A Word of Advice
By Marsha Reid
I want to tell you
to go ahead and reach out
for what you want.
I want to tell you
to go ahead and try;
try to make the things happen
that you want to happen.
Along the way
there may be some pain,
disappointment and doubt,
but if you never try,
you’ll never know
what might have been,
and you’ll always wonder
“what if” and “if only…”
Even though you
might be scared,
you’ll have reason to be
proud of yourself
and glad that you dared
to reach out
for the dreams
that only you
can make come true.
The above poem signifies the reason and courage we all need to get started today on our new healthy lifestyle journey. All it takes is one little step to get started. One small step you can take today is compliment yourself at least once a day.
After reading this poem and maybe taking the small step of complimenting yourself, please let me know what feelings and ideas formed. I am looking forward to hearing from you. You can reach me by leaving a comment on the blog or sending an email to helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Friday, June 29, 2007
Eating Does Not Make You Feel Better
Do you ever think, “Wouldn’t it be great to sit down with a large bag of pretzels, ice cream and a large bottle of soda with sugar and caffeine?” Join the group!!! I then ask you the question, “Will doing this really make you feel better?” At first the answer would be ‘YES’ and then thinking about it, your rational thoughts would say, “NO.”
I was watching the movie “The Holiday” last night, which is about two women in dead-end relationships who decided to swap homes. In one of the scenes Los Angeles resident Amanda (Cameon Diaz) tells her employees that she is taking a week off to get away and eat as many carbs as she wants. After arriving in England, she goes to the food store and buys all the carbs she can find. While paying for her food the person asks, “Are you having a party tonight?” I have been there and done that. It is so embarrassing I wanted to hide.
Going back to the house, eating everything, feeling sick she realizes that the food will not make her feel better. I thought, welcome to reality; food will never make you feel better!
When you are lonely here are some steps you can take to put a smile on your face:
1. Write yourself a love letter and mail it to yourself.
2. Write a list of things that make you happy and try one of them.
3. Call a friend.
4. Go to a local coffee shop or bookstore, buy a cup of coffee or tea or a bottle of water and look at the books.
5. Play a game with your children.
6. Call your grandchildren or nieces and nephews. Calling my grandchildren always make me feel better.
As always, I would love to hear what you are experiencing on your life's journey. Please feel free to contact me with your stories, comments, and ideas. Write to me by leaving your comments at the bottom of this article or send an email to helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net.
I was watching the movie “The Holiday” last night, which is about two women in dead-end relationships who decided to swap homes. In one of the scenes Los Angeles resident Amanda (Cameon Diaz) tells her employees that she is taking a week off to get away and eat as many carbs as she wants. After arriving in England, she goes to the food store and buys all the carbs she can find. While paying for her food the person asks, “Are you having a party tonight?” I have been there and done that. It is so embarrassing I wanted to hide.
Going back to the house, eating everything, feeling sick she realizes that the food will not make her feel better. I thought, welcome to reality; food will never make you feel better!
When you are lonely here are some steps you can take to put a smile on your face:
1. Write yourself a love letter and mail it to yourself.
2. Write a list of things that make you happy and try one of them.
3. Call a friend.
4. Go to a local coffee shop or bookstore, buy a cup of coffee or tea or a bottle of water and look at the books.
5. Play a game with your children.
6. Call your grandchildren or nieces and nephews. Calling my grandchildren always make me feel better.
As always, I would love to hear what you are experiencing on your life's journey. Please feel free to contact me with your stories, comments, and ideas. Write to me by leaving your comments at the bottom of this article or send an email to helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Using Food to Make Yourself Feel Better
Do you eat whenever you feel stressed or happy? I did a little survey and found that most people eat whenever they are experiencing an emotion such as sadness, fear, stress or happiness. Eating is a response that we usually think will make us feel better.
Then after eating, we sometimes feel horrible and even hating ourselves for what we did. How can we make ourselves feel better without the food? One small step you can take, is ask yourself the question, “Am I hungry or just want to eat something to make me feel better?” If you answer the question saying, “I just want to make myself feel better” taking some of the following steps may help:
1. Put some music on and dance around the house.
2. Call a friend and enjoy their company.
3. Tell yourself, “I can eat something after taking a walk (or anything else you like to do.)
Please let me know what small steps you take to distract yourself from eating. Remember as a team we can change anything especially our addiction for using food to make us feel better.
Please leave your ideas and thoughts on my blog using the comment button below. I can also be reached at helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net.
Action may not always bring happiness,
but there is no happiness
without action.
Benjamin Disraeli,
British Prime Minister and writer
Then after eating, we sometimes feel horrible and even hating ourselves for what we did. How can we make ourselves feel better without the food? One small step you can take, is ask yourself the question, “Am I hungry or just want to eat something to make me feel better?” If you answer the question saying, “I just want to make myself feel better” taking some of the following steps may help:
1. Put some music on and dance around the house.
2. Call a friend and enjoy their company.
3. Tell yourself, “I can eat something after taking a walk (or anything else you like to do.)
Please let me know what small steps you take to distract yourself from eating. Remember as a team we can change anything especially our addiction for using food to make us feel better.
Please leave your ideas and thoughts on my blog using the comment button below. I can also be reached at helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net.
Action may not always bring happiness,
but there is no happiness
without action.
Benjamin Disraeli,
British Prime Minister and writer
Monday, June 25, 2007
Miracles Happen
Are you ready to watch a miracle in action? I have received from friends, a link (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7glOGq82xQ) to a video on You Tube that is absolutely incredible. To me, this clip is what miracles are all about and being brave enough to take a risk. I just had to share it with you (if you've already seen it, trust me, it's worth watching again).
Give yourself a gift and do yourself a favor, sit back, relax and experience this miracle in action. It's my gift to you today…
Once you have watched this short video please let me know what feelings and ideas formed. I am looking forward to hearing from you. You can reach me by leaving a comment on this blog or sending an email to helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net.
