Feeling stuck...
tired of trying?
Maybe it's time for a little creativity...
Have you been telling yourself to get to the gym or that you need to get out and walk regularly? Is your self talk telling you to stop the endless snacking, to get more sleep, or to get your endless worrying under control? Whatever your challenge, how can you get started and then keep moving?
Remember, as a child, spinning yourself around until you were dizzy? You would fall down and suddenly you would see the world from a whole new place.
Take a minute to spin right now. Literally spin if you are feeling playful, or do it figuratively if you're not sure you want to chance falling. Look at your problem/challenge from a different perspective. What's come into view with this new perspective? Maybe it's asking yourself rather than telling yourself what to do. "What will I do today to bring more movement into my life?”, rather than I need to, or I should exercise more. "What will I eat that is good for my health today?, instead of I will not snack after supper.
New perspectives can be like clues on a map that help lead to the treasure we are searching for. One perspective may lead you right to where you want to be or you may need to find other perspectives. The possibilities are endless and there are multiple right answers. Be persistent. There is an answer that is right for you. Opening ourselves to new ways of thinking about our challenges and doing things in a new way creates energy and it can be fun!
This journey to wellness is like starting off on a long hike. It requires taking one step at a time. Every step, no matter how small, moves us forward. Take the time to enjoy the views along the way. They may help you uncover even more possibilities. Look forward so that you see where it is you want to go. Look back to see how far you have come. Look sideways and see what’s here with you right now. Look down to see what’s supporting you. Use your wide angle lens to see the big picture.
Embrace the journey. Enjoy!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Wishing you a Happy, Healthy 2012
Finding the GLUE …
Have you ever watched competitive gymnasts? The body awareness of young athletes as they fly over the bars, balance on the beam or propel themselves over the pummel horse is truly amazing. I love watching it all, right to the final movement of both feet solidly landing and sticking to the mat as their body rises up like a big bold exclamation point! It’s the moment that makes all their hard work, all the time it took worthwhile.
With the old year ending and the new one beginning have you thought of what you might do that will have you feeling stronger, healthier, more energized in 2012? Or are you thinking, why try I never stick to the plan anyway? What if this time you could find the glue to STICK to those new healthy behaviors? Maybe there is a lesson to be learned from those young gymnasts who stick those feet to the mat. Maybe this is the year you will find your way to stick to your resolutions.
STEP 1- A little self-reflection…
Take a sheet of paper and fold it into two columns. In the left column, list the four or five things that you value most in life. In the right column, list things you may be doing (or not doing) that do not align with those values. For example, one of your values may be maintaining your health. In the second column you might find yourself listing things like eating too many sweets or never exercising. Reflect on what you have written… What’s been the outcome of not matching your actions to your values? How might you have kept your actions more in line with your values? What would be different today? How would you be feeling?
STEP 2 –Finding the glue…
Choose a behavior you want to begin changing. Mull over how it is connected to what matters most to you. Talk it over with someone you trust. Ask yourself, “Am I choosing to work on this change because it really matters to me?” Or am I thinking, ”I should do this, or everyone is telling me I need to do this”? Any type of motivation will get you started but motivation that comes from should’s and have to’s will dry up quickly. You’ll find yourself at the starting gate again. Choose to make changes that are in line with your deepest held values, things YOU want to do. Connect the dots between your actions and what’s really important to you and you will have provided yourself the super glue to really succeed this year.
Keep your attention on what really matters as you do the hard work of changing behaviors. Change IS hard work but if making a change really matters to you, you’ll find yourself determined and resilient when challenges arise, you’ll look for and find the support you need and YOU WILL SUCCEED. .
Have you ever watched competitive gymnasts? The body awareness of young athletes as they fly over the bars, balance on the beam or propel themselves over the pummel horse is truly amazing. I love watching it all, right to the final movement of both feet solidly landing and sticking to the mat as their body rises up like a big bold exclamation point! It’s the moment that makes all their hard work, all the time it took worthwhile.
With the old year ending and the new one beginning have you thought of what you might do that will have you feeling stronger, healthier, more energized in 2012? Or are you thinking, why try I never stick to the plan anyway? What if this time you could find the glue to STICK to those new healthy behaviors? Maybe there is a lesson to be learned from those young gymnasts who stick those feet to the mat. Maybe this is the year you will find your way to stick to your resolutions.
