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.

Living with hurt

This is a tough article I have been mulling over for months, maybe years. I have thought about it, journaled about it, prayed about this very topic. "Hurt...." It is not an easy word, the very pains I feel in my heart as I write this article makes me deeply sad to revisit times, people, and places that have ever so carved a deep cavern within me. To say anyone is free of hurt this side of heaven would be false. No matter how good you live your life, no matter how much you strive for a better way of life, no one is exempt from the painful pangs of hurt from other individuals.
I have been there, I have laid on the ground and cried my heart out at the foot of rejection, I have lost sleep over gut wrenching situations I just did not understand, and in some cases still do not. I have lived with hurtful people, I have hurtful people in my family, I have worked with hurtful people, and shamefully in my own hurt or stress have also hurt people.
The kind of hurt I am talking about here though is the intentional, deep and meaningful hurt of rejection.
Rejection is knowing what is in front of you and making an attempt to keep it away. Why do people, and organzitions hurt those around them?
Hurting people hurt people. Healed people can then help others...
I have heard that before and really up until about two years ago I really did not think too deeply about it until going through a very dark season in my own personal life.
When people are hurting from their own past, their mistakes, wrongs done to them, or even dealing with their own personal frustrations there is a part of their being that is bleeding hurt. They don't take healing time, get help through counseling, fail to grieve properly, and in turn they continue to "bleed" all over the people around them with toxicity. Toxicity surfaces in many forms.
I can only pray that in time the counseling or accountability that is needed will somehow show itself as important and sought after for complete healing or restoration of broken lives.

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.

Follow that BUS!

Today I let go of the rope just a little bit and I know it seems like such a little thing in the whole scheme of someone's life, but I can not help but reflect on mothering just a little bit.  I put my little one on the bus for the for the first time today. This is her first grade year and after driving her to and from last year to school I hesitantly made the choice to allow her to ride the "big" bus.
I placed her little hand in mine and walked her across the road and up on to the big bus where she was beyond excited to take her seat and wave good bye.
A part of my heart just  broke as I looked up to see her in the window and she was so little I could not even see her head in sight. I jumped in my car and followed that sweet baby of mine all the way to school, just praying over her heart, her life, and her choices.

This thing called motherhood, nothing can prepare you for it. It comes suddenly to some and unplanned as it may be or maybe for some years of expectancy to live this role took over you at a young age and never left, it still takes over you like a massive wave. And I do mean that. Motherhood is full of everything and every possible emotion you could feel. Nothing prepares you fully, and not enough of us really talk about how hard it can be.
I joked with my mom today, and asked her why she could not give me a warning of how incredibly tough and mind wracking a mothers brain could be. I will never own my own mind again. I forever love and think about the well being of two amazing little women now that God gave to me.
I hope I can be the best mom to them, I strive to show them how to live, to be strong, to be godly, and make a difference in their generation.

This was my view today for 20 minutes as I followed that bus down winding roads and past many other moms and dads waving good bye to their own. These children...given for a just a time to invest in, to love to pieces, and to show how to love and live on their own.
May each of us find the time to invest in the life of a child, whether it be our own or a child of your heart who God puts into your life. They are the future, we get to hold them for just a little while but their hearts forever.
I was that mom today that followed the bus... I watched her little hand let go of mine and take a seat and I watched her little legs carry her into a school as I sat across the street and prayed her through. May all of our kids have the courage to be strong, to stand up for what they believe, to stand for freedom and things that are true and right,  and be the men and women... God made them to be to make the best impact on everyone around them in their generation.
Happy First Day of School....

INSPIRE- Book Release- Order it on AMAZON

I was so excited to be part of this beautiful journey in authoring a book with 20 other women this past year. This inspirational book is full of joy, heartbreak, victories, and overcoming life's obstacles. It is a sure way to motivate anyone that has felt down and needed to know that HOPE exists. Check it out on AMAZON today- http://www.amazon.com/Inspire-Stories-Accomplishment-Encouragement-Influence/dp/0692234241/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1404269268&sr=1-1

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).
• 

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!!

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. 

Taking It To The Next Level

There will always be levels in our life that we will reach throughout our lives. When reaching a goal or striving to better our lives their are "ceilings" so to speak in which we will come to a place where we feel we cant go any further. This is where you need a breakthrough. With each and every moment that you feel you have gone so far and this is it, it is time! Time to take it to the next level. There are so many wonderful things that you have been created for and in some cases people give up on their dreams or give up too soon. The talents and abilities you have been given can sometimes take you to one of these "ceiling" points. But keep in mind you need a breakthrough, you have been given much but also much is required. It is up to you to constantly be working on you. Developing your skill sets and improving who you are is and always should be a constant through out life. No one ever arrives at a point where they are done. That is a lie you can believe but it just is not true. As long as you are living, you are growing and should be growing. I encourage you to break through the "ceiling points" in your life. There are new levels, new things that God wants to do in your life through you. Fear hinders....courage releases!!

