awaken-souls-love

I Am Willing To Release Old Patterns That No Longer Serve Me

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 18:56:56 GMT

Letting Go Of Old Thought Patterns Is Possible Thanks To Neuroplasticity

I Am Willing To Release Old Patterns That No Longer Serve Me

I am willing to release old patterns that no longer serve me, and I invite my brain to shift in new, healthier directions. Neuroplasticity is the the remarkable ability of the brain to adapt and change in response to experience and I’ve learned in health coaching, and in my own personal healing journey, this concept has the power to transform how I approach my own chronic symptoms and persistent habits.

Understanding Neuroplasticity

For years, it was believed that the brain was a static organ, set in it’s ways once we reached adulthood. Research now confirms that our brains are dynamic, meaning that there is a constant reshaping, reorganizing, and forming new neural connections throughout life. “Neurons that fire together wire together”. This famous expression explains how repetitive thoughts or actions can strengthen particular neural pathways, making them more automatic and deeply embedded. Your thoughts can become your autopilot state of being. The positive side? If these pathways are neglected, or if they are consciously and repetitively challenged, they gradually weaken and can be changed.

How Thought Patterns Take Hold

A single thought like, “My back is killing me today”, might feel like a simple harmless thought, possibly fleeting and easy to overlook. But if that thought is repeated and mixed with other thoughts like, “I’m always in pain”, or “Nothing will ever change” for example, these neurons fire and wire together, transforming that initial simple thought into a new neural pathway. These negative thoughts accumulate and persist and those thoughts of pain transform into a state of being. Suddenly the original thought has turned into layers of worry and hopelessness about health status, the negative effect the pain has on your relationships, finances, ability to function and a whole host of “stories” that feel impossible to escape.

Neuroplasticity and Chronic Pain

This process is especially relevant for those managing chronic pain or conditions. Research shows that the brain can become “hardwired” to feel pain, even when the original injury or trigger has resolved or been removed. Those reinforced neural pathways continue to send pain signals, an echo of old patterns that have become deeply ingrained. However, the same neuroplasticity that allowed these connections to form gives us the opportunity to rewire them.

Creating New Pathways

The good news is that change is possible and it starts with conscious awareness. The trick is to develop mindfulness around those recurring negative patterns, often so automatic and unconscious that I hardly realize they’re even happening. In those moments, I choose to gently challenge old thoughts and replace them with new, positive ones, thoughts of hope, resilience and possibility. Every time I do this, I fire and wire a different neural circuit, little by little building a new track of healing messages.

My Commitment to Change

Letting go of old thought patterns, whether thoughts about pain, beliefs about myself or old ways of responding to stressors, takes time patience and a commitment to practice. Every minute of noticing, every positive choice, every moment of self kindness, helps dissolve those old superhighways of negative neural pathways and supports new growth. I am willing to catch myself when my mind drifts toward negative automatic thoughts. I am willing to choose a new response, one that reflects healing, possibility and self compassion.

If these words ring true for you, know that releasing what no longer serves you is always possible, with time, consistence and intention. Neuroplasticity reminds me that change is within reach and that every small shift matters.

Reach out for a free chemistry session to see if how this work can benefit you. Healing is possible thanks to the brain’s amazing ability to change and adapt!

Every Small Mindset Shift Is a Step Toward Healing and Hope

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 15:15:43 GMT

Rewire Your Mind, Reshape Your Health

How Can Mindset and Neuroplasticity improve outcomes for Chronic Illness?

Mindset and neuroplasticity are powerful, evidence-backed tools for improving outcomes in chronic illness, especially when applied through structured programs. By leveraging the brain’s amazing ability to adapt and to rewire itself, patients can reshape not only their sense of health and possibility but also the degree to which they experience symptoms.

The Role of Mindset In Healing

Cultivating a hope-driven, constructive mindset is a foundational step for transforming outcomes in chronic illness. Research shows that a positive mindset can interrupt stress cycles, the cell danger response, and shift the nervous system from constant threat detection, to states of safety, calm and healing. Structured programs incorporate an understanding of the science, acceptance, cognitive restructuring, mindfulness and behavior change techniques to target psychological patterns that can perpetuate pain and illness. Participants learn to genuinely change how their brains process physical and emotional pain.

Understanding Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to grow new or stronger neural pathways based on repetitive experiences and deliberate practice. Chronic pain, fatigue, stress and other symptoms can rewire the brain towards hyper-vigilance and maladaptive responses. Structured brain retraining programs utilize neuroplasticity principles, teaching targeted exercises that form healthier neural circuits while gradually dismantling old, harmful patterns. There is an “unlearning” of unconscious responses to pain, illness, stress, etc. An ability to recognize brain-body links, redirect old pathways in order to move away from chronic stress and threat response patterns.

Practical Steps For Progress

While neuroplastic changes take dedication and consistency, small actions can creat real results. Some strategies include:

▪️Daily practice of mindful awareness of thoughts and conscious thought “redirection”.

▪️Visualization and body-based techniques that signal safety to the nervous system.

▪️Gradual exposure to previously feared sensations or activities, reinforcing new neural connections.

