What is your biggest fear? 

One of mine is public speaking...this week I had an opportunity to face that fear! I was asked to speak for 30 minutes about nutrition. I was nervous, because there was a question and answer component to my talk...and I had no idea what kinds of questions would be asked. There were some very thoughtful questions...I was impressed! After my talk was over, I felt a rush...I had stepped way out of my comfort zone, and it ended up being a great experience! I think we need to keep pushing ourselves in order to grow and to be completely fulfilled in life.

Here are some major points from our discussion:
*Learn to read nutrition labels. Make your food as nutrient dense as possible...choose foods that contain enough protein, fiber, vitamins & minerals. Limit your consumption of foods with little or no nutritious value. Limit consumption of trans fats, high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors/flavors/sweeteners. Bottom Line: Eat more foods that grow from plants, and less foods that are manufactured in a plant!

*Avoid "black & white" thinking. Have some doritos or cupcakes from time to time....just find a way to work them into your daily calorie allowance. Learn to budget your calories the same way you budget your money. Let some foods be for "special occasions"...not staples of your diet!

*Slow down when you're eating. Enjoy your food! As much as possible, don't eat standing up or sitting in your car. Enjoy good food, good company, good music...and you might find that you need less food to be satisfied!

*Make your health and fitness a lifelong journey...allow yourself the freedom to make mistakes! Don't beat yourself up...life is a lot of trial and error, and that is ok. It might take some time before you find what really works for you. Be honest with yourself....what truly motivates you? Change your mindset...you may consider yourself to be your "own worst enemy"...learn how to be your own best friend! Plan meals in advance, eat before you are famished, lay out your workout clothes...do something today that your future self will thank you for!

So...it was a good experience and I appreciated the great questions! Stepping out of my comfort zone inspired me and made me think...what else am I afraid to do...what else is holding me back? Writing scares me in a way...I'm afraid that I won't be able to express what I want to, and my thoughts will stay trapped inside of me. I feel the same way about painting, playing music, anything where I'm putting myself out there. Afraid no one will understand maybe...afraid of vulnerability....? So I'm taking Eleanor Roosevelt's advice and working on one little thing at a time that scares me. How can I expect my clients to follow my advice if I can't follow it myself??


I also find myself somewhat anxious about sharing what I'm learning in my walk with God.. I really don't want to present myself as someone who has all the answers, because I don't! Some days I have more questions than answers. I'm not a Christian because I have it all together, but because I need God! I think so many people are afraid to be honest when they have questions or struggles. I just want to tell the truth, and maybe engage in some honest, nitty gritty conversations about faith.

I recently read a book that I found challenging and insightful...it's called Primal: A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity by Mark Batterson. Here is a good review of the book:
http://shadowlander.wordpress.com/2009/12/18/book-review-of-mark-battersons-primal/

It's all about Mark 12:30, which is one of my favorite verses: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." And then verse 31 says: "Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no greater commandment than these." Primal is divided into 4 sections: one for the heart, one for the soul, one for the mind, and one for strength. I recommend it if you're looking for some new perspectives and insights.

Blessings all...hope you all have a great week!