Start With Yourself

9-day & 30-Day Cleanse - Very Rewarding

Mon, 21 May 2012 02:29:00 GMT

Ok, so we all have something we LOVE in our lives but in excess it's just not good for us in the long run. So that's when doing a CLEANSE is the best thing you can do for yourself so you can go on ENJOYING whatever it is that you LOVE. I decided to try this 9-day cleanse last year and although it was a little difficult to do, I felt like Superwoman afterwards. Doing it with your partner or housemate or friend makes it ALOT easier, by the way.

So this year I decided to "up the anty" and try the 30-day cleanse. I have some unwanted pounds that are harder to lose, I have been drinking more wine and consuming more dark chocolate so I figured, why not. The shake days are actually really easy as you have 1-2 protein shakes and a good sensible meal. After 5 shake days you do 2 cleanse days that consist of Juicing and some light snacks. I'm drinking or snacking every hour but it definitely takes some mental toughness on my part to be doing it.

Because I know my experience on the planet is how I FEEL, this is key for me to have and be a part of my life. I strongly encourage everyone I know and come in contact with to make this personal investment. Your return will be ten thousand fold, I guarantee it. Now there are many cleanses out there and remember this is NOT a fast! I recommend 3 different cleanses to patients, depending on what's going on for them and their lifestyle choices. Feel free to get in touch with me and fill out the detoxification questionnaire to see which cleanse is right for you to do and when.

Until then, happy living from a conscious and connected place.

Brand NEW Incremental Fitness Program

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 22:06:00 GMT

We are human, therefore most of us have goals we want to reach. Perhaps it's to lose weight, to make more money, to travel to Paris, to fall in love..... One of the greatest triumphs is with the physical body- because it's a great way to measure change. Research claims that you live longer when you have close friends. They also say that when you do things in a group setting (community), you are more apt to make longer lifestyle changes, have more fun and in general, are healthier. This is my proposition for you: Decide to do a walk for a cause, or run a half or full marathon, or try a sprint triathlon or what about one of these obstacle courses that are sprouting up everywhere? It's so nice to be working towards something.... And that is why we have developed an amazing program design that builds upon each week to make you stronger, smarter, more agile and flexible, and more than anything, happier. We will be working towards a common goal to do a local event at the end of the program, but you are more than welcome to choose your own goal as well. More importantly, that you have something that you are striving for that will push you to show up for class!

Come meet some new people in your community that want to get to the next level in their own lives too.

What is INCLUDED in your Package:

Physical Fitness Assessment Test
Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced Boot Camp
12 Weeks Unlimited Classes
Specific Weekly Incremental Program Design
3 Foam Rolling Classes
Foam Rolling Workbook
Guided Cleanse (optional)
Daily 12-minute Meditation structure (cd)
Inspirational Emails
Facebook Group
30-minute Integrative Health Consult
1 Acupuncture Treatment

Invitation to health talks at Chi Center:
How Chinese Medicine can Benefit You
Financial Freedom 101 - 4 class series

$349 for complete program

(can make monthly installments if needed)

So sign up already! We can't wait to meet you where you are, and take you to a level beyond what you think you are capable of, in a safe and supportive environment.

Lose Weight Holistically with Chinese Medicine

Tue, 01 May 2012 05:38:00 GMT

I am happy to announce the initial launch of my Chinese Medicine Weight Loss Program. To hear in person all the details and to sign up, please come to my free talk listed below. If you or anyone you know cannot make it, please give me a call to discuss over the phone or in person. I am thrilled about this much needed program! Details below:

Lose Weight Holistically with Chinese Medicine: A Talk by LeTa B. Jussila, L.Ac, FLT Provider, Personal Trainer

"Your Tongue Doesn't Lie (usually) in Chinese Medicine"

Where: 21511B East Cliff Drive (Santa Cruz Integrative Medicine and Chi Center)

Date: April 23, 2012

Time: 7:00pm–8:00pm

What is acupuncture? How does it help with weight loss? How can it help me? An Introduction to Asian medicine diagnosis, theory and treatment. Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture has been used for centuries to naturally help address a wide array of acute as well as chronic ailments and conditions. Come and learn five (5) things you can do right NOW to start shedding those unwanted pounds.

Join us for an informative evening with LeTa Jussila, Licensed Acupuncturist, Chinese Herbalist and Certified Personal Trainer. LeTa is dedicated to providing quality integrative care for your optimum physical and emotional health. She will answer your inquiries about this ancient, effective medicine.

