Tag: #selfcare

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kathyhusser Travel work

Experiencing Spain

Flying to my travel spot!
The window seat is the best view on vacation.

My recent trip to Spain this year was an eye-opening experience! Not just from a travel perspective, rather experiencing a foreign country gave me hope along with new stories to tell.

Future Advances

Visiting Spain allowed me to see the results of future advances in transportation, crowd management, and lifestyle.  The public transportation system in Spain, especially Barcelona, is easy to navigate and ADA-friendly. With elevators at most stops, recessed curbs, and clean stations locals use the tram, train, and subway (Metro) lines exclusively. Plus, there was a high percentage of electric vehicles, which meant less petrol (gas) stations, smog, and noise.

The tourist sites, while busy, were easily managed with online pre-ticketed sales. No ticket, no entry if the quota for the day was already met. On top of that, residents were very friendly and kind despite my 2 years of high school Spanish. Citizens were helpful and took pride in their city and professions.  You got a feeling of National pride from the Spanish people which resonated the entire trip.

History Revisited

The history dates back to Roman Times, 300 B.C. Spain’s rich history has held space for wars, communism, and the monarchy. Today, the future Queen of Spain is in her second year of military service to her country. The archives, architecture, and lessons learned have not been without growing pains or evolution. But the evolution is present and felt throughout your interactions with people.

The population is concentrated in the cities, but a vast agricultural community keeps the food prices reasonable and fresh. I’ve never tasted such sweet tomatoes or such rich creamy butter. Plus, eggs were $2.85 a dozen! There’s something to say for their proximity to other European resources, and it shows in the Spanish food.

Finally, I would say from a travel perspective it provided hope for me personally. To see a thriving country, with low food costs, a content nation, and smart innovations for their citizens. I can see why many foreigners flock to Spain to experience the lifestyle. And why taxes are levied to keep the cities clean and stabilized. Put Spain on your travel list this year, and you won’t regret it.

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Valentine’s Day

Red Gerber Daisy in the Garden
Gerbera Daisies naturally attract pollinators in your garden.

Valentine’s Day, often celebrated as a day of romantic love, has evolved into a broader celebration of friendship and kindness. While traditionally linked with couples, this day offers a chance to extend love and appreciation beyond romantic relationships.

It’s a chance to recognize and cherish the various forms of love that enrich our lives. Whether it’s the bond with family, the friendship of colleagues, or the support of close friends, celebrate this year!

Celebrating Love

Valentine’s Day is a perfect reminder that love is not limited to just one type of relationship. While celebrating couples is popular, the 14th can also be about expressing gratitude to those who are important to us. Family members, colleagues, schoolmates, and friends contribute to our happiness and well-being every day. Remember these folks in countless ways, since they also deserve recognition and your love.

Family is often our first experience of love, providing a foundation of support and care. This Valentine’s Day, consider showing appreciation to your parents, siblings, or even extended family members. A heartfelt note, a phone call, or a small gift can make them feel valued and loved.

Co-Workers and Schoolmates

We spend a lot of time with our cc-workers and classmates. These relationships play an important role in our daily lives. They support us in our work or studies, celebrate our successes, and help us through challenges. Valentine’s Day offers a unique opportunity to strengthen these bonds.

Consider organizing a small celebration at work or school, where everyone exchanges cards or small tokens of appreciation. This can foster a sense of community and remind everyone that they are valued.

Cherishing Friendship

Friendship is another powerful form of love that often gets overlooked on Valentine’s Day. Friends are the ones who stand by us through thick and thin, offering advice, laughter, and companionship.

Take time this Valentine’s Day to reach out to your close friends. Plan a get-together, send a thoughtful message, or even share a meal. These gestures can deepen your connections and remind your friends how much they mean to you.

Valentine’s Day is more than just a celebration of romantic love. It’s an opportunity to acknowledge all the important relationships in our lives. By extending our appreciation to family members, colleagues, schoolmates, and friends, we can spread positivity and strengthen the bonds that make life meaningful.

