Why Do You Need a Life or Wellness coach?

It has occurred to me after talking to friends, family and associates that most people do not know what a life coach does.  Hence, they are reluctant to take the step, make the commitment and spend the money.  But they are stuck in some aspect of their life- in relationships, with their health, with a life transition, or they just need someone to encourage them and get them unstuck and moving.  That is what I do as a life and wellness coach.  I work with women who are struggling and need some direction.  And I like to do it with a spiritual twist.

I have been through a lot of challenges in my life, including divorce, single parenthood, chronic illness, retirement, and spiritual searching.  I have worked in the health field all of my adult life.  I have also been trained to help women create the life that they really want.  To be stronger, healthier, more energetic, and confident.  Are you tired of being tired?  Do you want to look and feel better?  Do you want more energy to play with your kids or grand kids?   Do you want better relationships? Do you need someone to give you a little kick in the pants (gently, of course!)?  My ideal clients are out there looking for me.  And I am looking for them. Are you one of them?  I hope so!  We can work together by phone, Skype, Facetime, e:mail, or in person.  Give me a call at 850-510-0173.

Feeling tired and know you have overdone it?

Recently I have been running in 10 different directions.  Doing things I want to do, but nevertheless, I am tired.  Lost my get-up-and-go. I know all the precautions I should take for overdoing things, so as not to have a CFS flare. But sometimes I just get caught up in all there is to do, and forget to pace myself.

My part-time job at the FSU College of Medicine has really picked up, I am writing a weekly column now for the online magazine Betterafter50.com, plus trying to get my coaching business going.  Not to mention the time I want to spend with my family and grandchildren and volunteering at the therapeutic riding stable.  Last week I had my first group coaching and teaching gig at a local church, requiring a lot of pre-planning and practice.  Housecleaning and grocery shopping are coming in a sad last place.  All this to say, I am grateful for the great things happening in my life right now.  Really grateful!  However, this week I have felt the exhausted feeling that tells me I have overdone it.

Can You Be Thankful Instead of Critical?

So Saturday I was at the Painted Pony Farm Fun Day in Monticello, Florida and my amazing grandson was doing a demonstration for the crowd of therapeutic horseback riding which he does at Hands and Hearts for Horses in Thomasville.  He is on the autism spectrum and sometimes gets distracted in crowds, like at a horse show.  I was side-walking with him during the demo (doing an ankle or over-the-knee-hold) and generally helping to keep him focused on the instructor.  It was a fun day and great publicity for H & H, who do amazing work with people with physical and mental challenges.

Later that night, there were even some video clips of my grandson, Granger Henning, on the local news riding at the Fun Day.  As they showed the shot of him trotting on Andrew, the H & H horse, I saw myself jogging next to him.  The first thing I thought was, "My backside looks huge, instead of thinking, "Wow, I am so grateful to be able to jog with my grandson next to me, at my age and with a diagnosis of CFS and fibromyalgia.  My legs are strong."

It is so easy to be critical with ourselves and the way we look.  I am guilty of this, as I am sure most women are as well.  Can we just stop beating ourselves up for not being 120 lbs. and look like the models in magazines and start being grateful for what we can do with our bodies?  Today I am going to volunteer up at the stable and I am grateful to have the energy to do it.  What part of your body can you be grateful for today?  Can we just be gentle with ourselves?

Volunteering Can Give You Energy!

If you are experiencing a health condition that makes you tired, it may seem counter-intuitive to go out and volunteer.  But I have found that volunteering somewhere that lights you up and produces feeling of gratitude and satisfaction, your energy level may increase by leaps and bounds.

For instance, even though I have the diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia, I decided to start volunteering at a therapeutic horseback riding stable which helps children and adults with various physical and mental challenges. I love being around the horses (I grew up riding horses) and since my grandson is on the autism spectrum, he has started riding there also.  It is a win-win for me and volunteering there actually gives me more energy.  I may be a little tired afterward, but it is so worth it!  Think about where you might like to volunteer and give it a try.  Check out the article below about a recent event where we went to demonstrate the benefits of therapeutic riding.