Remember you also have special gifts which can be shared with the world. I am here to support you in uncovering your unforgotten dream and make it a reality.
Warmly,
Helen
Give yourself a gift and do yourself a favor, sit back, relax and experience this miracle in action. It's my gift to you today…
Once you have watched this short video please let me know what feelings and ideas formed. I am looking forward to hearing from you. You can reach me by leaving a comment on this blog or sending an email to helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net.
Remember you also have special gifts which can be shared with the world. I am here to support you in uncovering your unforgotten dream and make it a reality.
Warmly,
Helen
Saturday, June 23, 2007
If Only I Could be Thin!
Do you ever think, “The only thing that will make my life better would be losing weight?” Join the club; this is a constant thought that hundreds or maybe millions of people have during the day.
Working with my clients, talking to friends and from my own experiences it has become pretty evident this thought will not solve the problem. What works is being kind to yourself! If you take time during the day to compliment yourself and relax, not only will you reduce your stress levels, you may want to start taking care of yourself.
A few years ago I started taking daily mini-vacations. This daily vacation is taking 10 minutes a day to do something nice for myself. Some mini-vacations my clients and I take during the day are as follows:
1. Sitting on your porch reading a fiction novel and drinking a glass of ice tea. My favorite author is James Patterson.
2. Taking a leisurely walk. I like to take leisurely walks with my husband and we have an agreement not to discuss anything upsetting.
3. Going to a coffee shop for coffee and talking to some of the friendly customers.
4. Just close your eyes and think about a time you felt relaxed and content.
5. Drinking a cup of tea, a candle glowing and music playing in the background. My favorite artist is Josh Groban.
You are the CEO of your life so give yourself permission to enjoy it. What mini-vacation are you going to take today?
As always, this a special invitation requesting that you join me in writing a blog together where we can share our special gifts and concerns with each other. Today, take one little step by leaving a comment or sending me an email to helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net. I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Have a Beautiful Day on Your New Journey!
Working with my clients, talking to friends and from my own experiences it has become pretty evident this thought will not solve the problem. What works is being kind to yourself! If you take time during the day to compliment yourself and relax, not only will you reduce your stress levels, you may want to start taking care of yourself.
A few years ago I started taking daily mini-vacations. This daily vacation is taking 10 minutes a day to do something nice for myself. Some mini-vacations my clients and I take during the day are as follows:
1. Sitting on your porch reading a fiction novel and drinking a glass of ice tea. My favorite author is James Patterson.
2. Taking a leisurely walk. I like to take leisurely walks with my husband and we have an agreement not to discuss anything upsetting.
3. Going to a coffee shop for coffee and talking to some of the friendly customers.
4. Just close your eyes and think about a time you felt relaxed and content.
5. Drinking a cup of tea, a candle glowing and music playing in the background. My favorite artist is Josh Groban.
You are the CEO of your life so give yourself permission to enjoy it. What mini-vacation are you going to take today?
As always, this a special invitation requesting that you join me in writing a blog together where we can share our special gifts and concerns with each other. Today, take one little step by leaving a comment or sending me an email to helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net. I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Have a Beautiful Day on Your New Journey!
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Tools for NOT Feeling Deprived
Do you feel deprived when not eating sweets and carbs? If this question rings true for you, Welcome to the human race?
Like Andrea wrote yesterday, taking that first bite is deadly. For many years I would always say to myself one little bite can’t hurt and it will satisfy my cravings. Guess what? As soon as I put that tiny piece of cake into my mouth the flood gates would open and I could not stop binging. I later learned that eating sugar and flour products can trigger your cravings and it is hard to stop. Lesson learned, never take that first bite.
Some of the tools I use to make sure I eat healthy everyday and don’t feel deprived are as follows:
1. Tell myself over and over, “I am beautiful and don’t need anything to make me feel better.”
2. Feeling the craving for something sweet, I grab a beautiful piece of fruit and have a cup of tea with sweetener or a diet soda.
3. Brag about eating healthy and share your success stories on my blog.
Remember you are fantastic and able to make the right choices for YOU with a little help from your blog friends.
As always, I would love to hear about your experiences on your life's journey. Please feel free to contact me with your stories, comments, and ideas. Write to me by leaving your comments at the bottom of this article or send an email to helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net.
Today’s Affirmation: “I am beautiful just the way I am and don’t need anything to make me feel better.”
Like Andrea wrote yesterday, taking that first bite is deadly. For many years I would always say to myself one little bite can’t hurt and it will satisfy my cravings. Guess what? As soon as I put that tiny piece of cake into my mouth the flood gates would open and I could not stop binging. I later learned that eating sugar and flour products can trigger your cravings and it is hard to stop. Lesson learned, never take that first bite.
Some of the tools I use to make sure I eat healthy everyday and don’t feel deprived are as follows:
1. Tell myself over and over, “I am beautiful and don’t need anything to make me feel better.”
2. Feeling the craving for something sweet, I grab a beautiful piece of fruit and have a cup of tea with sweetener or a diet soda.
3. Brag about eating healthy and share your success stories on my blog.
Remember you are fantastic and able to make the right choices for YOU with a little help from your blog friends.
As always, I would love to hear about your experiences on your life's journey. Please feel free to contact me with your stories, comments, and ideas. Write to me by leaving your comments at the bottom of this article or send an email to helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net.
Today’s Affirmation: “I am beautiful just the way I am and don’t need anything to make me feel better.”
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
LOVING YOURSELF
Did you eat healthy yesterday? If you did, please acknowledge yourself for taking care of YOU. On the other hand, if you just indulged today is a new day. I once heard someone say, “How lucky we are to be able to start our day over anytime during the day.”