This Valentine’s Day, let’s embrace the full range of love and celebrate the people who make our lives richer.  Happy Valentine’s Day!

For more living well tips check out my website: KathyHusserTempe.com

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Your Heart Health

As you age, maintaining a healthy heart becomes increasingly important. Cardiovascular health is crucial to overall well-being, as the heart plays a central role in sustaining life. Your heart delivers oxygen and nutrients to every part of the body.

                  Photo by Aziz Acharki on Unsplash

With age, your risk for heart disease and related conditions like high blood pressureand stroke increases. This makes it essential to adopt heart-healthy habits right now. Prioritizing heart care and overall health can lead to a longer, more vibrant life.

Heart Health

Heart disease is the leading cause of death globally. But it is largely preventable through lifestyle choices. As you age, your arteries may stiffen, and plaque can build up in them, increasing your risk for conditions like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. By taking proactive steps to care for your heart, you can significantly lower your risk for these issues. You will also improve your overall quality of life.

Regular Exercise

One of the most effective ways to care for your heart as you age is to stay physically active. Regular exercise helps strengthen the heart muscle, improves circulation, and helps maintain a healthy weight. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, five days a week.

Activities like swimming, cycling, and dancing are also excellent choices. Incorporating strength training exercises at least twice a week can help build muscle mass. This is important for maintaining metabolic health as you age.

Heart-Healthy Diet

Diet plays a significant role in heart health. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help protect the heart. This also reduces the risk of disease in your entire body. Foods like salmon, flaxseeds, nuts, and avocados are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.

Limiting processed foods, sodium, and added sugars can also help prevent high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.  These factors are common contributors to heart disease.

Managing Stress

Chronic stress is harmful to the heart, leading to high blood pressure and increased risk of heart disease. As you age, it becomes even more important to manage stress through relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and yoga. Engaging in hobbies, spending time with loved ones, and practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress. All these stress-reducers promote a healthier heart.

Regular Checkups

Regular medical checkups become increasingly important through the years. Monitoring your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar can help detect any early signs of heart issues. If needed, your doctor can recommend lifestyle changes or medications to help manage these risk factors.

Getting Enough Sleep

Sleep is vital to heart health. As you age, getting seven to eight hours of quality sleep each night becomes essential. Poor sleep can lead to heart-related issues, including high blood pressure and increased risk of heart attack.

Quality sleep is defined as no interruptions, like animals, snoring partners, or other factors waking you up at night.

Caring for your heart and staying healthy is a combination of regular exercise, a heart-healthy diet, stress management, and checkups. By making these lifestyle choices, you can reduce your risk of heart disease, enhance your quality of life, and enjoy a longer, healthier future. Prioritizing heart care is a gift to yourself that pays off with long-term health benefits.

For more living well tips check out: KathyHusserTempe.com

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Let Things Go

"Be wary of Negative People..."

I had to share the latest book I read, “How to Let Things Go, 99 Tips…” by Shunmyo Mansuno. Simple and valuable nuggets I found helpful to get us through challenging and good times.

Character

The way you handle difficult people show a great deal about your character and value system. Do you let the little things get to you or worry a lot? If you tend to focus on what “can go wrong,” vs. allowing life to happen, listen up.  Mansuno, who is also a Buddhist Monk, provides reminders on “…relinquishing anxiety, impatience, and anger.”

You are in control of your own emotions and the reaction to personal situations, nothing else. If worry about every scenario that “could happen,” you’re wasting valuable energy.

Let life happen, but be smart about it. Suggestions include, “moderating your expectations.”  Not everything will go your way in life. So be humble, and let me say that again, just be humble.

Social Media

What you see on social media is the 2%-5% of the “great” that is happening in people’s lives. The author suggests that people knowing about 50% (or even 30%) is a healthy way to live.  Keep your life private for peace of mind.

