Chels Corner | Unique Motivations Blog

If it Rains - Will you Grow?

Are you like me? Do you see the rain come and want to hide inside? I do. If I don't have someplace I HAVE to go, then I adjust. I pat myself on the back and commend myself for being so flexible (something not in my vocabulary years ago). Yet, today I had a different thought - what if I NEVER let the rain stop me?

We work so hard to stay dry, not to get wet, drizzled on or heaven forbid-drenched! That's right, think about it. We have garages to pull the car into, umbrellas to cover us as we walk, ponchos for places and times an umbrella won't work, rainsuits for those times we are going to be there a while, porta caches at hotels as we arrive to keep us shielded, but what would happen if we stood in the rain with no shield? 

What would happen if instead of running from the rain or a challenge in life we embraced it?

Well, I just tried it with the rain. No kidding, I just did it. I walked outside after avoiding it for the past week and just stood there. When was the last time you felt the refreshing coolness of the rain? When did you last stop to smell the freshness of water in the air?

Instead, you may be asking

When did she start losing her mind? What does this have to do with me and MY LIFE?

For those of you interested to know what happens when you CHOOSE to stand in the rain it is this

Life doesn't end

You do not melt

Waterproof mascara really works

and there is freedom when you dry!

What would happen if we walked through life without shielding ourselves from potential discomfort?

How about FREEDOM from all the "What If"s of Life.

What if I get wet- What if this idea doesn't work? What if my hair gets wet-what if I fail? What if my mascara runs-what if they see I am not perfect? What if my clothes are soaked-what if I am transparent for everyone to see who I really am?

What if 

Just once you stood in the rain of life

   from the drizzles to the downpours that pass your way

stopped working so hard to stay dry and safe

   that you allowed yourself to grow and learn from this place

There is freedom that comes from the drizzle, darkness and storms. Funny thing about rain, when the sun and blue sky appear again, as they always do, they are even more beautiful.

Funny thing about life, when we face the things that we THINK are so big, we realize we are even more powerful and beautiful.

Half Way There- are you where you thought you would be?

Here it is, half way through the year 2010. Are you where you thought you would be? Does your life, health and business look like you thought it would at this point?

The reason I ask is this. Our expectations can aid or hinder your progress. Often times we give up when we get to a certain point and things don't look or feel like we thought they would when we arrived. In this moment, it is important to ask yourself if it is your perception or your progress that really has you stumped.

Whether we like it or not, our thoughts control our actions. Are your thoughts in line with your "Big Picture" vision for your life or career or health? Do you truly believe that you will accomplish the goals that you have set for yourself? Whether you believe them or not, you are right!  

Start by setting goals that are timely and realistic. Have a plan in place for how you will accomplish each goal. Don't just think this, but write them out. Tell them to someone. Look at what is stopping you. Is it too big of a goal or too small of a plan?

Don't have a plan? Don't know where to start? Begin by listening to your instincts. I believe you have the answers within you. One of those answers may be to hire a personal trainer, take a class, join a club, begin a sport, hire a coach/consultant or specialist in that area. Whatever it is that keeps coming up that you keep trying to quiet is a key to your success. Either by choosing to pursue that thought or shut it down once and for all, you will be free of the energy and distraction it is causing. You will be free to move forward in progress and perception.

For those of you who have made it where you hoped or even exceeded those goals - celebrate and Reflect! What worked? What didn't? What did you learn and how are you celebrating your success?

As for the rest, you can get to where you want to be. By having a goal/dream, a plan, listening to your instincts and enjoying the journey of life. It is through your acceptance of where you are and your willingness to grow along the way that will take you there.

I would love for you to share your learnings and successes with me. Hope to hear from you soon!

All the best!

Fill in the Blank, "I'm Loving ____"

What first came to mind when you read the title of this blog?  

In this age of instant gratification, we want it all, we want it now.  

Yesterday as I was passing by a well known fast food chain, I could hear the tagline "I'm Loving It".  What exactly are they loving? Here are a few options

I am loving Cellulite on my butt

I am loving the increase in cholesterol that will increase my chance of heart disease and stroke

I am loving that the constriction on my arteries that this will cause when I eat the food

I am loving the zits on my face in a couple days from the grease

I am loving being in the hospital for a stroke for carotid arteries

I am loving the belly I get to share with everyone at the beach this summer

How about instead, You Choose to Say

"I'm Loving Me"

Because the cold hard fact is that if you are loving "it"  you are not loving Yourself!

What would it look like to Love yourself?

Choose smaller portions, put your fork down and look at your meal mate, view food as a fuel source not a love source.  Would it be eating less bread, drinking less soda, adding more veggies?  

What is your favorite personal feature external or internal?   When did you last acknowledge yourself and your Creator for such a blessing?  Take a moment to sing Him praise and list how you can nurture your gift.  

