I like to eat. My favorite is pancakes. 

What's yours?

Let me ask you a question.

If there were no boundaries and you had only one food choice, what would you want to eat? 

I like pancakes. 😀 I like their sweet taste. They look like sunshine, smell like comfort, feel like mom is in the kitchen. Family. Memories. Love. Comfort. Safety.  

Now your turn. What's your favorite food and why?

Up to recently when I really started to examine what I eat and why my sweet tooth enjoyed (and still does) pancakes. And when I eat them, I feel immediately good. 

What food do you tend to lean towards when you want comfort? Why? How do you feel at that moment? What is it that you are actually really craving?

I know those are a lot of deep questions.

So let's break it down into a simple structure. When we do, you may find a simple (not easy) way to tackle your comfort cravings. 

The big Ah-ha for me with comfort foods was learning my connection with them and how an...

Ever feel like you're constantly on the go but not making much progress on your goals? We've all been there – we talk about our dreams, take some steps, but progress feels slow or nonexistent. We see others achieving incredible success, and it can be frustrating to feel stuck.

The secret to breaking through those plateaus often lies in a single action: the needle-mover.

This is one critical daily activity that significantly impacts your most important goal. It might not always be easy, but it moves the needle forward, even if your brain tries to talk you out of it!

Let's talk about some examples and see if you recognize yourself:

• You spend a lot of time on your phone and never get to the important stuff. (Needle-mover: Schedule focused work time in your calendar and stick to it!)
• You want to write a book but get overwhelmed by the idea of starting. (Needle-mover: Write just one page every day.)
• You struggle to lose weight because healthy food prep feels like a chore. (...

Why Do Some Succeed While Others Struggle? Finding Support on Your Solo Wellness Journey

We all crave happiness. It's a fundamental human desire. We chase it through countless efforts, yet some of us reach that blissful state seemingly easier than others. Why the disparity? A few weeks ago, we discussed the importance of taking action, but today, I want to highlight the crucial role of support in your journey, especially at the beginning. I describe this point in "My Power Journal".

If you'd rather watch, here is an 11-min video I recorded in 2022

Studies show that our success rate doubles when we have others cheering us on.

So, let's see if any of this resonates with you (remember, no judgment, just curiosity).

Where Do You Find Yourself?

Scenario 1: You dream of starting your wellness journey, but before you even begin, your spouse throws cold water on it. Sarcastic comments, doubts about your past "failures" – all drain your motivation before you even take the first s...

Why do some people succeed with purposeful action, while others remain stuck in wishful thinking or talking about it?

Why do some achieve faster than others? Often, we dream, want, and wish, but stay glued to talk instead of taking that crucial step. We get stuck in the "I need to do this" loop, never actually doing it.

Procrastination? Lack of discipline? Fear? Feeling unsupported? Probably a combination.

But I believe the real answer lies in the absence of needle-mover action. The most critical thing for achieving your desired results is simply acting. Acting despite fear, despite not feeling like it, despite the daily hustle. Acting on that one thing like your life depends on it, because in a way, it does. And guess what? Your happiness depends on it too. After all, isn't happiness the ultimate outcome we all crave?

But what does inaction truly cost us?

Daily frustration, a vicious cycle of failure, self-doubt, and negative talk. Imagine the impact on your self-esteem, ...

 

Prefer to listen?

 

In a distant memory,

I see a five-year-old little girl sitting in a dark corner. She has her arms wrapped around her legs and her head is hiding between the circle of her arms and knees. She feels scared. She does not even know for sure why. But what she does know for sure, is if she keeps sitting like this—quiet, silent—no one will either hear her or see her. And that means she is safe.

Twenty-five years later, she finds herself in a different country. She is a young mom with two beautiful daughters. She is married and living in a beautiful house. Everything looks perfect on the outside. But on the inside, she feels sick and tired and worn, and sitting in the same position hugging her knees. Except now she is at her favorite spot, looking straight across a peaceful lake and questioning her ‘silent’ life, questioning her worth.

 

“Why is my business not breaking through, why am I feeling drained in my marriage, why am I feeling useless and worthless? I kn

...

