Passing the test

Even though winter winds rage and temperatures plummet--caterpillars slumber safe in their own chrysalis. Sometimes we want change instantly, but sometimes Big, Beautiful, Blessings take time... Is there a lesson you are missing by attempting to circumvent your life trials and tribulations? Are you trying to speed through a rough patch so you can avoid the emotional and spiritual work that you need to process? Unfortunately the Universe will answer this approach by sending you the same or similar lessons over and over until you are ready to submit and learn. If you put in the effort to learn but come up with a false truth--you are likewise doomed to repeat the cycle again. Only by humbling the ego and being open to our highest good are we freed from this winding road. We then soar above obstacles and feel renewed in spirit and resolve. Whatever is presenting in your life as a roadblock, pain, breakdown or loss--could represent a pivotal lesson in your soul's evolution. You are being tempered by experience and could emerge stronger, wiser, and more beautiful in its wake. You must stop and examine the circumstance with fresh eyes, what is the real lesson I am being asked to learn? If God has a spiritual promotion in the works for you, you are no good to God if you repeatedly fail your tests.

Use it or Lose it --Using Flexible Spending Accounts for Alternative Health

Do you have HSA/FSA Health Savings or Flexible Spending Accounts through your employer? Do you have an excess balance remaining in your account from last year? You may be in luck due to the FSA grace period--You have extra time to make a claim against your account**. If you were thinking about an alternative health service and it was not covered by your medical insurance, chances are if you are seeing a provider for a medical condition, with a doctor's referral, you can use your FSA money for payment! Under the IRS guidelines cosmetic procedures such as weight loss services to look better would not qualify, however if your weight is a causal or contributing factor to Diabetes, Heart Disease, Hypertension etc--you could have weight loss Hypnosis to treat your condition. You could use your account to pay for Smoking Cessation, Weight Loss, Stress Management and more. If you have an account for this year--you can use it fund treatment for your holistic medical needs. For more information on how you can use your HSA/FSA contributions at Soul Centered Health--email me at soulcenteredhealth@yahoo.com

**Important Note: You will FORFEIT any money that you do not use in your account(s) by the end of the Benefit Period. This is known as the “use or lose” rule. The Grace Period provides you with an additional 2 ½ months (January 1 to March 15) to incur expenses against your prior year's account. You have until midnight Eastern Time on April 30 following the end of the Benefit Period to file claims for reimbursement for eligible expenses incurred during the previous Benefit Period. We encourage you to carefully plan how much money to contribute to your account(s). The FSAFEDS Calculator at www.FSAFEDS.com can help you calculate allotments based on your individual situation, as well as indicate your potential tax savings. Neither OPM, nor your employing agency, has the authority to make any exception to this IRS rule.

Thief of Time

“Procrastination is the fear of success. People procrastinate because they are afraid of the success that they know will result if they move ahead now. Because success is heavy, carries a responsibility with it, it is much easier to procrastinate and live on the "someday I'll... philosophy.” Dennis Waitley

If somebody offers you a key to solving your biggest life problems would you take action? Some of us would--these are the achievers-the go getters. They are bound and determined to find success and most likely will. Still others are the thinkers--they have to review, document, and solicit other opinions of the offer. These often fall victim to analysis paralysis. Some of us are just too beaten up and self sabotage by not moving forward or by letting opportunity slip by due to delay or inaction. These people fail to show up on time to free giveaways, neglect to mail in their prize entries, continually cancel or reschedule appointments, or they find excuses as to why the offer is not legitimate. There are actually a few people for whom the offer is not a good fit and those are people who are satisfied with the status quo or who are pleased with their level of mediocrity--it gives them a reason to complain, an identity, or a reason to solicit sympathy from the world.

I often encounter people who say they are willing to change their lives for the better. They have physical, emotional, or professional situations which are the source of endless amounts of grief and unhappiness. I have a knack of being able to spot who is ready to change and who is not and who is just offering lip service. People who are ready to change their lives--show up--they are present in mind and body and seek to embrace the change they seek head on. They ask how high do I have to jump? How long will it take? Can you show me now and I am doing it right? Price is never an object when you really, really want something. People save for years to afford a piece of porcelain to hide in a cabinet, or a piece of brightly colored cloth to wear once. People spend their money on get rich schemes and snake oil everyday because it appeals to their sense of an easy solution. But offer a real change--requiring a real commitment and the weak falter every time. Perhaps that is why they are in the situation to begin with--they fail to not only recognize they are the architects of their own misfortunes, they fail to embrace the opportunity to be and do better. Another factor is whether or not you trust the Professional adviser to be able to deliver the goods. People secretly ask, "What makes you such an expert or better able to guide me?" To those people I answer; I have the experience and expertise garnered by real life and academic prowess. Let's face it--most people solicit life advice from their friends and acquaintances who often are in similar or worse situations than they are. These advisers lack objectivity, technique and often discretion. People turn to strangers, carnival workers, and telephone mediums to guide them in the most sensitive of life matters, but yet balk when I suggest strategic life coaching. They tell me they can't afford it, or the timing is not right for a variety of reasons. Still others have embraced change and feel better, are happier, and well on their way to leading productive--self determined lives.

