a time when the sick person needs to be able to count on you. Being there when the person is fairly okay but vanishing when things get worse is detrimental to the sick person.
Listen more than you speak. Even if the person isn’t keen to talk much, listen. And silence is okay! Just be there for them."
3. What kind of support did you need from others to help you better care for your loved one?
I needed my others to understand that being a caregiver is hard and you are not your normal self during that time.  I needed them to be understanding when I forgot appointments and missed social outings.  I needed them to understand that at times I needed to talk about things and at other times I did not want to talk about it at all.  Most importantly I needed to know that they cared.  
Alison needed, "Willingness to listen when I felt burdened by the situation and needed to unload on someone. Willingness to go with me to see the loved one."
Erika needed, "I really needed 3 things from my friends to help:
1. People who would let me cry without saying or doing anything other than letting me cry
It is not easy to have a loved one facing cancer. And, I felt like it was especially scary for me and my brother because we were young(ish). I had friends who lost parents as children and it's traumatizing. And, it's definitely upsetting to think that you could lose your parent - regardless of what doctors tell you. I didn't cry often in front of people, but when I did, I did it in front of people who would do nothing more than hold me and let me cry. I just needed to get it out. I didn't want anybody to offer trite cliches or spout off some rehearsed scripture. I just wanted them to be there and shut up 
2. People who would pray with me and for my mother
That's pretty self explanatory. I didn't necessarily need to have a prayer group in my dorm room. I just needed friends who meant it when they said they would pray for my mom and my family.
3. People who will make sure you're still doing all the stuff you would normally do
In the same way that your loved one will want you to act normally, you're going to want people to act normally towards you. I distinctly remember my friends going out of their way (if that makes sense) to make sure I was doing normal, college kid stuff and not just holing up in my bedroom sulking when I wasn't in class or working my part-time job. They would take me out, drag me to information sessions, make sure I was interviewing for summer internships, etc. I know it was sometimes a chore for them to do it, but they really pulled me through. I was really blessed to have good friends and a boyfriend who knew that the best way to show support was to make sure I was doing what I was supposed to be doing."
There is no Joy in watching our loved one fight Cancer.  However, there is Joy that comes from know you are in their corner supporting them, encouraging them, loving them and doing everything in your power to make things as easy as possible.  Shout out to all the care givers!!!  

Are you or have you been a caregiver?  How would you answer the 3 questions above?  If you are currently fighting cancer what advice can you offer caregivers from the patients point of view?

 May 22, 2013 is the American Cancer Society’s 100th birthday and they are determined to finish the fight against cancer. The 100 Caregiver Stories series is a blogger parallel to ACS’s 100 Days/100 Stories series, which features researchers and volunteers who are taking action to help ACS finish the fight against cancer. ACS wants to shine a light on 100 amazing caregivers by the end of 2013; sign up here if you want to share a blog post. No financial compensation was received to publish this post.
  Join the Fight, Donate Now!!!
 

Monday, May 20, 2013

The Joys of Single Life: Before Marriage Bucket List

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I want to get Married.  I want a husband. I want to be a Mrs. At age 33 I know that this milestone will occur sooner than later.  So it is best that I spend this time, before marriage, enjoying single life, focusing on myself 100%, and cross some things off of my BMBL, Before Marriage Bucket List.  I got the idea to create a BMBL from Heather who blogs at Diary of a First Time Mom.

Here is my list of things to do and skills to master before I become Mrs. Chasing Joy.

  • Get to a weight I'm comfortable with. I need to lose weight to be healthier and to feel more confident. I think it will be easier to do this now when I can devote my time and attention to it.  Now I am only focusing on cooking for myself and I do have time to exercise that I won't necessarily have when I am married.  Also I should establish these routines now.  
  • Learn how to keep house.   I'm just not good at this.  While I like to cook, I'm really not very domestic.  I am guilty of having more things than I have space for, of not putting this up, and of letting things like dishes pile up .  I don't want this to be an issue in my future marriage.  Or I can just get a maid.  I'm seriously considering the later.
  • Go on vacation  by myself.  I have traveled alone but never for vacation.  I have gone out of town by myself several times for work.  I have gone away for blog conference.  These types of trips have built in schedules and purposes.  I have traveled with friends and family.  Those trips were fun but require coordination with others and consideration of what they want to get out of the trip.  I want to go away by myself for no particular reason other than to visit someplace I want to go.  I will be able to do whatever I want on my own time schedule.  This will require me to be a bit brave as solo traveling does feel a little scary.  
  • Buy myself an expensive piece of jewelry.  There is no reason for a modern woman such as myself to have to wait for a man to give her an expensive piece of jewelry.  
  • Take my boudoir photos.  This has been on my to do list for a while.  I want to capture my sexier side in print.  I may have a hard time selling this to future husband.  I also want to do this just for me and not as a gift for him.
I am really surprised that there are not more things on my BMBL.  I guess there are more things I would not mind and even look forward to sharing with the future husband. Things like having children, joining a church, celebrating holidays, birthdays, and special occasions and moving into my dream house.

