5 Tips to Simple Living

Life sure has its way of pulling us in different directions at one time, doesn't it?

Lately I've been finding myself on the edge of sanity, yearning for an escape from the busyness that keeps me from my creative self and the simple living I long for.

Appointments, kids, housework, extracurricular activities, pets, work, the computer, the phone, the boss. You know what I'm talking about. The craziness that keeps us from getting back to basics & living a more meaningful life.

Usually people have grand ideas of ringing in each new year with resolutions, or make the reoccurring statement of "someday" (myself included), only to find that "someday"gone & went without us even recognizing.

So how do we separate the "busyness" of daily life from the truly fulfilling moments we often let slip away on a routine basis?

Here are a few tips that might offer some solutions in embracing the "simple life" & how to avoid the  chaos that sometimes controls our way of being.

1. Let go of the "multitasking" mentality.

Do only one thing at a time. When reading, only read. When eating only eat, and so on. As you commit to only doing one thing at a time, start to then slow down the one thing you are doing, becoming more mindful of the moment. Multitasking can be a great asset in certain areas of your life, but it does not & should not, encompas all the areas of your life.

2. Ask for help when challenges arise.

People associate asking for help as a form of weakness or incapability. Most people I'm certain, are more than willing to help others during struggles or challenges, without seeing that person as weak or incapable. So why should you? Scientific studies prove that when a person offers to help another, the hormone Oxytocin increases in our brains, giving that person an altruistic "helpers high". If helping others is important to you, why not let others do the same for you?

3. Get excited about the little things & small victories.

We are constantly inundated through media & society trends: have more, be the best, have the best, be prettier, be skinner, be healthier, that we've become desensitized to the little things & victories that are happening around us on a daily basis. If you want to truly get in touch with these "little things" & "victories" I speak of, spend some time with a child between the ages of 3-5. You'll observe more celebrated little things & victories in a matter of minutes than you've probably allowed yourself to experience in days, weeks, maybe years. There are many lessons to be learned through the eyes of a child. All we need to do, is open our eyes & shut out the daily distractions we've succumbed to.

4. Find your inner artist.

With all of life's demands compounding our daily routine, we've forgotten that there is an inner artist in each & every one of us! If you aren't allowing yourself to maintain a hobby, interest or talent, you're denying yourself and others from gifts you were innately born with! Make a comittment to spend one hour a day, a week or even a month to do that "something" you've always wanted to do. You're never too old to learn to play an instrument, start painting, take dance lessons, sing with wild abandon, or slap some clay on a potters wheel. What is it you've been keeping yourself from doing because, life is "too busy"? If you have ever muttered the words "time flies", isn't it time to start doing that "something" you've always wanted to do? Life is short. Live a little life for yourself, not just for everyone else.

5. Scatter Kindness. 

I've experienced having very little, & having much in life. During times of having little, I always understood that somewhere, someone else had less. Kindness is a way of showing others, they matter, and that their well being is important to you. By implementing any one or more of these simple acts, you can BE that change so desperately needed in your life, and the lives of others!

Be Kind

Be Thoughtful

Be Empathetic 

Be Compassionate

Give & Forgive Generously

Use Manners

Volunteer

Share A Smile

Send A Note (not a text)

Say Thank You

Expect Nothing In Return

Love Unconditionally

How do you manage the complexities life throws at you? We'd love to hear your thoughts & ideas! 

No Con's of Pet Ownership

Ok, MAYBE there are a few disadvantages of pet ownership. After racking my brain here's what I came up with: 

They poop.

They eat.

They bark/make noise.

They dig.

They pee, puke & chew on your stuff.

They go to the vet.

They shed. 

You can't just lock up & go.

(Sounds frighteningly similar to parenthood)

But how many really think about the disadvantages though, when the advantages of pet ownership far outweigh the inconvenience? 

Now for the good news!

Nearly 25 years of research reveals the insurmountable evidence of physical & emotional benefits of pet ownership. Here are just a few.....

Physical Benefits

Increased Longevity after a heart attack: 

Dog ownership increases the odds for survival in persons who have had a heart attack from 1 in 87 to 1 in 15. Only 6% of non-pet owners survived at least one year after hospitalization for heart problems compared to 28% of persons with pets (Friedman, 1980, 1995).

Lower cholesterol and triglycerides: 

People with pets have been found to have lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels when compared to people who did not have pets, even when matched for weight, diet, and smoking habits.

Decrease blood pressure and reduce stress: 

Studies of people undergoing stress tests or physical examinations have demonstrated that the presence of a dog lowered their heart rate and blood pressure during testing (Anderson, Reid & Jennings, 1992).

Increase physical activity and functioning: 

People who own pets often have better physical health due to the need to exercise and care for their pets.  

Reduce medical appointments and minor health problems:

The use of prescription drugs and the overall cost of caring for patients in nursing homes dropped in those facilities where companion animals became part of the therapy.

Predict seizures & Hypoglycemic events:

Some people who have periodic seizures have reported that their dogs can sense the onset of a seizure or a Hypoglycemic event (low blood sugar) before it happens or the owners even sense it happening. Allowing owners to react to the pet alert prior to the episode of symptoms.

