We live in a society that craves change. We want everyone to change, often to our perspective to how we view life. However, the deep reality is that we are the only ones who can change ourselves.

Often times when seeking change, most relate to the softer voices in life rather than the harsh, "pull yourself up by your boot straps," approach. However, I do think a mix of both energies are necessary to light the fire to ignite change.  

Change is an opportunity to grow, and ascend from tough to better situations. The path to change isn't always easy, but know the journey is one worth taking. 

So if you are seeking a change, here are some powerful questions to ponder upon to inspire change or awakening in your life. 

What situation in your life are you sick and tired of dealing with? Is it poor health? Is it constantly being broke? Is it chronic negative thinking? 

Whatever it is, bringing awareness to the situation is the first step making a change. Once you bring awareness, you are conscious or cognizant on the situation or problem. 

Once you have the awareness, what was the "a-ha" moment that made you realize you needed a change?

One of my former morbidly obese clients said his "a-ha" moment occurred when he took a flight and couldn't fit into the seat. That was his moment that he realized he needed to change his life as he couldn't do many things before of his weight. 

Most people have a trigger event, unresolved trauma, childhood trauma or a string of chaotic events that led them to a certain situation or down a path of self-destruction. 

Common causes include: death of a spouse / family member, abuse from a parent / spouse, divorce, loss of finances (job or bankruptcy), bad breakup, or hitting rock bottom.  

In the event of becoming morbidly obese, this change did not happen overnight. It took years of overeating to get that person to the point of becoming 350-500lbs. Most morbidly obese people I worked with used food to cope with their emotions to make themselves feel better. 

As a personal trainer for 15 years, I've noticed that there are various surface level responses to change, and then there are deeper ones that hit the core of our emotional body. 

​Discovering your deepest why, is like peeling back the onion layers. 

​One example I see in fitness is that people want to lose weight. Okay, so why? Many will respond with "to look better," and after each response I keep asking, "why?" Many people on the surface want to look or feel better, but deep down there is something inside of them such as they want to be able to play with their children. Or have energy to participate in their kids life (like playing baseball) instead of having the passive experience of just being on the sidelines. 

These questions bring awareness to potential challenges or barriers that may hinder growth or our goals. 

I suggest writing down 5-10 potential challenges. Do you work long or erratic work hours? Are you a busy parent? Do you self-sabotage your situations because of unresolved trauma?

Many people are eager to change, but don't realize it is a journey. They want to automatically jump from Point A to Point B. They fail to realize that living our daily life may cause barricades or stepping stones that may make life go up and down. 

Change isn't linear and sometimes the road blocks pushes the pause button in our path to growth, but know that this moment is temporary. 

Many people want to keep the same habits and try some program or teaching, expecting the same results. 

As an example, people want to lose weight, so they decide to exercise and expect to be thin while  continuing to eat fast food and drink lots of alcohol. Many people don't realize that its an entire lifestyle change. They don't want to let go of the same habits or addictions that will take them down.

However, in order for something new to begin, the old ways must be let go, removed or decreased to make space for something new.  

Many people have tried "life altering" programs, but unfortunately did not see any results or change. Many mass marketed programs offer false-hope or unrealistic results in a short amount of time. Sadly, most of like doesn't work like this. 

Nature doesn't plant a seed and then in 7 days a flower blossoms. Good things that grow take time.

I recommend not being discouraged from past efforts, but rather sit and reflect on what worked and what didn't. This time around one can adopt a better or a different game plan to navigate towards success.  

We all need support. That is why community is so powerful and friends and family are so valuable. They are our cheerleaders to encourage us through difficult times. 

We cannot be codependent upon people and shouldn't overburden individuals as that is where professional help is necessary to navigate the deeper parts of our change. 

So ask yourself, "Who is part of my support system?" Friends, family, co-workers, church/community groups, neighbors, coaches, trainers, psychologists, doctors, nutritionists - somewhere out there, there is at least one support network for everyone. 

YOU CAN DO IT! YOU CAN GROW! YOU CAN HEAL! YOU CAN LIVE A BETTER LIFE! 
​LET'S CONNECT!

Most spiritual philosophies speak of letting go of the things that do not serve you. In today's unrestful climate of chronic change, we cannot forget that there are many things we cannot control. Letting go of this, will bring much peace into your life.  

A Circle of Concern encompasses the wide range of concerns we have, such as our health, our children, problems at work, the amount of government borrowing, or the threat of war. A Circle of Influence encompasses those concerns that we can do something about.

You cannot control other people, but you can control your thoughts, actions and behaviors. For those getting frustrated from the media, they can get lost in a world of negativity because they are presented with so many situations or things that are out of one's control. 

There is a boundary to what you can and cannot control. 

We cannot control politicians, but we have the control to write our governors letters, or sign petitions. 

It is important not to get lost in the complex webs of the circle of influence or control especially during difficult times. 

