The start of a new school year for our kids is a great time for we as adults to make a fresh start with our health. Why? During Autumn, we swing back into familiar routines--waking up at a consistent time, preparing lunches and snacks, arranging for car pools.
You've no doubt helped your child prepare for the back-to-school transition by getting him to bed a bit earlier than usual, giving him the speech about the value of good study habits and buying him fresh school supplies. You're doing everything in your power to set your child up for success, right? But how about you? Are you making adjustments to set yourself up for success?
Here are some tips to take advantage of new beginnings made possible with the start of a new school year:
- Move your body - Once your child has safely hopped on the school bus, do some of your own jumping around. It could be as simple as a walk or jog around the neighborhood. Or perhaps, like me, you head to the local gym for some resistance training and treadmill action before starting your work day. Whatever the case, take advantage of the consistent morning routine.
- Nourish yourself and your family - Healthy produce is abundant this time of year. Be sure to visit your local market to pick up a variety of fruits and vegetables to fill your family's plates and lunch boxes. Also, be sure to keep grab-and-go snacks like apples, carrots, almonds and other healthy favorites handy to stave off after-school--and after-work--hunger.
- Do your homework - Create a quiet space where your child can do homework and consider doing some of your own rather than rushing into your evening routine. What kind of homework? Self care! Take a few moments to reflect on your day while taking a few cleansing breaths to center yourself. Grab a glass of lemon water or make yourself a cup of green tea. Count your blessings and be present for your family.
- Organize your time - On the first day of school, every child brings home a pile of paperwork for mom or dad to complete, including a school calendar. Be sure to add all important dates to your calendar now so you're not faced with surprises later. You can also use this opportunity to show your child the value of time management by having him add key dates to his calendar.
Are you ready? The school bell is about to ring!
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Monday, April 29, 2013
Unconditional Love
I had it all... a well paying job, a lovely home, and a healthy family. Then, why did it feel like my life was over? It made no rational sense. Yet nothing makes sense when you're in the throes of depression. I was numb, hopeless, angry, despondent. I could see no light of the end of the very dark tunnel I was spiraling down.
Thankfully, the mustard seed of faith within me prevailed and I had the courage to come face to face with the reality that I needed to make some changes in my life. I was forced to leave behind the career that no longer served me and get serious about reconnecting with the person at my core. I needed to find my voice and learn how to nourish my soul. I needed space and time to heal from wounds that were deep within.
The notion of abandoning the story of who I was in favor of leaping into the unknown was terrifying for me and my husband. What would our lives look like with a dramatically reduced income? Would we be able to pay the mortgage? Would we be able to provide for our son's future? Would we ever be able to retire? So many questions swirled about our heads. Yet there really was no choice. I could continue on the same path and die or I could make new choices and live. Dramatic? Yes, but it was my truth.
My husband could see that I was being crushed by not living in alignment with my purpose. And so, instead of panicking, abandoning me, or spurring any sense of guilt, he stood by me. He expressed unconditional love for me at a time when I needed it most. He gave me space and allowed me to explore possibilities for my future. He watched me paint, decorate cakes, sew, make crafts, and complete home projects. He watched me dream and develop business plans. When I decided that I wanted to further my education by attending nutrition school, he expressed concern about the cost but ultimately gave me the green light to invest in myself. I'm now just a few weeks away from completing my program and am investing further in my education by enrolling in a business development program. I am we'll on my way to a new career and have confidence that I can build a successful business and more than make up for income lost during the time I was getting my life back. I feel incredibly blessed for having the support of a partner whose unconditional love helped me move toward a new story, a renewed sense of hope, a restored life.
Thankfully, the mustard seed of faith within me prevailed and I had the courage to come face to face with the reality that I needed to make some changes in my life. I was forced to leave behind the career that no longer served me and get serious about reconnecting with the person at my core. I needed to find my voice and learn how to nourish my soul. I needed space and time to heal from wounds that were deep within.
The notion of abandoning the story of who I was in favor of leaping into the unknown was terrifying for me and my husband. What would our lives look like with a dramatically reduced income? Would we be able to pay the mortgage? Would we be able to provide for our son's future? Would we ever be able to retire? So many questions swirled about our heads. Yet there really was no choice. I could continue on the same path and die or I could make new choices and live. Dramatic? Yes, but it was my truth.
