Your Pathway To Health

01/05/2024

11/20/2023

Where do you go when you're stressed?

I love the holidays now. But there were seasons when I dreaded them.

When I was in my 20's and living in NYC far away from my home,they were often spent alone. There's nothing worse than being surrounded by millions of people and feeling utterly alone.

My grandfather died on Christmas Eve, and for years I just felt sad as that time of year approached.

My mom's birthday was right around Thanksgiving and our house used to be filled with family. But she died when I was 11yrs old and the family unraveled. It took years for that ache to subside.

So, holidays have not always been fun for me. Much of that changed when I developed a relationship with Jesus. Then my life took on new meaning and I spent many holidays in service to others.

Then I got married and had children. Holidays were filled with eager expectation again.

Right now my house is getting a much needed face lift. It's a bit chaotic and my dog is feeling it! She never gets in that cage. That's her bestie's Daisy's but she's been in it a lot since we started painting and doing all the things.

Looking at her just reminded me that the holidays are not always fun for everyone. There were seasons when they were just very sad and lonely.

You might be in a season where you feel like crawling into your cave.

I just want you to know that I see you. If you do have that urge to withdraw and be quiet, listen to it. Just make sure you don't isolate yourself too long.

As I've learned I can have both time for quiet and time to be around the people who matter most to me and bring me joy.

11/09/2023

Are you a strong independent person who thinks, "I'll do it myself."

That is how I approached my weight-loss. I'd look at a program, buy the book, download the app and say, I'll do it myself.

I might tell a few people that I was going to embark on a new eating plan, only to give up a week later.

After awhile, I just dieted in the dark. Just me trying to go it alone, and failing every time.

What I didn't realize is that I needed the encouragement and accountability that a like minded community and a personal coach provides.

These women call me higher, inspire me and encourage me. We are not perfect. Life happens, emotional triggers happen, bad habits rear their ugly heads. But we don't give up. It's progress over perfection.

What I've learned about myself is that, as independent as I am, I need community and accountability. It has been a game changer for me.

Today, I'm grateful for this community, my coach and being in this journey together.

11/08/2023

Wanted to share a recent challenge I had on my journey. I hope this will help someone.

I never felt like I measured up. Self condemnation could have been my middle name. It didn't matter if I won the State Speech Championship or got straight A's or got accepted into an Ivy League College. Somehow, I should have been better.

We recently took family photos and for years I avoided the camera and I began feeling really anxious about the whole photo shoot. I struggled with what to wear, and even though I've lost 78 pounds, I was feeling like I was a failure and should have lost even more weight.

We I saw the pictures from the shoot I thought everyone looked great, but all I could focus on was my flaws. Then my coach sent me this side by side.

The picture on the left was only about a month into my journey. The other was 3+ years later from the photo shoot.

Looking at them side by side I was reminded of how far I've come, how much I've learned and how grateful I am for my coach, my plan and my community.

If you're struggling with self condemnation, I want you to know that I see you.

Take a moment to reflect on your journey and celebrate the progress you've made. From the small victories to the big milestones, every step forward counts. Keep pushing forward and embracing the endless possibilities ahead!

You are worthy. You are enough.

You are resilient.

11/04/2023

The other day I received a gratitude journal from a fellow coach and friend .living.health . We're both participating in a 21 Day Health & Gratitude Boost that many other clients and coaches are participating in. This couldn't have come at a better time for me. I just celebrated my 60th birthday and our 26th wedding anniversary alone. My husband is a professional trucker and we're empty nesting. On the eve of the big day I had this wave of sadness. I was going home to an empty house. I was feeling pretty sorry for myself. The next day I received this journal and began the 21 Day Health & Gratitude Boost. 🙏🌟 Taking a moment to appreciate the blessings we have can transform our perspective. It shifts our focus from what's missing to what's present. I really needed that perspective flip. I was reminded how much an attitude of gratitude can change things. So, if you're struggling like I was with sadness take a moment and write down the things that you are grateful for. It may help give you perspective and give you the boost that you need. ❤️🌍

10/20/2023

Cooking with Michelle, Meatballs and Spaghetti Squash, Yummy!

10/13/2023

Cooking with Michelle. Easy Spaghetti Squash Carbonara!

10/13/2023

"Cooking with Michelle " Spaghetti Squash Carbonara . 😋 Yummy

10/13/2023

Join me tomorrow at noon for "Cooking with Michelle". I'll be making Spaghetti Squash Carbonara! Easy and yummy! See you tomorrow!

10/10/2023

Do you think a health coach should be perfect in their nutritional and exercise habits?

STOP READING AND PUT YOUR ANSWER AND WHY YOU THINK THAT IN THE COMMENTS AND THEN COME BACK TO FINISH READING. 😊

Ok, full transparency and a rather long read. Despite what some of you might think, my eating choices are not always on point. I have my own battles just like you all.

There are celebrations, like Thursday when I took my son and a few of his friends to Ferris BBQ in Presque Isle after their Induction into the national honor society, and I took a bite of Hudson's Apple Bourbon Bread Pudding, which led to 5 more bites 😳 and three days of battling cravings for more sugar🤪

There are busy days, like Friday and Saturday. Friday, I woke up late, and missed doing my exercises. 😩 Then I had several Client calls, prepping for and doing my Live food demo and another trip to Presque Isle to pick up Hudson from NMCC, because his car's electrical system blew up😳 It was a good thing I could take my Optavia fuelings with me though. That helped for part of my day going well.

But then we went to Burger Boy. 😱 I was preparing to just have a water but they have added salad to their menu! 🙌 I had the Taco salad but forgot to tell them to leave the chips off! 🙄 Holy boys talk about eating around a mind field! But I managed to avoid that kryptonite, only to cave to several handfuls of nuts later that night. 🥲

Saturday, was an early morning drive to Mapleton to set up my booth to demonstrate the amazing Super Patches, which have been a game changer from the long COVID I've had. There were tables of baked goods there that looked amazing and a French Fry food truck on the premises 🤯 I had two small crunchy ones from my friend Rosie. Thank goodness they were the very last of her batch or I would have gone for more. 😮‍💨

But later, when I was relaxing and watching a movie with my mountain man, I deswanted something sweet, and caved to a yogurt with way too many nuts mixed in.

Sunday, was actually good UNTIL we decided to watch a movie and I popped him some popcorn. 🙀 10 cups later, I'm looking at nothing but kernels. Where did all that popcorn go I asked myself looking at the bowl in disbelief.

I could beat myself up for not staying true to the goals that I set for myself last week , or I can take a look at this past few days and ask myself how I can prepare better for days like these.

Or, upon deeper reflection and if I m completely honest with myself, I made a series of choices, starting with the Bread Pudding, that took me on a bit of a craving ride for the next three days. I know I should stay far far away from sugar. What it does to my brain is not pretty. The cravings are real and the battle for control is fierce after even the smallest amount of confection.

So, today is day 4, a new day, and the cravings have subsided. I woke up and got back to my healthy habit of exercising and eating on schedule. I feel much better .

So, would you say that because I have my own battles that I should step away from coaching, or that by working through them and not giving up I am a stronger coach as a result.

I'd love to get your opinion.