Nourish Yourself

     So often we forget to take care of the one person that honestly matters the most if you plan on ever doing anything amazing with your life. That one person is you! I say that with the utmost honesty and unselfish motives. Some think it may seem too self absorbed to care for your well being, with jobs, families, demands, and obligations who really makes the time for personal renewal?

I have been guilty of it over and over again and many times have to stop and really recheck where things are at and what I am doing. I live a pretty full life; I am a mama to two very amazing little women who light up my life in more ways then they will ever know, I manage our lives and I run my business with all that it entails I find myself exhausted and depleted many days. I am in a constant mentality of rechecking where I am pouring my energies into and what that really means for my future and if I don't keep things in check I find it gets worse.  

    I have learned to look and cherish the things in life during my day that are precious. My days are not perfect and many of them are far from what I would call ideal, but I do know that without constant awareness of what is happening and placing our focus on the wrong things will lead to nothing. 

    There are times and seasons for certain people and places of life. We have bought into a lie that we can really have it all...and if you are living that American Dream when you don't have it all, there must be a problem? Well that is lie! You were created for amazing purpose and life long change however, if you think you can have it all you are in for a very big wake up call. I think we can have a lot and live fully while embracing our, "now" moments. You can have it all at certain moments but never all at once. It just is not the way life works this side of heaven. We only have so much energy and so many resources to draw from. I see a lot of people chasing the next big thing, when they get there though it just means there is another big "thing." We need to make time to really fuel our souls from the inside out. 

    Soul sickness is a plague we do all we can to not really look into because it makes us uncomfortable. It is easier to work a lot and stay busy then to really stop and evaluate. Start to nourish yourself today by doing a few things:

Ask yourself these questions: "Why am I doing what I am?" 

                                                "Is this what makes me feel fulfilled?"

                                                 " Will this be healthy for me and my family?"

                                                 "Is this best choice for right now?"

It really is ok to just breathe ... and sit in the silence to listen to your own heart! Have a wonderful weekend. 

Dear Uncertainty...

Yeah I just wrote a letter to " Uncertainty", seems odd but strangely enough seeing it made me think about the last few years of my life. According to the dictionary, uncertainty:is the unknown, the doubtful, the one thing that has not been revealed. In the last few years uncertainty has been the one thing in my life that has been constant among other things.  If anyone knows me well enough and close enough they know that things have not been easy. I have at times questioned, wondered and prayed about these uncertain times.
And guilty mostly at allowing it to ruin my day sometimes. I get caught up in the sadness, disappointments, or setbacks. I have had to ask forgiveness, reset, and regroup over and over again.
There are so many things that we will never understand. The past few years I have dealt with all of this personally or have seen this happen within my inner circle: the death of those we loved or didn't have a chance to love, rejection from those we trusted in, accidental deaths, incurable sickness, the bipolar and untreated toxic family member who continues to cause chaos, mental illnesses, the job losses, the financial crisis, depression, loved one's who betray us, loved ones who choose not love you or be part of your life! All of it happens and all of it hurts,confuses, and bewilders even the strongest of souls.
How does anyone even get past it all? How can you go on with this darkness in your spirit sometimes that you feel is beyond being lit again, how can you soar when you feel like you have lost all will or reason?
I have learned that to question is ok... but in times where it seems "bittering" we need God. Not a god, but the one true GOD. We can stand on the corner of bitter or better and choose to walk in bitter but if we do it will destroy you from the inside out. We need a hope to believe in, we need a foundation stronger then who we are, and what we think were made of, and it only comes from obtaining faith. Faith is not a crutch, faith is the reason and hope that we all need when we go through things we don't understand.
We must choose in our minds that today will not be a day we will allow uncertainty to ruin us.
Whatever it is that you are going through today, you have to know that you are certainly not alone, this time is only temporary, and tomorrow is a new day.
But as for today... do not allow what you don't understand keep you from all that God has purposed you for in this lifetime.

