Ovarian Cyst and Pregnancy - Help Me Cure My Cyst Now!

Ovarian Cyst and Pregnancy

A lot of women wonder what they can do to get rid of the pain that they suffer from having ovarian cyst and pregnancy. The truth of the matter is that ovarian cyst are pretty common and any woman can get them at different times in their life. The treatment options available during pregnancy are very limited. Many women are left to deal with the pain because they don't know that there is something they can do to treat it.

Most doctors will have you come in so they can do an ultrasound of the ovaries to know if there is a cyst, and to make sure it is not cancerous. Most of the time it is very unusual for a cyst to be cancerous. These cyst can be very painful and large, your family doctor will give you some advice on what your options are.

It is important that you are as healthy as possible for you and your baby. Your doctor might tell you that surgery is the only option, because they cannot give you any hormonal pills or birth control during pregnancy. There can be a lot of risks that having surgery while you are pregnant could bring. You definitely don't want to risk having a miscarriage, and surgery will not prevent future cysts. Even if you do decide to have surgery to take care of your Cysts while you are pregnant, you could still develop them before your baby is born.

There are natural cures that comes with ovarian cyst and pregnancy, and these techniques are very safe for you and the baby.

I had my own trouble with ovarian cyst, I was really desperate to find a natural, safe cure and get rid of the awful pain. You can free yourself from the pain and get a safe, natural cure to help you feel better right now.

How Therapeutic Massage Helps During Pregnancy

Any person who has been through pregnancy knows that any form of body stretching is quite painful as the pregnant person is carrying a living being within her. And though it takes 9 months to produce a little bundle of joy, this period is quite an experience.

Pregnancy massage can help get rid of pains and reduce stress during pregnancy. Muscle cramps, spasms and pains can all be done away with after a sound pregnancy massage. Massage also increases blood and lymph circulation, which goes on to reduce swellings that are experienced during pregnancy. Aside from that, it also relieves the stress that a pregnant woman feels on her weight-bearing joints - the knees and the hips. And did you know that massage can also alleviate labor pains by strengthening the muscles that are stressed out to the maximum during labor? Of course, it also improves skin flexibility and makes the tissues supple. All this goes on to make the emotional job of the mother-in-law a lot easier.

Before a pregnant woman chooses a therapeutic massage therapist, she must investigate his credentials and check to see if the massage therapist is licensed and a "pregnancy massage" expert as well. Pregnancy massage is a specialized branch and needs some kind of special training, because the pregnancy massage must be safe - there is no margin for error and no ordinary massage therapist will do when it comes to pregnancy massage.

Pregnancy massage differs from a regular massage in many ways. The massage therapist must know all about how the body functions during pregnancy and how pregnancy causes structural imbalances. A woman who is pregnant will lie in a different pose altogether as compared to a non-pregnant woman while receiving this massage. If the correct positions are not followed, then pregnancy massage can even harm the pregnant woman and her baby. Needless to say, that there are certain parts of the pregnant woman's body that must not be massaged.

Pregnant women, while receiving pregnancy massage, must always be in a semi-reclining position because it is considered safe for the child and comfortable for the mother. Props such as body pillows and pads must be put to use when the body position needs switching. These props provide a great degree of comfort during the massage. The table used for pregnancy massage must be a simple piece and fancy tables having holes in them must be avoided. If the pregnant woman is allergic to scents, she must tell the therapist to light any candles or spray any perfume. Light music must be played as enhances the experience of pregnancy massage.

The level of undress is a matter of personal choice and is best left between the pregnant woman and the massage therapist to decide. Some pregnant women prefer to undress fully, some prefer to wear lingerie and some prefer to be covered by sheets - it's a matter of personal choice. The pregnancy massage must be gentle and must not make the pregnant woman uncomfortable in any manner.

The period of pregnancy is fraught with a lot of emotional and physical anxieties and therapeutic massage during pregnancy can relieve all the stress and make the pregnant woman ready for the wonderful event - the birth of the child!

For more quick tips and advice on massage therapy visit this popular website at http://www.health-nutrition-medicine-medical.info.

Thiamine (Vitamin B1) How, Why and When to Supplement

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

Sources and Physiologic Functions

Requirements and Sources: Pork, whole grains, and legumes are the richest sources of thiamine. Outer layers of seeds are particularly rich in this vitamin.

