Listen To Your Own Truth

Be Willing to Accept the Disapproval of Others – one of the essential principles for finding your way to an Inspired Life, and according to Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, a way of making sure that inspiration is your master or driving force, even through following it might disappoint others.

“When we begin to follow our ultimate calling, there will be a lot of resistance,” Dyer writes. “In fact, the purpose of the slings and arrows sent our way is to get us to change our mind and be reasonable, which translates into “Do it my way!”

 

This section in Dyer’s book, Inspiration, follows the thread I began with A Matter of Focus last month, which discusses the “shoulds” placed on us by our friends, family and community at large – what we “should” be doing for a living, where we “should” live, where we “should” educate our kids, what kind of opportunities they “should” have, what types of vacations we “should” take, and on and on and on it goes. What we “should” do however, is what we feel driven to do, what takes our breath away, what we feel is our purpose.

As I discussed in A Matter of Focus, “shoulds” are everywhere. And really, until the past few years, I could have easily been dubbed the Queen of the Shoulds. But something changed….I started to feel a sense of unhappiness I couldn’t shake. I couldn’t identify it, I couldn’t wrap my head around it, heck I couldn’t even shop it away. And believe me, I tried.

Let me give you an example from my own life. Several years ago, I had a great job with a local governmental agency as a writer. A dream job for many, filled with benefits, retirement plans and a crazy number of paid holidays. But it was flat. There was no spark, no joy, no excitement. It was words on a page, day in, and day out. It wasn’t the words I wanted to write, or the stories I wanted to tell. It was words for hire.

But wait, state job, paid benefits, so what, right? Wrong. The reason I started writing in the first place, the reason that words had carried me this far was because I had passion. Passion for telling the story, sharing lessons from the journey, bringing the truth to light, being the voice for the voiceless, a true breathtaking passion for the art and craft of writing. And with the job, telling the same story a million different ways was not doing anything but killing that passion and removing the joy that brought me into the field in the first place. I thought…and I thought…and I thought, and with nothing but belief in the dream I quit. Walked away from a state job, walked away from benefits, paid holidays and stability and ran straight back into the realm of freelancing.

Talk about slings and arrows – wow! My parents were flabbergasted, and probably thought I had lost my mind. My friends thought I was making a horrible mistake. Heck, even my ex husband called to see if I had gone insane. But I knew….just knew I was making the right decision.

The same type of decision I am once again consciously making as I turn away some freelance projects in search of more space for my growing coaching practice and the writing associated with that. There is passion, and it is something I feel called to do. Ultimately, we do what is before us, we do what we are compelled to do. We grow, we change, and we move with it. And when we listen to that voice, to our authentic selves, we make these moves and changes with grace and ease.

That grace and ease will also enable us to be stronger in our decisions, because believe me when I say, slings, arrows, anger and disapproval will come as soon as you deviate from the “path” that has been set before you. The path of “shoulds”, “woulds” and “ought-tos”, guarded diligently by friends, family and the community at large.

Dyer sums it up beautifully as he writes, “As we gain the strength to ignore the pressure to conform, resistance will diminish and ultimately change to respect. When we steadfastly refuse to think, act, and conform to the mandates of others, the pressure to do so loses its momentum. All we have to do is endure some initial disapproval such as dogmatic persuasion, anger, pouting, silence, and long-winded lectures…and then we’re on our way to inspiration rather than frustration.”

Think about it…do you want to be frustrated or inspired? Do you want to look at what you should do, or do you want to think about what you could do? Do you want to walk the walk and talk the talk or do you want to tune it all out and just dance? Get inspired, dance the dance, and savor the journey. And bottom line, listen to your own truth, not the opinions of others.

Enjoy Every Moment

Stay Detached from Outcomes – one of the essential principles for finding your way to an Inspired Life, and according to Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, a key element for living fully in the moment.

“Our purpose in life isn’t to arrive at a destination where we find inspiration, just as the purpose of dancing isn’t to end up at a particular spot on the floor,” Dyer writes. “The purpose of dancing – and of life – is to enjoy every moment and every step, regardless of where we are when the music ends.”