We don’t need to know everything, and it keeps the pressure off of you to be “picture perfect.”  Everyone has something they are dealing with, that we don’t know about it.  And that’s just fine, and it’s a healthy way to go through life.

Accountability

Finally, do what you’ll say you are going to do.  “Don’t push things off until tomorrow,” we’re reminded.  You can tell a person’s true intentions by what “they do” not what they say. So just do it, and live your life with integrity and accountability.

That also goes for taking responsibility when things don’t work out, or you make a mistake. We learn more from our mistakes than we do from our successes, always.

And surrounding yourself with people that lift you up and support you will help you all through life.  As the authors reminds us, “Be wary of negative people.”  Positivity and kindness will be habits for life to help during the bad times and nurture you in good times.

So, what is your “go to” to help others navigate this changing world?

For more living well, tips check out my website: KathyHusserTempe.com

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Selfcare for 2025

Sunflower from my garden this spring.
A bright sunflower growing in my front yard garden.

As 2025 begins, it’s an ideal time for selfceare that will help you lead a healthier, more balanced life. Rather than making drastic changes that might be hard to sustain, focus on small habits that can make a big impact over time. Here are some tips to start the new year off right with a focus on health and personal growth.

Prioritize Your Health

Good health is the foundation for a successful year. Begin by evaluating your current habits and identifying areas for improvement. Simple changes like eating more fruits and vegetables, drinking more water, and getting enough sleep can improve your well-being. Regular exercise is also essential; it doesn’t have to be intense. Activities like walking, yoga, or swimming can help keep you active while also being enjoyable and stress-free.

Engage in Stress-Free Activities

Managing stress is key to maintaining both mental and physical health. Start by incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily routine. Meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply taking a few minutes each day to focus on your breath. These simple habits can help reduce stressand promote a sense of calm.

Additionally, consider hobbies that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether it’s reading, painting, gardening, or playing an instrument, have some fun!  These activities provide a creative outlet and a break from the pressures of daily life. Spending time in nature is another great way to de-stress. Studies have shown that even a short walk in a park can reduce anxiety and boost your mood.

Focus on Personal Growth

The new year is a great time to set goals for personal development. Start by reflecting on the past year and identifying areas where you’d like to grow. This could be learning a new skill, improving your time management, or working on your emotional intelligence. Setting realistic, achievable goals is important; break them down into smaller steps to make them more manageable.

Reading is another powerful tool for personal growth. Choose books that inspire you, challenge your thinking, or teach you something new. Journaling is also a valuable practice.  Writing down your thoughts, goals, and reflections can help clarify your intentions and track your progress throughout the year.

Starting the new year off right doesn’t mean making drastic changes overnight. By focusing on your health, engaging in stress-free activities, and setting achievable goals for personal growth, you can create a foundation for a happier, healthier year ahead. Remember, progress is made through consistent, small steps, so be kind to yourself and enjoy the journey.

For more living well tips check out: KathyHusserTempe.com

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Thanksgiving Recipes

Sunflower from my garden this spring.
A bright sunflower growing in my front yard garden.

Thanksgiving is a time to come together as a family whether with loved ones or friends to celebrate. What better way to bring people together than a shared meal on a special day.  Here are some of my favorite recipes for a traditional Thanksgiving you might like to make and share.

GRANDMA THELMA’S CORNBREAD STUFFING

I like turkey, but I love the Grandma Thelma’s Southern Cornbread Stuffing.  This “dressing” goes along with my roasted wing and freezing very well too.

