Vulnerability is not a weakness; it’s courage. It has occurred to me in recent weeks that the way we are influenced in our early years plays a deeply impactful role in how we see the world as we grow into adulthood. This realization offers a space for hope and guidance as we explore what can and will be done to improve the world's culture. It’s a work deeply grounded in respect, care, and responsibility. In this blog & podcast episode, we discuss the importance of vulnerability and emotional honesty, and how upbringing influences our ability to connect authentically. From exploring how cultural patterns shape our emotional landscape to emphasizing the need for wholeness and responsibility in relationships, we can build the skills necessary to bring a deeper human experience to our lives and the lives of those we are blessed to know.
We all have a deeply human desire to be heard in an instinctual way. We desire to create conversations that feel safe, spacious, and real. Learning to practice listening as a form of leadership is one way to grow space for this deep human desire to be realized. We all have a basic need as humans to be seen and understood and to know that our presence matters. I believe this need is sacred and deeply human and what makes love so profound. In this week’s blog and podcast episode, we are exploring the ways we can grow in curiosity and connection to have deeper, more meaningful conversations that meet this innate human desire to feel safe and respected.
In this episode of Integrated Being, I open up about my personal journey through both physical and emotional exhaustion. Drawing on the wisdom of Stoic philosophy, I explore the importance of discerning what is within my control and the art of letting go. In this blog & podcast episode, I’m sharing practical advice on how I manage overthinking, set proper boundaries, and protect my attention in a noisy world. The role of emotional stewardship in raising thoughtful individuals without instilling fear is also touched upon. Join me as I offer insights and encouragement for navigating life’s challenges with clarity and calmness.
What is it like to raise children in a world so different from the one I was raised in? As my children grow and we all shift into new roles, I am exploring growth across generations. From the purpose of education to answering tough questions with empathy and attention to each child’s unique gifts, I strive to raise children who can thrive in a world that refuses to sit still in a rapidly changing landscape. In today's blog and podcast episode, let’s explore the changes the next generation of children is facing when it comes to showing up in the world and help them leave an impact far beyond college degrees.
Your awareness is a form of leadership. Your ability to pause, listen, and contribute thoughtfully is how you build trust, where that's at the kitchen table or the professional boardroom. I sense a longing to build and rebuild this aspect of trust in our systems, our institutions, and in one another. This desire can be found in our dialogue with each other and our intentions with our relationships. In this podcast and blog episode, I explore how trust forms the foundation of both our personal and professional worlds. From family conversations around the kitchen table to leadership moments in the boardroom, I reflect on the shared human need for connection, honesty, and repair.
Because all things are temporary, source your joy from the timeless center of your deeper self.
Especially in uncertain times, self-care is important. Taking steps to detoxify your life and take control of your health – in turn boosting your immune system so you feel healthy and ready to take on whatever challenges come your way – are key right now. When life feels overwhelming, carving out small moments of your day to do something for you, will help you show up for those around you.
What makes you smile? Laugh? Go giddy with glee? Get happier with my magic formula & recipe … For some, it’s a walk barefoot through the grass. For another, it’s a spin on a roller coaster, a solo movie date, or a perfectly ripe mango.
So… when was the last time you did something that makes you happy? If it’s been a while, consider this: Happiness lowers stress levels, increases immune system function, and lowers your risk of disease. It also makes life easier. Here are 3 easy steps to starting being happier every day!
My magic formula for daily pleasure is simple doing one pleasurable thing per day (or more!)… This is the most powerful antidote for gray, boring, or stressful days. Try these 3 easy steps to get started & boost your level of happiness right away!
Make an “I love” list and list everything that you enjoy—nothing is too small or too large. If you enjoy it, get it on the list.
Take a look at how you spend your days. When could you fit in a little pleasure? Perhaps you could leave the office at lunch to walk in the park? Maybe you could play your favorite music while doing the dishes? Book yourself a massage this weekend?
Repeat this process daily — or more often, as needed.
To get you started down the road of pleasure, give this luscious mango cream recipe a try this week!