This section in Dyer’s book, Inspiration, really spoke to me on a number of levels. As he writes, many of us are seduced into believing that having goals is necessary for a successful life. Too much focus on the goal, or on the prize can in all actuality keep us from feeling inspired because we are living a life of striving while foregoing arriving.

A huge spiritual truth, discussed by Dyer, Eckhart Tolle in The Power of Now, and many, many other spiritual teachers, is that there is only Now. Think about it, just this moment.

I had a teacher share that with me once during a session, while exploring my fears. He simply looked at me and said, “You are too worried about the past, too fearful of the future when in all reality you have only this moment, and this one, and this one and this one. Moment by moment we live our lives and it is our responsibility to savor each moment and to celebrate and live it fully.”

Goals, if we place too much emphasis on them, can rob us of that ability. If we have our eye on the prize continually, if we are driven by our to-do lists, and we measure our worth at the end of each day by the amount of tasks we were able to accomplish, we are striving, not arriving.

If we instead take a moment, a Now moment, meditate, dream, and listen for our direction, we will naturally go there. If we make goals less about measurable accomplishment and more about the love of the journey, things will naturally fall into place. If we trust that the same force that brought us here and has supported us each and every day of our lives will not fail us now, we will be amazed at the outcome.

Think for a moment about goals. They are fluid and ever-changing.

When I get this or that, I will be happy…
When I get a promotion, I can start working a few less hours and enjoy life a bit more…
When the kids are in school, I will write that book…
When I get two books published, I will go to Europe…
When the house is paid for, I will look at getting this or that…
When I…When I…When I…

By the time you arrive at a When I, chances are, there are three more When I’s that have been put in place, so the happy, or the inspiration, or the this or that can’t happen yet, because another goal or When I has to be accomplished first.

Goals can be worthwhile, and are definitely useful to help us move with direction along our path…as long as they don’t rob us of our worth and take away from the enjoyment of the journey.

Goals and dreams can serve as guides, but should not define us, and should not take away from the moment.

Take a moment to look around you. What do you see? Can you take a deep breath, stretch, and savor this moment, and the next one, and the next? Can you focus on the dance and enjoy the journey? Or do you have too many things on your to-do list?

Put the list down and listen to the music – dance the dance yet again, that’s the essence of the journey. Choose this moment to arrive.

A Matter of Focus

Be Independent of the Good Opinions of Others - one of the essential principles for finding your way to an Inspired Life, and according to Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, a way of making sure that inspiration is your master or driving force, even through following it might disappoint others.

“When inspiration makes its presence known, we must pay attention if our priority is to be who or what we were meant to be,” Dyer writes. “Suffering the consequences of living according to someone else’s wishes doesn’t make any sense; rather, we need to oppose the external opinions that try to force us to be what we’re not intended to be.”

Reading this section of Dyer’s book, Inspiration, I couldn’t help but reflect back on my own life, especially on my first marriage. There is no blame here, it is all lessons learned, but during that time, when my kids were small and we were starting our lives together as a couple and as a family, there were a lot of “shoulds”. Our parents suggested where we “should” live, our friends and the community around us suggested what we “should” be doing for a living. There were the suggestions on where we “should” educate our kids, what kind of opportunities they “should” have, what types of vacations we “should” take, and on and on and on it went.

We were so caught up in doing what we “should” do that I know personally I lost sight of what I could do. I lost sight of my dreams, my goals and my visions. My passion – writing – didn’t have that Steady Income appeal, it was feast or famine, and that was no way to raise a family so I was told how I “should” be looking for a j-o-b, filled with perks, benefits and retirement plans. It was suggested that I “should” put the dreams of writing aside and focus on something tangible and real, how I “should” parlay the success and recognition I had received as a writer to that point into a resume point and use that to propel me forward.

It didn’t matter that I had realized a way to be a voice for the voiceless. It didn’t matter that my social justice writing and award-winning column on raising a child with a learning disability were as crucial to me as the air I breathe. What mattered was that since I hadn’t landed on the cover of Newsweek and wasn’t making six figures, it wasn’t real to those around me. It wasn’t responsible. It wasn’t what I “should” be doing with two small kids and a mortgage.

