How I am Simplifying My Morning Routine

May 11, 2020 By Deanna 10 Comments

As I recently minimalized my wardrobe, I’ve also focused on simplifying my morning routine. I’ve never been one to wear lots of makeup but I don’t know why it took this long for me to finally focus on what I truly love and don’t need.

Firstly, I know many folks, including Moi, are still working from home. However, as we slowly get back into the world of working with others why not embrace a simpler morning routine? Maybe now, as we get ready to reset and reenter, is a perfect time for such a change.

Anyway, it was something I did just before the pandemic, and I’m eager to share it with you now.

Brain Health: The Power of Music

May 4, 2020 By Deanna Leave a Comment

Well, it’s been a while since I’ve written in my Brain Health Series. What better time than during quarantine to read, research, and write more about the most fascinating organ, the brain!

The book I most frequently refer to, at least so far, in my series is Brain Rules by Dr. John Medina. Today we’ll be focusing on his brain rule #10 Music – study or listen to boost cognition.

Dr. Medina, and I’m sure other scientists, are looking for some longer-term, real-life studies that will prove conclusive evidence about the ability of music and the brain. However, there have been several studies performed in lab settings that show intriguing results.

I’m no scientist but the results I’ll be highlighting here are quite amazing!

Please note all the studies and results highlighted in my article were taken from Dr. John Medina’s book, Brain Rules.

Additionally, as a person of faith, I can attest that there are biblical stories pertaining to the power of music and worship. I’ll intertwine some of these stories here in this article as well.

Let me whet your appetite with the fact that Gabrielle Giffords, the congresswoman who survived a gunshot to the head, was able to learn to speak again in part due to singing and music therapy. When Dr. Oliver Sacks was interviewed about Gifford, he said, “nothing activates the brain so extensively as music. It has been possible to create a new language area in the right hemisphere. And that below my mind.”

That gets my heart to beat a little faster!! You?

Two Year Bloggerversary Update – Revelation Through Writing

April 27, 2020 By Deanna 10 Comments

Hello, my friends! I am reflecting on my two year anniversary since I began blogging, also known as a bloggerversay, on April 19, 2018. On that date, my first article on my own website was published. At that time, I was blogging under the moniker, Ms. Fiology. If you are here, you know I now blog at Recovering Women Wealth.

I’m a fan of celebrating milestones and/or anniversaries. Earlier this year I celebrated 10 years of sobriety and just before that a little birthday of 47 years. It’s amazing how the birthdays keep coming every year, but I swear I’m getting Younger Next Year. 😉

While I do stay active and fit, it only takes one weekend with my niece & nephew to remember, the years are stacking up!

Anyway, as time continues to roll forward and I’ve kept up the habit of blogging, I naturally have some reflections. Future directions? I am not so sure about that but I do know one thing, I’m called to write and teach.

If you will, please journey with me on this post as I share my reflections, lessons learned, intimate thoughts, and prayers for an uncertain future.

Revelation Through Writing…

How to Wisely Use Your Stimulus Money

April 20, 2020 By Deanna 8 Comments

Okay, people, I think most of us have received our stimulus money as a result of the CARES Act. Its delivery method depends upon your data from your most recent tax returns or Social Security. If you’ve received refunds or SS money via direct deposit, you’ll get it that way (quicker) or if you’ve opted for snail mail, you’ll get it that way (slower). I’m in the former group and got mine last week.

Warning, I recently watched Rocky IV so there are a lot of Rocky GIFs/analogies splattered throughout the post. 😉

That being said, I wanted to write a post with my two cents on how to use our stimulus money wisely. This post is based solely on my opinion; however, I have seen and heard many others talking about this recently so, no doubt, these things play an influence.

Although, I’ve purposely not read anything on it so I could really think and pray about it without much outside influence.

I’m separating my advice into two camps:

Those who need the stimulus money
Those who don’t need the stimulus money

Before I dig in, let’s define stimulus –

A thing that rouses activity or energy in someone or something; a spur or incentive

Let’s face we’ve all been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic in one way or another!! Me, I downright need some hugs!!

Some day we’ll be able to do this again!!

This stimulus $ is meant to do one of two things – stimulate the economy (which has taken a bad beating) and aid individuals and families who’ve also taken a beating.

The stimulus money, for those of us who are not hurt financially, is meant to incentivize us to spend some $$$ and get that big ‘ole economy going again! And for those who are hit financially, it’s meant to help you survive.