My husband could see that I was being crushed by not living in alignment with my purpose. And so, instead of panicking, abandoning me, or spurring any sense of guilt, he stood by me. He expressed unconditional love for me at a time when I needed it most. He gave me space and allowed me to explore possibilities for my future. He watched me paint, decorate cakes, sew, make crafts, and complete home projects. He watched me dream and develop business plans. When I decided that I wanted to further my education by attending nutrition school, he expressed concern about the cost but ultimately gave me the green light to invest in myself. I'm now just a few weeks away from completing my program and am investing further in my education by enrolling in a business development program. I am we'll on my way to a new career and have confidence that I can build a successful business and more than make up for income lost during the time I was getting my life back. I feel incredibly blessed for having the support of a partner whose unconditional love helped me move toward a new story, a renewed sense of hope, a restored life.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Listening To My Body
Yesterday I got up early... typical for me. However, I decided to skip my trek to the gym and finish mulching the garden beds around my home. I had started the project over the weekend by preparing all of the areas. I raked up dried leaves and other remnants from autumn and pulled weeds that had returned from their winter slumber. The rhythm of transferring the mulch to my wheel barrel and on to my garden beds, one shovel full at a time, became my workout and a kind of meditation. I enjoyed the cool dew on my ankles and the heat of the steamy mulch on my hands. The smell? Deliciously earthy, but a little hard on my nose.
Several hours later, I took a moment to take in the beauty of my completed work. Ah, there's nothing like the vibrant color of hyacinth and tulips against the chocolate brown of newly strewn mulch.
Then, the exhaustion of all of my hard labor hit me like a ton of bricks. I thought I was in fairly good shape from all of my recent workouts and yoga, but I had been using muscles that, like the weeds in my garden beds, had awoken from their slumber. I ached all over. A hot shower and fresh clothes would surely help restore my energy, so upstairs to the master bath I went. Yet after my shower I found myself wobbling down the stairs as though my muscles had bathed in concrete. Surely a hot cup of tea would fix all that ailed me. Then, I could move on to business tasks I had planned for the day.
But... I... just... couldn't... move.
There was a time in my life when I would've just powered through. I would've sucked it up and ignored the fact that my body was screaming for rest. But I'm older and wiser now. I have finally learned to listen to my body. So I put my work aside and asked myself what I could do to nurture myself in this moment. What did I really need? I needed to make myself another cup of tea, sit on the sofa, cover up with my fleece blanket, and read. When even reading felt like too much, I napped. There was no guilt, no regrets, just self-care. By afternoon, my strength returned. Miraculous? Yes, when I consider that it took decades for me to finally learn to listen to my body!
By evening, I was back in the swing of things. I worked on some promotional packets for my business, set some new goals, participated in a conference call, and reminded myself why I am making a career transition to health coaching. I want to help other women figure out how to take care of themselves, to put themselves first, to eat better, move more, reconnect with their spirit and be the vital women they were born to be.
If you think you could benefit from the guidance of a health coach, a.k.a., a teacher, a compassionate listener, a cheerleader, an accountability partner, then we need to talk. Do you want to live a happier, healthier life? Do you want to reconnect with the woman at your very core? I can help you get there. What are you waiting for? Call me. It doesn't matter where you live. Phone sessions work just as well as face to face... sometimes even better as we can chat while wearing PJ's, cup of tea in hand. www.synchronessence.com
Several hours later, I took a moment to take in the beauty of my completed work. Ah, there's nothing like the vibrant color of hyacinth and tulips against the chocolate brown of newly strewn mulch.
Then, the exhaustion of all of my hard labor hit me like a ton of bricks. I thought I was in fairly good shape from all of my recent workouts and yoga, but I had been using muscles that, like the weeds in my garden beds, had awoken from their slumber. I ached all over. A hot shower and fresh clothes would surely help restore my energy, so upstairs to the master bath I went. Yet after my shower I found myself wobbling down the stairs as though my muscles had bathed in concrete. Surely a hot cup of tea would fix all that ailed me. Then, I could move on to business tasks I had planned for the day.
