a: link { color: #ef3d23; } a: hover { color: #8f03d8; }

Lillian’s Published Articles In Florida Today

Don’t Let The Grinch Steal Your Christmas – 12-13-18

From the moment I owned my first home, the day after Thanksgiving was all about decorating the tree and every inch of the house. After the transformation of our home was complete, we would watch the 1966 Christmas classic “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” as a family while eating cinnamon rolls and drinking eggnog.

It was usually dark outside when the movie was over. That is when we would admire our tree and lights from outside the house.

One year, when the kids were little, I postponed my “day after Thanksgiving” decorating tradition to stand in line at 3 AM. Yes, I hate to admit it, but I fell into all the “noise, noise, noise,” as the Grinch would say. Well, I equate “the noise” to commercialism.

It has been a while since that brief moment of insanity. I am happy to say; my decorating traditions are here to stay.

Read More

What Is Your Body Trying To Tell You? – 11-9-18

Most people are born perfectly beautiful, healthy, carefree, and without judgment of who we are or what we should become.

Somewhere along the way, we lose our power. We are taught that we are victims of our DNA, that we should ignore our feelings, and that others know more about our bodies than we do.

So, what happens when our body breaks down or we are told, “more tests have to be done”? We suffer. We tell everyone that we have whatever is feared even before the diagnosis is confirmed. And, we prepare for the worst.

“We suffer more in imagination than in reality” Seneca

Read More

 Consider Your Alternatives… Learn The Truth About Cancer! 10-11-18

How do you spend your free time? People spend hours connecting on social media, watching movies about zombies taking over the world, and watching sports or reality TV. Having “downtime” can be a good thing. When you are told you have a life-threatening disease such as cancer, these forms of entertainment become a distant priority. Why is it that we spend so little time learning about our health?

Hearing you have cancer is life changing… For some, it’s an opportunity to do research and make informed choices. Others can become so overwhelmed and only do what their doctors tell them. As a result, they rely on advice from those who profit from this $147.3 billion-dollar industry for their wellbeing.

Read More

 

Five D’s For Success – 9-13-18

Have you ever wondered why some people “make a living,” while others create the life of their dreams? What is different? Could it be the “silver spoon” in their mouths or sheer determination? Either way, our personal belief or bias will determine how we perceive and what we achieve in life. But what if this belief also affects our health?

Read More

 

Nurturing and Maintaining Lifetime Friendships – 8-9-18

Have you ever had a friendship that you thought would last forever? Then, after many years of a beautiful relationship, the memory of the friendship fades into the abyss? What happened to the relationship? What causes some relationships to fizzle while others thrive for decades?

We are interconnected. Feeling valued by self is important. But when you have a friend who also sees your goodness, who motivates and encourages you… now, that is truly special.

August 5th was Friendship Day. But how about if we turn August into “Friendship Month”?

Read More

 

I Am The Solution – 7-12-18 

We all have wishes, desires, and goals. But why do so many feel hopeless, beaten, and give up before arriving at success. What trumps what we want? It’s Fear! Fear can keep us from joy, achievement, adventure, and ultimately, from living the life we want.

We can blame others for our lack. But blame creates more disempowerment. Giving away our power through believing that others hold our fate in their hands, keeps us from receiving the gift of feeling accomplished, successful, or satisfied.

As a result, we continue to focus on what we don’t have. Through our thoughts, we start comparing and then we judge ourselves as inferior. Feeling inferior will generate thoughts of anger, resentment, and at times, jealousy. Then, those thoughts will paralyze us in lack, poverty and dependence on the government.

Read More

 

The Value of a Father – 6-14-18 

As the deadline for this article arrived, I was torn. I did not know what I wanted to write about. I have written about my mother, my father, and all the beautiful people who teach me different ways to show up and persevere as a parent.

Should I just ignore that Father’s Day is right around the corner and write another article about gratitude, or forgiveness, or the mind, body, spirit connection? I know I can always write about these topics and more. Something kept bringing me back to fathers.

There is an incredible value to our paternal protectors, providers, and playful protagonists.

Read More

 

The Phases of Motherhood – 5-10-18 

If you ask a child what they want to be when they grow up, many would say a teacher, police officer, or doctor, but not me. As long as I can remember, all I ever wanted to be was a “mommy.”