I remember waking up in the morning and thinking today I will follow my new diet. Then something would happen, I was eating everything in sight and thinking I will wait until tomorrow. This situation happened everyday, until one day I thought this is enough and I am going to get professional help with my problem.
The next day I found a nutritionist, worked with her, lost 70 pounds and kept the weight off for over eight years. Something in my thinking changed; I realized I was the only one who could take care of me and there was no magic pill.
I am working with a client who came to me in desperation because she was not able to stay on a diet and lose weight. She was looking for that magic pill that would make her thin. Jeanne (named changed) was willing to try anything that would help her lose the weight. Nothing helped to change her thinking. During one of our discussions I asked, “Was there something she was not telling me?” Jeanne then told me she felt unloved most of her life and was always trying to make people like her. We discussed the small actions steps she could take to feel loved. By implementing the following ideas Jeanne was able to change her thinking, follow a healthy eating plan and start exploring her dream career.
1. Look in the mirror everyday and tell yourself, “I love you.”
2. Give yourself a big hug before getting out of bed.
3. Tell your family members that you love them.
4. Write down what made you happy during the day before going to sleep.
The beautiful thing about our lives is that we can start our day over whenever we want. Today is your special day and you have the right to make it a beautiful day. Just for today tell yourself, “I love you” and be kind to your best friend YOU.
I would love for you to join me in writing “Getting Off the Diet Merry-Go-Round Blog," by sharing your special gifts with the world. All it takes is one little step, leave a comment expressing your ideas and experiences.
A special note to anyone who is struggling with food, please leave a comment and I will address your concerns in my blog. Together we will create a plan that will enable you to live a vibrant life.
What are you doing nice for yourself today?
Helen
I remember waking up in the morning and thinking today I will follow my new diet. Then something would happen, I was eating everything in sight and thinking I will wait until tomorrow. This situation happened everyday, until one day I thought this is enough and I am going to get professional help with my problem.
The next day I found a nutritionist, worked with her, lost 70 pounds and kept the weight off for over eight years. Something in my thinking changed; I realized I was the only one who could take care of me and there was no magic pill.
I am working with a client who came to me in desperation because she was not able to stay on a diet and lose weight. She was looking for that magic pill that would make her thin. Jeanne (named changed) was willing to try anything that would help her lose the weight. Nothing helped to change her thinking. During one of our discussions I asked, “Was there something she was not telling me?” Jeanne then told me she felt unloved most of her life and was always trying to make people like her. We discussed the small actions steps she could take to feel loved. By implementing the following ideas Jeanne was able to change her thinking, follow a healthy eating plan and start exploring her dream career.
1. Look in the mirror everyday and tell yourself, “I love you.”
2. Give yourself a big hug before getting out of bed.
3. Tell your family members that you love them.
4. Write down what made you happy during the day before going to sleep.
The beautiful thing about our lives is that we can start our day over whenever we want. Today is your special day and you have the right to make it a beautiful day. Just for today tell yourself, “I love you” and be kind to your best friend YOU.
I would love for you to join me in writing “Getting Off the Diet Merry-Go-Round Blog," by sharing your special gifts with the world. All it takes is one little step, leave a comment expressing your ideas and experiences.
A special note to anyone who is struggling with food, please leave a comment and I will address your concerns in my blog. Together we will create a plan that will enable you to live a vibrant life.
What are you doing nice for yourself today?
Helen
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Are You Tired Of Struggling With Food?
Are you tired of feeling that life is a struggle? Guess what you have a choice, either keep doing and thinking the same way or start making small changes. You are the CEO of your own life and it is up to you to create the type of life you want. When reading this statement you might think what is she talking about? I have tried everything and nothing works.
I remember many years ago I was at a Self-Development Training and the instructor was talking about taking responsibility for your own life. While he was talking I was thinking, if he only knew what happened in my life and all the things I had no control over. My guess there were many other people in the seminar thinking the same thing. When my thoughts stopped I heard him say, “It is true situations happen in our lives and we can either continue blaming others or see what you can do to change the situation.” This thought stayed with me the rest of my life.
I was working with a client, let’s call her Martha, who was telling me how everytime her children would not listen, she got very angry and grabbed something to eat. We started discussing the situation and how her children made her eat. I asked her, “Who was putting the food in your mouth?” She started to laugh and realized that she was the one putting the food in her own mouth not her children. We both had a good laugh. The next step was to create a plan where she was the CEO of her own eating destiny. Following are some of the steps in Martha’s plan:
1. Whenever she felt angry, take a deep breath and picture herself sitting under a big tree enjoying the breeze and beauty around her.
2. Say the following affirmations during the day:
Everyone loves me.
Everyone listens to me.
3. Whenever she wanted to eat, tell herself, “Food is not an option right now.”
By taking responsibility for our own lives and not blaming others, we have more control over our actions, thoughts and feelings. Try a little experiment today and everytime you feel that someone is making your life hard. STOP and take a deep breath and tell yourself, “I am loved and what can I do to make things better.”
You are the CEO of your own life and the only one who can make a choice of either blaming others for what is happening or taking responsibility for your own life. Let me support you in living your new lifestyle.
I would love for you to join me in writing “Getting Off the Diet Merry-Go-Round Blog, by sharing your special gifts with the world. All it takes is one little step, leave a comment expressing your ideas and experiences.
A special note to anyone who is struggling with food, please leave a comment and I will address you concerns in my blog. Together we will create a plan that will enable you to live a vibrant life.
What are you doing nice for yourself today?
Helen
I remember many years ago I was at a Self-Development Training and the instructor was talking about taking responsibility for your own life. While he was talking I was thinking, if he only knew what happened in my life and all the things I had no control over. My guess there were many other people in the seminar thinking the same thing. When my thoughts stopped I heard him say, “It is true situations happen in our lives and we can either continue blaming others or see what you can do to change the situation.” This thought stayed with me the rest of my life.
