Only about 9% actually achieve their January goals and New Year’s Health Resolutions.
It’s time for you to do something different so you can get the results you’re looking for.
Here’s the start of a series of super quick, practical tips and #sweetsecretsforsuccess to help you beat the odds and finally SUCCEED in your health goals.
source: 2018 New Year’s Resolution Statistics
How is it possibly almost mid-December…already?! We’ve quickly shifted our thinking from “Thanksgiving” and counting our blessings to full-on holiday mode. This year, I’m focusing on continuing the gratitude and starting early with reviewing my year – what worked, what didn’t…and what and where do I want to redirect and focus for 2019.
As this update is long overdue, I wanted to take time to reconnect with you and share where Innocent Indulgence has been and give you a sneak peek at what’s next. But more than that, in the “news” I want to share some of my year’s “life gems,” the amazing gifts I have experienced this year. As I share these “gifts,” I hope you too can take these ideas and be encouraged and motivated to enjoy them for yourself as we finish out 2018. Make this holiday season extra special and memorable and get ready for 2019—so it can be your best year yet!
1- Diversifying, Expanding and Refocusing
Though there is comfort in routine, I do much better with opportunities that allow creativity and diversity. Over the last several months I’ve added some incredible opportunities and experiences to share my passion for health and bring healing through nutrition. With them came a renewed interest and focus on education…and expanding into creative ways to guide people into experiencing better health, whether it be recovery, healing or prevention. 2018 included the following new adventures:
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The Gift of “New and Fresh”: Sometimes you need to break routine and step into something new. It’s different. It’s uncomfortable (usually). It’s unknown. But, you just might end up with something new you absolutely love. Also, if we’re not careful, the routine can become monotonous and lull us to sleep, so that we miss the opportunities and possibilities in front of us. Sometimes just a slight change can be as simple as driving a different route or switching around your schedule to give you fresh eyes and a renewed perspective to look at and love life in a whole new light. What’s more?! Life’s too short to spend in a job that doesn’t fit you. Finding your passions and strengths and directing your efforts and attention in that area is worth the effort and is so much more fulfilling. (Think, “they actually pay me to do this!”)
How can you break your routine to find a renewed perspective today?
2- Building memories and relationships (family time)
I’ve loved spending some extra quality time with my incredible family! We had the privilege of a wonderful weekend reunion with one side of the family in beautiful Northern Arizona and then welcoming a new family member on the other side in a lovely Colorado June Wedding. This summer brought some sweet memories and times of seeing many dear ones that I haven’t seen in years.
Besides special occasions and travel, nothing brings everyone closer than a DIY House Remodeling Project. Ha! We’re talking Entirely. Stripped. Down. It tests your patience, stretches your endurance, makes hilarious moments…and finally, brings beautiful results! After a very long time, things are coming into order and looking amazing. It’s been a most rewarding project, and I’ve learned SO much about life through this process (more on this to come), and I’ve discovered some new hobbies and interests I’ll get to enjoy for a lifetime. I might even consider flipping houses in the future?? 😊
The Gift of Family: Enjoy the time you have with family. Make memories. Plan special moments. Laugh together. Play. Do life’s “dailies” and even special projects together. Switch up the routine to make opportunities and invest in spending time. It’s worth it and the memories and life-enrichment are priceless. And yes, families aren’t perfect and for many, “family” can be quite a painful subject. But let me encourage you, make the investment in having the difficult conversations to overcome obstacles (It just might turn out better than you think!) And, when family is far away (in location or heart connection), invest in those dear ones around you who have become your “family.” Family can be defined in more ways than just by blood. Connections and relationships help us thrive…physically, emotionally and spiritually.
How can you make a special memory today, by taking time to focus on your significant relationships?
3- Resting and Relaxing, intentionally!
I’ve been known to speed and press through life. I love being active and productive. If I see a vision for the future, I’m ready to experience it…now. Before, I would usually make that happen at any cost. But, this summer, I consciously chose to slow down, take a slower pace, rest, relax, finish some personal projects (including remodeling) and also be refreshed, especially after taking on an emotionally and spiritually challenging job. I’m hooked. It’s been amazing to live and appreciate the benefits of rest, enjoy the moment … and also to get reorganized and dream on the new ideas that are just ahead. I’m just returning from my first trip to Hawaii. What an amazing time of refreshing…and experiencing such beauty. Beauty heals. More on that soon too.
