What Are You Grateful For?

 

by Dawn Pisturino

 

Like so many people, I get caught up in the stresses and strains of everyday life, wish I could scrap it all, and start all over again. I want a different job, a new husband, more money, increased luxury, a brand new car, a bigger house, a slimmer waist, a younger face. I want to travel to exotic locations,

meet exciting people, try enticing new foods, and lounge on the beach with nary a care in the world.

Maybe, if I hit the lottery or write a bestselling book, this could happen. But until then, how do I keep my perspective and enjoy life?

GRATITUDE

 

The Thanksgiving holiday teaches us to sit back, take a realistic look at our lives, and count our blessings.

 

Do I really want to turn in my well-worn husband for a new model? We're used to each other. We know each other's weaknesses and strengths. We've been to hell and back together and count each other as best friends.

 

Last year, we took some investment savings and paid off our mortgage. As long as we pay the taxes, nobody can take away our house. Do I really want another mortgage? NO! I don't want the stress or the hassle. Being mortgage-free gives me freedom that I didn't have before.

 

Although my job can be very stressful, I make enough money working part-time that I can keep a flexible schedule. My husband and I have learned to live on less. Do I really want to commit myself to a 40 hour a week job? No way! I value my free time. And if I can't afford to vacation on the French Riviera, so what? I'm perfectly happy and content at home with my husband, three cats, and two dogs.

 

I have loving relatives and supportive friends, with the possibility of meeting new people wherever I go. I have a beautiful daughter who's talented, intelligent, and independent. She's been the light of my life. I don't need anything more.  

 

And you know what?  That's okay. I'm grateful for the things I have. And if Fate decides to send me more, well, I'll deal with it whenever it happens.





What are you grateful for?

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

 

Copyright 2014 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.



 

Red Ribbon Week

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RED RIBBON WEEK IS OCTOBER 23-31, 2014

During Red Ribbon Week, schools and organizations all around the country will be celebrating a drug-free lifestyle.

 

Parents, join in by educating your children about the dangers of drug abuse. Need information? Go to http://redribbon.org

 

Red Ribbon Week was started in 1985 by the National Family Partnership (formerly, the National Federation of Parents for Drug Free Youth) to honor DEA Agent Enrique Camarena, who was tortured and murdered in Mexico in the line of duty.

 

He believed that "one person can make a difference," and sacrificed his life in trying to bring an end to the illegal drug trade.

 

Through its many programs, NFP brings Drug Awareness to the local community about the dangers of drug abuse; reaches out to policy makers on the local, state, and national level about the dangers of the drug trade; and provides free drug prevention literature to those in need of information.

 

Don't Be Left Behind! Join in Now!

 

Dawn Pisturino, RN

Copyright 2014. All Rights Reserved.

 

 







Don't Choose Death

 

 

 

 

As a healthcare worker, I can vouch for the fact that smokers, alcoholics, and drug addicts contribute greatly to my job security.

 

And yet, despite this, I cannot condone these vices because I've seen the results of their prolonged use on the human body.

 

I've watched a number of people die slow, agonizing deaths from substance-related cirrhosis of the liver, alcoholic hepatitis, pancreatitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

 

Some of these people were over fifty years old; some of them were in their thirties or forties.

 

It may appear that some people are resistant to the effects of smoking, drinking, and using drugs. If so, they must be in the minority.

 

Substance abusers are a drain on the insurance companies, a drain on society, and a drain on themselves. The only people who benefit from their bad habits are the tobacco companies, liquor companies, and illicit drug pushers.

 

While Americans are free to make their own choices, they should be aware that they could be choosing death over life in the choices they make.

 

Dawn Pisturino

Published in The Kingman Daily Miner, September 27, 1994.

Copyright 1994-2014 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.

 

 

 

Get Healthy with Turmeric

Have you ever wondered what gives prepared mustard its bright yellow color? The secret is a little-known spice called turmeric.

A relative of the ginger plant, turmeric originated in India thousands of years ago and quickly spread across Asia and the tropics. Originally grown as a fabric dye, it later became popular as a food condiment and cosmetic additive. It is highly revered in India as a symbol of fertility, prosperity, and good luck.

