What a magnificent feeling – to be in NYC. Although I grew up not far from the great city, it’s been a while since I’ve had the pleasure of spending some much needed time there.  My time included lots of walking – a visit to the park beneath the Brooklyn Bridge and a few subway stops into the city. Even a Broadway musical fit into the agenda.  The sights still thrill me after all these years – I am like a little kid with eyes of wonder as I peer at the tall structures to see the varied architectures.  I found myself feeling a tremendous sense of freedom while walking along the street with thousands of others.  What some perceive as “hustle –bustle in NY” is merely just the normal existence of being in Manhattan.  I love watching the people there – the endless differences, languages and attire.  Even with all the variances, I realize we are all one – part of this great world we live in.  As I glanced around the subway, I saw not the dissimilarities, but the ways in which we are the same.  It was a great exercise for me to notice when we view people this way, how little judgment we have.  I realize my next trip may been sooner than later.

For all the dedicated women taking care of others, many of which are still raising families and caring for their own, there is something for you. Please read more

As an RN for many years I have had the experience of not only caring for my patients but caring for my chroically ill /aging parents.  I am familliar with the  impact from the never ending demands  placed on those that take care of others.  Whether you take care of loved ones, patients, people in your ministry or offer help for others as a volunteer, it is not uncommon to neglect caring for yourself in doing so.  As care givers, you understand what is necessary for well-being. You know that it is important to take time out for yourself, to eat  well, to move, to take care of emtional needs and to have joy in life. However, many of you often feel guilty when you take time for yourself. Many of you are unfamiliar with how to incorporate self-care, while many of you feel you can put it off until later. That “later” time never comes and the stress of taking care of others while neglecting yourself results in a myriad of symptoms, from weight gain, headaches, insomnia, relationship issues to a complete imbalance of  well-being  – in mind, body and spirit.  You cannot do it alone  – everyone needs support, motivation and accountability to make change.

THE TIME IS NOW

Pleas join me in the upcoming series dedicated to Care of rthe Care giver and take the next step for caring for YOU.

From the time I was a teenager my view of food was either it was a “good” food or “bad” food depending on its nutritional value or calorie content – aha – (two different things!)
Throughout the years my choices were always based on the outcome of my body image or how my clothes fit or looked. Somehow my success in eating right was measured in the way my jeans fit or the size I could fit into.
Over the years I have become more mindful with an increased ability to be more aware of subtleties. I began to correlate how I felt with I ate certain foods – perhaps after indulging in chocolate or rich desert, I might connect a headache or some brain fog. This led me to explore a little more and learn about how my body was responding to the foods I chose.
So, I decided to take a different approach and choose foods based on how I feel; what my energy is like and how it affects my brain clarity. It was fascinating to notice how liberated and free I felt in doing this. I found myself no longer held prisoner to punishment by deprivation. I am much more aware of my body’s signals of how I feel if I chose a food that does not serve me. I asked myself how sugar served me – once I had eliminated it, I noticed the brain fog lift, my energy increase, my sleep improve, and the less hungry I felt. I also noticed that certain foods I chose elicited cravings for sugars.
Eating to feel good vs. eating to look good has dramatically changed my perspective on my body image as well – it doesn’t seem to be in the line of focus as much. I am seeing my body as an instrument to care for – each and every part. As we continue with this perspective, our body image is something we become proud of.

Seminar series for women who are tired of being tired
If you are someone who has
– excess weight
– excess stress
– health challenges
– time management concerns
YOU NEED TO BE THERE!