STEP 1- A little self-reflection…
Take a sheet of paper and fold it into two columns. In the left column, list the four or five things that you value most in life. In the right column, list things you may be doing (or not doing) that do not align with those values. For example, one of your values may be maintaining your health. In the second column you might find yourself listing things like eating too many sweets or never exercising. Reflect on what you have written… What’s been the outcome of not matching your actions to your values? How might you have kept your actions more in line with your values? What would be different today? How would you be feeling?
STEP 2 –Finding the glue…
Choose a behavior you want to begin changing. Mull over how it is connected to what matters most to you. Talk it over with someone you trust. Ask yourself, “Am I choosing to work on this change because it really matters to me?” Or am I thinking, ”I should do this, or everyone is telling me I need to do this”? Any type of motivation will get you started but motivation that comes from should’s and have to’s will dry up quickly. You’ll find yourself at the starting gate again. Choose to make changes that are in line with your deepest held values, things YOU want to do. Connect the dots between your actions and what’s really important to you and you will have provided yourself the super glue to really succeed this year.
Keep your attention on what really matters as you do the hard work of changing behaviors. Change IS hard work but if making a change really matters to you, you’ll find yourself determined and resilient when challenges arise, you’ll look for and find the support you need and YOU WILL SUCCEED. .
Monday, October 17, 2011
What's Getting in Your Way?
Do you recognize any of these self defeating behaviors: smoking, procrastination, disorganization, unhealthy eating, lack of exercise, excessive worry? While our desire to replace these behaviors with new, healthier ones is often strong, we are so proficient at getting in our own way, stepping on the gas and braking at the same time. Our engine revs but we go nowhere.
Robert Kegan, in his book Immunity to Change compares this struggle to an immune system at work. Immune systems are meant to protect. They are essential to our health, but there are times when the system does not respond appropriately. Auto- immune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus are examples of inappropriate immune responses. Kegan likens our struggle to change behavior to an immune system stuck in an earlier protective pattern.
Life experiences teach us to view some behaviors as helpful, others as dangerous. Over time an emotional immune system is created that unconsciously protects us from what we perceive as painful or uncomfortable, a system created to keep us safe. It is a pattern that may have served us well in the past but may be getting in our way today. So how do we begin to change these unconscious patterns so that we can take our foot off the brake and move forward?
I offer you these possibilities:
Be present to what you are experiencing. What are you feeling and noticing that makes you want to change?
Choose ONE new behavior. Be sure it is something you really want not something you should do. Express this new behavior in a positive statement.
Expand your awareness.
Make a list of all that you do or not do that sabotages your adopting this new behavior. What are your big worries, your hidden commitments that compete with adopting this new behavior?
There is usually an underlying big assumption that surfaces as we work through this process. It may be a fear of losing something deeply valued or a behavior that served us well in the past.
Choose a small step you can commit to. A step that will test that big assumption. Put that small step into practice.
More information and detail on this process can be found by reading Kegan’s Immunity to Change.
If you would like personal support as you work through the process, consider partnering with a wellness coach. The support, accountability and guidance of a coach can help move you with more ease and speed to that level of well being you are striving to attain.
Robert Kegan, in his book Immunity to Change compares this struggle to an immune system at work. Immune systems are meant to protect. They are essential to our health, but there are times when the system does not respond appropriately. Auto- immune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus are examples of inappropriate immune responses. Kegan likens our struggle to change behavior to an immune system stuck in an earlier protective pattern.
Life experiences teach us to view some behaviors as helpful, others as dangerous. Over time an emotional immune system is created that unconsciously protects us from what we perceive as painful or uncomfortable, a system created to keep us safe. It is a pattern that may have served us well in the past but may be getting in our way today. So how do we begin to change these unconscious patterns so that we can take our foot off the brake and move forward?
I offer you these possibilities:
Be present to what you are experiencing. What are you feeling and noticing that makes you want to change?
Choose ONE new behavior. Be sure it is something you really want not something you should do. Express this new behavior in a positive statement.
Expand your awareness.
Make a list of all that you do or not do that sabotages your adopting this new behavior. What are your big worries, your hidden commitments that compete with adopting this new behavior?
There is usually an underlying big assumption that surfaces as we work through this process. It may be a fear of losing something deeply valued or a behavior that served us well in the past.
Choose a small step you can commit to. A step that will test that big assumption. Put that small step into practice.
More information and detail on this process can be found by reading Kegan’s Immunity to Change.
If you would like personal support as you work through the process, consider partnering with a wellness coach. The support, accountability and guidance of a coach can help move you with more ease and speed to that level of well being you are striving to attain.
