Archive for the ‘SELF’ Category

by Lisette Volz

January 26

4:36 pm

The Problem with Inspiration

Beware: this blog is going to start with me whining.

I don’t want to write a blog. I’m uninspired. Why do I have to do this? I don’t have time to come up with pearls of wisdom in between lectures, lecture development, consults and consult follow-ups. What am I, Andy Rooney? Blah, Blah, Blah. (Mr. Moore, if you are reading this, please read a little further before deciding whether or not to fire me).

The key word in my whine-fest above is uninspired. Being uninspired is a frequent fact of life. That is why the Tony Robbins and Dale Carnegies of this world have made such a good living. People will happily pay for inspiration and motivation. In fact, if there were a pill I could take that would keep me inspired or motivated, I wouldn’t hesitate to fill that prescription (even if the side effects included an eye twitch and skin irritation).

Since there is no such pill, I put my “big girl panties on” and pulled out some familiar tools that help ignite my inspiration. One of my favorite tools is the simplest of all – reading. I have a plethora of inspirational books on topics ranging from fear, spiritual enlightenment, gratitude, parenting, and emotional insight, just to name a few. They sit by my bed, pile up at my office and sometimes travel with me in the car (not to worry, I rarely drive and read at the same time). I don’t judge myself for not reading them all at once, or all the way through. I have found that just when I decide to pick one up, even if it’s for the briefest of reads, I always hear something that I was meant to hear. In this case – the case of the uninspired bellyaching, I picked up a book about imagining your life without fear. BINGO –inspiration!

My heart started racing as words jumped from the pages, entering my bloodstream with all the stimulation of a cup of espresso followed by a Red Bull. Being Fearless is exactly what I needed to hear. But alas, the very definition of a blog is a “brief diary-like entry on the internet.” I’ve moved way past brief, so my enlightenment about fear will have to wait until my next blog. (A cliff-hanger of sorts).

The point of all this? Inspiration doesn’t just descend on you when needed. It’s not like the proverbial “light bulb going off.” There’s not one switch that turns it on. Inspiration takes work. It takes effort. However, the payoff is amazing. It ignites passion, creates forward movement, and feeds the body, mind and spirit all at once. YUM!

What are your tools for inspiration? Make a list right now of strategies and tools that you use for inspiration to workout, eat right, and stay emotionally healthy. Do they include reading inspiring articles and books? Journaling or connecting with like-minded, goal oriented individuals? How about surfing the internet for new information on your passion (have you discovered Ted.com yet)? Do you collect a list of favorite mantras or moving quotes? Do you keep a list of your achievements readily available as a reminder of how far you’ve travelled on this fantastic journey?

What will you do to stay inspired today? Just waking up doesn’t count. Just going into work doesn’t count. Just working out doesn’t count. Go deeper. Go bolder. Make the effort — Because finding inspiration makes the journey much more interesting and worthwhile.

P.S. Mr. Moore, thank you for making me write this blog. I am grateful to have a career where cultivating inspiration is part of my job description.

This entry is filed under SELF.

by Jessica Lynn

January 24

2:32 pm

No Comments

Focus

These days, mornings are definitely a challenge. Hala, soon to be 3, is a little “slow-moving”, to put it nicely. Whether it is changing her mind about what she wants to wear, resisting brushing her teeth, wanting breakfast before getting dressed or simply just not wanting to do anything just yet… she finds a way to stall. Her knew favorite word (which she can clearly say, but we’re still working on learning the meaning of) is “focus”. Whether it’s a toy that’s out of place, a question she recalls from the previous night (“What’d you have for dinner last night, Mama?”), or something her little sister is doing – her world is full of distractions.

Life can be full of distractions, can’t it? It is so easy to be pulled into conversation, “play” with the newest technology revelation, entertain that mind game in our heads encouraging procrastination, or wallow in feelings caused by a previous situation for far longer than anticipated. Much of our time can be wasted on these unnecessary side turns.