Powerful 6 week program will help you
– figure out what holds you back from succeeding
– learn successful proven methods of reducing stress
– find the joy in your life find time for YOU

This is what people are saying:

“I have learned so much about being kind to myself and setting limits. The benefits of taking one step at a time for lasting change have made losing weight bearable! Now I take time for me and I feel great! JS – Raleigh, NC

“After years of struggling to change my habits, Peggy was able to help me identify why I kept getting stuck in the same patterns. Not only am I doing well with my exercise and energy levels, but I have learned how to cope with the stresses at work. Thanks!” PL – Durham, NC

TWO TIMES OFFERED
Choose Day or Evening program
Mondays March 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9, 16 @12:00 – 1:30 PM
OR
Tuesdays March 13, 20, 27, April 3, 10, 17 @7:00- 8:30 PM
All classes at : The Sanctuary,
2317 Chapel Hill Rd, Durham, NC
*Only $20 per week!
Do something for you that works!
Register online – space is limited – save your spot early!
RSVP by March 10th to secure your place!
peg@ihealthcoach.net or 919-283-4397

Sign up here or CALL to enroll
Other forms of Payment available.
Invite 2 friends and get a great gift!

THIS IS AN OPEN INVITATION – PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PASS IT ALONG!

This is YOUR year.

Whatever you did not accomplish in the last 12 months doesn’t matter – you are here now and today is the present.

If you are someone who has tried a lot of things to change over the years and still find yourself making the same resolutions. Stop here.

You can continue to do what you’re doing and continue to get the same results. Or you can say yes to take your life to a higher level of health, peace and fulfillment!

In creating the vision of your outcome for the end of 2012, you will find:

• Greater physical health & energy
• More loving, supportive relationships in family,  friends or work
• Authentic self-confidence and self-acceptance
• Clarity in the values you hold
• A unique plan individualized for just you
• A personalized support that will stand in your corner cheering you on and picking you up when you fall.
• Newly discovered strategies to overcome your obstacles to success.

Make 2012 the one that turned you around and put you where you have wanted to be…  Healthy in Mind, Body and Spirit.

Contact me for a no strings attached free 30 minute consultation to discuss your intentions for the New Year.

Amidst the holiday madness – Big sales, holiday shopping, baking, eating, and drinking, we find ourselves searching the perfect gifts.  Gift giving is this season’s favorite
tradition that we use to show our appreciation and care of others.  Yet, there are other benefits of  “giving”.

There has been much research  on the benefits of Altruism.   Think about how you feel when you do something for someone else.  Remember the last time you randomly opened a door for someone or contributed to someone less fortunate?  How about when you spent time with someone for comfort’s sake?

“ Time”  is perhaps one of the greatest gifts of all.  It can be  spent on a hand written note;   listening with your full attention to someone (without your cell phone in sight);  or maybe making that call to someone you have previously not had time for – a
mother- in- law or elderly relative.     Your time holding a  hand to lend support  makes them feel good, but stop and think – how id it make you feel?

If you felt good, there is something to that….

According  to a study, altruism or volunteering, giving back or reaching out to help,
eases the stress in the body, which results in beneficial health factors.

Here  are just a few benefits research has shown (these are just a few):

• Release of the body’s natural painkillers, the endorphins.
• Decrease in both the intensity and the awareness of physical pain.
• Reduction of the incidence of attitudes, such as chronic hostility, that negatively arouse and damage the body.
• Experiencing a “helper’s high,” a rush of euphoria, followed by a longer period of calm, after performing a kind act – which results in a longer-lasting period of improved emotional well-being.
• Possibly strengthening the immune-system.

This activation of the emotions from “giving” are vital to maintaining good health.  So while you in the act of “giving” this season, notice what you are giving to yourself!

May you be blessed with may gifts of the heart this season,

Peggy

“The Healthy Heart Coach”

Oh dear… it is starting already!

Have you noticed that the Holiday sales start earlier and earlier? Even the Christmas Decorations were out in October (before Halloween!).  I have noticed the mailboxes are full of catalogs and flyers; the holiday foods are entering homes earlier and the sales
have begun!!!

What is the knee-jerk reaction to this? Is it joy or is it  worry?  Do you feel rushed or do you feel   calm?

These answers are no brainers. Our surroundings at this time  of year are challenging for most.  The shopping  frenzy that has been created tends to affect most people with anxiety and manifests  itself in poor choices.

The “all or nothing”  attitude creeps up and many are already eating with total andonment and  disregard of their healthy regimes; Exercise seems to be taking a back seat to other
activities like party planning and shopping.    It is also creating more worry and stress due to economic  concerns – perhaps worry about bills and charging more during this season.

