I am not a SOPHIST!

Call me a language maven, wordsmith, grammarian, etymologist, or philolog, but don't call me a sophist!

The word of the day is sophistry.

Sophistry -- n. a deceptive or fallacious argument.

Sophistry is deceiving someone by making a superficial or defective argument, which doesn't hold water. Example: telling your mother you can't clean your room because it will destroy the delicate balance of the ecosystem. 

Sophistry is not a word that you hear every day in conversation, but just turn on the TV and watch the commercials. You'll see plenty!

Super Storm Sandy one year ago!

Henceforth, it shall be called STUPID Storm Sandy.

What I know about it:
My friend in NJ died the day before the storm hit. His funeral had to be postponed 3 days because roads and cemetaries were flooded.

8 people from Midland Beach Staten Island died.
A fireman almost didn't make it out of his house, which flooded in 13 seconds. He managed to kick out his kitchen window and avoid drowning in his kitchen.
How many homes were flooded in Midland Beach?
My brother and sister-in-law lost their house. (Food, photographs, mementos, trophies,books, jewelry, clothing, furniture, utensils, cat food, dog food, people food, etc. Almost nothing could be salvaged.)
The colleges on Staten Island were closed for a week.
Kean College in NJ was closed also.
Seaview Psychiatric Hospital was closed for a week.
No gas and flooded roads caused the closures.
Electric power was lost for many in NY and NJ.
Subways in NYC were closed.
At least one marriage broke up.
Cars were turned upside down.
Insurance companies denied claims.

My brother will be on Fox News today at 10:45 am.
His name is Dr. Victor Dolan.
He joined every Recovery group and board he could, to advocate for the Staten Island victims. Today he gets to tell about the dismal outcome of the government recovery programs.

One Year Later: Stupid Storm Sandy. (tears streaming down my face)

Password Purgatory

Your password is about to expire in 2 days. Do you want to change it now?


That is how the nightmare begins. I don't want to change my password. I have to write it down and put it in my file draw and remember where I filed it. Yesterday I had the same password on all my major apps. In 2 days, I will have one different one. I'll probably keep forgetting it and have to change it again. I wish I could change it back but it doesn't let me change back to a previous password. All this security is great, but I think it only keeps me out.

I like short passwords. I often get the message, your password must be at least 8 characters long, with at least one number and one capital letter. My heart sinks when it says your password must contain at least one number, one capital letter and one special character. I generally forget the special character. So much time is wasted on changing passwords. I often have to click the forgot password link. Then go to my email, open the link they send, and  figure out a new password. I really hate it when they send me a temporary password, like URstup877id.

Why can't I choose a nice short easy to remember password?!

And why can't I use the same password for all my Apps?

I got it. My next password will be a series of bad words, the ones I say when I can't remember my #@*&%$) password!!

Playing with Fire

"If you use hypnosis, you are playing with fire!" That was the advice my client got from her minister.

When she told me this, my heart sank. I am still surprised when doctors, therapists and ministers, warn people NOT to use hypnosis. I feel so bad, that they are getting more and more discouragement, especially when they need encouragement and motivation to make changes they desperately need and want.

So here is what I say to that advice:

Yes! Using hypnosis can be compared to playing with fire. What happens when humans play with fire? or should I say "employ" fire?

Fire lights the darkness. Fire cooks our food. Fire warms the cold. Fire keeps the carnivores away at night.

Without fire, human beings would not have become civilized. They probably wouldn't have survived at all. So I am going with this metaphor:

Using hypnosis is like playing with fire, only it is not "playing" if you find an ethical educated certified hypnotist. So use it for motivation, optimism, healing, and behavior modification! Use it for developing confidence and eliminating fears. Use it! Just be careful that you use the fire with the proper supervision.

My client used hypnosis to reduce fear and anxiety. She is now able to take showers and leave her house, 2 things she was afraid to do for the past 4 years. She still has fears, but they no longer control her life the way they used to. Her confidence has soared, too. She decided to go ahead with hypnosis, even after she received this caveat from her minister. She decided to use prayer to protect her from any danger.

