Yesterday the twig was brown and bare;
To-day the glint of green is there;
Tomorrow will be leaflets spare;
I know no thing so wondrous fair,
No miracle so strangely rare.
I wonder what will next be there!
~L.H. Bailey

1) A time to grow

September 1st is officially recognized as the first day of spring in South Africa. To celebrate this season of new beginnings children take bunches of flowers to their teachers, and schools send children with flower bouquets to old age homes to spread the joy.

During the first week of September we also celebrate national arbour week. (“Arbour” is the Latin word for tree) . Trees play a vital role in the health and wellbeing of our communities, and during this week schools, businesses and organizations are encouraged to take part in community greening events to ensure a green future for all of us.

Spring is a time of renewal and growth. From lush green parks to tiny backyard gardens, little creatures feel the warmth of the sun and start their journey to become what they were meant to be. From tiny, tiny little eggs the miracle of metamorphosis turns little tadpoles and nymphs and caterpillars into frogs and grasshoppers and butterflies.


Enjoying early spring in Kirstenbosch Gardens

2) A time to change

In nature this process of change occurs automatically. Embedded in the cells of all creatures going through metamorphosis, is the code which will bring about complete change, leaving behind their old form in exchange for a completely new and different  adult form.

When we refer to drastic change in humans, companies or even countries, we often use the word metamorphosis to describe the process of becoming something completely different from what used to be.

Unlike natural change, human metamorphosis is not automatic but takes place as a result of the choices human beings make. Human change take place when the need for change becomes inevitable due to external or internal pressure or, more likely, both.

3) Reasons to change

On a personal level the pressure for change may arise from a crises situation or a  health threat such as a heart attack, an ulcer, developing diabetes and many more. However, if the pressure to change ones lifestyle comes from others such as your doctor or even family members, and there is no internal pressure, change might not take place even when there is a very real danger to your live.

Internal pressure is caused by the values we hold about what is important for us. For one person this may be the realisation that the health she used to take for granted, allows her to enjoy life with her loved ones; for another, being able to see his grandchildren grow up may be the source of that internal pressure.

When humans become aligned with what is important for them, it creates the energy through which change (and often miraculous change), may take place. People with a history of dieting and giving up become focused; addictive habits such as smoking, alcohol consumption and other destructive behaviours are changed in order to honour that which is most valuable to them.

4) Steps to personal Metamorphosis

“Any transition serious enough to change your definition of self will require not just small adjustments in your way of living and thinking, but a full on metamorphosis”.
Martha Beck

• To bring about complete change, you need to change your way of thinking. Instead of focusing on what is wrong, focus on what you want.
• Change your attitude. A winning attitude enables you to do what it takes to change your life around instead of making excuses to explain your failures.
• Change your beliefs. Your mind is capable of both success promoting and self-limiting beliefs: you have the power to choose which will rule your life.
• Change your habits. Become aware of disabling habits and replace them one by one with new empowering habits.
• Change your vision. Imagine the outcome of your change and dream big! After all, that magnificent butterfly you see moving gracefully from flower to flower, started out as a crawling caterpillar.

 

”What would men be without women? Scarce, sir, mighty scarce.”  Mark Twain

1. Celebrating women
2. Celebrating change
3. Celebrating hope
4. Five ways to celebrate your worth

1) Celebrating women

Here in Cape Town we had intervals of pleasant days with mild temperatures and clear blue skies. It is evident that spring is not too far away. Already tender green leaves on trees and shrubs bear promise of the coming abundance.

On the 9^th of August we celebrate Women’s day here in South Africa. Originally the day was meant to honour the 20 000 women who marched to the Union Building in Pretoria in August 1956 against the pass-laws of the old apartheid regime. However, over the past few years it has turned into a day to celebrate the strength, beauty and worth of all women in our country.

How appropriate that this day is celebrated at the end of winter when a new season is about to start: For while we are honouring our women, South Africa is reputed to be among the countries with the highest statistics of violence against women in relationships. This means that although our new political era brought more freedom and rights for women, there are far too many who suffer at the hands of those who are supposed to love and respect them.

2) Celebrating change

Never before was the need for change as great as right now. There is so much that can be done by each of us to promote an environment where partner violence can be prevented from becoming the threat that it is today.

Please note that I am not saying that a woman is ever responsible for the violence perpetrated against her. The responsibility for any act of violence remains the responsibility of the offender. However, to eradicate this evil from our communities, we need a mindset where our worth as human beings is non negotiable, a mindset where woman are clear about what they expect from their relationships and refuse to settle for anything less; even before they establish close relationships with others.