Just think, what if each and every moment of your day was filled with purpose? Don’t get me wrong… “down time” or “play time” can certainly be purposeful, so this wouldn’t be a life without relaxation or fun! How accomplished would you feel? How content? The only moments we are guaranteed are the ones we are living right now. So how can we strive, then, to focus on each moment with purpose?

Start each day with a mental review of your life vision and what you hope to accomplish for the day. A glass full of optimism wouldn’t hurt either.
Practice mindfulness exercises so that you can start each task with a clear and open mind. Be present in the moment. Don’t spend your time worrying on what lies ahead, or gravel in the past. The past is gone, now is here.
Establish a schedule that works with your daily energy flow. Assign “brain tasks” when you feel alert and focused, and plan your physical activity to give oxygen to the brain and stimulate its activity.
Anticipate the need for change. Four years ago my focus was directed mainly on my career, creating a retirement fund, things of that nature… Now, I find myself researching preschools and contributing to 529 plans. Identifying the need to change focus is different than losing focus – they should not be confused.

Take a moment to reflect on the past 5 years and look forward to the next 5… what’s different for you? What can you do today to help you focus on where you want to be five years from now?

Quote from Disney’s “Princess and the Frog”… a bit of advice from Tiana’s father:

Tiana:

Charlotte’s faity tale book said,

if you make a wish on evening star

it shoulda come true.

Tiana’s Daddy:

Hmmh, won’t you wish on that star, sweetheart?

- Yes, you wish and you dream with all your little heart.

But you remember dear Anawet,

that old star can only take you part of a way.

You got to help him with some hard work of your own.

And then…

Yeah you can do anything

you said you mind to.

Just promise your Daddy one thing?

That you’ll never, ever lose sign

what is really important.

from The Princess and The Frog

This entry is filed under SELF.

by Jessica Lynn

January 10

4:38 pm

No Comments

Are You Ready?

This morning I went in for my pre-natal visit, and when my doctor informed me that I would be coming in now every 2 weeks, it suddenly hit me how quickly my due date is approaching! Because I’m a planner by nature, my mind instantly went to, “Oh, my gosh, am I ready, what needs to be done?”

Now, a few hours later, I’m settling into my thoughts. Life has its way of hitting us with the unexpected, doesn’t it? In my case, the event is expected, it’s the timeline that’s out of my hands. No matter how much we prepare, there is always something that comes up that wasn’t in the picture we envisioned. How resilient are you when “life” hits you with a whammy – positive or negative!? Life’s curve balls are things like an injury, illness, divorce… but it can also be a surprise birthday party, a promotion that changes your routine, or, like me, a new little member to your family.

If you can keep a clear understanding of your vision and set forth each day with the mindset to do the best you can do that day to move closer to your vision, that’s really all you can ask of yourself. Of course we all have days when we are ineffective or hinder that progress, but the sooner we can bounce back, the greater chance we have to realize that vision. If we can ask ourselves, before each decision we make, “Will this take me closer or farther from my goal?”, and make the choice that takes us closer at least 7 out of 10 times, resilience is ours.

What’s your vision? Is your path still leading to one that motivates and inspires you? What can you do today to take one step toward that goal? If I could wish one thing for you for 2012… it would be Resilience. Happy 2012!

This entry is filed under SELF.

by Alicea Glover

December 25

9:01 am

1 Comment

Wellness Coaching Coaching Corner Defining Family

I’ve been on Hilton Head Island now just shy of 2 years and to tell you the truth it gets tough being so far from home at times. If I want to visit with my Dad or Grandmother, it’s onlya 19-hour drive or 4-hour plane ride away to make it happen. Quite a haul and with a busy lifestyle, lots of races, I definitely don’t get enough opportunities to head up north. When I’m there though, I fully take advantage.

How do I manage? Straight out of college, no immediate family members in the vicinity, I must get homesick right? Well of course we all miss our families at times, but what really makes someone a member of your family?

