Newsyears 08

Shana Tova

The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into manageable tasks, and then starting with the first one.
Mark Twain

For 12 years I owned a business, baking and distributing cakes. After several years of (hard) work the business ran itself: I employed bakers and a distributer, had regular clients, financial stability and a lot of time on my hands. Around the age of 30 I felt as though I had taken early retirement. And yet, I wasn't as happy and as satisfied as I am today. Today I no longer am connected to the cakes. I work long hours in my holistic health counseling business but feel so whole and satisfied, having a bigger purpose in life. I feel that after many years of walking down many side paths, I have discovered my own path, my destiny. I have found the gift that I came to give the world.
Each one of us has a gift that we came to give. For Rosh Hashana I encourage you to ask yourself: If money wasn't an issue, what would I do with my time.

Time Management

Have you ever wished for a few more hours in the day? Why is it that some people seem to get everything done effortlessly while others feel that time constantly eludes them? The secret to managing your time well isn't working more hours. The secret is working smarter, not harder. It is about prioritizing the important things and learning to use the time you have more efficiently and effectively.

Some of us, by nature, organize and get tasks out of the way before we relax, while others play first and work later. It is important to first recognize which type you are and whether your style is allowing you to have the life you really want. Maybe you are super-organized at work, but burned out because you don't know how to make time for yourself. Maybe you are naturally a less organized person who knows how to relax, but you are dissatisfied because you aren't fulfilling your goals and dreams.

Rather than labeling yourself or beating yourself up, realize that time management is an area of your life that you can strengthen. Like a new muscle, it takes practice and repetition to make it stronger. To help you get started, for the new year, here are some steps to streamline your days at work and at home. Try the first one or two that jump out at you.

• Allocate time for planning and organizing-
  
• Create to-do lists that are realistic, not intimidating. Use only one to-do list-
  
• Under-schedule your time: Leave time for the unexpected and for interruptions. When you estimate how long something will take, add on a third of that time-
• Prioritize what is most important and do that first-
• Consider your biological prime time: At what time of day do you work best? Plan to do your most important work at that time-
• If you say yes to everything that comes your way, learn to say no-
• Ask for help and delegate-
• In the evening make your to-do list for the next day, so it will be out of your brain and on a piece of paper. Leave work with a clear head and a clean desk
• Acknowledge yourself daily for all that you have accomplished.
  
  Also take a look at the two biggest hindrances to using time effectively: procrastinating and lacking purpose. We usually procrastinate when a task seems too daunting, too large or too complex, or when we feel incapable. Try breaking the large task into smaller, manageable action steps and start with the first one. We also often drag our heels or use our time inefficiently because we are bored, unengaged and uninspired. The most effective people will tell you that they love what they do and are aligned with a greater purpose. When it comes to managing your time, you may need to ask the larger questions, Am I doing what I love? Am I doing something meaningful to me.

Food Focus: Root Vegetables

The roots of every plant are its anchor and foundation; they are the essential parts that support and nourish the plant. Root vegetables lend these properties to us when we eat them, making us feel physically and mentally grounded and rooted, increasing our stability, stamina and endurance. Roots are a rich source of nutritious complex carbohydrates, providing a steady source of necessary sugars to the body. Instead of upsetting blood sugar levels like refined sweet foods do, they in fact regulate them. Since they absorb, assimilate and supply plants with vital nutrients, roots likewise increase absorption and assimilation in our digestive tracts.

Long roots include carrots and parsnip, while round roots include turnips, radishes and beets. Long roots are excellent blood purifiers and can help improve body circulation and increase mental clarity. Round roots are nourishing to the stomach, spleen, pancreas and reproductive organs and can help regulate blood sugar and moods, and alleviate cravings, especially for sugar.

Recipe of the Month:
Holiday Roasted Sweet Root Vegetables with Apples

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25-35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients:
2 apples
2 sweet potatoes
1 parsnip
2 carrots
2 turnips
pumpkin - a piece (or substitute/add your favorites, like squash)
olive oil
cinnamon

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 180C (375F) degrees.
2. Wash and chop all vegetables and apples into large bite-sized pieces.
3. Place in a large baking dish with sides.
4. Drizzle with olive oil; mix well to lightly coat each piece.
5. Sprinkle with cinnamon and rosemary.
6. Bake uncovered for 25-35 minutes until vegetables are tender and golden brown,
checking every 10 minutes to stir and make sure nothing is sticking.

Note: Any combination of vegetables will work. Roasting only one kind of vegetable also makes a nice side dish.
You can also leave out the apples and instead of cinnamon sprinkle with salt and pepper and add fresh herbs: rosemary, thyme or sage.

Bulletin Board

Health Food Store Tour
October 29th
Do you ever wonder what they sell in health food stores?
And what do you do with all that healthy stuff?
Please join me for an informative and fun tour in my favorite store
Where? Teva Sport Castel - Hamanofim 5, Herzliya Pituach
http://www.tevasport.com/stores.asp
When? Wednesday, October 29th
What time? 18:30 - 20:00
How much? NIS 25
Please book ahead
For information and reservation: 054-4670239

Healthy Chocolate-Making workshop
Beginning of November
I make the healthiest tastiest chocolate on the planet
and I would love to teach you how to make it too.
No sugar, no milk products, no guilt, just pure cacao health and love!
Where? Roy Chocolate - Yad Charotzim 15, Tel Aviv
http://www.shokoladim.co.il
When? Beginning of November. Will be announced soon.
What time? 18:30 - 20:00
How much? NIS 150
Please book ahead
For information and reservation: 054-4670239

Health and Wellness Workshop for Corporations
As a Certified Health Counselor, I facilitate a fun and informative Employee Health and Wellness Workshop. This workshop includes education on how to implement better nutrition and life choices to create a healthier life, a more efficient day and reduce stress in the work environment. It serves as a first step in living a healthier more balanced life.
I would be happy to discuss and mail my information package to whomever is interested.

Wishing us all a sweet and inspiring year, full of love and happiness.
Amen!

Talya Lewin
Holistic health counselor
www.talyalewin.com