Empowerment means believing in yourself – that no matter what challenges or obstacles you are faced with, you will be able to learn from them, grow from them and accept them as necessary life experiences. In doing so, you are demonstrating true strength, security, and personal power, and showing that you will never give up on what you want to achieve in life.

Over 15 years ago, my personal goal was to start a wellness consulting company. Throughout the years, I faced my share of adversity, and sometimes felt this dream was impossible to achieve. But, looking back, I can sum up this journey into one photo – the snapshot of me doing the Vrksasana yoga pose (or “Tree Pose”) at the top of my website. Yes, that’s me in that photo, standing in the middle of Swan Lake on a rock approximately 30 feet from shore.  I’m choosing to share the story of the “Swan Lake Stance” in the introductory issue of this newsletter because it sums up what I believe to be the mission of my company: to help others live in wellness and become truly empowered individuals.

It was a cool morning in Montana, and my friend and I were out on a small boat, exploring the beautiful lake and the stunning mountains surrounding it. Suddenly, we came across a tiny rock jutting out of the water. We quickly learned, however, that this rock was merely the tip of a much larger natural structure underneath the water. With the wind, sun, water and nature inspiring me, I decided to take a picture of me, standing on the rock, doing a yoga pose.

The idea was much easier said than done. Swimming out to the rock in cold water, finding a place to balance my feet on the bumpy exterior and trying to find a comfortable pose were all proving to be quite difficult challenges to overcome.  In addition, the 18 foot long boat was unstable, and my friend needed to keep it very still and steady in order to capture the picture at the right time without being out-of-focus.

Over the course of two days, we tried various ways to capture the perfect shot. How did we finally achieve it? It took trying different poses until I’d found the most comfortable one. It took the support of another, and belief in myself to pursue the goal regardless of what obstacles we were faced with. And it took one, calm, composed and deep breath, right when I was at the brink of frustration and about to give up, to get into the pose that would end up making the perfect picture.

I didn’t realize at the time, but the Tree Pose ended up being a very meaningful choice for this photo. A definition of this pose (from Journey Into Power by Baron Baptiste) reads: “The only trees that survive hurricanes are the ones that have deep roots and the supple strength to bend with the storm winds. Equanimity allows you to stand tall and secure no matter what storms life brings your way.” Like a tree in a storm, sometimes you may feel overwhelmed by all the demands, struggles and obstacles life throws at you. Looking back, I cannot help but feel that this story, and photo, were meant to be captured to represent not only what I experienced while pursing my dreams, but the challenges many other people face while trying to achieve their goals each and every day (like taking this yoga shot!).

My advice as a result of this endeavor? Find ways to remain calm and centered as much as possible, take simple steps toward your goal and celebrate the small successes you achieve. And finally, never lose sight of your goal. When faced with challenges, take a deep breath, let go of everything but the present moment and just go for it. That’s the key to living a life of wellness and achieving the success you desire.

A few melting thoughts for March…

With pounds of snow melting through the streets I’m reminded, this month, of a few other ways melting can be a good thing: melting away the clutter that we’ve gathered in our homes or on our desks all winter; melting away the pounds we’ve accumulated from our holiday feasts; but, most importantly, melting away the negativity and stresses that keep up in a dark, winter state of mind year-round.

It’s difficult to have a bounce in your step and sunny thoughts in your mind when the weather is gray and bitter. Like the lions of March, most of us roar our way through the slushy streets grim everyday. But, we need to Wake up. Get up. Perk up. We need to melt away the things that build up all winter and start the spring fresh and new and clean.

Here are a few things you can do now to get ready for the hotter weather and happier days:

• Melt away the clutter: Still have rolls of wrapping paper in the corner? Or cards stacked up on your desk waiting to be filed? First, find a place for everything. Don’t worry about being particular; just know that you have a box set aside for certain holiday items. And the cards? Unless they are very special (or include an extra adorable picture), toss them. You will get another one next year. This also gives you the opportunity to organize while you’re cleaning house. It’s called “Spring Cleaning” for a reason- you get an opportunity to walk into a fresh, clutter-free home that is soothing and relaxing, not aggravating and cluttered.

• Melt away the pounds: Running in the snow isn’t fun. Or the slush. Or the rain. But, just because it’s cold out doesn’t mean wellness should take a back-seat. The worse you feel about your body, the more sluggish you are going to be about life in general. So, here are a few tips: Get back into a fitness routine, no matter how big or small, each and every day. Schedule it and just do it – whatever time you can spare, and whatever tiny space you have available (to get more free space in your home, see the paragraph above…). And, it’s time to put down the sweets and take off the sweats. As part of melting away the clutter, clear out your cupboards and stock-up on the things that make you feel good; greens, fruits, veggies. I promise you will feel better. You will look better. You will be motivated to make a change and conquer all that bathing-suit season has to offer.

• Melt away the stress: This is, perhaps, the hardest step. Most of us get into an emotion rut over the winter, but you can cure this quickly. First, those bills on the desk? Clean them out, and sign up for paperless billing. Your counters will be clear and you will stop being reminded of them constantly. Second, do what you need to do to consolidate your debt and give yourself a break- you’re not alone. Talk to a friend who’s in finance, or a parent, and don’t be embarrassed or shy about asking for advice. Finally, schedule some “friend” time. It’s hard to get people out of the house all winter, including yourself. Get a weekly date with a group of people going. The laughter and love that comes from other people will encourage you to think more positively, do better things for yourself, and forget about the things you spend nights alone stressing about. Soon, your shoulders will relax. Your smile will broaden and all your pent-up worries will, well, melt away.

This time of year is all about beginnings and endings. The change of seasons, Rosh Hashannah, the start of preparations for Thanksgiving, Hannukah and the Christmas holidays, the fiscal new year for companies. All of these make Fall the Season of Change. You can make Fall your Season of Change also! Fall is an excellent time to start a Wellness program as an invigorating “blast” to help prep you for the upcoming holiday season and winter months.

Get ready for the holiday season and upcoming winter months by creating positive health and fitness habits now! Fall is a great time to start or ramp up your fitness program. With the change of seasons comes a renewed time to rethink and restart.
Family and business commitments seem to increase and the days get shorter and darker. Be prepared for the stress and abundance of food and drink that will find you during this holiday season by taking control now.

Exercise and taking control of your body and health is empowering. Integrating a wellness routine into your life makes you feel good and when you feel good you make better decisions about life in general. So, take advantage of this time of year and make Fall Your Season of Change!

As with everything, take it one day at a time. Start by taking simple steps and you will find your body and your mind benefit with healthy results. We recommend these four easy steps to guide you on your way to a healthier lifestyle:

1. Get your annual physical
2. Make sleep a priority
3. Get Moving now!
4. Eat local, seasonal, whole foods

Take care of your body and the rest will follow.  Don’t let what is happening in the world around you interfere with your health.  The hard times will come and go, but your body is here for as long as you take care of it.