Questions beforehand? Please contact leta@santacruzintegrativemedicine,net or (831) 239-9326 for direct questions.

Features: Open to All

Phone: 831-465-9088 (please confirm your attendance to receive a Discount COUPON handed out at the door)

Email: leta@santacruzintegrativemedicine.net

Price: Free

Weight Loss Program

I am launching a 12-week Weight Loss Program based on the principles of Chinese Medicine: an integrative approach. I am doing a local clinical trial for my doctorate capstone. I am looking for local individuals who are at least 15 lbs. overweight and who are ready to shed those unwanted pounds. Please have anyone interested come to my FREE talk on Monday, April 23rd or set up an appointment with me to discuss the overview of the program and see if it's a good match for them.

Program Details:

12 weeks

Acupuncture Treatments 2x/week ($2160)

Weekly Tele-class ($1200)

Workbook/Guidebook ($99)

2 Qi Gong Classes each week ($180)

Herbal Prescription ($150)

Private Facebook Group (free)

Access to the Doctor ($300)

Physical Fitness Assessment & Exercise Program Design ($150)

3 Bio Impedance Analysis ($150)

3 BioMeridian Assessment Test ($275)

Detailed Initial Health Intake ($150)

Detoxification Questionnaire and assessment ($50)

Lifestyle Inquiry Assessment & Modification ($75)

Coaching (free)

Inspirational, Motivational & Educational Weekly Emails (free)

3 Foam Rolling Classes

Foam Rolling Workbook

Guided Cleanse (optional)

Daily 12-minute Meditation structure (cd)

Healthy Relationship with Money - 4 lectures

VALUE: $5584 PRICE: $1500 (or weekly payments of $125/monthly payments of $500)

** I accept health insurance so if you are covered for Acupuncture this is reduced!

**Unlimited Outdoor Fitness Classes (Value $450) only $250 with medical program

BONUS:

Sign up with friends and get better discounts!

1 person: $1500

2 people: $1450 each

3 people: $1400 each

4 people: $1350 each

5 people: $1300 each

6 people: $1250 each

7 people: $1200 each

8 people: $1150 each

9 people: $1100 each

10 people: $1000 each

Thank you!

Spring Cleanse - Detox 2012

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 05:38:00 GMT

Who Else Wants More Energy, Better Sleep, Enhanced Focus, Improved Digestion, Reduced Moodiness and Less Muffin Top in Only 10 Days?

Are You Tired Of Struggling With…

• Your clothes not fitting the way they should

• Trouble spots that just won’t go away

• Being self-conscious with how your body looks and feels

• Your busy schedule keeping you from being fit and feeling good

• Not fitting into your Skinny jeans

• Feeling sluggish, irritable and exhausted all the time

• Embarrassing stomach bulge and a flabby body

Spring is a transitional season, carrying nature from the inert, conservative state of winter into the high activity of summer. So the goal of the spring cleanse is to lighten up our system and make ourselves more vibrant and efficient for these increased physical challenges and activities.

In Chinese Medicine, spring relates to the wood element and to the liver and gall bladder. As such, the liver is the main focus of our spring cleanse. The liver relates to the emotions of unresolved anger and irritability. Spring is characterized by the strong energy of growth and change so it is important to allow this energy to flow smoothly without blockages. By engaging in exercises and movement, being in nature, and relaxation techniques for the heart and mind, such as meditation, one can experience relief from congestive emotions and support the health of their liver (and consequently, the entire body) at the same time.

Your program includes

Guided meal plan for 10 days, including dietary recommendations coming off the Detox

Shopping List

Metagenics Ultra Clear Medical Food

Metagenics Adva Clear Capsules (to aid Liver detoxification)

Group meeting/potluck after cleanse

Group support and communication with others in the program over the 10 days

Investment to your Health: $120 (includes all supplements and materials)

Email info@optimalhealthandfitness.com or Call us at (831) 222-0189 if you would like to sign up!

I never would have thought a program that lasted only 10 days could have lifetime learning lessons and result in a change in lifestyle habits. I have been in the health & fitness industry for 10 years and I have helped thousands of people look & feel their best.

Take Our Detox Quiz:

1. Do you often feel tired or have a lack of energy?

2. Do you have sore muscles for no apparent reason?

3.Do you have difficulty concentrating?