I was working with a client, let’s call her Martha, who was telling me how everytime her children would not listen, she got very angry and grabbed something to eat. We started discussing the situation and how her children made her eat. I asked her, “Who was putting the food in your mouth?” She started to laugh and realized that she was the one putting the food in her own mouth not her children. We both had a good laugh. The next step was to create a plan where she was the CEO of her own eating destiny. Following are some of the steps in Martha’s plan:
1. Whenever she felt angry, take a deep breath and picture herself sitting under a big tree enjoying the breeze and beauty around her.
2. Say the following affirmations during the day:
Everyone loves me.
Everyone listens to me.
3. Whenever she wanted to eat, tell herself, “Food is not an option right now.”
By taking responsibility for our own lives and not blaming others, we have more control over our actions, thoughts and feelings. Try a little experiment today and everytime you feel that someone is making your life hard. STOP and take a deep breath and tell yourself, “I am loved and what can I do to make things better.”
You are the CEO of your own life and the only one who can make a choice of either blaming others for what is happening or taking responsibility for your own life. Let me support you in living your new lifestyle.
I would love for you to join me in writing “Getting Off the Diet Merry-Go-Round Blog, by sharing your special gifts with the world. All it takes is one little step, leave a comment expressing your ideas and experiences.
A special note to anyone who is struggling with food, please leave a comment and I will address you concerns in my blog. Together we will create a plan that will enable you to live a vibrant life.
What are you doing nice for yourself today?
Helen
Monday, June 18, 2007
DIETING TIPS FOR PARTIES
Are you tired of eating everything in sight all weekend and feeling disillusioned? As they say, welcome to the human race. I was at my granddaughter’s graduation party on Saturday, watching everyone continuously eat and then complain about feeling stuffed. It took me back many years ago, how I felt at parties. Either I ate so much and felt stuffed or ate nothing until I got home, then the flood gates would open and would eat continuously. There has to be a better way!
As my husband and I were driving home, I was thinking what small steps you could take to end the cycle of compulsive overeating at parties. For the past nine years I have been taking the following steps:
1. Never go to a party hungry.
2. Take a bottle of water when you get to the party and drink it before eating.
3. Talk to at least three people before eating.
4. Don’t sit near the food.
5. Take only a small amount of the different types of food with plenty of salad.
6. Have fruit for desert.
7. Never go back for seconds.
8. After you finish eating take another bottle of water.
9. Walk around and talk to everyone.
10. Don’t stay late.
11. At home do something nice for yourself.
Next time you go to a party, just try some of these ideas and let me know what happens.
I would love for you to join me in writing “Getting Off the Diet Merry-Go-Round Blog, by sharing your special gifts with the world. All it takes is one little step, leave a comment expressing your ideas and experiences.
A special note to anyone who is struggling with food, please leave a comment and I will address you concerns in my blog. Together we will create a plan that will enable you to live a vibrant life.
What are you doing nice for yourself today?
Helen
As my husband and I were driving home, I was thinking what small steps you could take to end the cycle of compulsive overeating at parties. For the past nine years I have been taking the following steps:
1. Never go to a party hungry.
2. Take a bottle of water when you get to the party and drink it before eating.
3. Talk to at least three people before eating.
4. Don’t sit near the food.
5. Take only a small amount of the different types of food with plenty of salad.
6. Have fruit for desert.
7. Never go back for seconds.
8. After you finish eating take another bottle of water.
9. Walk around and talk to everyone.
10. Don’t stay late.
11. At home do something nice for yourself.
Next time you go to a party, just try some of these ideas and let me know what happens.
I would love for you to join me in writing “Getting Off the Diet Merry-Go-Round Blog, by sharing your special gifts with the world. All it takes is one little step, leave a comment expressing your ideas and experiences.
A special note to anyone who is struggling with food, please leave a comment and I will address you concerns in my blog. Together we will create a plan that will enable you to live a vibrant life.
What are you doing nice for yourself today?
Helen
Friday, June 15, 2007
Wishing; Only If I Was Thin!
I was at my granddaughter’s graduation on Wednesday night and people watching as the guests were arriving; my favorite sport. While looking around I was thinking, boy can that person lose weight or I wish I looked like that person. At one point I mentioned to someone in my family, “I wish I was that thin and his reply was you are.” I stopped and thought what are you doing?
It is so easy to get caught up in our story about not being thin and if only I could lose another 20 pounds. My life would be perfect! I started thinking, what if I changed my story, told myself I was thin and living a vibrant life NOW what would happen. A new challenge!
So from that point on I kept telling myself, you look great and how exciting it was to be at my granddaughter’s high school graduation. I was so grateful that my family members were sitting next to me, we were all yelling together when Caitlin marched in, of course she heard us and turned, smiled and waved. The speakers at the graduation were very inspirational. I was thinking how lucky we are today to have the knowledge and awareness that enables us to create our own vibrant lives.
I was working with a client yesterday and she was telling me about her assignment. During her last session, we were talking about the stories we tell ourselves and how destructive they could be. She then crafted a new story that was very positive and loving of herself and others. Her special opportunity the week between sessions was to keep telling herself the new story. Cathy (name changed) found by telling herself the new story she woke up with a smile each morning, ate healthier and enjoyed her day. Taking this small step Cathy started living life from a different perspective.
Some simple tools you can use to change your story:
1. Write a very short story on an index card describing your perfect life. An example: “Today I feel loved, healthy, enjoying my life, wanting to eat healthy and exercise and am grateful for my supportive friends and family members."
2. Read the card when you get out of bed.
3. Read the card whenever you start thinking about your old story.
4. Read the card before going to sleep.
5. Continue this exercise for 20 days.
As always, I would love to hear what you are experiencing on your life's journey. Please feel free to contact me with your stories, comments, and ideas. Write to me by leaving your comments at the bottom of this article or send an email to helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net.