Painted Pony hosts Fun Day Sunday

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Photo Credit: WTXL

painted pony

Posted: Sunday, November 10, 2013 11:37 pm

Painted Pony hosts Fun Day Sunday By: Anthony Murdock WTXL ABC 27 | 0 comments

MONTICELLO, Fla.-- Horses got a new look at a Monticello farm during an event called the Painted Pony Fun Day Sunday. Organizers say the true cause behind the fun was to show people how animals can help improve lives. The bond between a horse and rider can be an experience like no other. For a veteran horse named Andrew, who is now 23-years-old, and a five-year-old boy developing a unique skill. It’s a win-win situation, a new purpose for Andrew and little Granger receiving therapy in return.
“Many of the mannerisms and the stemming autistic children have stop when they get on a horse,” says Jane Springer, grandmother of Granger.
Granger was learning and demonstrating how to ride a horse in front of a crowd at the event. He lives with a growth disorder. His grandmother says he is on the high functioning end of the autism spectrum, forcing him to overcome everyday challenges.
But Springer says horses like Andrew provide therapy to help strengthen his mind and body.
"His arm muscles when he pulls the horse this way and grips with the horse, it helps his legs, it helps his arms, it helps his coordination and helps with following directions,” says Springer.
"I think that when you get on a horse, you're able to forget for a little while that there is something different in you life,” said Karen Singletary, founder Hands and Hearts for Horses.
After hopping on a horse at young age, Granger hasn't looked back since. Now he is preparing for the therapeutic Special Olympics.

Help for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Sufferers

Hey, friends
Just wanted to let everyone know that I am available for wellness coaching for those who are having a hard time with a diagnosis of CFS or Fibromyalgia.  If you want to move forward with new strength, hope and energy (I have walked this walk and would love to encourage you on your path to wellness), head on over to my website, http://www.lifestylesbyjane.com/ and fill out the contact form.  I really want to help!!!  Hope to hear from you!!

5 Reasons to Not Overdo Exercise with CFS/Fibro

I have been hurting.  My back, especially.  Also joints and muscles.  Could it be that I have been overdoing my exercise?  Well, I have been swimming a lot in the past month.  On the days it was too hot or the timing wasn't right for a walk, I did dancing to The Groove on XM radio.  I haven't taken many days off to rest. Feeling poochy in the stomach, so I have that "got to burn some more calories" mentality on.   And now I am paying for it.

I have been to the chiropractor and massage therapist more than usual, because I hurt.  Costing me $$.  I need to rest and heal.  So here are my top 5 reasons not to overdo exercise with CFS/Fibro (or any other chronic health condition):

1.   Over-exercising doesn't pay.  You are only hurting yourself.

2.   Over-exercising costs time and money in various treatment visits.

3.  It sucks to hurt all the time.

4.  It decreases enjoyment of time spent with family and friends.

5.  You know better.  Listen to your body.

What Being In Nature Can Do For You

This past week I went up to NC to visit a friend who has built a house on the side of a mountain near Burnsville.  I have never been in this area of the NC mountains and it was truly spectacular.  Green, green hills and valleys, lots of wildlife (deer outside the back door, wild turkeys on the road, bunnies, hummingbirds and even a weasel), and plenty of fresh air.  Even the rain was refreshing and beautiful.  The cloud formations were constantly changing.  I watched everything from a fantastic deck overlooking the valley.  My whole self was able to relax and forget about any worries.

We hiked on the Appalachian Trail for a about an hour and I was proud of myself for being able to do it.  I felt tired, but so relaxed afterward.  I stopped and took breaks when I needed to - it wasn't a race.  Many people with chronic health conditions don't even try to push themselves for fear of not being able to do things outside their normal routine.  It is amazing what the body can do with a little encouragement (from a friend) and lots of positive ions (the good air near the mountains and sea.)  Being in nature is good for your body, mind and spirit.  Why not step outside your comfort zone and walk a new route, hike a trail for a bit, swim in the ocean or pool or just be still and take in God's creation?  It will do wonders for you!  This is what I saw as I sat with my tea in the early morning:

Just beautiful!