BTW, there is very low risk of negative side effects from using hypnosis. The hypnotee can always reject a suggestion from the hypnotist; he cannot be made to do something he considers immoral or unethical. The hypnotee is always in control.

30 Ways to Quell Hot Flashes (and other menopause symptoms)

I am working on publishing a report, entitled 101 ways to Quell Hot Flashes (etc.)

I have already published 15.

16. Natural remedies: black cohosh tea or capsules. No side effects or interactions with drugs are known, but placebo is just as effective (or better).

17. Natural remedies: evening primrose oil taken in capsules. Placebo is just as effective.

18. Placebo. See 16 and 17. The researchers keep getting better results from the placebo than some of the herbs they tested.

19. phytoestrogens, from soy or garbanzo beans.

20. Hormones

21. HUmor

22. Sex is good for sleep problems

23. Yoga seems to help sex problems

24. Physical exercise also helps for sleep concerns.

25. Placebo seems to be very effective for many symptoms.

26. There are mattresses that are advertised as having climate control!

27. Cool bath.

28. Cold Shower.

29. Travel to a colder clime

30. Celebrate womanhood!

Self Hypnosis Class

Do you want to learn an easy technique to become more optimistic and appreciative? This is something you can do every day for just a few minutes. Self-hypnosis is quick, easy, portable and inexpensive. This will be a 3 hour class with a group hypnosis experience.

Self-hypnosis Class
August 15 and 25 at 7PM
Heaven & Earth Spiritual Center
1316 Alt. 19
Palm Harbor, FL

Self-hypnosis is a safe, effective way to modify behavior:

Quit Smoking
Curb your Appetite
Enlarge your Breasts
Cool Hot Flashes
Awaken Refreshed
Sleep Easy
Reduce Stress
Relieve Pain
Eliminate Fears
Develop Unshakable Confidence

Call 727-946-1531 for more information.

15 Ways to Quench Hot Flashes

A Hot Flash is more than just intense heat. It can be very uncomfortable, and result in a cold sweat. Many menopausal women  experience them several times a day and even at night! These hot flashes at night are usually referred to as Night Sweats. But there is hope for women who suffer from them. And the men, too.

1. jump in the pool, lake or ocean!

2. pour ice water over your head.

3. cool yourself with a few deep breaths and a yawn.

4. herbs, like black cohosh.

5. cool drink of ice water.

6. hot tea. I've heard it said that this can cool you on a hot day. If this works for you, then try it on the hot flash.

7. watermelon.

8. dress in layers, and peel a few off.

9. take off some clothes. Remember to bring an extra tee-shirt with you.

10. use a hand-held or battery-operated fan.

11. stand under a ceiling fan.

12. self-hypnosis combined with NLP anchoring

13. fire the anchor. oops, sorry, thats the way NLPers say it!

14. Avoid caffeine, expecially coffee and soda.

15. 2 tablespoons of cider vinegar in the morning and evening.

I have personally tried these remedies. I find the vinegar trick is wonderful, because it eliminates night sweats. During the day I use self-hypnosis combined with NLP anchoring. The wonderful thing about this is that once you install the NLP anchor in your mind and body (using hypnosis), the response gets stronger each time you use it. That means it gets QUICKER, too, as you remember to use it when you first sense the hot flash coming on. I usually get a weird tingling or swirling cold sensation on the back of my knees and calves when the hot flash is starting. That's when I fire the anchor and beat it before it gets intense.

Please try these remedies and let me know the results in the comments below. If you need more information, or want to see a demonstration of the NLP anchoring, come to HOT Flash Hypnosis at Heaven and Earth Spiritual Center, 1316 Alt. 19, Palm Harbor, FL on Sat. June 8 at 2:00 pm.

Thanks!

Gratitude, Happiness and Longevity

What's the relationship among Gratitude, Happiness and Longevity?