At Soul Centered Health, I am in the business of managing and mitigating personal crises. I help people help themselves. It is not mysterious, or hocus pocus, or a magic eraser to wipe out their flaws. I offer value and strategic holistic life coaching to enable you to identify, manifest, and enjoy a better life. I focus on integrating your Mind, Body, and Spirit so that you operate from a place of balance and strength. It takes courage to address the things in your life that aren't going well and Faith to see the process through. Whether you are a local client or not I invite you to become the change you seek by taking advantage of my in-person, telephone, or email coaching options. Begin to take back control of your life and destiny today, soulcenteredhealth@yahoo.com

Too old to change

You are never too old to make changes! The human brain is remarkably resilient and can reroute synapses and new nerve pathways to literally relearn behaviors and functions. The brain is self-managed and self preserving. Your brain can repair itself, protect you from bad memories, and even close itself off from damaged or defective tissue. If you are feeling that you are beyond your productive years--not to worry--your brain is not limited to age related change. Most learning starts in infancy where the brain learns how to learn. However there has been a lot of work with people who have suffered traumatic brain injuries which prove the brain is a remarkable organ. Stroke victims can learn to speak again, walk, and function to a high degree--all without using the damaged part of their brain. At Soul Centered Health, Hypnosis is one of the tools I use to teach you to reprogram your brain. Whether you want to manage behavior, appetite, or emotion--hypnosis is a wonderful tool to enable you to make positive changes. Hypnosis can be effective at almost any age--from children to the young at heart. I always provide a free consultation to discuss the features and benefits of hypnosis and to allow my clients the opportunity to determine if Hypnosis is a good match for them. If you are beating yourself up because you have not been able to make positive changes--stop. I am a trained professional who can help you manage your thoughts and to harness your brain power to become the person you want to be. If you think you are too old--you are--but if you secretly have been hoping you aren't --then seize the chance to master your own mind and destiny.

http://www.soulcenteredhealth.com

Am I helping too much?

Are you always helping others? Are you the one people call when they need money, time, sympathy etc? Are you confused as to why you help? Take my new quiz to find out how you rank If you can't see the quiz clearly--click link above for expanded view...

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

The holiday season is certainly no time to feel deprived. It seems like everyone is indulging in fabulous treats, libations and good cheer. While it can be difficult to stay on track even with the best motivation, there is a way to win while still enjoying your holidays. By being selective about which foods you choose--you can stick to your healthy eating goals and improve your overall mood.

For example--many people feature a Roast Turkey or Chicken at holiday dinners. Not only is poultry an excellent source of protein, it contains the Amino Acid Tyrosine, which improves both Dopamine and Nor epinephrine levels in the brain. These key hormones regulate mood and work to support the Central Nervous system. Likewise Seafood, a common feature in Mediterranean Christmas celebrations is rich in Selenium--a mineral which also reduces anxiety, improves mood, and is said to key gray hair at bay. Citrus, such as clementines are rich in Vitamin C--an antioxidant which also raises Nor epinephrine levels. Avocados are even richer in potassium than bananas and have over 20 vitamins and minerals. To top it off--the healthy fats in avocados--satisfy your hunger faster and help to make you feel fuller. Nuts are found on many a holiday buffet and not only do they supply protein, and healthy fats which support your heart, they are also rich in Selenium and vitamins.

What about dessert? Go ahead,have some chocolate in moderation. Chocolate can cause the release of feel good hormones known as Endorphins and is rich in Minerals such as Magnesium, Calcium, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, and Potassium. Chocolate also has Antioxidants known as flavonoids and B vitamins which support the nervous system. Allow yourself to indulge, but make the calories count. Make certain to get nutrition along with good taste. Your brain is an amazing organ that supports your entire body. Support your holiday cheer with healthy and delicious choices. Use self hypnosis to manage portion control or set limits as to how much enjoyment you will allow. For instance if there is a holiday party on the weekend--give yourself a mental break and enjoy it--taking care to monitor your eating for the rest of the week.

Soul Centered Health offers the following tips to clients looking to improve mood and manage weight during this season.
-When feeling overwhelmed,practice mindfulness and meditation to reduce holiday stress.
-Remember to breathe--practice taking 3 deep breaths before entering a stressful situation or when you feel tempted to overindulge.
-Lastly--make sure you drink your water. Sometimes what you feel is not hunger, but thirst. Although there will be cider, punch, eggnog and spirits--water is readily accessible to your cells and does not require filtering or digestion. Your magnificent brain is 75-80% water! Keeping adequate hydration will go a long way to improve your mood.

All in all the holidays are about enjoying what remains of the year. If you have been moody or down, maybe the holidays are the perfect time to spread good cheer.

Tis the Season for Sadness

Even when everyone around you is acting festive and glad, you may find that you are not in the mood, or worse yet--more sad than usual. You may have a special condition known as "Seasonal Affective Disorder" or SAD for short. This is a real disorder caused in part to the shorter days and dismal weather associated with the winter months. The lack of sushine, causes a drop in hormonal levels for some people and this in turn affects their mood. Other reasons for depression, may include the financal stress, relationship stress, or grief for loved ones no longer around to make the holidays special. You are not alone. Millions of Americans feel the same way and help is available. If you are affected by the Winter Blues, you may want to open your windows and blinds to allow in more natural light, you can take a walk in the daylight and make sure you get some exercise to improve your stress levels and flush your body of toxins. You can also get natural help for depression by seeking out a practitioner of Herbal Medicine, Acupuncture, Yoga, Hypnosis, Massage, or Reiki. I would also recommend a medical consult with an allopathic or osteopathic (MD or DO)doctor to make sure you are truly benefitting from complimentary care. If your symptoms are severe and you find yourself withdrawing completely or focusing on death, you may need more immediate intervention such as a prescription medication or other therapy. Please reach out to help yourself or a loved one during this season. Tis the season where no one should feel alone.