▪️Emotional enhancement, uplift exercises and “joy training” to support new positive

pathways.

Hope Through Mindset and Neuroplasticity

Mindset and neuroplasticity, especially when woven into structured programs, offer genuine hope and tangible improvement for people navigating chronic illness. By actively and intentionally choosing new perpectives, practicing evidence-based, repetitive retraining techniques, and integrating supportive community engagement, many people experience greater resilience and improved quality of life.

Are you ready to thrive, not just survive? Find clarity, develop resilience and become empowered on your healing journey. Book a free discovery call today and together, we’ll build a roadmap to help you live the vibrant, balanced life you deserve!

Could Mold Exposure Be Making You Sick?

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 18:03:19 GMT

Could Mold Exposure Be The Cause of Your Persistent Symptoms?

Could Mold Exposure Be Making You Sick?

Did you know that over 50% of all buildings are believed to have enough moisture problems to create mold growth? Mold exposure is common in any building that has had leaks, flooding, poor construction, or poor ventilation. This is an issue in over 50% of all indoor spaces. Indoor mold growth dramatically increases the risk of serious illness, and many people are not aware that their recurring symptoms may be caused by mold and indoor air quality in their homes or workplaces.

Wide Range of Symptoms

Unlike classic mold allergies, mold illness (sometimes called mold toxicity or Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome), causes a broad range of symptoms. It can impact just about every organ and system and the symptoms often mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult. Common symptoms include:

▪️Fatigue that can be severe and does not improve with rest.

▪️Brain fog, poor memory, confusion

▪️Neurological symptoms: tingling, numbness, insomnia, blurry vision, vertigo and dizziness

▪️Mood regulation issues, anxiety, depression, rage

▪️Frequent sinus or respiratory infections, persistent headaches, post-nasal drip

▪️Shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing

▪️Increased sensitivities to foods, chemicals, smells, sound and light

▪️Muscle and joint pain, rashes and digestive problems

Guidance For Recovery

In order to effectively deal with mold exposure or mold illness, it’s important to work with someone aligned with guidance from the ISEAI (International Society for Environmentally Acquired Illness) and who takes a functional medicine approach. The focus will be on both identifying and removing hidden environmental exposures as well as supporting the body’s natural detox pathways. This may involve testing both the environment and the patient, using strategies such as binders to capture toxins, sauna therapy, nutritional support and collaboration with mold remediation experts.

Healing from mold illness involves a holistic approach: removing exposure, repairing the body’s natural defenses, and supporting the immune and nervous system. If you’re experiencing unexplained, persistent symptoms, living or working in a possibly water-damaged environment, it’s important to consider mold-related illness as a root cause.

Schedule a free consult to see if mold exposure could be behind your persistent symptoms and to learn how you can start the path towards recovery and good health. There is support and guidance available!

www.wholelife180.com amyfein@wholelife180.com

Adverse Childhood Experiences: Survival Codes, Coping and the Path to a Balanced Life

Mon, 19 May 2025 17:57:29 GMT

Adverse Childhood Experiences: Survival Codes, Coping and the Path to a Balanced Life

Adverse Childhood Experiences: Survival Codes, Coping and the Path

to a Balanced Life

If you’ve found yourself stuck in cycles of anxiety, perfectionism, emotional numbness or

relentless self-criticism, you may have wondered: Why do I react this way? The answer, for

many of us, can be traced back to the blueprint of our earliest years, our Adverse Childhood

Experiences (ACEs). Understanding and identifying the survival coping mechanisms we

developed in response to these experiences isn’t just a journey of self-awareness. It’s the

foundation for healing, self-compassion and building a life that feels balanced and genuinely

joyful.

What are ACEs and Why Do They Matter?

Adverse Childhood Experiences are potentially traumatic events that occur before the age of

18. These can include physical, emotional or sexual abuse, neglect, witnessing violence or

growing up with family members who have mental health or substance use issues. ACE studies

and decades of research have shown a clear link between early adversity and a whole list of

adult challenges such as chronic health conditions, mental health struggles, difficulties in

relationships and low self-esteem.

The impact of ACEs is not only about what happened in early childhood, it’s about how we

learned to survive.

Survival Mode: Coping Mechanisms as Survival Codes

When safety is unpredictable, when love feels conditional, or when expressing emotions is

unsafe, kids adapt. These adaptations: hypervigilance, perfectionism, emotional numbness,

aren’t personality flaws. They’re survival codes. Strategies our younger selves developed to

navigate a world that didn’t always feel safe or loving.

Lets break down a few of these survival codes.

Hypervigilance: Always on Alert

If you grew up in a home where safety was unpredictable, you may have learned to scan every

room, every tone of voice, every facial expression for signs of danger. This state of constant

alertness served a purpose. It was your body and mind’s way of trying to stay one step ahead

of chaos or harm.

However, hypervigilance has a cost. As adults, it can mean living with chronic anxiety, trouble

relaxing, sleep issues and difficulties trusting others. Your nervous system remains stuck in

survival mode or “fight or flight” even when the original threat is diminished or gone.