It is so easy to get caught up in our story about not being thin and if only I could lose another 20 pounds. My life would be perfect! I started thinking, what if I changed my story, told myself I was thin and living a vibrant life NOW what would happen. A new challenge!
So from that point on I kept telling myself, you look great and how exciting it was to be at my granddaughter’s high school graduation. I was so grateful that my family members were sitting next to me, we were all yelling together when Caitlin marched in, of course she heard us and turned, smiled and waved. The speakers at the graduation were very inspirational. I was thinking how lucky we are today to have the knowledge and awareness that enables us to create our own vibrant lives.
I was working with a client yesterday and she was telling me about her assignment. During her last session, we were talking about the stories we tell ourselves and how destructive they could be. She then crafted a new story that was very positive and loving of herself and others. Her special opportunity the week between sessions was to keep telling herself the new story. Cathy (name changed) found by telling herself the new story she woke up with a smile each morning, ate healthier and enjoyed her day. Taking this small step Cathy started living life from a different perspective.
Some simple tools you can use to change your story:
1. Write a very short story on an index card describing your perfect life. An example: “Today I feel loved, healthy, enjoying my life, wanting to eat healthy and exercise and am grateful for my supportive friends and family members."
2. Read the card when you get out of bed.
3. Read the card whenever you start thinking about your old story.
4. Read the card before going to sleep.
5. Continue this exercise for 20 days.
As always, I would love to hear what you are experiencing on your life's journey. Please feel free to contact me with your stories, comments, and ideas. Write to me by leaving your comments at the bottom of this article or send an email to helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
DIETING SOLUTIONS
MIRACLES HAPPEN BY PUTTING ONE STEP IN FRONT OF THE OTHER
TODAY IS MONDAY AND I AM GOING TO START MY DIET TODAY!!! Does this thought sound familiar? Don’t worry you are not the only one who thinks this way, we all do. What can you do today that is different from every other Monday? One thought is to start living in the solution instead of the problem.
Ok let’s look at the idea of living in the solution not the problem. One practice my clients and I use to live in the solution is to focus on other areas of our lives instead of the food.
Yesterday was a very special time for my grandsons,their parents and grandparents. Both Jeffrey (6 years old) and Dillon (13 years old) participated in their second triathlon. We arrived at the Swim Club at 8:00am in time for registration. The event is organized and managed by a young girl whose sister had cancer. All the proceeds are donated to cancer research. There were about 60 people there and everyone was excited especially the young kids. The event started around 9:00am.
The first group was the 5 to 7 year olds. The bell rang and the kids jumped into the water and swam across the pool, onto their bikes and finished with a run. My heart was beating so fast and I was yelling while Jeffrey was participating. He finally finished with the top participants.
Dillon participated in the last group. The bell rang and he jumped into the water and had to swim 8 laps. We were all screaming and cheering him along. Dillon finally finished the swim towards the end of the group. He jumped onto his bike and made up time while riding and running. He also finished with the top participants.
Jeffrey and Dillon’s participation in the event demonstrates the willingness to finish no matter what happens. They trained before the event and during it put one step in front of the other until they finished.
Living in the solution is the same thing. The willingness and commitment to continue taking the next step until you reach your goal. What is your dream and let’s make it happen.
As always, I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment on my blog or send an email to helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net.
Today’s Affirmation: “I am living in the solution and taking small steps towards my goal.”
TODAY IS MONDAY AND I AM GOING TO START MY DIET TODAY!!! Does this thought sound familiar? Don’t worry you are not the only one who thinks this way, we all do. What can you do today that is different from every other Monday? One thought is to start living in the solution instead of the problem.
Ok let’s look at the idea of living in the solution not the problem. One practice my clients and I use to live in the solution is to focus on other areas of our lives instead of the food.
Yesterday was a very special time for my grandsons,their parents and grandparents. Both Jeffrey (6 years old) and Dillon (13 years old) participated in their second triathlon. We arrived at the Swim Club at 8:00am in time for registration. The event is organized and managed by a young girl whose sister had cancer. All the proceeds are donated to cancer research. There were about 60 people there and everyone was excited especially the young kids. The event started around 9:00am.
The first group was the 5 to 7 year olds. The bell rang and the kids jumped into the water and swam across the pool, onto their bikes and finished with a run. My heart was beating so fast and I was yelling while Jeffrey was participating. He finally finished with the top participants.
Dillon participated in the last group. The bell rang and he jumped into the water and had to swim 8 laps. We were all screaming and cheering him along. Dillon finally finished the swim towards the end of the group. He jumped onto his bike and made up time while riding and running. He also finished with the top participants.
Jeffrey and Dillon’s participation in the event demonstrates the willingness to finish no matter what happens. They trained before the event and during it put one step in front of the other until they finished.
Living in the solution is the same thing. The willingness and commitment to continue taking the next step until you reach your goal. What is your dream and let’s make it happen.
As always, I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment on my blog or send an email to helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net.
Today’s Affirmation: “I am living in the solution and taking small steps towards my goal.”
Friday, June 8, 2007
LOVING YOUR LIFE AND WHO YOU ARE!
Your life is perfect and you are a beautiful person! The first time hearing that statement, I thought what are they talking about. I am so fat, can’t stop eating and nothing is going right in my life. No way is my life perfect and I am such a weak person. Does this self-talk sound familiar?
For many years I continued to beat myself up about my weight and the things happening in my life. I loved living in the self-pity role and blaming everyone else for everything going wrong in my life. I remember during a very difficult time in our lives my daughter had a terrible accident and someone said they would pray for us. Very loudly, I told her not to pray for us because God was causing all these problems.