Since I have been planning for the Gratitude and Personal Development Workshop on May 26, 2013, I keep finding the most amazing articles about gratitude! It seems like gratitude is the missing link in the current body of evidence about happiness. They find that people who express gratitude on a daily basis are happier! This leads to stress reduction which leads to optimism, which leads to a more effective immune system which leads to better health, which leads to longer life, which leads to more happiness, and so on and so on..... It's one great big circle of everything getting better and better!

This is very good news! Joan Beardi and I are going to tell you everything we know about gratitude and announce the gratitude challenge at our workshop:

Raise Your G-Q (gratitude quotient)
Gratitude and Personal Development Workshop
Sunday, May 26, at 12:47 pm
Unity Church of Palm Harbor
1960 Tampa Road
Palm Harbor, FL

If you are in town on Memorial Day Weekend, I hope to see you there!

Thank you for reading.

A is for Apple

I just read two articles, one about Super Anti-aging Foods, and the other about burning fat faster. They both mention APPLES ! Yes, it's true, the old adage, that an apple a day keeps the doctor away.

Apples contain fiber and enzymes, which when eaten 20 minutes before a meal, will help you feel full faster, so you will consume smaller portions. Also, apples are SUPER foods, which contain polyphenols which extend life and health.

It seems that eating apples is a very easy way to promote health and longevity!

I'm So Grateful!

And now, I'm grateful to be able to announce a new workshop, called Raise Your G-Q, Gratitude and Personal Development Workshop, on Sunday, May 26, at Unity Church of Palm Harbor. This is a 2 part workshop, with a follow-up 4 weeks later, on June 23.

 

This is what Christina Hibbard said about gratitude and appreciation:

"Gratitude teaches us to appreciate both the rainbow and the storm."

Gratitude is nothing more than saying Thank You, which acknowledges your appreciation for something and validates the other person. The Benefits of expressing gratitude are simply amazing! It increases reduces stress, improves your immune system, and increases your mental clarity! Take the Gratitude and enjoy all the benefits!

Raise Your G-Q (gratitude quotient)!

Gratitude and Personal Development Workshop

Unity Church of Palm Harbor
1960 Tampa RoadPalm Harbor FL
Sunday, May 26
12:47 pm - 2:33 pm

 

Thank you for reading!

New Opportunities

Everyone wants to start something new, it seems! This is a prayer/meditation that I found in the book, You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay:

In the Infinity of life where I am, all is perfect, whole and complete. My unique creative talents and abilities flow though me and are expressed in deeply satisfying ways. There are people out there who are always looking for my services. I am always in demand and can pick and choose what I want to do. I earn good money doing what satisfies me. My work is a joy and a pleasure. All is well in my world.

I definitely recommend this book.

Playing Golf and Hypnosis

People ask me Can hypnosis really improve my golf game? The answer is yes. Ask any successful player. Many have used hypnosis and visualization to help their game. Of course, they won't tell you about it. They want to be the only one with the hypnotic advantage!  

I just read a book by Chi Chi Rodriguez. It has some great tips for playing golf and even for LIFE!

Only fools live in the past. In medal, a golfer has to learn to immediately forget the last shot, good or bad, and move on to the next one. Compliment yourself on a ball well hit or scold yourself for a poor shot, but then move on quickly. You've got to get out of the past. Put a price on each swing and you'll learn to concentrate and scramble around a golf course to save every shot. Even on a bad day, it's better to lose only a little money, and every stroke you save is change that stays in your pocket. Play every shot as if it is important, because it is.

That's a quotation from the book, Chi Chi's Golf Games You Gotta Play.

Good Night, Uncle Al

My godfather, the atheist, passed away a month ago.

He loved to plant things, especially tomatoes. He loved his garden. He even loved driving his tractor mower. I miss him now, but it will be especially hard this summer when I see the tomatoes growing in his garden.

He loved cats.

He bought a nice large house so that he could have visitors.

He was a lawyer, a judge, and a democrat.

He was in the army when I was a little girl. He went to Fordham Law School. He liked living in Manhattan, but moved to Staten Island after starting a family.