Perfectionism: When Love Was Conditional

Did you only feel truly valued when you excelled, behaved perfectly or met impossible

standards? If love, approval or attention was only granted when you excelled, behaved

perfectly or met some set standard, it would be perfectly understandable to chase perfection.

The drive for perfection isn’t a character flaw. It’s a survival strategy. It was a way to earn the

acceptance and security every child needs and craves. As adults, perfectionism can become

exhausting, leading to burnout, chronic dissatisfaction and a harsh, relentless inner critic.

Emotional Numbness: When Feeling or Experiencing Emotions Wasn’t Safe

In some homes, showing emotion was dangerous or unsafe. Maybe showing emotions led to

ridicule, punishment or neglect. In these environments, kids learn to shut down their feelings

entirely. Emotional numbness or disassociation becomes a shield, protecting you from pain,

rejection or fear.

This “checking out” can persist into adulthood, showing up as a sense of emptiness,

disconnection or the inability to feel joy or sadness. It’s not laziness or coldness. It’s a

protective reflex, a circuit breaker that once kept you safe.

Your Patterns Aren’t Personality Flaws - They’re Survival Codes

It’s so easy to look at these patterns and feel shame, frustration or hopelessness. The truth is,

these patterns are not evidence of your brokenness. They are evidence of your resilience.

These patterns are the way you adapted to survive.

Understanding this distinction is the first step toward healing. You are not “too sensitive”, “too

anxious” or “emotionally unavailable” by nature. You are someone who survived and your

survival codes deserve patience and compassion.

Your survival codes were brilliant adaptations to a world that didn’t always meet your needs.

But you are no longer that child. Today, you have the power to understand, honor and gently

release the coping mechanisms that once kept you safe but now hold you back.

Recovery is not about erasing your past. It’s about integrating your story, reclaiming your

choices, and building a life where safety, love and emotional freedom are possible. The journey

is challenging but it is also profoundly hopeful. By understanding your survival codes, you open

the door to a happier, more balance life where you are free to thrive, not just survive.

▪ What survival codes do you recognize in yourself?

▪ How have they helped you in the past? How might they be holding you back now?

▪ What new coping skills are you ready to explore as you move toward a more balanced joyful

life?

You are not your trauma. You are the survivor, the healer and the author of your

next chapter!

How To Set Realistic Wellness Goals When Dealing With Chronic Illness

Mon, 05 May 2025 17:34:29 GMT

How To Set Realistic Wellness Goals When Dealing With Chronic Illness

How To Set Realistic Wellness Goals When Dealing With Chronic Illness

Everyday, I’m blown away by the incredible strength that resides within us. Especially for those with chronic illness who also deal with unpredictable symptoms that vary in strength and frequency. Setting health goals might look a bit different when you’re not sure if your body will comply. Just like so many things related to life with chronic illness, setting health and wellness goals in this situation requires a bit of self compassion and flexibility. Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way.

�� Create versions of your action steps that are appropriate for whatever symptoms you might be having that day. This is a way to be flexible and gentle with yourself. Don’t be afraid to adjust your goals based on how you feel each day. Honor what your body is telling you while still moving forward. Flexibility is your secret weapon.

�� Experiment with what works for you. As symptoms change, you might need to reassess what helps and what doesn’t. Listen to your body and pay attention to what it’s telling you. Prioritize self care. Rest, nourishment and self-compassion are non negotiable. They are the foundation.

�� Celebrate even small wins. Remember that small gains and slow progress are still moving you forward. It’s difficult to even see the small wins sometimes. Make sure to check in with your “big picture” to notice how far you’ve come. Small wins can add up to big changes!

�� Connect and share. You are not alone in this journey. Reach out to your community, share your experiences and learn from others. Support from likeminded people can not only lift you up, your tribe will provide crucial validation and encouragement.

This is tough stuff to navigate. Especially within the context of busy, active lives, with symptoms waxing and waning and never knowing how you’ll feel, it’s imperative to be flexible and kind to yourself. The most important part of the path is to stay on it, in whatever way works for you. Sending love and support to all my fellow chronic illness warriors!

Medical Gaslighting

Mon, 05 May 2025 16:49:18 GMT

What is Medical Gaslighting and What Can You Do About It ?

What is Medical Gaslighting?

Today I want to shed light on a crucial issue that many people face in their healthcare journey, medical gaslighting. This is a dangerous phenomenon where patient’s symptoms are downplayed, dismissed or actually denied by healthcare professionals. Their intuition and wisdom are dismissed. This leads to delayed diagnosis, disease progression and inadequate treatment. It does harm to mental and emotional well-being and can leave people marginalized and isolated sometimes even from the people closest to them. Medical gaslighting can have severe consequences and can even be deadly. It’s a real and pervasive issue that demands our attention and proactive measures. Health coaches can play a pivotal role. Here are some of the ways in which I help clients navigate this situation.

�� Education and Empowerment: Helping clients to better understand their conditions is extremely empowering. They are better able to self advocate, ensuring that their concerns are heard and taken seriously. Medical literacy and learning to self track symptoms will lead to more productive practitioner appointments.

