Focus Word for 2014 - Believe

Happy New Year!  It's time once again to reveal my chosen word to focus on for the year, and the word of 2014 is BELIEVE.

Believing is truly something I need to set my mind to, as there are plenty of times when I let fear or discouragement derail my dreams and plans.  As much as I work on staying positive, I still spend too much time wondering just how things are going to get better or thinking about how far I still have to goal to reach my goals-in-progress.

So starting today and all through 2014, I am going to believe.  I BELIEVE God for the promises He has made to me, to give me hope and a future.  If I stay focused on Him instead of worrying about challenges, I will get where I need to go and find the joy I so desperately need in each and every day.  He is making things happen for me, and for my family and friends!

I also BELIEVE in myself...God gave me specific talents, gifts, and abilities, so I'm going to banish the doubt that creeps in at times - the false voice in my head that tries to tell me I'm not good enough or don't have what it takes.  I will be the me that He has created me to be.  I BELIEVE in what God gave me and will use all of it to the best of my ability.  It's time to move forward with confidence!

I wish you and our loved ones a very happy, healthy, and prosperous 2014.  May we all BELIEVE...today and every day of the entire year!

What Is Wellness???

We all talk about health and wellness. We read up on the latest news from doctors, researchers, and other health professionals to find out what we should be doing now. Is drinking less coffee better for you, or are they now saying that you should consume more because a new health benefit was discovered? How much exercise should you be doing...half an hour, an hour, five days a week, everyday? The opinions vary, and change often. Which news should we follow now?

To me, wellness emcompasses many things in our lives. Getting regular exercise is vital, but should not be taken to an extreme. If you never do anything else in your life and you pass up opportunities to get together with your friends or family just so you can work out several hours a day, you've gone to an extreme. Not only does that much exercise make you more susceptible to injuries, but you miss out on the other stuff that is important in life. Spending time with the people we love is good for the heart, mind, and soul. Wellness is more than just the body. If you like to sing, read, draw, paint, or pursue other interests, don't give them up. We need to keep the balance in our lives to be well-rounded, and that in turn will make us happier people. If you don't pursue what you love, you will be miserable.

Eating nutritious foods on a regular basis is also important. But remember, you can occasionally have a beer or slice of pizza and still be healthy. As long those types of foods don't become a constant part of your diet, you can have them as a treat every so often. A friend of mine eats healthy stuff all week, and on the weekends she allows herself one indulgence. Her weekly serving of ice cream does her soul good. She is not eating ice cream every day, just once a week...enough to feel she can treat herself but not so much that she messes up her health.

Finally, part of personal wellness is loving yourself...no matter what that number is on the scale or lurks on the tag inside your jeans. You are a beautiful person, on the inside as well as the outside. Obsessing about your weight will only stress you out, and that is not good for your body or soul. You are not really living life if that's the only thing you think about all the time. The key is finding that balance, and knowing you are wonderful no matter what!

Visualization...Finding Your Inner Strength and Peace

Last night I experienced something really special. It moved me forward in ways that I never could have imagined, and I am so glad I did it.

My friend Laurie is a Life and Wellness Coach. She deals with the bodily aspects such as exercise and healthy eating, but she also does so much more. She helps you delve deep inside yourself to your heart, mind, and soul...in order to discover what's been holding you back not only in weight loss, but also in all areas of your life. It is vital that we figure out what's been weighing us down so we don't repeat the pattern anymore.

When I signed up for the visualization session, I was already excited. I think I already knew it was going to be life-changing. I was right. Just an hour on the phone with Laurie made a major difference in how I see my life. I was already on my way to being stronger and more courageous on my journey, but now I can see even more clearly the things about myself and my life that I needed to know.

I won't go through the whole process with you, because you really have to experience it for yourself. Each person will come away with his or her own unique, individual experience and revelations about life. What I will tell you is that I felt a huge weight lifted off of me and more positive than ever. When I got up this morning, I said my prayers to God and then re-visualized what I saw last night during the call. I started the day feeling a new energy and ready to make the most of this day.

If you would like to find out more about this experience, please go to Laurie Runyan's website www.innerthinnerpeacecoaching.com where you can schedule your own session and find out more about what Laurie does. She is passionate about helping people live their best lives!