After my mother retired and moved away, he invited me and my family to Thanksgiving dinners.

Thank you, Uncle Al.  I'm glad we got to spend Thanksgiving together last year.

Spring Break Rules

It's Spring Break and many fortunate children are home underfoot instead of in school. I recently came across a list of house rules that may be helpful to parents at this time.

House Rules

If you sleep on it...make it up.
If you wear it...hang it up.
If you drop it...pick it up.
If you eat out of it...wash it up.
If you step on it...wipe it up.
If you open it...close it.
If you empty it...fill it up.
If it howls...feed it.
If it cries...love it.

another version from Ann Landers:

HOUSE RULES
1. If you open it, close it.
2. If you turn it on, turn it off.
3. If you unlock it, lock it.
4. If you break it, repair it.
5. If you can't fix it, call in someone who can.
6. If you borrow it, return it.
7. If you use it, take care of it.
8. If you make a mess, clean it up.
9. If you move it, put it back.
10. If it belongs to someone else and you want to use it, get permission.
11. If you don't know how to operate it, leave it alone.
12. If it doesn't concern you, don't mess with it.

Good Luck and have a great vacation!

Today's Favorite Book

The best book I read today was:

Three Feet from Gold
by Sharon Lechter and Greg Reid

I couldn't put it down. It was very interesting. It wasn't what I expected. It says Think and Grow Rich on the Cover, so I thought it was written like that book which is over 80 years old. It was much better. The book is like a novel, written in modern language. I liked it. That's my book report.



It's available on Amazon, new or used!

Presidents' Birthdays

Today we celebrate Presidents' Day, but it not the birthday of either Lincoln or Washington. Lincoln was born 2-12 and Washington was born 2-22. Official the federal government celebrates only Washington's birthday, and since it is celebrated on the third Monday of February, it will never actually fall on his birthday. The Uniform Monday Holiday Act did NOT combing Lincoln's and Washington's birthdays, although there have been numerous attempts to do so.

A New Super Hero

I would like to announce a new Super Hero. I won't call her a heroine, as that evokes a different shade of meaning. Her name is Menopause Woman!

She is able to generate and radiate heat at the most inopportune moments. Able to leap small children in a single bound. Able to cut down the largest bully with a look. Able to clean and organize any kitchen in just an hour.

maybe Hot Flash Woman is a better name.

For ways to quell the hot flash, see my video at
Quick Ways to Quell Hot Flashes!


What ever you do, DON'T cross Menopause Woman! or her sidekick, Perry Meno!

Global Anonymous Love Letters

I just had to do this after viewing the videos on Global Love project:
http://globalloveproject.com/2012/04/global-love-letters/

If you are reading this, it is meant for you. I want you to know that you are loved.

You are amazing. You are special. You are unique.

You are loved. Are you thinking, who me? I would probably be thinking that if I found this letter... Yes, you!

I love you. Spread the Love. Thank you.

The Aftermath of "Super" Storm Sandy

I received this message by email last week. I am trying to get the word out about this wonderful woman, Catherine, who is a victim of Super Storm Sandy and is trying to help other victims on Staten Island. She wants to "pay it forward." Please share this with others so we can help her pay it forward and start a circle of kindness.

 

During Hurricane Sandy, Dr. Victor Dolan, your chiropractor, lost his home entirely (12’ water on the street, floor to ceiling inside the one floor home) suffered damage to his office, and lost weeks from his practice.
I also lost my home and was forced to temporary relocate. We are both ‘Sandy Victims’...I got help from a friend, and now want to pay it forward.
That is why I am... writing to you today to help keep this life line open for someone you know personally, and, who has always tried to help you feel better, Dr. Victor Dolan. Dr. Dolan has volunteered and donated thousands of hours to Staten Island over the last twenty-five years. Now it is time for Staten Island to be of aid to him and his family ( drvictordolan@aol.com ).