4. Are you easily irritated or feel moody?

5. Do you have trouble sleeping?

6. Do you wake up feeling un-refreshed?

7. Do you feel bloated or gain weight easily?

8.Do you have digestive or intestinal discomfort?

9. Do you have occasional, mild headaches?

10. Do you feel like you’re not as healthy as other people your age?

If you answered “yes” to any of the questions above, then a simple program could help you feel better and have more energy in just 10 days!

The Metagenics Metabolic Detox Program was scientifically developed and includes a simple eating plan (with unlimited amounts of suggested foods), targeted nutritional support, group support, daily coaching and motivation from LeTa B. Jussila, L.Ac, CPT, FLT Provider (Experienced Nutrition & Lifestyle Coach), community support from one another and lifestyle tips to enhance the body’s natural metabolic detoxification process.

Here are the two Metagenics Products that come with the program:

Metagenics UltraClear Renew Medical Food: http://www.metagenics.com/products/a-z-products-list/UltraClear-RENEW

Metagenics AdvaClear: http://www.metagenics.com/products/a-z-products-list/AdvaClear

UltraClear Renew Medical Food, the most fully developed detoxification medical food in the Metagenics product line which addresses all three phases of detoxification, and Heavy Metal detoxification as well as AdvaClear, an important supportive nutrient combination that helps to balance Phase 1 and Phase 2 detoxification and reduce detoxifying symptoms.

Additionally, you will also receive a shaker cup, detoxification guidebook fully detailing the program, and a convenient tote bag to take it all home and get started with your detox.

Other tips for YOU around FOOD:

Some of the earliest vegetables to appear in the market are dark leafy greens such as kale, swiss chard and spinach. These vegetables are fabulous at supporting healthy liver function. Here are some of the reasons:

1. Fiber: After the liver processes toxins, it will release some substances back into the intestines to be excreted. In order for these substances to then be fully eliminated, it is important for the bowels to be moving regularly. Fiber is an essential component of good bowel health. In addition, fiber can bind up certain toxic substances in the intestine and prevent them from entering the blood stream in the first place.

2. Vitamins and Minerals: Dark leafy greens are chock full of vitamins and minerals, many of which the liver requires for its proper functioning. For example, these vegetables are a good source of folic acid, carotenes and vitamin C.

3.Low fat: Fats are processed in the liver. This process is energy intensive, and a diet that is high in fat puts an extra burden on the liver. While healthy fats are an important component of a balanced diet, eating fewer fats and more vegetables is a good way to support your liver.

I love to cook and to me there is nothing better than the taste of foods that are fresh and in season. Here are a couple of my favorite recipes for Springtime detoxifying cooking:

Massaged Kale Salad

The kale and dressing are the heart of this dish. The apples and seeds add a nice texture and flavor. You can leave these out, or substitute with other fruits, vegetables or proteins.

Ingredients

-1 bunch of kale

-1-2 Tbs lemon juice

-1-2 Tbs olive oil

-1 tsp sea salt

-1/4 cup of pumpkin seeds (or other nuts and seeds)

-1/4 cup of chopped apples

Directions: chop the kale into bite sized pieces, and mix in a bowl with the oil, salt and lemon juice. Massage with your hands until the kale is limp and has the texture of cooked kale. Add nuts, seeds, and fruit. Enjoy!

Kale Chips

Ingredients: 1 bunch of kale 1 Tbs olive oil Sea salt and pepper to taste

Directions: Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Remove the stems from the kale, and chop the leaves into bite sized pieces. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other spices you desire. Place kale on a baking sheet and bake for 20 min or until crispy. Enjoy!

REST, RESTORE, REVITALIZE: Winter and Chinese Medicine

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 06:01:00 GMT

The ancient Chinese believed that human beings should live in harmony with the natural cycles of their environment. The cold and darkness of winter urges us to slow down. This is the time of year to reflect on our health, replenish our energy and conserve our strength.

Winter is Yin in nature; it is inactive, cold, and damp. Remain introspective, restful, and consolidate your Qi through the season and prepare for the outburst of new life and energy in the spring.

