As a healer one of my biggest lessons was to learn to heal and take care of myself.  I would always share what I had with others, family, friends and others who just needed help.  Sometimes I would give so much that I would literally have nothing left for myself... no food, or money to buy things I wanted.  For years I thought I was doing the noble and righteous thing, and I was.  But I was also lacking one important point....  
Self preservation is key.  
I had to really internalize this message.  I had been brought up to think that I was second best or not good enough, like many of us are.  My healing was to begin the work of changing my mindset.  I had to learn to embrace my unique qualities, my slender frame and exotic look.  I learned to truly love and accept myself and give to myself the things I wanted without feeling bad or that someone else will miss out.  I began to find it okay to say no to others when I felt like my plate was full.  I began to give back to myself the love and the attention that I needed to move forward.  I found that when you truly love yourself you don't do things that are not good for you.  When you truly love yourself you become very clear about who you are, what you will accept, and what is really good for you.  With that you find the strength to make the right choices for yourself.  

This was a few years ago, but I see so many who are still in that cycle of wearing themselves thin.  
So here are some tips for taking care of yourself in a natural way:

• Set one day a week as your special day- this is the day you will do something special for yourself ... your hair, feet, nails, spiritual baths, etc
  
• Buy high quality body products - soap, deodorant, toothpaste, etc you deserve it
  
• Eat quality food - no fast or junk food, learn about healthy eating habits
  
• Get an herbal life - herbal remedies can help you avoid prescriptions... its important to learn for yourself and there are plenty of books available about herbs
  
• take a dance or exercise class to keep you in shape
• stop doing things and people that are not good for you
• try a wholistic healing modality once or twice a month- there are many to try massage therapy, reiki, body wraps, reflexology, etc

The cold weather is here and it brings the season of flu, coughing, sneezing, etc.
Here are some tips to stay healthy during this time.

1. Build up your immune system ... take Vitamin C, garlic, lemon, cayenne pepper, echinacea, astragalus or other supplements to keep you immune system strong
2. Make sure you get enough rest... take a clue from nature, this is the time to sleep more and be still
3. Wash your hands ... people cough and sneeze then put their hands on everything, doorknobs, hand rails, elevator buttons... make sure you wash your hands often throughout the day
4. Drink herbal tea ... peppermint, ginger, hibiscus or sorrel will keep you warm inside and keep blood clear
5. Drink more water... water helps to flush the system and moves mucus out of your body... add lemon juice for extra cleansing power
6. Avoid the flu shot .. many people who get it actually get sick more than ones who don't 
7. Avoid stress ... stress will compromise your immune system
8. Stay warm ... layer your clothes, keep your head and feet covered
9. Take castor oil, cod liver oil or aloe vera juice to keep your colon clean... if their are toxins in your colon it is easy for sickness to settle in your body
10. Say your prayers... are overall health and wellness is connected to our spiritual self.... a strong spiritual person rarely gets sick

Ankh Udja Seneb .... Life Properity and Good health to you all

The first time I heard about a neti pot was in Queen Afua's book Heal Thyself.  It was year later that I stumbled across one in an asian store in Chicago.  I took it home and it sat a few years before I got the courage to actually try it.  I used to have bronchitis or strep throat every year, around this time of year when I was younger.  As an adult I changed my eating habits and remained healthy for years.

Now I use my neti pot seasonally, during the change of season that is.  I have a complete cleansing ritual I do for myself to clear as much toxins and mucus from my body every spring, summer and fall.  

Neti pot is good for anyone who suffers with allergy, congestion, breathing difficulties.  It will cleanse the nasal cavities and reduce sinus inflammation.

After using a neti pot you will breathe easier, your sense of smell will increase.  Your head may feel lighter or more clear as well.  
It is important to follow the directions and use distilled water to avoid injury.  

Clean you neti pot before and after each use.  Use castille or black soap with baking soda to kill any germs.

Boil 2-3 cups of filtered or distilled water for at least 5 minutes 
Let the water cool and add neti pot pre packaged solution or 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt to 8 ounces of water.
Mix solution and fill pot a little more than half full.  Stand over bathroom sink.
Tilt yourself comfortably over the sink, with one ear towards the ceiling, and one ear towards the ground. Your head should be horizontal. 
Insert the Neti-Pot spout into your upper nostril. Ensure that the spout is fully inserted so it cannot spill out of your upper nostril, and slowly tilt the pot to a pouring position.  Breathe through your mouth, and relax.  It will take a few seconds for the water to start dripping out of your other nostril.

Once half of the solution is used  stop and blow your nose.   Repeat the process on the other nostril.

When you are done, blow your nose. do not force it be gentle with yourself. 
 Rinse out your Neti-Pot and let it air dry.
 Remember, you can use your Neti-Pot as frequently or infrequently as you need.