But... I... just... couldn't... move.
There was a time in my life when I would've just powered through. I would've sucked it up and ignored the fact that my body was screaming for rest. But I'm older and wiser now. I have finally learned to listen to my body. So I put my work aside and asked myself what I could do to nurture myself in this moment. What did I really need? I needed to make myself another cup of tea, sit on the sofa, cover up with my fleece blanket, and read. When even reading felt like too much, I napped. There was no guilt, no regrets, just self-care. By afternoon, my strength returned. Miraculous? Yes, when I consider that it took decades for me to finally learn to listen to my body!
By evening, I was back in the swing of things. I worked on some promotional packets for my business, set some new goals, participated in a conference call, and reminded myself why I am making a career transition to health coaching. I want to help other women figure out how to take care of themselves, to put themselves first, to eat better, move more, reconnect with their spirit and be the vital women they were born to be.
If you think you could benefit from the guidance of a health coach, a.k.a., a teacher, a compassionate listener, a cheerleader, an accountability partner, then we need to talk. Do you want to live a happier, healthier life? Do you want to reconnect with the woman at your very core? I can help you get there. What are you waiting for? Call me. It doesn't matter where you live. Phone sessions work just as well as face to face... sometimes even better as we can chat while wearing PJ's, cup of tea in hand. www.synchronessence.com
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Energy medicine... Weird or amazing?
I am learning first-hand that there is much to discover in this amazing universe. A few weeks ago, a fellow student from nutrition school posted a question on Facebook that caught my attention. She wondered if anyone had experience with energy medicine. I responded in the affirmative as I am attuned in Reiki and am a student of Healing Touch. She was told by another practitioner that her energy required balancing and she was seeking help to restore equilibrium. Even though my new friend was 2,500 miles away, I offered to assist.
During my studies of energy medicine, I learned that healing transcends space and time. If one holds the intention to serve as a conduit for healing energy, it doesn't matter if the person seeking healing is laying on a table in front of the practitioner or half-way across the globe. Healing can still take place. While I had only practiced healing at a distance during a Reiki class (my "client" was in an adjacent room), I had faith in the process. My new friend Michelle and I decided we would proceed.
I explained the process. Michelle would find a quiet space to lay down and, for the next hour, I would complete an assessment and balance her energy, as needed. I imagined that Michelle was physically present and proceeded as though she was right in front of me. I asked Michelle to call me in an hour so we could talk about her experience. Because I had little experience with distance healing, my expectations were low. Much to my delight, Michelle had an amazing experience. She said that could feel pressure on her legs at first and then about half-way through the session (about the time I was raking through her energy fields), she had an incredible emotional release. She began to cry. She described the experience as powerful. Frankly, we were both blown away. We reflected on the fact that Spirit, God, the Universe--whatever one chooses to call universal energy--is miraculous and mysterious and may never be fully understood.
What did happen? I believe that, by holding a healing intention, Michelle and I both tapped into a higher spiritual vibration that allowed Michelle to release anxiety and restore balance to her energy centers. To me, it shows that we all have the power to connect to a higher source that holds the key to the greater good of those who have faith.
Weird? Maybe.
Mysterious? Amazing? Incredible? Definitely.
During my studies of energy medicine, I learned that healing transcends space and time. If one holds the intention to serve as a conduit for healing energy, it doesn't matter if the person seeking healing is laying on a table in front of the practitioner or half-way across the globe. Healing can still take place. While I had only practiced healing at a distance during a Reiki class (my "client" was in an adjacent room), I had faith in the process. My new friend Michelle and I decided we would proceed.
I explained the process. Michelle would find a quiet space to lay down and, for the next hour, I would complete an assessment and balance her energy, as needed. I imagined that Michelle was physically present and proceeded as though she was right in front of me. I asked Michelle to call me in an hour so we could talk about her experience. Because I had little experience with distance healing, my expectations were low. Much to my delight, Michelle had an amazing experience. She said that could feel pressure on her legs at first and then about half-way through the session (about the time I was raking through her energy fields), she had an incredible emotional release. She began to cry. She described the experience as powerful. Frankly, we were both blown away. We reflected on the fact that Spirit, God, the Universe--whatever one chooses to call universal energy--is miraculous and mysterious and may never be fully understood.