Populations at Risk: The populations most at risk of developing a thiamine deficiency are chronic alcoholics in Western countries and those with an over dependence on polished rice as a staple in undeveloped nations. In alcoholics it may be caused by decreased intake, reduced absorption, and impaired ability to use the absorbed vitamin. Thiamine is spared by fat, protein, sorbitol, and Vitamin C. High carbohydrate intake, parenteral glucose, pregnancy, lactation, high basal metabolic rate, and antibiotics will increase needs. Also, it is readily lost in persons consuming raw fish, tea, coffee, blueberries, red cabbage, and cooking with excess water and baking soda. Breast fed infants of thiamine deficient mothers are particularly at risk, as death from cardiac failure can result within a few hours, even though the mother appears healthy. Other risk factors include chronic colitis, fever, malignant disease, sprue, and thyrotoxicosis. Intestinal absorption of thiamine appears to be controlled and limited, and modest increases in the serum concentration were accompanied by active renal clearance.

Signs and Symptoms of Deficiency: Children present with aphonia, cardiomyopathy, and polyneuritis. Symptoms involving the heart include tachycardia, cardiomegaly, and cardiac failure. Neurological symptoms include mental confusion, anorexia, ataxia, nystagmus, and weakness of hands, calves, and feet as a result of degeneration of sensory and motor nerves. Thiamine deficiency in adults is called Beri-beri and is characterized by dry skin, irritability, disorderly thinking, and progressive paralysis. In chronic alcoholics, a syndrome of Wernicke's - Korsakoff"s Psychosis develops. Ataxia and Nystagmus (Wernicke's ) develop early and, if left untreated progresses to amnesia, confusion, and polyneuropathy ( Korsakoff's ). Complete recovery at this stage is seen in only 25% of the patients. Vomiting, diarrhea, edema, and weight loss are other non-specific symptoms.

Safety:

Due to relative increase in sympathetic activity, nervousness, sweating, tachycardia and tremors can be seen with excess thiamine. Edema and vascular hypotension occur as a result of capillary leakage. Allergies, fatty liver and herpes are common. Folates and thiamine cause seizures and excitation when administered in high dosage directly into the brain or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of experimental animals, but have rarely been reported to cause human neurotoxicity, although fatal reactions to i.v. thiamine are well known.

Biochemistry: The biologically active form of thiamine is TPP (thiamine pyrophosphate). It acts as a coenzyme in the oxidative decarboxylation at the pyruvate and the alfa-ketoglutarate steps in the energy producing Kreb's cycle and is particularly important in the tissues of the nervous system. It also acts as a coenzyme in the oxidative decarboxylation ( of alfa-keto acids and in the formation or degeneration of ketols ) by transketolase in the Pentose phosphate pathway, the intermediary products of which are used in the synthesis of ribonucleotides such as ATP & GTP, deoxyribonucleotides such as dATP & dGTP, and nucleic acids DNA & RNA. Thiamine is also essential for protein catabolism, acetyl choline synthesis, normal muscle tone in cardiac and GI tissues, and for normal growth and appetite.

In human the storage of thiamine is is in greatest concentrations in skeletal muscle, heart, brain, liver, and kidneys. The human stores about 25 to 30mg of thiamine. ThMP and free (unphosphorylated) thiamine is present in plasma, milk, cerebrospinal fluid, and just about all extracellular fluids. Unlike the highly phosphorylated forms of thiamine, ThMP and free thiamine are capable of crossing cell membranes.

Recommendations: RDA in mg

• Infants birth to 6 mos - 0.3mg


• Infants 6 mos to 1 yr - 0.4mg


• Children 1 yr to 3 yr - 0.7mg


• Children 4 yr to 6 yr - 0.9mg


• Children 7 yr to 10 yr - 1mg


• Adolescent males 11yr to 14 yr - 1.3mg


• Adolescent females 11 yr to 14 yr - 1.1mg


• Adolescent males 15 yr to 18 yr - 1.5mg


• Adolescent females 15 yr to 18 yr - 1.1mg


• Adult males 19 yr to 50 yr - 1.5mg


• Adult females 19 yr to 50 yr - 1.1mg


• Adult males 51 yr plus - 1.2mg


• Adult females 51 yr plus - 1.0mg


• Pregnant Women - 1.5mg


• Lactating Mothers - 1.6mg

Thiamine hydrochloride is the common supplemental form. Thiamine therapy for alcoholics may involve a single injection of 10-mg thiamine or 50 mg of oral fat-soluble thiamine propyl disulfide that permits efficient absorption in alcoholics. Erythrocyte transketolase activity is considered the most reliable index of the functional state of thiamine.

