There’s nothing like getting a massage. If you haven’t had a massage, schedule one today because it can do wonders for your mind, body, and soul. You’d be surprised how a massage can “loosen” you up! Plus, it’s great for your health and wellness.

I must admit that I never had a massage before in my life. I’ve always heard about people getting them, but I wasn’t sure if they were for me. I figured that life’s too short, and I may as well get a massage. After all, it could probably help my mind, body, and soul.

Health and wellness is important to me. I’ve since learned that it’s ALL RIGHT for me to do things for myself and NOT always do things for others. This goes against what we’re taught in our society. We’re taught to sacrifice our needs for the sake of others. Yeah, it doesn’t work. We can become resentful of the people we help because we really didn’t want to help them in the first place. Our helping someone else didn’t come from a place of love. I now do things for others because I want to do so NOT because society or someone else says I MUST do so.

The mind, body, and soul are connected. I do my best to keep these connected and aligned. This brings me to getting a massage. Yes, I had my first massage on June 25, 2009. It may sound strange to some people because they get them all of the time, but this was my first one.

I had my massage in my home, and it was fantastic. I met Carolyn at the June 2009 Life Coaching weekend training course at SWIHA (Southwest Institute of Healing Arts) which is located in Tempe, AZ. At the end of the weekend, Carolyn passed out her business cards. She mentioned that she does massages and travels to your home. I decided, “what the heck,” I may as well give it a try because it could do wonders for my mind, body, and soul.

Carolyn was very professional. She set-up her table, we chatted for a bit, and then it was time for the massage. I had a wonderful 1-hour massage. The best part was the massaging of my feet, my hands, and arms. As a writer, I do a lot of writing. My hands and arms can become tired. I do yoga and stretching exercises to stay flexible. The massage loosened up my hands and arms and my feet felt fabulous!

I would recommend Carolyn. If you live in the Phoenix, AZ area, contact Carolyn via email at carolyn.a.baker@gmail.com. Do yourself a favor and schedule a massage today. Tomorrow, you’ll feel like a new man or woman! Don’t forget to tell her that Rebecca Sebek referred you!

Rebecca

Do you know what is in your shampoo and conditioner? It’s amazing how many chemicals go into a shampoo and conditioner. Did you know that those chemicals are absorbed into your body? Have you ever noticed any breakouts on your forehead or face? Those breakouts (any type of acne) could be caused by the shampoo and conditioner you are using.

Natural and organic products do exist. The key is knowing where to find them and which ones will work best for you. Start by researching the internet for natural and organic hair products. If you have a farmers market or a Whole Food Market in your area, ask for assistance.

Synthetics to Look For in Shampoo and Conditioner

1. Methyl, Propyl, Butyl, and Ethyl Paraben.
2. Diethanolamine (DEA), Triethanolamine (TEA).
3. Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea.
4. Sodium Lauryl / Laureth Sulfate.
5. Petrolatum.
6. Propylene Glycol.
7. PVP/VA Copolymer.
8. Steralkonium Chloride.
9. Synthetic Colors.
10. Synthetic Fragrances.

These ingredients are prevalent in shampoos and conditioners. Methyl is used to extend the shelf life of products. DEA is used in cosmetics to produce the “foaming” action of a product. It can cause allergic reactions, eye irritations, or dry hair and skin. DEA can be toxic if it’s absorbed into the body over an extended period of time.

Another cheap detergent that is used as a “foaming agent” is sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate. This is derived from petroleum! Buyer beware because it’s usually disguised as “comes from coconuts” in so-called natural cosmetics.

To make cosmetics look pretty, “synthetic colors” are added to products. Look for FD&C and D&C which will be followed by a color. An example is: FD&C Red No. 6. While you’re at it, watch out for “synthetic hair dyes” because they’re bad for you as well.

Synthetic fragrances used in cosmetics, shampoos, and conditioners can have as many as 200 ingredients. They can cause headaches, a rash, vomiting, dizziness, skin irritation, and coughing. If you read the label on a shampoo bottle and it contains the word “fragrance,” you may want to put it back on the shelf.

Sadly, some companies who claim to be all natural and organic still use synthetics in their shampoos and conditioners. Read this review on Aveda’s Rosemary Mint Shampoo. You may also want to read this review of of Aveda’s Rosemary Mint/Equalizing Hair Conditioning Rinse.

The next time you purchase shampoo and conditioner for your hair, you may want to read the ingredients. You have no idea what you are using. Can you pronounce the words? It’s amazing how much money spent on plastic surgery in this country, yet people still use products that could do more harm than good. There goes all the money for the plastic surgery!