Hey there, dreamers and visionaries! Tired of setting goals that feel more like bandaids than blueprints for your best life? You're not alone. I've been there too, chasing shiny things to fill some inner void. But guess what? True happiness and purpose come from aligning your goals with your vision and values. Think of it like building a house: a sturdy foundation of self-discovery leads to a vibrant, fulfilling life you actually love living.

So, let's ditch the "gotta fix it" mentality and get inspired!

1. Uncover Your Why

It all starts with clarity. Who are you? What lights you up? What legacy do you want to leave behind? This isn't just woo-woo stuff, it's powerful introspection. Imagine your ideal life in vivid detail. What skills shine through? What relationships nourish you? This becomes your North Star, guiding every decision and goal.

2. Values Fuel Your Journey

Values are your roadmap. They're the principles that guide your actions and choices. Are you compassion...

The holidays are a time for joy, family, and togetherness. But amidst the hustle and bustle, it's easy to neglect self-care. This year, let's change that. Instead of waiting until New Year's resolutions kick in, let's embrace self-compassion right now, during this hectic time.

Click on the image above to listen

Think about it: when life gets busy, wouldn't you treat your child or loved one with extra care and understanding? Why not extend the same kindness to yourself?

What type of person are you in December?

Before diving into self-compassion practices, let's acknowledge the different ways people approach self-care during the holidays:

• The "New Year's Resolution" Type: These folks wait until January 1st to start any significant changes, often setting unrealistic goals that lead to disappointment.
• The "Preparation Pro" Type: These individuals are proactive, researching and planning for their future goals, like reading books or taking courses.
• The "Not Ready Yet" Type: This ...

The holidays are a time for joy, gathering with loved ones, and creating cherished memories. However, amidst the excitement and festivities, it's easy to let our health and wellness routines fall by the wayside.

To navigate this season gracefully and maintain your sense of well-being, I'd like to offer us some key takeaways:

Embrace Simplicity:

• Prioritize Non-Negotiables: Identify the minimum actions you need to take care of yourself, whether it's movement, meditation, or a healthy meal. These non-negotiables are your foundation for a balanced holiday season.
• Block Your Time: Schedule your non-negotiables into your calendar and communicate them to others. This sets expectations and helps you stay accountable.
• Utilize Slow Times: Take advantage of quiet moments to focus on your well-being, whether it's early mornings or while others are busy.

Manage Social Expectations:

• Develop Inner Wisdom: When faced with requests that conflict with your wellness plan, ask yourself if...

I have 10 ideas for us to hit your daily steps without struggling in the gym or taking a long walk! 

 Ready? 

Morning

• Brush Teeth While Walking: Multitask by getting in some steps while you brush your teeth. 

At Work

• Park Far: Whenever you go out, intentionally park your car a bit farther away from your destination. 
• Walk and Talk: Make your phone calls or video chats more active by pacing around while you chat. 
• Use a Stand-Up Desk: If you have the option, work at a stand-up desk to avoid sitting for too long. 
• Hourly Movement Breaks: Set a reminder to get up and move around for a few minutes every hour. 
• Take a Longer Route to the Bathroom: Don't choose the closest restroom; opt for one that requires a bit of a walk. 
• Pick Up Things in the Office / House: Use tidying up as an opportunity to get extra steps in. 

At Home

• Kitchen Circles: While waiting for something to cook in the microwave, make circles around your kitchen. 
• Watch TV and Walk: Instead of...

As the holiday season approaches, we often find ourselves preoccupied with thoughts of overindulgence and weight gain. It's a time when many resign themselves to the idea of gaining weight and plan to lose it afterward.

What if we could shift our perspective and view 'weight' as a lifelong journey rather than a temporary fix?

In this blog post, we will explore the concept of weight loss as a sustainable lifestyle. Instead of seeing it as a daunting task that interrupts our habits, we'll discover how small adjustments can make a big difference in the long run.

1. Nutrition: Start with Small Adjustments

Let's begin by focusing on nourishing our bodies. Instead of embarking on drastic diets, we can take baby steps towards healthier eating.

For instance:

1. We can start by increasing our water intake to promote a sense of fullness.
2. We can incorporate more fiber into our diet can enhance satisfaction and aid digestion, as most of us only consume about 3% of the recommended daily
...