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!

Mean what you say....and say what you mean!

Words....they have the power to heal, motivate,and encourage. Words.....also have the power to destroy, tear down, and cripple. I find it astounding how loosely people speak to each other sometimes in relationships. As if the words they say will be quickly forgiven or looked past in an instant. It just isn't true. I have been married for several years, married into a family where words have been thrown around like a volleyball their entire lives. I see how it destroys children, makes disrespectful teenagers, and poor intimate relationships. I have seen how people can truly hurt others with their communication. I can see how generations will be affected by the actions of today. It is very important to treat people in your life with deep respect and mutual admiration. Your children will see how you relate and become the mirror image of you. Generations always reap what you sow.

Why do unhealthy people resist change?

It is one of those questions I ask myself all the time, "Why do unhealthy people resist change?" You would imagine that an unhealthy person would want to get healthy and in many cases they do, but for some it really is a struggle. I am not even talking about the physical aspect of things, I am talking about the over all person from the inside out. Relationships can make people toxic and unhealthy, yet they stick around those people who will continue to abuse them, their trust, resources, etc. It makes no sense to me. However, if everyone were content and healthy I would be out of a job and we would all be in heaven. This side of heaven people will always have issues. It is how one handle things that make the difference.
There are some who have been living so unhealthy in so many areas of their life that if the healthy "bug" came up behind them and bit them in the rear end, they still would not be able to recognize it or even accept it. In fact, they may even reject 'healthy' because they do not know any better.
Most of the time the one(s) who are living in an unhealthy situation will not see it until something drastic happens. Recognizing that there needs to be lifestyle changes is the one key piece that will make the true difference.
We have heard the phrase, 'you can lead a horse to water but you can not make him drink,' it is cliche i know but very true. You can tell someone the truth, even if it hurts. You may also show them a better way, but you will never be able to make them change.
People change when they want to change and when their pain is greater for them then the fear of change itself.
What can you do as a person surrounded by unhealthy people?
Here are a few to start:
1. Be the change you want to see- all you can do is live your life the way you want to live and live it out healthy, true, and whole. Sooner or later those around you that have been spinning out of control will either spin out of your life all together or they will see a difference and maybe one day want some of that difference.
2. Keep healthy boundaries- stand your ground. Those who are unhealthy will reject your boundaries and manipulate you to feel guilty, feel sorry for taking a stand, for leaving, etc... STAND your GROUND!
Pick up the book Boundaries, by Cloud and Townsend.... awesome resource!!! Every family in America should read this book.
3. Seek Counseling- there is no shame in seeking wise counsel. Seek it...and find it...and do it! 
These are just a couple things but know that every day, every person has a choice. They have a choice to survive or thrive. Thriving is the way I want to live....how about you?

How to make protein bars

Most people buy protein bars at the grocery store or vitamin stores to provide extra energy, supplement meals, or to lose weight. Most over the counter protein bars do contain the added protein that maybe you are looking for but they also contain a wide range of preservatives and added ingredients that just are not necessary. By making the protein bars in your home you can add or take away ingredients and you can make a weeks worth at a time. By making the bars this way it not only saves you time but you can see what you are putting in your body.
I thought I would share one of my favorites. You can make your own recipes by adding or taking away certain ingredients. This one is super easy and fast and makes a great breakfast on the go or a snack.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Trail Mix Protein Bar
1 cup of organic peanut butter
1 cup of Agave nectar ( can also use one packet of Stevia dissolved in 1 cup lukewarm water)
6 scoops of vegan chocolate protein powder
2 cups of Oatmeal (uncooked)
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Melt the peanut butter and stir in the agave nectar then mix that into the remaining ingredients and blend on a low speed. You may need to add 1/2 cup water if your consistency is too dry.
Spread with a spatula in a 9x13 pan and refrigerate, cut into squares, and take on the go!
** I use a protein powder that is plant based protein, gluten free and vegan. You can use other brands but this one does not contain whey which most do and this is much healthier for your body. You can purchase the protein by visiting my websites and getting in touch with me. I can put you in the right direction as far as which ones are best.
www.allthingshealthycoaching.com

I hope you enjoy them. This one is delicious and it is hard to believe you are eating healthy!
photo:kendracannoy

Adjusting to motherhood

Becoming a new mom is a wonderful and exciting time in a woman's life. There are many changes that take place and how you adjust will make all the difference in the world.

When you arrive home from the hospital the feelings of excitement are coupled with exhaustion and recovery. This time with your baby is incredibly special yet very tiresome for a new mother. Plan on having a few close family members who can stop over from time to time the first few weeks. A new mom desperately needs extra sleep and time to wrap her mind around the idea of having a child.

Schedule time for yourself to unwind. A new mom needs to make sure she takes care of herself physically, and emotionally during this time period. This is a time when women experience many types of emotions. It is important to know what your doing is valuable and your time to rejuvenate yourself will help you think clearer and have more energy for your baby.

This is a time when new mothers may need to make frequent phone calls. This could be for just a few minutes a day, but to call a friend, mother, or grandmother to share what your going through will be such an encouragement. Women need other women at this time to be able to relate their thoughts, feelings, and emotions.

Every new mom needs to keep things in mind as they adjust to this transition.

-YOU MUST BE PATIENT WITH YOURSELF

-KEEP YOUR EXPECTATIONS REALISTIC

-HAVE SOME TIME SET ASIDE EACH WEEK FOR YOU TO REGROUP EVEN IF IT IS A SMALL TIME FRAME

-GET EXERCISE, EXERCISE IS IMPORTANT FOR YOUR HEALTH AND STIMULATION FOR RECOVERY

-TAKE YOUR VITAMINS DAILY AND TAKE NAPS WHEN THE BABY NAPS

-PLAN A MINI DAY TRIP TOGIVE YOURSELF SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN FEW WEEKS

-ASK FOR HELP FROM YOUR HUSBAND.HE CAN NOT READ YOUR MIND

-LISTEN TO YOUR INTUITION IN WHAT IS BEST FOR YOUR BABY