Prep Time: 10 minutes - Serves 4
Ingredients:
1 mango, peeled and diced
1/4 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon agave nectar (optional)
1 cup organic whipping cream or carton of soft tofu or large ripe banana
Directions:
Process first 4 ingredients in a blender.
Blend for 1 minute, or until pureed.
Pour puree into a medium bowl.
Beat whipping cream at medium speed with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. If using tofu or banana whir in a food processor or blender until smooth and creamy.
Fold whipped cream or tofu or banana into mango puree, using a knife to swirl in a marbled effect.
Enjoy!
xo, Lizzie
If you’re still feeling under it all and overwhelmed by everything life is throwing your way right now, it may be time the perfect time to look into working with a Life Coach… Maintaining a healthy diet, finding the right balance with your body, detoxing your home, and staying on top of family, work and life demands is not an easy trail to navigate. I’m here as a Life Coach to help you sort through all of the information that’s out there and make a plan that’s relevant to you and your specific lifestyle wants & needs. Want to learn more about what life coaching can do for you? Click the link below to schedule a 15 min chat to learn more…
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Developing meaningful relationships takes attention, kindness and respect.
The conversation around dieting has changed, and for the better. No matter your goals – to lose weight, to tone up or to just feel better – the focus has shifted to internal health, rather than external appearance. That’s why you may have heard so much about gut health. If you have a healthy gut, you’re a healthier you. Microbes, or the bacteria found in the gut, give you energy, clean out toxins in your body and fend off illnesses.
A healthy gut is all about balance.
Your mother told you breakfast was the most important meal of the day… but is it really? The report is due in two hours. Or perhaps you’re in the middle of a mid-term exam. Or you’re making sales calls. Suddenly, bam! Around 10:30 a.m. you hit a wall. All you want to do is look out the window. Hmmm…what did you eat for breakfast?
I hate to say, “I told you so,” so I’ll turn to Mom, who has said it countless times: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It’s the meal that’s designed to supply a third of the macro and micro nutrients your body needs to run without a hitch.
Never lose sight of the divine in yourself and others.
"I am too busy." This has never been something I found myself saying, and now more than ever, I find myself avoiding the sentiment altogether. When I have a lot going on in my life, I turn inward to something I have been doing for 20 years.
I reflect on what my actual steps are to keep me motivated and moving forward.
Mmmmm…. Chocolate. Chocolate is the only ingredient that is its very own food group. Well, not really—but it seems as if it should be. Powerfully comforting, creamy, delicious—many people eat chocolate at least several times a week. Which begs the question…
Is Chocolate Good for You? The answer is both yes and no.
Chocolate has been used for centuries to treat bronchitis, sexual malaise, fatigue, hangovers, anemia, depression, memory loss, high blood pressure, poor eyesight, and more. It also helps release that feel-good neurotransmitter—serotonin—in the brain. But eat the wrong kind & you’ll get loads of sugar, calories, and junky ingredients.
A new week is the perfect time to reset and take stock of your internal goals. In doing so, I’ve realized the goal I set that has helped drive the most change in my life. Sit down. Grab a glass. I hope you’re thirsty, because we’re talking about drinking more water.
Drinking water is a seemingly simple daily task, but it requires dedication and intention. I drink at least 1/2 my body weight in ounces of water daily, which isn’t something I achieved overnight. I started drinking this much water consistently 13 years ago when I looked for ways to quit drinking soda pop. My Grandma, when she was in her 80s, kept a 64 oz. polar water bottle & she told me that if I drank more water, I would crave less sugar. She gave me the water bottle, and I kept it on my work desk. It was the first healthy habit that I stuck to and it’s become much more than that to me.
Drinking water is essential to my overall health: emotional, spiritual, and physical. Water can significantly change your body. In addition to cleansing toxins, can…
“Work-life balance was a mistake from the start. Because we don't really want balance. We want satisfaction.” -Matthew Kelly, author Balance is a waste of time… Balance is a sticky subject among many people. We have careers, partners, children, family commitments, charity work, classes, hobbies, worship time—plus, big desires to improve our health. How can one possibly balance so many things? I’m going to let you in on a little secret here… You can’t.