What is your tagline?  Your jingle?  Your self (sales) pitch?  

Are you loving you or loving a socially external "it" somewhere greater than yourself?

National Nutrition Month, did you know?

Isn't it just wonderful that our nation has created an entire month to nutrition?  If you picked up on my sense of sarcasm, I do not apologize.  In the days of super size and every other advertisement we see on television for unhealthy food (by the way, other tv ads are for cars so that you can get yourself to the fast food and restaurants to eat the unhealthy food), the least that we can do is bring awareness to nutrition 31 out of 365 days a year!

As I continue to do research and stay on top of the latest nutrition information for myself and my clients, I have to admit, it starts to sound the same.  Drink more water, eat more veggies, eat less fat, watch calories in/calories out, etc.  

This makes me think of a great quote by Claude Bernard,

"It is often what we know already know that keeps us from learning"

What if you were told that there is a 60-70% chance you will die from cancer if you don't exercise 5 times a week for 30 minutes and eat 10-13 servings of fruits and vegetables a day or that big burger you just ate takes 6 days to rot in your stomach because it is so difficult on your digestive system?  

Would that REALLY make a difference?

I do understand, instant gratification and living for what works and is easy in these days of our increasingly busy lives is a strong temptation.  But at what cost?  

What if you had another option?  What if you could choose excellent health and vitality?  Guess what, 80-90% if illness and diseases are preventable through lifestyle and food choices. What are you choosing?  Health or Illness?

Here are some ideas for making changes starting today.  You don't have to do them all, I wouldn't want you to change too much at once, I want you to succeed and enjoy the journey of taking charge of your life.

Choose One Today

*  Share a meal when going out to eat

*  Use smaller plates at home to trick your mind

*  Drink 1-2 glasses of water before eating or drinking to limit calorie intake and increase water intake

*  Use a smaller glass for beverages with calories (coffee, wine, soda, etc)

*  Take a Whole Food vegetable and fruit supplement such as JuicePlus 

        (call me or check out my website, the one supplement that I endorse www.cheljuiceplus.com)

*  Order salad dressing on the side

*  Keep snacks such as nuts or nutrition bars in your purse or car to decrease your temptation of fast food

*  Eat breakfast Every Day

*  Park in the furthest parking spot and walk more

*  Set an alarm every 30 minutes to alert you to get up, stretch, walk around while working at desk

*  Acknowledge before each meal how your body served you well today

Until next time,

Listen with curiosity, Live with intention, Love with passion

Lowdown on Labels

Do you find all the labels on food as confusing as I do?

Enjoy the following simple explanation for the foods you are purchasing for your family and yourself.

Less Reliable Labels

No Antibiotics Administered

    The "antibiotic-free" label has been banned by the USDA, however it is allowing the "No Antibiotics Administered" and "Raised without Antibiotics" to be used.  Keep in mind there is no system to verify these claims.

Free Range

    I was under the assumption that the animals were allowed to roam free with this label.  Here is the scoop, the USDA regulates this on poultry (not beef or eggs), but keep in mind that as little as five minutes of open-air access will qualify.

Fresh

    Ever wonder why your chicken is still frozen at the store when you buy it even though it states "Fresh" on the label?  That is because the USDA allows chicken that has been stored up to 8 degrees below freezing to still be labeled "fresh".

No Hormones Administered

     Once again, the USDA banned the "Hormone Free" label, but allows the "No Hormones Administered" without any verification of the claim. Here's the catch, The United States has banned the use of hormones in hogs and poultry, so pork and poultry products labeled "No Hormones Administered" aren't any different than those without any labels.

Natural

    You will find this on meat and chicken, but since there is no real definition or regulation of what "natural" means it actually holds no meaning.

Now for the Good News

USDA Organic

This means that the food can not be irradiated, grown or raised with synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, antibiotics, sewage sludge or genetically modified crops.  In addition, the animals must be fed 100 percent organic feed without animal byproducts or growth hormones.

What to Look For

Start looking for a new label, which is the ONQI.  This is possibly the most thorough of the current rating systems because it uses 30 nutrient factors to rate products.  This was developed by Yale Prevention Research Center and stands for Overall Nutrition Quality Index.

Another great label is for the Mediterranean Diet.  Items like whole grain pasta, hummus, olives and other ethnic whole foods that meet the health criteria for the Mediterranean diet will display a label of "Med Mark".

There are even more labels to decipher, but for now I do hope this has helped to educate and assist you when purchasing your next items at the grocery store.

Befriend Your Bod

We befriend the neighbor, the coworker, the friends of friends and so many more everyday.  We accept them for what they are.  Sure, we sometimes see things they do or choices they make that we may admire or dismiss, but we still like them.  We accept them just as they are.  We don't tell ourselves that we are waiting for them to lose ten pounds to really like them or when they get their hair done, then they are worth listening to.

via chelscorner.typepad.com

WOW! Way Overloaded Woman

WOW is right!  Do you ever look at your schedule for the upcoming week and say "Wow" or maybe "Whoa" or even "Yikes"?  Then this post is for you.

