Surviving Tough Life Changes

4/3/2008

A friend emailed me yesterday after receiving our monthly newsletter. She was excited to see that my new self-help e-workbook, Soul Friends Guide to Surviving the Pit: A Workbook for Surviving and Thriving through Tough Life Changes was now available on our website. My friend, Trish, was one of my "soul friends" during the time I went through my divorce...back when I got to know the "pit" up close and personal.

Trish mentioned how she remembered the "pit" days well, but she hadn't had a day like that in a very long time. I realized that I haven't either. Not to say I haven't had some tough times since...that's part of life...but nothing like I experienced back then. Yet, I also realize learning how to get out of the pit brought me the most precious gifts.

If you are in the middle of a major life change...a time when your whole world seems to have completely changed over night...I send you these words of hope. An uncle of mine said at the time I was going through my divorce, that he was happy for me. He said that while he was sorry I was suffering, he also understood that I was being called to go on one of the most amazing and incredible journeys we experience in this lifetime. I was being invited to discover who I was at the deepest level...to meet my soul...to find who I was beyond the roles I'd played.

Eight years later, I can tell you he was absolutely right. While I can't say that was an easy time, I can say that I wouldn't give up what came from it for anything in the world. Journeying home to yourself is the greatest gift, and often the opportunity to do so comes when life seems most bleak.

So if you are in the middle of a life crisis, hang in there. God is calling to you and asking you to come meet your soul in a way that will open your life and bring you joy like you've never experienced. Keep asking for help...watch for signs...and you'll get through.

And remember...your Soul Friends are right there with you!

Take care,

Nancy

Spring Cleaning for Health

Live Well Column

By Paula Vetter

Yes, it's TRUE. Spring is just around the corner! As our thoughts turn to "Spring Cleaning" it is important that we remember to begin with ourselves. Just as we are eager to rid our homes of stagnant air and accumulated dust and debris, we can help to rid our bodies of toxins and "tune up" our metabolism. Then we will be prepared to greet warm weather with healthy vibrant energy. Tips:

1. Drink at least 8 8 oz glasses of plain pure water daily. (Reverse osmosis or filtered water)

2. Avoid carbonated beverages, artificial sweeteners, trans fats, MSG, and high fructose corn
syrup. All of these are toxic to your cells.

3. Never microwave food in plastic or styrofoam. These release toxins into your food.
(Microwaving changes the molecular structure of your food and destroys nutrients too!)

4. Avoid adding toxins to your environment. We inhale toxins and absorb them thru our skin
as well as ingesting them in our food and drink. Eliminate chemical room deodorizers, fabric
softener sheets, lawn chemicals, toxic household cleaners, and be sure to air out any
clothes that are dry cleaned before wearing them or even bring them indoors. Hang on
porch or in garage to air out and dissipate toxic cleaning solvents.

5. Consider a natural organic herbal cleanse to support your liver, kidneys and digestive
system to restore balance and achieve optimal wellness.

6. Use a rebounder (mini-trampoline) to encourage good lymph flow and detoxification.

7. Start a gentle stretching program (Yoga, Pilates, etc.) to boost circulation.

8. MOVE your body daily for 30 to 40 minutes, but begin slowly if you have been hibernating
this winter. Flowers do not bloom overnight.....be gentle but persistent and you too will be
radiant before spring becomes summer.

The 10-10-10 Rule

Start Small… But Think Big

by Cathy Posner

Have you ever (who hasn’t?) been tortured by making a decision and wondering what it’s impact will be? I employ a strategy a friend shared with me. Not much later, I ran across the source article. It was an article written by Suzy Welch in the September 2006 issue of O! Magazine. I have found it a great guideline and tool when facing a difficult decision. I will paraphrase it here:

The 10-10-10 Rule

As you face a difficult decision (and this works for any aspect of your life), ask yourself the following questions:
Will it matter in 10 minutes?
Will it matter in 10 months?
Will it matter in 10 years?
What is the impact of my actions within these timeframes?

You will find that, by using this technique, decisions are often much clearer and easier to make. Issues that we perceive as having long-term or more significant impact on our lives or the lives of others often don’t matter as much as you think in the big picture.

Create a Peaceful Environment

Simple Steps Column

by Nancy Nicholas

This time of year, spring fever begins with a vengeance. While you are waiting for winter to end, take the time to move out the old stagnant energy from your work place and home. Below are some simple steps you can take to create a peaceful, fresh environment:

Thoroughly clean with an environmentally friendly cleaning product. This will help remove the accumulated dust and debris from winter. I add a few drops of peppermint or lavender oil to the Shaklee cleaner I use. It makes cleaning much more enjoyable and leaves a wonderful scent in the room when I’m done.

Take care of clutter. I know I tend to let things pile up during the winter months both at home and work. Set aside a day to pack up anything unneeded or unwanted. Cleaning out cluttered drawers, desks, and closets really helps to renew your energy.

Gently scent your environment with aromatherapy oils and sprays. Savannah Moon makes a wonderful lavender mint room spray. Another favorite approach of mine is to use a few drops of my favorite essential oils in a diffuser.

Consider adding plants and crystals to clean the air and energy. I spoke to Corky Larson of Inner Harmony Wellness Center about how to use crystals to create a better energetic atmosphere. He recommended using Selenite crystals which can be placed around the room to “vacuum” out lower energies.

Play peaceful music. Listen to a nature sounds or other peaceful music to create the atmosphere you desire. My favorite artist is Enya.

It can be tough to get yourself motivated to take the steps needed to reenergize your environment, but the results are well worth the effort. Give it a try!