Anne LaMantia

INSPIRING HEALTH STORY

July 30, 2024Leave a comment

It is possible to change the course of your health and wellbeing!

I believe it is and I say that because a friend of mine did just that. He inspires me.

His story: He went in for a regular Doctors appointment and was told he needed open heart surgery immediately. This happened some months ago. Fast forward: I recently had a conversation with him and he told me his HDL results were within the normal parameters and I could tell by the smile on his face that he was very proud of this result. I went on to ask him what he did differently to have this result? His reply was; oatmeal in the morning with blueberries and NO sugar in his diet. His belief of not eating any sugar is why his blood measurements decreased. I must say hearing this news made me very happy and I was inspired by his willingness to make these changes.

This is just one person’s story. Can you imaging all the stories we have not heard as of yet! I was inspired not only of his news but I reflected on my own health and wellness and areas where I could clean up my act. I often “hear” you don’t want to wait to have a two by four hit you over the head. I prefer the gentle nudge. Thank You for the gentle nudge…

Watercolor Art

September 10, 20233 Comments

I didn’t choose Art, Art choose me. I began exploring “watercolors” around the time the “Pandemic” began. I was intrigued, curious and persistent to do this! At the same time I was doubtful but with a good dose of doubt comes perseverance. I was homebound, living alone and had the time. 2020 a year I’ll never forget. I also became a GrandMother that Year as well and two years later, 2022, Leo was born.

I love watercolors, mixing the paints, learning about values and putting the color on the paper. In the process I have learned so much about myself. My likes, dislikes, anger management (haha), patience, flow, trepidation and most importantly persistence. I have become more refined with time and I am grateful for this. In the beginning of my journey I would draw and paint exactly what I saw and as time went by my process became more refined. It was fun to mix colors, learn about layers and values. I’m always learning more about the process and about myself. I love it.

This past spring I was inspired to paint a portrait of my grand-daughter CeCe. I’ve never done this before and it was challenging to say the least but I persisted and “well” it was done before I knew it. My time spent painting her felt “intimate”, fun and alive. I really wanted to capture the “essence” of her, especially the eyes and mouth. I felt very satisfied with this portrait and hope to do more of her in the future. I see her everyday when I walk down the hallway and this brings me a sense of Joy.

If anyone out there is considering painting. Don’t hesitate, just do it and keep going. It will bring out those hidden treasures within you!

King Charles Cavalier Spaniel named – Ruby!

August 4, 20211 Comment

Yes, this is my doggie Ruby who is soon to be 6 months old! Owning a puppy is no piece of cake. She is curious, adventurous and she puts everything in her mouth. She can smell “fish bones” a mile away and doesn’t understand the word “No”! I also have a 10 year old Golden Retriever and NOW she is also eating fish bones for the first time in 10 years….. Go figure!!!

This is my first experience with a small dog. I have always been used to big dogs. They Light me up with their love and attention but it can be daunting at times. Ruby follows me everywhere, including the bathroom. She is cuddly and loving and that’s not easy to get from most people on any given day. I have never experienced a second dog until now and the good news is they get along. Kali is not much of a communicator with her but she has never been one to interact with other dogs. What can I say “she loves to eat rocks” and she is barking more since Ruby has entered our lives. Maybe Ruby is teaching her how to use her voice and be the Matriarch of her life.

This is Kali!

How Covid has been a Blessing in my life!

April 19, 2021April 19, 2021Leave a comment

We made it. Yes, we made it through one of the most challenging years of our lives. I can honestly say I am speaking for everyone on this planet! I am honored to be participating during this time of uncertainty, but… I have not always felt this way. It’s been damn hard at times, out right jaw clenching.

Times like this can bring out the worst and best in us. Yes we are ” human” but I would like to focus on what has unwrapped for me. I have not missed a day of morning meditation since this began and I can honestly say I am calmer than I have ever been. I am more loving compassionate, kind and aware. There is that saying: Count your blessings.. this is my blessing. To honor one’s experience is to honor life! For me it has been a time of self reflection, simplification and re focusing on what matters most in life. I’ve been reminded time and time again we can think the good thoughts but taking action is needed to make an impact. I’ve discovered doing the things I love is important and not wasting my precious life energy on things that don’t bring a smile to my face. I have also redefined some career opportunities as well.

Most important thing has been Self-care which includes proper nutrition, exercise, sleep and rest. Being at the top of my A-game does not matter so much, not like it use to. What matters is “Did I love today, Was I kind to myself, Did I give support to another human being!. What if the hardest times bring out the sweetest blessings.

I have found that most people want to be listened to and they don’t want to be told what to do. To respond and not react is an art in of itself. Most of the time people will find their own solutions by speaking out loud. When someone else is going thru a difficult time does not mean I need to agree or rescue another but gently saying to another: I am sorry you feel that way while knowing it’s okay she or he is feeling this way and I do not need to match their energy.

So I will leave you with this: the most important thing I did today was eat some pickles but not with ice-cream. Haha! Oh Yeah Laughter has helped me through the bumps on the road!

What do you need, Has covid been a way shower?

