Greetings,
How many times a week are you guilty of saying "when I....."? So many of us live our daily life always talking about the future of achieving things that we have no idea when that goal will happen. And because we do this, we get lost in the moment. After reading the attached Shot for this week, entitled "The Joy Magnet", think about how you can change your thoughts to begin living in the moment, and enjoy every bit of the journey to your goals, whether it is job, weight loss, or personal achievements. Living in the moment helps you to celebrate every moment of getting one step closer to your ultimate goals...and what a joy that is!!! With this time of the year having so many wonderful fruits available , I have also attached a recipe for Mixed Berry Crumble. Please feel free to share with the rest of your co-workers.
Enjoy!
Sheila
Sheila Van Bockern
Corporate Account Manager


The Joy Magnet

About ten years ago I was attending a conference upstate, and as I stopped for a cup of caffeine on my way into the facility, a woman on line in front of me started a conversation. This little lady had to be close to eighty and here she was dressed in bright colors, makeup on, hair styled (and this was at 7:00 AM!).

We were doing what so many of us do in this situation: “Looks like it’s going to be a beautiful day!” As I grabbed my cup and turned to say “Have a nice day!” this lady touched my arm, looked at me with sparkling blue eyes, and said, “Honey, read my shirt! I always have a good day!” She pushed her shoulders back like a soldier so I could read the calligraphy across her chest: “Don’t Postpone Joy.”

Another time I went outside at lunch to take a walk around our office building because it was an unusually warm and sunny day for March. As I was passing a woman walking in the opposite direction I said, “Isn’t this fabulous weather!” She kept walking but started shaking her head: “We’re going to both pay for this!”

Both of these women had an impact on my life. The first woman I think of often. How much of our lives do we spend thinking about

“when I lose weight, I’m going to…”
“when I get some free time, I’m going to…”
“when the kids are grown, I’m going to…”

The second woman reminds me of how much time we spend worrying about what’s going to happen as opposed to being in the moment and enjoying life.

This is my challenge to each and every one of you: Look around and inside yourself. Instead of saying “When I get to my Weight Goal, I’m going to…” make a list of what it is you want to do and then really look at why you think you have to wait. I know it’s hard for some of us not to worry about things, but it’s time to stop worrying about “How long with this take?” and “how will I ever keep it off?” and “how will I ever reach my goal?” All of these statements not only show worry but also show you don’t believe you will be able to accomplish them.

Repeat after me,

“I am worth it!”
“I can do this.”
“I do deserve this.”

Losing weight is a process, and it can be an enjoyable process. Just remember there isn’t an off switch that we can hit when we get to goal that will make us into a happy person. My view is that the journey is when we should start getting excited and happy.

Happy that we’ve made the decision to do this for ourselves. Excited that the weight is coming off and maybe one week we tuck in a shirt or we’re not out of breath after lugging the groceries in from the car. These are joyful moments, and we need to start getting excited about every single one of them!

And joyful people seem to attract more joy. It’s like a magnet.


~ Sharon Lee Riguzzi

Mixed Berry Crumble

POINTS® Value: 4Servings: 8Preparation Time: 7 minCooking Time: 40 minLevel of Difficulty: Easy

This five-ingredient dessert highlights the sweetness of fresh summer fruit. Use any combination of berries you have on hand.*

Ingredients
2 cup(s) blueberries
2 cup(s) raspberries
3/4 cup(s) all-purpose flour
2/3 cup(s) unpacked light brown sugar
1/4 pound(s) unsalted butter, melted (1 stick)

Instructions
· Preheat oven to 350˚F.
· Place berries in a medium bowl. In another medium bowl, combine flour and sugar. Remove 3 tablespoons of flour mixture and gently toss with berries. Place berries in an 8-inch square pan.
· To make topping, add melted butter to remaining flour mixture; combine well. Crumble little bits of topping all over top of berries. Bake until berries just start to bubble, about 35 to 40 minutes. Cut into 8 pieces; serve warm or at room temperature. Yields 1 piece per serving.
Notes
· *You can use any combination of fresh berries in season: blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, etc. (Could affect POINTS values.)