✨ Healthy Holidays Gift Guide (Health-Coach Approved!)
I could go on and on, but these are some practical items your mom, sister, daughter, niece, neighbor, gal pal […]
Mindset, Motivation & Personal Growth
Friendships Vs. Kale: Who Wins the Wellness Battle?
A few days ago I had a tea date with a friend who was passing through town. I blocked off an hour-and-a-half for our catch up date, but it was such good medicine to both of our souls, we ended up doubling our time together.
That got me thinking about the health benefits of friendship vs. kale. You know, kale is a bit of a glory hog these days, but I had to admit I don’t feel all giggly and happy after eating kale like I did after meeting with my gal pal.
Start Happening
Do you ever feel like life is passing you by? Are you constantly reacting to all that life throws at you? Do you subjugate your goals underneath the wishes of others around you? Are you frustrated at the way life has turned out?
Integrity With Self
I told myself that I was going to go to the gym for an indoor cycling class today.
I had made the decision and reservation for a space in the class last night. But this morning it was a wintry mix of snow and rain – slop, really – and as I was sitting toasty warm and cozy by the heater looking out the window, I decided that I didn’t need to be going out in that mess. Snuggling up and reading a book sounded like a more fitting – and safer – option.
Goal-Getting in the New Year
First, dream. What do you want? How do you want to feel? How would you like your life to look?
Fast Track Your Health
I don’t need to tell you that there’s a lot going on in the world health scene.
Everywhere you turn, there is more news of the Covid-19 virus spiking in a town near you (or perhaps in your town).
Real Change
Have you ever heard the saying, “Real change requires real change?”
It’s so simple yet so powerful.
If we want things to change, there needs to be a change in the way we live our lives. If you have a business that you want to see grow, you must implement new ways of doing things. If you keep on marketing in the same old ways, you’ll get the same old results.
Who Speaks Truth to You?
Do you have someone who will speak truth into your life?
It’s scary and vulnerable to invite someone to speak candidly into your life. You remove the mask and peel back the veneer and feel, well, naked.
If It’s Not on the Calendar, It Doesn’t Exist
We all know exercise is good for us and makes us feel great. It strengthens our immune system, builds muscle, improves balance, helps release toxins, aids digestion, protects the heart, makes us feel great and look younger, blah, blah, blah…
Fear
Remember Halloween as a kid? It was so fun to get dressed up and become someone or something totally different. You knew who you were trying to be and had a good time playing the part, maybe especially if your costume could frighten other people.
Dem Bones
Hey girls, bone health. It’s important. As we get older (past age 40), the risk of osteopenia (loss of bone mass) and osteoporosis (brittle bones) increases. That ain’t good. This is partially related to hormonal changes (especially declining estrogen levels), as well as dietary deficiencies, particularly calcium and vitamin D.
Fill in the Blank: “I Am _____.”
In the Bible, God refers to Himself as “I Am.” I love to stop and ponder that.
Okay, I’m not God and neither are you, but it’s still a great thing to ponder how we would complete that phrase, because how we identify ourselves is likely what we will live into.
Your Habits Make You
Your habits – those things you do each day (for better or worse) – are the defining factors of who you become.
I See You, Mom
I’m sitting here in a coffee shop, working on a few things, and I’m struck by our roles as moms.
No Man is an Island
“No man is an island.”
So said poet John Donne in a sermon way back in 1624. We all need to be part of a greater whole, belonging to others in society. Man was meant to have relationships, to share life with others.
Begin Again
Do you know this saying? The first time I heard it, its simple yet profound meaning hit me.
Do the Next Healthy Thing
What do you do when all your healthy habits go out the window?
This is me. Today. Here’s a little background:
Hooray, We’re Getting Older!
Congratulations! You’re a day older! So am I, and that’s worth celebrating. The alternative is not so great.
Press the Pause Button
Usually when I write a blog, I have something specific on my mind or heart – a message I want to share with any readers.
Tonight, nothing. There is no bit of information I’m burning to share. No cause I’m standing up for. No recipe or healthy hack that I must post-or-die.
Feel the Feels (and Other Tips for Soothing Anxiety)
Hard times, stress, sadness, disappointment, frustration and grief come into all of our lives at one time or another (and another, and another….). “Into every life a little rain must fall.” But here’s the key: It is of dire importance to learn to walk right through and honestly process emotions that surface, rather than walk around them.
Now Who Am I?
Friend, have you ever asked yourself that question?
I’m talking mostly to my ladies out there whose kids have grown into young adults. Maybe they’re still in high school, maybe they’re in college, or maybe they’re fully adulting in all ways. Although they still need us, they need us in different ways than they used to. We are turning into a cheerleader, a coach, and a friend, and we still have much support and love to offer our growing children, to be sure.
Midlife Mindset
Midlife. Generally thought to be age 40 and beyond, it’s a time of great transition that shows up in interesting ways in both men and women.
Making a Difference
File this one under: Interesting Women Doing Interesting Things.
Today I met a lovely woman whose big heart was apparent the moment she walked in the door of the coffee shop. She carried a smile and warm demeanor and greeted me as though we’d known each other for years.
The Book Club
If you were to ask my husband what’s something that brings me great joy, I would guess he’d say my involvement in book clubs over the years.
Sibling Tour
I’ve recently returned from a quick sibling tour. It’s like an ’80s rock band doing a tour (road trip, lots of music, big hair), except way cooler because it involved getting to know my family more.
Blogtober: It’s a Thing!
It’s late: after 11:00 p.m. One last scroll through the online social outlets I enjoy: Instagram and Facebook, mostly. Wouldn’t you know it, I ran across something that caught my eye: Blogtober! The challenge is to write a blog a day for the entire month.
Tell Me, What is it You Plan to Do?
There’s a great quote by Mary Oliver that’s rocking my world lately: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
Nature is Nurture
Surrounded by chirping birds high up in the trees encircling our campsite, I am writing this blog while overlooking a lake. The mountains ringing the lake are yet capped with snow. The increasing breeze is rustling the leaves in the trees, while clouds gather behind me. An approaching storm?
Happy?
This is a question I’ve been asking myself lately. Am I happy? Does it matter? If it does, how can I get more happiness in my life?
What Inspires You?
My husband, Jeff, and I flew to Shanghai, China to visit our older son, who is taking part in a study abroad program for the school year. When he left last August, he spoke absolutely no Chinese. Now, after intense studying and hours of discipline and commitment, he is about 70 percent fluent.
How Do You Want To Feel?
About to reach for the salty, processed chips in the cupboard (never mind how they got there), it occurred to me: if I eat these, the after-effect will be that I feel sleepy, bloated, and frustrated at myself for my choice. I loves me some salty chips as much as the next gal, but I just don’t want to feel that way. I just don’t.
Win the Morning
“Win the morning, win the day.” Have you heard that saying? Wise.
Why He Came
Yes, presents and Santa and family and Polar Express and lights and food (cookies for breakfast today, fudge for lunch… seriously). I love all that.
But Christmas is about God becoming a man (well, a baby, start with). Doesn’t this beg the question: Why did He come?
It’s a Wonderful Life at the Egyptian Theater
In our town of Boise, Idaho, we have a place called The Egyptian Theater. It’s a wonderful old restored theater decorated with pharoahs and gold-gilded Egyptian symbols. It’s kind of awesome. The place seats a bunch of people (1000?).
Allow Me to Introduce Myself
Well, here I am… the first post here. Allow me to introduce myself. This is me, doing it messy, doing it unpolished… but doing it.