What did happen? I believe that, by holding a healing intention, Michelle and I both tapped into a higher spiritual vibration that allowed Michelle to release anxiety and restore balance to her energy centers. To me, it shows that we all have the power to connect to a higher source that holds the key to the greater good of those who have faith.
Weird? Maybe.
Mysterious? Amazing? Incredible? Definitely.
Friday, March 8, 2013
No Disrespect Intended, Grandpa!
A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I spent an afternoon hanging art around our home. It was fun trying to figure out the best spots to place the oil painting of Venice (a place we both love), an old water color of a sailboat (my husband's first art acquisition made during his college days), and a tiny water color that I bought when we visited Paris years ago (a pocket on the back of the frame holds a photograph of the actual spot where the artist stood to create the piece). It's wonderful to surround yourself with things that you love. But what to do with all of those framed photographs of ancestors, weddings and other special moments frozen in time? In our old house, we painstakingly nailed them to the wall along our staircase. It took me hours to decide how to place them (and God help me, when I had to take them down to paint!). This time around, my husband had a much better solution. He purchased some door trim, nailed three strips to the wall, and painted them. Each piece serves as a ledge to hold framed photos. Genius! Now we can move the photos around with ease and even rotate different photos when we tire of seeing Grandpa's face (RIP Grandpa, no disrespect intended!). I've included a photo of the set-up if you'd like to replicate it in your own home. In case you're wondering, Grandpa is the guy on the bottom row, all the way to the right.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Love's got your back
Last weekend my husband and I spent time with four teens (all around age 16) and our pastor at a retreat center in rural Pennsylvania. The teens were preparing for confirmation in the Episcopal church. My husband and I have served as their leaders for the past two years and are preparing to take them on a Journey to Adulthood pilgrimage to England where we will return to the roots of the church. Naturally, Westminster Abbey will be among our stops.
I have come to love and appreciate the "kids" who are soon to become young adults in the church. They are tasked with carrying on long-standing traditions and, hopefully, will be making necessary adaptations needed for the church to remain current. It's a big responsibility but I have faith that these young people will take on their roles as leaders with enthusiasm. They are thoughtful and caring, intelligent and loving.
So what did we do on our retreat? We spent time in prayer, reflected on scripture, pondered the after-life and shared in the Eucharist. We also had ample time to have fun and further bond as a group. One of the highlight activities was maneuvering a low ropes course.
There was a time in my life when I would have dreaded attempting this type of activity. Trying something new has typically been very hard for me. "What if I look foolish? What if I fail?" This was my mantra from the past; my old story. It is the story that held me back from fully experiencing life for decades. As I have grown older and wiser, I recognize that I no longer want to miss out on things. I recognize that I can't wait for the perfect conditions before making a move because there are never perfect conditions. As Geneen Roth, author of Women, Food and God, would say "there is no there there." There is no magical place that, once reached, will guarantee that all will be well forever and ever, amen. We only have the present and we've got to make it count. There's no need to wait to do anything. Even if your dream is really big and seems out of reach, you have the choice to move towards it. That may be one step at a time or a few leaps at a time.
When it was my turn to step on to the rope, I did so with confidence. Part of my confidence came from within but more of it resulted from the support I had around me. I didn't need to go it alone. I was surrounded by my husband, my pastor, my "kids"--people who love me and want to see me succeed. They were there to catch me if I started to fall, encourage me when I got anxious, and instruct me when I was unsure about my next move. I needn't be afraid to embark on this new experience.
I crossed the rope with relative ease, just as I intend to proceed with my life--effortlessly--supported by love, which for me is God, Spirit and Universal energy. Love creates and envelopes us in this very moment and always. Love's got your back.
I have come to love and appreciate the "kids" who are soon to become young adults in the church. They are tasked with carrying on long-standing traditions and, hopefully, will be making necessary adaptations needed for the church to remain current. It's a big responsibility but I have faith that these young people will take on their roles as leaders with enthusiasm. They are thoughtful and caring, intelligent and loving.
