Self Improvement Category
Natural OptionsForgiving Yourself
The more I understand forgiveness, the closer I come to understanding that forgiveness is an inside job. It truly has nothing to do with the other person(s) or situation(s) which have done you wrong. Until you have done some serious and deep internal work, you may keep telling yourself that Read more…
Natural OptionsCultural Connectivity Fosters Creativity
Perhaps there is no better time than the present to explore our creative potential. During this current pandemic, creativity can minimize lethargy and helps us find sustaining experiences and innovation. The challenge at hand reveals creativity to be an attribute some feel in plentiful amounts while others feel depleted. How Read more…
Natural OptionsSteps to Build Healthier Habits
Humans are creatures of habit. We have heard this time and time again, yet what does it mean? Psychologically, our brains are working to determine the most efficient ways to navigate our life and make it through our day. Some of us make thousands of decisions a day, and habits Read more…
Natural OptionsIs Alcohol Putting Your Immune System at Risk?
2020 has been a monster of a year, with shelter-in-place orders and constant, head-spinning policy changes. It’s no wonder people fall back to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as poor eating and drinking habits. In April, the World Health Organization issued a press release warning against alcohol consumption. At the same Read more…
Natural OptionsYou Are Worth the Effort
As we continue to struggle with settling into the new norm, we know that establishing routines is important for our mental and physical health. This is especially true when considering diet and exercise. Even if you’ve let yourself go over these past few months, it’s never too late to get Read more…
FitnessIntentional Walking for Winning at Health
Walking is a simple way to increase your health and longevity with little effort. Here are five reasons you should do intentional walking at a moderate intensity (fast enough that conversation makes you a little breathless) for 30 minutes a day: Reduces chronic diseases. Walking at a moderate pace can Read more…
Desert HealthIn the Moment
Have you ever been hiking and noticed the vibrancy of the colors around you? Or walked out in the morning to listen to birds singing and noticed how blue the sky? Maybe the memories of those moments are still clear in your mind and the thoughts warm your heart. Those Read more…
Medical NewsCOVID Fatigue: Creating Hope and Joy in Uncertain Times
My phone is ringing and emails are pouring in from people worldwide who are exhausted from living with the fear, stress, anxiety, boredom, depression, uncertainty and fatigue of COVID-19. We’ve all spent months in our homes. We’re sick of social distancing with a mask. We stand in line to get Read more…
Natural OptionsTaking Time to Paws and Reflect
I was all set to theme this article, “Is there light in the darkness?” when my beloved dog, Havi, passed away on June 8. He had been coughing and had a heart murmur for years, but after X-rays, it was deemed he had multiple issues. I just didn’t expect he Read more…
Natural OptionsSpeaking from a Heart-Centered Place
Times are tough and the rawness of reality can be both cruel and surreal. With the uncomfortable dysfunction of the present and our unknown future, we have come to realize something needs to change, transform and transcend. It cannot go back to the way it was, as the way it Read more…
Integrative MedicineWhen the Going Gets Rough, Check in with Yourself
2020 has been challenging. These months of sheltering in place, cessation of our normal social activities and extra worry have increased anxiety and stress. In addition, there is a sense of uncertainty along with an extra expenditure of effort to get things done. Whether you have been working harder than Read more…
Financial HealthHow to Teach Your Dog to Run
The Event. Recently, our family adopted another dog and I was excited for a potential running buddy. I knew Jack would need a little training and guidance, but this guy was made to be a running companion. In the beginning, we took him out for walks around the neighborhood, so Read more…
Natural OptionsBecoming Aware of Your Inner Critic
Throughout my years as a professional coach, I have worked with men and women helping them to identify what is holding them back from their desired outcomes. Clients come to me seeking better health and better relationships with themselves and others. What I often discover is that many have not Read more…
Natural OptionsLaughing in the Face of Uncertainty
You may have heard the saying, “Laugh till it heals.” Current research agrees; laughter is considered a form of medicine. And it is a sharp gift that can cut through fear. During these stressful times of facing a buggy-man named COVID-19, it may be time to use this gift as Read more…
FitnessHow to Avoid the Quarantine-15 and Sidestep Stress During Uncertain Times
Surely, you’ve heard of the Freshman Fifteen. Now the term ‘Quarantine Fifteen’ has been coined for the weight one may gain during the COVID-19 pandemic while staying cooped up inside without much to do except, well, eat. While gyms and group fitness classes have been closed or canceled for the Read more…
Through the GenerationsTurning Fear into Strength
As I write this, we are in the midst of unprecedented times, coming to grips with the idea that the world, as we knew it, is changing daily due to the coronavirus pandemic. Life seems surreal as if watching a futuristic science fiction movie, yet we are the stars. With Read more…
Natural OptionsLove Yourself First
With February (“love and heart month”) behind us, that time when you give a little more – flowers, cards, gifts or an “I love you” to that special someone – have you ever taken a step back to ask, “What if I gave as much love to myself as I Read more…
Natural OptionsStart Your Day with a Cup of Chi
Chi self-massage is a Taoist concept originating back thousands of years. I was first introduced to the practice when studying at the Taoist Institute and taught to do chi self-massage before getting out of bed in the morning. The idea is to cultivate “chi,” or energy, using breathing, visualizations and Read more…
InspirationCreating Meaningful Moments
What does your typical day look like? You work, shop for groceries, run errands, attend appointments and scheduled events. Life is busy. But when you look back at the bigger picture – your entire life – what happy thoughts comes to mind? Those special memories, maybe only a minute in Read more…