Element: Water
Nature: Yin
Organs: Kidney, Urinary Bladder, Adrenal Glands, Ears and Hair
Emotion: Fear and Depression
Flavor: Salty

Winter is ruled by the Water element, which is associated with the kidneys, bladder and adrenal glands. According to the philosophy of Chinese medicine, the kidneys are considered the source of all energy or“Qi” within the body. They store all of the reserve Qi in the body so that it can be used in times of stress and change, or to heal, prevent illness, and age gracefully.

During the winter months it is important to nurture and nourish our kidney Qi. It is the time where this energy can be most easily depleted. Our bodies are instinctively expressing the fundamental principles of winter – rest, reflection, conservation and storage.

The Nei Ching, an ancient Chinese classic, advised people to go to sleep early and rise late, after the sun's rays have warmed the atmosphere a bit. This preserves your own Yang Qi for the task of warming in the face of cold.

Eating warm hearty soups, whole grains, and roasted nuts help to warm the body’s core and to keep us nourished. Sleep early, rest well, stay warm, and expend a minimum quantity of energy.

MISO SOUP WITH SCALLIONS - A CURE FOR THE COMMON COLD

WINTER and the KIDNEYS

The ancients understood that winter is a time of contraction and introspection, a time to evaluate your actions from the previous year and meditate on changes that you would like to institute for the future. We still embrace this concept with new years resolutions. Traditional Chinese dietary therapy is a great way to incorporate the enormous effects of the season into our personal lives and, like our lives, always keep evolving.

In Chinese Medicine, the winter is associated with the KIDNEYS, the OCEAN, SALTY foods, REPRODUCTION and the emotion of FEAR. When the KIDNEYS become out of balance people suffer from: Joint problems, Knee pain, Teeth problems, Back pain, Pre-mature graying, Reproductive imbalances, Pre-mature aging, Excessive fear or worry.

The following list of foods (from Paul Pitchford’s book, Healing with Whole Foods) help address any KIDNEY weakness and should be eaten by everyone in the winter.

Foods should be cooked longer with less water and less heat. The theory is that concentrated foods will provide longer lasting energy on those cold and dark days.
•   Soups (avoid raw foods)
•   Molasses (source of iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium)
•   Black Beans
•   Seaweeds: kelp, wakame, hijiki
•   Tuna, Sardines, Crab
•   Root vegetables: turnips, sweet potato, parsnips, beets
•   Ox Tail soup, Chicken soup-anything with marrow for the bones
•   Wheat germ
•   Spirulina
•   Pork
•   Miso
•   Soy sauce
•   Black sesame seeds
•   Millet, Buckwheat, Kasha, Barley
•   Walnuts
•   Asparagus
•   Kidney beans

Staying Healthy this Winter

Seasonal Changes Affect the Body's Environment. With the wind, rain and snow comes the colds, flu and aches and pains – Here are a few tips to staying healthy this winter.

Wash your hands – Studies have shown that one of the main reasons that we catch colds and flu in the winter season is that we are indoors and in closer vicinity to others in cold weather. Protect yourself by washing your hands regularly and try not to touch your face.

Sleep - The Nei Ching, an ancient Chinese classic, advised people to go to sleep early and rise late, after the sun's rays have warmed the atmosphere a bit. This preserves your own Yang Qi for the task of warming in the face of cold.

No Stress - Find a release valve for your stress. According to Chinese medicine, stress, frustration, and unresolved anger can play an important part in throwing the immune system off and allowing pathogens to affect the body. Find a way to relax and release stress on a daily basis. Such methods may include yoga, meditation, biofeedback, simple relaxation therapy, or whatever method you use to release the stress and pressures of modern life.

Acupuncture for Prevention - Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can prevent colds and flu by building up the immune system with just a few needles inserted into key points along the body's energy pathways. These points are known for strengthening the circulation of blood and energy and for consolidating the outer defense layers of the skin and muscle (Wei Qi) so that germs and viruses cannot enter through them. Seasonal acupuncture treatments just four times a year also serve to tonify the inner organ systems and can correct minor annoyances before they become serious problems. The ultra- thin needles don't hurt and are inserted just under the skin. The practitioner may twist or "stimulate" them once or twice and they are removed within ten to twenty minutes.

Acupuncture to Get Better Faster - If you've already happened to catch that cold, acupuncture and herbal medicine can also help with the chills, sniffles, sore throat or fever in a safe, non-toxic way that doesn't 't bombard your body with harmful antibiotics.
Acupuncture does not interfere with Western medical treatment. On the contrary, it provides a welcome complement to it in most cases, and with its emphasis on treating the whole person, recovery time for illness is often shortened.