Friday, March 19, 2010
MARCH MAGIC
Have you ever attended a big international conference where there are two or more workshops going on at once and you have to choose one when you really wish you could do all of them (especially since the conference cost so much)? Then you leave the conference wishing you could just sit through all of it once more because there was so much information you could hardly take it all in with one sitting.
Recently I had the chance to attend the first ever YogaHub Virtual Yoga Conference, a conference that included yoga, meditation, and other wellness related topics. Yes.. a virtual conference, I still can't believe I did it. I was so hesitant at first to even give it a try. It turned out to be a TRULY AMAZING event. The presenters were wonderful (many world renowned, international teachers) and the learning continues to go on and on long after the live conference ended. The actual conference went on for two days, but the recordings of all the sessions went on for two weeks!! there was no need to choose one session while excluding others. It was actually possible to take them all in a little at a time. Even if I chose to listen to one session live, I still had the opportunity to listen to the recordings of all the others. I was able to re-listen to any sessions as many times as my heart desired. And, yes, there was even the ability to interact with the presenters by phone or on-line.
It's not too late...You have an opportunity to experience some of this conference at NO COST. YogaHub is offering an ENCORE event on March 25th. The event will include some of the top presenters from the conference. It is an all day event, but not to worry, just like the original event, if you register, the sessions will be available to you on recordings through March 31st. You can do it on your own time.
Simply click go to www.yogahub.com/ref/patroix/ce163852.html to sign up. You will then receive an email with the link to register. The ENCORE event cost $47.00 BUT use the coupon code: ENCORE when you sign up and you get it FREE.
Don't miss this chance. I promise you will enjoy it.
Recently I had the chance to attend the first ever YogaHub Virtual Yoga Conference, a conference that included yoga, meditation, and other wellness related topics. Yes.. a virtual conference, I still can't believe I did it. I was so hesitant at first to even give it a try. It turned out to be a TRULY AMAZING event. The presenters were wonderful (many world renowned, international teachers) and the learning continues to go on and on long after the live conference ended. The actual conference went on for two days, but the recordings of all the sessions went on for two weeks!! there was no need to choose one session while excluding others. It was actually possible to take them all in a little at a time. Even if I chose to listen to one session live, I still had the opportunity to listen to the recordings of all the others. I was able to re-listen to any sessions as many times as my heart desired. And, yes, there was even the ability to interact with the presenters by phone or on-line.
It's not too late...You have an opportunity to experience some of this conference at NO COST. YogaHub is offering an ENCORE event on March 25th. The event will include some of the top presenters from the conference. It is an all day event, but not to worry, just like the original event, if you register, the sessions will be available to you on recordings through March 31st. You can do it on your own time.
Simply click go to www.yogahub.com/ref/patroix/ce163852.html to sign up. You will then receive an email with the link to register. The ENCORE event cost $47.00 BUT use the coupon code: ENCORE when you sign up and you get it FREE.
Don't miss this chance. I promise you will enjoy it.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Spring Into Action
Harness the energy of the season
Four (4) weeks of group wellness coaching*
If you are tired of starting and not following through...
If you are wondering just how to make necessary behavior changes fit into the reality of your life...
If you are ready to make some lasting positive changes in your health and wellness this spring...
This program may be just the support you need.
Four (4) weekly 60 minute group coaching sessions conducted live by phone. Phone coaching offers you the comfort, convenience and privacy of your own home while also offering the warmth and support of a community of others who are on a similar journey to better health, more energy and greater wellbeing.
- Learn about the power of positivity in your life.
- Learn how to put your personal strengths to work as you make the changes necessary to improve your health and wellbeing.
- Learn tips for success in achieving your goals.
- Learn techniques for managing the stress life inevitably sends your way.
Monday, April 5th, 12th , 19th and 26th
8:00 – 9:00 PM EST
Maximum 10 participants (register NOW so that you do not miss out)
**No Fee - That’s right. There is no formal registration fee. However, at the end of the 4 weeks you will be invited to make a contribution based on the value you have received during the coaching program as it relates to the impact on your life. We trust in your ability to place a value on what you have personally received from our work together and will gratefully accept what you are willing to offer.
For more information or to register:
Contact Pat Roix, Licensed Wellcoach, at patroix@wellnessrising.com or call 978-249-6182
Sunday, January 10, 2010
New Year's Resolutions
Here's a little different take on setting New Year's resolutions...
Breathe in, sigh it out.
* Take a moment (or maybe a few) to be grateful for what is going right in your life no matter how small and insignificant it may seem.
