Busyness is often based in fear

Busyness is often based in fear I recently listened to an audio (How Did I Get So Busy) by Valorie Burton that really moved me.  My goal in 2011 is, believe it or not, to do LESS.  Don't get me wrong, I want to help more people but want to find ways of reaching more without overextending myself in the process.  I have come to the conclusion that if I don't practice self-care, I will not be able to serve those who need it most. Busyness if often based in fear.  I heard the words but never really equated busyness with fear.  Valorie discusses some of the reasons…

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A Different Concept in Wellness Training

A Different Concept in Wellness Training One question I receive regularly is “How does a telephone coaching program work?”  And, "Does it work as well as face-to-face?"  Having worked in major corporations for years, telephone or remote training was a way of life.  Therefore, I sometimes take it for granted that everyone understands the concept of telephone training or teleclasses. The number one reason that corporations use is that it saves money in travel and time off the job for the participant.   Another major advantage for the participant is that they can listen from the comfort of their home or even if they are traveling.  It has also…

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Waking to the smell of cinnamon rolls

Okay, it is not exactly the title you would hope to find on January 2 from a Wellness/Nutrition Consultant!  Well, I did not plan this either. It's called real life.  I wake up on the beautiful Sunday morning to the smell of cinnamon rolls--yikes! I suddenly remember my husband slipped them in the cart yesterday. I found them at checkout and questioned how they landed in my cart. He said they “jumped off the shelf into the cart” because he “didn’t do it”. I do love his sense of humor. However, it makes for a perfect segue for us to transition back into the real world tomorrow. Statistically, around…

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Making a Commitment to Your Health

Making a Commitment to Your Health Okay, it is not exactly the title you would hope to find on January 2 from a Wellness/Nutrition Consultant!  Well, I did not plan this either. It's called real life.  I wake up on the beautiful Sunday morning to the smell of cinnamon rolls--yikes! I suddenly remember my husband slipped them in the cart yesterday. I found them at checkout and questioned how they landed in my cart. He said they “jumped off the shelf into the cart” because he “didn’t do it”. I do love his sense of humor. However, it makes for a perfect segue for us to transition back into…

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A New Year’s Eve Tradition

A New Year's Eve tradition is something my husband and I do together. We look forward to every year sitting down on New Year’s Eve and remembering the highlights of the past year.  I create a special page in my journal to note these precious memories so they are not lost. It is so enjoyable to relive the memories we have made which are sometimes as a couple or as a family.  Funny, they never seem to be about things we’ve purchased or promotions at work.  They all have to do with special moments and quality time together with each other and family. Several years ago we took our three children…

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A New Year’s Day Tradition – Reflections

A New Year’s Day Tradition – Reflections     Something that my husband and I do together and I look forward to every year is sitting down on New Year’s Day and remembering the highlights of the past year.  I even create a special page in my journal to note these precious memories.  It is so enjoyable to relive the memories we have made which are sometimes as a couple or as a family.  Funny, they never seem to be about things we’ve purchased or promotions at work.  They all have to do with special moments and quality time together with each other and family. Several years ago we took our three children on a…

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Roasted Edamame Salad

Roasted Edamame Salad
59132129 - healthy vegetable salad in mason jar: tomato, cucumber, soybean, onion

Roasted Edamame Salad Serves 4 Ingredients: 12-16 ounces fresh or frozen shelled edamame (soybean), non GMO or organic 1/2 cup fresh organic corn kernels 1/4 cup finely diced scallion or green onion 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tablespoon olive oil 3/4 teaspoon kosher or sea salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 cup chopped fresh tomato 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Place the edamame, corn, scallion, garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper into a 13 by 9 pan and stir to combine. Place on the middle rack of the oven and roast for…

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Green Salad

Green Salad Ingredients: 2 cups of greens (spinach, mustard green, endive, arugula, wild greens all work well) Favorite raw vegetables (bok choy, red or daikon radishes, carrots, tomatoes) ¼ cup of beans (black or chickpeas usually) or 2 tablespoons of raw, unsalted sunflower seeds Toss in fresh herbs like basil or parsley Preparation: Toss together cut greens, vegtables, beans and herbs. Serve, top with your favorite dressing (or see below for a homemade oil and vinegar dressing recipe) and enjoy!

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Chickpea salad

Chickpea salad

Chickpea salad Ingredients: Chopped celery, carrots around 1/4 c each Red onion or scallions around 1/8 c or to taste. Chickpeas or china dal beans (cooked) about  2 cups Use veganaise to coat – about 1 Tablespoon Garlic Aioli Mustard from Trader Joes (or any mustard) 1 tsp Sweet relish 1 T Fresh dill 1 tsp Dash of cumin and coriander Preparation: Mash chickpeas with a fork.  Mix and Serve on lettuce, whole grain wrap or crackers. A great on-the-go idea is to place a scoop in romaine or Chinese cabbage leaves and roll/wrap them. This makes them very portable and no utensils required.

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Finding Peace Beyond the Digital Tether

Do you feel it's still possible finding peace beyond the digital tether in our lives? Returning home to Michigan brings forth a cascade of emotions for me. While the joy of reuniting with family and reliving the memories of my upbringing fills me with happiness, a hint of anxiety creeps in. It's not due to seeing my loved ones but the prospect of being entirely "unplugged" upon arrival. In my mother's home, there are no signals—no Wi-Fi, no cell reception—effectively disconnecting me from the digital world. Initially, the separation triggers unease and withdrawal symptoms for a few days. Questions loom large: What if I miss important emails or…

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