We are definitely Way Overloaded Women!  But the question is Are YOU doing it to YOURSELF?  How are you benefitting from overload?

Before you quickly brush me aside at such a suggestion, consider this:

We only do things that provide us a benefit.  Do you really go to the dentist to listen to those grinding and scraping sounds and feel that gritty toothpaste because you get no benefit from it?  I would guess that the benefit of healthy gums and glistening teeth gives you increased confidence in knowing you can keep your teeth and flash that beautiful smile for years to come! Even though there are obstacles of inconvenience, expense and discomfort, you still do it!

Before you reach for a pen to add the next dentist appointment to the to do list, stop yourself and ask this question

"What is my intention for today?"  

For example, my intention for today is to live committed to the present moment, to stay focused and engaged on the task at hand, to be appreciative for the opportunities and challenges that will help me grow as a person, to laugh with my children and greet every person I meet with a smile.  

I have a busy day, but my intention is to LIVE Today, not just get through it.  

What would that look like for You to live fully present today?

Consider this when looking at your schedule and determining what your priorities are.  

If you have a To Do list for today or this week, stop and write beside it what the benefit is for doing it.

If you don't have a list, then make one and include the benefits.

You can simplify and find balance by getting clear and staying true to your intentions.

NOTE:  This will be a regular column that will include tips on how to combat the WOW symptoms in your life.  I look forward to sharing from my learning and hope that you will find it helpful. I would love to hear your feedback!

New Year's Goals

I love to work with people this time of year. The whole idea of a new year and goals. Some people call them resolutions for the New Year.  How many of us have ever really looked up the true Webster's definition of Resolution?  Well, you don't have to now, I just did it for you! Here are a few of them:

a) a formal expression of opinion or intention made

b) a resolve or determination

c) the mental state or quality of being resolved or resolute; firmness of purpose.

d)  the act of resolving or determining upon an action or course of action, method, procedure, etc.

So, let me ask you.  When someone asks you if you have a New Year's Resolution, which of the above definitions are you using?

What am I talking about?  Well, for example, are you merely using the first definition by stating formal expression of an intention?  How intentional are you really? 

Maybe the second option is more applicable and it is a determination of yours for the new year, new life, new you.  Any plans on how to make it happen?  Which leads me to the third option.

The mental state of being resolved, firmness on purpose.  You have a goal, a dream, a desire, maybe even a plan for the gym, save more money, eat more veggies, etc.  How have you prepared your mind?

And finally, the last one of determining an action, method or procedure.  This one may even include a written goal or scheduled time at the gym for improved fitness.

The truth is, these are all great definitions to resolutions and all effective to an extent.  However, how many times have you heard that resolutions don't work?  They don't when using only one definition or perspective.  

It takes all of these to make a resolution successful and a sustainable life change.

It takes:  making yourself clear, claim your dream, state your goal, let it be known and you can gain support  (no one can support you if they don't know what you are doing)

It takes determination to stay on course when obstacles arise

It takes a positive mental state to stay firm, knowing your purpose.  When you know your purpose, life is simplified and the path becomes clear.

It takes a method and a plan.  It requires a plan to looks at options and accounts for obstacles.

                      A goal without a plan is only a wish

Make your goals SMART  Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely

I have a goal to blog more this year.  How effective do you think that would be?

Here is my SMART goal

Specific- I am going to write one blog post weekly (scheduled currently for Tuesday post)

Measurable- I can track the dates and see (so can you) if it was done

Achievable- It only takes a thought and few minutes, I can do this if scheduled on calendar

Realistic-Totally!  In fact, I can do more, but for goals sake-will stick with only one

Timely-Weekly is more than possible 

Tips:

Make your goals realistic (I could say 3 times a week, but I want to meet my goal)

Write them down

Share them with someone 

Ask for support- Be assertive

Be patient

Thought to Ponder:

 Success Begins the Moment you take Action toward your Goals

GPS- General Psychotic Simulation

GPS   General Psychotic Simulation

Have you ever had that experience with the GPS that you have followed the directions with no awareness of where you are precisely, trusting that you will arrive at your designation promptly and easily- only to be in a completely unknown area-nowhere close to where you were supposed to end?  Does it ever feel like you are lost to the world and reality?  Hence the reason that handy little devise should actually be called - General Psychotic Simulation

Before I say another word, I must make it clear I am not suggesting we are truly psychotic-it just feels that way sometimes.  Psychosis is described as a state where thoughts and emotions are so impaired that all contact with reality is lost.  