Dog bones and baking pans

The title does not barely do what I am about to show you any justice. I think the fact that I found those two items is more hilarious than anything but somehow I found a small piece of a life lesson to ponder.
I decided to clean my purse. I usually do this every couple months. I hate to admit it takes that long but it does. So I began to empty the contents all over the counter and this is some of what I discovered. I found among the treasures of my every day life that I also had 2 dog bones, a mini baking sheet (from my daughters easy bake oven), and a bottle of bug spray from the fourth of July fireworks that I had been carting around for a couple months and since we are the week before Thanksgiving... I would say that is pretty bad.
I did not intentionally mean to carry this stuff around for months with me, I just didn't think it was that big of deal and left it there. Days turned into weeks and weeks months...
Now that I had the time to rid my purse of extras... I can see how we also do this in our own lives.
Have you ever known a "stuffer"? A stuffer is someone who never really deals with things at hand and just stuffs it away until later living then in constant avoidance.
I think the purse illustration is a candid display of stuffing and one I wanted to share because honestly who finds dog bones in their purse with a baking sheet? This busy mom does and I am sure a lot of the moms out there can relate even with some fun stuffing stories of their own. However, there are big things...huge things...deep things that people end of "stuffing" away into their inner souls.
I think its time to clean the clutter. Clutter only makes it hard to see your way through and it's easier to stuff things away. It takes very little effort to just keeping stuff hidden...its the time and effort put into the "cleaning" that makes for a fresh start and a new way of thinking and living.
In my case with the purse, it really is a lot lighter of a weight to carry. And I know when we let go of things that we have been avoiding or confront something that makes us uncomfortable, it is then you really can be free to live without hindrance.
I knew those dog bones were in there somewhere because at some point I put them there! Same with that mini baking sheet, it fell out of  box when we moved and I knew it was important so I put it where any good mom would; in my purse!  But over time, I just left it... no big deal... I would get to it. And today I did get to it but when there are bigger issues we start to "stuff away" that is not a good thing.
Avoidance only delays the actually outcome. Don't do that to yourself! So for all of those other moms out there who are pulling diapers, underwear, and maybe even a sandwich out of that bag... I get it! I really do, just let it stop at the purse and as women let us be more real about things and stop living with an avoidance mindset. Take on today with confidence in cleaning out your "stuff!" xo- laura

Running on empty...

It's a Monday and coming off a weekend full of celebrations... I am feeling it.  I love new weeks, days, and new phases of life; but I have to say that running on empty has been how I've felt for some time.
I glanced down at the car this morning and couldn't believe I again had to fill this tank up, where did the miles go? Am I leaking fuel or just driving an insane amount of miles to keep up with our routine.
It's a dilemma and I'm feeling it. The constant battle for balance has again struck a chord.
I have a business, two young kids and husband who runs a business. Our lives are full,stressful, and demanding. And I strive to be the women that holds true to who I am in the middle of a million things pulling me in different directions.
I feel like the gas tank today, running on empty. No one can run on empty for long. We can't give anything from an empty well. Encourage you to take time to refuel and refill your spirit today too.
Life's full of opportunities that I don't want to miss because I'm too tired and too worn out.
In a world where everything can seem to bombard you, hurt you, or wear you down...take time for you.

Grilling up some banana and peanut butter smiles

I am trying to come up with healthy new ways to give the kids some fun meals. This one happened by accident when we did not have much around and this is what we came up with. It's actually quite delicious and the warm banana really was a hit!! I always use organic ingredients but use what you have on hand.

Peanut Butter and Banana Grilled Sandwiches 
WHAT YOU WILL NEED: Peanut butter, a banana, honey, (flax seed optional), bread,butter, or coconut oil!

Prepare just like a grilled "cheese" I added flax seed because it is extra Omega 3 and they do not even know it. Spread the peanut butter/flax/and honey on a buttered slice of bread.

 Top with banana slices and cover with last piece of bread. (make sure you are putting coconut oil or butter on your bread..you want the "grilled" texture)
Cover and cook over medium heat- (flip once)

Hope you guys enjoy it!!! - Laura

I thought you were a friend?