�� Patient Advocacy: I help clients prepare for their practitioner appointments by helping them to organize their thoughts and to prepare lists of questions and data points to be discussed. We anticipate possible negativity and arrogance and then reinforce feelings of security in knowledge and experience. We discuss calming strategies that can be done prior to or even during appointments.

�� Emotional Support: Sometimes the most impactful thing a coach can do is to listen. Deeply listen and hold space. Many clients experience medical gaslighting not only from their healthcare teams, but from family and friends as well. Many clients feel that there is no one in their lives who believes them or can understand or relate to what they’re going through. Not only is this devastating emotionally, it can inhibit recovery and exacerbate the disease process. We cannot deny the interconnectedness of mind, body and spirit. The body really does keep the score.

Let’s continue to raise awareness about medical gaslighting and champion the role that health coaches can play in promoting patient advocacy and empowerment. Everyone deserves a healthcare environment that truly values and prioritizes the well-being of every individual.

What Do I Think About Diets?

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 17:13:03 GMT

Do Diets Actually Work?

What Do I Think About Diets?

I was recently asked what I think about diets in general, and believe me, I have thoughts!

Americans are currently spending over 70 billion dollars a year on weight-loss programs, meal services, diet books, magazines and other products. It’s as American as apple pie. And it’s also big business. Each different diet is it’s own potential market opportunity. For example, we have gluten free pasta, keto cookies, plant based meat, slimfast shakes, etc. Whatever you need to help you stick to your diet du-jour is available for purchase. Again, this is a 70 billion dollar industry. I am not including medically therapeutic, practitioner prescribed diet plans in this assessment.

What do all businesses need in order to survive? Customers! Not only do businesses need customers in order to stay in business, they need customer retention. They need their target customers to have long relationships with their businesses. They need repeat customers.

What does this mean for Diet Culture? It means that in order for these extremely lucrative businesses to survive, they literally need you to FAIL in your attempts at weight-loss. If the diet plan they’ve sold you worked sustainably, they would lose you as a customer. Diet Culture needs you to FAIL in order to survive. They need you to FAIL repeatedly in order to insure profitable longevity.

What does this mean for YOU? It means that your years of weight-loss attempts, with failure after failure are NOT YOUR FAULT . It means that your failures have been engineered to happen. Your continued failure is the desired outcome. It’s not your fault. You are not weak, not lazy, you are not any of the negative things Diet Culture has relentlessly told you about yourself.

So much of disordered eating is rooted in trauma. Diet Culture actually causes trauma with these repeated failures and awful self-blaming messaging. Diet Culture perpetuates a learned helplessness that can effect all areas of your life. In my experience, sustainable weight loss depends on addressing the root cause emotional issues that underly most triggers. In my opinion, any diet that does not address the emotional issues is doomed to fail.

What is the solution? An “unlearning” needs to happen. We need to unlearn core negative beliefs about ourselves that have been perpetuated by Diet Culture. We need to really internalize the understanding that this has been done to us, we are not defective, not faulty, and there is nothing inherently wrong with us, keeping us from being successful in ways that are seemingly effortless for others. We need to unlearn the false belief that we’re personally flawed so that we can begin treating ourselves with self-compassion, kindness and to truly begin to heal.

Identifying and addressing triggers by learning to pause and think about what’s really happening in your heart and mind is essential to gaining more control around problematic eating behaviors. Noticing patterns around these triggers is the first step in breaking them. It’s ironic that as an Emotional Eating Coach, the most impactful thing I’ve seen clients do for their success, is to denounce Diet Culture and to really understand how it’s influenced their journey.

Are you struggling on the diet rollercoaster? Have you spent years of your life chained to Diet Culture? There is support available and a peaceful relationship with food is a real possibility. Reach out for a free discovery call to learn more about sustainable weight-loss and increased peace and happiness around food!

Freedom From Emotional Eating

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 16:25:01 GMT

Freedom From Emotional Eating

Do you struggle with Emotional Eating? Do you find yourself turning to food for comfort when feeling stressed, bored or overwhelmed? Are you completely fed up with the dieting roller coaster?

We don’t always eat to satisfy physical hunger. We often turn to food as an unconscious response to tough emotions. When going through treatment for my own health issues, as I was trying to navigate my Doctor prescribed dietary protocol, I quickly realized that my wanting to eat was not in response to actually feeling hungry, but I was using food as a way to self soothe from boredom, stress and sometimes just wanting to disassociate or disengage from the world.

Emotional eating can serve as a way to escape painful memories or emotions. Trauma can significantly impact our relationship with food and eating habits. There is a strong link between traumatic experiences and developing disordered eating patterns. People with PTSD, for example, often struggle with emotional regulation. Food can become a coping mechanism to self soothe and manage intense emotions that arise from traumatic memories or triggers.

The act of eating, especially foods that you consider to be your comfort foods, can provide temporary relief and distraction. This is especially common for people who were soothed or pacified with food as young children. Maybe your emotional needs weren’t met. Maybe your emotional needs were ignored or even vilified. Maybe your early childhood felt lonely, confusing or even dangerous. Self soothing with food might have started as a coping mechanism or survival skill however, turning to these coping mechanisms too often, results in a problematic eating pattern that becomes your default way of being.