My concept of being a mother changed with each phase of motherhood in my life.

Phase 1: Superhuman…  When my first child was born, I would lay awake at night watching her breathe. She was the perfect child in the hospital. When we brought her home, she cried for what seemed like 2 years straight!

Read More

 

How Does The Body Speak? – 4-12-18

When you wake up from being asleep, are you truly awake?

 

So many of us go through life totally unaware of the truths that hold us back. We may or may not be aware of our fears or childhood traumas that create ritualistic behaviors. We ignore the impact of these events in our lives. Each day is a continuation of the past and that past manifests in our bodies as disease.

 

We run to the doctor because we don’t “feel well,” and that is when we are given “a pill” to treat and mask whatever symptom has manifested in our body.

 

Healing requires participation of our mind, body, and spirit. If we just treat the body, then we will miss out on our awakening.

 

When you wake up, are you really awake? For some, being awake could be a nightmare.

Read More

 

Keeping Terrorists Out of Our Bodies – 03-06-2018

On Saturday morning, I realized that my next article was due…  My body was telling me to make time to see the sunrise but my sense of responsibility was telling me that I needed to work. What do you do when your body speaks to you?  Do you listen? 

Read More[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]How To Love With Urgency – 2-8-18

I woke up with these words ringing in my head, “Love Is The Answer To All Our Problems!” How many times have we heard this idea or sentiment, as the answer to all our problems? Yet we still struggle for solutions. If love is the answer to all our problems, then why are many relationships stuck, unhappy, or empty? LOVE, they say, can move mountains!

Read More

 

A New Year’s Game of “Truth or Dare” – 1-11-18

Do you remember playing spin the bottle? The other name for the game is “Truth or Dare.” I remember playing the game… Mostly I remember the need to tell the truth. When we were younger, everyone played the game of “truth.” But as we got older, it became “dare!” In my earliest memory of playing spin the bottle, I may have been 5 or 6, I was painfully shy. I hated the feeling of being shy more than anything. Because of this, I didn’t want to be dared to look at a guy or, worse, kiss him. I would always choose “Truth!” Truth became my shield and protection from what I feared the most. Over time, truth became my friend. But truth also became my sword. (There are times where truth can set us free. But that truth may not always be well received by others, especially by those we love.) 

Read More

 

The Power of Belief ~ 12-14-17

When I drive, I normally catch up on my phone calls. Just recently, after finishing my calls, I decided to listen to the radio. I heard the inspiring words of a preacher. Although I could not see him, I could imagine what he looked like. This was the picture in my mind’s eye… an evangelical preacher, raspy voice, sweat on his forehead, and perhaps overweight, saying these words, “God is so powerful, yessah… God is soooo powerful, all you gots to do is ASK! You don’t have to do a thing… If you want a car just ask for that car cause God can do ANYTHING… Yessah, just keep asking and one day, that car will just show up in your driveway and you don’t even need to work for it!”

Read More

 

Could You Be Suffering from “Seasonal Gratitude”? ~11-9-17

Is it my imagination or has this year flown by? It is November. Before you know it, we will be ringing in the New Year. All the holiday cheer, good intentions, volunteer-filled soup kitchens, resolutions, spending, parties, overindulging, and gift giving that will happen before the end of the year, seems well out of proportion when we stop and think about what we do during rest of the year.

Read More

 

Are You Chemotherapy Deficient? ~ 10-14-17 

We recently experienced the power of nature first hand. Hurricane Irma made its way into our beautiful state. In hours, everything we hold dear could have been gone but many of us were spared. Some are still dealing with its effects. I drive around and still see the stress that high winds and heavy rain caused on our vegetation. It almost looks like winter after a freeze. The trees look like they are dead but likely they will return to normal, as they do each spring.

Read More

 

Be Who You Say You Are ~ 9-14-17

When you feel called to take action or drawn to start something new, do you listen to the call? Some might call this experience, intuition or a calling but I call it a knowing. This is when you know, beyond a shadow of a doubt that there is something you must do, even if you don’t know how you will do it. Being “called”, does not necessarily mean you are exempt from resistance but there are times you might experience support. Either way, it is like an itch that must be scratched.