Change starts with understanding that violence includes not only the physical aspects of abuse, but also the invisible energy of verbal and emotional abuse. Because our children learn by what they experience, we have to understand that our family environments have the potential to create not only those who care about themselves and others, but also the victims and victimizers of tomorrow.

Edrich and Brihan: a loving relationship

3) Celebrating hope

Imagine living in a community where children learn right from the start that each person, male or female is unique and special, where people are allowed to be who they were meant to be: free from the “should’s” and “have to’s” of those around them.

Imagine a world where people understand that they have a responsibility towards themselves as well as those around them: a world where children are taught and allowed to set boundaries for themselves and respect the boundaries of others.

Imagine celebrating women’s day 10 years from now, knowing that women (and children) in our country are protected by a moral law which compels those who love them, to treat them with the respect they deserve. 

4) Five ways to celebrate your worth (With quotes from some famous women)

• Get clear boundaries on what you will allow from others:
  "As you become more clear about who you really are, you’ll be better able to decide  what is best for you – the first time around." Oprah Winfrey, American TV personality
  

• You are a unique human being. Anyone who makes you feel less than special does not deserve you:
  Trust your intuition when those little red flags come up in a new relationship. Jealousy, criticism, neediness, tantrums, and sulking are manipulative and will get worse as the relationship deepens."Don’t compromise yourself. You are all you’ve got.” Janice Joplin, American Singer.
  

• Start taking little steps to empower yourself.
  “We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a  big difference, ignore the small daily difference we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee.” Marian Wright Edelman, Families in Peril
  

• Change becomes possible when you take charge of where you are in your life right now. Talk to someone about your situation: a friend or a coach or therapist could help you turn circumstances around. “How wonderful that nobody need to wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” Anne Frank, Writer.
  

• Don’t just look away: Domestic violence is the responsibility of each community member. If you are aware of a family member, friend, neighbour or colleague who may be a victim, Be available in a respectful way so that she can know she may ask for support when needed.
  "Science may have found a cure for most evils; but it has found no remedy for the worst of them all – the apathy of human beings". Hellen Keller
  

To learn more click here: http://www.stopvaw.org/Domestic_Violence_Explore_the_Issue.html?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={DF831AB9-9FB7-49FC-A657-7F25D30D4619}

The writer of this article is Lorraine Le Roux, a life coach who works with women who invest in their wellness. Wellness is about making responsible choices regarding your life, health, work, weight and relationships. You may contact me by leaving your details on the contact me page. Click “permalink” to return to the menu. Thank you for leaving a comment.

In this Article:
                  1. Searching for happiness
                  2. The source of happiness
                  3. It’s not outside!
                  4. Eight ways to increase your “happy fluids”

1.) Searching for happiness

In Cape Town where I live, the days are cold and wet and in many places in the country it is freezing cold. It is at times like these when curling up under a blanket becomes a tempting alternative to outdoor activities.

Feeling a bit under the weather this time of the year is not unusual, as we are having less exposure to sunlight and are less active then normal. Sunlight as well as physical activity activates endorphins and serotonin which alters your mood and cheers you up.

In addition, the daily news headlines about the recession and the retrenchment of thousands of people, rising costs; a runaway crime rate, more and more reported cases of the swine flu; and striking doctors all contribute to a sense of mass pessimism.

 2.) The source of happiness

 The good news is: happiness does not depend on external factors such as the weather or the news, but rather on how we choose to respond to these factors. (This article refers to the ability of healthy people to manage their emotional world. While individuals with mood disorders could benefit by applying these ideas to their lives, therapeutic intervention is necessary to treat the underlying cause of the disorder.)

According to Michael Anthony, writer of “How to be Happy” (“and have fun changing the world”), your brain secretes chemicals according to your positive and negative thoughts, and you can increase your happiness by consciously adjusting the chemicals of your brains “cranial fluids”. This fluid is affected by your thoughts, diet/nutrition, exercise, rest and environment.

3.) It’s not outside!

Too often people say they will be happy once they have achieved or acquired something. A good example is being thin: “Once I have reached my goal weight, I will be happy” or, “Once I get that promotion or can buy that car I have been saving for, I will be happy”.

Advertisers understand this yearning for happiness. That is why they sell you happiness when they promote their slimming products or cars.