If your single what's on your BMBL?  If you are married what would you recommend a single girl like me add to her list.

Friday, May 17, 2013

#FlashbackFriday: 6 Words About Chasing Joy

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Happy Friday Everyone!!!

It's time to Flashback to one of your favorite older posts.  But before you do that I have a favor to ask.  You may remember that my mom was in the hospital back at the end of the year.  Since then she has been having a health issue and in a few days we will get some results back.  Please take a moment and say a prayer for her this weekend.  It would be greatly appreciated.

Now, back to the business of Flashback Friday.  My favorite posts from last week's link up are:
Balpreet Kaur: A Strong Woman  is a really great post highlighting a woman who is 100% comfortable in the skin she's in.
20,000 tweets later offers lots of info on monitoring your twitter usage, how much time you spend tweeting, when you first started tweeting, and what you tweet about.  Guess what I tweet about the most, #FlashbackFriday!!!
Paula J discusses the choice we have to make daily.  How should we spend our time and which activities are actually more valuable.  
My flashback this week is 6 Words About Chasing Joy.  I sum up my philosophy on life in only 6 words. It's' a quick read so check it out.

Now it's time for you to link up!!!  Simply add a link to your favorite posts in the linky below. Share your post on the Chasing Joy Facebook Page and use the hashtag #FlashbackFriday on Twitter to promote your Flashback posts. All are welcome!!!  The only rule is to visit AT LEAST TWO other flashback posts from the linky.  If you link up early be sure to come back and checkout those who join the linky after you.  Remember our linky does not work properly if you don't visit the other links :-)

Make sure you tell everyone you linked up. Click here to tweet -> I just linked up for #FlashbackFriday with @Chasing_Joy. Make sure you grab the #FlashbackFriday button.

Chasing Joy

Now, give your old post new life via the power of the linky!!!

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

6 Tips To Keeping Your Dog Happy & Joyful

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Hello people.  My person was busy so I'm helping her out on the blog today.  I am the awesome Shih Tzu known as Hurt.  My person has mentioned me a time or two here on her blog.  No, I'm not telling you how I got my name.  It's top secret so if I told you I'd have to kill you.

I've been taking care of my person for a few  years now and I love it.  I know you all think that the person is in charge and the animals are the pets but you are all so mistaken.  We let you think that because we know how fragile your egos are, but I digress.  I have been taking care of my person for a few years now and I finally have her fully trained on exactly what to do to keep me pleased.  So here are a few tips on how to have a happy dog.

  1. Crunchies!!! Lot's of them.  The way to your dog's heart is through his stomach.  Keep his stomach full and he will reciprocate with lots of doggy kisses.  Now often while you are eating your dog may gently remind you that eating is a social activity and they'd like to join you.  Don't mistake this for begging.  This is simply part of your training and a reminder that you forgot to give us a little something when you fixed your plate.  Dropping a few morsels onto the floor for us will quickly rectify the oversight.  
  2. Walks! Exercise is so important.  If us dogs did not insist on daily walks our people would get really out of shape.  We can't let that happen.  We have to keep our people healthy .  Notice the enthusiastic energy us dogs  have when doing our daily walk. Our people should follow suit.  The walks keep our muscles toned and our bodies slim.  We use the exercise time to explore our surroundings and get to know our neighbors and their people.  
  3. Naps! Now the length and number of napes required by dogs vary.  As part of your training to become an awesome pet parent you will learn what works best for your dog.  A Senior dog such as myself has learned the benefits of getting lots of beauty sleep.  You will know when your dog has reached the optimal level of sleep when they run and bark in their sleep without waking themselves up.   This level of sleep is also accompanied by a protruding tongue.  
  4. Rubs!!!!  This is a major major key to keeping your dog happy.  Rubs also known as petting your dog or scratching your dog, is a bonding activity.  We allow our people to give us rubs so that they can have a physical connection with use.  We know how smooth our fur feels on your paws, I mean hands.  We know the pleasure it gives you to see us wiggle about and do our version of laughing and smiling.  Rubs are relaxing to but us dogs and our people so don't be stingy with them.
  5. Swag! That's right we have swag too.  Don't get lazy when it comes to keeping us groomed.  A comb, brush and pair of scissors go along way. Keep us neat and clean.  Some of us are more high maintenance than others.  Get to know your dog and what it takes to keep them so fresh and so clean.  If your dog is like me he will enjoy getting dressed.  And don't be stingy when it comes to the bling a rhinestone collar is always a nice touch.
  6. Routine.  Now this does not sound so exciting but the routine is how all of the above work together to make your dog the happiest K9 ever.  Grooming to keep your dog's Swag On will vary from pup to pup. However the Crunchies, walks, rubs, and naps will be similar for all of us.  It will go something like this.  Rubs, Walks, Crunchies, Rubs,  Nap and repeat!  Not hard at all.  Even a person should be able to get this routine down pact.
Just follow the tips above and you will make your dog as happy as my person has made me.  You will know you have it down when your dog starts doing the following for positive reinforcement: greeting you at the door,  jumping on you when you return home, following you around the house (even keeping you company in the bathroom), and giving you lots and lots of puppy kisses.  Don't forget us dogs give you people lots of Joy so we should have Joyful lives too.  