Herbal Medicine - There is a one thousand year old Chinese herbal formula that forms a handy complement to these immune-boosting treatments and it is elegantly entitled The Jade Windscreen Formula. It is made up of just three herbs: Radix Astragalus, Atractylodis Macrocephalae, and Radix Ledebouriellae. These three powerful herbs combine together to tonify the immune system, strengthen the digestive system (so that we can be sure to gain the nutrients from our food), and fortify the exterior of the body so that we can fight off wind-borne viruses and bacteria. This handy formula which comes in pill, capsule or liquid form can be taken for a few days each month to stave off colds or flu or when there's been a challenging work-load, or perhaps some loss of sleep.

Winter Solstice

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 06:00:00 GMT

The December solstice will occur at 05:30 UTC on December 22, 2011. The December solstice is also known as the winter

solstice in the northern hemisphere and the summer solstice in the southern hemisphere. The December solstice

occurs when the sun reaches its most southerly declination of -23.5 degrees. In other words, it is when the North Pole

is tilted 23.5 degrees away from the sun. Being the shortest day of the year, the winter solstice is essentially the year’s

darkest day, but it is not the coldest.

The Winter Solstice Sun is in the third house, square Uranus and trine Jupiter in the seventh. It is time to think out

of the box and find ways to use the plethora of social/business networks.The Solstice Sun is all about the communications

and the media. Management and employees in the old media know that change is required and expect the 2012 New Year

to be the time of transition.

The Capricorn New Moon on Xmas Eve follows shortly after the Winter Solstice. This New Moon (3 Capricorn) translates

the epic Uranus-Pluto square which reflects breakdowns and breakthroughs, but also trines stationary Jupiter.

Benefic Jupiter goes direct on Xmas Day after being retrograde since Aug. 30. It's this trinal aspect between the

New Moon in Capricorn and hopeful Jupiter that offers the prospect of real progress. Set your intentions

concerning long-term goals at the New Moon for best results. And enjoy the renewed sense of faith and

enthusiasm that Jupiter brings.

Main components to Success

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 20:27:00 GMT

Any great personal trainer will tell you that your fitness program isn’t just about what you do during the workout. Most of the current scientific research and evidence regarding fitness reveals that what to do when you are not working out is just as important if not more. How to be in relationship with your body in a sustainable way is something to discover and is unique to every individual.

Here are five different ways that you could consider to optimize your efforts as an integrative approach to your exercise regime:

1) Adequate rest – I can't stress how important rest is. Getting deep sleep at night is key to how you experience the world during your waking hours. But also remember that you need to have appropriate rest during workout sessions. Be smart. If you are training hard, listen to your body and its need for proper recovery time.

2) Nutrition – We all know it's vital to get the proper nutrients in your system. What and when you eat is of utmost importance. It often takes time to be able to truly listen to your body and learn what you need. Figuring out what to eat before and after your workout is something to consider, especially if you have low blood sugar or are anemic. Be smart. Stay connected as this body needs the proper fuel to take you where you want to go.

3) Stretching – When you work out, your muscles are shortening. You've felt your tight legs and other muscles and how good it feels to stretch. After the workout, a good stretching session will help alleviate post exercise soreness, and will give you proper range of motion for the next training session. Take the time to stretch. I like to do it in the morning and evening, a great way to start and end your day. This is in addition to your pre & post work out stretch!

4) Foam Rolling – Self-myofascial release, also known as foam rolling, is a stretching technique that uses a foam roller to apply gentle pressure to adhesions (or knots) found in a muscle, allowing the muscle to relax. When foam rolling, you must find a tender spot and maintain pressure on that area for a minimum of 20-30 seconds, or until the tension in the muscle decreases. This may take longer depending on your ability to consciously relax. Although foam rolling can be uncomfortable, especially on certain areas of the body such as the IT Band, it is important to try to relax as much as possible while holding pressure on a tender spot. Self-myofascial release can be used as a warm up prior to activity, and can also be used as part of a cool down. I like to think of foam rolling as an inexpensive massage.

5) Massage – A lot of people think this is a luxury thing and it is. But it's also important depending on your body type and how what you do with your body. This will help work out the knots, trigger points and general ache from your workouts, however, if you don't want a qualified professional to do the work for you or you can foam roll!

