The recent events along the Indian Ocean Rim have been staggering, and almost beyond comprehension. As humans, we always want to know why these things happen. Some say it's due to all the negative and toxic things going on in the world. Others say these things just happen. Perhaps it is just the Earth readjusting and realigning herself. Bottom line...none of us really know WHY.

While we cannot prevent these things, we can do something to help. I invite you to please join me in sending positive thoughts, prayers, light, energy (you choose) along with your donations to those in need. There are lots of places you can donate. We donated through Amazon.com where 100% of collected monies went to the American Red Cross. Google has listed several different options for donating, plus links to different information.

We all know how words seem to have the power to make or destroy our day. Our words, our intentions are very powerful. Our subconscious mind seems to take them at face value, not putting the little nuances to them as our conscious mind does. For example, if you tell yourself "how stupid! I should have known that", your subconscious mind hears "I'm stupid", not that you made a silly error.

Words have the power to make a person healthy or ill. I'm sure most of you have had the experience of saying something and having it come to pass. For instance, when I was a child, I did not want to go to school (a rare event I assure you!). I told my Mom (who is reading this by the way), that I was sick...I really faked it. Imagine my surprise to find myself ill later in the day. All of us are just as powerful as that 10 year old child was.

Caren Goldman has written a lovely book on the power of words and how they can heal. This grew out of her own battle with breast cancer and her interaction with our Western medical system.

Consider the words: Gratitude, Joy, Peace, Optimism, Comfort, Joy, Wisdom, Silence, Play, Wellness, Spirit...and many more.

Incorporating these words into your daily life WILL positively impact your health and well being. Not only that, but imagine how these words can affect you on your journey to successful aging.

Healing Words for the Body, Mind and Spirit: 101 Words to Inspire and Affirm" by Caren Goldman

What will reduce your cholesterol, help stabilize your blood sugar, keep your colon healthy, and help you with weight loss?

Foods with the highest (soluble and insoluble) fiber content include artichokes, beans, green peas, sweet potato, acorn squash, apple (with peel), berries, oranges, pear (with peel), dried prunes, bran cereal (I like Uncle Sam's), almonds and peanuts.

There are also several fiber supplements available. Be sure and read the labels. You want to avoid products with lots of additives.

I personally use a product called BiosLife2 and would be happy to discuss it further for those of you who might be interested.

A book that I recommend to my patients with cholesterol concerns is "50 Ways to Lower Your Cholesterol" by Mary P. McGowan, MD. It's easy to understand and looks at cholesterol from all angles.

This month, in the bookstore, I've added several titles by May Sarton (1912-1995). She was a novelist, a poet and a journalist. Among her work, my favorites by far are her journals. She started them as a relatively young woman, and continued them until shortly before she died. My favorite journal is "A House by the Sea".

Sarton also wrote several novels which have stayed with me over the years as well. The first is called "A Reckoning". It's a moving story about a woman with breast cancer discovering what is truly important. The second novel is "As We Are Now". It is the story told from the point of view of a woman who enters into an "older persons home". It's a topic that is rarely discussed.

To review these books and more visit the OlderWiserWomen bookstore.

1. Get a copy of your credit report. Check it for accuracy.
2. Check all your insurance policies for adequate coverage. Don't get caught short.
3. Maximize your retirement contributions. If you don't have some sort of retirement program, start one.
4. Discuss money matters with your spouse/partner/family; don't swim upstream alone.
5. And let's not forget: pay yourself first! Keep (invest or save) 10% of your earnings for yourself (Before you pay the bills).

To my constant delight, it is the rare person who has not sung praise for the design of both the OlderWiserWomen logo and website. And while I agree with them 100%, I cannot take all the credit. Please allow me to introduce the creative woman behind the look of OlderWiserWomen.

Designer Eileen "Turtle" Parzeck is the owner of SOHO It Goes! Her experience and creativity as a print and web graphic designer allowed her to pluck ideas out of my brain and create the look of OlderWiserWomen. In addition to her designing magic, she assists businesses (through design, marketing and technology) both in coming into the world as well as nurturing them throughout their life.

While we found that we could work together well (I am impressed by her integrity and values), I think what really cemented our working relationship is the fact that we share the same Gemini birthday!

If, like me, you feel creatively or technology challenged, take the time to visit Eileen's website. You will be pleased that you did.

OlderWiserWomen has lots of exciting ideas and plans for 2005 and would love to have your input. Within the next few weeks, I will be asking you to participate in an anonymous survey to help shape our direction.

In the meantime, I'd like to remind you:

1. The deadline to submit your verbal or written story or poetry is May 2005. Further information is posted on the Book page.
2. Your questions, comments and feedback are always welcome!
3. OlderWiserWomen would love your assistance in spreading the word about us. Please feel free to pass on this newsletter to your friends and invite them to join us! Thanks in advance for your help with this!