You are cordially invited to attend a fundraiser for Dr. Victor Dolan on Saturday, February 23, 2013, held at my new (temporary) apartment: 36 Wilson Terrace – 1-A (Todt Hill), Staten Island, NY 10304
I would ask a suggested donation of $25.00 for the fundraiser ( you could donate more if you wish! ), I will provide delicious appetizers and beverages! Someone did this for me, now I am doing this for my chiropractor- Dr. Vic Dolan. Even if you cannot attend, perhaps you can send $25.00 or more to help Dr. Dolan ( homeowner insurance coverage denied ) restore his life, return to his home.
Thank You for helping someone who has volunteered to help Staten Island for years - Catherine

** Please RSVP no later than February 16, 2013.

Verbal Impact

This is the speech that started me writing blogs! I made this speech at the 2007 convention for the National Guild of Hypnotists.

I have been fascinated by words for many years now. I love words and books and libraries!

Over 30 years ago, when I was 14 years old, I took a book out of the library. It was called Hypnotism.t had some hypnosis scripts in it and I tried them on all my friends until they got tired of it. They lost interest quickly because I wouldn't let them hypnotize me. I never lost my intersest, and years later  I jumped on thwe chance to get my hypnosis certification. I got certified in 1996 in New Jersey.

I truly love words. I consider myself a philologue. That means a lover of words and learning. I love the sounds of words. Sounds are vibrations. Vibrations are energy. Everything is made of energy. That's a corollary of Einstein's theory of relativity.

We use sounds and words to communicate. I am still fascinated by words and use them with my clients.

I used to study vocabulary as a child. Now I'm studying Greek and learning more about English as I do so. If you have spoken with a person from Greece, you may find that their pronunciation is not the same you can't stump them with big words. All Greek words are big (at least 3 syllables) and many of our big words are from Greek. Give them a medical a medical diagnosis and they understand immediately. Our s for doctors and diseases come from Greek. Pediatrician. Cardiologist. Podiatrist. Gynecologist. Presbyopia and Pneumonia are direct ly taken from Greek.

Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me. Do have you found this to be true? It has now been revised. Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can break my heart. Words really do make a difference.

I went to the doctor and she sent me to get a blood test. The phlebotomist swabbed my arm with alcohol and said You'll just feel a big poke. BIG POKE! As I sat there, I felt like I had a telephone pole sticking out of my arm. what happens after you get a big poke? You get a big old bruise on your arm, like I did. I have never had any problem giving blood before or after that time. Most times the phlebotomist says you have great veins for donating blood. I wonder what would have happened if she had said you'll just feel a little pinch.

Note: people in the audience shared similar stories.

Pay attention to your words!

When you say things to yourself, especially rapeatedly over time you are hypnotizing yourself. So don't say things like:
almost gave me a heart attack!
You're giving me a headache!
I always make that same mistake!
I'm my own worst enemy.

Revolving Resolutions

Do you make New Year's Resolutions?

I made a resolution last year: NOT to make resolutions on New Year's Day!

I have kept that resolution.

I saw an ad on the Internet yesterday which said that

Resolutions were made to be broken.

So true, and yet so sad, because we all have the best intentions. So this year I have made intentions, rather than resolutions. Resolutions are the things we should do. And we always resist things we know we should do. Intentions are so much more positive and they are things we really want to do. I know I'm more motivated to activate my intentions than to keep my resolutions.

How about you? Did you set your intentions for the new year? And considering that it is January 4, have you kept them or gotten distracted yet?

I find hypnosis helps keep me motivated to act on my intentions. So I made daily self-hypnosis one of my intentions. So far, so good!

Worried?

Don't Worry. Be Happy.

Words of advice from a song sung by Bobby McFerrin.

I think they also express a profound philosophical truth. The song also states that when you are in trouble, worry will make it double, essentially making the problem worse. We know worry doesn't help anything, and is likely to make you sick!

In the Bible, Jesus says No amount of worry will add to your life.

In The Lion King, this problem-free philosphy is promulgated by Timon and Pumba, in the song Hakuna Matada.

All these experts agreee that worry cannot help you, and in fact can hurt your health. So, don't worry. Be happy.