Thanks for letting me fill in for my person.
Yours Truly Hurt!

What gives your pet the most Joy (rubs, toys, special treats)? 

Monday, May 13, 2013

13 Joyful Reasons to Lose Weight

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I need to lose weight!  :-(  This is not a new statement.  If you've been Chasing Joy with me since the beginning, then you know I have been trying to get healthier and learn to treat my body like a temple for a long time. Like forever.  I have not been successful yet.  I say yet because I have not given up.

Last week I read two blogs that resonated with me, Skinny Jeans Dreams and Phit-N-Phat. There were several ideas that stuck with me from these blogs.  Not giving up when you go off track.  Instead of saying to hell with it and binge out after going over my calories or a weight gain, just getting back on track.   Making small changes and doing things that make staying on track easy.

In addition to the above I realized that perhaps my problem has been that I have not really zeroed in on why I want and need to lose weight.  I need to articulate it in a way that can be referenced easily.  I need to focus on my Why!

So here are 13 reasons why I want to lose weight.

  1. I want to feel comfortable to go to the doctor to address any health concerns and not put it off because I don't want a lecture about my weight.
  2. I want to eat without pain or experiencing heart burn and acid reflux.
  3. I want to have more options when shopping.
  4. I want to feel more confident.
  5. I want friends and family to feel more willing to introduce me to eligible bachelors and not hesitate because they are not sure their guy friends like bigger girls.  
  6. I want to feel lighter on my feet when exercising.
  7. I want to feel in control of what goes in my body.
  8. I want to get healthier as I get older.
  9. I want to remain free of diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and cancer.
  10. I want to have a healthy pregnancy when that time comes.
  11. I want to have lots and lots of options for my future wedding dress.
  12. I want to not feel self conscious or worry about people making mean comments about my weight. 
  13. I want my Joy to not be limited by my weight.  
Do you need to lose weight, or make any other health changes to have a more Joyful life?  If so have you figured out your Why???

Friday, May 10, 2013

#FlashbackFriday: Joy Chaser's Guide to Surviving Visits From Your Ex.

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Happy Friday!!!!


Welcome to the Flashback Friday Link Up!



Flashback Friday is where we link back to one of our favorite oldie but goodie posts!  Simply Add a link to your posts in the linky below. Share your post on the Chasing Joy Facebook Page and use the hashtag #FlashbackFriday on Twitter to promote your Flashback posts. All are welcome!!!  The only rule is to visit AT LEAST TWO other flashback posts from the linky.  If you link up early be sure to come back and checkout those who join the linky after you.  Remember our linky does not work properly if you don't visit the other links :-)  


Before you add  your link, check out some of my favorite posts form last weeks linky:

You Cant Live a Positive Life With a Negative Mind is such a great post.  It supports me thoughts on avoiding Joy Thieves and gives examples of how to turn negative thoughts into positive ones by practicing an attitude of gratitude. Plus it was originally posted on my Birthday :-)
 How to be More Confident at Work provides great practical advice based on experience.  I will be referencing this post again.   
My Flashback Friday post this week is Joy Chaser's Guide to Surviving Visits From Your Ex.  My post pokes a bit of fun at the uncomfortable situation of your ex showing up uninvited and unexpected.   

Make sure you tell everyone you linked up. Click here to tweet -> I just linked up for #FlashbackFriday with @Chasing_Joy.  


Now, give your old post new life via the power of the linky!!!


Wednesday, May 8, 2013

No Joy When Spa Treatments Go Wrong. Oh Pooh!!