Yes, I would say that I have been in that situation with my GPS.  Driving to a meeting in Orlando, which I expected to be in a business district, I somewhat knew where I was headed, but oh no, the GPS had another idea.  Before I knew it, I was with the llamas and the ostriches! In Orlando! Two blocks the wrong direction from my meeting!  Once I finally got off of autopilot, assessed where I was, followed my instinct, I was right back on course.  

What does all of this matter to You? Well, I would suspect that you have experienced GPS-General Psychotic Simulation-- The act of being in a place that you don't know how you got there with a deadline approaching (self imposed or actual) with no idea how you are going to get there, wherein creating a sense of frustration and possibly panic. 

Is it only driving where we sometimes have this same experience?  Can you think of other areas in relationships, career, and wellness where this happens?  What do you do?  How do you respond?

Since it is against my coaching nature to evoke annoyance without direction, I shall suggest a few tips and leave you with some thoughts to ponder.  

Sure, I used the example of driving obliviously and ending up where you didn't know you were going to be, but that isn't the only area that we do this random act of motion.  We all do it in our daily lives.  We go through the motions.  Next thing we know, we are bored, at a crossroad, a conundrum, sticky situation, conflict, crisis, or you name it.

The question is, in those other areas, what navigation system are you using?  Is it working?  Are you seeing results?  Are you experiencing peace?

There are many options, one you can try is a little tip I use.

          Turn it around - S P G   Start Praying to God

He will give direction, he will navigate, but the really cool part is

HE KNOWS WHERE YOU ARE MEANT TO BE

In fact, he is the only true navigational system.

Another tip, remember it is a simulation.  It only seems that way-it is only reality if you make it your reality.

So the next time you find yourself off course, check out the scenery and see what you can learn.  You can use it in your 3-2-1 (see earlier posts for details)  Such as, did you know that ostriches stand up to 9 feet tall and are the only bird with just two toes?  

What could you learn about yourself?  About your surroundings?  Your situation?  

Write or call me, I would love to hear!

Tooth Time - You Time

Did you know that you can improve your energy and memory each morning while brushing your teeth? I call it The Sonicare Workout. Sonicare is that fantastic little invention that has made a change in dental health and it can make a change in your overall health!

No, this isn't a blog on dental health, but rather on how to fit in some fitness for your body and mind while working on your teeth.  I am sharing with you my own personal routine that even on busy days I can do to feel more energy and all around improved fitness.

Did you know that memory is greatly improved by balancing?  Even the slightest movements that involve balance have shown to improve memory for those of all ages.

Those fancy little toothbrushes, even the disposable ones the you can pick up for a few dollars, have a timer on them.  They let you know to keep brushing for 2 minutes until it shuts off. Sonicare and several of the high-end brushes come with a 30 second alert so that you know to move to another area of your teeth to brush. The following is a workout for your body, mind and teeth while brushing.

While brushing your teeth, use the 30 second increments as a guideline for a few stretches, balance and toning. 

Here are a few I have found really do get results!

Leg Raises:

While putting all of your weight on one leg, do lateral raises out to the side with your other leg.  If the movement up and down is too much to balance, try tightening your abdominal muscles for stability.  If that still doesn't work, then just lift the leg out to the side or wherever you find comfortable and hold it there until the toothbrush beeps. Reverse to the other side until the next beep. Let your goal be to stay steady enough with the rest of your body that you can continue to increase the height of the lift.  This will tighten your outer thigh, as well as your abs.  The object is to raise and lower or hold, but concentrate on the muscle being worked and you will be anxious for that 30 second alert.

Donkey Kicks:

Lean your elbows on the counter and lift one leg behind you as high as you can, bend the knee 90 degrees.  If you have done some exercising before then you have probably heard this referred to as a donkey kick. Tighten your gluteus maximus (butt) as you lift.  This doesn't have to be a big motion, the idea is to contract the muscles or your back side!

Hamstring Curls:

While leaning on the counter, lift leg behind you and bending knee to 90 degrees, you can work the hamstrings; the backs of the legs.  While getting the leg as high as you can, bend the knee and straighten, contracting the muscles in the back of the upper leg until the toothbrush beeps. Reverse legs.

Hip Flexors:

Same as the leg raises, but with toes pointed and legs raised forward.  If you need to start with a bent knee then that is a great beginner move.  Remember to tighten your core muscles for stability. Switch legs at the beep.

Doing any exercises that incorporate balance will improve energy and contracting the muscles gets that blood pumping before you head off to work for the day.  I also recommend doing these at night for a nice bit of improved circulation before resting for the evening.

These were just a few suggestions to get you started. You can continue to check my blog for other exercises and illustrations. Use your imagination, be consistent and be enjoy the benefit of caring for your teeth, body and mind all in one!  Soon the buzz of that toothbrush will serve as a reminder to take care of all of you!   

Happy Brushing!!