Read More

 

Embracing Our Shadow ~ 8-10-17

Have you heard of the expression, “Afraid of their own shadow”? This expression describes a person who is nervous and easily frightened. But if you take a closer look, you might see a person who is afraid of who they are or maybe even afraid of the image they project. It is almost comical to think that someone can be afraid of their own shadow. What is it about the shadow, my shadow, your shadow, that is frightening?

Read More

 

Turning a Mistake Into a Growth Opportunity ~ 7-12-17

Have you ever made a mistake that the cost was so deep it hurt? Are you still living with the consequence of that mistake? Do the thoughts of yours or someone else’s mistake constantly steal your joy? Do you feel paralyzed because you do NOT want to make the wrong choice… AKA, a “Mistake?” I am frequently asked, “how do I know I am not making a mistake?”

Read More

 

Get in touch with your dreams ~ 6-8-17

Have you ever wanted something so much, the thought of not having it leaves you feeling numb or paralyzed? After a while of having that unfulfilled dream, you start to deny you want it, in fear that if it doesn’t happen, it will hurt too much. Well, just recently I made a discovery that caused me to face this truth about denying my dream.

Read More

 

The Mindset of US…  Finding The Higher Power Within ~  5-11-17

Are you worried? What do you want to change in your life? Are you in the middle of a storm or has the rain stopped and feel like you are in a desert? No matter where you are or what is happening in your life, there is a higher power that wants to work with you and give you all that you need… Are you asking questions? Most importantly, are you listening? What do you need? Is it money, love, worthiness, hope, health, or something else? Regardless of what you need, what you believe will always create your results. I believe in a higher power. Each of us has a different name for this power. For this article, I will refer to this all mighty power as Creator, Spirit or Intuition.

Read More

 

A New Meaning For PTSD ~ 4-13-17

Have you ever experienced a “Ground Hog Day” like scenario where you want to stop the madness but you feel powerless? A scenario where what needs to be done seems over your head and trusting an “expert” is the only way to resolve your issue? It’s certainly not as serious as the PTSD suffered by those who have had traumatic events happen in their lives, but just recently I spent 24 hours and traveled 100 miles, trying to get my brand-new cell phone to turn on and retrieve my data. I think I may have developed “Post Traumatic Sprint Dis-Order!”

Read More

 

Objectively Observe Your Life, NOW! ~ 3-9-17

We have just entered a time of reflection, a time of giving up and a time of new life. Easter is a Christian holiday that is celebrated throughout the world. In preparation for Easter, during lent, fasting is one of the rituals people embrace. Many give up sweets, alcohol and even Facebook. But what if we could give up reacting to circumstances?

Read More

 

Be Proactive About Heart Matters ~ 2-9-17

Welcome to the month of love and the month where we focus on “matters of the heart”! We use expressions, such as; “broken heart,” “your heart’s content,” “eat your heart out,” “cross your heart,” “heart of stone,” “wear your heart on your sleeve,” or, one of my favorites, “young at heart.” I am sure you can think of many more. All these expressions conjure up emotions but where is the emotion coming from, your brain or your heart? Does it matter? Perhaps they are both important since we cannot live without either one of them.

Read More

 

Being RADICAL will keep the New Year, new1-12-17

It is a New Year… Isn’t “New” so much fun? Everything seems so special when the word “New” is before it; New Shoes, New Clothes, New Car, New Friendship, New Lover, New Job, New Life… I rest my case! Just the thought of a New Year makes most people feel hopeful.

Read More

 

A Holiday Truce For Your Marriage – 12-8-16

As one of my favorite songs, Christmas Waltz, starts off: “It’s that time of year when the world falls in love…” Yes, it is the Holiday Season! Which means, the end of the year is near. For many, it is a time for gathering with friends and family. For some, it is a time for parties, binge drinking, and eating. For others, it is a time for reflection and spirituality. Then, there are some people who will be making tough decisions. Decisions that will significantly affect their lives. This is the time many couples decide: “We will only stay together until the holidays are over.”