So what did we do on our retreat? We spent time in prayer, reflected on scripture, pondered the after-life and shared in the Eucharist. We also had ample time to have fun and further bond as a group. One of the highlight activities was maneuvering a low ropes course.
There was a time in my life when I would have dreaded attempting this type of activity. Trying something new has typically been very hard for me. "What if I look foolish? What if I fail?" This was my mantra from the past; my old story. It is the story that held me back from fully experiencing life for decades. As I have grown older and wiser, I recognize that I no longer want to miss out on things. I recognize that I can't wait for the perfect conditions before making a move because there are never perfect conditions. As Geneen Roth, author of Women, Food and God, would say "there is no there there." There is no magical place that, once reached, will guarantee that all will be well forever and ever, amen. We only have the present and we've got to make it count. There's no need to wait to do anything. Even if your dream is really big and seems out of reach, you have the choice to move towards it. That may be one step at a time or a few leaps at a time.
When it was my turn to step on to the rope, I did so with confidence. Part of my confidence came from within but more of it resulted from the support I had around me. I didn't need to go it alone. I was surrounded by my husband, my pastor, my "kids"--people who love me and want to see me succeed. They were there to catch me if I started to fall, encourage me when I got anxious, and instruct me when I was unsure about my next move. I needn't be afraid to embark on this new experience.
I crossed the rope with relative ease, just as I intend to proceed with my life--effortlessly--supported by love, which for me is God, Spirit and Universal energy. Love creates and envelopes us in this very moment and always. Love's got your back.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
No lightning bolts for this girl!
Last week I had a bunch of morning commitments and didn't get to the gym during my favored time (7:30 - 8:30 am). So what did I do? Instead of going to the gym at a later hour, I skipped my workouts! You may be thinking "but you're a health and lifestyle coach, you're not supposed to skips workouts!" Well, just so you know, health coaches don't always make the best choices. Sometimes we slip up too. But I no longer intend to beat myself up about these things. I find it is best to forgive myself and move on. So this week I am back at the gym and back to my morning routine. The break I took last week didn't prompt the health coaching gods to strike me down with a bolt of lightning. In fact, they reminded me that I'm human--just like you (cuz, hey, I know you slip up too!). Please don't beat yourself up when you slip up. Love yourself instead. www.synchronessence.com
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Minute Meditations
Admittedly, I am a task oriented person. Typically I am thinking about my next activity while completing the task at hand. As a result, I am not truly living in the moment; not fully present. I have decided to change this practice--and you can too--using minute meditations.
Here are some mindful ways to tackle household chores:
Salad making meditation - Some days I wish I had a self-propagating salad bar on my kitchen counter but since I don't, I have learned to prepare my salads with mindfulness. Treat your vegetables with reverence as they are miraculous creations from the earth. Pay attention to their color, texture and aroma. Slice them while giving thanksgiving to Mother Earth and infuse abundance into your nourishing meal.
Pot washing meditation - In the spirit of Mr. Myogi from the Karate Kid, I scrub my pots with the circular wax on, wax off motion until their brilliance returns. Particularly stubborns stains are a reminder that life's not always easy. Sometimes we need to use greater strength and have more patience before we can shine.
Vacuuming meditation - Hum along to the drone of the vacuum with an internal "om" allowing your mind to quiet. Use the back and forth motion of the machine to stretch your body--carpet yoga, if you will!
Ironing meditation - Okay, so some people don't iron any more but, if you do, make it count. Feel the warmth of the fabric after the steam has penetrated the cloth. Recognize that you have the power to straighten out the wrinkles in your life (or accept the smile lines on your face!). Marvel at the elegance of a crisp white blouse.
Plant watering meditation - Houseplants purify the air we breathe and add color and beauty to any room. Nourish your plants not only with fresh, clean water but with loving energy. Allow the plants to feel your higher vibration and learn to feel theirs.
Give minute meditations a try. You might even find yourself looking forward to housework!
