Whole Pieces Champion : August

I absolutely cannot believe we are here already at the end of August. I wanted to touch base with everyone who has been waiting for the August Champion. I am disappointed to say that I was unable to put the time into this piece this month. However, I do think this is the perfect opportunity to bring up time management, stress, priorities and our wellbeing.

I first had the realization on or about August 20th that the August Champion piece may not happen this month. However, I still held out hope that I would be able to put the necessary work and love into the piece to complete it within a week. Around the 25th it became obvious my high hopes were ridiculously unrealistic. When I select a champion they are someone that I regard as special and deserving of the time and effort the piece takes. Therefore, I did not want to throw something together and cheat that spectacular person.

It did occur to me this would be a perfect opportunity to talk about stress and our obsession to be perfect to all people at all times. I am the first person to preach on balance. I try not to accept commitments I don't think I will be able to or will not want to keep. Above everything else, I know the way for me to be the best me possible I need a few things: proper sleep, good nutrition, regular workouts, and a little time to myself. I have learned in these 33 years, if I don't have most or all of these basic things on a regular basis I am no good in other parts of my life. I need these basic things to be a good wife, coach, employee, daughter, and friend. Notice I said, "good". I will never be perfect at all times in all of these roles. I accept that.

I think the best way to think of balance and being the best you you can be is thinking in terms of a bank account. I make deposits: adequate sleep, proper nutrition, regular workouts, and time to myself. I also make withdrawals: cooking and cleaning, taking care of the poodle, completing projects for work, etc. When you start bouncing checks because there aren't enough deposits it creates financial distress. It's the same for your life. You have to have enough energy to be the best version of yourself. Try to think about what your deposits and withdrawals are and see if you are in the red.

This month, I got my basic needs in, but I had a few other competing tasks. These tasks took me temporarily away from some things that I love to do. Highlighting that special person is one of these things. I had to accept that it wasn't going to happen this month, and I had to be OK with that. As disappointed as I am, I am hopeful that being honest about not being able to do it all, all the time, will help someone out there. It's a good time to think about your emotional bank account. Are you making too many withdrawals?

What Can I Get at Cafe Well? Hint... It's not coffee.

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Nicole Mundt, Client Relations & Implementation Director at Cafe Well. She also happens to be a cool, smart and funny chick. Contrary to the title, Cafe Well, is not a place to get a caffeine jolt or a sugar spike. It is in fact, a cyber meeting space where you can connect with others, learn more about your health care plan, get information on various health issues and share stories of success and failure. They are a social networking site providing a community of support to it's members. Anyone can join, it's free to you, and you can remain anonymous if you prefer. Even better, no ad's on the side of the pages.

It's also a place where health insurance companies can connect with their members. Cafe Well does not represent the insurance companies, but does offer the space to connect companies to members, thus bridging the gap between us. The health insurance companies who are affiliated with Cafe Well are showing their commitment to customer service and connecting in a positive way. Let's face it, we don't always have the greatest relationship with our health insurance companies, but this really could help rebuild it and as a result positively impact our care.

Another great feature of the site allows you to create challenges. You can do these with people you know, or people you don't. Make your own challenge, or join another's. How much water can you drink, servings of vegetables, days a week of exercising, and even how many books you can read in a year. This makes putting your health first fun and exciting. As a health coach I know tracking, and little wins are the benchmarks to making a larger phenomenal change. This is EXCELLENT!

You will also find blogs, and discussions for almost any health topic you want to read about or discuss. You can start private groups to discuss anything that's on your mind without everyone and their Mama seeing your thoughts and struggles.

This is my new favorite site and I am so happy to share with my clients, and all of you. Please check out Cafe Well and sign up for an account today and connect with me, wpcoach! What will you get from Cafe Well?

Whole Pieces Champions

One of the most exciting things about life is that we have the capability to constantly grow and evolve as human beings. Often times, we are motivated to change by seeing someone else succeed. We can see ourselves in their successes and even their struggles. Surrounding yourself with healthy and well people who are continually raising their game motivates you to do the same. This is why I decided to do a monthly post that spotlights one person who exemplifies true wellness.

These individuals are doing it right, and by more than just eating well and staying active. They are also honoring their spirit, as well as serving others. The foundation of Whole Pieces is ensuring you are taking care of mind, body, and spirit. Through these stories of everyday folks, I think you will see yourself, learn how you can become better and raise your game. No celebrities or famous people here, just the real deal. I hope their stories will provide you with great inspiration. As my good friend, Bill Delisio, says, we are all in the process of "becoming it".

Stay tuned, the May spotlight is coming up....