According to the Merriam-Webster online Dictionary there are several definitions for family. A group of people who live under one roof, group of common ancestry; however the one I like the most reads as so: a group of people united by certain convictions or a common affiliation.

So far from home I think it’s essential to establish a family. The biggest supports we have in our lives don’t just include the environments we set up or the structures we put in place, but the people we surround ourselves with on a daily basis.

Take a good hard look this holiday at the people in your life who’ve contributed to the person you are today. Give only your time to the individuals who’ve impacted you positively and focus not just on your immediate family, but the people outside of your relatives that you wouldn’t go a day without.

For me, this holiday will be spent with my immediate family and for that I am without words, very grateful. On the Island, I am fortunate to have surrounded myself with a group of individuals who truly share the same passions for life as I do. Hilton Head Health Staff and Guests, CrossFit Hilton Head, and my roommates will always be considered family. Who do you consider family this season? Make sure they know how much you care. Tis’ the season!

Happy Holidays.

JeffsFamily Coaching Corner Defining Family

Jeff’s Team at the NH Marathon October 2, 2010

This entry is filed under SELF.

by Lisette Volz

December 20

2:26 pm

2 Comments

When It’s Time to Reboot

A couple of weeks ago I had the mulley-grubs (no, it’s not a strange skin condition or parasite). The mulley-grubs are more like a state — similar to being in a rut. I was cranky for absolutely no significant reason and everything seemed to take more time and effort.

Not one to dwell in the mulley-grubs, I quickly planned a girl’s weekend in Charleston with my best friend. We shopped, danced and laughed. Voila! No more mulley-grubs. It took just a 24-hour routine shake-up to “reboot” and shed the mulley-grubs.

It’s important to take notice of tiny ruts and sprinkle them with magic so they don’t become large ruts or a draining depression. It’s vital to change routines and spice up relationships so the mundane or everyday doesn’t transform into resentments and deprivation… that sense of missing out. It’s easy to slip into martyrdom where our happiness is on the other side of, “If only I had…If only I could…When this happens I’ll be happy.”

Possible cures for the mulley-grubs include an impromptu road-trip. Romance—booking a hotel room for you and your spouse and enjoying room-service (use the element of surprise by booking it at the last minute, in the middle of the work week). Also, try learning a new sport that’s completely out of your comfort zone. In fact, stepping out of your comfort zone is always a great way to challenge the mundane.

Being of service to others is another terrific way to break life’s monotony, as well as wake us from the martyrdom malaise. When we find ourselves helping others less fortunate than us, it quickly transforms that feeling of missing out into gratitude for what we already have.

Chances are that several of your friends are stuck in a rut as well. Get together and collectively decide on a new project, hobby or endeavor you can all do with excitement. Perhaps, it’s a fitness challenge— learning to belly dance or volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. Just make sure it’s something you look forward to and leaves you with a smile when you’re done.

Whatever strategy you use to reboot, make sure it’s health-enhancing. Destructive efforts to test the status quo will lead you further into unhealthy emotions and self-loathing. Always use the mulley-grubs as an opportunity to grow or connect.

What will you do today to reboot?

This entry is filed under SELF.

by Amy Kelderhouse

December 18

9:10 am

No Comments

Coaching Corner: Finding Your Silent Night

It may seem strange in the last week before Christmas to write a blog post on silence. Despite the suggestion of the popular Christmas song “Silent Night,” the holiday season is anything but quite. There are relatives coming into town, Christmas music blaring in the shopping malls, horns honking, bells ringing—all of these things, however pleasant some might be, can be overwhelming.
We live in a culture where if you wanted to completely avoid silence, you would not be hard pressed. We wake up to an alarm, listen to the news while getting ready for the day, listen to traffic on the way to work, talk all day, listen in meetings, listen to work time radio. We then get in our cars and listen to traffic on the way home, listen to music while exercising, watch TV at night and then fall asleep. Does this sound familiar?
Silence is what introduces us to ourselves. It is where we learn what is important to us, what we want to achieve and how, what is acceptable to us and what is not. Silence can comfort us, but it can also challenge us. It shows us where we can improve; It shows us what needs to change, but it can also give us hope that we can do it!