To achieve lasting sustainable weight loss and improved health, it’s crucial to address both the physical and emotional aspects of eating. You might benefit from 1on1 support from a board certified health coach who can help you to understand your values, strengths and passions. A health coach will help you learn how to access these superpowers in order to identify and unlearn unhealthy coping mechanisms that might be underlying your emotional eating patterns. Working with a health coach can make it easier to explore alternative coping mechanisms that better serve you and help you achieve peace around food.

Overcoming emotional eating is a journey not a destination. Be patient and compassionate with yourself as you learn to identify and navigate emotions and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Reach out for support from health coaches or therapists specializing in emotional eating and food addiction.

By acknowledging your emotions and finding alternative ways to cope, you can break free from the cycle of food addiction and cultivate a healthier relationship with both food and your emotions. I can help support you on your journey. In your free consultation, I can explain more and answer all your questions. www.wholelife180.com or amyfein@wholelife180.com

The Vicious Cycle Of Stress Eating

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 17:51:52 GMT

The Vicious Cycle Of Stress Eating

The Vicious Cycle of Stress Eating

When life gets overwhelming, many of us turn to food for comfort. Stress eating is using food to suppress or soothe negative emotions like anxiety, frustration, anger or sadness rather than satisfying physical hunger. While it may provide temporary relief, emotional eating often leads to feelings of guilt, potential weight gain and even more stress down the road.

Why We Stress Eat

There are both psychological and physiological reasons why we are drawn to eat more when feeling stressed

▪️ Emotional Connection to Food

From an early age, food is used to reward, soothe or celebrate. We associate certain foods with positive feelings and memories of comfort. When stressed, we crave those same foods to self-soothe.

▪️ Stress Hormones

Stress causes a spike in the hormone cortisol which increases appetite and motivates cravings for sugary, salty, and fatty foods that provide bursts of pleasure and temporary calming effects.

▪️ Distraction and Numbing

Eating provides a distraction or numbing from whatever is causing the stress. For a short time, the mind is focused on the gratification of eating instead of the stressor.

Breaking The Stress Eating Cycle

While an occasional lapse isn’t the end of the world, repeatedly using food to cope with stress can lead to serious problems like obesity, diabetes and other health issues. Here are some tips to avoid or break the stress eating habit.

▪️ Identify Triggers

Become more aware of your personal triggers for stress-related munching, whether it’s certain locations, emotions, people or times of day

▪️ Find Other Comforts

Make a list of healthier alternatives that provide comfort, distraction, or pleasure like taking a bath, calling a friend, going for a walk or listening to music.

▪️ Don’t Restrict

Completely restricting foods you enjoy can lead to cravings and binges. Practice moderation by savoring small portions of “fun foods” so you don’t feel deprived.

▪️ Reduce Overall Stress

While not always possible, reducing overall life stressors through exercise, getting enough sleep and effective time management can minimize relying on food for relief.

Stress eating is a common challenge, but being mindful of triggers and having a plan for dealing with cravings in a healthier way can help break the vicious cycle.

For support reach out at amyfein@wholelife180.com or book a free consult at https://my.practicebetter.io/#/618d433639803304106fdbfd/bookings

Understanding Food Addiction

michelle@streamlineyourbiz.net (Michelle Renee) — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 16:07:54 GMT

Understanding Food Addiction

Food Addiction is a complex issue that goes way beyond mere willpower. It’s a battle fought on many fronts: emotional, practical and even neurological. It requires understanding, self- compassion and professional support.

If you think you are struggling with Food Addiction, know you are far from alone. A board certified health coach can provide valuable support and guidance. Here are some of the ways a health coach might assist.

Education and Awareness: A health coach can help you understand the nature of food addiction, it’s potential causes and it’s impact on your health and wellbeing. We can educate about the physiologically addictive properties of highly palatable foods and how they are engineered to keep you eating. And hungry. We can provide information and support for weight loss and metabolic illness challenges that so many people dealing with Food Addiction experience.

Behavioral Change: Food Addiction usually involves emotional factors. A health coach can help you identify your underlying triggers and work with you to develop coping mechanisms and behavioral strategies for you to see and overcome unhealthy patterns. Clients report that just creating an awareness around emotional triggers goes a long way towards repairing their relationship with food. If you are trying to loose weight and not addressing the emotional piece, the likelihood for success is greatly diminished.

Accountability and Support: A health coach provides ongoing support and accountability for your actions and goals. We help you stay in touch with your motivation, help you identify and celebrate your “wins” and navigate and plan for challenges.

Referral and Collaboration: A health coach can refer you to and work alongside other healthcare professionals such as therapists or physicians in order to provide comprehensive support throughout your journey. We are not a substitute for medical or mental health care but can complement the overall treatment plan provided by these professionals.

We need to break the stigma and start a conversation around Food Addiction. Creating a supportive community as you navigate this challenge is crucial. Consultations are free. You are not alone!