Bit by bit, I let go of the dream. I picked up a part-time job, I volunteered with the PTA, I even bought a Pontiac – because it was sensible and parking my old reliable Toyota with 250,000 miles was really what I “should” do. I died a little bit each day, along with my dreams. Prozac replaced coffee and kids sporting and extra curricular events replaced dates. And with each breath, focusing not on what I could do, but on what I “should” do, the dream became a little bit smaller and dealing with life became a little bit harder.

Fast forward several years - death of a beloved friend – divorce from husband – and really a second chance. I could continue doing what I “should” do, or I could reclaim my path, realize that life is precious and move forward accordingly. I could stay where I was or find within me the courage to once again hear the song of inspiration and dance the dance of the dream.

Today, I am writing, realizing my dream, and using my skills to be the voice for the voiceless. I am also coaching, helping people discern their path and not worry about what they “should” do, and instead concentrate on what they could do.

I chose to hear the song of inspiration and dance the dance of the dream…try it, you might be surprised at the joy it will bring.

Finding Inspiration

Don’t Die Wondering – one of the essential principles for finding your way to an Inspired Life, and according to Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, one of the most important to take into account because it motivates us to act.

“We don’t want to be full of regrets because we failed to heed our ultimate calling. Attempting to do something, even if we don’t succeed is inspiring because we don’t tend to regret what we do, we regret what we didn’t do.” Dyer writes.

Think about it, we regret what we didn’t do.

We regret the chances we didn’t take.

We regret that we didn’t believe in ourselves enough to even try to meet our calling.

Those are some deep thoughts, for sure. Think about it – we all have regrets. The phone call we didn’t have the courage to make that could have landed us a date, a job, or really any opportunity. The fact we took the business trip to further the career but missed our daughter graduating from elementary school (yep, that one still hurts). The house we didn’t buy that now is worth 4x what we would have paid for it EVEN in today’s market (that one still stings too). The fact that we didn’t stand up for ourselves in one instance or another and were taken advantage of. The missed opportunity, the lost time, the mix up of priorities, all of those things can lead to regret.

But when it comes to the ultimate calling, now that sounds like the big stuff. What exactly is an ultimate calling? Are we born knowing it, or do we learn along the way? What is my ultimate calling? Do I know yet? Not really, but I do have things that are leading me in the direction I need to be going in to figure it out. I do have synchronicity, validations and so on reaffirming the decisions I am making as a woman, a mother, a wife, a writer, and a life coach.

Part of me has felt from a very early age that I would write books, and that those books would be filled with words of wit and wisdom, to entertain, to inspire, and to teach. As time has gone by, I realize that those books would provide me a forum where I could share my journey and my truth and hope that the book will help others find their truth and navigate their journey.

Maybe that is my ultimate calling? Maybe that is the music inside?

Maybe this article is bringing me one step closer to that calling? Maybe letting go of the things in my life that are NOT working and holding on to the things that are will bring me one step closer?

I believe in this context the ultimate calling doesn’t have to be lofty or weighty or even far-reaching – it needs to be a nudge to do something more. A step towards something greater, the strength to stand for and with what is working and the courage to let go of what’s not.

We all have a dream – whether it is writing, music, art, teaching, growing or just reaching for something more. Taking the chances, making the steps and believing in the dream, perhaps that is ultimate calling…it is definitely a good place to start.

Don’t die wondering what if…know that each and every day, you took the steps towards what could be.

This is the first in a series of articles based on Inspiration – Your Ultimate Calling by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer.

Every Little Change...

I recently read an interesting excerpt from Caroline Myss' 1997 book, Why People Don't Heal and How They Can, which read in part, "Healing is a "present time" challenge. Many people begin their healing process by researching every possible form of treatment available. While they are doing this research, however, they are not actually doing anything about their condition. They are assuming that the knowledge they are pouring into their heads is, in itself, a healing force. People often comment to me that they are simply unsure of which treatment is best for them, and until they can figure that out, they feel "safer" not doing anything. I take that to mean they are not ready to make the necessary changes in their lives. Postponing the decision to shift gears is more than unwise; it is dangerous. It is much wiser, and safer, to start anywhere than to do nothing. Every positive choice is a good one and activates a new current of energy in your life. A new step or change does not have to be big to be effective."