The unexamined life is not worth living –Socrates

Do you ever feel as though you are living a life of reaction and not action? This is what can happen when we plug through life, jumping from one interaction to another and not stepping back and examining what is going on. Silence brings mindfulness, and mindfulness is the key to success in healthy living.
Here are some tips for adding silence into your life during the holidays:

If the stress and energy of having a house full of people is overwhelming take a 3 minuet time out. Go to your room, bathroom or closet—somewhere you can close the door on all that is going on around you—set a timer and breathe deep. Use this as a time to reset your energy button. Seek out the source of stress and visualize yourself positivity handling the situation. Take a moment to get back to a place of action.
Set your alarm for 15 minutes earlier than normal and use this as “me” time. Spend those 15 minutes in silence, meditation or prayer. Get your morning off to a good start by allowing yourself to wake up to a new day and not hit the ground running. Whether you set the alarm for 7:15 or 7:30, the process of waking up is the same; push through the temptation to hit the alarm and reward yourself with a low stress morning.
Offer to get coffees or newspaper in the morning. Use this as an excuse to get out in the morning. Drive in silence and allow the day to unfold before you. Beginning the day with purposeful action is a great way to start the day.
Go for a solo thermal walk. Sometimes getting out of the house is enough to clear the head and put you in a better place. Although it is cold and snowy this time of year, try your best to get outside. Bundle up and stick it out, the cool air can wake you right up!
Make a gratitude list and reflect on it throughout day. Expressing gratitude for the things around us allows us to open up to the world and the good things that fill our lives. Reflecting on these things throughout the day can bring peace and enjoyment to our lives and allows us to be present in each moment.

Gratitude is noticing the extraordinary in the ordinary, and then taking the nanosecond to feel it. – Karen Krakower Kaplan

What are some things that you do during this busy season to bring some silence or peace into your life?

This entry is filed under SELF.

by Lisette Volz

December 8

10:59 am

No Comments

Start with the Why

In an effort to find inspiring material for one of my H3 lectures, I came across an amazing Ted Talk by Simon Sinek. If you’ve never heard of a Ted Talk, then you need to acquaint yourself with Ted.com. Ted.com is a website that believes passionately in the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives and ultimately, the world. Their passion is conveyed through motivating videos and conferences presented by amazing speakers from around the globe.

Simon Sinek is one of those amazing speakers and his video, entitled “How Great Leaders Inspire Action,” had me riveted immediately. The basic premise of his philosophy is that people don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it. Companies and individuals that are outstanding in their field don’t start by telling you what they sell or believe, or how they make their product, but rather why they do what they do first. Their passion drives the process. Simon illustrates this concept using what he calls, “The Golden Circle,” as seen below.

Most companies/individuals start from the outer ring of the circle and work their way inward. For example, Dell computers might explain their company by first saying what they do; “We make great computers.” Then proceed with how they do it; “We make them with only the highest quality materials.” Lastly, they would explain why; “Because we want you to buy one.” However, the undisputed success of Apple can be explained by their reversed thought process. They start with the why; “Everything we do, we do because we want to challenge the status quo and give individuals access to the same technology and information as the largest corporations.” Their how would sound something like…”Our computers are beautifully designed and very user-friendly.” Lastly, their what would simply be, “We make great computers.” Of course Simon’s video explains the concept much more eloquently.

What got me so jazzed about Simon Sinek’s idea is how wonderfully it applies to weight loss and exercise. Our journey to achieve or maintain a healthy lifestyle should start with the why, not the what.

For example, here is conventional thinking from the what to the why:

What: I want to lose 20 pounds

How: I will exercise 5 times a week and eat a healthy diet comprised of 1500 calories.

Why: Because I hate being overweight and out of shape.