Turmeric is widely used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine to season dishes and add color to food. It is a primary ingredient in curry powder.

Traditional Indian folk medicine, called Ayurveda, has employed turmeric in a variety of ways to treat asthma, coughs, anemia, wounds, acne, diabetes, and dental problems. It has been used to stimulate the digestion, boost the immune system, promote fertility, and retard aging.

Western scientific research has confirmed the spice's anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-oxidant, anti-ulcer, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is currently being investigated for use as an anti-cancer agent and liver protectant.

This wonderful little spice can be added to just about any food dish. Next time you cook a meal, try it!

Turmeric milk is a delicious and wholesome drink that can be taken at bedtime to promote improved sleep.

Just add 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric to one cup of milk. Stir well, and bring to a boil. Let it cool and drink. Goat, soy, or rice milk may be substituted for cow's milk.

Turmeric has also been used as an effective tonic to cleanse the skin and add a healthy golden glow to the complexion.

It can be found in the spice section at most grocery stores.

Dawn Pisturino
February 14, 2007
Copyright 2007-2014 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.

Visit my website:  http://www.dawnpisturino.org

NOTE: If you're allergic to prepared mustard, you might be allergic to turmeric.

Legend of the Dream Catcher

 

 

from St. Joseph's Indian School, Chamberlain, South Dakota (Lakota Sioux Tribe)

 

"Native Americans of the Great Plains believe the air is filled with both good and bad dreams. Historically, dream catchers were hung in the tipi or lodge and on a baby's cradle board.

 

"According to legend, the good dreams pass through the center hole to the sleeping person. The bad dreams are trapped in the web, where they perish in the light of dawn."

 

Visit their website here: http://www.stjo.org

 

And pleasant dreams!

Be at Peace

 

Be at Peace

 

Do not look forward in fear to the changes of life;

 

Rather look to them with full hope as they arise.

 

God, whose very own you are,

 

Will deliver you from out of them.

 

He has kept you hitherto,

 

And He will lead you safely through all things;

 

And when you cannot stand it,

 

God will bury you in his arms.

 

Do not fear what may happen tomorrow;

 

The same everlasting Father who cares for you today

 

Will take care of you then and everyday.

 

He will either shield you from suffering,

 

Or will give you unfailing strength to bear it.

 

Be at peace,

 

And put aside all anxious thoughts and imagination.

 

St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622)

The Power of Prayer

 

"Prayer is the only means of bringing about orderliness and peace and repose in our daily acts."

This simple statement by Mahatma Gandhi reflects the experience of a man whose faith, values, and dedication to a cause transformed an entire nation.

After the horrific events of 9/11, the people of the United States turned to prayer to find comfort, unity, and meaning in the midst of tragedy.

Since the dawn of civilization, people have prayed to a higher power for health, guidance, forgiveness, gratitude, and transformation.

Prayer fulfills a natural human longing for communion with God. During times of stress, when we are feeling vulnerable and overwhelmed, prayer offers us release, reminds us of our priorities, and restores balance to our lives.

Prayer is an act of love. We pray because we care about our loved ones, our nation, and our world.

It is an act of hope. When we pray, we know we are not alone. We can face our difficulties with renewed strength and courage.

Praying confirms our faith and belief in a higher power. It reinforces our conviction that a spiritual world exists. It helps us to transcend our daily struggles and to find peace inside ourselves.

Many scientific studies have been done on the effects of prayer, but prayer cannot be quantified by science. No conclusive evidence exists to either prove or disprove the effectiveness of prayer. And this is to be expected, for prayer is a very private and individual act of worship.

Researchers have shown, however, that people who consider spiritual activities an important part of their lives tend to live longer, recover from illness more quickly, and deal more effectively with grief.

David B. Larson, MD of the International Center for the Integration of Health and Spirituality summed it up nicely when he reported, "Statistically, God is good for you."

Amen.

Dawn Pisturino, RN
May 12, 2007

Copyright 2007-2013 DawnPisturino. All Rights Reserved.