Let's Start From the Beginning

Welcome! This is officially the first post (even before the website has launched). I'm excited to connect to a community of people who are looking to find ways to live their best lives, and yes, that includes me. As a certified Health Coach, Certified Nutrition Coach, and Certified Personal Trainer, I still don't have all the answers. I used to think if I just did ONE MORE certification, I would have what I needed to fix myself and others. My most recent certification through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, blew my mind open and helped me see that we are the experts in our own lives.

My job as a coach is to ask the right questions that will unlock the keys to what is holding someone back. None of us can be objective about our own lives. We are in the the thick of it and too connected to take a step back and have those "aha" moments on our own. It's sort of like when you have an eye-opening talk with a good friend and they help you fix a problem. If they just tell you what to do, you might resist, disagree, or even resent them for trying to help. But when they LISTEN, and ask curious QUESTIONS about your problem, it can empower you to see your path to change. Friends should continue to be a resource, but if you find yourself stuck, a coach has a few more keys to unlock those doors. A good coach has training, expertise, and will let you take the lead . They will be your guide on the journey to change, but you are the driver.

My own challenges with health and wellness have taught me that it's not usually a straight road that leads to change. Sometimes it's a few steps forward, a pause, a slide backward, a realization, and then maybe another step forward - or something like that! The road is often bumpy and we have to practice grace, patience, love, and persistence towards ourselves. It's not the giant leaps that create lasting change because those can be overwhelming. It's being consistent with the small things.

I know that some major detox, new diet craze, or celebrity workout sounds a lot more sexy. Trust me, I tried them all and gave up after about two weeks because I felt restricted, deprived and frustrated. I made a promise to myself to go slow. I told myself that if I could just lose a few pounds and get consistent with any exercise (walking at the time), that would be better than the yo-yo existence I knew all too well. That's when change finally happened. I lost the weight, my mood improved, and I was experiencing the best health of my life. It's still a continuing journey, and yes the road is bumpy sometimes, but now I have the tools to navigate it.

My goal is to share stories, tips, motivation, inspiration, and yes, my own personal journey. We'll talk about nutrition, exercise, behavior change, stress management, sleep, and so much more. I hope you enjoy and get connected to our community. I'd love to hear from you.