We have been bred to want to change the world, but only a select few souls will actually do that. The point is don't lose control of what you can't control. This will make difficult times a bit easier by having the awareness of what you can control, or what you let influence or control you.

In yoga philosophy, there is a term, Maya, which means illusion. 

Most of the human experience that we understand through our five senses is an illusion. Most people are stuck with the illusion that materialism will buy one happiness. In terms of control, we are under an illusion that we are in full control. 

In reality, if one believes in God, God has control of everything on the planet. If you analyze society, we have become a society of control freaks running around and trying to control everything and everyone from what they say, to what they post, to have a vaccine or not. 

The illusion of Maya is that we are only and solely in control of ourselves. As mentioned above, We can only control our thoughts, actions and behaviors. 

Ask yourself, "How do I want to live in this life?" Do you want to be the ripple effect for positivity, or negativity and destruction. 

​When you realize you are in an illusion, and that it is an illusion to control everything beyond your immediate circle of concern, you naturally let go and radiate with freedom as it releases so much stress and worry from the mind.  

Those who believe in God know that life is a series of ebbs and flows, and that God may put difficult times in your life in order for your soul to grow. 

If one believes in God, one knows that everything is ordained or deep down, everything in life will work out. There is an innate deep trust in the divine to know that everything in life will work out regardless of high and low times. 

When you have that deep trust, you let go of any attachments and become at peace with the situation. And that peace often comes from having spiritual knowledge, or deeply understanding things like the serenity prayer. 

Many spiritual theories offer mantras, sayings or prayers that help one make peace with situations, especially ones they cannot control. The Serenity Prayer has been used in AA to help people cope with recovery as many consume substances to cope with their emotions for things they cannot control. 

Prayer for SerenityGod, grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time,
enjoying one moment at a time;
accepting hardship as a pathway to peace;
taking, as Jesus did,
this sinful world as it is,
not as I would have it;
trusting that You will make all things right
if I surrender to Your will;
so that I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with You forever in the next.
Amen

What tools or techniques help you to let go of things you cannot control?
Let's Connect!

We live in a complicated world. It's always been complex, and always will be. Right now, many people are on some path of change or awakening. For some, they're on a path of survival just trying to pay the next month's rent. 

If you are trying to improve your life, certain issues or causes, or maybe just be a better parent, know that you're doing your best. The imprint you make - for good or ill - will have a ripple effect. Change isn't immediate. It's a gradual process. 

Regardless if growth or change is an individual or collective issue, just know that you are doing your best. And if you're not doing your best, don't beat yourself up, but put some more effort toward that thing or path. 

Perfection exists in a fairy tale or a fantasy. It does not exist on planet earth (at least right now) so be gentle and know that you are doing your best. 

As always, inspired by the sun, 
Elizabeth

Join Mind Body Soul Food Every Sunday for some inspiration, or Sunspiration, where we analyze quotes and sweet nothings in 150 words or less. Get inspired everyday with our Instagram account, sunspiration_everyday with inspirational quotes, motivational messages & sweet nothings.

​Let's Connect!

As part of wellness week on Mind Body Soul Food, I wanted to touch upon topics that go beyond physical health and nutrition. Although important, wellness encompasses a wider range of our existence. 

I believe most issues today root to a spiritual issue. Loneliness, depression, anxiety, hate, narcissism - most of which root to a person's lack of self love, unhealed wounds or lack of spiritual fulfillment. This doesn't mean that those who are spiritual are perfect, or don't have any of those qualities, but I do believe many who have a strong connection to their faith have a "stronger" will against those negative qualities. 

Most people want to ascend out of their "being stuck" situation. There are many thoughts that go into that thought process, but one way to escape the negative mindset or chronic negativity in life is to begin to "raise your vibe," which in its self enhances spiritual wellbeing. Going back and processing old wounds and emotions takes courage, and it also sheds the skin of the old you. 

When you feel better spiritually, your mind and your body feel better spiritually too. During this time of hardship, how can you raise your vibe? Maybe it's listening to good music, or eating a healthy meal. Whatever you can do during this time will aide in your healing process. 

One way of raising your vibe can include the GLAD exercise, please see the video down below! 

As always, inspired by the sun, 
Elizabeth

Join Mind Body Soul Food Every Sunday for some inspiration, or Sunspiration, where we analyze quotes and sweet nothings in 150 words or less. Get inspired everyday with our Instagram account, sunspiration_everyday with inspirational quotes, motivational messages & sweet nothings.

​Let's Connect!

Some claim that finding happiness is not what we seek in life, but rather it is to find joy and to appreciate the small things in life.

It is easy in the material world to focus on the big things in life. We are fascinated by the largest creatures, but fail to realize the microscopic beings on this planet are some of the most important species alive. Whether its a simple act of kindness, or being awestruck by the beauty of nature, there is beauty in simplicity. 

​For most people, the lack of joy in their life results from the discontent in life, or a disconnection from the spirit. Building a relationship with God is very necessary to seek the simple joys in life. 