Myss' words, written more than a decade ago, ring true more than ever today. People set appointments with complimentary and alternative health experts all over the world, they read, research, and listen to the "experts" on how to reclaim their health. They dissect and disseminate every single book, radio show and Oprah guest that has something to say about for example the dangers of Genetically Engineered food or the harmful effects of preservatives or the importance of exercise, and they file that information away to either a) learn more about it, or b) start tomorrow. Ooooooh yeah, and many will stop at McDonald's, or something equally non-food like, on their way home from work to grab dinner for themselves or their children.

The thing is this - these experts - writers, speakers, practitioners, you name it - are all doing their work, and providing you the tools you need to discern, chart your path and make healthy changes in your life. Some may ring true for you while others may not. That is the beauty of it, there is such a wealth of information covering everything, literally, all aspects of your health, that finding the right fit for you is just a matter of you doing the work, finding a modality or path that resonates with you.

That's the kicker for many however, doing the work. We live in an antibiotic society, people want to take a little purple pill for 10 days and then be better again. When they do no more than take that little purple pill, they want to berate their physician or complimentary or alternative health practitioner for the fact they are still no better. But when asked, they oftentimes will admit that no, they didn't make the recommended dietary changes yet but they will, and no they didn't integrate exercise, yoga because they are so busy, on and on it goes, you name it - but damnit they took their purple pill/digestive enzyme/magnesium supplement AS DIRECTED. So what is the problem?

Get real - because results take work. Period. There is not one expert out sharing tools today that can make you better unless you work with what he or she recommends to actually get better. There is no expert that is willing or able to do the work for you. Period. And that's it takes, work. But remember, the best things in life are those that are worth fighting for, and always always know that any little change you make today will have definite positive results tomorrow.

Slow Down, Relax and Breathe

We live in a society that is always on the go. Whether we are jumping out of bed to commute to work, going to pick up the kids at school, running to the grocery store or stopping off for a late dinner, we go...go...go from the time we wake up in the morning until we fall back into bed each night.

Just living in this society can cause a bit of stress because the more we go, the more likely we are to feel tension, worry, irritability, frustration or even hopelessness. The sympathetic nervous system, often called the fight-or-flight response, is almost continually activated because when we get caught up in the go...go...go that continual activity can lead to things like poor concentration, fatigue, poor sleep, restlessness, as well as physical and emotional tension. According to Cathy Wong, N.D., the combination of chronic stress, poor sleep, poor diet and long hours can deplete the body and lead to a condition known as “adrenal fatigue.”

Well, I live in this world and deal with these issues so I turned to the experts and asked, “what can people do to slow down and regroup, even if it is just for a minute or two?” The answers I got were as varied as the experts I turned to, but they were all good and I definitely think a few are worth sharing here -

Relaxation breathing is something anyone can do anywhere – it takes virtually minutes to do and calms you down immediately. Breathe in through your nose, hold that breath and count to five as you concentrate on the position of your shoulders and hands. Now, let the air out through your mouth in one breath. Do this a minimum of three times. Don't hyperventilate, do it slowly and you will notice immediate results.
-Dr. Patricia A. Farrell www.drfarrell.net

1. Focus on taking “diaphragmatic breaths.” Let your abdomen expand with each breath in and notice the sensation of the air in your nostrils, lungs and abdomen.
2. You will note a variety of thoughts. Do not resist the thoughts; just gently let them go. As you let the go, focus back on the breath.
3. Do not resist the physical sensations you may notice. Relax one body part at a time working either up from your feet or from your head down.
4. You can either continue to focus on your breath, or if you prefer, focus on a repetitive phrase like “one,” “peace” or “calm.”
-Dr. Jay Winner www.stressremedy.com

Get moving - Simply standing up and moving will bring more oxygen to your brain and help you think more clearly. Put your work on hold and go for a brisk walk. Chances are good that simply getting away from your desk and taking your focus off your work or your problem will generate a creative idea or two.
- Lynn A. Robinson, M.Ed. www.LynnRobinson.com

