Book Club
OK In Health's Book Club
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Lyndsay Blais is a passionate speaker, author, and success coach who believes in harnessing the power of the mind to create one's desired results in their career and in their life. Her most recent application of this motto was realized as she crossed the finish line during the 2010 Ironman Canada Triathlon after learning to swim and successfully incorporating physical activity into her schedule as a busy, working mom of four girls.
Certified in the use of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, Lyndsay has an extensive background coaching individuals in transition, and is a self proclaimed life-long learner with a passion for living life to the fullest. Lyndsay is currently writing her first book "From Inactive To Ironman in 365 days" while actively pursuing her next goal as an international speaker.
Contact Lyndsay in Penticton at 250-328-4346
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The OK In Health's Book Club is managed by Lyndsay Blais.
Join in Lyndsay's discussion on the book of the month. As an avid reader, Lyndsay looks forward to facilitating interesting conversations with you through the OK in Health Book Club!
“It’s not how many books you get through, it’s how many books get through you.” – Mortimer J. Adler
Would you like to join our New OK In Health's Book Club?
Open to all OK In Health members. Sign up below.
 Our current book is "THE HAPPINESS PROJECT" by Gretchen Rubin
In this book, Rubin takes us through the year she spent exploring happiness and seeking the answer to the question:
"What if you could change your life - without changing your life?"
When I first came across Gretchen Rubin, I found myself watching her You Tube video "The Days are Long but the Years are Short", and the message hit me right between the eyes. It didn't take me long to find her "Happiness Project Blog", an account of her daily adventures on her way to becoming happier, which has morphed into the book we will be reading as our next Book Club title; "The Happiness Project or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun."
Inspiring people to cultivate more joy through a vast array of experiences, The Happiness Project follows Rubin through the year she spent test-driving every conceivable principle about how to be happy, from Aristotle to Ben Franklin to Oprah to Martin Seligman.
You don't have to be unhappy to benefit from the Happiness Project, in fact you may be inspired to start a Happiness Project of your own!
This book can be found on Amazon and in most local book stores.
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Use form below to sign up, ask a question or send in your comments on this month's book.
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Chapter 10: Pay Attention
Mindfulness
In this chapter Rubin explores what has typically been one of the most challenging aspects in my growth journey, that being Mindfulness.
That being said, through the years I have discovered my favorite mindfulness strategy for grounding myself in the present moment; checking in with my breath, my body, and my surroundings. Of course, it goes without saying that I must first recognize when I am not in the present moment...which can sometimes take awhile! It is somewhat disconcerting to realize how often our minds simply wander somewhere else - all the more reason to have an awareness tool that can support us in being present-moment focused.
Another interesting topic was examining "True Rules" for making decisions and setting priorities. One of the truths I have been living by for years now is the following: "It's not what you do, it's how you do it" which translates quite nicely into a handy decision making technique: 'It's not what you choose, it's how you choose it!" In otherwords, if I am doing things or choosing things that come from a place of should's, have-to's, obligation, or guilt - it doesn't seem to matter what I do, it rarely works out well, and on the other hand, when I choose things while in alignment with what’s important to me while remaining true to my values, things always seem to work out for the best for all who are involved, it's quite amazing really.
I happen to come from a grounding that our rules are not inherently good or bad, right or wrong...they simply create results. It is our job therefore to look at the results and consciously decide whether or not we are satisfied and adjust accordingly.
If we desire new results, stimulating the mind in new ways is a wonderful strategy for growth. Whether we use a non-dominant hand for day-to-day tasks or concentrate on a new way of doing something, it really forces us to be present and show up 100% for the task at hand, something that we can often get away without doing when operating out of my areas of expertise, or habit.
I particularly enjoyed the idea one of her reader's had for changing passwords that she used so often in a day to reflect an affirmation, or a goal she might be working on, what a great way to further engage the reticular activating system...I think I am going to adopt that one myself!
Be here now!
~ Lyndsay
January 30, 2012
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Chapter 9: Pursue A Passion
Books
I love the fact that we can learn so much through other people's experiences especially through the written word and I happen to share Rubin's passions for reading and writing while having an insatiable love for books myself! I have noticed that whenever I am engaged in activities that correspond to my passions, I forget any complaints, my energy lifts and I am raring to go on so many of those mundane tasks that require my attention, and yes there is still time at the end of a long day to read or write, and sometimes both!
I had fun exploring the themes of this chapter, like making time, forgetting about results and mastering a new technology. While I dispute the idea of making time, (has anyone got the formula for creating more than 24 hours in a day? If so, please share it with me!) I know that when we take the time to do things that are important to us, we inevitably experience more time in our schedule, as a result of the energy we've created.
