Not everyone values the same things, so taking time to figure out what YOU value is worthwhile. What do you really want and how are you going to create a rich and meaningful life?

What are your heart’s deepest desires? Let’s try to discover answers to this very BIG question by getting a better understanding of your values. Taking time to clarify or re-define what’s important to you can help you move in a direction aligned with your values

ACT (Acceptance and commitment therapy) is a mindfulness-based theory, but there are significant differences between ACT and other mindfulness-based programs. ACT is about taking action. In ACT, we learn mindfulness skills to help us take action to improve our lives.

Have you ever been having a conversation, and you’re actually “off in your head” thinking about what you’ve got to do later or something that happened earlier?

Let’s get a better understanding of your own personal struggle switch and how it developed.

Do you struggle with difficult thoughts or feelings? Do you want to get rid of them, push them away or avoid them at all costs? You might be in a vicious cycle that Russ Harris refers to in his book, The Happiness Trap, as the “struggle switch.”

Imagine that you were thinking about leaving a job that wasn’t satisfying any more. You start to make plans to take time off to figure out what you’d like to do next. Perhaps you want to leave because the culture and environment is toxic; maybe you aren’t challenged or maybe you’re getting ready to retire. Whatever the reason, you’re ready to take the leap to make a change and suddenly your “inner demons” show up.

By understanding where you shine your spotlight, you can learn to navigate thoughts and emotions in different ways. This month we’ll continue using Russ Harris’ book, The Happiness Trap, to explore the “observing self” and the principle of expansion.

Learning a new way to handle unwelcome thoughts and feelings can feel daunting. As a coach, I introduce tools and skills to clients to help them shift or transform their inner world that is typically related to their thinking and limiting beliefs.

If we say happiness is a feeling - a sense of pleasure or gladness, it won’t last. We end up chasing it and when it goes away, we try harder to go after it. If we re-define happiness, we must learn to experience a full range of human emotions.

Quality AND Quantity - The Blue Zones is more than just living longer, it’s also about living a meaningful life

Know Your Purpose: What is your reason for waking up in the morning?

Right Tribe: Like-minded people

Eat like an Okinawan: 80% rule

Downshift: Stop and watch the thunderstorm

Faith, food, family and friends

Make your family and friends a priority!

This month’s Blue Zone concept is Wine at Five. You’ll find wine pairing suggestions for each plant slant recipe I’ve shared to date.

Have fun, move naturally and feel fabulous!

This month is all about reclaiming balance. (Plus, one of my favorite salad recipes.)