Have you uttered those words under your breath or maybe even said that to someone in your life.I know I have, especially as of late. Some times in life we are faced with utter and complete betrayl, lies, and hurt by those who you have trusted and loved.  Friendship, one of the best gifts in a lifetime. I have heard that in one's life span you are blessed if you ever have 4-6 really good and deep friendships. Friendships that are healthy are the deep, unconditional kind of relationships that bring you as close to someone or closer than an actual blood relative. Those are the the kinds of people that hold you accountable, love you when you are hurting, support you when you are trying to succeed, and will laugh,cry,and celebrate all of life's ups and downs with you.
A real friend will not be a "yes" person and tickle your eyes with what you want to hear all the time. Someone that cares about you will tell you what you need to hear and listen when you need to talk. There are few people that you can be that transparent with and should be careful with whom you confide in.
Characteristics of a lifelong friend:
Loyal
Trustworthy
Honest
Integrity Driven
Responsible
Stable
Establishes Boundaries
Respectful
Value System
Moral and Ethical standards
Healthy
The best thing you can do is to be a lifelong friend. There are some who will come and go...but those who you always can depend on will shine in time! 

Mom, you are beautiful!

It was one of those days, I am sure if you are a parent or have had a parent you can relate to what I am about to share. The time on the clock seemed to somehow reach out and slap me in the face as I quickly glanced at it and realized it was not even 8 am. A weekday! Yes a busy work filled, purpose driven day, full of everything it needed and most of what I did not in that moment. I was a mom, a wife, a women's leader, a business owner, and the list goes on. I had a list of orders to fill, clients to call, laundry piling, and a mound of 58  socks that I can not seem to find their mate! I had a puppy barking for breakfast, a husband who could not find his keys, a 5 year old who had a bloody nose, and a 2 year old who pooped her way into a new day! It was lovely. I had no time for my needs. I wanted a shower. I wanted to do my hair, I wanted to brush my teeth, drink some water, and make myself a healthy breakfast, but that was no where in sight; not for at least an hour or two ( if I was lucky).
I felt sick, I felt overwhelmed. I needed strength! I need a life coach for crying out loud! I needed to go down stairs and read some of my own material! What I really wanted though was to get in my car drive to the nearest Starbucks, get my misto and check in to the nearest day spa and stay there until it all just went away. The needs, they were great. The neediness of my little family, my adorable puppy,endless emails, the job,church ministries,unpaid bills, my ghastly hair, and my hungry stomach; it was screaming silently at me. And I wanted it to just, "Stop!"
Have you been there? If you are being honest I know you can relate! I was tired, deeply! In that moment I went to work, I pushed through how I felt. I packed the lunch, kicked the 58  socks into a corner, pulled my out of control hair back, and cleaned up the poop. (literally)
But I was sad, overwhelmed, and exhausted. It was not even 8 am remember! I managed to sit for a few moments to sip the cold coffee I poured 30 minutes ago and my five year old looked at me,as she was getting ready to walk out the door for school. Her free spirit and love of life captured my heart. Here was this beautiful little child, my child! She had no idea of the pressures of life I had been living through, she did not know that mommy had a bunch of bills to pay and there was not enough money,she did not know her sister had welcomed the day with a dirty diaper, she did not even care that there were 58 pairs of socks laying on the floor. All she knew was that I was here with her, (as bad as I felt).
I bent down to kiss her head and she grabbed my face and looked up at me and said, "Mom, I think you are beautiful! "
I could have given her a million kisses in that moment if it were possible. She spoke life into my very being. I can assure you I was not beautiful in that moment. I felt hurried, tired, broken, and obviously un-showered. I will not forget that moment in time. It was just a second, a small phrase spoken by my little brown eyed girl, but she was used to speak an incredible amount of renewed energy into my very being.
You see; moms and dads, we do a ton. A ton of which is never seen by anyone at times. Most times, most people have no idea what is really going on in your life. There are moms out there who are tired, worn down, and lost in the transition. There are dads out there who seem to try to do it all with no end in sight. You are not alone and this is not in vain. ( I am taking this all in!)
You have no idea the difference you make in the lives of those you live with. To them, you are their world, you make it what ever you display.
I know it is stinken hard, I am not going to say I think parenting is easy. I think its the toughest job out there. This is coming from a girl who worked three jobs in my 20's just to survive. I am telling you being a parent, working, and keeping your family strong is a major deal! A huge sacrifice.
I never knew how much was invested. I can tell you one thing, I appreciate my mom and dad more now than ever before. Now that I'm the one up to my elbows in poop, stress, and mornings without a shower. I can tell you one thing, I know it won't last. These day are fleeting and we need to hold on to the moments when we can find solace in the eyes of your children, the beautiful little one's that you will hand off your legacy to. Let it be one worth handing over.