I’m becoming more and more convinced our fast-paced lives and cultural pressures and “norms” are becoming major hinderances to our health and keeping us from really enjoying life. Again, more on this topic coming soon.
The Gift of Refreshing: Rest. Relax. Recharge. Be restored. It’s essential for not only enjoying everyday life but also for experiencing health. For some of us (Type A’s) this can require real effort, learning to say “No” to actually make this happen and ending the “people pleasing” cycles. It lets us become who we really are, letting go of the things that are no longer serving us, and being OK with just being still, being quiet, and “un-productive.” It’s a mindset shift to be ok with knowing physically, our bodies needs rest; emotionally, we must recharge, and that we can be sharper and more productive after we’ve had extended rest periods; and spiritually, we can be much more receptive when we clear out the “clutter” in our hearts. Then, we can be refreshed as our beliefs and priorities align and come into order.
In what area(s) do you need to pull back and get refreshed – physically, emotionally, spiritually? What one thing will you do today to get that rest? How about during this holiday season?
As the holidays are quickly approaching, it isn’t too late to make this your most memorable season. Take these gifts and “unwrap” them…then share them with those around you:
Finally, I challenge you…where can you break routine and get some fresh perspective to more fully enjoy your amazing life? How can you finish 2018 strong, making the most of your time, yet so you’ll be ready for your best 2019 ahead?!
Need some fresh, innocent and delicious Christmas brunch ideas? Here are two of my favorites:
Stressed? Exhausted? Sick? Want to hit “Reset”?
Join me at this free class to look at a different perspective on re-nourishing your body and mind for a healthier year ahead. We’ll examine the causes of stress, explore the (often surprising) effects of stress on our physical bodies and health, and discover some simple ways you can get refreshed and best be nourished for energy, healing and balance for 2018.
Refresh – Rejuvenate – Revive
Natural Grocers – Saturday, February 10 at 1pm-2
New Year – New You
1625 E Williams Field Rd
Gilbert, AZ 85295
4-weeks in to my journaling challenge, it’s getting easier. Sometimes I’m amazed that I’m writing more, actually beginning to enjoy it, and surprised by the new thoughts that are coming as I write. Beyond the few perks, I’ve already mentioned in part 1, here are more of my discoveries about writing for a healthier and happier life:
10- Increases clarity – Just seeing thoughts, to-do’s, goals, and dreams in writing puts things in perspective. It helps organize thoughts, steps in a process or what to do next on the path towards a goal.
11- Solidifies vision – This really helps with long-term goals, whether it’s personal, relational, business or health goals. When you’re in the middle of a long journey, re-reading the original vision refreshes and renews the passion and dreams that can get weary or rusty in the process. More specifically, it helps us tune in and stay focused. Often our vision is too vague, but the more detailed and clear we can get, the more we can see it. This will help bring that dream to life, making it real and keeping us motivated, especially when things aren’t easy.
12- Improves learning and memory – Again, I’m seeing when I slow down to capture my thoughts, it helps me remember and solidify new information and concepts. I always think, “I can remember this.” But, that’s really not the case and i quickly forget. But more than that, writing the thoughts down makes them much easier to review…and continue pondering for deeper meaning.
13- Sets us up for a new stream of considerations – I’m noticing journaling slows my thoughts and allows me to tune in to and reflect on a fresh flow. It helps me tap into a new stream of ideas, inspirations and concepts that had I not slowed for, I would have missed entirely. I’ve especially been able to capture more insights from dreams as I write and see the happenings of the dream in word form. Really fascinating!
14- Expresses and releases toxic, painful emotions
15- Helps shift mental focus and perceptions
16- Reduces anxiety and depression
17- Improves symptoms of IBS, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and state of mind in those dealing with Parkinson’s and cancer
18- Aids recovery from childhood sexual abuse, postpartum depression and post-traumatic stress disorder
I invite you, my other non-journaling friends, to join me on this challenge. These ideas have really helped me get going:
Are you an expert journaler? I’d love to hear your stories!
…and please do share the helpful, healthful tips with friends and family.
How much flax should you add daily?