Thiamine B1

Food Source - Serving Size - Number of milligrams per serving

• Pork (lean arm braised) - 3.5 oz - 0.60mg


• Pork (bacon cured/pan fried) - 4.48oz - 0.88mg


• Navy beans (canned) - 1 cup - 0.37mg


• Pinto beans (canned) - 1 cup - 0.24mg


• Pinto beans (boiled) - 1 cup - 0.32mg

Literature:

A cross-sectional investigation of patients with congestive heart failure being treated with loop diuretic therapy showed that thiamine deficiency may occur in a substantial proportion of patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and dietary inadequacy may contribute to increased risk. Men and nonwhite patients with CHF appeared most likely to have evidence of thiamine deficiency, although this reflects, in part, the gender composition of the patients recruited for the study. Patients with more severe CHF (as indicated by lower percentages of left ventricular ejection fractions) had greater biochemical evidence of thiamine deficiency. Another study found left ventricular ejection fraction to be adversely affected by thiamine deficiency and described that, when these patients were supplemented with thiamine intravenously, the ejection fraction improved significantly. Thus, nutritional assessment of thiamine status, including dietary intake, may be an important component of care for patients with CHF who are being treated with loop diuretic therapy.

Cognitive functioning

A study by Benton et. al demonstrated the association between improved thiamine status and improved performance on a range of measures of cognitive functioning in females. No such association was found in males. Although it was not possible to establish the reason for a beneficial response in females rather than males, there is evidence that females respond differently to dietary factors.

Alzheimer's disease:

Results of one study suggest that probable Alzheimer's Disease (pAD) is associated with a decrease in plasma thiamine levels. In another study, a 40-50% decrease of thiamine diphosphate (TDP) was found in patients with frontal lobe degeneration of the non-Alzheimer's type (FNAD). As TDP is an essential co-factor for oxidative metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis, and because low thiamine status (compared with other species) is a constant feature in humans, a nearly 50% decrease in cortical TDP content may contribute significantly to the clinical symptoms observed in FNAD. This study also provides a basis for a trial of thiamine to improve the cognitive status of the patients. A mild beneficial effect in patients with Alzheimer's disease was observed on supplementation with Fursultiamine (TTFD), a derivative of thiamine, at an oral dose of 100 mg/day in a 12-week open trial. Similar benefits were observed in another trial with high dose thiamine (3-8 g/d), while a 12 month study with 3 g/d of thiamine showed no apparent benefit in slowing the progression of dementia of the Alzheimer's type. Thus, weak and contradictory evidence suggests that vitamin B1 may be helpful for Alzheimer's disease.

Assessment of thiamine status

In several human studies during the past 10 years, thiamine status was assessed either by measuring thiamine pyrophosphate response alone or by using TPP response measures in conjunction of calculated estimates of thiamine intake from diet histories. Some investigators have combined estimates of thiamine intake with measures of thiamine status other than TPP response, such as erythrocyte TPP [18] or plasma TPP In several of these reports, poor thiamine status, as defined by TPP response, could not be related to less-than-adequate thiamine intake. Several authors have noted that valid TPP response measures depend on a kinetically normal enzyme. Hence, disease states, such as alcoholic encephalopathy, may affect enzyme-cofactor binding, and thus, TPP response. Rigorous statistical analysis of relationship between urinary thiamine excretion and TPP response seems to be lacking in the report generally cited as evidence of the validity of TPP response measures. In the ICNND report, categories of thiamine status appear to relate superficially to urinary thiamine excretion, but when there is no clear break-point in the curve for thiamine intake plotted against urinary excretion, it is difficult, in contrast to the case with urinary riboflavin excretion, to define deficiency. One author has demonstrated that in non-human species, pyruvate dehydrogenase appears to be a more sensitive indicator of tissue thiamine deficiency than is transketolase. A study by Gans et. al. raises questions about the usefulness of the TPP response as the sole indicator of marginal thiamine status. Thiamine status was measured in 137 incarcerated and 42 nonincarcerated adolescent males by use of both dietary intake data and a standard biochemical assay, thiamin pyrophosphate (TPP) response. Although average daily thiamine intake of nonincarcerated subjects was significantly higher than that of incarcerated subjects, both groups appeared to be at minimal risk for marginal thiamine status. Comparison of TPP response values indicated that there was no significant difference between groups. However, approximately 24% of the total population appeared to have less than adequate RBC thiamine on the basis of current standards for TPP response. Neither dietary intake nor reported previous alcohol intake was correlated with TPP response. Thus, clinical standards of thiamine deficiency seem to lack firm definition. Perhaps a better, more valid metabolic measure, such as thiamine or TPP in plasma, should be investigated and adopted. Also, intake data as well as some appropriate measure of enzyme activity or function may be important values to assess to describe the thiamine status of a group more correctly.

