“God helps those who help themselves” This common phrase is not actually a bible verse It is intended as a way of encouraging initiative, but often functions as a way of shaming instead The real truth…if you don’t speak up for yourself, who will? No one understands your needs better than you do You are your own best advocate Asking for help should not be understood as a sign of weakness Strong, capable people need help just like everybody else Having initiative does not mean

So the scale has stopped moving. You are beginning to imagine that you can feel the pounds creeping back on. That initial feeling of pride and excitement is fading and discouragement may even be settling in. What’s a weight loss warrior – (and sometimes weight loss worrier) to do? Extend your exercise plan to include your body and your mind. This is a crucial period in your weight loss program. The way your body uses and stores energy (i.e. food/calories) is changing, so you

And if only one more hour…? Those may not be the exact words, but that is the gist of a quote I came across several months ago. I cut the words into a small strip of paper that is now pinned to a bulletin board in my office. We all know that death is inevitable. We hope the day is far away. But what if it isn’t? Reading those words reminded me of how precious time is. Still, I squander time and take my relationships with self and others for granted. I refuse to abandon the su

Women are making some strides politically and in the corporate world, but what about socially? Not so much. There remains an underlying vein of discomfort – even guilt – as we break away from long loathed limits. “Having it all” comes up often, but that isn’t the real issue. The real issue is having the freedom from cultural pressure to identify and choose what we want. Then to actually go for whatever that is without apology. The dreams our great-grandmothers, grandmothers,

You may have been deeply hurt or had some disappointments. You may have made some wrong turns or gotten caught up a time or two. Now what? More important than what you did or what happened then is what you do and what happens now. Move past your past. You cannot use old thoughts to build a new life. You cannot use pain and disappointment as an excuse to give up and still expect to get what you deserve from life. You cannot hold onto anger and say, “I just want to be happy.” W

Today is a new day. I have never experienced this day before. I will meet this day with new purpose instead of old habits and stories that don’t support me or my goals. I will approach this day with openness as I experience each moment. I willingly let go of yesterday and free myself to meet this day with curiosity and courage. I choose to let go of the past and release the things I cannot change; and to use my emotional energy instead to create meaningful changes where I can

Isolation – In the beginning it may not be obvious that you are spending less time with family and friends because it feels like you have some choice in the matter. You may hear things like, don’t go out with them tonight, I haven’t seen you all week, I miss you. Your partner’s behavior may also appear initially as chivalrous as in – you don’t need a car or to learn your way around, I don’t mind taking you where you want to go. Criticism – You may begin to feel that you can’t

There is a saying that goes, do not allow yourself to be led away from the truth by what you would like to believe. Domestic violence can be particularly difficult to come to terms with because of the complexity of emotions, values and hopes involved. Letting go of the hope that everything will be okay happens over a period of time, rather than in a day or a single moment. Some women leave and go back several times. If that describes you – never give up on yourself. You deser

Having a big why makes the how of money management feel more possible. If there is a real purpose driving your plan you will feel more compelled to save instead of deprived when you don’t spend. The sense of purpose creates a real shift in attitude that helps you see it isn’t that you can’t spend but that you are choosing not to spend. You are choosing your big why over a small, fleeting pleasure. Your sense of self is immeasurably bolstered by making a plan and sticking with

Each time you wash your hands today, pause for a moment. Slow down and breathe deeply, allowing your belly to fully expand as you inhale. Exhale slowly and sigh out loud as the breath moves out of your body. Remember to sigh. Sighing can help you regulate disrupted breathing patterns and lead to feelings of calm. Breathe deeply throughout the day and remind yourself that you are okay. While you are taking a breath break why not also take a break from trying to manage what oth