Laugh! People will wonder what you're up to. How long has it been since you've had a rolling-on-the-ground laugh? A true belly laugh, that that rises up uncontrollably when you're completely tickled? Too long? Laughter is good for your soul, your mood and (as some studies have shown) your immunity. People who laugh a lot have a more robust immune system than those who don't. So look for funny things around you and take the opportunity to laugh!
- Laura Stack, www.theproductivitypro.com

It's the little things sometimes, that moment in traffic, at your desk, in the school-drop off lane – wherever you are, take a moment, relax and breathe, your day may just go a little bit easier, a little bit slower and clearer - most importantly, you may just enjoy it all a little bit more.

Pesticides and Parkinson's

Summer has arrived, at least in my part of the country, and along with the warmer temps are the first blooms of perennial and annual flowers and the home gardens are underway. The farmer’s are tilling, planting and doing their farmer things and with all of the beauty and growth also comes the weeds, fungus, pests, and other growth-choking invaders.

Before you break out the pesticides or call in the professionals, there is something you should know. Well, let me take that back, there are a million different things you should know before you break out chemicals and pesticides, but there is one thing you should know that is currently in the news – pesticides have been linked to Parkinson’s disease.

Just this week Reuters writes that after a meeting of experts, evidence that pesticides can cause Parkinson’s disease is stronger than it has ever been. The experts have put together links between pesticides and Parkinson’s in animals and people, scientists say.

One study shows that farm workers who used the common weedkiller paraquat had two to three times the normal risk of Parkinson’s, a degenerative brain disease that eventually paralyzes patients.

A second study shows that animals exposed to paraquat have a build-up of protein called alpha-synuclein in their brains. This protein has been linked to Parkinson’s in the past.

Last but not least, this buildup of protein cells kills the same brain cells affected in Parkinson’s.

Now this “news” isn’t necessarily NEW, but it is news nonetheless. Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center began reporting on the pesticide/Parkinson’s link in January, 2001. Deborah Cory-Slechta, Ph.D., professor of environmental medicine and dean for research at Rochester reported her team’s findings in the December 15, 2001, issue of the Journal of Neuroscience.

Cory-Slechta’s team studied the effects of a mixture of two very common agrichemicals, the herbicide paraquat and the fungicide maneb. Each is used by farmers on millions of acres in the United States alone. Maneb is applied widely on such crops as potatoes, tomatoes, lettuce and corn, and paraquat is used on corn, soybeans, cotton, fruit, and a variety of other products.

“The environmental reality is that several of these chemicals are used on the same crops and in the same geographical locations,” Cory-Slechta said. “You’ve got to get rid of the weeds. Then the insects. Then funguses. These are different chemicals that do different things, but they’re often applied in the same fields.”

Maneb, paraquat, and many other pesticides are used in the agriculture-rich areas of the country, including the Midwest, California, Florida and the Northeast. The map of their use mirrors areas of the country where people are more likely to die of Parkinson’s disease.

If anyone close to you has ever suffered the ravages of Parkinson’s disease, you will know without a doubt that Parkinson’s disease is not something you ever want to personally experience. Having watched not one but both of my grandmother’s succumb to the disease I will do whatever it takes to insure that I don’t walk their final path.

Just as we avoid known carcinogens and detrimental habits, we also should avoid at all costs any direct exposure to reduce the pesticide/Parkinson’s link. Don’t use it on your crops, gardens, etc. Don’t purchase food that has been grown in treated fields, and once again, I would suggest you buy only locally grown, organic produce. It’s the safest bet around.

One Organic Grande Latte Please

Flipping through a magazine recently, I read that one gourmet coffee to go at your local Starbuck's or downtown coffee house costs more than a pound of organic chicken does in most natural products stores. And that got me to thinking about coffee – maybe because I'm drinking coffee right now and maybe because I just wrote a blog about chicken? Who knows? But coffee is something that I need...want...desire...just flat out require to start my day, complete a good meal, or round out a million other instances in my life.

Now not to get into or start the debate on the goodness or badness of coffee – I'm just saying, coffee is good for me. However, my cup of gourmet coffee to-go generally costs a little more than just your standard double mocha frappuccino or grande latte please – because I always request the organic blend of coffee.