Summary:

Thiamine is essential in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. It is also needed in the synthesis of ATP and GTP and nucleic acids DNA and RNA. It acts as a coenzyme in the energy producing Kreb's cycle and is particularly important in the tissues of the nervous system. Thiamine is also essential for acetylcholine synthesis, maintenance of normal tone of muscle in cardiac and GI tissues, and for normal growth and appetite.

A number of claims have been made about the beneficial effects of thiamine on numerous conditions. (Fibromyalgia, HIV Support, Pregnancy and postpartum support, Canker sores - mouth ulcers, and Minor injuries)

Evidence strongly suggests that patients with CHF may benefit from thiamine supplementation. Patients with CHF who are on loop diuretics are shown to have thiamine deficiency and patients with more severe CHF showed greater biochemical evidence of thiamine deficiency. Thiamine supplementation is shown to improve the left ventricular ejection fraction significantly.

Thiamine supplementation may improve cognitive functioning and has been shown to improve performance on a range of cognitive tests in females.

Populations who are prone to be deficient in this vitamin, like chronic alcoholics, patients with malabsorption syndromes, and those who consume high carbohydrates should receive supplementation. Pregnancy, lactation, high basal metabolic rate, and parenteral glucose therapy will increase the requirements of thiamine. Breast-fed infants of thiamine deficient mothers should receive adequate supplementation, as death from cardiac failure can result within hours, even though the mother appears normal.

Our recommendation for adults is 25 mg/d. This amount can be obtained from approximately 41 servings of Pork (lean arm braised), 28 servings of Pork (bacon cured/pan fried), and 80 servings of Pinto Beans (boiled). The RDA for adults is 1.5 mg/d, although a range of doses from 1-25 mg/d is usually consumed. Thiamine therapy for alcoholics may involve a single injection of 10-mg thiamine or 50 mg of oral fat-soluble thiamine propyl disulfide that permits efficient absorption in alcoholics. Wernicke's syndrome, which involves ataxia and nystagmus, develops early and, if left untreated, may progresses to Korsakoff's psychosis, the neurological manifestations of which are irreversible in 75% of the patients. Fatal reactions to high doses of I.V. thiamine have been reported.

Introducing a Free Home Based Pregnancy Test Kit

Reproductive health is a crucial part of general health and a central feature of human development. Among women of reproductive age (15-49 years), the burden of reproductive ill-health is far greater than the disease burden from tuberculosis, respiratory infections, motor vehicle injuries, homicide and violence. Women run the risks of pregnancy, childbirth and unsafe abortion, take most of the responsibility for fertility regulation and are socially and biologically more vulnerable to reproductive tract infections and sexually transmitted diseases. The National Population Policy (India), 2000, affirms the commitment of government towards voluntary and informed choice and consent of citizens while availing of reproductive health care services, and continuation of the target free approach in providing family planning services.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW), Government of India, through its National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) has introduced the rapid home pregnancy test kits (Nishchay). The Nishchay program is not a program for the promotion of the pregnancy test kit alone, but is an entry point to RCH and family planning services for women seeking quality and assured RCH and FP services.

Important key issues addressed by Nishchay are:

1. Low percent of women starting ANC in first trimester due to late detection
2. Contraceptive Provisioning (IUD/Pill) not started after ruling out pregnancy
3. High unsafe abortions due to late detection of pregnancy

The key strategies of the program are community awareness, especially among eligible couples, on Home Based Pregnancy Test Card and RCH services, increased utilization of RCH and FP services, following the test results. Important activities include capacity building of ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activist) through resource persons with field and NGO experience, brand and logo visibility using mass media campaign, community outreach activities using mid -media campaign, and integrating the card into the monitoring system of NRHM/RCH-II.

Implementation of the program is in all Indian States and UT's. The states have been classified into high, medium and low priority groups based on the NFHS-3 data on birthrate and institutional deliveries. In the first phase, the program is launched in the following 11high priority states - Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Assam, Meghalaya and Nagaland.