* Make a list of what is MOST important to you in life.
* Develop a vision of your best self that incorporates those things you value most.
* Take a look at what the gap is between where you are now and where you want to be.
* Choose the area or areas you want to work on. Begin with those things you feel most motivated to do.
* Pick goals that you feel confident you can succeed at. Start small, be specific, leave yourself lots of room to succeed. Success breeds success.
We often have the tendency as the new year begins to want to take giant leaps, leaps that leave us vulnerable to big falls and failed attempts. There is more certainty of arriving at our destination by taking one small, realistic step at a time.
The time has come... Get started.
Breathe in, sigh it out.
* Take a moment (or maybe a few) to be grateful for what is going right in your life no matter how small and insignificant it may seem.
* Make a list of what is MOST important to you in life.
* Develop a vision of your best self that incorporates those things you value most.
* Take a look at what the gap is between where you are now and where you want to be.
* Choose the area or areas you want to work on. Begin with those things you feel most motivated to do.
* Pick goals that you feel confident you can succeed at. Start small, be specific, leave yourself lots of room to succeed. Success breeds success.
We often have the tendency as the new year begins to want to take giant leaps, leaps that leave us vulnerable to big falls and failed attempts. There is more certainty of arriving at our destination by taking one small, realistic step at a time.
The time has come... Get started.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Winterize Your Wellness
I'll bet you have buttoned up your house for the winter,have at least
started to clean up the yard,have thought of what you need to do for
your car before it gets much colder.
How about your wellbeing? Short,cold days make getting outside difficult.The stress of holidays (good or bad) can be overwhelming. You may be feeling the natural rhythm of wanting to move into some form of hibernation.
To help maintain or improve your wellbeing, you need a plan.
It's time to winterize your wellness.
Start by taking inventory of what you are grateful for in life.
Gratitude is a powerful way to spark your motivation.
Use that motivation to design your plan.
In my newsletter, "Learn to Maximize Your Energy", I talked about
physical, mental, emotional and spiritual energy and how,
to be at your best, you must find the right balance of challenging
and renewing those energy sources.
Let's see how you might winterize your physical energy,
keeping it at its best through the next few months...
Ask yourself these questions?
* What will get in the way of my staying physically
active this winter?
* What strategies can I put in place to meet those
challenges?
Make a list of different ways to stay active. Brainstorm
as many ideas as possible. Go wild, write down everything
that comes into your head no matter how crazy it may seem.
Let yourself think outside of the box. Next, look over that
list and pick out some activities that might actually work
for you. What could you really commit to doing on a regular
basis? Write your plan down. Post it where you can see it often.
Remember, your chances of succeeding are good if you put your
attention on your intention. Use this same process with
whichever energy source(s) needs some winterizing.
Have fun, stay well.
Celebrate what's right with your life!
Happy Thanksgiving!
I'll be posting all my ideas for staying physically
active and hope you'll be back to do the same. -Pat
started to clean up the yard,have thought of what you need to do for
your car before it gets much colder.
How about your wellbeing? Short,cold days make getting outside difficult.The stress of holidays (good or bad) can be overwhelming. You may be feeling the natural rhythm of wanting to move into some form of hibernation.
To help maintain or improve your wellbeing, you need a plan.
It's time to winterize your wellness.
Start by taking inventory of what you are grateful for in life.
Gratitude is a powerful way to spark your motivation.
Use that motivation to design your plan.
In my newsletter, "Learn to Maximize Your Energy", I talked about
physical, mental, emotional and spiritual energy and how,
to be at your best, you must find the right balance of challenging
and renewing those energy sources.
Let's see how you might winterize your physical energy,
keeping it at its best through the next few months...
Ask yourself these questions?
* What will get in the way of my staying physically
active this winter?
* What strategies can I put in place to meet those
challenges?
Make a list of different ways to stay active. Brainstorm
as many ideas as possible. Go wild, write down everything
that comes into your head no matter how crazy it may seem.
Let yourself think outside of the box. Next, look over that
list and pick out some activities that might actually work
for you. What could you really commit to doing on a regular
basis? Write your plan down. Post it where you can see it often.
Remember, your chances of succeeding are good if you put your
attention on your intention. Use this same process with
whichever energy source(s) needs some winterizing.
Have fun, stay well.
Celebrate what's right with your life!
Happy Thanksgiving!
I'll be posting all my ideas for staying physically
active and hope you'll be back to do the same. -Pat
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