Why go organic with the beans? Well, basically for the same reason you choose organic on everything else – no harmful pesticides and fertilizers. Coffee generally is a heavily sprayed crop, so drinking organic coffee will reduce or eliminate the exposure to toxic herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers. According to the Organic Trade Association, in order for coffee to be certified and sold as organic in the U.S., it must have been grown on land without synthetic pesticides or other prohibited substances, there must be a sufficient buffer between the organic coffee and the nearest conventional crop, and the farmer must have a sustainable crop rotation plan to prevent erosion, the depletion of soil nutrients, and control for pests.

In order for a bean to be labeled “Fair Trade” labor and trade standards provide producers with a guaranteed price, which means the farmers are making a living wage and being paid fairly for their crops. All fair trade coffee is not necessarily organic, however, fair trade does require environmental stewardship and approximately 85% of all Fair Trade Certified coffee sold in the U.S. is also certified organic.

For hundreds of years, coffee plants were grown using organic practices, inter-planting coffee with shade trees, composting and eliminating harmful chemicals. These traditional, sustainable plantations often yield the best tasting variety of coffee. Today, however, very few beans are grown using traditional methods. The market is flooded with inexpensive, low quality coffee in “full-sun” coffee fields – which not only are they sprayed and treated with harmful chemicals, it also means deforestation and heavy environmental tolls.

So at the end of the day...or start of the morning, one thing to not skimp on is coffee. Make sure it is organic, preferably fair trade. I promise it just tastes better and you will feel better about drinking it, so brew it up and take a moment to enjoy each and every drop.

All Chickens are Not Created Equal

Last night I was talking to a friend who mentioned a new line of “Hormone-Free” chicken. I had researched that a bit when it first became available because I admit, the low price was intriguing.

Well the first thing I learned was that all chicken is “Hormone-Free.” According to the USDA Food Inspection Safety Service, no hormones are to be used in the raising of chickens. So the new line of chicken – simply slick marketing.

But I wasn’t done looking, nope, I figured since I had been writing about eggs, chickens, canaries and mutated fish, I would continue on and answer as many poultry questions as possible.

According to Delicious Organics, “Organic Chicken” has always been fed only organic grains – which means they are non GMO; no chemicals or pesticides were used on the farm for at least three years, and the feed is routinely checked and verified for organic standards. “Organic Chicken” was NEVER given any antibiotics, hormones or drugs, it was raised humanely and in a stress free environment, and allowed free-range, meaning it had daily access to fresh air and sunshine outdoors – basically, the bird was given room to move in an area that was clean and safe.

Now another common slick marketing trick in chickens can be the word “Natural” which is simply a label for ANY food product that does not contain artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, and has been minimally processed – although the definition for “Natural” is moving far away from that – but that’s another post. In this instance, think about it, all chickens are “Natural.”

“Free Range” is another label oftentimes given to chickens – and essentially means that during their lifetimes, they were given room to move. “Free Range” only means however, that they were allowed access to the outdoors. It doesn’t mean that the area was clean, it doesn’t mean that they were not treated with antibiotics or drugs, and it doesn’t mean they were given only organic, non GMO grains.

The last tidbit I picked up from Delicious Organics is in regards to “Conventional Chicken.” These chickens are raised in confined, tight quarters, oftentimes extremely cramped with damp, ammonia-accumulated and polluted environments with no natural ventilation. They are predisposed to stress and sickness because of their living conditions and sickness spreads quickly. They are in turn treated with antibiotics regularly, fed drugs to enhance their growth and additives to enhance their color. They are fed grains and soybeans that could contain pesticides and more than likely are GMO. And if that isn’t enough, they may be fed animal by-products which is certainly not a natural feed for chickens.

Just as I wrote earlier this year in the blog post, An Egg is an Egg Right? Knowledge is Power. And like the egg, all chickens are not created equal. Consider the quality of foods you want to eat and feed your family, shop with discernment and when slick marketing and other healthy sounding terms cloud the issue, do some research before buying.

An Egg is an Egg – Right?