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This past Saturday I thought I was going to have a couple of nice spa treatments.  One that was  more of a health treatment while the other was to be relaxing.  Ha!  I thought wrong.  These spa treatments were the worst $60 I have ever spent. Instead of money well spent this was $60 down the crapper. Literally!!!

The treatments I had scheduled were a colonic hydrotherapy treatment followed by a detox body wrap.  A friend of mine started touting the wonders of colonics years ago.  My initially reaction was no thanks.  I should have followed my gut instinct.  In the last few years colonics have become much more common.  I've seen reality show stars get them during an episode.  Other friends of mine have started getting them too.  One friend, not the one who first told me about them, recently sent out an email giving praise to colonic hydrotherapy.

Months ago, prior to my friends email, I had purchased one of those email deals to get both the colonic and body wrap for only $60.  I went against my initial gut feeling and clicked purchase.  I had heard good things and figured maybe I'd experience some of the benefits others had.  I also figured it would be a new experience that might be joyful enough to write about here.  After getting the email from my friend I went ahead and booked my appointment.  Little did I know this spa day would amount to one big cow pie!

I immediately felt ill at ease in the waiting room.  The staff in the medi spa waiting room had European or  Russian sounding accents.  The accents in themselves were not the problem. What made me feel uneasy was the absence of the little niceties that are typically a part of Americans' speech.  The staff was much more blunt than I'm accustomed to, saying things like "Sit down and fill this out!" as opposed to "Please have a seat and complete the new customer form"  The receptionist called someone who had missed her appointment and she was very stern telling her that she'd missed her appointment and could not miss the next one.  They were also speaking kind of loud compared to the hushed tones I'm accustomed to at a spa.  Instead of feeling relaxed, I felt like I could have gotten yelled at at any moment.

When I did get called back for my appointment, my colonic hydrotherapyst did not have an accent and was much more gentile in her demeanor.  I relaxed as she explained the procedure.  Part of a tube would be put in my you know where then water would be flushed in and excrement would be washed out.  What kind of mess have I gotten myself into. No turning back know. The shit is about to hit the fan.  I thought to myself.

We started the procedure.  It was rather uncomfortable and I asked the therapist if the tube was in right.  She assured me it was and we continued with the procedure.  I filled the awkward silence with silly chit chat about TV shows and such. Water went in and water came out.  Water went in and water came out.  Water went in and water came out.  That's right only water.  Just water!  It turns out my colon was already pretty clean.  I'm not full of it after all, I thought.

The therapist messaged my belly like she was kneading some bread in an effort to get things going.  She'd warned I might experience some cramping.  Boy did I.  I started to feel like I had a stomach virus complete with cramping and slight nausea   What kind of poop head purposely gives herself the symptoms of a stomach virus.  I must have been flushed 10 times.  During the 10th, last, and final flush, finally some poo was starting to move.  Ahhhh  the tube was not in right after all!!!!!!!!  I will spare you the details.  Let's just say this experience has confirmed that certain orifices are meant to be exit only.

I bet you think that was the worst of it?  Nope.  After the unsuccessful colonic hydrotherapy was over I was to use the restroom to finish. It felt like I was never going to finish.  When is this mess going to be over!! I thought.  I was probably in there 40 minutes or more.  Guess how many people came to check on me.  None!  I came out to find a note directing me where to go to wait for my body wrap.

The body wrap was actually the worse part.  Normally spas have tables and tubs that are ergonomically designed to curve with your back.  Not this one!   It was completely flat.  If you are built anything like me you have some extra cushion in the back.  This means when you lay down flat on your back there is a space between the small of your back and the surface of the table.  This creates pain when you extend your legs straight as you have to do when you have a body wrap.  This was the most painful spa procedure ever.  I would have told the lady to cut it short but guess what, she left!  This is a load chimp chunks, what kind of dump is this that constantly leaves the clients alone to fend for themselves, where my thoughts.

Oh, I saved the best part for last.  I think this may have to do with some of those cultural differences I mentioned in the beginning.  When the lady escorted me into the room for the body wrap she explained that I was to take off my robe and lay on the table.  Then she stood there.  I stood there.  We looked at each other as I waited for her to leave the room until I was comfortably on the table like they do at most spas.  Then she says, "Oh, I know you are naked. It is ok.  I have seen everything! Take your robe off".

Oh pooh!  What a mess my spa treatments turned out to be!!!

On the bright side,  I'm just as happy to share my misadventures with you all as I am my success stories.  Every new experience won't be a good one.  But it is good to try new things because you will never know what can give you Joy unless you give things a try.  Besides it gave me a great excuse to write a post with the challenge of using as many synonyms for doo doo as possible and not fudge it all up.  Do you think that would make a good writing prompt? LOL

Have you had a better experience with colonic hydrotherapy than I did? Have you ever had a when spa treatments go wrong experience?  Bonus question, how many synonyms did you count?