Nurturing Your Well-Being: The Power of Setting Self-Boundaries

michelle@streamlineyourbiz.net (Michelle Renee) — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 15:42:26 GMT

Nurturing Your Well-Being: The Power Of Setting Self-Boundaries

Nurturing Your Well-Being: The Power of Setting Self-Boundaries

In the hustle and bustle of busy modern life, it’s easy to be swept away by obligations,

commitments, and the needs of others. In this whirlwind, we often neglect one crucial aspect

of self-care: setting boundaries. Boundaries aren’t walls designed to keep people out; they’re

guidelines we set to ensure our well-being and preserve our sense of self. Here are some

insights into the art of setting self-boundaries.

▪ Get in touch with what really matters to you. Setting self boundaries is about understanding

your own needs and values and communicating those needs in healthy, productive ways.

Cultivate self-awareness around what drains your energy, triggers stress or compromises your

values. Recognizing what truly matters allows you to establish boundaries that protect your

mental emotional and physical health.

▪ Communicate with confidence. You are taking responsibility for your well-being and

happiness. Clearly articulate your needs, preferences and limits to others without fear of

judgement or guilt. Practice saying “no” when necessary and expressing yourself with

confidence and respect.

▪ Prioritize self-care. Setting boundaries isn’t selfish, it’s an essential act of self-preservation.

It’s putting your own oxygen mask on first so you are strong, healthy and better able to show

up for yourself and others. You cannot pour from an empty cup, so prioritize your well-being

without apology.

▪ Learn to say no. Saying “no” is a powerful boundary setting tool. It’s okay to decline

invitations, requests or demands that don’t align with your priorities or values. Saying no is not

a rejection of others, it’s a commitment to honoring and caring for yourself.

▪ Be firm but flexible. Boundaries aren’t rigid rules set in stone; they can evolve as

circumstances change. Be firm in your commitment to your boundaries, but also recognize

when adjustments are necessary. Flexibility allows you to adapt to changing situations while

still prioritizing your needs.

Boundaries are essential in creating balance in your life. When you design boundaries in

alignment with your needs and values, you are better able to prioritize things that truly matter.

You are better able to tune out the noise and distractions that don’t serve you. Setting self-boundaries

will reduce stress, improve emotional health, and allow you to live a more authentic

fulfilling life.

Did You Know That Emotions Are Contagious?

michelle@streamlineyourbiz.net (Michelle Renee) — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 15:54:52 GMT

Did You Know That Emotions Are Contagious?

Did you know that emotions are contagious? Our brains are actually wired for empathy through the incredible phenomenon of mirror neurons? ��

Mirror neurons are the neural superstars that allow us to understand and resonate with the emotions of others. They fire when we perform an action but also when we observe someone else doing the same. This process connects us on a profoundly deep level and also plays a significant role in the contagious nature of emotions.

Mirror neurons enable us to catch the “emotional vibe” of those around us. Whether it’s joy, enthusiasm or even stress, our brains are wired to mirror the emotional states of others. This is known as emotional contagion and it highlights the incredible power of our interconnectedness.

There is a ripple effect! Mirror neurons remind us that empathy is not just a soft skill but a neurological reality. By acknowledging and embracing the emotions of others, we can foster a more inclusive, loving and supportive environment. By setting a positive tone, we can create a domino effect that elevates the overall emotional well-being of everyone in our lives.

Let’s make it a priority to nurture our own inner peace. By doing so, we not only enhance our personal well-being but also radiate positivity to all of those around us. Our own inner peace becomes a catalyst for broader social harmony, creating a ripple effect that transcends borders and cultures. Let’s unite in the pursuit of a more harmonious world!

Also, if you’ve never been to Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in NYC I highly recommend! �� The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

How Can A Health Coach Can Help You With Lyme Disease?

michelle@streamlineyourbiz.net (Michelle Renee) — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 21:28:44 GMT

How Can A Health Coach Help You Through Your Lyme Disease Healing Journey?

How a Health Coach Can Help Your Lyme Disease Journey

Are you struggling with Lyme Disease/co-infections or an associated illness? Are you

navigating through pain, fatigue, brain fog and more? Healing from Lyme Disease or any

chronic complex condition can be challenging, unpredictable and emotionally exhausting. It

can make a person feel isolated and alone. It takes a toll on almost every aspect of life,

changing relationships, career, social life and finances. It can feel like everything in your life has

been stolen by illness.

How do I know? I’ve been there. What I found is that even with the most respected physicians,

I still felt alone and overwhelmed. I found it essential to educate myself and be my own

advocate. Even the most skilled physicians struggle to fit multiple agenda items into a 20

minute visit and cannot meet many of the needs of patients with complex conditions. Research

shows that half of patients leave their practitioner visits not understanding what their doctor

told them.

As a Board Certified Health Coach, I am dedicated to providing the kind of support that was

lacking in my own journey. Support that I know would have made a difference in many

important ways. I believe that everyone has the capacity to heal and these are some of the

ways in which a health coach can help you along the way.

▪ A Health Coach can be someone to talk to who completely understands. It is essential to

feel heard and validated. Especially with medical gaslighting being so prevalent, it’s crucial to

feel that there is a safe, non judgmental space where you can sit with and process your

experience.