Take a deep breath! It's going faster than you think!

Become all you were meant to be!

Do you feel like you constantly are up against a wall? Discouragement and sadness can come in like a flood and overwhelm. There are so many things that can come against us from day to day that can feel like everything is gone, you will never be happy, your life will never turn around. But it can! Reclaim your life...reclaim what negative things have tried to take from you. God wants you to soar and be all you were created to be.
In this FREE ebook which downloads automatically you can experience renewed perspective and hope.
Download today!!

The Myth of Multi-tasking

Though, the hallmark of the twenty-first century has been multitasking. In reality, it isn't a good policy. When you do several things at once, you don't focus on any one task. Mistakes are made and everything becomes combined and messy. Also, when we multitask, we often aren’t giving another human being our full attention. We half-listen and then carry on with our tasks. This does nothing to foster team building at work or personal relationships at home. It's best to do just one thing at a time and focus on one person at a time.

When you do, you can accomplish more, feel more in control, and be a lot more pleasant to be around. You also can greatly reduce your stress levels. 

The "smart" device age has caused an increasing level of distraction as well. Set clear boundaries so you can have balance, you need to know when to shut it off and put it away. 

No one wants to be labeled a jack of all trades and a master of none! Let us all seek to pursue the best possible life we can give ourselves and families!

Goal Setting..Smart!

Setting SMART goals

• . S - Specific (or Significant).
• M - Measurable (or Meaningful).
• A - Attainable (or Action Oriented)
• R - Relevant (or Rewarding).
• T - Time-bound (or Track-able).
• 

Cookie dough dip...or is it?

Ok, I was skeptical I have to admit when I read the article and it described a tasty kid dip made with chickpeas that looked and tasted like cookie dough. But I have already put black beans in a blender and whipped up some brownies so it could not look or smell worse than that so I was ready to give it a shot. Oh was I surprised and I am totally hooked now. I can not take credit for the recipe but I had to share. All the moms and dads out there with the picky eater, this one is a big score and they think its cookie dough. You can tell  them they can have it without the eggs this time!! Both win...and they are getting about 7-8 grams of protein every wonderful bowl at a time. Serve it up with pretzels, apples, or pears!! And I know all you grown up's that cant stop licking the batter bowl...much healthier option! Eat the whole bowl if you want!

RECIPE: "Bean Dip" AKA Cookie Dough DIP!
In a food processor place the following:
1 can of Organic Garbanzo beans (chick peas) drain and rinse
6 tablespoons of brown sugar ( now you could do the Truvia but they are already eating a bowl of beans I would stick with the brown sugar the first time)
1/4 cup all natural peanut butter
3 tablespoons of raw oatmeal
1 tablespoon of milk (can use almond for dairy allergies)
2 teaspoons of vanilla
1/8 teaspoon of salt
1/8 teaspoon of baking soda
BLEND IT UP!
Sprinkle and fold in the dark chocolate chips and serve it up!! What a healthy treat!

Recipe and last picture taken from April 2014 "Family Fun"

Is it follow the leader?