December 22, 2020December 22, 2020Leave a comment

I believe it has. It has been an intense year without doubt. This year I have shown up in unimaginable ways for myself, family and community. More than ever I have made decisions about what I want and what I do not want. I’ve deducted things off my list. Meaning for the most part I do not entertain things that do not bring me joy . For example I only engage in things that light me up and I am still in the decision process. I love art and instead of talking about it I am taking action and learning more about drawing and art forms. Creativity is on the forefront for me and I cannot be happier. I am nourishing my body with more greens, vegetables and fruits and less sugar. I am beginning to get into a more habitual sleep pattern and resting more throughout my day instead of plowing through the day. I desire and deserve this! I would say “Covid” has been a pause for me where I have evaluated what is important to me and where I want to put my attention.

I believe 2021 will be an opportunity for bright beginnings, possibilities and invocations. It has already begun with the vaccination in process less than 1 year. Perhaps 2020 was the year to re-invent ourselves, look at what truly matters and re-direct our lives. This is no small feat, pat yourself on the back. When I look back what stands at the forefront is the birth of my grand-daughter, Cecilia at a time of uncertainty, social unrest and paralyzing fear. Also to witness my daughter being a mother to her baby. It has been the most beautiful experience and a honor to be a grandmother.. New Beginnings are always on the horizon. My youngest daughter is engaged and I am so proud of her!

After all today is the grand conjunction, the passing of Saturn and Jupiter, coming closer together than they have in 400 years tonight. If you have not already noticed that probabilities and possibilities are popping up in your awareness or “things” happening out of the blue. It is a good time to pay attention and bring these ideas into the New Year 2021. 2021 is the year for creativity! Take action, know you are loved and don’t look back…

INSPIRING HEALTH STORY

It is possible to change the course of your health and wellbeing! I believe it is and I say that because a friend of mine did just that. He inspires me. His story: He went in for a regular Doctors appointment and was told he needed open heart surgery immediately. This happened some months ago.…

by annelamantia July 30, 2024

Watercolor Art

by annelamantia September 10, 2023

King Charles Cavalier Spaniel named – Ruby!

by annelamantia August 4, 2021

How Covid has been a Blessing in my life!

by annelamantia April 19, 2021April 19, 2021

What do you need, Has covid been a way shower?

by annelamantia December 22, 2020December 22, 2020

This is a time to “Crack Open Our Hearts”

by annelamantia October 16, 2020

This is a time to “Crack Open Our Hearts”

October 16, 2020Leave a comment

I see you, I know you and I love you! This is a time to crack open our hearts, to express our truth, and to share our vulnerability. To be honest. It is time isn’t it? We are way past due, we have been living in a world with conditions, to conform with how we are suppose to live and what we are suppose to do. It’s time don’t you think to share who we are? To share our anger, grief, pain, and also share are joy, kindness, and love.

Was it not during the Renaissance when art was created? At a time when despair was multiplying and as a result inspiration surfaced. Maybe, just maybe this is the time for that! This is the time for that! This is the time to Love. Maybe we have been selfish and haven’t learned how to reach our hands out to embrace another human being no matter what culture or ethic background they come from and as a result finding love and compassion in our hearts. Maybe this is the time to look at our own hearts and find the courage or audacity to say “hey wait a minute I matter and so do you, what can be done to work together! Now is the time to do that! This is a Grand time. Our hearts are cracking us open at the deepest level. Cracking the grief we felt from long ago that we never embraced out of fear of rejection or had the tools to embrace. The losses we have had in our every day life that we never embraced and going forth as if nothing ever happened. Enough already! We came to this earth life to feel!

As if the leaves that are covering our precious earth is covering “the mother energy”. It’s a time of grand creation. The mother is calling us to rejoice, and the mother is in each one of us, and it does not matter if your a mother or not. Isen’t time!

Yes, It is a time of uncertainty and can you be with that? It is a time to let go, can you let go? It is time to put your hands up in the air and say “screw that”, can you do that? I think you can, I know I can. Do not be afraid to own your power, to weep, to let your heart erupt in a million different directions. Do not be afraid to have your dreams shattered. Maybe they weren’t really what you wanted to begin with, but you settled. Now is the time, now is the time. Don’t wait. Allow. let it happen and I love you

How to Remain Calm in Turbulent Times

March 19, 2020Leave a comment

A wise friend once told me the reason we get so “amped” up is because we have a overstimulated nervous system. I am not surprised especially if you are empathetic by nature. Of course the food and beverages we intake daily plays a role as well as electronics. Is it possible this is one of the reasons why are immune system are depleted? What if we choose to eat healthier such as fruits and vegetables and paid attention to how we felt after we ate. This would give us an indicator of what is adding to our life force energy and what depletes it. I believe we owe it to ourselves. We choose the highest choices for our children let’s also do this for ourselves.

It all depends on how we look at things, and not how they are in themselves.