Read More

 

Finding Your Voice – 11-10-16

There is a time in all of our lives when we come face to face with an important conflict between who we want others to think we are and the real truth of who we are. It is only through self-honesty and a desire to dig deep that we will learn who we truly are and who we want to become. I have had the privilege as a radio show host and certified life coach to listen to where others are in their journey. I also have been able to draw upon my own experience to help guide and support my clients and “Listening Friends.”

Read More

 

Cancer Is A Symptom – 10-13-16

What if I told you that your body was perfectly created and created with everything it needs to heal, naturally? (No Way!) What if I told you that your body speaks to you and it tells you exactly what it needs all the time. Would you believe me? Sometimes our body speaks in a whisper. Other times, it is a shout and when we continue to ignore our body and not listen, our body will speak to us by hitting us with a “2 by 4” right across our heads! Our body is constantly speaking but we tell our body, in the words of the great philosopher, Elmer Fudd “SSHHH… Be wewy, wewy quwiet!”

Read More

 

Life is a process, so “Trust The Process!” – 9-8-16

I am sitting at my desk filled with gratitude at the latest events in my life. There are times in our lives when we need to take action but there are multiple choices facing us. And all of those choices are acceptable for different reasons. What do we do? How do we make the best choice? In these circumstances it is so important to trust the process and allow nature to take its course. Trusting the process can seem like a roller coaster ride so put your hands in the air and enjoy the “growth” ride.

Read More

 

Embracing The “S” & “F” Words – 8-11-16

Words that we can’t say out loud in public can be stated with just one letter. Most of us know that there is an “S” word and of course, the infamous “F” word! We throw “S” & “F” words around like there is no tomorrow but what if there is a tomorrow. How do these words affect our today?

Read More

 

How We Are Like Water and Water Like us? – 7-14-16

I love water. I love most everything about water. Water is refreshing, adaptable and it can be destructive. When I am thirsty, it is water that sustains me. There have been times when I have avoided, disregarded and even taken for granted this wonderful gift. Recently, when I was in the water, at the beach, I remembered how similar I am to water. I am strong, I am welcoming, I am vulnerable, and I always find a way. Some facts about water… Blood is 92% water. The brain and muscles are 75% water. The earth is also 75% water. Water is essential for our existence. Without water, we would die. (Well, there is Yogi Prahlad Jani, who has not had anything to eat or drink for over 80 years. In August, he will be 87. But this fact is totally for a different story.) Yes… Now, back to water!

Read More

 

Love Always Makes A Difference    6-9-16

Whatever the question… Love is the answer.
Whatever the problem… Love is the answer.
If you are at a crossroad in life… Love is the answer.
If you feel depressed, detached, discontent… Love is the answer.

Read More

 

A Twist On The Golden Rule 5-12-16

On May 14th, which is also the day I honor my mother for bringing me into this world, I will be celebrating the 5th anniversary of hosting The Lillian McDermott Radio Show. Also, did you know that in March of 2015, I started writing for Florida Today? It has been my life’s dream to make a difference, but what if I have not? What if everything I have done has been delusional, rubbed someone the wrong way or even offended them. I wonder if any of my shows or articles have made a difference in your life. Many believe in the wise saying, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you!” (The Golden Rule) When we are little we are taught, “Treat others the way you want to be treated.” But what if what I like or how I want to be treated is not the way you want to be treated? Hmmm! What if?

Read More

 

Just Like My Mother –  5-6-16

Early to rise… I would always find her in the bathroom, dressed and putting on her makeup. “Where are you going, mommy?” I’d asked. “To the kitchen, you want to come?” she’d say.

Read More

 

5 Life Lessons Learned On The Trail – 4-14-16

Sometimes in life, we just don’t know where we are going. Each step we take is filled with fear, doubt and uncertainty. I just returned from my first backpacking trip and, much to my surprise, I learned that “the trail” has many similarities to our journey in life. I survived my trip and the lessons learned have forever changed how I view nature, flexibility, goal setting, preparedness and our need for support. I want to share some of the lessons I learned in my adventure.

Read More

 

Learn How To Step Outside Your Comfort Zone  –  3-9-16

In life, we need to be flexible in our circumstances. Instead of dwelling on what we don’t get, we can focus on what we will do with what we have!