Here is inspired, passionate thinking from the why to the what:

Why: I want to feel strong and sexy in my body and I want to be able to play with my children without any limitations. I want to be proud of my body. I want to be passionate about my health.

How: I will exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, reduce my alcohol intake, and cut out processed foods. I will commit myself to this process.

What: I want to lose 20 pounds.

Instead of starting with a number on the scale, or a clothing size, start with the core ideals that drive you. Start from a place of internal passion, not external motivating factors that in the end, don’t help define you. Watch Simon’s video and see how it can apply to your quest to improve your health. Email me and let me know what you think! lvolz@hhhealth.com.

This entry is filed under SELF.

by Alicea Glover

December 7

3:30 pm

No Comments

Spreading A Little Cheer

We all know the holidays are a busy time of year. There are deadlines to meet, crowds everywhere you go and between the holiday parties and staying up late to wrap or find that perfect gift, sleep seems to be the last thing on anyone’s mind. As part of the corporate wellness program here at Hilton Head Health, this month staff is taking on a Sleeping Challenge. We’re sleeping for 7-9 hours at least 5 days per week—seems pretty simple but for some this can be a challenging task.

Getting enough sleep is essential for proper body function both physically and mentally. In general, we need about 7-8 hours of sleep each night in order to feel not only more alert and focused throughout the day, but to continue to be our merry selves during the holidays. There’s a reason December is my favorite time of year even though I absolutely despise the cold. No matter how freezing it is outside, no cold can keep me from singing carols as I cook dinner or stop the twinkle in my eye as I drive through neighborhoods admiring Christmas decorations. December is a time of celebration and thanks but it’s hard to spread the cheer if you’re too tired to flash your co-worker a smile and a hello in the morning.

Getting enough sleep at night is just one way to help spread holiday cheer and here are a few others:

You don’t have to spend hundreds or dollars on decorations to help put you in the holiday mood but a simple wreath on your office door or reindeer for your desk helps spread the Christmas spirit.
Don’t underestimate the value of tradition. Whether you’ve just moved to a new city, are traveling for business or are just running a behind at home, take the time to continue with family holiday traditions. This simple act may seem meaningless to some but to you it can bring a sense of warmth and love.
Planning a small get together helps everyone get in the mood. Don’t have time to cook and clean? Well, think outside the box. Go to the skating rink, pick out Christmas trees or catch a special showing of It’s a Wonderful Life at your local theater. Spending time with the people you care about can certainly turn a bad day into one full of cheer.

This entry is filed under SELF.

by Jessica Lynn

December 6

11:10 am

3 Comments

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

Over the weekend, like many families, we spent a lot of time preparing our house for Christmas. Icicle lights glow outside with a grazing reindeer, garland along the banisters, beautiful bows of red and gold and green… but most important of all, the Christmas tree! In years past, we’ve had a small 3ft. tree because we were concerned that Hala (now almost 3 years old) would get to it, knock it over or worse, eat it. We knew this year she would “get it” a little more – the whole Christmas story – so we decided to have a big tree.

Early last week Hala said to me, “Mama, I want Chris-cross tree,” to which I giggled and responded, “Okay Hunny, on Friday you can come with me and Daddy and help pick out a Christmas tree.” She said, “I want BIG one.” Perfect, I thought, this was going to really be a fun year to see her helping and getting excited about all the preparation. So, Friday night we went out to get the tree. She walked around the lot and picked one out nice and tall and round. Daddy paid and Hala watched from behind my leg as the friendly couple trimmed it up. We got it set up in front of the window in the living room, and explained that we had to let the branches rest overnight before we decorate it with pretty lights and ornaments.

