Mindfulness Hike

This weekend I went on a hike in the Metroparks with my dog, something I do all the time when the weather is nice.  As I was getting ready, I stuffed my ipod and headphones into my pocket, as we usually do a little trail running and music is my go-to motivator.  As I started on the path, I was …

Are you supportive?

What does it mean to be supportive?  Well, when I typed this exact question in to a Google search this was the definition “providing encouragement or emotional help.”  This pretty much hits the nail on the head.  The song Lean on Me by Bill Withers also sums it up perfectly (click to listen)! We all need support of some type …

Beautiful Brussels Sprouts

I have not loved, liked, or enjoyed Brussels sprouts for most of my life. I vaguely remember some not so great go round with them as a kid, and then avoiding them ever since. I was perfectly content to never eat these little baby cabbages ever again.  But then a few years ago Mark ordered them at a restaurant, so …

Simple IS the Solution

After one of my recent Simply Stress Less presentations someone approached me, sharing their surprise that what I was suggesting seemed to be so simple. “Yep, that’s right,” I replied, “simple IS the solution.”  Somewhere along the line we have made things overly complicated in an attempt to make things more convenient.  What I coach people on is how to …

De-Clutter to De-Stress

10 Healthy Habits to Simply Stress Less Tip #5 De-clutter to de-stress.  Take the time to organize your environment and create on the outside how you want to feel on the inside.  Do some spring cleaning and practice letting go of the old while you make space for the new.  Clutter in our environment can create a lot of static …

Comfort Food

The food mood connection is really undeniable.  Think of a food that you enjoy or from a happy time and it’s hard not to smile.  Think of a food that you ate too much of once or that made you sick and you immediately have a “yuck” type of reaction.  Think of a family tradition type food and well let’s …

5 Tips to Communicate Not So Great News

Over the years I have coached many people in the development of communication skills.  The way in which we communicate can either add to or alleviate stress.  For some reason this topic has been especially present in my life over the past few weeks.  I have had to deliver and receive some “not so great news” and also coached several …

Love & Gratitude

First of all I want to wish you all a very Happy Valentine’s Day.  I am grateful for this day and the reminder to express love and gratitude for all of the amazing people who have blessed my life.  I am grateful for the opportunity to share this day with colleagues, clients, and friends and for the opportunity to share …

Love Lessons from Rocky

Let me start by telling you a little bit about Rocky.  Rocky is our 9 1/2 year old American Bulldog with personality plus.  When he was a puppy he had an unbelievable amount of energy and would run, leap, and bound wherever he would go…let’s be honest, he’s still like that, he just needs more frequent naps.  When someone first …

Avocado Oil

I was walking through Costco the other day and came upon a giant bottle of Avocado Oil. Exciting because I am a big fan of the nutrient dense avocado.  To be honest I was not familiar with Avocado Oil but I bought it anyway because it is a high heat cooking oil and I have been looking for a good …