Read More

 

Overcoming Childhood Insecurities Will Free You  –  2-10-16

There is an unspoken pressure about being in love on Valentine’s Day. What does being in love really mean? It means no limits, no expectations, no strings attached, totally win/win and “never having to say you’re sorry!” (That last one was a quote from the movie “Love Story” and was meant just simply to add humor.) Does that kind of love exist? Have you ever had that kind of love?

Read More

 

Rethink Your New Year’s Resolution  –   1-14-16

We are well into the new year and I am wondering if you made “resolutions” that will only last a few weeks. They are often followed by rationalizing you didn’t want or need that anyway. Then you will spend the rest of the year bashing yourself because you could not keep one single resolution! It is time to ask, what will be different this year? Are you ready to commit to a change?

Read More

 

Embracing Loss During The Holidays  –  12-9-15

This year alone, The McDermott Family has experienced some incredible and painful losses. I am certain as you read this article that you or someone you know has experienced the loss of a loved one as well. Loss is a part of life and no matter your faith, race or socioeconomic background, no one is immune.

Read More

 

Holiday Gatherings Need Not Be Stressful  –  11-12-15

Can you believe how this year has flown? At times I wonder if life will slow down, but it seems the older I get, the quicker time passes. But what about during the holidays? For some the holidays drag, because we find ourselves surrounded by relatives we might see once a year and at times, it is by choice.

Read More

 

Follow Your Yellow Brick Road  –  10-15-15

Just recently, I was speaking to a young man who was unhappy with his life. He has big dreams but keeps making the same mistakes that keep him from achieving his goals. He just doesn’t know where his life is going. For some reason, many believe that in order to be happy, everything in our life has to be “perfect.” We have an idea of what we want our life to be in order to be happy but if there is a slight variation to our plan, thoughts of unhappiness settle in.

Read More

 

We Can Victimize Our Lives  –  9-9-15

Over Twenty years ago I heard Dr. Wayne Dyer say, “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change!” In an instant, this quote transformed my heart and the way I looked at why something was happening to me. Since hearing this quote this awareness has lead me to a new awakening towards taking 100% Responsibility for everything in my life. I want to challenge everyone to change the way we all look at responsibility, and see it as a beautiful word, action and deed, because responsibility leads to empowerment.

Read More

 

Are You Really Only As Good As Your Last Basket?  –  8-13-15

As a life coach and radio host focused on personal growth, I have heard about the dynamics of families. Even if I chat with every member of a family about a situation, each member perceives an event differently. It always amazes me how much “Always” and “Never” are used when it comes to the description of a scenario. In fact, I would like to share my own experience and what I have learned about these impactful words, “Always” and “Never.”

Read More

 

Trust You Inner Voice  –  7-9-15

Do you have an inner voice that speaks to you? This is the voice that comes from your gut or out of a place deep within. We all have that voice within but we don’t all pay attention to it or respect it. Paying attention to our intuition can have a significant effect on our lives.

Read More

 

Be Grateful For The Gifts From Dad  –  6-21-15

There is a song by Amy Grant that I have sung at church on Father’s Day weekend. It’s called “Father’s Eyes,” and it has more than one meaning to me. I remember hearing the song for the first time while tears filled my eyes. In fact, I had to practice the song a lot before I was able to sing it without getting too emotional. (Crying and singing don’t work well together. Well, at least not with me.)

Read More

 

Why Wait? Life is Urgent! –  6-11-15

A week ago, my healthy 84-year-old father suffered a stroke. As you can imagine my family has rallied together to make sure our father recuperates and receives the best therapy possible. I remember receiving the text stating, “Called 911 and Daddy is on his way to the hospital with a potential stroke!” I had just finished broadcasting my radio show and had a full day planned. The moment I saw that text, my priorities changed.

Read More

 

How To Be Grateful In Difficult Times?  –    5-12-15

Recently, I did a show on “how to be grateful in hard times.” My guest shared how she and her friends use the word “awfulizing” to describe chronic complaining. Awfulizers focus on everything that is wrong in their lives, with friends, family and the world and complain about how their lives are worse than yours. Awfulizing will cause the body to react as if the problem is happening at that moment. This constant re-living of a problem can lead to illness or disease.