Goal: 1-2 Tbsp flax oil and 2-3 Tbsp flax seed daily
Check out the amazing benefits of flax seed and its oil that can impact the entire body!
How do you make flax taste good?
—Add flax oil and flax seed to your smoothies for a silky smooth treat (blend well until smooth)
—And add flax seed to cereal, granola, yogurt, cookie or bar-cookie dough, muffin batter
—Snack on Flax Crackers plain or with hummus, bean dip or any other favorite dip or topping
(Note: Flax oil should not be heated)
If you could add in just one food supplement this summer, that would give you the most benefits, what should it be? Flax seed. The overall benefits of these tiny seeds and oil are pretty incredible. Here’s why…and I think you’ll agree.
Flax seeds have the power to impact almost every body system. Though some of us grew up with the no-fat/low-fat days of the 90s, the oils and fats we eat play a critical role in our health. Flax seeds and flax oil are unique, as they can help swing you in to the oil-balance your body needs to be at its best. They contain Omega-3s, essential fatty acids that your body can not produce, so they must come from your daily eating. For wellness and healing, Omega 3s need to be part of your daily lifestyle. Here are some of the unique, healing benefits of flax seeds and their omega-3s:
Flax seed is equally important as flax oil. You need both. The amount of seeds to get a good dose of the essential fatty acids would be hard to consume. Yet, the oil doesn’t contain the all-important fiber or typically, the seed’s lignans, the unique phytonutrients in flax. Lignans contain some of the most potent antioxidants, and rank as the top source in our diet, even beating out the well-known, high-antioxidant blueberries.
How much and how do you make flax taste good? Here are some great tips.
(If you’re struggling with high estrogen levels, you may want to use caution and balance your flax use with chia seed.)
Over the last couple of months, this quote has popped up numerous times: “Be Your Own Kind of Beautiful.” I’ve been pondering the words and observing the miraculous harmony that develops when each unique piece, fully lives out its perfect individuality, and then comes together to complement the whole.Though simply stunning on its own, each part fits so perfectly with another that together, the overall impact multiplies: Bouquets. Gardens. Music…notes, instruments and voices. Parts of the body. Teams… the list goes on.
Simply brilliant.
Today’s challenge: take a moment today and notice the many examples around you…be your own dazzling beauty and share it with others around you!
I can see clearly now, the rain is gone
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It’s gonna be a bright, bright
Sun-Shiny day
I think I can make it now, the pain is gone
All of the bad feelings have disappeared
Here is the rainbow I’ve been prayin’ for
It’s gonna be a bright, bright
Sun-Shiny day
Look all around, there’s nothin’ but blue skies
Look straight ahead, nothin’ but blue skies
I can see clearly now, the rain is gone
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It’s gonna be a bright, bright
Sun-Shiny day
At the beginning of 2017, I wanted a word for my year. Just one word. A word that would be a goal and give me a vision to be pressing towards, yet also one that would bring excitement, hope and expectation for the months ahead. The word “manifestation” kept coming to me, and I was seeing it repeatedly. What’s more, I felt it held multiple layers of meaning for me. And it has not disappointed.
Fast forward to the last couple of weeks, as I had a chance to road-trip and catch up with some friends in Texas. It was such a fun, refreshing vacation, and it gave me a little time to pause and ponder life. I had a random thought about being tired of messing with glasses and contacts. (Anyone else agree the struggle is real?!!) Which made me start looking at sight in a whole different light. How do I see the world around me? The time and thoughts brought some startling “manifestations: perceiving and/or making clear or evident to the eyes.”
Here’s a glimpse into some thoughts that have opened my eyes and challenged my perceptions and outlook. I’ve been amazed at the depth of meaning and implications for my everyday life, well-being, future and joy. (These are a great, surprising continuation of my earlier blog on Vision—What Do You See.)