Well, not exactly. Eggs may look like one size, one shape fits the bill, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Your typical grocery store dozen will generally be white on the outside with a pale yellow yolk. The chickens who laid the eggs are generally kept in cages their entire lives, usually indoors in overcrowded conditions.

Keep in mind that the richer the color of yolk – the higher the nutritional value and protein content. A yolk that is pale is well, exactly what the color indicates, weak and not a good choice, whereas a yolk that is golden yellow to almost orange is generally your the best bet.

The cage free variety eggs are from birds raised without cages, but what isn't clear is whether or not the birds were raised indoors or out. The difference between a crowded metal building and a small pasture or outdoor lot can mean the difference between pale yellow yolk or a protein-rich golden yolk.

Free range eggs come from an animal that had some access to the outdoors each day. However, the label “free-range” does not necessarily mean that the animal actually spent any time outside. As long as a door to the outdoors is left open for a period of time, the animal can be considered free range.

Pasture raised eggs come from a traditional farming technique that means the animals were raised outside in a humane, ecologically sustainable manner and eat the foods that nature intended for them. Animals raised on a pasture generally deliver the dark golden yolks that are the highest in protein much more than their counterparts who are being fattened on a feedlot or in a confined facility. The non-confined label can also fall under this heading, and that means the animals were not confined in a feedlot and had continuous access to the outside throughout their lifetime.

When you see an egg with “No added hormones” on the label, don't waste the extra money. According to the American Pastured Poultry Association, by law, hogs and poultry cannot be given any hormones so the label is misleading.

Another common label is “No Antibiotic Use” which means exactly what it says, no antibiotics were administered to the animal during it's lifetime. If an animal becomes sick and requires antibiotics, it will be taken out of the population and treated, but not sold with this label.

100% Vegetarian Fed is another common label which simply means that the animals were not fed any animal by-products (think Mad Cow). This label however does not guarantee that they were raised outdoors or on pasture.

Last but not least, comes the egg that is labeled “Organic”. What that means is that the product, it's producer and the farmer have met the USDA's organic standards are are certified by a USDA-approved food-certifying agency. Organic poultry must be fed only organically grown feed without any animal byproducts and cannot be treated with hormones or antibiotics. In addition, the animals must have access to the outdoors and have access to pasture.

So many eggs, so many choices, but I know in my book, I get farm-fresh pasture raised eggs when they are available, and organic when they are not. Local in my book is king and organic a strong contender. To find a member of the American Pastured Poultry Producer near you, go to www.apppa.org/producers.htm

Special thanks to the American Pastured Poultry Producers Association – www.apppa.org

What is a Life Coach?

There is a lot of confusion around life coaching. Some people confuse it with therapy, others with new age or other “out there” stuff, but in reality, life coaches work with people from all walks of life, and help with all kinds of growth.

Any time there is a gap between where you are, and where you want to be, a life coach can help.

By identifying an ideal goal, whether it is changing careers, finding a healthy relationship, taking a business to a new level, improving professional or interpersonal relationships, or deepening self-understanding, I work to help my clients develop a roadmap and support them as they take the actions necessary to reach that goal. By focusing on my client’s strengths, I help them find their own solutions and share with them my insight and intuition.

Still not sure about this life coaching business?

Well then, let me ask you this, do you have everything you want in your personal life? What about your professional life, is that where you want it to be? If not, a life coach can help.

Knowledge of an issue or circumstance or intention alone does not translate into changing behaviors. I mean, think about it, New Year’s resolutions…how many of those goals stick? Bottom line, if simply recognizing the need to make change equaled a change made, we would all be exactly where we want and need to be!

To reach your goals, whatever they may be, there is a little bit of work involved. And if you need help with your focus and planning your journey to change, a life coach can help. And that’s what I am, a life coach. I am excited each and every time I get to help people think outside the box and find the solutions they need to make their lives something that works for them… here and now.

Stress management, time management, goal setting, it is what I love, and helping my clients find their goals and help them in these key areas as they move forward is what it’s all about.

Seeing is believing, so if you would like to know more about life coaching, feel free to drop me a line.

Best – Melissa