Forgetting about results, or in other words, letting go of the outcome, can be difficult for those important visions we have, yet it is the key I believe to setting ourselves up for a win/win, or no-lose situation. Doing things we enjoy without any "have-to's" provides the arena for happiness just for fun's sake!
I recently decided to master a new technology, (my not-so-new cell phone) and I must admit, it isn't the most comfortable place to be as an adult, admitting that my kids know more about how the thing operates than I do, however the excitement of accomplishing something new is so energy building, it can carry most of us through even the most challenging times. It is easy to default to the old "I don't know how to" excuses, but when we allow ourselves to learn new things, it reminds us that we can continue to learn and explore new avenues that can lead to happiness.
I have always said that while technology can be a great thing - "when it works", I realize that I have set myself up for frustration for those times when it doesn't. Accepting that there is always more to learn, and being open to that learning has had a huge impact on my willingness to discover new paths to happiness...what will you explore this week?
~ Lyndsay
January 19, 2012
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My spiritual master:
Getting the call
Over the past 5 weeks we have had news of many people who have transitioned from this life, and of the three closest to me, it has inspired me to certainly put the concepts of The Happiness Project to the test. As I settle in from our journey to celebrate the lives of those we will miss, sharing memories and moments with those close to us, and in the midst of this, re-organizing Christmas holidays to get used to a new norm, I find myself tending towards an attitude of gratefulness for the connections shared, the memories made, and the life we have co-created.
Hearing one speak about the impact that our loved ones have had on another during a heart-felt eulogy, or in the receiving line gathering afterwards, was a gift that amplified the connections and visits we were able to have in our old home town over the past few weeks. Not being afraid of the tears that come from our sadness and loss, became a doorway to laughter and joy as on the heels of our pain, came the memory and the joy of an unforgettable moment.
My father in law is for me a spiritual master, from how he lived his life on this earth, to how he chose to transition to the heavens. With grace, with humour, bringing us together to celebrate and to love our life and each other.
When I started the Happiness Project I remember how grateful I was that our lives had not really been touched too close to home by tragedy, I thought it would be an easy enough thing to do, and as I sit here on the other side, I am much more grateful now, for the perspective and the happiness deposits that are the wings of grace to get through difficult times.
To those who have lost a loved one, especially over the holiday season, my heart goes out to you, may you find peace and comfort in your memories, and in the knowledge that within you, that person continues to be a gift in the world.
~ Lyndsay
December 31, 2011
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Chapter 8: Contemplate the Heavens
Eternity
While I can certainly attest to the fact that it is only when I am faced with challenges, tragedy and unfortunate circumstances, that I tend to truly appreciate the daily joys, health and supports that I have grown accustomed to; I never seem to appreciate a healthy back until I've had a week of chiropractic visits and pain-filled days.
Contemplating the heavens and searching for meaning beyond our physical existence is tightly linked to our happiness, and helps us get through the unhappy times so that all is not lost when we find ourselves on the down-side of the roller-coaster ride.
In this chapter Rubin speaks of living fully and thankfully in the present while suggesting a few ways to be able to do that; reading memoirs, keeping a one-sentence journal to record the unmemorable yet lovely moments in the day, a happiness journal, or perhaps a gratitude journal, or imitating a spiritual master.
I have had the opportunity myself these past few weeks to contemplate the heavens when we got a call that someone close to us was in hospital. It appears he had a near death experience; when he came to, he told everyone of the beauty he had seen, and that he is at peace and ready when it is time for him to pass on. Hearing tell of the grace-filled stories he shared with those present were precious and comforting. The pearls of wisdom and peace he shared and that continue to be shared with others have been a timely gift for all of us.
On the heels of this, we received news of the sudden death of a family friend, and the night before his funeral, my daughter was in a collision on an icy patch of road, thankfully the damage was minor and she was unharmed, albeit shook up and upset. All of those incidents gave me pause to think about what happens beyond our physical experience on this earth. Not easy, but it is part of the journey we will all travel one day.
It appears to me there's a reason gratitude has been a theme for me of late, it has certainly helped me get through the past few weeks.
I am very grateful for the many unmemorable yet lovely moments; for life; and for feelings that let me know I'm alive; after all, if there weren't any ups and downs on the roller-coaster of life, it would be a flat-line, and we will all get there eventually, so for now, I will choose to experience the variety.
~ Lyndsay
November 20, 2011
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Chapter 7: Buy Some Happiness
Money
We have all heard it before; "Money can't buy happiness", however I am pleased to see Rubin address the ever elusive relationship between money and happiness in this chapter.
She likens the relationship to the one between "Health and Happiness"...one doesn't guarantee the other, but an absence of health or money, can certainly create a lot of stress and unhappiness.
