You Can Only Focus on One Thing at a Time

I love this quote. It reminds me of how most people today are not only multi-tasking, but of how devices are You Can Only Focus on One Thought At a Timeholding our thoughts hostage. I remember before technology came around, we would take a pen and paper to write things down when we needed to – including thank you notes, letters and lists. We had to pick up a phone (usually connected to a wall or cord) and stay in one spot to pay attention to the person on the call. We also actually sat around a table with people when we wanted to play a game.

All these activities required us to be present and pay attention. there were no alarms or notices from FB to notify us that someone was telling us their every thought at every moment of the day, like what they thought of the rain or whether they were “tired”. We were not distracted by comments and opinions about the news events or things outside of our personal world. The news was the news; the communication system was a daily newspaper, the nightly news (and not 999 stations) or the radio. If there was a need to see an opinion, there was column for commentaries that one would read if they chose to. one did not have to hear every single person’s “opinion” on each event. We had the chance to create our own thoughts and opinions before being swayed by the media.

Today we are barraged with sounds and notices pretty much continuously. Every time we hear one – it interrupts our focus and redirects it to something else, giving us very limited concentration on just one thing. the more we do this, the more difficulty it is to come back to focus.

What I have found critical to well-being is to savor one hour a day, turning the devices off and putting them out of sight. This small amount of time to “quiet your mind” is also contributing to quieting the environment and clearing some of the pollution of our thoughts.  This “gift” of quiet will help you to be more present and create more productivity.

Try it for 7 days –  Post below to let me know how you do!

What Happens When You Go to the Doctors?

I see it all the time…

You go to the doctor with abdominal pain, a skin rash or a headache hoping for a solution and come out with prescriptions  that later give you ten more problems!

I am not knocking the medical community as they are there for emergencies and broken bones… and thank God for them.  But when it comes to chronic disease, they are just not that well equipped.  Due to their training, they know one thing… “give the patient a prescription”.  It’s not really their fault. They get very limited time during their education focused on nutrition.  They certainly don’t teach the ability of the body to heal itself when it is fed right in medical school either. Thank goodness for the Naturopathic community!

There are many things we are struggling with today in our efforts to get to the root cause of our symptoms.  I come from the belief that if the body is given enough of the right nutrients we need, it will heal itself as long as we eat with our health in mind.  “You can’t out supplement a bad diet” has echoed in my ears for years. and it is so true.

It’s a challenge to get what you want from the earth — the vegetables and fruits we eat today lack the  full compliment of nutrients due to depleted soil. The processed foods are filled with additives and harmful chemicals. Even the bread…. have the water but hold the bread!

The surge of Gluten sensitivity is not a fad – this is a real concern.  People are running around with headaches, bellyaches, foggy brain and a big issue when it comes to weight loss.  So what can we do?  Be proactive.  Trust your gut – you know what is healthy to eat and what is not.  See if these symptoms resolve on their own first before running to the doctor for a pill.

Over the years I have read, researched and learned about what we have control of when it comes to our own health.  Gluten and sugar are my choices to exclude for overall better health. what about you?

Post below for what you are doing for you health.

Only 8 -12 %?

Those of us who supplement our diet with nutritional vitamins and minerals, do it with great intentions. Today, our lifestyles often result in poor food choices and we know the food we eat may not contain all the necessary nutrients. Not only that, but our doctors all say we should at least take a “one-a day” vitamin. Right?

Who would have thought that the most important thing we neglect to check out is how well our bodies will absorb our supplements?  Did you know that only 8-12% of the typical nutritional supplements available today are actually absorbed by your body? That means that approximately 90% of typical supplements are flushed down the drain. Think about all that money you have spent over all the years. Sad.

When I read this I was floored. I had always chosen supplements that I thought were a higher quality, perhaps because of marketing and the fact they were a little more expensive. Come to find out, I was wasting a lot of money.

When I was introduced to the supplements I use I learned the more about bio-availability and the hard facts that what most of us were taking was not even being absorbed!  I also learned the source of ingredients not being particularly safe either. There were all sorts of fillers and additives.  Good grief!  I want my nutrients to come from the earth – don’t you?

Well, I found it!  From the earth, no chemicals and .. get this…we absorb 90-98%!!  Why is there such a difference?

What a Blast!

I have to tell you one of the best times I had was flying up to work with my team of Health Coaches in NY but guess how I flew….Yep… in a private plane!