Emotional Benefits

Illness and Death: 
Children often turn to their pet for comfort if a friend or family member dies or leaves the family. Grieving adults who did not have a close source of human support were also found to have less depression if they had a pet.

Anxiety & Safety: 
Pet owners tend to feel less afraid of being a victim of crime when walking with a dog or having a dog in the home.

Stress & Relaxation: 
Pets can help us relax and focus our attention away from our problems and worries.

Physical Contact: 
This ability to have something to touch and pet is very important. More and more studies show how important touch is to our physical and emotional health.

Mood Elevation: 
Pets decrease our feelings of loneliness and isolation by providing companionship to all generations.

Loneliness: 
Pets can help ease the sense of loneliness or isolation we feel.

Purpose: 
Everyone needs to feel needed and have something to care for. Many elderly citizens or people living alone will tell you their pet gives them a reason for living.

Consistency & Structure:
Pets provide some consistency to our lives. Caring for a pet can significantly affect our routine and gives us something to do and look forward to each day.

I suppose there could possibly be more con's of pet ownership, but this is what I DO know (being a pet owner) as fact & cannot possibly be argued by anyone. 

Every human universally wants one thing in life. We all want to be loved. Loved without condition or standards; through thick & thin, no matter who we are, what we do or how we become. 

Pets are the only creatures on this earth that provide the unconditional, selfless love we all desire. The kind of love that never asks "what's in it for me" rather, is always asking what's in it for the beloved. 

A pets love is the highest form of unconditional love we humans could have on this earth. They protect us, guide us, provide laughter & support. They ward against fear & loneliness, uncertainty and loss. A pet is more than just "man's best friend", but a love that transcends any other emotion in our souls. 

 

"The purity of a person's heart can quickly be measured by how they regard animals". Anonymous

Greyfeather Farm would like to see your favorite photo of your beloved pet. Submit one and be entered in our "Pet Photo of the Month"contest. Each month we will choose our favorites to post on our website & send the winner a free gift! 

Don't forget to add your comments about the benefits of pet ownership. We'd love to hear from you!

Have a glorious day!

Greyfeather Farm

www.greyfeather-farm.com

1. Anderson, W.P., Reid, C.M., & Jennings, G.L. (1992). Pet ownership and risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Medical Journal of Australia, 157, 298-301.
2. Friedmann, E., Katcher, A.H., Lynch, J.J., & Thomas, S.A., (1980). Animal companions and one year survival of patients after discharge from a coronary care unit. Public Health Rep, 95, 307-312.

Greyfeather Goes to School

This summer has been a whirlwind of events & activity for all of us at Greyfeather, like for most of you, I'm sure. But one of my favorite moments was my 2 year old niece who came for a visit. My family lives about 5 hours away & I don't get to see them as much as I would like. Fortunately they were able to spend a little time with us here at the "farm". 

Having 5 kids who are old enough now to at least fix their own meals, dress themselves and speak in full sentences (although, I don't really understand half of what they say), has made me forget how having a little one around, experiences the beauty,

sights & sounds of a bustling day so much differently than we "grown-ups".  

The expression on a two year olds face the first time she sees an Emu up close & personal is just ,... well,....priceless! Can you just imagine?

 Not to mention the look of wonder when a peacock spreads his tail in all his glory.

 Or holding a baby chick for the first time & naming it "fuffy",.....because that what they are,... fluffy.

 

Luckily my sister has the creativity & talent to compose a wonderful powerpoint presentation of all the pictures she had taken during the visit to show all of my niece's friends at daycare. The staff at the daycare were so impressed, that they shared the slide show to all the ages & classes at the center. Which couldn't make us happier at Greyfeather! 

I receive so much joy & new perspective when I attend elementary schools to talk about our Emu's. The responses, expressions & questions from children of all ages, helps me to appreciate what I can take for granted when life

becomes just "too busy". 

So if you are becoming overwhelmed with all the "busyness", or if "life" is passing you by without notice, stop for just a moment and start observing the things around you from a child's perspective. 

Is there something that you can offer at your local school or daycare that would enlighten a child's mind & imagination? If you do, I encourage you to jump at the chance. I assure you,... the learning experience will be monumental!

Have a wonderful day!

Devastation, Destruction & Rebuilding

So many terrible events have happened to our country the past 9 months. The East coast being pummeled by Sandy, the shooting in Newtown CT., the bombing in Boston and now the tornadoes affecting our heartland. There are millions that have been affected by these devastating events in one way or another. Then there are millions who feel helpless wondering how they can reach out to those suffering but don't know how, or even where to start.

I received an email today from our local Habitat for Humanity notifying us on how we can be of service to those still recovering from super storm Sandy in our area.  I immediately forwarded the message to my husband & he agreed that it would be a wonderful opportunity to involve ourselves & our children in such efforts.

Sadly I admit that we are like many people in America, caught up in the busyness of our lives, that we forget that others are struggling in the midst of tragic events, when there are so many opportunities to reach out even in small ways that would positively affect those in need.

So for my first effort, I've compiled a number of resources in hopes that it will be passed along to others so that we can reach these communities & individuals that are dealing with rebuilding what has been destroyed.