One day I was telling a close friend about how fat I was, a terrible mother and we had no luck in our lives. She told me to stop beating up her best friend. That was a turning point for me and a few months later I took the EST Training and learned that I had responsibility over my life and no one else did. That was over 20 years ago; from that day on I started taking responsibility for my life and most times are kinder to myself. Today I can honestly say my life is perfect and I am a beautiful person.
I have a client who was beating herself up about not eating healthy and never exercising. After listening to her for awhile, I asked what was she accomplishing by not taking responsibility for her actions. She thought about this for awhile and said absolutely nothing. The next step was brainstorming ways she could start living in the solution not the problem. While brainstorming different ideas Sally (her name has been changed) realized she wanted a puppy to keep her company. Her dog died suddenly last year. Sally bought a puppy and now the two of them take many walks everyday. Not only does Sally have companionship she is exercising and starting to eat healthier.
Now is your turn! What small steps can you start taking today to live your perfect life and realize what a beautiful person you are? Following is a suggestion:
Make a chart using the folloiwng three columns:
1. First Column: Write down things you hate about yourself (I eat too much food at meals.)
2. Second Column: Write what you can do to make the situation better (Use a smaller plate and only eat what is on your plate.)
3. Third Column: Write down the date you are going to start this new behavior (Today at Lunch.)
As always, I would love to hear what is happening in your life and the tools and techniques you are using to make your life better. Either leave a comment or send me an email at helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net.
Today’s Affirmation: Today my life is perfect and I am a beautiful person.
For many years I continued to beat myself up about my weight and the things happening in my life. I loved living in the self-pity role and blaming everyone else for everything going wrong in my life. I remember during a very difficult time in our lives my daughter had a terrible accident and someone said they would pray for us. Very loudly, I told her not to pray for us because God was causing all these problems.
One day I was telling a close friend about how fat I was, a terrible mother and we had no luck in our lives. She told me to stop beating up her best friend. That was a turning point for me and a few months later I took the EST Training and learned that I had responsibility over my life and no one else did. That was over 20 years ago; from that day on I started taking responsibility for my life and most times are kinder to myself. Today I can honestly say my life is perfect and I am a beautiful person.
I have a client who was beating herself up about not eating healthy and never exercising. After listening to her for awhile, I asked what was she accomplishing by not taking responsibility for her actions. She thought about this for awhile and said absolutely nothing. The next step was brainstorming ways she could start living in the solution not the problem. While brainstorming different ideas Sally (her name has been changed) realized she wanted a puppy to keep her company. Her dog died suddenly last year. Sally bought a puppy and now the two of them take many walks everyday. Not only does Sally have companionship she is exercising and starting to eat healthier.
Now is your turn! What small steps can you start taking today to live your perfect life and realize what a beautiful person you are? Following is a suggestion:
Make a chart using the folloiwng three columns:
1. First Column: Write down things you hate about yourself (I eat too much food at meals.)
2. Second Column: Write what you can do to make the situation better (Use a smaller plate and only eat what is on your plate.)
3. Third Column: Write down the date you are going to start this new behavior (Today at Lunch.)
As always, I would love to hear what is happening in your life and the tools and techniques you are using to make your life better. Either leave a comment or send me an email at helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net.
Today’s Affirmation: Today my life is perfect and I am a beautiful person.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
DIETING SECRET
Dieting, dieting and more dieting will I have to continue dieting, for the rest of my life? The answer is NO!! If you stop and think for a moment about all the things you are grateful for in your life and focus on them instead of your weight issues, miracles could happen. It has been proven when you feel good about yourself you are empowered to make changes in your life. One change you could implement is to eat healthy and exercise and eventually the extra weight could start disappearing.
I was at an International Coach Federation (ICF) conference last November and one of the keynote speakers said, “Focus on what you have instead of what you don’t have.” Hearing this comment was like a slap in the face for me and I started thinking about what I was doing. From that moment on I started focusing on the gifts in my life instead of what was not going my way. My life changed following this simple concept. To be honest with you sometimes it is very difficult to stop focusing on what I don't have because that is life. Being kind to myself I let myself think about what I don't have for awhile, sometimes talk about them with friends and feel sorry for myself. After awhile, I tell myself the pity party is over and write a grateful list. It usually works and I start feeling better immediately.
Following are some of the tools and techniques my clients and I put into practice when focusing on things we don't have, instead of thinking about what we do have.
1. Take five minutes out of your day and think about how lucky you are.
2. Send yourself an email telling yourself about how exicted you were when something wonderful happened.
3. Acknowledge yourself for eating one or two healthy meals or eating healthy for the entire day.
4. Think about a dream you put on hold and maybe now you would like to pursue.
5. Make a list of accomplishments during the month of May.
As always, I would love to hear what gifts you are focusing on. Leave a comment on my blog or send an email to helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net.
Quote for the day:
"Being myself
includes taking risks with myself,
taking risks on new behavior,
trying new ways of ‘being myself’
so that I can see who it is
I want to be."
Hugh Prather, American writer
I was at an International Coach Federation (ICF) conference last November and one of the keynote speakers said, “Focus on what you have instead of what you don’t have.” Hearing this comment was like a slap in the face for me and I started thinking about what I was doing. From that moment on I started focusing on the gifts in my life instead of what was not going my way. My life changed following this simple concept. To be honest with you sometimes it is very difficult to stop focusing on what I don't have because that is life. Being kind to myself I let myself think about what I don't have for awhile, sometimes talk about them with friends and feel sorry for myself. After awhile, I tell myself the pity party is over and write a grateful list. It usually works and I start feeling better immediately.
Following are some of the tools and techniques my clients and I put into practice when focusing on things we don't have, instead of thinking about what we do have.
1. Take five minutes out of your day and think about how lucky you are.
2. Send yourself an email telling yourself about how exicted you were when something wonderful happened.
3. Acknowledge yourself for eating one or two healthy meals or eating healthy for the entire day.
4. Think about a dream you put on hold and maybe now you would like to pursue.
5. Make a list of accomplishments during the month of May.
As always, I would love to hear what gifts you are focusing on. Leave a comment on my blog or send an email to helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net.