It goes on and on…. So what can you do when you are already stressing out with 6 weeks to go?  

Ask youself:

• What can I do to bring balance and presence in
  the moment?
• How can I  enjoy today when all this fury of Holiday activity is crushing us?
• How can I create calm in this chaos?
• What am I missing while all of this planning  and stressing is going on?
• What is the cost of allowing this stress to continue?

These are all questions you need to explore. Come join me in a powerful workshop on November 30, 2011 at 6:30 at “The Retreat at Brightleaf”.  RSVP by Thanksgiving and receive a gift!  Read details here http://www.ihealthcoach.net/pdf/Flyer1130.pdf

I look forward to seeing you there!                                                                                                Your Healthy Heart Coach,

Peggy

“The Healthy Heart Coach”

This picture was in my recent newsletter.  It is one of the most profound images I have seen in a long time and speaks volumes.

Most of us regard a butterfly as a symbol of freedom and the rock as a symbol of heaviness or weight.

This image represents the inner struggle with all of us.  We all yearn for freedom – be it from the rules or expectations we set for ourselves; the past, the worry, the fear, the lack of confidence, or the judgment.  The rock can be so many different things that hold us back from accomplishing the things we want in life.

Perhaps that butterfly is aiming toward a healthier body; a better job; a more intimate relationship.

Whatever it is in your life, envision what it would be like to make that change without the weight of that rock.

I can help you move closer to your goal. We all need support to change. I can be that support. Contact me for a free complimentary session. Let’s see where we got you on your journey to change. No strings attached.

Today, the country pays tribute to the 2,893 lost during the terror attack 10 years ago.  We all remember where we were and what we were doing that day. As a New Yorker working in a designated medical center not far from the events, this day is crystal clear.  I recall the numerous people among our circle of friends or acquaintances that were lost.  They were husbands of colleagues, best friends of sibling’s and sons of friend’s.  I am particularly touched by a family friend that my children all knew well from high school. He was known from the 911 events as the “man in the red bandana”.  He was an inspiration and true hero.

Today it was an honor to be back in NY, although not at ground zero. However, we were there in spirit standing among the survivors – including family, friends, coworkers and most of all the firefighters that had to continue after their “brothers” were lost. I grew up in family of lifelong firemen; in fact, my nephew is currently a member of the FDNY.  I know the passion they have to serve – to be there in the worse situations to help and save, totally disregarding their own safety for those of others.  They are a rare breed indeed.  I feel my heart swell with pride and love for the brave men that I feel privileged not only have in my family, but all of those that chose such a selfless profession.

This does not preclude our honor of those who perished innocently because they happened to be in harm’s way that day.

However the ones that need our presence the most are the survivors.  I keep them  in my heart for continued healing as they live life without their loved ones.

Blessings to you and your loved ones,

Peggy

There are often times I have a clients who struggle with changing their lifestyle. They have the knowledge, but somehow seem to fall short when sticking to a plan to change their eating habits, incorporate movement and lower their stress. I wonder if this is true for you. It is always easier to think heart disease will happen to someone else.  Frequently, one of the obstacles I hear is not having the energy to make changes, when I am wondering if it is just too overwhelming. Despite knowing what to do and why, the thing that is missing is the guidance, and action plan and the accountability piece.

Remember- as we age, a turn for the worse in heart health is far from inevitable, and making changes in your life is easy if you take it one step at a time.  Take ownership for the choices you make regarding what you eat, drink how you move and the way your respond to stress.  This will empower you to take the right path on the road to wellness. This is where you hold the power to point yourself in a heart-healthy direction.  Easier said than done?  Not so…. with one step at a time, you can harness what is holding you back and feel the movement the right direction.

If you’d like to explore the possibilities of creating a healthy heart lifestyle with a holistic approach to health coaching, call me for a complimentary wellness coaching session at peg@ihealthcoach.net or call 919.283.4397                                                                      Sessions are held from the convenience of your home. Just a phone call away!

Check out upcoming workshop. Pre register and receive a free gift.