6) Other modalities – Another method to add to your repertoire is to do hydrotherapy. The easiest way to do this is in the shower. Start with warm water and then turn the faucet to cold for 30 seconds. Return to hot water and alternate 3-5 times. this promotes blood flow to and from the surface of the body and get your lymphatic system going and increases your circulation

If you would like help regarding one or more of these ideas, contact us here at OHF. Good Luck! Train smart and recover properly.

Our Mascot: Snowball

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 07:43:00 GMT

SaveSnowball.com

Check out our Mascot's website. This is SNOWBALL & we're doing a fundraiser for her necessary surgery. We made a 7-minute video which was a lot of fun. She is a special canine and dear to my heart.

How are YOU going to change the world?

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 19:28:00 GMT

You have 3 minutes.

This is what Professor Bill Coplin says to me standing behind his desk, looking over and down to me sitting in the chair in his office during the first few weeks as a Freshman at Syracuse University. I went in as a Philosphy major and dreamed of talking about life in the corner cafe's in Paris. But I heard my mother's voice, "how are you going to get a job as a philosophy major?". La Vie En Rose started to fade in the background as a particular reality set in. I didn't really know the answer to that question. Since I just turned down getting into the 5-year co-op program at Northeastern to become a stock broker, I figured getting a nice, well-rounded education like a good idea. One of the main majors was Public Policy. It was run out of the Masters Program and since Syracuse had the #1 Masters in Public Policy program in the nation, I felt like it might be a good idea to see what this was all about. I didn't realize that they only admitted 40 new students every year into this demanding program and I certainly didn't realize there was going to be some sort of "interview". I was definitely nervous and he was known to yell a lot. Most people were afraid of him. Without missing a beat I started to answer his question.

"I want to create a week, have it highly publicized, where everyday of that week there is something to do in relation to the Self. Monday will be 'Call Your Mother' day where everyone in the nation picks up the phone and calls whomever they feel is their Mother and connects with her. Tuesday will be to deal with your finances. Wednesday will be to clean up the clutter in your house and so on. And I want famous people involved. I want rockstars of all kinds, movie stars of all kinds, politicians, etc. to go back to their hometown for at least a few days for publicity around this week. I want it in the newspapers, in magazines, on TV, on every billboard. I want this week to be all about Starting With Yourself. Because if everyone started with themselves, instead of trying to fix everything else around them, then that's a great way to change the world."

And at that moment I couldn't believe that I just came up with that. As if it was always there within me, this notion, this idea. I had honestly never thought about this question before I was asked it. And I certainly didn't have this idea.

He looked at me and said, "Well, ok then. Thanks for coming in."

AAHHH! I honestly thought I blew it, but on the other hand I was so pleased at what I came up with. Needless to say, I did get accepted and graduate from Syracuse through this major with concentrations on Criminal Justice and the Enivronment. And at graduation time, Bill came up to me at our private reception and told me it wasn't too late to apply to law school. Me and one other fellow were the only 2 out of the 40 who were not heading onto law school.

I tell you all this for many reasons but mainly to know the history behind my tagline, my underlying theme of my own personal journey. And a living testament that it truly is a great Path, to Start with Yourself.

New Blog by OHF

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 19:16:00 GMT

Hello!
Welcome to Santa Cruz's own Optimal Health and Fitness Blog. This forum is designed to give a place for our clients to communicate ideas, thoughts, tips, networking, praise, and anything else related to health and wellness.
Periodically, I will offer my own news, updates and any sort of relevant information I see fit and giving it to you from the best resources I know.
Feel free to post as often as you like, check back as often as you wish and pass the link onto anyone you feel would benefit!
Thank you and I look forward in seeing this blog grow into something really beneficial for all of us.

Blessings,
Leta B. Jussila

Start With Yourself

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 19:22:00 GMT

The tagline for my life has been "Start With Yourself" ever since I heard Michael Jackson sing "Man in the Mirror". It really clicked when I was asked at Syracuse University by Professor Bill Coplin during my freshman year in an interview to get into the Policy Studies program , "You have 3 minutes to tell me how you are going to change the world." Now, I don't recollect if I had thought too much about that question before this moment and to this day I am amazed at how quickly I formulated something so simple, yet so beautiful that it has carried me all the way up to this point in time. I will go into the details of that vision on a later post, but read the lyrics to Michael's song and be inspired to Start With Yourself and make that change. Today. Now.