▪ A Health Coach works with you to set goals and create action plans. Setting goals while

dealing with a complex illness is challenging and nuanced. When healing from Lyme Disease,

it’s important to consider the waxing and waning nature of Lyme symptoms. You might not

know what symptoms or degree of severity of symptoms you might experience on any given

day. Being flexible with yourself, honoring what your body is telling you and still being able to

set realistic, achievable goals is an important skill to develop.

▪ An anti-inflammatory diet is an important part of healing from Lyme Disease. It’s important

to eat clean whole foods, devoid of toxic ingredients such as seed oils and free from any

inflammatory triggers like gluten. I rely on the AIP diet which includes a temporary elimination

phase designed to identify your personal inflammatory food sensitivities or triggers. The

intention is to quickly lower systemic inflammation, allowing the body to process nutrition from

whole foods without unwanted inflammatory reactions, while simultaneously healing the gut. A

Health Coach helps you navigate this sometimes overwhelming process.

▪ It’s important to make the most of your practitioner appointment and I can help you prepare

by working together to organize your thoughts and questions. Typically patients leave these

appointments with detailed protocols for various diet interventions, supplement and medicine

schedules. You might receive lab results from your practitioner. A Health Coach works with you

to lessen the overwhelm by helping you understand your condition, breaking down protocols

into smaller actionable steps, and by generally supporting you through the entire process.

▪ Are you having a big herx reaction? Have symptoms changed? Do things suddenly feel like

they’re no longer working? As your Lyme healing journey progresses you might experience

plateaus, negative reactions or you might even suddenly backslide. A Health Coach can help

you through situations like titrating onto a new medication or managing herx symptoms. I can

assist you in reassessing what’s working and what’s not and can help you articulate these

changes to your practitioner.

▪ Working together, we can help you to make the most of the resources that you have

available (time, energy, focus, finances), prioritizing and emphasizing what is most important to

you.

Healing from Lyme Disease can be one of the most challenging things a person can go

through. So often it feels helpless and people feel they have no idea where to turn. As

someone who’s been through it, I have genuine compassion and respect for the strength and

fortitude necessary to recover from this devastating disease.

If you or a loved one are dealing with Lyme Disease, you don’t need to figure it all out on your

own. Although it can be challenging and unpredictable you can benefit from a strong support

system who’s “been there done that”.

My role as your Health Coach is to walk beside you, validate you, educate you, connect you

with essential resources and to provide guidance and accountability as you navigate this

journey. My ultimate goal is to help you reclaim joy and vitality as you succeed in your quest for

healing and growth.

Turn Your Goals Into Compelling Missions

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 21:17:36 GMT

Turn Your Goals Into Compelling Missions

As the world turns it’s focus towards resolutions and goals, I’d like to talk about a common

misconception that often hinders our journey to success - the myth of relying solely on

willpower.

Willpower is a finite resource. Throughout the day, various decisions and tasks deplete your

mental energy leaving you with less willpower to resist temptations or stay focused on your

goals. The pressure to consistently make disciplined choices without a strategic plan can be

mentally and emotionally draining. There are times where we cannot control our environment or

surroundings which can impact our ability to stick to our goals.

In my experience, failure with willpower negatively impacts the growth mindset, causes self

loathing, a lack of confidence and moves the individual further away from meeting their goals.

Repeatedly failing with willpower can cause a person to permanently walk away from the entire

goal setting process.

What is the alternative? Creating a vision based on your core values and desires. When you

envision your future, you’re essentially defining what success looks like for you, individually. It

brings clarity to your aspirations, helping you craft goals that align with your values and

passions. Clarity breeds purpose.

Visioning acts as a strategic compass. It guides you through the maze of choices, ensuring that

your goals are in sync with what really matters to you. When you are clear about what you want

and who you want to be, it fuels your motivation, turning mere goals into compelling missions.

That clarity becomes a source of resilience during difficult times, tapping into your values and

desires to help you overcome obstacles and stay on course.

Your vision becomes the driving force behind every action you take. I encourage you to

challenge yourself to be intentional about the habits we cultivate. When thinking about your

resolutions or goals, make conscious choices that align with your vision for the kind of person

you’d like to be.

Remember, it’s not about having an iron will, it’s about building a resilient and supportive

system for continuous growth. Each action you take is a step towards the person you’d like to

be! ��

Let's Explore Insulin Resistance's Impact on Mental Health

michelle@streamlineyourbiz.net (Michelle Renee) — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 17:48:38 GMT

Let's Explore Insulin Resistance's Impact on Mental Health

Insulin resistance, which affects nearly 9 in 10 adults in the U.S., is typically associated with diabetes, however recent research sheds light on its connection to mental health issues such as dementia and depression, making it crucial to raise awareness about this often-overlooked condition.

Insulin resistance occurs when cells become less responsive to the hormone insulin, affecting every cell in the body. As a key player in regulating blood sugar levels, insulin is crucial for overall well-being.

Insulin's influence extends to the brain, where chronically elevated levels lead to insulin resistance. Research shows a link between insulin resistance and Alzheimer's disease, often referred to as "Type 3 diabetes" involving the buildup of amyloid β plaques, causing inflammation and neurodegeneration, disrupting neuron signaling.