Lasting happiness come from living a life that is aligned with who you really are. (For powerful inspiration go to http://www.attitudeisaltitude.com/ where you can listen to and read about  Nick Vujicic a young man of 25 who had to overcome major obstacles in his live, and inspires others to overcome theirs).

When you make choices that are right for you, your brain secretes positive chemicals and you are likely to experience joy and optimal functioning. On the other hand, choices that lead to feelings of discomfort like guilt or disappointment lower your brain’s chemistry and functioning.

The joy of sight and touch: Alexander discovering starfish.

 4.)  Eight ways to increase your “happy fluids” 

• Take charge of your thinking and talking. Make a conscious choice to be positive.

• Regular, fun activities, wise eating, and sufficient rest all help to keep you healthy and happy.

• Surround yourself with positive company whenever you can. If you can’t avoid negative people in your life, do everything in your power not to be influenced by their negativity. (Moods are as contagious as the flu)

• Find something that you are passionate about and make that activity a priority in your daily life. Live, work, and play passionately.

• Enjoy the world through all your senses. Consciously experience the sense of touch, taste and smell and be selective about what you see and hear. (Instead of switching on the television when you get home from work, choose some soothing music).

• Develop a sense of childlike curiosity. Be open to new experiences and be willing to learn.

• Instead of yearning for reasons to be happy, find reasons to be grateful. Keep a gratitude journal; the more grateful you are, the more reasons you will find to be grateful.

Be a force of nature! “This is the true joy of life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy”. George Bernard Shaw

The author of this article is Lorraine Le Roux, a certified Life Coach who worked in the weight-loss industry for many years, where she realized that a large number of people need a more “integrated” approach to address their weight-challenges. For more information about how the “Focus on Health Program” may assist you in your quest to lose weight, send a message with your contact details via the “Contact Me” page.  Click on “permalink” to return to top or on “comments” to leave a message.

 In this Article:

1. Choose your dream! 
2. Focus on your dream.
3. Believe in your dream and take action
4. Strategies to make your dreams come true

 “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle” Albert Einstein 

1.) Choose your dream! 

To be human is to have the ability to choose. There are times when we have to face challenges that seem impossible to overcome. But even in times of adversity we still have the freedom to choose! We can choose to be devastated or hopeful, fearful or courage’s, angry or forgiving… and many more.

Lori Schneider’s dream started when she and her father climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in 1993. Her quest was to scale the Seven Summits, the tallest peak on each continent. This month, 52 year old Lori stepped to the summit of Mount Everest, the last of her challenges, and became the first woman with multiple sclerosis to reach the roof of the world.  

 Ten years ago, in 1999 doctors told this remarkable woman that she has multiple sclerosis and will end up in a wheelchair. Lori had a choice: She could accept the doctor’s verdict and crumbled under the reality of her illness….or she could follow her dreams.

Read More:
http://www.jsonline.com/features/health/45924582.html 
http://www.empowermentthroughadventure.com/


          Lori Schneider
“My biggest reward through all this has been learning about overcoming fear and limitations, and sharing the lesson with others….Life is too short not to go for the gusto when you are given the opportunity….I hope that all your dreams come true as well.” Lori Schneider.

2.) Focus on your dream.

According to Marcia Wieder, well known Dream coach from America, There’s a different kind of energy, and so much more joy involved when you are moving towards your dreams than there is when you are mired in reality or trying to fix something. A good example is when you try to lose weight.

If you simply go on a diet because you are trying to fix something you don’t want (being overweight), you might find it difficult to stay motivated long enough to see results. If, on the other hand, your dream is to look good and to feel healthy, there is an inner passion that inspires you to do what it takes to reach the goals you have set for yourself.

3.) Believe in your dream and take action

What are you dreaming about? Is it to feel good about yourself; or to write a book or start your own business or to be in control of your life? What is stopping you? Some will say their lifes are too busy, they don’t have time, or they can’t write a book because they can’t type, or they can’t start their own business because they don’t know how to start or they don’t have money, or they don’t have a supportive partner, and many more! Do you allow your reality to stand in the way of your dream? 

I have witnessed many “miracles” when individuals who once felt desperate and desponded about their situation, began to believe in their dreams. When you believe in your dream and you take the required action towards that dream, you release an energy that could overcome almost any obstacle. It is not a lack of willpower that makes realizing your dreams difficult: It is a lack of dream power (The passion that drives your actions).