I happen to live by the credo that it is not what we do, but how we do it that matters. I believe the application of this thought to the Money-Happiness relationship plays out not so much in spending our money, but more so, how we choose to spend the money we have. Does it stress us out, or do we treasure the experiences? Both approaches can create very different results.
She explores how even a modest pleasure can be a luxury if it is scarce enough, and how more of a good thing doesn't necessarily equal better. Sometimes a rare treat's appeal is that it is rare in the first place.
I would love to hear your thoughts on "Spending Out", using your good stuff, instead of saving it for a special occasion, an area are of interest to me as I consider what really brings me happiness. I love candles, and felt over-indulgent lighting more than a few...until I found myself saving them for company and forgetting to light them at all. Spending out is about allowing yourself to consider this moment a special enough occasion, and enjoying the things you have right now.
Will you look at the relationship between money and happiness differently after reading the Happiness Project?
Rubin certainly gives us a lot to consider, and that is what I love about this book, it is not "how to" be happy, it's a "have you considered this?" approach towards one's journey to a happier experience, and at the end of the day, she is real...it is not a quick fix, and she admits, her happiness project was no magic charm. Just like money doesn't guarantee happiness, neither does pursuing a happiness project. Sometimes we just have one of those days...(or weeks!) and although as human beings we get to choose our attitude, sometimes we just don't want to do what works.
It's nice to know we have permission to be grumpy within our happiness project, and even nicer to know, it's all temporary!
~ Lyndsay
November 8, 2011
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Chapter 6: Make Time for Friends
Friendship
It comes as no surprise that having strong social bonds is probably one of the most meaningful contributors to happiness. Friends and family connections offer us the opportunity to reflect upon and measure our experiences. There are very few who would truly enjoy being stranded on a deserted island for longer than a week...well, ok maybe a month...(if we are really in need of a rest!) The truth is, we are social beings, and connections with others allows us opportunities to express what is important to us, as well as serving the valuable purpose of growth and learning.
Relationships are like a mirror, reflecting back to us through feedback and inspiration where we are and where we'd like to be. Many of my most successful ideas were run through my committee of trusted friends - the ones I could count on to give me their honest opinion while being a cheerleader for me along the way to my goals. I know I can call any of the friends on that committee, no matter how long it has been, and connect in a way that is authentic and meaningful to me.
There's a problem though, how do we keep connected to our friends who are also juggling overflowing schedules? Throughout this chapter, Rubin offers some creative ways that worked for her.
In our busy lives, any effort to connect is always rewarded, even if it is just a quick note on a friend's birthday, or a phone message letting someone know we are thinking of them. It all goes back to intention and priorities. If I am honest with myself, there aren’t enough hours left over at the end of each day to see friends, and connect in person or over the phone with all of the people that are important in my life on a regular basis.
As a result, what is realistic for me, is to set the intention this week to connect in person with a couple of friends I haven't seen in a while, and put time aside in my schedule to call those that are far away, instead of waiting for a block of free time to present itself, hoping I will have the energy to do so...I guess to reap the benefit of our social connections, it is worthwhile to treat those opportunities to connect as more "significantly important to do", rather than, "it would be fun and nice if I get to".
As Rubin states, it takes effort and energy to run a happiness project, but the benefits and rewards, are truly worth it!
~ Lyndsay
October 28, 2011
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Chapter 5: Be Serious About Play!
Leisure
Following the theme of lightening up, being serious about play - taking time to be silly, and engaging in fun of all sorts seems an obvious next step towards happiness. Rubin's message about engaging in what is fun for you - not what you think you should find fun - resonated with me deeply, as an expressive introvert myself, forcing myself to socialize in activities that most extraverts would perceive as run of the mill leaves me exhausted, and certainly does not lead to more happiness.
I'm all for trying new things, and I am very grateful for a loving partner who doesn't force me into fun "for my own good", and I don't expect him to enjoy sitting in a coffee shop for hours connecting over a favourite coffee, the funny thing is, the more we invite each other without strings, the more both of us are inclined to try things we normally wouldn't try, and low and behold, there is often an element of fun in the mix for both of us!
Rubin goes on to describe three categories of fun; challenging fun, accommodating fun, and relaxing fun. The first two categories deliver the best return on investment in terms of providing an atmosphere of growth - but it requires more effort than the relaxing kind...yet all things in moderation, relaxing fun is a great way to unwind from the stressors of the day, as long as there aren't guilt strings attached. I think awareness of how we do fun, as opposed to being on auto-pilot, is a step towards balance and an overall outcome of happiness, after all - happiness, or feeling good is the goal here, so forced fun while we are in resistance to what we are doing is hardly going to have the desired outcome!