  • 1/2- pound butter – divided
  • 1 Tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 ½cups chopped celery
  • 9cups prepared day old cornbread (double this recipe or use 4 boxes of Jiffy Mix)
  • 4 slices of day-old bread, (OR bagels, buns, whatever you have on hand)
  • 1 Tablespoon poultry seasoning
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 2eggs, beaten
  • 2cups chicken stock – divided
  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Butter one 2- quart casserole dish.
  2. In a sauté pan, cook onion powder and celery in 4 Tablespoons of butter until soft and add 1 cup of stock. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine cooled celery mixture, cornbread crumbled, and bread torn into bite size pieces, poultry seasoning, eggs, pecans, cranberries, and remaining cup of chicken stock. Mix well and add to buttered casserole dish. (Mixture will be “wet” when placed in dish to bake.)
  4. Dot top of stuffing mixture with remaining butter (about ¼ pound.)
  5. Bake for 1 hour at 325 degrees F or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F and edges are golden brown.

Serve with turkey, pork chops, or BBQ chicken! Freezes up to 2 months wrapped tightly in foil.

I feel every Thanksgiving needs carbs with turkey dinner. But some folks like other Thanksgiving traditions at their gathering. But one if for sure, pie is a universal dessert which makes everyone happy.

PIES

For your favorite dessert make a homemade pumpkin pie or even better a pumpkin cheesecake (for the calcium.)

KATHY’S PUMPKIN PIE

  • 1 (9 or 10 inch) unbaked deep-dish pie crust
  • 1cup white sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • 2 large eggs – beaten
  • 1 (15 ounce) can LIBBY’S® 100% Pure Pumpkin

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).

  • Combine sugar, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and cloves in small bowl. Beat eggs lightly in large bowl. Stir in pumpkin and sugar-spice mixture. Gradually stir in evaporated milk. Pour into pie shell.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and continue to bake until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean, 40 to 55 more minutes. Remove from the oven and set on a wire rack to cool to room temperature.
  • Serve cooled pie immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. (Do not freeze as this will cause the crust to separate from the filling.)

Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving and restful holiday.  Bon Appetit!

For more holiday inspiration check out: KathyHusserTempe.com

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Career Transitions

Have an agenda and your goals will be accomplished
Have a plan and keep refining for success.

Transitioning in your career can be both exciting and scary. Whether you’re seeking new challenges, better opportunities, or pursuing a passion, shifting careers requires thoughtful planning and strategic actions. From gaining the necessary education to building a strong network, here’s how to successfully navigate a career change.

Education and Skill Development

Education is often the first step in a career transition, especially if you’re moving into a completely new field. Start by assessing the skills you already have and identifying the gaps you need to fill. Research the skills required for your desired career and consider enrolling in relevant courses, certifications, or even degree programs. Online learning platforms offer flexibility, allowing you to upskill while maintaining your current job.

In some cases, you might not need formal education but rather specialized training or workshops that offer practical, hands-on experience. Look for opportunities to gain experience through internships, volunteering, or part-time work in your new field. This not only enhances your resume but also gives you a taste of what the job entails, helping you determine if it’s the right fit.

 Networking

Networking is crucial when transitioning careers. Building relationships with professionals in your target industry can open doors to opportunities that aren’t advertised. Start by attending industry events, seminars, and webinars where you can meet and learn from others in the field. LinkedIn is also a powerful tool for networking. You need to connect with individuals in your desired industry, join relevant groups, and participate in discussions to establish yourself. It’s scary at first, but take it from me you meet so many good people via LinkedIn.

Informational interviews are another valuable resource. Reach out to professionals in your target industry to learn more about their career paths, challenges, and the skills required. These conversations can provide insights and guidance that are invaluable during a career transition.

Embracing a Total Career Change

A complete career change can be intimidating, but with careful planning, it’s achievable. Start by doing a self-assessment to understand your motivations for the change. Identify what you’re passionate about, what skills you excel in, and how these can be applied to a new field. This self-awareness is crucial in making informed decisions about your next steps.

Once you’ve identified your new career path, begin laying the groundwork. Update your resume to highlight transferable skills and any relevant experience. Consider creating a portfolio that showcases your work, particularly if you’re moving into a creative or technical field. Tailor your cover letters and applications to reflect your enthusiasm for the new field and your readiness to contribute.