4.) Strategies to make your dreams come true 

• Be clear about what you want, describe it in as much detail as possible and write it down. Don’t assume that you know what you want: Get it on paper where you can see it.
  
• Get clear about where you are in your life and about what needs to change. Complete what needs to be done as this will free you to work on your dream. 
  
• Share your dream with others that can support you, and let them know that you are committed to your dream.
  
• Prove that you believe in your dream by taking daily action steps to move closer to it. 
  
• Practice to choose empowering beliefs and practice believing it by acting on it. 
  
• Manage beliefs and fears which no longer serves you: Fear of change may be disabling, but you can use it to empower. It is a measurement tool that indicates the space between your old life and your dream. 
  
• When obstacles seem un-surmountable, ask yourself: What am I more committed to, my dream or my reality?  
  
• Plan your steps towards your goals. If you want to write but can’t type for example, consider taking lessons to learn the skills. If you want to be healthy and learnt that diets alone don’t work, consider getting a life coach to teach you the necessary skills. 
  
• Allow your passion for your dream to be your guide when you have to say no to anything or anybody that come between you and your dream. 
  
• Develop Integrity. Make and keep small promises to yourself to increase your sense of honour. Listen to that small, inner voice of your conscience. We tend to keep the promises we make to others, but often let ourselves down. 

  

 In this Article:

1. Valued Inspiration
2. The value of valuing yourself
3. A valued new little person
4. 10 tips to add value to your self-esteem

   1.  Valued Inspiration

The world has a new source of inspiration! Susan Boyle, one of the competitors in the show, “ Britain’s Got Talent”, made the world sit up and take notice when she went onto the stage and sang “I Dreamed a Dream”.  By now, the video on You Tube which features her appearance, has circled the world numerous times.

Susan is not your typical contestant and many were cynical when she appeared on stage. However, the moment she started her song, she turned every skeptic in that room into a raving follower! If you haven’t seen the video yet, click below and be inspired!

€http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

   2. The value of valuing yourself

Imagine the loss if Susan allowed the critics of this world to convince her that she was not good enough to take part – because if she did, the world would not have been inspired by this 47 year old woman with the cheeky attitude. If Susan hadn’t shown the courage to present her incredible talent to the world, she would still be the unknown spinster in an unknown little “cluster of villages”, where the neighborhood children reportedly pestered her regularly. 

Imagine living in a world where people are able to look past the surface….a world where the unique potential within each person was more important than appearance, where each of us expected to discover the greatness in one another, and where each valued them self for what they could offer to the world. That would be a world where individuals were free to contribute, unafraid to be judged and ridiculed by others. Just imagine the possibilities of such a world.

   3.  A valued new little person 

I am proud to announce that our grandson, Alexander now has a baby brother. Alexander’s joy was contagious when he met his brother, Sebastian, for the first time. He is very proud of this tiny companion who will share his world from now on, and mom and dad have to be vigilant to ensure that his helpfulness is monitored safely; a task to be executed with great care to ensure Alexander continues to value himself as a V.I.P.

 

 

Most of us are fortunate to come into the world as “Very Important Persons”, completely trusting and free of judgment whether we are good enough or not. As infants and children we learned from our interactions with others what was judged as good or bad. Over time the messages we received from our world became the framework used to decide whether we are “OK.” or not. In other words, as we grew up, we either developed a good self-esteem which supports us, or a low self-esteem which holds us back.

   4. 10 tips to add value to your self-esteem

It is possible and necessary to improve our self-esteem because we need to have courage and confidence when we tackle the obstacles between us  and our goals.  Growing a healthy self-esteem has to be a conscious choice. The way you value yourself, was developed over many years, and will take lots of practice to change.

• Know yourself. Learn to be objective about your perceived failures and shortcomings and be proud of what you have to offer to the world.
  
• Take control of your thoughts. Remember that your valuation of yourself is often based on feedback from others. Question those self-limiting perceptions that you have about yourself.
  
• Move beyond the fear. To overcome something that was difficult to do is a huge confidence booster.
  
• Language is powerful. Use positive statements when you talk about yourself and your abilities.
  
• Celebrate your successes. When you accomplish something that was difficult for you, it serves as an inspiration to others.
  
• Cultivate a grateful attitude. To remind ourselves of what works well in our lives empowers us to focus on positive aspects of our challenges.
  
• When others judge you by what you can’t do, tell yourself that  they are missing out  on discovering your uniqueness, as  people are not only defined by what they can do, but also by who they really are.
  