Quote for the day:
"Being myself
includes taking risks with myself,
taking risks on new behavior,
trying new ways of ‘being myself’
so that I can see who it is
I want to be."
Hugh Prather, American writer
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
TOOLS FOR ENJOYING LIFE
ASK HELEN:
Q Lately, I have been going through a difficult time and I want to keep myself motivated, feeling happy and make sure I continue to eat healthy. Do you have any ideas?
A I always tell my clients, “Welcome to the human race.” Things are always happening in our lives. Some days you may feel, “Life is beautiful” and other times think, “I would love to live on a beautiful island by myself.”
Even in the best of times, we still have personal issues going on that can impact our daily lives. I have heard it said many times, “When your car won’t start either you can think, why does everything bad happen to me or just call someone to fix the car. We have choices!
The most important tool you can use during a difficult time is to keep taking care of yourself. Following are some of the tools and techniques my clients and I use during those times:
1. Eat healthy and in no way change anything regarding what you eat or when you eat. By following your eating routine will create a level of comfort for yourself.
2. Exercise daily. It has been proven that exercising increases your endorphins which makes you feel better.
3. Say a mantra, “I am safe and everything will be OK.” Reassuring yourself gives you a sense of safety.
4. Create a grateful list, identifying what you are grateful for. By writing them down it shows you that life is not so bad.
5. Call someone for support. Sometimes after talking about a situation, you find solutions to the challenge.
6. Take a mini-vacation. Plan to take at least 10 minutes a day to do something nice for yourself.
Bottom line: You are the director of your life even though circumstances happen. There are choices: either you can think constantly about what is happening, or take steps to change your outlook and still enjoy your life. I leave you with the following quote:
"God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference."The Serenity Prayer
As always, I would love to hear what is happening in your life and the tools and techniques you are using to make your life better. Either leave a comment or send me an email at helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net.
Q Lately, I have been going through a difficult time and I want to keep myself motivated, feeling happy and make sure I continue to eat healthy. Do you have any ideas?
A I always tell my clients, “Welcome to the human race.” Things are always happening in our lives. Some days you may feel, “Life is beautiful” and other times think, “I would love to live on a beautiful island by myself.”
Even in the best of times, we still have personal issues going on that can impact our daily lives. I have heard it said many times, “When your car won’t start either you can think, why does everything bad happen to me or just call someone to fix the car. We have choices!
The most important tool you can use during a difficult time is to keep taking care of yourself. Following are some of the tools and techniques my clients and I use during those times:
1. Eat healthy and in no way change anything regarding what you eat or when you eat. By following your eating routine will create a level of comfort for yourself.
2. Exercise daily. It has been proven that exercising increases your endorphins which makes you feel better.
3. Say a mantra, “I am safe and everything will be OK.” Reassuring yourself gives you a sense of safety.
4. Create a grateful list, identifying what you are grateful for. By writing them down it shows you that life is not so bad.
5. Call someone for support. Sometimes after talking about a situation, you find solutions to the challenge.
6. Take a mini-vacation. Plan to take at least 10 minutes a day to do something nice for yourself.
Bottom line: You are the director of your life even though circumstances happen. There are choices: either you can think constantly about what is happening, or take steps to change your outlook and still enjoy your life. I leave you with the following quote:
"God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference."The Serenity Prayer
As always, I would love to hear what is happening in your life and the tools and techniques you are using to make your life better. Either leave a comment or send me an email at helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
LET'S RESPECT OURSELVES
It is no secret that the word commitment is the key to our success. This is especially true when it comes to respecting ourselves. We have a tendency to always put others, places and things before ourselves. It has been proven over and over again that when we take time for ourselves it enables us to feel content and motivated.
Why is it that we always come last? Is it due to guilt, low self-esteem, self-sabotaging or just plain laziness? I was having a conversation with a friend yesterday about canceling her gym membership and just taking a walk at the mall after work three times a week. She was not going to the gym and wasting money. Her friends were telling her that as long as she had the gym membership she would exercise. What was missing is the commitment to herself that by exercising she was taking care of herself.
Discussing this challenge with everyone gave her the fuel she needed to live in the problem instead of the solution. After discussing this dilemma for awhile she decided to put on her sneakers and walk around the shopping mall. Seeing her later that night I inquired how she made out. She walked around the mall and the only trouble was that she did some shopping while she was there. Another dilemma; shopping. A suggestion was made to leave her wallet in the car while taking her walk. The question is, “Continue making excuses for not exercising or make a commitment that nothing will stop you from taking care of yourself.”
What I am learning through life experiences that by making a commitment to be kind to myself at all times improves my attitude and enables me to feel contentment, happiness and self-respect. What beautiful gifts I am receiving. I love the following inspirational message and think about it whenever I start living in the problem instead of the solution.
"Every small positive change
we make in ourselves
repays us in confidence
in the future."
Alice Walker
As always, I would love to hear how you are making positive changes in your life.
Why is it that we always come last? Is it due to guilt, low self-esteem, self-sabotaging or just plain laziness? I was having a conversation with a friend yesterday about canceling her gym membership and just taking a walk at the mall after work three times a week. She was not going to the gym and wasting money. Her friends were telling her that as long as she had the gym membership she would exercise. What was missing is the commitment to herself that by exercising she was taking care of herself.
Discussing this challenge with everyone gave her the fuel she needed to live in the problem instead of the solution. After discussing this dilemma for awhile she decided to put on her sneakers and walk around the shopping mall. Seeing her later that night I inquired how she made out. She walked around the mall and the only trouble was that she did some shopping while she was there. Another dilemma; shopping. A suggestion was made to leave her wallet in the car while taking her walk. The question is, “Continue making excuses for not exercising or make a commitment that nothing will stop you from taking care of yourself.”