Read More

 

How Do You React When The Pressure Is On?  –  4-9-15

What Do You Get When You Squeeze an Orange? The answer to this question is obviously Orange Juice… Why? Because the orange juice was in it! So what happens to you when you are squeezed? What kind of “juice” comes out of you? Does “kindness, love, patience and forgiveness juice” come out or is it “bitterness, anger, judgment and sarcasm juice”?

Read More

 

The Life Of Your Dreams Is Only A Thought Away  –  3-10-15

The thoughts in our mind are so powerful that they can impact our entire life. First, there is a thought. Then the thought becomes a feeling. Finally, that feeling becomes an action. But it all begins with a thought. Thoughts will instantly transform us. Thoughts can make us sad or they can bring us joy!

Read More

 

What Do You Want In Life?  –  2-12-15

For many, we focus on what we don’t want. We might say; “I don’t want to get sick!” “I don’t want to marry an alcoholic like (Insert name)” “I don’t want to lose my job!” “I don’t want to be late! But the reality is, we manifest what we think. And since the brain does not recognize “don’t,” we get more of what we don’t want!

Read More

~ TV Shows With Lillian  ~

 

Did you know there is more than chemo and radiation when it comes to healing the body from cancer?  Click Here to watch my interview on WEFS TV with Tim Walters as we discuss October’s Florida Today’s article about how to “Consider Your Alternatives” 10-22-18

Have you lost connection with your lifelong relationships? When was the last time you called them?  Click Here to watch my interview on WEFS TV with Tim Walters as we discuss my August article, “How to Nurture & Maintain Lifetime Friendships”

Are you blaming someone else for your problems? This is where we take 100% Responsibility for everything in our life.  Click Here to watch my interview on WEFS TV with Tim Walters as we discuss my July article, “I Am The Solution”

What is the relationship with your father?  Father’s are so important and worth more that they will ever know.  Click Here to watch my interview on WEFS TV with Tim Walters as we discuss my June article, The Worth of a Father.”  

What happens to mother’s as our children leave the home?  Click Here to watch my interview on WEFS TV with Tim Walters as we discuss my May article,  The Phases of Motherhood“!

When your body speaks, do you listen?  If you feel pain, do you just take a pill or do you try to figure out the root cause of the pain?  Click Here to watch my interview on WEFS TV with Tim Walters as we discuss February’s Florida Today’s article ab

What would you do differently if you had one week to live?  Click Here to watch my interview on WEFS TV with Tim Walters as we discuss February’s Florida Today’s article about “How to LOVE with Urgency.”

Want to play a game?  Click Here to watch my interview on WEFS TV with Tim Walters as we discuss January’s Florida Today’s article about “A New Game of Truth or Dare.” 1-16-18

Want to learn how to attract what you want?  Click Here to watch my interview on WEFS TV with Tim Walters, as we discuss December’s Florida Today’s article about “The Power of Belief”– 12-18-17

Could you be suffering from Seasonal Gratitude?  Click Here to watch my interview on WEFS TV with Tim Walters, as we discuss November’s Florida Today’s article about feeling grateful all year long – 11-13-17

Could you be chemotherapy deficient?  Click Here to watch my interview on WEFS TV with Tim Walters, as we discuss October’s Florida Today’s article about a holistic and integrative approach to healing your body. – 10-15-17

Are you being called to create something new?  Click Here to watch my interview on WEFS TV with Tim Walters, as we discuss September’s Florida Today’s article about being who you say you are. – 9-12-17

Do you wish you could change your past?  Click Here to watch my interview on WEFS TV with Tim Walters, as we discuss August’s Florida Today’s article about embracing your mistakes as growth opportunities.  – 8-13-17

Do you remember what you wanted to be?   Click Here to watch my interview on WEFS TV with Tim Walters, as we discuss July’s Florida Today’s article about achieving your dreams. ( 7-16-17)

Matt Reed and I discuss his favorite articles that I wrote for Florida Today  in 2015.  Click Here to watch my interview on The Matt Reed Show  –  12-16-15

Can you believe that I was called “The Voice of Healthby Florida Today?  –  (Click to watch Video) 9-21-15

  ~ Articles About Lillian  ~

 

Matt Reed Article:  Recapping the Matt Reed Show  –  12-16-15

Nerdgirl Article:  Geeking Out About When You Need A Friend  –  7-10-1