by Ann Miller

After all, who nurtures the nurturer?

The message that stress sends to every cell in the body is a cold and resounding, "No Soup

for You!" Your job is to reprogram the mind and the emotions so that the message is one of unlimited abundance and unconditional love. Every cell, every organism in this Universe is here to be loved and nurtured. Somewhere along the journey, usually very early on, we pick

up powerful programming to the contrary. When this glitch is detected it's important to reprogram as quickly as possible and to keep reprogramming until we start to see/feel results.

Here are some suggestions to help you to nurture yourself:

• Breathe. The breath is the first and last gift of Life. Deep breathing is the simplest stress-buster I know. It is a giving and a receiving-a sharing with all of life past, present and future.
• Laugh more. The jiggling vibrates every cell and relays the message that all is well-no wonder it feels so good!
• Get to bed earlier. Late hours deplete our bodies' alkaline reserves and ignore the body's call for rest.
• Smile. It's a soft sharing that bounces right back. Be ready to catch it!
• Turn the smile inside and smile at all of your organs and cells, too. They're your little buddies. Let them know that you love and appreciate them.
• Practice politely saying, "No," not for Pete's sake, but for your own.
• Lessen your load. Delegate responsibilities more. It's an exercise in trust.
• Don't do today what you can leave for tomorrow, unless you really want to. Too often we try to push the river. God's time is good enough.
• Let go and let God. We're like trapezists--it's only when we let go that we give our faith a chance to work for us. Let go with confidence in the outcome.
• Eat sitting down. Helloooo, it's break time. Relax.
• Chew your food. There are no teeth in your stomach.
• Don't overeat. Mother Nature doesn't waste food. Caloric intake beyond your needs will be saved as you-know-what or, worse yet, feed parasitic varmints abiding in your G.I. tract. This is carrying your generosity a bit too far!
• Drink pure water. Divide your weight by two and drink that many ounces daily. Remember, water is the "Universal Solvent ". it helps to dilute and wash away the acid waste products that exacerbate stress and contribute to muscle tension.
• Don't eat, drink or inhale anything that you wouldn't give a dog.
• Do eat your greens. They neutralize acids and provide abundant protective and regenerative nutrients, some yet to be discovered. The emerald green of this planet is the vibration of love and the heart chakra.
• Set aside some time each day to fan your creative fires and do nothing but dream. All things start with a thought.
• Play more. Remind yourself that, no matter what your age, you're always God's little kid.
• Ask for help, be vulnerable. It will attract other nurturers to you.
• If you goof up, it's okay, God still loves you. Dust yourself off and try again. Eventually you'll bless the lesson.
• Move that body! When you're dead it's too late.
• Get outside and see how other creatures are living. This lets the fairies know that you care. It will help you to ground your energy and your intentions by letting you know that you are part of a larger family/community.
• Love yourself. Bask in the warmth of self-appreciation.
• Follow your Bliss. It's your soul leading you by your heart.
• Remember, "'Tis the gift to be simple" and the essence of true wisdom.
• Forgive. It's an act of self-love.
• Give thanks. More is given to those who are thankful.
• Breathe. What could be simpler?