Monday, May 6, 2013

Does Your Smile Bring You Joy? It Can!

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Happiness belongs to everyone.  It is not a resource that can be used up.  There is enough of it for all of us.

Unfortunately for many of us not being happy about what we see in the mirror can be a huge road block on the way to Joy and happiness.  While looks should not matter, we all know that they do.  That's why liking what you see in the mirror is so important.  Feeling good about yourself and confident in your appearance is such an important element of having a Joyful life.

Finding Joy in ones appearance is important for all of us but super important for teenagers who are adjusting to changing bodies, hormones, and responsibilities   That's why I'm happy to share with you that Invisalign is now available for teens and preteens. (Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.) Invisalign aligners are similar to brace except they are clear and basically invisible    I have never had braces but a few of my family members and friends have had them.  Braces on teens often represent just another thing to feel insecure about.  Something else that makes them feel like they are different or stand out.  Luckily, now, Invisalign is another choice that is available for today's teens and preteens.

While I'm sure braces in general have changed and improved since I was a teenager, removable aligners like Invisalign and Invisalign Teen offer some great advantages.  One of the main things I remember my friends complaining about regarding their braces were the diet restrictions.  They could not eat gum, certain sticky candies or basically anything that could get caught in their teeth.  With Invisalign, the aligners are taken out at meal time, removing all food restrictions.  Teens can eat whatever their friends are eating and not worry about being different.
People with straight teeth may have more Joy!

One of the first times I remember feeling really grown up and liking what I saw in the mirror was my junior prom.  I was smiling in every picture and not giving a second thought about my teeth.  I am sure my peers who were wearing braces were not so at ease smiling for the camera.  This would be another occasion when Invisalign Teen's removable aligners would come in handy.  Invisalign can make prom and school dance jitters a little less since they can be removed for special occasions.

If you are considering helping your teen feel better about the way they look by improving their smile, or maybe even improving your own smile, with braces, here are a few facts about Invisalign compared to braces that you should consider.

  • Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners made of lightweight plastic that sit smoothly on the teeth allowing for a more comfortable fit and they work as effectively as traditional metal braces.
  • Invisalign works the same way as braces. Force is applied to the tooth forcing it to move into the proper position.
  • While Invisalign is newly available for teens and preteens it has been around since 1999.
  • If your teen plays sports they are less likely to have a serious injury if hit in the face while wearing Invisalign than braces.  
  • Everyone is different and there are many factors that determine the cost of Invisalign. But, in most cases, Invisalign is comparable in cost to traditional braces.  Check out the Cost Calculator.
  • Most dental insurances plans cover Invisalign.
  • The Invisalign aligners must be worn 22 hours a day and have an indicator that helps parents to know if their teen is wearing them as indicated. 
  • The aligners can be cleaned with a toothbrush and water. 
  • If you are considering Invisalign for your teen, preteen, or yourself consult with an Invisalign doctor as they are up on the latest technologies that your dentist may not be aware of.  
Have you or anyone you know had Invisalign?  Would you consider Invisalign for your teen, preteen or yourself so that you can feel more Joyful about your smile and appearance?

Learn more by visiting the Invisalign Homepage
Follow Invisalign on Twitter @Invisalign

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Friday, May 3, 2013

#FlashbackFriday: No Rapture!? Guess I'll Keep Chasing Joy

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It's Friday! Friday! Time for Flashback Friday!!!  

Flashback Friday is where we link back to one of our favorite oldie but goodie posts!  Simply Add a link to your posts in the linky below. Share your post on the Chasing Joy Facebook Page and use the hashtag #FlashbackFriday on Twitter to promote your Flashback posts. All are welcome!!!  The only rule is to visit AT LEAST TWO other flashback posts from the linky.  If you link up early be sure to come back and checkout those who join the linky after you.

Before you add  your link, check out some of my favorite posts form last weeks linky.
Erika (Your Chic is Showing) has a compilation of some of her best past posts and some really cute baby pictures.  Bonus! 
Will I Be Pretty is a great post encouraging us to not be merely pretty, but to be pretty smart, pretty talented, pretty amazing  etc....  
My flashback this week is No Rapture!? Guess I'll Keep Chasing Joy.  This post talks about some of the things I'd accomplished since starting blogging and what I should focus on next.  Funny thing is I still find myself wondering what should I focus on next.

Now, give your old post new life via the power of the linky!!!

Tell everyone you linked up. Click here to tweet -> I just linked up for #FlashbackFriday on @Chasing_Joy.  

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