The implementation team was formulated at the central office of Hindustan Latex Family Planning Promotion Trust, comprising of a Senior Program Manager (Atul Bahl), Training Managers, Training Officers and a Communication Officer. State level consultants were hired in the states for additional support in monitoring of NGOs and on ground activities. The Senior Program Manager is assigned the responsibility of the national roll out of the program and the linked activities.

As planned, the service delivery strategy is being addressed through building capacities of ASHAs on understanding the pregnancy test card, making it easily available to all Eligible Couples in the community and tracking the outcome. Relevant training materials were conceptualized and designed for training of ASHAs. These were shared with the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and have been printed after the approval. NGOs at district level were contacted in all the states, meetings held and the Master trainers identified by them were trained by the project implementation team. Special training materials were designed for them as well.

Demand generation is through using mass media and mid media campaign using local folk, edu - entertainment modality through mobile vans. The program has been very well received by the public and early detection of pregnancy offers many advantages for the mother and the fetus. Many medical benefits depend on early detection, including social and emotional well-being and the avoidance of medications, irradiation, and other teratogenics.

http://bahlatul.googlepages.com

5 Ways To Reduce Stress During Pregnancy

It is natural to feel some stress during pregnancy. In addition to the enormous physical changes that occur during pregnancy, many women work throughout pregnancy, care for other children, and maintain a household. Stress can lead to headaches, poor mood, and disrupted sleep, none of which contribute to a happy, healthy mom. Chronic high levels of stress can even lead to a lowered immune system and high blood pressure. Fortunately, there are many fun, healthy ways for women to reduce stress during pregnancy, many of which can transition well into the postpartum period.

Exercise

Gentle exercise provides a number of benefits for pregnant women. Taking a ten to fifteen minute stroll every morning and evening not only regulates blood sugar and pressure, but also helps to release mood-boosting endorphins, decreasing stress.

Other gentle exercises like prenatal yoga and swimming are extremely helpful. Not only do they keep mom and baby healthy, but they also provide a gentle, relaxing environment. These particular low-impact exercises also help to soothe pregnancy aches and prepare the body for birth.

Recognizing the need for exercise throughout pregnancy, many clothing manufacturers produce maternity-appropriate fitness attire that looks and feels great. Common options include maternity swimwear, maternity yoga pants, and maternity tank tops. These pieces are made with extra length and width in the midsection to provide comfortable mobility during exercise.

Eat Well

Nutrition plays a huge role in every aspect of human life. Eating good, healthy food not only reduces the odds of pregnancy problems or illness, it also improves brain function. People who lead healthy, active lives that include a diet rich in vegetables and low in processed foods experience less depression, anxiety, and stress.

In pregnancy, health is about quality rather than quantity. Pregnant women need only a few hundred additional calories per day to maintain a healthy singleton pregnancy. However, these calories, as well as all others, should come from natural, protein-dense foods. Empty calories like soda, sugar, and many processed foods are best avoided.

Get Rest

Lack of sleep plays a contributing role in many cases of stress and depression, both before, during, and after pregnancy. Though it may be difficult to sleep when tormented by morning sickness, leg cramps, and an ever-expanding waistline, it is extremely important to get as much rest as possible.

For most, the first twelve weeks of pregnancy are marked with intense fatigue. During this vital time, the body is going through intense changes. It should come as no surprise that creating a human life can be a bit taxing. Waking up later or going to bed earlier help. Caffeine should be avoided, especially in the four hours before bedtime. Creating a rest-friendly environment by turning off the TV, dimming the lights, and listening to relaxing music also helps.

Learn to Say "No"

It is important during pregnancy to be cautious of taking on too much. If ever there were a time to put less important activities on the back burner, this is it. Reduce obligations to include only those that are critical and do not be afraid to ask for help. Stretching one's self too thin is a hotspot for creating unnecessary stress and anxiety.

Take a Babymoon

Particularly for couples who are pregnant for the first time, late pregnancy offers a chance for one last hurrah before the baby comes. Many partners take this time to go on a babymoon, a romantic trip to celebrate each other's love before it expands to include a tiny third wheel. Not only will taking time out for a vacation help to reduce stress, it also gives partners a chance to reconnect before undergoing a huge life change.