This week's challenge...to be conscious about enjoying fun - choosing how I do fun, more than what I do for fun! Honouring what I find fun, and being willing to ask others along for the ride, or being willing to go it alone - Are you in?
~ Lyndsay
September 28, 2011
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Chapter 4: Lighten Up!
Parenthood
Boy was this a timely read! Given the back to school busy-ness and the all too familiar chaos that comes from the heart of a busy household, lightening up is a fantastic happiness strategy!
I have been reminded this past week of the concept: The days are long, but the years are short...moments with our family are precious and time is flying by at a seemingly accelerated rate. I found myself asking "how do I want to remember those moments?" and changing mid-thought into a happier perspective, or at least giving myself a momentary option to choose differently!
I agree whole heartedly with Rubin's approach of acknowledging the realities of people's feelings, an important strategy that works with everyone,in essence expressing empathy for what one is feeling, regardless if you agree with the feeling. She goes on to say that it is believed by experts that denying bad feelings intensifies them; acknowledging bad feelings allows good feelings to return. My friend calls it deflating the balloon, I have used it with lots of people, especially my kids, with great success. Once someone feels heard and understood, there is little else to do but release the cause of the feeling.
Give it a try this week and see if it supports you in lightening up with your family!
~ Lyndsay
September 21, 2011
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Chapter 3: Aim Higher
Upon first blush, I admit, I thought to myself..."typically, the higher I aim, the harder I fall when I don't quite meet the mark," however, upon reflection of this chapter in relationship to happiness, I tend to agree that having goals to strive for, serves as a significant source of happiness.
There is a finicky relationship between ambition and happiness; Rubin reasons that the happier one is in their work, the more one will expand themselves, which results in you becoming happier from the expansion, and then a continued desire to grow and try new things. While I consider myself to be among the fortunate who are blessed with the opportunity to do work that I love, I can attest to this theory to some degree, however there have certainly been times when work satisfaction alone was unable to carry the weight of tough times that life sometimes presented, and it was in fact my dissatisfaction that inspired me to grow and expand in different areas (and I'm not just referring to my waist size!).
I think it is important to recognize that it is not the result itself that causes us to experience happiness...if that were the case, there would be no reason to continue to seek growth. We hear say that it is the journey, not the end result that causes the growth and ensuing happiness, so it stands to reason, when in a funk, trying something new while being open to the fun of failure fits the bill. I don't know about you, but I don't relish much in the failures I've had, nor do I recall them being much fun, but I must admit, when asked what caused me to grow the most over the years, I turn to my failures with a hint of gratitude for the life lessons they have provided.
Besides stepping outside of your comfort zone, Rubin addresses the pillars of appreciating the present moment, and accepting support along the way, which has a dual purpose of not only connecting you to others and increasing your likelihood of success, but it provides another the opportunity to experience the joy of lending a hand, fostering happiness in a way not many can resist.
For me, aiming higher tempered with an attitude of gratitude for the ability to experience growth inspires those warm, fuzzy feelings of happiness, yet so does a good morning coffee - not sure where that one fits in yet!
I'm tempted to try out the "fun of failure" this week, so I'll be sure to report back with my findings! Anyone care to join me?
~ Lyndsay
September 12, 2011
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On the topic of appreciation, I am pleased to report the most positive effect from looking for things to appreciate and be grateful for! From beautiful surroundings, gorgeous weather, friends and family that I enjoy spending time with, to a smooth transition back into the school year for my family; looking for things that make me feel happy has had a snowball effect that has begun to seep into those other areas that I am working on in my life...health, fitness, work-life balance, being true to myself...
I filled two pages in my journal with things to be grateful for and as I put down my pen, I noticed a tremendous shift in my energy, to such a degree that I could hardly remember what had me down moments before. I know I will rarely get to all of the things on my overly abundant to-do list each day, but focusing on appreciation and giving proofs of love, I enjoyed many more of the moments I spent doing those things!
~ Lyndsay
September 8, 2011
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 | Made With Love - Not Sodium - Part Two |  If you've never experimented with different ingredients, making changes to a recipe may seem daunting. To be fair, sometimes simple changes can ruin a recipe. But with some knowledge of the ingredients' functions, you can lower the risk of having to put your creation go right from the oven into the garbage... | | Full Article |
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 | Low Salt Pancakes | Category: Low or No Salt
Description: Pancakes can be loaded with sodium.
Example for one Pancakes plain, frozen, ready-to-heat (inc buttermilk) can b about 183mg of sodium. Pancakes, plain, dry mix, complete, prepared can be about 239mg and Waffles, plain, frozen, ready-to-heat, toasted (inc buttermilk) can be about 260mg, just for one. Here is a recipe to try, that is low salt. | | Full Recipe |
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