Eating Out and Food Allergies/Sensitivities

Oh, the perils of eating out when you have multiple food sensitivities and allergies.  Just got home from eating at a really cool restaurant that usually gets my "special" orders correct.  Not so tonight. Had a hankerin' for my once-a-month helping of red meat, so I ordered an angus burger, no bun (can't have gluten), no cheese (can't have dairy), and no fries (contaminated with gluten), substitute asparagus.  What did I get?  Cheeseburger and fries!!!  A real bummer.  But, the restaurant general manager and our waiter apologized profusely, took it back and returned some time later with the order correct this time.  And it was delicious.  Don't be afraid to special order if you have to - most places will accommodate you if you ask and are specific. I am used to ferreting out what will work for my crazy restrictions - in most cases, salad (no cheese), chicken, fish or turkey, and side order of veggies (no cheese).  Plain rice and baked potatoes work well, too.  If you need help navigating the perils of eating with food sensitivities or allergies, contact me.  I'll be glad to work with you!

Feeling Overwhelmed? A Recipe for a Flare-Up of CFS, Fibro, Lyme and Fatigue

We are back from a fantastic trip to California, driving down the coast from San Francisco on US 1 to Pismo Beach for a Martha Beck life coaching conference.  We saw beautiful scenery and wildlife and enjoyed some down time just enjoying God's creation.  Feeling very relaxed upon our return. Then...the list of things I "needed" to do kept piling up.  Grocery store, errands, laundry, study and even exercise were making me feel stressed out - gotta do this, gotta do that, in an effort to catch up.  When I get this way, I know I've crossed the line when my eyes start to twitch.  My body is trying to tell me, chill out!  But instead I go over in my head all the things I have to do.  This is a recipe for a flare-up of CFS, fibro, Lyme or just overdoing in general.  Going full-tilt, obsessing, never works for me. 

What To Do About Pain

Over the past few days, I have been experiencing pain in various parts of my body. It may be a result of overdoing it in a water aerobics class a few days ago, anxiety over an upcoming trip, a flare-up of CFS symptoms, or a combination of all of these. I tried Tylenol, which relieved some of it, and I also applied a mix of coconut oil and Do terra peppermint essential oil (which feels and smells great-there are many essential oils that will help), but I still felt some pain. What I did (and what I know to do in these instances) is to turn to Jesus for healing. I have been silently meditating both sitting and lying down with my hands over the affected area and imagined Jesus beside me, laying hands on me for healing. Deeply breathing in , I inhale His healing power and love. Exhaling slowly, I breathe out the pain, anxiety and anything else that I don't want. I do this for 15-20 minutes at a time. I do feel better today.

If you don't relate to a Christian example, just use a healing Power, just focusing on your breath or whatever has meaning to you.  In my case, it feels very comforting to know that Jesus is beside me through all my hard times, ready to ease my pain and calm my spirit. I also use a couple of guided meditation CDs by Bellaruth Naparstek, "General Wellness" and one for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia.  Both are excellent.  And nothing beats a walk out in nature for relaxation and focusing your mind on gratitude and the present moment, and away from pain.  I recommend any and all of these healing techniques. Wishing you freedom from pain....and healing for your spirit.

Chronic Health Problem? Find your Passion!

There have been many times in the past 25 years that I have felt down and discouraged about having been diagnosed with CFS.  When my muscles and joints are aching, it is hard to ignore.  So I have learned that the quickest way to get out of the "poor me" mode is to engage in one of my passions, from the simplest (reading a good book or watching an old movie) to more active (volunteering at the local therapeutic riding stable.)  Today my husband took me kayaking for the first time.  Now admittedly, I was apprehensive about doing something so active, worrying about whether I would have the energy.  But you know, what?  I just said, "I'm going for it" and I did it.  I can say quite honestly that I did not think about the stressful week I had, or how my hands have been aching or my eyes twitching for the whole 2 1/2 hours.  I love being in nature and that can take the form of a walk, hike or just sitting next to some water.  Now tomorrow I may be sore and tired- I can feel it already - but I can say that I did it! I came home and took a nap and still feel a bit tired, but full of fresh air and sunshine.  And that's a good thing for any life challenge you may have.

I love horses - rode competitively as a girl- and working at the therapeutic stable gives me a chance to be around horses and help the special needs kids who ride there.  It gets my mind off the cares of the day and my physical condition.  Sometimes I just go outside and sit by the pool under an umbrella and read a good book.  That takes my mind right off my troubles or pain.  Same goes for spending time with my family.