Here are some mindful ways to tackle household chores:
Salad making meditation - Some days I wish I had a self-propagating salad bar on my kitchen counter but since I don't, I have learned to prepare my salads with mindfulness. Treat your vegetables with reverence as they are miraculous creations from the earth. Pay attention to their color, texture and aroma. Slice them while giving thanksgiving to Mother Earth and infuse abundance into your nourishing meal.
Pot washing meditation - In the spirit of Mr. Myogi from the Karate Kid, I scrub my pots with the circular wax on, wax off motion until their brilliance returns. Particularly stubborns stains are a reminder that life's not always easy. Sometimes we need to use greater strength and have more patience before we can shine.
Vacuuming meditation - Hum along to the drone of the vacuum with an internal "om" allowing your mind to quiet. Use the back and forth motion of the machine to stretch your body--carpet yoga, if you will!
Ironing meditation - Okay, so some people don't iron any more but, if you do, make it count. Feel the warmth of the fabric after the steam has penetrated the cloth. Recognize that you have the power to straighten out the wrinkles in your life (or accept the smile lines on your face!). Marvel at the elegance of a crisp white blouse.
Plant watering meditation - Houseplants purify the air we breathe and add color and beauty to any room. Nourish your plants not only with fresh, clean water but with loving energy. Allow the plants to feel your higher vibration and learn to feel theirs.
Give minute meditations a try. You might even find yourself looking forward to housework!
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Choices
Originally posted on my website on October 19, 2012
You commit yourself to eating right and exercising. You're consistent. You're on a roll. You've lost a few pounds and your jeans fit better. Awesome feeling, right? But what about those times when cravings hit. You can't seem to pass up the Halloween candy, the donuts at the water cooler, or a second helping at dinner--even if dinner is a fairly nutritious meal. I've been there! In fact I've given in to a number of temptations lately that have caused a few pounds to creep back on to my body. Frankly, it makes me angry at myself particularly since I have worked hard to slim my body over the past eighteen months. But I've learned that I can't let temporary set backs get me down--and neither should you.
Each moment we have a chance to turn things around and make better choices in all aspects of our lives. We can choose to eat a plateful of nutritious vegetables for lunch instead of grabbing something from the vending machine to boost our energy. We can take 10 minute breaks throughout the day to stretch or walk for quick rejuvenation. We can block out a few minutes of quiet time to center ourselves. We can spend time with our families and friends to feel the love and connection that we all need for a balanced life. Minute by minute we can make choices that nourish us rather than deplete us.
So today, I'm going to recommit myself to feeding my body with nutritious foods, drink plenty of water, hug my child and breathe deeply. It's a start. I know that it's the little choices that make a difference to my health and happiness in the long run. What choices will you make today?
You commit yourself to eating right and exercising. You're consistent. You're on a roll. You've lost a few pounds and your jeans fit better. Awesome feeling, right? But what about those times when cravings hit. You can't seem to pass up the Halloween candy, the donuts at the water cooler, or a second helping at dinner--even if dinner is a fairly nutritious meal. I've been there! In fact I've given in to a number of temptations lately that have caused a few pounds to creep back on to my body. Frankly, it makes me angry at myself particularly since I have worked hard to slim my body over the past eighteen months. But I've learned that I can't let temporary set backs get me down--and neither should you.
Each moment we have a chance to turn things around and make better choices in all aspects of our lives. We can choose to eat a plateful of nutritious vegetables for lunch instead of grabbing something from the vending machine to boost our energy. We can take 10 minute breaks throughout the day to stretch or walk for quick rejuvenation. We can block out a few minutes of quiet time to center ourselves. We can spend time with our families and friends to feel the love and connection that we all need for a balanced life. Minute by minute we can make choices that nourish us rather than deplete us.
So today, I'm going to recommit myself to feeding my body with nutritious foods, drink plenty of water, hug my child and breathe deeply. It's a start. I know that it's the little choices that make a difference to my health and happiness in the long run. What choices will you make today?
Beauty
Orginally posted on my website on October 22, 1012
My friends and I have embarked on a creative project during the month of October. We have committed to taking a photo a day for 31 days. It doesn't matter the subject. While there need not be a theme, I have chosen one to provide focus (pardon the pun) to my endeavor. I decided to capture autumn up close. I wanted to notice wondrous details that come with the changing of a season. I am taking time to appreciate the beauty of a fallen acorn, the crisp color of sugar maple leaves, shiny dew on pumpkins and the intricacy of spider webs.