At first, I have to admit I was more than curious about going from NC to NY in a small plane but when I realized I had to climb up onto the wing and drop down into a seat… that was the moment… I really was going to be flying in a way I never had before.

Without a doubt, it was one of the most calming flights I had ever experienced. It felt as if we were floating most of the time. The views were beautiful and of course we could see more than in a commercial plane since it flies lower. And the fun thing was how we communicated while in flight… this big headgear equipped with mic and sound – awesome!

When we arrived in NY, we set out to have a fabulous time with the team who worked really hard to put together a lovely event. such a success – it went on for 2 days and celebrating with the many great people on my team. this was the BEST!

Why are people fat?

I listened to a stunning lecture by my Master Coach, personal trainer.  He really tore apart all the myths and fallacies that have plagued the topic of obesity. He even addressed the hard issues that most people who struggle with weight would have found eye-opening.  Below is his talk…  about half way through, he shared a really interesting point about sugar breakdown and how we can actually help our bodies to break down carbs and sugars. Listen to the end.  I think you will agree that it is a different approach from what we have seen up till now. Thanks Coach! Video to come!

What Do You See In This Picture?

What Do You See In This Picture?

butterflyThis picture is one of my favorites. Since I found it a few years ago, it has been a been in my office for my clients to give thought to. It’s profound image speaks volumes and gives way to introspection and thought about life.

It reminds me of the pull between the freedom of flight and the weight of being held down.  When you look it, do you think of things in your life that you didn’t do because of circumstances or lack of confidence in succeeding at them? Do you come up with things you would like to change right now?

I suppose the question you would have to ask is what are you flying to or breaking away from?  Are you aiming towards better health, a fuller life, more contentment, or just overall freedom from obligations and responsibilities?

What is the obstacle holding you down from getting there?  What’s important about that?  How strong is that inner struggle within you?

We all yearn for freedom, be it from the rules or expectations we set for ourselves; the past, the worry, the fear, the lack of confidence or the judgment. What would it take for you to move that rock or weaken the string? Sometimes all you need to is just a little pull, nudge or push.

This is just food for thought. With the New Year soon approaching, perhaps taking time to write down some of your thoughts will help you identify where you want to be next year at this time. Whatever it is, envision what it would look like to break free without the weight of what’s holding your back and finally reach that pinnacle of success.

 

Is This a Bad Time To Start Eating Healthy?

Is This a Bad Time To Start Eating Healthy?

As I sat to write today, I had the pleasure of enjoying the room around me. Although I am not a big fan of Black Friday, I treasure the beginning of the Christmas season. This year I decided to complete my decorations early enough to be able to enjoy them longer.

As I opened the box of ornaments, memories flooded in. Each one reminded me of a special person in my life and the place they hold in my heart. The ones that best inspire me are magic, dreams and belief.

This brings me to the subject of belief.  What stands in your way of your success with healthy eating?

I hear over and over again how difficult it is to stick to eating healthy over the holidays. I wonder if it is the voice of experience or a voice of defeat? Or have you convinced yourself you really believe you can’t do it?

As Henry Ford said ” whether you thing you can or you think you can’t, you are right”.  This is true! Belief is the most powerful virtue you can hold. it determines you success or failure.

So how can be develop belief that we can succeed? Just do it! Yes, taking action and doing what is important to you is the first step. This will inevitably help you gain the power of belief. Like exercise, you must keep moving to make the muscle work.

There is no dispute that making healthy choices can be difficult around this time of year. However, if you knew that the average weight gain between Thanksgiving and New Years is 7 – 10 lbs,  would that give you pause? Would you believe that a few more weeks wouldn’t really matter since you would start on Jan 1st?

This is the thing….no one wants to diet during the holidays! Instead, how would it be to maintain and not gain?

If temptation of foods around the celebrations is what puts you over the edge, start by being mindful. Just notice what your mind is telling you and how your body is responding. Keep a log of what you are observing.  Chances are you will most likely make better choices.

To give you a little head start and get some tips to keep you mindful of what to choose, click on the link to enjoy my complimentary program “30 Days To a New You”.

Till next time… Believe you can!

Peggy

Too Hot to Move?

Too-Hot-MoveAre you kidding? Who wants to move at all with over 95 degrees!  With most of the Southeast coast amidst heat wave this summer, I’ve noticed the scarcity of the neighborhood “walkers”.  I admit I am one of them.