I've heard the phrase from time to time that, "you know when you are a leader when you turn around and people are following you." A true leader in business , ministry, or community leads by example. If you need to constantly remind people that you are the leader, there's a pretty good indicator that your not doing your job. Setting a standard for how things should be done needs to come from the top down. Things just don't fall into their places without clear vision and direction. I'm even more motivated to have clear goals, set forth vision, and standards for how I carry my own life and business. The last few months I have seen poor examples of leadership, makes my heart heavy and my spirit motivated. If you have found yourself in a position where you are not valued, your are being taken advantage of or abused, get out of the unhealthy place you are in. Unhealthy places and people take on many forms. I want to encourage you to stay true to who you are no matter what comes against you. Progress is necessary for people to grow and thrive. The process can be painful but just know that anytime you are doing great things , there are those who will not want to celebrate that with you. Shake off the dust and move on, they are not worth your time and energy.
It starts with you...be the positive changes you want to see!!

Creating "The Space"

This year I am adding an all new service to the coaching business. A personal love of design and creative spaces has inspired me to add this as a specialized coaching service.
Finding that perfect space in your home or office that fosters overall well being is essential to focus, regroup, and find peace. What the ideal space looks like will be up to the client and their over all goals for their personal space. If people can start to rethink and redesign small area's at a time in their lives and homes, the transformation can be limitless.
Creating a space and designing the life you want takes time..but it can only happen if you make the choice! Choose today to start living the life you were meant to live!
Design elements considered will be, but not limited to : mood, organization, storage, function, and style.Visit www.allthingshealthycoaching.com for contact information.

photo credit: hgtv.com

INSPIRE- Releasing Summer of 2014

Over 20 inspirational stories of influence and accomplishment. This is one book that you will want to check out!  Coming to stores this summer!!

MOTIVATION!! Refuse to believe the lies you tell yourself

Stepping up. Take ownership!

I have been thinking a lot about this lately. I have been praying about it too. In the church or in Christian circles, when we talk about stewardship our thoughts tend to lean more towards the financial aspect of Christian stewardship. When the very word is mentioned, right away tithing, offerings, maybe even donations come to mind. Finances is a very important part, but there really is so much more to what this word stewardship actually means when you are a child of God. As a child of God…you are then given responsibility over things in your life and are called to live a life that honors Him.
Lets look at the actual definition of stewardship.

Stewardship:

1: the office, duties, and obligations of a steward
2: the conducting, supervising, or managing of something ; especially : the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care: steward ship of our natural resources
I love the part that describes it as a “careful and responsible management of something that is “entrusted” to our care! ” Entrusted….is what everything we own is, as a Christian… All that we have; our homes, jobs, money, resources,family,bodies, and even our church is entrusted to us to take care of . This world is not our eternal home, but while we are here we need to take ownership in the area’s of our lives that are given to us to really take care of the way that God would want us to do. I really believe that God honors people who honor Him by caring for the things that we are responsible for daily. While God being our heavenly father,”owns” it all….we as his children are to take ownership.

 I know only good things does God have in mind for us. That is a promise from his word. I believe it….I really do. “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord…plans to prosper and not harm…to give you hope and a future!! ” Jeremiah 29:11

I believe there are times and seasons for everything. There are times to step up and time to relax. There always needs to be ownership though. We are entrusted to care for our bodies, our families, our work, our homes and even our churches. What we do is a reflection to others on the value we put on these things in our life. 

Invest in a young girl

Vision drives when we don't feel like it!