Psalm 94:19 New International Version (NIV) "When anxiety was great within me,
    your consolation brought me joy."

As always, inspired by the sun, 
Elizabeth

Join Mind Body Soul Food Every Sunday for some inspiration, or Sunspiration, where we analyze quotes and sweet nothings in 150 words or less. Get inspired everyday with our Instagram account, sunspiration_everyday with inspirational quotes, motivational messages & sweet nothings.

The holiday is a time for cheer, but for some it's a time of many tears. For some, the holidays is a season of loneliness as people don't have family, friends, or even a home. Today I was part of a 24-hour prayer circle, where I prayed from 11am-12pm, sending light, love and healing energy to many around the planet, and asking God to work through them. 

I have come to believe that in this digital age, we need help from the spiritual realm. Our body is a temple and our minds can live in heaven or hell. Some can navigate life easily, but for most we need God's help. We need to stop worrying about the "how" and apply action, knowing that God will help us in this life. 

Faith and hope are necessary to aide us through the hardship. You have to believe and understand that things happen in divine timing. The first prayer starts with you. 

As always, inspired by the sun, 
Elizabeth

Join Mind Body Soul Food Every Sunday for some inspiration, or Sunspiration, where we analyze quotes and sweet nothings in 150 words or less. Get inspired everyday with our Instagram account, sunspiration_everyday with inspirational quotes, motivational messages & sweet nothings.

Charles Dickens was a smart man. Maybe I'm biased since we share the same birthdate and I continuously find our analytical skills on the same wave length of looking at society through a similar lens.

Dickens meandered throughout the poor parts of the city, and on Christmas recognized the aura of joy that flowed in the air in the poorer neighborhoods. He realized that the joy and happiness that Christmas brings shouldn't last for one day. But, it should be a spirit that lasts everyday.

Harder said than done, what can you do to keep the Christmas spirit alive throughout the year??

As always, inspired by the sun, 
Elizabeth

Join Mind Body Soul Food Every Sunday for some inspiration, or Sunspiration, where we analyze quotes and sweet nothings in 150 words or less. Get inspired everyday with our Instagram account, sunspiration_everyday with inspirational quotes, motivational messages & sweet nothings.

I've mentioned this before, but it seems that social media has changed human behavior. It is common to see the "inner monster," or the ego, explode with their opinion, perspective and perception. 

While analyzing society over the last few years, I believe that humans are not able to absorb information from mass exposure to people, news and the media. And as one notices, most do not communicate with grace and ease.

Grace can be seen as the courteous goodwill or the simple elegance or refinement in attitude and behavior. If we want things to improve in life, we need to touch every human heart with grace to further enhance theripple effect in life. 

As always, inspired by the sun, 
Elizabeth

Join Mind Body Soul Food Every Sunday for some inspiration, or Sunspiration, where we analyze quotes and sweet nothings in 150 words or less. Get inspired everyday with our Instagram account, sunspiration_everyday with inspirational quotes, motivational messages & sweet nothings.

Fall is the season of exposing true colors. While the sun is in Libra, the ruler of beauty, nature reveals it's true colors prior to transitioning down its path towards the sign of death, Scorpio. 

True colors is symbolic to the authenticity of one's soul. Humans are flawed creatures, so one's authentic self may not be of the light, but somehow during this season it is easy to discover who people are.

Like a beautiful peacock, let your soul, your talent, your skill shine in the light during this transition where darkness overtakes the light. How does one do this? Take the time to disconnect from the artificial light and walk into the natural light to let that creative energy bubble from within. And when it's time that energy will channel itself out to the real world. Be authentic. And never be afraid of taking new paths and directions in life. 

As always, inspired by the sun, 
Elizabeth

Join Mind Body Soul Food Every Sunday for some inspiration, or Sunspiration, where we analyze quotes and sweet nothings in 150 words or less. Get inspired everyday with our Instagram account, sunspiration_everyday with inspirational quotes, motivational messages & sweet nothings.

Whether it's life responsibilities or making a personal change, do you ever feel like you have a laundry list of things to do, change or become? Looking at that long list can be daunting. 

So, what do you do? Make small changes, one step at a time. Here is an example. Lately, I've felt the need to clean out my closets after attending a clothing swap. I've looked at so many clothes that I don't wear and although emotionally attached, it was time to let it go and donate them to a woman's shelter. 

My apartment was messy for about 4 weeks, and the mess drove me nuts. But one by one - whether piles, hangers or drawers - I had to go through everything to get rid of stuff although I wanted the entire project done in 48 hours. 

Most of life doesn't work like this especially if balancing work, kids and other responsibilities. See more thoughts in my Youtube video below on how to make small, one percent changes. 

As always, inspired by the sun, 
Elizabeth

Join Mind Body Soul Food Every Sunday for some inspiration, or Sunspiration, where we analyze quotes and sweet nothings in 150 words or less. Get inspired everyday with our Instagram account, sunspiration_everyday with inspirational quotes, motivational messages & sweet nothings.