Geographic Tongue in Women

Geographic tongue is a condition that is marked by irregular red patches on the surface of the organ and may sometimes vary in shade or appearance. It is a benign disorder that affects people all over the world. However, studies of this oral anomaly have shown that women are impacted by it to a much greater degree than men. In fact, over half the cases that are diagnosed in America each year occur in women. While this might be a clue to discovering the real underlying causes behind it, the question of why women are more prone to it remains. Many physicians believe that a woman's hormones play a huge part in the development of geographic tongue, and the recurrence of symptoms are in direct relation to hormonal surges that a woman experiences at different times of her life. Women who have already been diagnosed with this complaint are very likely to have a return of symptoms during a pregnancy or during the bodily changes that occur later in life when they are no longer able to have children.

Doctors have linked female hormones to geographic tongue because of the instances of it in both pregnant and menopausal women. The onset of puberty does not seem to be a factor, however, and most female children who have been diagnosed with it are infants or toddlers. That is what makes this condition so puzzling; if hormones are to blame for it, why does it not present with every hormonal condition? While more cases have been reported in pregnancy, where bodily changes are significant, there seems to be little link between geographic tongue and the menstrual cycle. It is not completely absent during this time, but fewer cases have been reported.

This may suggest that certain pregnancy hormones may trigger it, a case made even stronger when the condition often vanishes postpartum. If pregnancy hormones are a large contributor to geographic tongue, they are certainly not the only cause, however. Women who are entering the end of their child-bearing years have also reported moderate to severe cases as well, both new and returning. While the hormones triggered by both pregnancy and the change of life in women are different, the link between the two is the body's ability to reproduce. Women who believe they might have it or who are experiencing a spike in symptoms should consult their physician for a diagnosis and advice on how to manage them.

The Power of Expectation - I Expected Something Nasty and I Got It - Well What Did You Expect?

Have you ever harnessed the exhilarating ride that is the power of expectation? Did you know it is one of the world's truly magical rides? Why it can transform not only your days, but your relationships too.

If you do something expecting it to go well... guess what? There's a pretty good chance it will.

If you do something expecting it to go badly or to be nasty. Guess what? It probably will.

The power of expectation is an amazing transformational force and can very easily become your greatest self fulfilling prophecy.

Keeping in mind that you cannot (and probably should not) control the behaviour of others, how can you use the power of expectations to turn a relationship around?

It's absurd, but here's how it worked for a client of mine.

Her husband works for himself. They had two small children under two. She worked from home as an author and was the primary carer for the children. She was finding the time between 5pm and 7pm every day to be very challenging. Everything needed to be done and everyone was tired. She expected her husband to be home by 6pm every day so he could help her during this challenging time to bathe and feed children and prepare the evening meal.

He rarely made it home before 6.30pm and this was causing her intense irritation. Each time he was 'late' she would spend the minutes after 6pm berating him and feeling like an unloved victim of her circumstances. We discussed how pitifully unhappy she was making herself with her expectation and continual disappointment when it wasn't met.

The solution we agreed upon... don't laugh!

What she resolved to do was stunningly simple and effective... she told herself to expect her husband home by 7pm every night. Guess what??

He was always early! What a man! How lucky and loved she felt. (And what strange tricks our brains can play on us).

Another client with small children used the same trick with the power of expectations to feel happier with herself. She was a high achieving, ambitious business woman in her 30s when she had children. Every milestone she set herself in her career had been achieved easily and effortlessly.

Then her children arrived. Instead signing off on business deals, there were days when she:

• Got the dirty clothes in the washing machine (yay), but never made it to the dryer


• Could feed everybody (yay), but forget to change out of her pyjamas


• Breastfed the baby (yay), but forgot to tuck everything away before opening the door to the door to door salesman


• Clear the dishes off the table (yay), but put them in the pantry instead of the dishwasher

It was at the end of one of those days that she rang me for help. She broke down in tears and sobbed out the huge list of things she hadn't achieved that day... the floor was dirty, the beds weren't made, the children were going to have tinned food because she hadn't got around to cooking the organic vegetables yet...

I quietly said, 'Stop. Do you have two children who are alive, happy and healthy?'

'Yes', she sobbed.

'Well, isn't that the most magnificent thing you could achieve in a day? Haven't you done well? Does the rest really matter?'

With those few simple questions her life was changed. She harnessed the power of expectation, changed it and began to find joy, laughter, love and moments of sheer bliss in every day. What a difference a change in expectation made to her attitude, her happiness and her life.

By simply changing your expectations, you can change how you feel about your day, your relationship and yourself. This must surely be one of the simplest and easiest personal growth tools ever... and it certainly provides amazing results.