Take a look at these types of eyes, starting with dark, cloudy lenses that distort our view:
Fearful eyes— It’s so restricting when we look at all of life through these clouded, dark, grayish-yellow lenses. It literally paralyzes us. Yes, they keep us “safe,” to a point, but they also keep us hindered and trapped from moving forward, stepping out, speaking up, and acting on that next step that will move us towards our dreams, desires, joys, even the destiny our hearts deeply long for. They limit our world, keeping the possibilities small, when we’ve been made and designed for greatness. What would have happened if Lincoln or Edison only saw through these eyes? “Extraordinary results are only possible when you dare to venture beyond what most would consider normal.” –Andy Andrews
Proud eyes— Yes, this one is ugly …and quite humbling! But I believe I am not alone here. By definition this is looking at the world, circumstances, and more importantly people, through arrogantly superior and disdainful lenses. I’d imagine these lenses to be a hazy, drab, olive green. A few more synonyms to show the repulsiveness of this view: “arrogant, conceited, snobbish, self-important, pompous, condescending, scornful; full of oneself, stuck-up, snooty, hoity-toity, uppity, big-headed, high and mighty.” Wow. Guilty! Why is it we think we need to microscopically view and be critical, tearing apart a person or situation to make ourselves look even just a tiny bit better, as if it helps the situation?! Wouldn’t we be better off looking for the good and the beauty instead? Wouldn’t we be better off addressing our own big shortcomings, flaws and blemishes first?
Grieving eyes— So many times life can be clouded by the black lenses of loss, disappointment, death, grief, suffering, rejection, and all the things that have gone wrong in life. If we’re not careful, we can get locked in and tied down to that grief and heaviness of the past, constantly looking backward. The heaviness grows as we anticipate things will always be the same dark shade of loss, clouding our future with gloom instead of looking forward with hope and seeing the light, color and possibilities ahead. Thankfully, we are not our past!
Other dark lenses can include: Self-centered eyes, Distracted eyes, Doubtful eyes, Jealous eyes, Greedy eyes, Stingy eyes. Yeah… quite sobering and not very pretty, is it?!
But how about these eyes? This is what I want:
Loving eyes— Eyes that are full of light and look at other people through clear lenses, maybe even rose-colored, seeing their goodness, the true “treasure” they are, appreciating the unique gifts and talents inside of them, overlooking what is on the outside masking or covering their true identity. Eyes that look on the real heart, seeing the potential, looking past the pain, ugly words, or mean spirit that may be coming at them in the moment. Eyes that can see a silent cry for help. Clear eyes that brighten others’ days, bringing them a twinkle of hope and a sparkle of acceptance.
Compassionate eyes— Eyes that are quick to see someone’s need. Eyes that are not too busy or selfish to stop for the one in a tight or painful spot. Eyes that are willing to be inconvenienced for the need that’s right in front of their path. Eyes on alert to see when they can offer a helping hand.
“Good” eyes— Eyes that continually see the possibilities, color, hope and so much more of the future, situations and people. Eyes that see the half-full glass, not focusing on the one that’s half empty or the surrounding chaos. Eyes that look for the peace in the midst of life’s waves and storms. Eyes that can focus on beauty, truth and what is lovely and honorable, catching and eliminating distractions that hinder forward progress.
And the list can go on…Thankful eyes, Generous eyes, Peaceful eyes, Happy eyes…
Have I fully achieved all of these beautiful eyes, tossing out all of the dark lenses? Not yet. But, now I am aware of the ugliness of those I don’t want to be looking through. And it all starts with awareness.
So what do you see? Want to join me in the transformation to seeing more clearly?!
Stir frys! Super versatile way to get in lots of veggies! Check this out and tweak it to make it your favorite!
Rainbow Stir Fry
1/2 onion, chopped
1/2 red or yellow pepper, chopped
1 cup chopped carrots
2 cups chopped broccoli
1/2 cup petite peas
3 Crimini mushrooms, sliced
3-4 large Rainbow chard leaves, chopped
1/4 cup cashews, chopped
Protein of choice (I used tuna for a change)
Sauce:
1/4 cup San-J Gluten Free Teriyaki Stir-fry and Marinade
1/4 cup water
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp raw honey
Combine sauce ingredients and stir, shake or blend until well mixed.
In large skillet, saute onions, add carrots and broccoli and cook until veggies just begin to soften. Add peppers, stir-fry and soften briefly, then add mushrooms, continuing to heat. Add peas, protein, cashews and sauce to desired taste. Continue to stir and heat to desired veggie “crispness.” Finally, add chard, stirring well and heating until chard just begins to wilt.
Serve over brown rice or quinoa.