What I am learning through life experiences that by making a commitment to be kind to myself at all times improves my attitude and enables me to feel contentment, happiness and self-respect. What beautiful gifts I am receiving. I love the following inspirational message and think about it whenever I start living in the problem instead of the solution.
"Every small positive change
we make in ourselves
repays us in confidence
in the future."
Alice Walker
As always, I would love to hear how you are making positive changes in your life.
Monday, June 4, 2007
FINDING HAPPINESS
Do you sometimes feel that confusion is your middle name? Everyone is saying the answer to all our problems is to focus on our passion and everything else will take care of itself. You will start feeling fulfilled, make more money and even eat healthy. The BIG Question is “What is my passion and how do I find it?”
Coach Helen to the rescue! I know how it is to feel confused about what makes you happy and not to continue worrying about your weight, making money and achieving happiness. Let’s tear apart this dilemma and see what ideas materialize.
I have been working with a client we will name Linda, who was bored at work and felt confused about what really made her happy. Following are the step we took in uncovering her passion:
Step 1
Completed a written exercises to discover what really made her happy and satisfied her thirst for learning. After completing the exercise and brainstorming ideas during her coaching sessions, she realized that reading stories to small children made her feel like she was on Cloud 9.
Step 2
Explored what options were available in that field which she could take advantage of. Linda realized that working in a library would enable her to read stories to children several different times during the day.
Step 3
Performed informational interviews. She interviewed various Librarians at different libraries to learn what programs were available, if there was a need for her services and what credentials were required.
Step 4
Live your passion. While talking to the Librarian at the her local library, Linda was offered a volunteer position, to read stories to 2 and 3 year olds on Saturday morning. She jumped at the job and started reading stories to toddlers.
Linda now reads stories to children during the week and Saturdays. She says, I have never felt so happy in my life." She has also gone back to college at night and is working towards her degree in Library Science.
Now is Your Chance to discover what really makes you happy! Together we will explore different pportunities in order to make your dream a reality.
As always, I would love to hear how you are growing and progressing on your journey. I am also available, if you need support in dissecting your conflicting thoughts so you can live a vibrant life. Write to me at helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net and I will email you questions to ponder.
Coach Helen to the rescue! I know how it is to feel confused about what makes you happy and not to continue worrying about your weight, making money and achieving happiness. Let’s tear apart this dilemma and see what ideas materialize.
I have been working with a client we will name Linda, who was bored at work and felt confused about what really made her happy. Following are the step we took in uncovering her passion:
Step 1
Completed a written exercises to discover what really made her happy and satisfied her thirst for learning. After completing the exercise and brainstorming ideas during her coaching sessions, she realized that reading stories to small children made her feel like she was on Cloud 9.
Step 2
Explored what options were available in that field which she could take advantage of. Linda realized that working in a library would enable her to read stories to children several different times during the day.
Step 3
Performed informational interviews. She interviewed various Librarians at different libraries to learn what programs were available, if there was a need for her services and what credentials were required.
Step 4
Live your passion. While talking to the Librarian at the her local library, Linda was offered a volunteer position, to read stories to 2 and 3 year olds on Saturday morning. She jumped at the job and started reading stories to toddlers.
Linda now reads stories to children during the week and Saturdays. She says, I have never felt so happy in my life." She has also gone back to college at night and is working towards her degree in Library Science.
Now is Your Chance to discover what really makes you happy! Together we will explore different pportunities in order to make your dream a reality.
As always, I would love to hear how you are growing and progressing on your journey. I am also available, if you need support in dissecting your conflicting thoughts so you can live a vibrant life. Write to me at helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net and I will email you questions to ponder.
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Special Breakfast Treat
Getting out of bed this morning were you thinking, “I am so tired of eating healthy and all I want are pancakes with chocolate chips, whipped cream and fresh strawberries?” Then your other voice yells, “STOP THINKING LIKE THAT, you will be the only one to suffer.” Which voice is the winner? They both can be!! Following is a recipe I use to make myself pancakes that are absolutely delicious:
Ingredients
2 packages of Quaker Instant Grits, Original Recipe.
1 egg
¼ cup of non-fat ricotta cheese
1 cup of plain, non-fat yogurt
1 cup of strawberries
Cooking Instructions
Mix cereal, egg and ricotta cheese together.
Spray frying pan with a small amount of oil
Cook pancakes until brown on both sides
Topping
Mix yogurt and strawberries together.
Place on top of pancakes
Enjoy your breakfast!!!
What I am learning is that I don’t have to suffer to eat healthy and take care of myself. There are many different healthy recipes that are low in fat and calories. Take an excursion today to the nearest bookstore and browse through the cookbooks to see which one illustrates recipes that are healthy and look delicious. Then give yourself a gift and buy it!
As always, I would love to hear about your special recipes and which cookbooks you thought were exciting. Write to me through my blog at www.theloveyourselfcoach.blogspot.com
Ingredients
2 packages of Quaker Instant Grits, Original Recipe.
1 egg
¼ cup of non-fat ricotta cheese
1 cup of plain, non-fat yogurt
1 cup of strawberries
Cooking Instructions
Mix cereal, egg and ricotta cheese together.
Spray frying pan with a small amount of oil
Cook pancakes until brown on both sides
Topping
Mix yogurt and strawberries together.
Place on top of pancakes
Enjoy your breakfast!!!
What I am learning is that I don’t have to suffer to eat healthy and take care of myself. There are many different healthy recipes that are low in fat and calories. Take an excursion today to the nearest bookstore and browse through the cookbooks to see which one illustrates recipes that are healthy and look delicious. Then give yourself a gift and buy it!
As always, I would love to hear about your special recipes and which cookbooks you thought were exciting. Write to me through my blog at www.theloveyourselfcoach.blogspot.com
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