Sometimes as we rush off to work or take our children to school, we forget to stop, breathe and take in our surroundings with appreciation and gratitude. The world around us is miraculous.
I encourage you to take some time this week to look around you. Connect with nature by taking a stroll through the woods, park or your community. Take in the sunshine, vibrant colors, and the sound of geese as they prepare for winter. Feel the cold wind on your cheeks and listen to the leaves as they crunch under each step. There's beauty everywhere if you take a moment to truly see it--and just breathe.
My friends and I have embarked on a creative project during the month of October. We have committed to taking a photo a day for 31 days. It doesn't matter the subject. While there need not be a theme, I have chosen one to provide focus (pardon the pun) to my endeavor. I decided to capture autumn up close. I wanted to notice wondrous details that come with the changing of a season. I am taking time to appreciate the beauty of a fallen acorn, the crisp color of sugar maple leaves, shiny dew on pumpkins and the intricacy of spider webs.
Sometimes as we rush off to work or take our children to school, we forget to stop, breathe and take in our surroundings with appreciation and gratitude. The world around us is miraculous.
I encourage you to take some time this week to look around you. Connect with nature by taking a stroll through the woods, park or your community. Take in the sunshine, vibrant colors, and the sound of geese as they prepare for winter. Feel the cold wind on your cheeks and listen to the leaves as they crunch under each step. There's beauty everywhere if you take a moment to truly see it--and just breathe.
Self-Love
Orginally posted on my website on February 21, 2013
I was born in rural Pennsylvania surrounded by beauty that I have only recently come to appreciate. Our family of five lived in a modest home that my father built and we largely relied on our garden to sustain us. We ate fresh, organic vegetables in the summer and, during the winter months, we relied on food sealed in Mason jars or frozen in Tupperware containers--it was just as wholesome and tasty as the fresh stuff. As the years went by, we continued to eat from the land but, like so many families, succumbed to the convenience of processed foods. I remember going to Carrols, a precursor to Burger King, to sample their burgers, shakes and fries. I recall going to Dunkin' Donuts to eat mini pocket sandwiches (with a donut on the side for good measure, of course!). And so it began for me and my generation--the easy, peazy world of fast food.
As a kid, I hadn't given a whole lot of thought to what I was consuming; however, as I entered my teen years, I became increasingly obsessed with my weight. I had a horrible body image. Why was I flabbier than the other girls? Why was my face so puffy? My solution was to deny myself food and to exercise frequently. Of course, exercise is hard when you haven't fueled your body enough, but what did I know? I just wanted to be skinny...and tan, oh so tan...but that's a story for another time.
Over the years, I tried all sorts of diets and exercise programs. There was Fit for Life, Stop the Insanity, Nutri-System, Weight Watchers, Medifast. You name it, I probably read about it or experimented with it. Yet I lost and gained the same 30 pounds time and time again. What was holding me back from being at a normal, stable weight? When I look back, I think there were numerous reasons, but one really stands out: I had never learned to truly love, trust and respect myself. Luckily, that has all changed--and rather recently.
A couple of years ago, the Universe whacked me upside the head with yet another bout of depression. I'm not sure why all of the other depressive episodes failed to wake me up, but this one took! I guess I was finally ready to learn the lesson that had been sent to me many times before; that I needed to heal from self-inflicted wounds and stop denying myself the love, joy and nurturing that all of us deserve.
I began to walk, to write, to read, to paint, to relax. Sometimes I just listened to the birds. Donning hot pink toenail polish, I floated around our backyard pool on a similarly-colored raft while staring skyward. I began to reconnect with my core. She was always there. I had just forgotten who she was. When I learned to feed my soul, I regained the love, trust and respect that I had pushed aside while managing everyone else's expectations for far too long. I began to cook--something I had rarely done before. I found that the kind of whole, fresh garden-variety foods that I grew up eating nourished me far better than anything I could get from a drive-thru. I drank more water, and experimented with teas, beans and grains; I developed a love for kale.