I have a vision board...i stare it at probably at least 5 times during the day and when I pass by it I see where I want to be someday. On this vision board I have pictures of all the things I want to pursue or goals and what I think they will look like. I looked for pictures of those ideas and cut them out and pasted them all over a cork board. Why did I do it? Creating vision is so important because it helps you keep focused on the days when you lose your way, or on days when you feel like your up against mountains. Today was one of those days for me, by the time my feet hit the floor I already had ten things in my head I needed to figure out and get moving with quickly! I have two small kids, I am training for a 3 day fitness walk, between my husband and I we both have three business's and I am the lead women's minister in my church, so grass has no time to grow under this ladies feet. It was not even eleven a.m. and I had already brushed boogers off my shirt and changed...twice...from my 21 month old, dried the tears of my five year old who was crying because her sister licked her arm for the 100th time, listened to a conference call, walked three miles, tripped up the stairs on a flood light that my husband left on the stairs, and somehow managed to clean the kitchen floor while shoving down a protein muffin to feed myself and screaming to the kids for the tenth time to please pick up the socks and shoes because the baby is sucking on them...again!! It was a day when I really cant believe I walked out the door with all of my clothes in tact and essentials. I have busy days... I also have goals and dreams for all that I want for my life and my future. I know what God has called me to do with my life, I know there are things that He has planted so deep within me and they are bigger than the mountains I feel sometimes stand in my way! I look at this vision board because it drives me, inspires and motivates me to look past the present moments. Vision is key when you want to pursue goals and dreams and be successful. So get out your glue sticks, crayons, and old magazines and get creative...make your own! It may be the stress relief you need.

Healthier is a CHOICE

Recently I have had some pretty funny talks with family members and friends about the choices we face to be healthier. I find it odd but not surprising how many people can talk about you or even judge you for trying to be healthy! I find it more and more annoying actually. It is one of those things that I feel everyone is on a journey with and where you are depends mostly on the urgency you feel to change. Some people eat fast food and processed junk every day. I have friends who give their kids all kinds of horrible things to eat and it shows. However, I would NEVER make a joke about them eating poorly or say things about their personal choices. But yet isn't it funny how when someone finds out you have made a lifestyle change with your eating habits and are choosing to make better choices for your family, you hear things like this, "OH ...your all about Organic aren't you? " or something along the lines of, "you are picky or you guys don't eat meat do you?"  It is said as if a jab at you...meaning its negative. It is not about being picky for me or my husband. We have seen our society, friends and families make poor eating choices...we have seen that proper diet and nutrition can greatly decrease your chances of disease or obesity. I really would never judge someone for eating their processed food, but I have also studied what is and isn't healthy. Once you have "educated" yourself about what is being put into our food and what you should be consuming you will never be able to look back if you want the healthiest life possible when it comes to food.
This is where I am... I know and have researched enough, read enough facts and studies to strongly pursue healthier choices in my life. Those healthy choices include eating organic, ridding our home of any processed food, little or no meat in our diet, and as best we can we try to eat an all raw diet when at home. I also would never inform my family or friends that when we come to dinner we refuse to eat the food they choose to serve us, that would be rude. These are not restrictions, this is our personal responsibility for our health and to our future. We should be celebrating one another more, when someone in your life chooses to be healthier you should be applauding their efforts, not putting them down. I will also say this, and I hear this a lot too, "I would eat better if it was not expensive," Everyone makes choices. The people who say they don't have money to eat better also smoke (which costs lots of money) people may drink (which costs even more money), or spend their money on "other" things, everyone makes different choices with their finances.
If someone if your life is making wiser choices to be healthy...be encouraging not discouraging. You never know, you may actually learn something too and making small choices to better health is better than no choice at all. It is a journey...through life... it is not a diet... it is a lifestyle that you have to commit to for your overall health and well-being.

Cranberry protein muffins with lemon zest

1/2 cup Truvia
3/4 cup Organic applesauce
1 Tablespoon of Cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 can of Organic whole cranberry sauce
zest of one lemon
1 tsp of lemon juice
2 eggs
2 cups oat flour
1/2 cup uncooked raw oatmeal
1 cup of almond milk
1 Tablespoon of vanilla extract
2 scoops of protein ( plant based protein is best)
1 cup of flax (optional)
1/2 cup chia (optional)
1/2 cup walnuts

BLEND ON LOW until all the ingredients are mixed. Spray muffin tins with non stick coconut oil and fill with batter. Then in a small bowl mix the following for a topping:
1/2 cup raw oats
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup dried organic cranberries
1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon of truvia

Top and bake for 20-25 min at 350 degrees.