Have you ever taken time to think about what your passions are?  Write them down.  What were you doing as a child when you really lost track of time and were late for dinner?  What kinds of movies or books get you excited or move you?  What would you do if money were no object and you had all the time in the world?  What makes you heart sing?  I guarantee if you take just one baby step and do something that you are passionate about, you will do your body, mind, and spirit good!  Try it!

                                          

                                           
                          me kayaking                                                               helping at horse show

Food Sensitivities, Adrenal Stress and Chronic Fatigue

Many people with chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia go from doctor to doctor looking for help with feeling tired and achey.  When they can offer nothing, we turn to alternative practitioners, such as nurse practitioners, chiropractors, acupuncturists, massage therapists, etc.  I have tried all of these and more.  My first ray of hope came when I found Elizabeth Markovich, NP at Integrative Healthcare  http://www.ihcfl.com/ at the recommendation of a friend.  Elizabeth suspected that my adrenals might be exhausted or that I may have food sensitivities which may be causing the fatigue and joint and muscle pain.  Over  a period of time, she did a blood test called the Adrenal Stress Index (ASI) through Diagnos-Techs, Inc. and multiple blood tests for food sensitivities through Immuno Laboratories.

The first major breakthrough came when I got the results of the ASI test.  The test showed that my adrenals were depressed.  The big shocker came when she showed me some other tests that are a part of the index.  The GliadinAb, SIgA number was positive for a severe intolerance to grain glutens (wheat, rye, oat, barley, and others).  I never suspected that I had an gluten intolerance, but the test showed that I had a high-grade intestinal inflammation going on from the gluten.  No wonder I was tired and having GI complaints!  My body was incredibly stressed!  First, I was in denial, then I slowly realized that I had to give up gluten, probably permanently.  The tests results also gave an example of a restoration plan for my adrenals and gut using supplements.  I had additional tests done by my gatroenterologist and I do have a genetic marker for celiac disease, but additional testing showed my small intestine was fine and not distressed (probably from having eliminated gluten).  I have been off gluten for several years now, and although inconvenient at times, it is worth having a healthy gut and feeling better.  It is definitely a lifestyle change.  I am happy to help anyone who may have gluten intolerance or celiac disease in changing their lifestyle to no gluten.  Additional food intolerance tests done through Immuno Laboratories showed that I had problems with shellfish, almonds, cranberries, and others, which I have eliminated.

The discovery of the food intolerances has been only a part of my healing from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  Stay tuned for the next chapters of my recovery, which include eliminating stomach bugs, using probiotics, digestive enzymes and Vitamin C and receiving healing prayer.  You can get well, too!

What To Do When You Have Hit the Wall

When you have CFS, fibromyalgia or any other chronic condition where fatigue is a problem, not getting enough sleep can multiply the feeling of being dead tired.  I am in that state right now after the Thanksgiving holiday week, not sleeping well because my husband has been out of town, and adding Christmas shopping to the frenzy of the past couple of weeks.  I have hit the wall.  Exercising is about the last thing I feel like doing right now.  So I am going to listen to my body and lay low, take a nap and see if I perk up later.  It definitely does not pay to "push through" when you are in this state.  If you keep pushing forward, your energy level will be even further depleted.  Little voices in my head say "you have so much to do, keep going" and I just have to say, "I'm done."  At the first opportunity I sit, or preferably, lie down.  I recommend this for anyone - too many times I have ignored what my body says.  When you hit the wall, do your self a favor.  Be kind to yourself and rest. It's Nap Time!

What Brings You Joy?

Today I have been contemplating what brings me joy in my life - what gives me life, what sustains me, what do I do when I am having a bad day - a day when I am hurting physically or emotionally or spiritually.  For me it is family first, especially spending time with my husband or my daughter and twin 4-year-old grandchildren.  I call a friend.  I also turn to scripture for inspiring verses from the Bible.  Scripture verses have sustained me in the worst of times - when I thought I would never feel well or happy again.  Being around horses at the stable or sitting outside with one of my two kitties in my lap calms me and always makes me feel better.  A walk outdoors in the sunshine.  Doing work that you find rewarding - mine is my part-time job at the FSU School of Medicine.  Finding what brings you joy and what has meaning to you can be a way of starting on the road to wellness.  It can focus your attention away from illness and not feeling good to feeling a glimmer of hope and purpose.  Give it a try - What brings you joy????

My grandson at horse show