However I have used some strategies that work for me during those days that might work for you.

  • Get up 30 minutes earlier (before the sun beats you to it!) to take a stroll or do your outdoor yoga. Go to a nearby mall and do several rounds – okay no stopping to shop!
  • Call your accountability partner – the one who truly understands the importance of your desire to “stick to it”.  Tell them ahead of time to hold you to your intentions so they know you need the nudge. It is best if it is someone who you know will be supportive yet firm.  Getting hassled abut it will only make you stop all together
  • Stop being hard on yourself if you continue to procrastinate during the weeks of hot weather or rain. The negative self-talk is going to bite you in the back. Imagine what you would tell a dear friend if they were in your position and wanted to succeed in getting healthy?
  • Drink lots of water. Sometimes in the heat, we do not even realize how dehydrated we become due to the rapid evaporation. Being hydrated can boost your energy and give you some enthusiasm.
  1. Eat lighter. Focus on more fruits and vegetables during the heat. The heavy meals will only weigh you down and make your body work even harder. 

    Now for you… what are you doing during this heat?

What Does Freedom Mean To You?

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When we thing of the word ‘freedom’ we often get an image of someone in a golden field with their arms open enjoying the space.  However, I have pondered what it means to me in other areas of my life.

We may thing of freedom from debt, freedom from work, freedom from a relationship or freedom in regards to the constraints of time and commitments. I have reflected to look a little deeper and realize the greatest freedom is the freedom from our own doubts, fears and self-limiting belief’s.

Sometimes we are held hostage by our very own thoughts. The “I am not smart enough,  I am not rich enough, I am pretty or handsome enough, I am not fit enough, I am not …..” and the list goes on….

It is these self-limiting beliefs that   we allow to take away our power to do and live the way we truly want to.  I have recently engaged in practicing more EFT also known as Tapping.  It has brought to mind the awareness of some of the hidden causes of why we are held back. The release is amazing once you learn the technique.

Nick Ortner from “The Tapping Solution” is really good – he has lots of step by step resources for you to learn the technique.

 

A View From My Room

Niagra Falls room viewWhat an incredible view.  I knew we were going to Niagra Falls and reserved a room in a hotel that said they had no more rooms left overlooking the Falls. I was totally fine as I knew we wouldn’t be spending that much time in the room and would be touring the Falls the next day.

But lo and behold this was what we ended up with!  It was a magnificent way to begin our incredible weekend learning, sharing and having fun.  The best part is that the many guests we invited were so excited after listening to the medical research,  that they immediately drew up plans on how to share good health and wellness with us.

As I gazed at the Falls, I realized how very small we are. We have but a spec in time to make the most of our lives to make a difference while we are here.  I am so grateful for the profession I chose which brought me great joy as a healer, and now I feel even more gratitude that I have found a continued way to provide wellness to multitudes while being able to enjoy life.

 

Is There Something Better Than This?

tired 5You still want to help people, but in the meantime you are killing yourself!  The long hours, the physical demands, the growing lack of respect the healthcare industry is getting.  I know… I had been there for over 35 years. 

What was frustrating is that the pay had a ceiling… it didn’t matter how long I had been in the job or how many hours I worked. I was always going to be at the mercy of someone else. Not only in the pay, but with the hours and the unsafe, unrealistic assignments that were handed out. Despite the shortage of staff, I was still responsible for the health or life of another human being; no matter how many times this issue was addressed as being unsafe. I also found that as much as I loved my career, I was witnessing things that no longer aligned with my values of true healing.

I worked for years, from bedside to nursing management to earning my doctorate. I loved helping my patients. But more than that I loved helping my colleagues who I knew were going down the path I had just emerged from.

I went on my own journey to find a better way of continuing my journey of healing and nurturing. I took an untold number of courses and certifications. I was addicted to learning more about how I could make a living while remaining in the healthcare field. I decided if I wanted a future, I would need to work for myself but not by myself.

I didn’t need more education, I just needed a passion and a plan.  I went from frustrated to freedom by earning enough money to live life on my own terms. I now have the best of both worlds. 

I succeeded in my dream and now thrive on helping you do the same.  I don’t want you to go down the long and winding path of spending thousands of dollars on certifications and degrees when there is a simpler solution.

In my 6 week home study guide I will show you how I went from being discontent in my healthcare career to creating abundance. I am now healthier, wealthier and love the life of working from home when I want to.

To find out how I did it, click here.