Not only will it make a difference in the lives of those in need,......but also make a significant difference in the lives of those who are reaching out.

How the Public Can Help Disaster Victims

Ways to Help

Assisting People With Disabilities in a Disaster

Helping Families in Distress

Habitat for Humanity

Animals in Disasters



Have a great day!

Sincerely,
Greyfeather Farm
www.greyfeather-farm.com

The Bird's The Word!

We get all kinds of questions from customers & the public, not only about our products but about the Emu itself, so I wanted to post a little info-blog to help answer some of those questions, so here it goes.....

When I tell people that we raise emu's, often times I get:

"Oh, wow, you mean those Lama-like looking animals?" 
No, an emu is a flightless bird that originated in Australia and are the second largest bird & cousin to the Ostrich.

"What are emu's used for?"
Emu's are raised primarily for their meat, and recognized as "Heart Healthy" by the American Heart Association. Emu meat is low in saturated fats and ranked best in 15 out of 20 essential nutrients in a USDA funded study at the University of Wisconsin. This makes it an excellent health choice for those with immune deficiencies.

"Where does the oil come from?" Or, "How do you get the oil from the emu?"
The oil comes from a pocket of fat located on their back that is removed after the emu is harvested, then fully refined into oil.

Animal lovers like myself wish there was a better way to extract the oil like "liposuction," but unfortunately that's not the case. Emu's are raised much like cattle, pigs or chickens as livestock. It is a farming industry just like any other. However, emu farmers like those who belong to the American Emu Association (AEA), are ethical & humane when it comes to their livestock. AEA members like myself give their emus the best feed and living conditions possible, unlike mass livestock producers & farmers in America. That's why emu products aren't found in every market or grocery store you walk into. AEA members & farmers educate consumers & the public about making safer & more conscious choices for a healthier lifestyle.

The meat & the oil from the emu aren't the only things used from the bird. Emu feathers are popular for crafts, hair extensions and fly fishing. The skin is used for leather goods, such as purses or footwear, and the large emerald green eggs are used for breathtaking artwork among accomplished artists.

Emu meat & oil is by far the most popular or familiar of the by-products. Which makes me wonder why more people aren't aware of the fantastic benefits of this great bird?

In all of the recent events in my area I've attended with my own product line, very few individuals have ever heard about the natural healing benefits of emu oil. Even the countless natural food store owners that I've talked to that carry emu oil products,  haven't yet heard about the new studies & benefits to educate their customers. This saddens me when I know that consumers are spending hundreds of dollars on medications & cosmetic products loaded with preservatives, chemicals and disease causing agents to look or feel better, when there is an affordable, natural, safe & effective product that has proven results.

In my upcoming posts, I'll be sharing new information about the new research studies about emu oil.  Information that can help people who suffer from IBS, high cholesterol, diabetic neuropathy, Cancer patients with radiation burns, and so much more. So don't forget to subscribe to our blog!

After all, don't you want to be using a natural product that offers great results & that is safe for you and your family?  Of course you do!

But for now, lets start you off with the benefits of Greyfeather Emu Oil & what it can do for you!

Typical Uses for Emu Oil:

Moisturizer

Insect bites

Rashes

Cuts

Burns

Bruising 

Eczema

Psoriasis

Stretch marks

Incisions/scars

Pet & livestock skin conditions & wounds

*Emu oil has natural anti-inflammatory properties.

*Emu oil quickly absorbs into the skin & is fantastic when simply used as a moisturizer, leaving your skin feeling soft & hydrated. 

*Emu oil is not greasy & will not clog pores. 

*Emu oil is 100% pure, free from chemicals & preservatives just like your own natural skin!

Have a great day!

Greyfeather Farm

www.greyfeather-farm.com

New Beginnings!

Three Years ago my family & I moved to a beautiful, rural area in Eastern Pennsylvania. We've been blessed with just enough land to have a few critters living outside the home, along with the many critters (kids included), living inside the home. 

I wanted to raise a farm animal that was easy to maintain & could fair our sometimes bitter winter season. Most animals can handle varying conditions, but only a few that didn't require at least a daily dose of human contact.  I don't remember how I stumbled onto the Emu, but once I learned about the care & maintenance of this fantastic bird, I was hooked!

After many months of research, I was amazed by the unparalleled health benefits the emu offers. So much so, that I put my nursing career aside, jumping feet first into my own business & product line. 

Greyfeather was born!

I couldn't be happier about receiving great testimonials from those who have started using our Greyfeather products. For skin, muscle & joint conditions, our products are providing an alternative to healing for those who are tired of using remedies filled with chemicals & preservatives. 

But this blog isn't just about our products. I'll be providing great health information, tips, & special offers that I believe will be purposeful & relevant to healthy living! 

You may just come across a photo or two of our crazy farm animals, like this:

"Forrest" at 4 months.
He's my inquisitive one, .....always getting into something!

I can't wait to hear and share how others are making healthy changes in their lives & their family's lives. So all comments or questions are greatly valued & welcome!

Don't forget to follow us as we journey towards a better way of living!

Have a great day!