On Saturday, we set out to buy lights and hooks for the tree. (I had purchased ornaments and ribbon last year during the after Christmas sales, so that’s really all we needed.) Now, keep in mind this was only December 3^rd – can you believe that 3 stores were all sold out of white lights AND ornament hooks!? We finally came across some LED lights at Lowe’s, along with some hooks at the grocery store. I thought, okay, now we are set to make our tree simply beautiful! But wait, Juan also requested tinsel for the tree – “Every tree just has to have tinsel,” he said. As we search isle by isle, I notice it on the bottom shelf – “here you go, Babe”, I said, as I picked up a box (containing 1,000 strands) and tossed it in the cart. “Wait!” said Juan, “That’s not enough! The more the better!” He proceeded to pick up TEN more boxes (again, 1,000 strands each), and tossed them into the cart. I’m looking at him, mouth drawn open. Now, you have to know Juan – he is extremely difficult to read. Surely he’s joking, I thought. At 67 cents a box, surely this is just some silly joke, just play along. “Yeah, okay, that’s your deal,” I respond.

When we get home, Hala goes upstairs for a nap, and Mama and Daddy string the lights so the tree is ready when Hala gets up. She helps Mama get all the ornaments on the tree. Red ones and green ones and bronze… Hala’s favorite seemed to be the Little Einstein’s rocket that Grandma got her last year. She very consciously hung each ornament on the tree – usually on one of the bottom branches and typically 3-4 ornaments per branch (gotta love kids!) Dinner wrapped up the evening with the plan for Daddy and Hala to hang the tinsel the next day. When the time came, I was upstairs stringing garland, and told Hala to go downstairs and help Daddy string the tinsel. When I came downstairs I could not believe my eyes. They used, not one, not two…. But TEN boxes of tinsel on the tree! You can’t even see the tree! It looks completely silver. I was shocked. He really, really did it. I can’t believe he really used TEN boxes, 10,000 strands of tinsel, on our 7 foot tree.

Now, I honestly do miss the beautiful tree underneath all that tinsel. But… it’s more important to me to have the whole family involved with the preparation and feeling like they are making the holiday special. I just smile to myself and to Juan each time he mentions how beautiful our tree now looks. Tinsel or no tinsel, the holiday will still come, and we will still build lasting memories, like this and more. I’m not sure what small stuff you may run across this year… just remember it’s just that, small stuff. Happy Holidays!

Christmas Ornaments Dont Sweat the Small Stuff

About 5-6 ornaments made it to this one branch.

Christmas tree Dont Sweat the Small Stuff

The tree-10,000 strands of tinsel and all!!

This entry is filed under SELF.

by Linda Hopkins

December 4

8:10 am

No Comments

Magical Exercise

As a wellness coach, I often talk to clients about their exercise habits. But of all exercises, one stands out as a daily must. It doesn’t require any special skills or equipment. It can be done anytime, anywhere, and no one will know you are doing it unless you tell them. (No, it is not butt squeezes!) It is the most transformative of any exercise. In fact, this exercise will change your life faster than anything else you can possibly do. Are you ready?

Get out your journal, a notebook or a plain piece of paper and jot down everything you’re grateful for. Start with the basics like food, shelter, clothing and transportation. How about family, friends, a beloved pet? Dig a little deeper. Have you experienced healing from a serious illness or the restoration of an important relationship?

When you run out of the obvious, look around for the small blessings in life: that beautiful bird singing outside your window, the sunrise, the store clerk who helped you today or the person who slowed down to let you in traffic… Instead of focusing on all the bad things happening in the world, start looking for the good.

Of course, it’s easy to give thanks when everything’s coming up roses. But how can we feel grateful when confronted with life’s thorns? It comes down to practice.

Few people go to the gym simply to be able to bench press 100 pounds, run four miles on a treadmill or do three sets of squats, but rather to have energy and strength to carry a sleepy child to bed, unload the groceries, do the yard work, play sports or climb stairs… Exercise is simply the tool we use to get more of what we want out of life.

In the same way, practicing gratitude is a workout for our souls. Just as physical exercise improves strength and stamina, repeated awareness of our blessings builds our happiness muscles. Condition yourself to look at the brighter side of life and it will only get brighter.

This entry is filed under SELF.

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