Taking the Leap

Finally, transitioning in your career requires courage and resilience. It’s important to set realistic expectations and be prepared for challenges along the way. Consider taking small steps towards your goal, such as starting in a related role before fully transitioning, to ease the process.

Remember, career transitions are a journey. By investing in education, expanding your network, and embracing change, you can successfully navigate the path to a new career. Keep an open mind, stay patient, and trust in your ability to adapt and grow.  You’ve got this!

For more career tips check my website: KathyHusserTempe.com

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It’s Not You

Yellowstone Lake - Nature is rejuvenating
Wishing you calm and happiness this season

After reading Dr. Ramani Durvasula’s new book, “It’s Not You: Identifying and Healing from Narcissistic People,” I had to share. This book is life affirming if you need to understand why “bad things” happen to you and motivators of narcissists. Dr. Durvasula also provides extensive strategies for healing and dealing with these highly manipulative and vengeful people.

Who Are They? 

We don’t know why people act the way they do to hurt others. It’s a diagnosed personality disorder that is finally getting the attention it needs. The definition of a narcissistic goes beyond just wanting their way all the time or being powerful.  It’s about people you have in your life, that abuse and shift blame by gaslighting, manipulating, and lying without remorse.

“Nothing is ever their responsibility or their fault because for a narcissistic person to take responsibility or accept blame means having to accept that they are accountable and imperfect.”

There are varying levels of abusive behaviors outlined, some classified as “malignant narcissists.”

They malign people publicly, or harm their reputations. They are highly manipulative, transactional, and judge everyone based on how useful they are – whether for power, profits, pleasure, or validation. In the simplest framing, the malignant narcissist is a bully, mean and menacing…”

You will recognize the examples used in your own family or workplace relationships. You will also understand how often these behaviors happen and go unchecked in society. The focus is never really on the narcissistic, but more on the actions of the victims being abused.  Almost as if the victim has something wrong with them, despite the facts not adding up from narcissist’s manipulated account.

How Does It Happen?

If you are in an abusive relationship, the obvious answer is to leave. But it’s not always that simple. Dr. Durvasula provides examples where it’s just not possible to leave a job, marriage or other important relationship despite abuse. The victim talks themselves out of it, thinks THEY are the reason that these “bad things” are happening.

Victims routinely believe the manufactured and false narratives about what is taking place due to other silent and compliant people.  It boils down to trust. When those closest to you break that trust and know what’s really going on but do nothing, that’s your truth.

“In other words, narcissistic people make you feel small so they can feel safe.” 

These narcissists get something from their victims while “love bombing,” charming them, and prioritizing the relationship.  When the victim realizes what is actually going on and sets boundaries and reveals the truth, all hell breaks loose.  

“Hell, really hath no fury like a narcissist scorned. Their vindictive behavior may range from spreading damaging workplace gossip” to other more harmful and life threating outcomes.

Be warned, that stalking and public humiliation of their victims is quite commonplace for these individuals. Their tactics escalate when their victims pull away or start understanding the truth about past events. 

How to Protect Yourself 

There are many strategies discussed in the book to combat DARVO, or the common methods narcissists use.  (That’s a very useful chapter.) You should also try to distance yourself spiritually or physically from your abuser(s.) If you must stay in a relationship for work or family reasons, sound strategies are provided. These will help you heal and learn to deal with these negative people. As the author states, you will be better informed the next time you come across these individuals. And you most definitely will!

The healing that takes place when you know you’re not the crazy one is incredible. Narcissist behaviors happen daily to so many of us, but now you have a voice…an authentic voice.

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Weekend in New York

Yellowstone Lake - Nature is rejuvenating
Wishing you calm and happiness this season

 

Looking for a holiday getaway or a quick trip in January?  A weekend in New York City might fill the bill as long as you dress warm!