• Collect evidence of the things you are doing well and use this evidence when you compile positive statements to feed your self esteem.
  
• Ask yourself what will happen if you really believed the statements that you have compiled about yourself?

When you are tempted to compare yourself to others, remember that we are not all that different after all. Deep down we all have the same basic human needs as this quote reminds us:

“I laugh, I love, I hope, I try, I hurt, I need, I fear, I cry. And I know you do the same things too. So we are really not that different, me and you.” Colin Rave

In this Article:
1. The Seasons of Life
2. An Attitude of Gratitude
3. Meet my Grandsons
4. Life Enhancing Values

1. The Seasons of Life
   
   Have you noticed how the days are getting shorter? And how it is getting a little harder to get up in the mornings as it is still dark when the alarm goes of? Here in Cape Town, a long, hot summer will soon make way for a cold, wet winter.
   The cycles of the seasons reminds me how perfectly everything in nature balances to ensure ongoing life. Each season has a purpose and life like we know it would not be possible if there was only summer or spring!
   In our personal lives we have seasons too: Seasons of joy and seasons of turmoil. At times everything goes well for us, and at times we are forced right out of our comfort zones by the challenges we have to face. Each of our challenges however, has the potential of a new beginning.
   Challenges test our strengths and each time we choose to face them, we discover in ourselves great new qualities; Qualities which enables us to grow and thrive to even greater levels of existence.
   I see this growth in my clients who come for life coaching. Clients come for coaching when they are faced with challenges (for example weight-management). Coaching enables them to discover who they really are. They get in touch with what they value most and they become inspired to stay true to those values. Amazing changes become possible when individuals find the courage to live in line with their values.
    
2. An Attitude of Gratitude
   
   I am deeply grateful for the seasons of joy in my own life: For my ongoing health and that I was able to complete my studies and qualify as a Life Coach. I am grateful for the successes I am witnessing in my clients and for the love and support I am receiving from friends and family. Above all, I am grateful for the three grandsons we were blessed with in the past three and a half years.
   When people become concerned about the challenges we are facing in our world today, I remind myself that each of our children have in them the potential to become the leaders of tomorrow. We can prepare them to find answers to future challenges by living out the values conducive to a prosperous future, and to believe in their potential to become what they were meant to be. Today’s article is dedicated to my grandchildren and all the other children of our country, and I want to share with them some simple, life enhancing values. But first,
   


3. Meet My Grandsons!
   
   Alexander turned three in December. He is an affectionate, fun loving little guy who loves climbing, running, swimming and horse-riding. He has loads of energy and confidence. Alexander’s parents are expecting a brother for him in the next few weeks.
   
   Edrich is Alexander’s cousin. He turned three in March. Edrich is a loving and sensitive little dreamer who prefers a quiet, structured environment. He loves to go for rides on the back of his dads bicycle and is passionate about airplanes.
   Brihan is Edrich’s baby brother. He turned one in November last year. He is a whirlwind of action and fun and a real charmer who knows how to disarm grownups with the most incredible, flashing grin. Brihan is Edrich’s shadow and greatest admirer.
   


4. Life Enhancing Values
   
   
   • Your birth is evidence that you have a purpose.
   • Never compare yourself to others. Your unique qualities make you perfect for your specific purpose.
   • Dream!!!!
   • Believe in yourself
   • Be willing to learn-stay open for new information.
   • Don’t be afraid to ask if you don’t know.
   • Embrace failure and losses as gifts through which you may learn valuable lessons.
   • Be willing to improve your less effective qualities.
   • You deserve the best, don’t settle for less.
   • The ability to forgive yourself and others is a gift that enables you to be responsible for your own life.
   • If you want to experience the full potential of others, be careful not to judge them by what they can’t do.
     
   • In the great scheme of things, you are one of the precious stones in an exquisite piece of jewelry. You are not more or less important than the other stones, but without your contribution this piece of jewelry won’t be complete.   

Did you ever find yourself thinking about food all the time when you were on a weight-management program? Or did you ever avoid social occasions because the food served is not allowed?
Have you ever felt that the quality of your life is affected by your general appearance? If you have a gain while you are on a weight-management program, how does that make you feel?

 Over the past few years I have often seen individuals struggling with issues like these and  similar  ones. I have seen people losing and gaining, joining our groups and giving up. I have witnessed successes but I have also seen many quitting before they reached their goals, and trying again and again.