Pumpkin Protein Muffins

I have been asked about this recipe so many times lately, I thought I would post it for you to try at home too. Healthy recipes and options are always something I am either looking for or inventing. This is one of my favorites and is a weekly staple. Love these for breakfast or snacks. These are packed full of protein, they are low carb, 1 gram of sugar and gluten free. ENJOY! I also personally use a vegan based protein powder ( no whey) it is completely plant based protein and does not leave you feeling weighed down. I can always order it for you if you want to know more. PUMPKIN PROTEIN MUFFINS 1/2 cup Truvia 1/2 cup organic applesauce or plain organic yogurt 2 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice 1/2 tsp ground clove 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 2 tsp vanilla 4 egg whites 1 (15 oz) can of pumpkin 2 1/2 scoops of vanilla protein 2 cups of oat flour 1/2 cup raw oatmeal 1 cup organic skim milk 1/2 cup raisins (optional) 1/2 cup walnuts (optional) 1/4 cup flax (optional) 1/2 cup chia seed (optional) Combine all ingredients and add the protein, milk, and (optional) ingredients last. Spray muffins pans and scoop 3/4 way full and top with additional raw oatmeal and or flax seed. Bake for 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees F.

New website address

Taking on a new website address this week. Be sure to check it out. www.allthingshealthycoaching.com If you are looking for healthy recipes and healthy options there is a great page with ideas and links for you to check out. Be sure to check out the new services offered as I am constantly trying to expand my consulting and coaching business.

Making Resolutions a Reality

Every year we set goals, make resolutions and try to determine in our hearts we will have a better year. So many people want to see their goals become a reality but have no idea how to make them actually happen. Here are some easy starters that you can apply to your life today to start making your dreams a reality this new year. 1. Do not tackle everything at once. Start with a small step and achieve it, it will give you momentum to tackle the bigger things. 2. Stop being so critical of yourself and others. You can sabotage your way of thinking by being overly critical of people even yourself. Extend some grace, and you will see you will change your way of thinking with each new positive choice and comment. 3. Write down your goal and post a picture where you can see it daily. Seeing your vision helps you keeps things in perspective when you get lost in the every day daily grind. For additional information or life coaching tips,seminars, and sessions please visit: www.mylittlelifecoach.com

Gratitude can change your life

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What I learned yesterday....

So I am beginning to think of a new series of chapters in a new book. I feel as I get older the more you see in people and about life. Health is an aspect that runs so deep. It is more than just physical, health is emotional, mental, and spiritual. I am beginning to learn what to hold close and what to let go of in my own life so that I can be the healthiest person I know how to be for me and my family. So here are a few things that I recently had some light shed on in my own life and I have to tell you, it is freeing to understand. 1- Spend more time with the people that celebrate with you and celebrate you! Too many times we spend time around people who you tolerate or you feel just tolerate you....that may be for a time but let's face it,You can not grow into the person you were meant to be by constantly around people who really cant see past you or celebrate your victories and success. You want to be around those who believe in your potential, your goals and your dreams. 2- Stop investing time and effort into those who really just don't give a flying leap. For whatever reason there are always those people you would like to be closer to, so you invite them over, try to allow them to be part of your life and they will always shut you out,no matter how hard you try. SO STOP! There are other people who would love to spend time with you and develop a more meaningful relationship. 3- Every time you say no to something, you are saying yes to something else. Make sure you are saying YES to the things that really matter!!

AWAKEN- Women's Workshop

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Eruption of Entitlement

I have noticed this for several years and I cant even begin to imagine how this is affecting our country, our lives, and relationships. It is becoming most common in my generation (we will say the 30 somethings) and younger. It is this ," I am entitled" mentality. I see it everywhere. Honestly, I even see it driving down the road. You watch sometimes when people get cut off the obnoxious words that fly out of the mouths of even a babe when their "right" to the road has been intruded upon. I see 16 year old's "expecting" they are getting a car. Really?? You are 16!! Sweethearts, that is a hard earned piece of metal you are throwing a tantrum about and the fact that it is not being "given" to you because you are.... oh, "of that age to have a car!" It has reared its ugly head in just about everything. Where did this spoiled rotten mentality actually overcome this generation, not to mention the apathy that is coupled with it? Not only are we seeing an eruption of " I am owed or entitled," but we are seeing an apathetic way of life springing up all around us. I have heard the phrase, "I just dont care," more often then I wish I had heard. Do people actually mean they do not care? Maybe! Quite possibly they do not. However, it is causing major problems. No one is entitled or owed a single thing. In fact, what we deserve we actually should be thankful we do not get. There are things in life you need to work really hard at....and with that being able to truly care that you have obtained it so when you get that hard earned promotion, car, dream home, or even a loving spouse....you reallyyyy cherish it.
Think about what you can "give" back once in awhile instead of what you think you are actually "entitled" to receiving!

Life is the real thing.

Life is the real thing, and you get one chance at it. Do not live your life as if you can ask for a do-over. We all have one chance to make our mark. Leave the legacy you believe in. Find out what it is that makes you tick. The passions in your heart are there for a reason! Find your abilities, talents, and gifts that make your life unique and special and use them to better yourself and the world around you!