Flights

To maximize our budget think about flying into a smaller neighboring airport such as Newark in New Jersey.  Even Long Island Airport in Islip is doable with the train station so close.  Planning your flight midweek or even on a Thursday will help with airfare and might be less crowded.

But even these days, my flights this year have all been full. Be prepared to have extra time checking in at TSA or think about signing up for Pre-Check or Clear to make security lines less of a hassle. (Some credit cards will also reimburse you for these and other services, so check with your card company.)

Sights of NYC

Be sure to secure your hotel or VRBO near a subway or train line. NYC’s mass transit system is one of the best in the United States.  Being within walking distance of Times Square, Central Park, and museums are the best “home bases” for your trip.

Plan your visits along the subway line so you don’t miss out on winter activities in New York. Ice skating at Rockefeller Center and the NYC Rockettes usually have audiences through January.  Don’t forget the standards such as The Metropolitan Museum or Museum of Modern Art for your art and history lovers. Lines might be long at MoMA, so check the website for hours and special events. At night with the Christmas lights is also a site to see and enjoy this time of year.

Food

Dining options are everywhere in New York. From fast food pizza to fine dining, you will have your pick for any budget. If you’re only in NYC for the weekend, maybe one or two “nice” dinners at an Italian eatery.

Then the next day, think about grabbing breakfast (some are still free) at your hotel or café to people watch. Asking the locals (at your activities) is one of the best ways to get reliable local restaurant and eatery recommendations.

Remember to be flexible with your travel companion and plans in general. You might want to think about extending a work trip to enjoy the sights. More people than ever are traveling and patience is needed to navigate trips these days.

Just enjoy the memories, photos, and last-minute trip flying off to New York.  Travel is the best way to experience new places, people, and cultures…so enjoy!

For more travel inspiration check out: KathyHusserTempe.com

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Strategies for Work

Shelves of books to promote reading and self-care.
Books make me happy!

 

As we navigate work, the landscape of career development continues to evolve at a rapid pace. With technological advancements, shifting job markets, and the rise of remote work, professionals must be more strategic and adaptable than ever. Here are key strategies and habits to effectively navigate your career goals this year.

Lifelong Learning

The importance of continuous learning cannot be overstated. With industries rapidly changing, staying updated with the latest skills and knowledge is crucial. Enroll in online courses, attend workshops, and pursue certifications relevant to your field. Lifelong learning not only keeps you competitive but also opens up new opportunities for career advancement.

Technology is Vital

Technology is a driving force in the modern workplace. Familiarize yourself with digital tools and platforms that can enhance your productivity and efficiency. From project management software to data analysis tools, being tech-savvy can give you a significant edge.

Additionally, building a strong online presence through LinkedIn and other professional networks can help you connect with industry leaders and potential employers.

Adapt to Hybrid Work

The shift to remote and hybrid work models is here to stay. Develop strong self-discipline, time management, and communication skills to thrive in these environments.

Create a dedicated workspace and establish a routine that fosters productivity. Being adaptable and comfortable with virtual collaboration tools is essential for success in a remote or hybrid setup.

Network

Networking remains a critical component of career development. Attend industry conferences, join professional associations, and participate in online forums. Networking helps you stay informed about industry trends, gain insights from peers, and discover job opportunities. Building a diverse professional network can provide support and guidance throughout your career journey.

Set Clear Goals

Define your career goals with clarity. Whether aiming for a promotion or starting your own business, setting specific measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals is essential. Break down your long-term goals into smaller, manageable steps and track your progress regularly.

Seek Coaching

Mentors and career coaches can provide valuable guidance and support. They can help you navigate challenges, identify strengths and weaknesses, and develop a clear career path. Don’t hesitate to seek advice from experienced professionals who can offer insights based on their own career journeys.

Navigating career goals requires an adaptive mindset. By embracing lifelong learning, leveraging technology, networking actively, setting clear goals, and seeking mentorship, you can succeed at a new job. Change will enable you to achieve your career goals and thrive in an ever-evolving world.