I started asking questions: What was happening here? Why was it so difficult for some individuals to stay committed? How could they be empowered to be more successful with their weight-management issues? I became concerned because it became clear to me that for many, following a weight-management program of any kind could have the opposite effect from what individuals wanted in the first place.

 
http://www.ditch-diets-live-light.com/mind-over-fatter.htm

This is a graph completed by a dr. Bacon in 2002. It refers to research done during 2000 about the relationship between obesity and dieting. I could not get a later one, but there is great concern among health professionals about the raise in obesity during recent years.  According to this graph., dieting increases in proportion to the rise in obesity. The more overweight people become, the more weight loss products are sold. This is crazy! Have you ever stopped to ask yourself; why are people becoming more and more obese if the weight-loss market is supposed to be so successful?

I will tell you what I have noticed; many, who lose and gain repeatedly, find that their weight challenges increases over time. The body’s natural ability to create equilibrium becomes impaired and the metabolism slows down. Losing weight becomes a slow and difficult process, which in turn, has an impact on the psychological as well as the physical wellbeing of clients.

There is no question that by improving ones diet and lifestyle, you could increase your chances’ of staying healthy for longer. By managing your weight wisely and by increasing your activity levels, you could maximize your level of health.
 
The message from the media is that perfectly slim is the only acceptable way of being. In order to fit in, Individuals spend thousands every year to follow that impossible dream-even though we all know that the pictures we see are all touched up to create an image that doesn’t even exists. So hopeful dieters try and try again and when they fail, they lose faith in themselves and their weight-management challenges escalates.

For many years I have been asking myself: Why is it that people who want to lose weight so badly, seems to find it so difficult to stay committed? Can it really be a lack of self-discipline? Or are there reasons behind the weight-challenges that should be addressed?

And this is what I have learned: Human beings are four dimensional – body, mind, heart and spirit

S. Covey

Normally, when we want to lose weight, we focus on the body. If we can discipline the body by eating less and by exercising, we can lose weight. Right? If that is all that is needed, why are there so many individuals who battle to lose weight and keep it off?
To a degree, we focus on the power of the mind as well: We visualize an outcome, we set goals for ourselves and we work hard to get to those goals. If you can do this you are guaranteed success. Right? If that is true, why does so many who started out very exited and hopeful, give up after a few months, before they get even close to those goals?

We involve the body and to some extent we involve the mind as well. What we do not consider is how the heart and the spirit interact with the body and the mind. Weight gain and weight management does not happen in isolation. What happens inside an individual influences the way individuals react to their environments and how they react to their environments influences their ability to manage themselves effectively on various levels including weight-management.

So, I believe that if you focus only on goal setting and a disciplined program, you are putting the cart before the horse. To get anywhere you need the power of a passionate, purpose driven, love filled life. It is when you confront those self limiting thoughts you had about yourself and the world, when you open your eyes to the potential within yourself and you become courage’s enough to fulfill that potential; it is then that you become inspired to do what it takes to give yourself what you want most. And when the desire to give to you is fueled from the heart, the choices you make are driven from the spirit within.

And this is why I chose to turn to coaching. As part of my practice, I have developed a program which does not only focus on the weight that clients have to lose, but rather on all four dimensions of our existence.

I can tell you that this approach works. The success of my clients is telling me that we are on the right track. Clients are telling me that their life’s has changed. They tell me that they are able for the first time to stay committed long enough to see real results. But the wonderful thing is that these clients are not only experiencing success with weight-management. Because this is a holistic approach, success in one area, leads to success in other areas as well. And this is something that frustrated me enormously during my years of working with weight loss in the conventional way. I often had clients that were full of potential, but the failures they experienced at the scale, clouded their faith in themselves. And the conventional approach, simply did not allow me to address this effectively.

My Focus On Health program offers a holistic, long term approach to weight management.
The program focuses on mind-management, self-discovery, and personal development. Through powerful conversations we discover your core strengths and utilize these strengths in your weight- work- and life-challenges.

If you are managing on your own, do get an accountability buddy to support you. This can be a friend or a partner whom you can ask to support you with your commitments. Explain to this buddy how you want to be supported and meet regularly to track your progress. And don’t focus on weight-loss alone. Work on small achievable goals like changing certain habits and do it one day at a time. To be committed to answer to someone who cares about you helps to keep you inspired.

Last thought :  "To accomplish great things we must not only act, but also dream: Not only plan, but also believe" Anatole France (1844- 1924).