Carl Jung

I believe times like this is an invitation to look at what is important and what is good. We can choose calm over “panic,” or love over fear. It is important to keep in mind the conversations you are having about the CV and how much attention you give the news. When I read the headlines fear and panic immediately set in. I have decided to take a sabbatical from the news. We are in uncertain times and we as humans are uncomfortable with this. It can bring up worry, loneliness, and isolation. But what if we took this opportunity to surrender and practice what it feels like “not knowing what the future holds”. Yes, it can feel lonely and isolated when we are in a place of uncertainty but isn’t life uncertain anyways even though we think we have it all figured out. None of us have life all figured out and I believe we are not supposed to. Today is a new day to re-set ourselves as we navigate through this “bumpy” time.

Tips to Calmness:

Get out in nature and breathe
. Witness your thoughts like clouds moving in the sky rather than getting into your story line
Rest
Spring clean
Involve yourself in a creative activity, ie. art, dance, cooking etc.
Turn off the TV
Eat healthier
Be around others who are calming.
Be with loved ones
Exercise
Help others when needed

What I am witnessing is how people are coming together from a place of compassion, love and humbleness.

This time right now is a beautiful time to all band together and witness what is unfolding for a better future. I believe “humanity” has what it takes to get through this uncertain times.

“Are You Feeling The (Fall Back) Time Change”

November 5, 2019November 5, 20191 Comment

Nope, you are not going crazy for possibly feeling “out of sync” this week. When this time of year rolls around I get tired easier and need to be gentle with myself. This involves eating healthier, less sugar and caffeine and more fruits and vegetables. I also give myself permission to rest and allow my body’s rhythm to adjust. It takes me 3-5 days to adjust.

I also do not like it when it is dark outside at 5:30PM. I am someone who loves the sun and craves the sunlight. But… there can be benefits. I love to cook soup, eat hot meals and settle in early. I go to bed early and upon rising witness the beautiful sunrise. I think of it as “nestling” in to a new rhythm for the next several months and maybe it gives us an excuse to sleep longer.

What you need to know about the Time Change:

Time changes our circadian rhythm and as a result we feel more tired.

How to tackle tiredness:

Get more rest
Take Supplements
Exercise
Eat more fat. ie avocados, nuts. If we don’t get good fat in our diet certain hormones get imbalanced which can add to tiredness.
Use your own compass to figure out much sleep you need. It is different for everyone.
Take Melatonin. We are more deprived of this hormone in the winter months
Avoid driving in the dark. It’s harder to see.

8. Avoid projects in the evening. I once heard we retain less when we are tired.

From “Woes to Wow”

October 1, 2019Leave a comment

At this moment I am recognizing that I need to look at the “Wow Factor” and in translation it means recognizing the simple things that I can so easily overlook. It is easy to get caught up in our own little pity parties and not focus on “Wow” this happened to me today or “wow” isn’t this wonderful. Even though I might not like how something is going I might as well go with the flow with the way life is. No cents being bent out of shape!

I came home to 2 turkeys in my back yard today. Unheard and unseen of and “Wow” that is pretty darn cool. But at the same time it does not dismiss how you feel inside when feelings arise you just got to feel in order to get to the other side of it. So when you feel sad, angry don’t dismiss it feel it through to completion and don’t waste any more time than needed and move on to the next thing. Most of the time what we feel in the moment or in our bodies is a memory of something that happened a long time ago. Move your body or do something to shake it off. Someone once told me a story of a lawyer who quit his job and opened a cake industry. Brilliant!

Wow I get to type these words on my blog and you get to see them, how cool is that? Wow just the fact that I am breathing is a miracle! Wow I get to experience life itself just by sitting in this chair and witnessing my thoughts, sounds and texture of this key board.

Yes my friends, the birth of a baby or a beautiful sunset is “WOW” but what if today you can find the Wow in the mundane and overlooked places. See or feel what is right in front of you and I promise you will not be disappointed!

A rekindling of friends!

August 9, 20192 Comments

Several weeks ago I was in Croton, NY (upstate) for a reunion with high school friends. This trip was planned months ago and I immediately responded “yes” with folks I have not seen in 30+ years! On my way to the “gathering” I was filled with excitement and anxiousness. My mind was infiltrated with “what if’s and questions. Meeting for the first time in years it felt a little awkward and became very comfortable as memories flooded in of the past.

There is something to be said about rekindling relationships from long ago and what I refer to as the formative years. When I say reformative years I am referring to “teenage years.” As anyone knows “teenage” years can be tumultuous. For me “I felt like I never fit it.” Fast forward: Yes, the “teenager self” still resides within me and she has learned to laugh and not take things as serious. I’ve learned and continue to learn to be honest, authentic and vulnerable. I say “thank you” to this teenager’s heart and what she has learned about herself over the years.

It was a wonderful experience of “catching up with one another and getting to know each other again. It did not take long to bond and find that familiarity with one another. Someone once said to me we are more alike than different. I believe that statement to be true. It is through our humanity that we find love. We all feel hurt, sadness, and pain and yet it is through this we discover joy, happiness and fulfillment.

A song comes to mind of our time together in Croton, NY. “Thank you for being a friend. Traveled down a road and back again. Your heart is true, you’re a pal and a confidant.

I love you and thank you for loving me… your friend, Anne