"Man In The Mirror"

I'm Gonna Make A Change,
For Once In My Life
It's Gonna Feel Real Good,
Gonna Make A Difference
Gonna Make It Right . . .

As I, Turn Up The Collar On My
Favourite Winter Coat
This Wind Is Blowin' My Mind
I See The Kids In The Street,
With Not Enough To Eat
Who Am I, To Be Blind?
Pretending Not To See
Their Needs
A Summer's Disregard,
A Broken Bottle Top
And A One Man's Soul
They Follow Each Other On
The Wind Ya' Know
'Cause They Got Nowhere
To Go
That's Why I Want You To
Know

I'm Starting With The Man In
The Mirror
I'm Asking Him To Change
His Ways
And No Message Could Have
Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World
A Better Place
(If You Wanna Make The
World A Better Place)
Take A Look At Yourself, And
Then Make A Change
(Take A Look At Yourself, And
Then Make A Change)
(Na Na Na, Na Na Na, Na Na,
Na Nah)

I've Been A Victim Of A Selfish
Kind Of Love
It's Time That I Realize
That There Are Some With No
Home, Not A Nickel To Loan
Could It Be Really Me,
Pretending That They're Not
Alone?

A Willow Deeply Scarred,
Somebody's Broken Heart
And A Washed-Out Dream
(Washed-Out Dream)
They Follow The Pattern Of
The Wind, Ya' See
Cause They Got No Place
To Be
That's Why I'm Starting With
Me
(Starting With Me!)

I'm Starting With The Man In
The Mirror
(Ooh!)
I'm Asking Him To Change
His Ways
(Ooh!)
And No Message Could Have
Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World
A Better Place
(If You Wanna Make The
World A Better Place)
Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make A Change
(Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make A Change)

I'm Starting With The Man In
The Mirror
(Ooh!)
I'm Asking Him To Change His
Ways
(Change His Ways-Ooh!)
And No Message Could've
Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World
A Better Place
(If You Wanna Make The
World A Better Place)
Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make That . . .
(Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make That . . .)
Change!

I'm Starting With The Man In
The Mirror,
(Man In The Mirror-Oh
Yeah!)
I'm Asking Him To Change
His Ways
(Better Change!)
No Message Could Have
Been Any Clearer
(If You Wanna Make The
World A Better Place)
(Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make The Change)
(You Gotta Get It Right, While
You Got The Time)
('Cause When You Close Your
Heart)
You Can't Close Your . . .Your
Mind!
(Then You Close Your . . .
Mind!)
That Man, That Man, That
Man, That Man
With That Man In The Mirror
(Man In The Mirror, Oh Yeah!)
That Man, That Man, That Man
I'm Asking Him To Change
His Ways
(Better Change!)
You Know . . .That Man
No Message Could Have
Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World
A Better Place
(If You Wanna Make The
World A Better Place)
Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make A Change
(Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make A Change)
Hoo! Hoo! Hoo! Hoo! Hoo!
Na Na Na, Na Na Na, Na Na,
Na Nah
(Oh Yeah!)
Gonna Feel Real Good Now!
Yeah Yeah! Yeah Yeah!
Yeah Yeah!
Na Na Na, Na Na Na, Na Na,
Na Nah
(Ooooh . . .)
Oh No, No No . . .
I'm Gonna Make A Change
It's Gonna Feel Real Good!
Come On!
(Change . . .)
Just Lift Yourself
You Know
You've Got To Stop It.
Yourself!
(Yeah!-Make That Change!)
I've Got To Make That Change,
Today!
Hoo!
(Man In The Mirror)
You Got To
You Got To Not Let Yourself . . .
Brother . . .
Hoo!
(Yeah!-Make That Change!)
You Know-I've Got To Get
That Man, That Man . . .
(Man In The Mirror)
You've Got To
You've Got To Move! Come
On! Come On!
You Got To . . .
Stand Up! Stand Up!
Stand Up!
(Yeah-Make That Change)
Stand Up And Lift
Yourself, Now!
(Man In The Mirror)
Hoo! Hoo! Hoo!
Aaow!
(Yeah-Make That Change)
Gonna Make That Change . . .
Come On!
(Man In The Mirror)
You Know It!
You Know It!
You Know It!
You Know . . .
(Change . . .)
Make That Change.

-Michael Jackson