The good news is that insulin resistance is highly reversible through lifestyle changes. Nutrition plays a pivotal role, with reduced sugar, fructose, and ultra-processed food intake showing rapid improvements.

In addition to diet changes, an effective alternative is to adjust eating frequency. Frequent eating and snacking throughout the day causes continuous spikes in insulin levels. This pattern, known as hyperinsulinemia, contributes to insulin resistance over time.

Intermittent fasting, characterized by consuming calories within a condensed time frame, offers a practical solution. Whether opting for one to two meals a day or restricting eating to specific hours, this approach has demonstrated positive effects on insulin sensitivity. Notably, this improvement occurs independently of changes in overall calorie consumption.

It's noteworthy that one of the reasons sleep contributes to the alleviation of depression is its impact on insulin resistance. Quality sleep has been linked to a reduction in insulin resistance, providing an additional incentive to prioritize sufficient and restful sleep.

Insulin resistance, causes serious problems with cognitive function and mental health, including depression and even Alzheimers. The good news is that these effects are not only reversible but can be addressed solely through lifestyle modifications. Whether adjusting eating patterns, exploring intermittent fasting, or prioritizing quality sleep, there are practical strategies to enhance both physical and mental well-being by addressing insulin resistance.

For information or support in this journey do not hesitate to reach out for a free discovery call to learn more!

Medical Gaslighting and Lyme Disease: The Patient Experience

michelle@streamlineyourbiz.net (Michelle Renee) — Mon, 01 Jan 2024 17:47:17 GMT

Medical Gaslighting and Lyme Disease: The Patient Experience

Before I introduce this newly released study, I’m going to share a few facts about Lyme Disease.

According to the CDC, approximately 500,000 people are diagnosed with Lyme Disease each Year.
The BMJ has concluded that more than 14% of the world’s population is infected with Lyme Disease.
John Hopkins University reports that Lyme Disease exists in all 50 states.
The EPA uses Lyme Disease statistics as a key climate change indicator.

These are just a few of the shocking statistics regarding the prevalence of Lyme Disease yet patients are still being marginalized and dismissed. This badly needed study details the types of gaslighting techniques that people with Lyme Disease are routinely subjected to. This happens even with the exact evidence the CDC requires for a “positive” result.

90% of the study participants were diagnosed with a blood test, however this information did not influence whether or not the patient was believed.

Many respondents reported presenting with a “bullseye” or erythema migrans rash only to be discounted and told that Chronic Lyme Disease simply does not exist.

Even with the CDC’s surveillance results Lyme Disease is still considered a “contested disease” opening the door for questioning of it’s very existence.

If you or a loved one have experienced medical gaslighting with Lyme Disease, you know how traumatic the dismissal, invalidation and marginalization can be. Please know you are not alone. There is a large community of practitioners, scientists, researchers, patient advocates, etc. who will never stop trying to change this systemic problem. A huge thank you to Dr. Todd Maderis for sharing this important study. Awareness is crucial.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10778834/

A key ingredient that often gets overlooked in the realm of goal setting: AUTHENTICITY

michelle@streamlineyourbiz.net (Michelle Renee) — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 17:42:45 GMT

A key ingredient that often gets overlooked in the realm of goal setting: AUTHENTICITY

As we dive into the New Year, I wanted to share some thoughts on a key ingredient that often gets overlooked in the realm of goal setting: AUTHENTICITY.

In a world filled with trends, external pressures and societal expectations, it’s easy to lose sight of our true selves and core values when defining our goals. Here’s the thing - authenticity in goal setting isn’t just a buzzword, studies have shown it’s actually the secret sauce to meaningful and sustainable success. As we navigate through the landscape of personal and professional growth, it’s important to reflect on the profound impact of embracing authenticity and values in our journey towards happiness and success.

Before setting goals, take a moment to reflect on what truly matters to you. What are your passions, values and unique strengths? Authentic goals align with your core identity, enabling a genuine connection to your pursuits.
Setting goals aligned with our authentic selves creates a powerful synergy between passion and purpose. When our goals mirror our true values, we aren’t just setting goals, we are creating a narrative that resonates with who we really are at our core. Embracing authenticity empowers us to pursue endeavors that bring deep joy, satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment.
When we use our values as a guiding force, it allows a path that aligns with our beliefs and principles. Setting goals that align with core values fuels powerful intrinsic motivation. This helps to ensure that our achievements are meaningful and contribute to a sense of purpose that goes beyond the superficial.
Embracing authenticity allows us to discern between achievement and fulfillment. True happiness stems from achieving goals that are not just impressive on paper but also resonate within the depth of our being. This deeper sense of fulfillment and purpose can act as a resilient foundation, enabling us to weather challenges and setbacks with grace. When we are anchored in that truly matters to us, our connection to our goals will fuel our determination to overcome obstacles.

Let’s make 2024 a year of purposeful goal setting, driven by authenticity and guided by our core values. Embrace your true self, set goals that resonate with your values and watch as happiness becomes an integral part of your personal growth story.