When a friend at church observed that the light had returned to my eyes and that my skin glowed, I knew that I had turned a corner. After all these years, I had finally figured out that all I ever really needed for true nourishment was self-love. And, guess what? Surprise! I am now at a healthy, stable weight. I plan to keep it that way.
I was born in rural Pennsylvania surrounded by beauty that I have only recently come to appreciate. Our family of five lived in a modest home that my father built and we largely relied on our garden to sustain us. We ate fresh, organic vegetables in the summer and, during the winter months, we relied on food sealed in Mason jars or frozen in Tupperware containers--it was just as wholesome and tasty as the fresh stuff. As the years went by, we continued to eat from the land but, like so many families, succumbed to the convenience of processed foods. I remember going to Carrols, a precursor to Burger King, to sample their burgers, shakes and fries. I recall going to Dunkin' Donuts to eat mini pocket sandwiches (with a donut on the side for good measure, of course!). And so it began for me and my generation--the easy, peazy world of fast food.
As a kid, I hadn't given a whole lot of thought to what I was consuming; however, as I entered my teen years, I became increasingly obsessed with my weight. I had a horrible body image. Why was I flabbier than the other girls? Why was my face so puffy? My solution was to deny myself food and to exercise frequently. Of course, exercise is hard when you haven't fueled your body enough, but what did I know? I just wanted to be skinny...and tan, oh so tan...but that's a story for another time.
Over the years, I tried all sorts of diets and exercise programs. There was Fit for Life, Stop the Insanity, Nutri-System, Weight Watchers, Medifast. You name it, I probably read about it or experimented with it. Yet I lost and gained the same 30 pounds time and time again. What was holding me back from being at a normal, stable weight? When I look back, I think there were numerous reasons, but one really stands out: I had never learned to truly love, trust and respect myself. Luckily, that has all changed--and rather recently.
A couple of years ago, the Universe whacked me upside the head with yet another bout of depression. I'm not sure why all of the other depressive episodes failed to wake me up, but this one took! I guess I was finally ready to learn the lesson that had been sent to me many times before; that I needed to heal from self-inflicted wounds and stop denying myself the love, joy and nurturing that all of us deserve.
I began to walk, to write, to read, to paint, to relax. Sometimes I just listened to the birds. Donning hot pink toenail polish, I floated around our backyard pool on a similarly-colored raft while staring skyward. I began to reconnect with my core. She was always there. I had just forgotten who she was. When I learned to feed my soul, I regained the love, trust and respect that I had pushed aside while managing everyone else's expectations for far too long. I began to cook--something I had rarely done before. I found that the kind of whole, fresh garden-variety foods that I grew up eating nourished me far better than anything I could get from a drive-thru. I drank more water, and experimented with teas, beans and grains; I developed a love for kale.
When a friend at church observed that the light had returned to my eyes and that my skin glowed, I knew that I had turned a corner. After all these years, I had finally figured out that all I ever really needed for true nourishment was self-love. And, guess what? Surprise! I am now at a healthy, stable weight. I plan to keep it that way.
Lovin' the Homework!
I just cranked out a bunch of marketing promotions for some presentations that I'll be giving through the Manheim Township Parks and Recreation Department (Lancaster, PA) this spring http://www.synchronessence.com/presentations-2. I was able to do the work uninterrupted and got it done in a far less time than it would've ever taken me back in the days when I worked in a traditional office setting. Don't get me wrong. There were lots of benefits to working in an office. I could walk down the hall and brainstorm with a staff member, seek guidance from colleagues, and be part of a social environment. However, as I sit here writing this, I don't have to worry about what I'm wearing (yoga pants and a fleece top), whether my hair is combed (it's not), or interruptions (all I can hear is the hum of my computer and birds singing in the backyard). I don't have to answer the phone (unless it's a client) and I don't have to manage anyone's expectations except my own (which can be high). I find that I take better care of myself working from home. I exercise more frequently, take time to stretch and breathe, and sip on green drinks and white tea whenever I need refreshment. I am grateful to the Universe for giving me this chance for a new way of living, away from the politics, questionable decisions, and endless meetings. I changed my life's story and am lovin' the homework!
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