How can one possibly balance so many things? I’m going to let you in on a little secret here… You can’t.
“Harmony” is an easier goal than balance. Harmony means everything is co-existing in a spirit of cooperation. But whatever you want to call it —harmony, balance, or “fitting it all in”— there is a secret to doing more of what you want and less of what you don’t want.
Want to hear the secret? I just need to warn you that although the equation sounds simple, it actually takes massive willpower to execute. It also requires that you get absolutely clear on what you want your life to look like, and what you do not want in your life.
Ready? Okay, here’s the secret…
First ask yourself what isn’t serving you. What doesn’t need to be in your life? What is dragging you down? Keeping you awake at night?
Second, get rid of (or fix) the things you identified in step 1. Have you identified a few things? Now get rid of them. (Or fix them. Now.)
Third, ask yourself what you want in your life—or in this week or day? What do you want to accomplish? What do you want to do? Who do you want to be with?
Lastly, focus your energy on these things you identified in step 3. Anything that doesn’t fit into this larger scheme… let it go (or learn how to say “no”).
Ready to dive in and make a few changes? Give these tips a try and see how much more harmonious your life can be.
No balance required.
xo, Lizzie
Are you curious about how to harmonize your health goals? How to fit wellness into your busy schedule? Let’s talk! Schedule an initial complimentary consultation with me today—or pass this offer on to someone you care about!
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v\“How much is too much?” Quick Quiz: How many portions are in a bag of snack-size whole grain crackers? Or a small bottle of locally-pressed juice? Or a lunchbox pack of granola bars?
Hint: it’s not “one.” Often, the above products actually contain 2 or 2.5 servings per package.
Can YOU Eat Just One? Sure, you could go ahead and enjoy just half the bag, but are you really going to do that? Don’t beat yourself up if the answer is no: If you place food in front of most people, they tend to eat it all. It’s just the way we’re wired.
Exactly how full is your glass? Picture a big glass goblet filled to the halfway mark with water. How do you see it—half-full or half-empty? Consistently finding the glass half-empty—and the world as a difficult place— is a hallmark of negativity.
Research has found that a negative outlook can contribute to everything from depression to heart disease to lowered immune system function. It can affect sleep, weight maintenance, the quality of your relationships, your social life, and even your ability to hold a job. Now imagine what it would feel like to approach life from a place of positivity, fun, connection, health, and possibility. Sounds good, doesn’t it?
When you think about healthy eating, do salads and green vegetables usually come to mind? How about adding a little more variety to your plate?
Root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and turnips are a rich source of nutritious complex carbohydrates & a great way o add a healthful variety to your diet. Instead of upsetting blood sugar levels as refined sweet foods do, these power-packed root vegetables help regulate your blood sugars.
Long root vegetables – carrots, parsnips, burdock, and daikon radish – are excellent blood purifiers & can help improve circulation in the body. Round root vegetables – turnips, radishes, beets, and rutabagas – nourish the stomach, spleen, pancreas, and reproductive organs. Which root vegetables do you eat most? If you’re like most of the world, you probably eat carrots and potatoes the most. Here are a few other root vegetables to explore and add to your dinner plate!
Have you ever downed an entire package of chips, crackers, or cookies? Ate pizza or cake until you felt sick? Drank more coffee or wine than your body wanted? Do you remember how you were feeling at the time? I ask because sometimes we overeat to help distract us from emotional pain.
Think about it: have you noticed that sometimes when you overeat you’re not hungry at all? What you are is lonely. Or angry. Or sad. Or resentful. Or frustrated. Or something else. What hurt are YOU holding on to?
“I was determined to know beans.”— Henry David Thoreau, The Bean-Field
How about you? How well do you know beans? Creamy cannellinis, meaty garbanzos, sweet adzuki, tender pintos, and so many more—beans are one of the most powerful, nutrient-dense plant foods around.
Consider this: Beans are packed with tons of fiber, as well as plenty of iron and protein. They are rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients. They are low in calories. Plus, studies have found them to lower risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
